JP7021470B2 - Inspection equipment for wind power generation equipment and inspection method for wind power generation equipment - Google Patents

Inspection equipment for wind power generation equipment and inspection method for wind power generation equipment Download PDF

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JP7021470B2
JP7021470B2 JP2017150416A JP2017150416A JP7021470B2 JP 7021470 B2 JP7021470 B2 JP 7021470B2 JP 2017150416 A JP2017150416 A JP 2017150416A JP 2017150416 A JP2017150416 A JP 2017150416A JP 7021470 B2 JP7021470 B2 JP 7021470B2
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JP2019027413A (en
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仁 村椿
正志 生方
強造 笠原
郁寛 甲斐
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Tokyo Electric Power Co Inc
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    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
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    • Y02E10/72—Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction

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Description

本発明は、風力発電設備の検査装置及び風力発電設備の検査方法に関する。 The present invention relates to an inspection device for wind power generation equipment and an inspection method for wind power generation equipment.

近年、自然環境にやさしい発電方式として、風力発電の需要が高まっている。風力発電設備は、風力を受けた風車が回転し、風車の回転力を風力タービンに伝達することで風力タービンを回転させて発電することができる。
風力発電設備は、落雷による損傷を防ぐため、落雷による電流を大地もしくは海等の水中に逃がすことができるように構成されている。具体的には、風車のブレードの先端には、導電性を有する受雷部が設けられており、この受雷部に導電性を有する導体が接続されている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。導体はブレード内に通されており、風車を支持するナセルを通って、大地もしくは海等の水域に立設され、導電性を有する支柱に接続されている。 In recent years, the demand for wind power generation has been increasing as a power generation method that is friendly to the natural environment. In a wind power generation facility, a wind turbine that receives wind power rotates, and the rotational force of the wind turbine is transmitted to the wind turbine to rotate the wind turbine to generate electricity.
Wind power generation equipment is configured to allow current from lightning to escape into water such as the earth or the sea in order to prevent damage due to lightning strikes. Specifically, a lightning receiving portion having conductivity is provided at the tip of the blade of the wind turbine, and a conductor having conductivity is connected to the lightning receiving portion (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The conductor is passed through the blade, passes through the nacelle that supports the wind turbine, is erected in a water area such as the ground or the sea, and is connected to a column having conductivity.

風力発電の需要の高まりに伴い、風力発電設備も大きくなってきており、風力発電設備の損傷による被害も大きくなるので、風力発電設備の定期的な検査が義務付けられている（例えば、特許文献２参照）。この検査においては、例えば、落雷による損傷対策として、落雷により風力発電設備に流れる電流を大地もしくは水中等に流せるか否かを検査する導通検査が検査項目の一つとして課されている。 With the increasing demand for wind power generation, the size of wind power generation equipment is also increasing, and the damage caused by damage to the wind power generation equipment is also increasing. Therefore, regular inspection of the wind power generation equipment is obligatory (for example, Patent Document 2). reference). In this inspection, for example, as a measure against damage caused by a lightning strike, a continuity inspection for inspecting whether or not the current flowing through a wind power generation facility due to a lightning strike can flow to the ground or water is imposed as one of the inspection items.

特開２００９－２５００４０号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-250040 特開２００５－２６５７１０号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-265710

しかし、風力発電設備は上記のように構成されているので、導通検査の際には、風車のブレードの先端に設けられている受雷部にテスターを接触させる必要がある。この場合、クレーン車のゴンドラに作業者を乗せてブレードの先端までゴンドラを上昇させ、作業者が受雷部にテスターの一端を接触させる、あるいは、作業者がナセルからロープにてブレードの先端がある位置まで下降し、作業者が受雷部にテスターの一端を接触させる。
いずれの場合にしても、ブレードの先端での作業は高所作業になるため、作業者の安全確保のための措置や、大型クレーンや熟練したロープワークの作業者が必要となり、検査にかかるコストが嵩むという問題があった。なお、この問題は、導通検査に限られたものではなく、ブレードの表面の検査等でも同じ問題を抱えており、改善が望まれている。 However, since the wind power generation facility is configured as described above, it is necessary to bring the tester into contact with the lightning receiving portion provided at the tip of the blade of the wind turbine at the time of continuity inspection. In this case, a worker is placed on the gondola of the crane car and the gondola is raised to the tip of the blade, and the worker touches one end of the tester to the lightning receiving part, or the worker touches the tip of the blade from the nacelle with a rope. It descends to a certain position, and the operator touches one end of the tester to the lightning receiving part.
In either case, work at the tip of the blade is aerial work, so measures to ensure worker safety and workers with large cranes and skilled rope work are required, and the cost of inspection is required. There was a problem that the rope was bulky. It should be noted that this problem is not limited to the continuity inspection, but also has the same problem in the inspection of the surface of the blade and the like, and improvement is desired.

