JP7657025B2 - Lightning strike information providing method and lightning strike information providing server - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a lightning information providing method and a lightning information providing server.

In recent years, the introduction of renewable energy has expanded, and wind power generation has become widespread worldwide, leading to cost reductions. In Japan, solar power generation has been overemphasized, but measures are being taken to expand wind power generation within the country. However, wind power generation facilities are themselves tall structures and are therefore susceptible to the effects of lightning strikes. Non-Patent Document 1 discloses examples of lightning damage to wind power generation, lightning countermeasures, and the latest trends in standards and regulations.

Akira Yasuda, "Latest Trends in Lightning Damage Prevention Measures for Wind Power Generation," August 2015, Journal of the Japan Wind Power Association

Although national agencies collect data on the operational status of wind power generation facilities through questionnaire-based surveys of wind power generation operators, there is no comprehensive lightning data on wind power generation facilities. In addition, wind power generation operators are often in a competitive relationship with each other, making it difficult for the lightning information held by each operator to be shared among all operators.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a lightning information providing method and a lightning information providing server that enable sharing of lightning information.

A method for providing lightning information according to an embodiment of the present invention acquires lightning-related data including detection data detected by lightning sensors installed in wind power generation facilities operated by different power generation companies, time information when a lightning strike occurred, and location information of the wind power generation facilities, stores the acquired lightning-related data in a database, and provides lightning information based on the stored lightning-related data to a terminal device.

The lightning information providing server according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires lightning-related data including detection data detected by lightning sensors installed in wind power generation facilities operated by different power generation companies, time information when a lightning strike occurred, and location information of the wind power generation facilities, a database that stores the acquired lightning-related data, and a provision unit that provides lightning information based on the stored lightning-related data to a terminal device.

The present invention allows businesses to share lightning strike information.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lightning strike information providing system. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lightning strike detection device. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a lightning current waveform. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of sharing of lightning strike information. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of real-time lightning strike information; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of lightning strike statistical information; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a lightning strike map. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a detailed map of a group of wind turbines. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of a detailed map of a group of wind turbines. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a third example of a detailed map of a group of wind turbines. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of detailed information. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mechanism for promoting the sharing of lightning strike information. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a method for determining a consideration. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a method for determining a usage fee. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a server.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lightning information providing system according to the present embodiment. The lightning information providing system includes a server 50 as a lightning information providing server, and a database 60 connected to the server 50. The server 50 may also be configured to include the database 60. The server 50 is connected to a communication network 1. A wind power generation company A operates a wind power generation facility 10, and each wind turbine of the wind power generation facility 10 is provided with a lightning detection device 20. Similarly, a wind power generation company B operates a wind power generation facility 10, and each wind turbine of the wind power generation facility 10 is provided with a lightning detection device 20, and a wind power generation company C operates a wind power generation facility 10, and each wind turbine of the wind power generation facility 10 is provided with a lightning detection device 20. In this specification, it is assumed that one or more wind turbines are installed in one wind power generation facility 10, and the wind turbines are also denoted by the symbol 10 for convenience. For convenience, the present specification uses a wind power generation company as an example for explanation, but the present invention is not limited to wind power generation companies, and may be a power generation company that operates thermal, hydroelectric, nuclear, or solar power generation facilities. The lightning detection devices 20 of each of the wind power generation companies A to C are connected to the communication network 1. Terminal devices (not shown) owned by each of the wind power generation companies A to C and other companies (in the example of FIG. 1, insurance company D) are also connected to the communication network 1. The other companies are not limited to insurance companies, and may be weather information companies, lightning research institutes, manufacturers, or facility operators such as golf courses and amusement parks.

The server 50 comprises a control unit 51, a communication unit 52, a lightning information providing unit 53, an interface unit 54, and a payment processing unit 55. The control unit 51 comprises a computing element such as a CPU, and memory elements such as a ROM and a RAM, and controls the entire server 50. Each unit of the server 50 can also be configured to be distributed across multiple servers or devices. Details of the server 50 will be described later.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lightning detection device 20. The lightning detection device 20 includes a coil 21 as a lightning sensor, a measurement cable 22, a sensor interface unit 23, a calculation and recording unit 24, a GPS unit 25, and a communication unit 26. The lightning detection device 20 can be installed inside or outside the tower of the wind turbine of the wind power generation facility 10. The coil 21 is, for example, a Rogowski coil, which is a large-diameter coil that circles the tower leg of the wind turbine. The Rogowski coil can detect the lightning current of a direct lightning strike on the wind turbine. Note that the lightning sensor is not limited to a Rogowski coil.