そこで、本発明は、上記課題に鑑みてなされたものであり、高所作業を必要とせず、より安全に検査を行うことができ、検査にかかるコストを低減することができる風力発電設備の検査装置及び風力発電設備の検査方法を提供することを目的とする。 Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is an inspection of a wind power generation facility that does not require work at a high place, can perform an inspection more safely, and can reduce the cost of the inspection. The purpose is to provide a method for inspecting equipment and wind power generation equipment.

上記課題を解決するため、本発明は、風力発電設備の検査装置であって、前記風力発電設備に接触させる接触部を有する飛行体と、前記接触部が前記風力発電設備に接触して取得した情報を用いて前記風力発電設備を検査する検査体と、を備えることを特徴とする。 In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is an inspection device for a wind power generation facility, in which an air vehicle having a contact portion in contact with the wind power generation facility and the contact portion are acquired in contact with the wind power generation facility. It is characterized by including an inspection body for inspecting the wind power generation facility using information.

また、前記接触部は、導電性を有し、前記検査体は、前記風力発電設備の導通を検査する導通テスターであることが好ましい。 Further, it is preferable that the contact portion has conductivity and the inspection body is a continuity tester for inspecting the continuity of the wind power generation facility.

また、前記風力発電設備は、落雷による電流を大地もしくは水中に逃がす避雷装置を備え、前記導通テスターは、一端が前記飛行体の前記接触部に通電可能に接続され、他端が前記避雷装置に通電可能に接続されていることが好ましい。 Further, the wind power generation facility is provided with a lightning protection device that releases an electric current due to a lightning strike to the ground or water, and one end of the conduction tester is connected to the contact portion of the flying object so as to be energized, and the other end is connected to the lightning protection device. It is preferable that they are connected so that they can be energized.

また、前記風力発電設備は、大地もしくは水域に立設された支柱と、前記支柱に設けられ、軸回りに回転する風車とを備え、前記避雷装置は、前記風車のブレードに露出するように設けられた受雷部と、前記受雷部と大地もしくは水中とを通電可能に接続する導体と、を備えることが好ましい。 Further, the wind power generation facility includes a support column erected on the ground or a water area and a wind turbine provided on the support column and rotating around an axis, and the lightning protection device is provided so as to be exposed to the blade of the wind turbine. It is preferable to provide a lightning receiving portion and a conductor for electrically connecting the lightning receiving portion to the ground or water.

また、前記受雷部は、前記ブレードの先端部に設けられていることが好ましい。 Further, it is preferable that the lightning receiving portion is provided at the tip end portion of the blade.

また、前記支柱は、導電性を有し、前記導体は、前記支柱に通電可能に接続されていることが好ましい。 Further, it is preferable that the support column has conductivity, and the conductor is connected to the support column so as to be energized.

本発明は、風力発電設備の検査方法であって、飛行体を前記風力発電設備に接触させて前記風力発電設備に関する情報を取得するステップと、取得した情報を用いて前記風力発電設備を検査するステップと、を有することを特徴とする。 The present invention is a method for inspecting a wind power generation facility, in which a step of bringing an air vehicle into contact with the wind power generation facility to acquire information about the wind power generation facility and an inspection of the wind power generation facility using the acquired information. It is characterized by having a step and.

また、前記風力発電設備は、落雷による電流を大地もしくは水中に逃がす避雷装置を備え、前記飛行体は、導電性を有すると共に前記風力発電設備に接触させる接触部を備え、前記風力発電設備の導通を検査する検査体の一端を前記接触部に通電可能に接続し、他端を前記避雷装置に通電可能に接続するステップと、前記飛行体を浮上させて前記接触部を前記避雷装置に接触させて閉回路を形成するステップと、前記閉回路内に電流が流れているか否かを判定するステップと、を有することが好ましい。 Further, the wind power generation facility is provided with a lightning protection device that releases an electric current due to a lightning strike to the ground or water, and the flying object is provided with a contact portion that has conductivity and is in contact with the wind power generation facility, and is conductive to the wind power generation facility. One end of the inspection body to be inspected is connected to the contact portion so that the contact portion can be energized, and the other end is connected to the lightning protection device so as to be energized. It is preferable to have a step of forming a closed circuit and a step of determining whether or not a current is flowing in the closed circuit.

本発明によれば、高所作業を必要とせず、より安全に検査を行うことができ、検査にかかるコストを低減することができる。 According to the present invention, the inspection can be performed more safely without the need for work at a high place, and the cost required for the inspection can be reduced.

地表で検査を行う場合における風力発電設備及びその検査装置の概要を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the outline of the wind power generation facility and the inspection device in the case of performing inspection on the ground surface. 検査装置の飛行体の概要を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the outline of the flying object of an inspection apparatus. 検査装置の飛行体の概要を示す側面図である。It is a side view which shows the outline of the flying object of an inspection apparatus. ナセル内で検査を行う場合における風力発電設備及びその検査装置の概要を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the outline of the wind power generation facility and the inspection device in the case of performing inspection in a nacelle.

本発明の好ましい実施の形態について、図面を参照しながら説明する。なお、以下に示す実施の形態は一つの例示であり、本発明の範囲において、種々の形態をとり得る。以下では、検査対象となる風力発電設備について説明した後、風力発電設備の検査を行う検査装置及び検査方法について説明する。 A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the embodiment shown below is an example, and various forms can be taken within the scope of the present invention. In the following, after explaining the wind power generation equipment to be inspected, the inspection equipment and the inspection method for inspecting the wind power generation equipment will be described.

＜風力発電設備＞
風力発電設備１０は、周囲に高層建造物がなく、風況のよい場所（山頂、沿岸、洋上等）に設けられている。
図１に示すように、風力発電設備１０は、支柱１と、ナセル２と、風車３と、避雷装置４と、を備えている。 <Wind power generation equipment>
The wind power generation facility 10 is installed in a place where there are no high-rise buildings around and the wind conditions are good (mountain peak, coast, offshore, etc.).
As shown in FIG. 1, the wind power generation facility 10 includes a support column 1, a nacelle 2, a wind turbine 3, and a lightning protection device 4.

支柱１は、地面又は海等の水域に設けられた基礎に立設されている。支柱１は、内部に空洞が形成されており、作業者が保守や点検のために支柱１内を移動できるようになっている。支柱１は、例えば、十分な強度を有する導電性材料から形成されており、支柱１に流れる電流を、接地線１１を介して大地もしくは水中（海底、水底を含む）に逃がすことができる。支柱１の基端部には、大地もしくは水中に接地する接地線１１が通電可能（電気的）に接続されている。すなわち、支柱１及び接地線１１は、避雷装置４の一部としても機能する。 The support column 1 is erected on a foundation provided in a water area such as the ground or the sea. The support column 1 has a cavity formed inside so that an operator can move inside the support column 1 for maintenance and inspection. The support column 1 is formed of, for example, a conductive material having sufficient strength, and the current flowing through the support column 1 can be released to the ground or water (including the seabed and the water bottom) via the ground wire 11. A grounding wire 11 that is grounded to the ground or underwater is electrically (electrically) connected to the base end of the support column 1. That is, the support column 1 and the ground wire 11 also function as a part of the lightning protection device 4.

ナセル２は、支柱１の上端部に設けられている。ナセル２は、内部に空洞が形成されており、作業者が保守や点検のためにナセル２内を移動できるようになっている。ナセル２内には、風車３の軸３１から伝達された回転力を電気に変換する発電機、発電機の発電効率を高めるために風車３の軸３１の回転速度を増加させる増速機、強風時の風車３の回転を停止させるブレーキ装置等が設けられている。 The nacelle 2 is provided at the upper end of the support column 1. The nacelle 2 has a cavity formed inside so that an operator can move inside the nacelle 2 for maintenance and inspection. Inside the nacelle 2, there is a generator that converts the rotational force transmitted from the shaft 31 of the windmill 3 into electricity, a speed increaser that increases the rotational speed of the shaft 31 of the windmill 3 to increase the power generation efficiency of the generator, and a strong wind. A brake device or the like for stopping the rotation of the wind turbine 3 at the time is provided.

風車３は、回転軸となる軸３１と、軸３１に所定間隔をあけて設けられたブレード３２と、を備えている。軸３１の一部は、ナセル２内に収容されており、増速機に連結されている。ブレード３２は、例えば、軸３１に対して互いに等間隔となるように合計３枚設けられている。 The wind turbine 3 includes a shaft 31 that serves as a rotation shaft, and blades 32 that are provided on the shaft 31 at predetermined intervals. A part of the shaft 31 is housed in the nacelle 2 and is connected to the speed increaser. For example, a total of three blades 32 are provided so as to be evenly spaced from each other with respect to the shaft 31.

避雷装置４は、落雷による電流を大地もしくは水中に逃がすものである。避雷装置４は、受雷部４１と、導体４２と、を備えている。
受雷部４１は、導電性材料から形成されており、ブレード３２の先端部又は先端部近傍に設けられている。受雷部４１は、一端がブレード３２の表面に露出するように、ブレード３２に設けられている。
導体４２は、導電性材料から形成されており、ブレード３２の内部に設けられている。導体４２は、ブレード３２の長手方向（延在方向）に沿って設けられており、一端が受雷部４１に通電可能に接続され、他端が支柱１の上端部に通電可能に接続されている。 The lightning strike device 4 releases the electric current caused by a lightning strike to the ground or water. The lightning protection device 4 includes a lightning receiving portion 41 and a conductor 42.
The lightning receiving portion 41 is formed of a conductive material and is provided at the tip end portion or the vicinity of the tip end portion of the blade 32. The lightning receiving portion 41 is provided on the blade 32 so that one end thereof is exposed on the surface of the blade 32.
The conductor 42 is made of a conductive material and is provided inside the blade 32. The conductor 42 is provided along the longitudinal direction (extending direction) of the blade 32, and one end thereof is electrically connected to the lightning receiving portion 41 and the other end is electrically connected to the upper end portion of the support column 1. There is.

＜風力発電設備の検査装置＞
風力発電設備１０の検査装置２０について説明する。
検査装置２０は、風力発電設備１０の導通を検査するものである。これは、風力発電設備１０のうち、特に、ブレード３２には落雷により大きな電流が流れることがあるため、その電流を大地もしくは水中へ逃がすために導通が確保されていることが風力発電設備１０の損傷を防止するために必要だからである。
図１～図３に示すように、風力発電設備１０の検査装置２０は、飛行体５と、検査体６と、電源７と、を備えている。 <Inspection equipment for wind power generation equipment>
The inspection device 20 of the wind power generation facility 10 will be described.
The inspection device 20 inspects the continuity of the wind power generation facility 10. This is because, among the wind power generation equipment 10, in particular, a large current may flow through the blade 32 due to a lightning strike, so that the wind power generation equipment 10 ensures continuity in order to release the current to the ground or water. This is because it is necessary to prevent damage.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the inspection device 20 of the wind power generation facility 10 includes a flying object 5, an inspection body 6, and a power source 7.

飛行体５は、遠隔操作により空中を飛行することができるものである。飛行体５は、本体部５１と、駆動部５２と、翼部５３と、接触部５４と、制御部５５と、を備えている。
本体部５１は、飛行体５のフレームをなすものであり、各部５２～５５を支持する。
駆動部５２は、翼部５３を回転させるものであり、例えば、モータから構成されている。駆動部５２は、翼部５３毎に設けられており、図２、図３においては、４つ設けられている。
翼部５３は、各駆動部５２の駆動軸に設けられており、駆動部５２の駆動によって回転する回転翼である。
接触部５４は、ブレード３２に設けられている受雷部４１に接触させるものである。接触部５４は、導電性材料から形成されており、本体部５１から外側に突出した位置に設けられている。接触部５４の先端部は、多少の位置ズレがあった場合でも受雷部４１に接触しやすくするため、受雷部４１よりも大きな接触面を有するように形成されている。接触部５４は、通電可能な状態で支持部５４ａに支持されている。支持部５４ａは、導電性材料から形成されており、検査体６の一方のリード６１に通電可能に接続されている。
制御部５５は、本体部５１内に設けられており、各駆動部５２の駆動を独立して制御する。制御部５５は、各駆動部５２の駆動を独立して制御することで、各翼部５３の回転速度を調節することができる。すなわち、制御部５５は、各翼部５３の回転速度に差をつけることによって、飛行体５の上昇、下降、前進、後退、水平方向への回転を自在に行わせることができる。 The flying object 5 can fly in the air by remote control. The flying object 5 includes a main body portion 51, a driving portion 52, a wing portion 53, a contact portion 54, and a control unit 55.
The main body portion 51 forms a frame of the flying object 5, and supports each portion 52 to 55.
The drive unit 52 rotates the wing unit 53, and is composed of, for example, a motor. The drive unit 52 is provided for each wing unit 53, and four drive units 52 are provided in FIGS. 2 and 3.
The blade portion 53 is a rotary blade provided on the drive shaft of each drive unit 52 and rotated by the drive of the drive unit 52.
The contact portion 54 is in contact with the lightning receiving portion 41 provided on the blade 32. The contact portion 54 is made of a conductive material and is provided at a position protruding outward from the main body portion 51. The tip portion of the contact portion 54 is formed so as to have a larger contact surface than the lightning receiving portion 41 in order to facilitate contact with the lightning receiving portion 41 even if there is some misalignment. The contact portion 54 is supported by the support portion 54a in a state where it can be energized. The support portion 54a is formed of a conductive material and is electrically connected to one lead 61 of the inspection body 6.
The control unit 55 is provided in the main body 51, and independently controls the drive of each drive unit 52. The control unit 55 can adjust the rotation speed of each wing unit 53 by independently controlling the drive of each drive unit 52. That is, the control unit 55 can freely ascend, descend, advance, retreat, and rotate the flying object 5 in the horizontal direction by making a difference in the rotation speed of each wing portion 53.

検査体６は、風力発電設備１０に電流を流して導通の状態を検査する導通テスターであり、２つのリード６１，６２を備えている。
一方のリード６１は、飛行体５の支持部５４ａに通電可能に接続されている。他方のリード６２は、風力発電設備１０の接地線１１に通電可能に接続されている。
これにより、支持部５４ａに設けられた接触部５４が受雷部４１に接触することで、閉回路が形成されて電流が流れるので、電流が流れるか否かの情報に基づいて風力発電設備１０の導通検査の判定を行うことができる。 The inspection body 6 is a continuity tester that inspects the state of continuity by passing a current through the wind power generation facility 10, and includes two leads 61 and 62.
One lead 61 is electrically connected to the support portion 54a of the flying object 5. The other lead 62 is electrically connected to the ground wire 11 of the wind power generation facility 10.
As a result, when the contact portion 54 provided on the support portion 54a comes into contact with the lightning receiving portion 41, a closed circuit is formed and a current flows. Therefore, the wind power generation facility 10 is based on information on whether or not the current flows. It is possible to judge the continuity inspection of.

電源７は、飛行体５に電力を供給するものである。電源７は、地上に設けられており、ケーブル７１により、飛行体５の制御部５５に通電可能に接続されている。 The power source 7 supplies electric power to the flying object 5. The power supply 7 is provided on the ground and is connected to the control unit 55 of the flying object 5 so as to be energized by a cable 71.

＜風力発電設備の検査方法＞
検査装置２０を用いた風力発電設備１０の検査方法について説明する。以下では、風力発電設備１０の導通検査方法について説明する。
検査体６のリード６１を支持部５４ａに接続すると共に、リード６２を接地線１１に接続した後、操縦者は、飛行体５を操縦し、ブレード３２の先端部近傍まで飛行体５を浮上させる。操縦者は、飛行体５に備え付けられたカメラで撮像した映像や、地上からの望遠鏡での確認により、接触部５４が受雷部４１に対向するように飛行体５の位置を調節する。
飛行体５の位置を決めた後、操縦者は、飛行体５をブレード３２に接近させて接触部５４を受雷部４１に接触させる。このとき、受雷部４１及び導体４２が断線していなければ、検査体６から出力された電流は、リード６１、支持部５４ａ、接触部５４、受雷部４１、導体４２、支柱１、接地線１１及びリード６２によって形成される閉回路内を流れ続ける。この閉回路内に電流が流れるか否かを判定することにより、風力発電設備１０の導通検査を行うことができる。
なお、導通が確認された場合には、検査体６からブザー音が鳴る等、検査体６に報知部を設けておくことで、作業者は容易に導通の判定結果を知ることができる。 <Inspection method for wind power generation equipment>
An inspection method of the wind power generation facility 10 using the inspection device 20 will be described. Hereinafter, a method for inspecting the continuity of the wind power generation facility 10 will be described.
After connecting the lead 61 of the inspection body 6 to the support portion 54a and the lead 62 to the ground wire 11, the operator steers the flying body 5 and raises the flying body 5 to the vicinity of the tip portion of the blade 32. .. The operator adjusts the position of the flying object 5 so that the contact portion 54 faces the lightning receiving portion 41 by checking the image captured by the camera provided on the flying object 5 and the telescope from the ground.
After deciding the position of the flying object 5, the operator brings the flying object 5 close to the blade 32 and brings the contact portion 54 into contact with the lightning receiving portion 41. At this time, if the lightning receiving portion 41 and the conductor 42 are not broken, the current output from the inspection body 6 is the lead 61, the support portion 54a, the contact portion 54, the lightning receiving portion 41, the conductor 42, the support column 1, and the ground. It continues to flow in the closed circuit formed by the wire 11 and the lead 62. By determining whether or not a current flows in this closed circuit, the continuity inspection of the wind power generation facility 10 can be performed.
When continuity is confirmed, a buzzer sounds from the inspection body 6, and the inspection body 6 is provided with a notification unit so that the operator can easily know the continuity determination result.

以上のように、風力発電設備１０の検査装置２０及び検査方法によれば、飛行体５に導電性を有する接触部５４を設け、検査体６を接触部５４と接地線１１とに通電可能に接続し、飛行体５を浮上させて高所にあるブレード３２の受雷部４１に接触部５４を接触させる。これにより、風力発電設備１０の避雷装置４と検査装置２０の飛行体５及び検査体（導電テスター）６とで閉回路が形成されるので、この閉回路内に検査体６から供給される電流が流れるか否かの情報に基づいて導通を判定することにより、導通検査を行うことができる。
したがって、作業者は、ブレード３２のある高所まで行かなくても、地上から飛行体５を遠隔操作し、接触部５４と受雷部４１とを接触させて風力発電設備１０の導通検査を行うことができる。よって、作業者の安全確保のための措置や、大型クレーンや熟練したロープワークの作業者を必要とせず、従来よりも安全に検査を行うことができ、検査にかかるコストを低減することができる。ここで、飛行体５を風力発電設備１０に接触させることは、通常、墜落の恐れや、飛行体５の姿勢の保持等の観点から考えられないが、それを敢えて風力発電設備１０に接触させることで風力発電設備１０の導通検査をより安全かつ低コストで行うことができる。
また、支柱１を導電性材料から形成することにより、支柱１を導体４２の一部として用いることができ、導体４２を支柱１の上端から接地線１１まで設ける必要がなくなる。
また、受雷部４１をブレード３２の先端部に設けることにより、多くの落雷による電流を受雷部４１から導体４２に導くことができ、落雷によるブレード３２の損傷を抑制することができる。 As described above, according to the inspection device 20 and the inspection method of the wind power generation facility 10, the flying object 5 is provided with a conductive contact portion 54 so that the inspection body 6 can energize the contact portion 54 and the ground wire 11. By connecting, the flying object 5 is levitated so that the contact portion 54 comes into contact with the lightning receiving portion 41 of the blade 32 at a high place. As a result, a closed circuit is formed by the lightning protection device 4 of the wind power generation facility 10, the flying object 5 of the inspection device 20, and the inspection body (conductive tester) 6, so that the current supplied from the inspection body 6 is formed in the closed circuit. The continuity can be inspected by determining the continuity based on the information as to whether or not the current flows.
Therefore, the operator remotely controls the flying object 5 from the ground and brings the contact portion 54 and the lightning receiving portion 41 into contact with each other to inspect the continuity of the wind power generation facility 10 without going to a high place where the blade 32 is located. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to carry out the inspection more safely than before without the need for measures for ensuring the safety of the worker or the worker of a large crane or a skilled rope work, and it is possible to reduce the cost of the inspection. .. Here, it is usually unthinkable to bring the flying object 5 into contact with the wind power generation facility 10 from the viewpoint of the risk of a crash, maintaining the posture of the flying object 5, etc., but it is intentionally brought into contact with the wind power generation facility 10. Therefore, the continuity inspection of the wind power generation facility 10 can be performed more safely and at low cost.
Further, by forming the support column 1 from a conductive material, the support column 1 can be used as a part of the conductor 42, and it is not necessary to provide the conductor 42 from the upper end of the support column 1 to the ground wire 11.
Further, by providing the lightning receiving portion 41 at the tip end portion of the blade 32, a large amount of lightning current can be guided from the lightning receiving portion 41 to the conductor 42, and damage to the blade 32 due to the lightning strike can be suppressed.

なお、本発明は、上記の実施の形態に限られるものではない。
飛行体５の操縦者は、地上から操縦する場合に限らず、例えば、図４に示すように、ナセル２の内部から飛行体５を操縦してもよい。この場合、検査体６及び電源７は、ナセル２内に配置し、検査体６のリード６１を飛行体５の支持部５４ａに通電可能に接続し、リード６２をナセル２近傍の導体４２に通電可能に接続すればよい。この手法では、ブレード３２のみに焦点を当てた導通検査を行うことができるので、支柱１や接地線１１に導通を遮断するような状況があったとしても、落雷の被害を直接受けやすいブレード３２を的確に検査することができる。 The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
The operator of the flying object 5 is not limited to maneuvering from the ground, and may steer the flying object 5 from the inside of the nacelle 2, for example, as shown in FIG. In this case, the inspection body 6 and the power supply 7 are arranged in the nacelle 2, the lead 61 of the inspection body 6 is connected to the support portion 54a of the flying body 5 so as to be energized, and the lead 62 is energized to the conductor 42 near the nacelle 2. You can connect as much as possible. In this method, the continuity inspection can be performed focusing only on the blade 32, so even if there is a situation where the continuity is cut off from the support column 1 or the ground wire 11, the blade 32 is easily damaged by a lightning strike. Can be accurately inspected.

また、受雷部４１は、ブレード３２の先端部に一端が露出するように設けられるものに限らず、ブレード３２の先端部を受雷部４１で構成してもよい。この場合、受雷部４１がブレード３２の一部となる。
また、導体４２は、支柱１の上端部に接続される場合に限らず、支柱１の基端部まで延ばし、大地もしくは水中に接地させてもよい。この場合には、支柱１は、導電性材料から形成されていなくてもよい。
また、図２、図３において、本体部５１は、箱状に形成されているが、このような形状に限定されることはなく、飛行体５の各機能を実現できるようであれば自由に変更可能である。
また、翼部５３の形状、数量、配置についても、飛行体５としての機能を実現できる範囲内で自由に変更可能である。
また、飛行体５の電源７は、地上や風力発電設備１０内に設けられる場合に限らず、飛行体５に内蔵させてもよい。
また、検査体６のリード６１は、支持部５４ａに通電可能に接続されたケーブルで代用してもよい。
また、上記の実施の形態においては、検査装置２０により風力発電設備１０の導通検査を行ったが、検査の対象は導通に限られず、例えば、飛行体５にハンマーを取り付けてハンマーをブレード３２に接触させ、その打音によりブレード３２の状態を検査してもよいし、飛行体５に非破壊検査装置を取り付けて非破壊検査装置をブレード３２に接触させ、その探傷試験結果によりブレード３２の状態を検査してもよい。
また、検査装置２０による検査の後、飛行体５に取り付けた補修装置や塗装装置を用いてブレード３２の補修や塗装を行わせてもよい。
また、接触部５４は、飛行体５をブレード３２に接近させた後、静電吸着の原理を利用して、受雷部４１に接触させてもよい。
また、受雷部４１が磁性体で構成されている場合、あるいは、受雷部４１近傍のブレード３２に磁性体を設けた場合には、電磁石を利用して飛行体５の接触部５４を受雷部４１に接触させるようにしてもよい。 Further, the lightning receiving portion 41 is not limited to the one provided so that one end is exposed at the tip portion of the blade 32, and the tip portion of the blade 32 may be configured by the lightning receiving portion 41. In this case, the lightning receiving portion 41 becomes a part of the blade 32.
Further, the conductor 42 is not limited to the case where it is connected to the upper end portion of the support column 1, and may extend to the base end portion of the support column 1 and be grounded to the ground or water. In this case, the column 1 may not be formed of a conductive material.
Further, in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main body 51 is formed in a box shape, but is not limited to such a shape, and can be freely used as long as each function of the flying object 5 can be realized. It can be changed.
Further, the shape, quantity, and arrangement of the wing portions 53 can be freely changed within the range in which the function as the flying object 5 can be realized.
Further, the power source 7 of the flying object 5 is not limited to the case where it is provided on the ground or in the wind power generation facility 10, and may be built in the flying object 5.
Further, the lead 61 of the inspection body 6 may be replaced with a cable connected to the support portion 54a so as to be energized.
Further, in the above embodiment, the continuity inspection of the wind power generation facility 10 is performed by the inspection device 20, but the inspection target is not limited to the continuity. For example, a hammer is attached to the flying object 5 and the hammer is attached to the blade 32. The state of the blade 32 may be inspected by contacting and hitting the sound, or a non-destructive inspection device may be attached to the flying object 5 to bring the non-destructive inspection device into contact with the blade 32, and the state of the blade 32 shall be inspected based on the flaw detection test result. May be inspected.
Further, after the inspection by the inspection device 20, the blade 32 may be repaired or painted by using the repair device or the painting device attached to the flying object 5.
Further, the contact portion 54 may be brought into contact with the lightning receiving portion 41 by using the principle of electrostatic adsorption after the flying object 5 is brought close to the blade 32.
Further, when the lightning receiving portion 41 is made of a magnetic material, or when the magnetic material is provided on the blade 32 in the vicinity of the lightning receiving portion 41, the contact portion 54 of the flying object 5 is received by using an electromagnet. It may be brought into contact with the lightning portion 41.

１ 支柱
２ ナセル
３ 風車
４ 避雷装置
５ 飛行体
６ 検査体
７ 電源
１０ 風力発電設備
１１ 接地線
２０ 検査装置
３１ 軸
３２ ブレード
４１ 受雷部
４２ 導体
５１ 本体部
５２ 駆動部
５３ 翼部
５４ 接触部
５４ａ 支持部
５５ 制御部
６１ リード
６２ リード
７１ ケーブル 1 prop 2 nacelle 3 windmill 4 lightning protection device 5 flying object 6 inspection body 7 power supply 10 wind power generation equipment 11 grounding wire 20 inspection device 31 axis 32 blade 41 lightning receiving part 42 conductor 51 main body part 52 drive part 53 wing part 54 contact part 54a Support 55 Control 61 Lead 62 Lead 71 Cable

Claims (6)

大地もしくは水域に立設された支柱と、前記支柱の上端部に設けられ、内部に空洞が形成されたナセルと、前記支柱に設けられ、軸回りに回転する風車と、前記風車のブレードに設けられ、落雷による電流を大地もしくは水中に逃がす避雷装置とを備える風力発電設備の検査装置であって、
前記避雷装置に接触させる導電性材料からなる接触部と、前記接触部と通電可能な状態で前記接触部を支持する導電性材料からなる支持部とを有する飛行体と、
前記接触部が前記避雷装置の受雷部に接触したときに流れる電流に基づいて前記風力発電設備の導通検査を行う検査体と、
を備え、
前記検査体は、前記ナセルの前記空洞に配置され、当該検査体の一端が前記飛行体の前記支持部と通電可能に接続されていると共に、当該検査体の他端が前記避雷装置のナセル近傍の導体に接続されて前記導体および前記受雷部を介して前記接触部と通電可能に接続されている
ことを特徴とする風力発電設備の検査装置。 A strut erected on the ground or water area, a nacelle provided at the upper end of the strut and having a cavity formed inside, a wind turbine provided on the strut and rotating around an axis, and a blade of the wind turbine. It is an inspection device for wind power generation equipment equipped with a lightning protection device that releases the current caused by a lightning strike to the ground or water.
An air vehicle having a contact portion made of a conductive material to be brought into contact with the lightning protection device and a support portion made of a conductive material that supports the contact portion in a state where the contact portion can be energized.
An inspection body that inspects the continuity of the wind power generation facility based on the current that flows when the contact portion contacts the lightning receiving portion of the lightning protection device.
Equipped with
The inspection body is arranged in the cavity of the nacelle, one end of the inspection body is electrically connected to the support portion of the flying object, and the other end of the inspection body is in the vicinity of the nacelle of the lightning protection device. An inspection device for wind power generation equipment, which is connected to a conductor of the wind turbine and is electrically connected to the contact portion via the conductor and the lightning receiving portion . 前記避雷装置は、前記ブレードに露出するように設けられた受雷部と、前記受雷部と大地もしくは水中とを通電可能に接続する導体と
を備えることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の風力発電設備の検査装置。 The first aspect of the present invention, wherein the lightning protection device includes a lightning receiving portion provided so as to be exposed to the blade, and a conductor for electrically connecting the lightning receiving portion to the ground or water. Inspection equipment for wind power generation equipment. 前記避雷装置は、前記ブレードの一部となすように先端部を構成する受雷部と、前記受雷部と大地もしくは水中とを通電可能に接続する導体と
ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の風力発電設備の検査装置。 The first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the lightning protection device includes a lightning receiving portion that constitutes a tip portion so as to form a part of the blade, and a conductor that electrically connects the lightning receiving portion to the ground or water. The described wind power generation equipment inspection equipment. 前記接触部は、静電吸着の原理に基づいて前記受電部と接触される
ことを特徴とする請求項２又は３に記載の風力発電設備の検査装置。 The inspection device for wind power generation equipment according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the contact portion is in contact with the power receiving portion based on the principle of electrostatic adsorption. 前記受電部は、磁性体で構成され、前記接触部と電磁石を利用して接触される
ことを特徴とする請求項２乃至４何れか一項に記載の風力発電設備の検査装置。 The inspection device for wind power generation equipment according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the power receiving unit is made of a magnetic material and is brought into contact with the contact unit by using an electromagnet. 大地もしくは水域に立設された支柱と、前記支柱の上端部に設けられ、内部に空洞が形成されたナセルと、前記支柱に設けられ、軸回りに回転する風車と、前記風車のブレードに設けられ、落雷による電流を大地もしくは水中に逃がす避雷装置とを備える風力発電設備の検査方法であって、
前記避雷装置に接触させる導電性材料からなる接触部と、前記接触部と通電可能な状態で前記接触部を支持する導電性材料からなる支持部とを有する飛行体と、
前記接触部が前記避雷装置の受電部に接触したときに流れる電流に基づいて前記風力発電設備の導通検査を行う検査体と、
を備え、
前記検査体は、前記ナセルの前記空洞に配置され、当該検査体の一端が前記飛行体の前記支持部と通電可能に接続されていると共に、当該検査体の他端が前記避雷装置のナセル近傍の導体に接続されて前記導体および前記受雷部を介して前記接触部と通電可能に接続され、
前記飛行体を浮上させて前記接触部を前記避雷装置の前記受電部に接触させて閉回路を形成するステップと、
前記閉回路に電流が流れているか否かを判定するステップと
を有することを特徴とする風力発電設備の検査方法。 A strut erected on the ground or water area, a nacelle provided at the upper end of the strut and having a cavity formed inside, a wind turbine provided on the strut and rotating around an axis, and a blade of the wind turbine. It is an inspection method for wind power generation equipment equipped with a lightning protection device that releases the current caused by a lightning strike to the ground or water.
An air vehicle having a contact portion made of a conductive material to be brought into contact with the lightning protection device and a support portion made of a conductive material that supports the contact portion in a state where the contact portion can be energized.
An inspection body that inspects the continuity of the wind power generation facility based on the current that flows when the contact portion contacts the power receiving portion of the lightning protection device.
Equipped with
The inspection body is arranged in the cavity of the nacelle, one end of the inspection body is electrically connected to the support portion of the flying body, and the other end of the inspection body is in the vicinity of the nacelle of the lightning protection device. It is connected to the conductor of the above and is electrically connected to the contact portion via the conductor and the lightning receiving portion .
A step of floating the flying object and bringing the contact portion into contact with the power receiving portion of the lightning protection device to form a closed circuit.
A method for inspecting wind power generation equipment, which comprises a step of determining whether or not a current is flowing in the closed circuit.
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