The sensor interface unit 23 is equipped with an integrating circuit and a low-frequency compensation circuit, and by integrating the voltage induced by the Rogowski coil (corresponding to the differential waveform of the lightning current), it generates a voltage signal proportional to the lightning current, and by compensating for the low-frequency components of the generated voltage signal, it is possible to accurately detect the lightning current.

The calculation and recording unit 24 calculates the peak value of the lightning current (peak value of the positive polarity current and the peak value of the negative polarity current) based on the lightning current detected by the sensor interface unit 23, and calculates the amount of charge (energy) by integrating the absolute value of the lightning current on the time axis, and records the calculated peak value and amount of charge in association with the detection time (time when the lightning strike occurred).

The GPS unit 25 can acquire the position information of the wind turbine tower through a GPS antenna installed outside the wind turbine tower. The GPS unit 25 can also acquire altitude (altitude data).

The communication unit 26 can transmit and receive information to and from the communication unit 52 of the server 50 via the communication network 1. The communication unit 26 transmits lightning-related data including detection data (including the peak value of the lightning current, the charge of the lightning, etc.), the time of the lightning strike, and the position information of the tower of the wind turbine (wind power generation facility) to the server 50. In this specification, the detection data detected by the lightning strike sensor is the peak value of the lightning strike current and the charge of the lightning strike, but the detection data is not limited to the peak value of the lightning strike current and the charge of the lightning strike, and can include other physical quantities related to lightning strikes. The lightning-related data is not limited to the detection data detected by the lightning strike sensor, time information at the time of the lightning strike, and position information of the wind power generation facility, but also includes data that can be detected by the lightning strike sensor and data obtained by performing required calculations and processing on the detected data. The lightning-related data can also include not only the lightning strike sensor, but also data detected by other sensors or detection devices related to lightning strikes, or data measured by measuring instruments. For convenience, in this specification, the peak value of the lightning current, the amount of charge, the time of the lightning strike, and the position information of the wind turbine tower are collectively referred to as "lightning-related data." Hereinafter, lightning-related data includes the peak value of the lightning current, the amount of charge, the time of the lightning strike, and the position information of the wind turbine tower. The frequency with which the communication unit 26 transmits the lightning-related data can be set appropriately, and can be, for example, every 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, etc., but is not limited to these.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a lightning current waveform. In Figure 3, the vertical axis represents current, and the horizontal axis represents time. Figure 3A shows an example of a lightning current waveform on a wind turbine caused by lightning strikes that occur mainly in winter in Japan. The lightning current tends to last relatively long, and the charge (energy) tends to be large. Figure 3B shows an example of a lightning current waveform on a wind turbine caused by lightning strikes that generally occur in summer. The lightning current lasts relatively short, and the charge is relatively small. The peak value is the amplitude at the peak of the current waveform, and there are positive and negative peak values.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of sharing lightning information. As shown in Figure 4, the server 50 can acquire (provide data for) lightning-related data from the lightning detection device 20 of the wind power generation operator A via the communication network 1. Similarly, the server 50 can acquire lightning-related data from the lightning detection device 20 of the wind power generation operator B via the communication network 1, and the server 50 can acquire lightning-related data from the lightning detection device 20 of the wind power generation operator C via the communication network 1. The acquired lightning-related data is stored in the database 60.

In addition, the terminal device 30a of the wind power generation business operator A can view data in the database 60 connected to the server 50 via the communication network 1. The data is viewed as lightning strike information, and the terminal device 30a of the wind power generation business operator A can receive the lightning strike information. Similarly, the terminal device 30b of the wind power generation business operator B can view data in the database 60 connected to the server 50 via the communication network 1, the terminal device 30c of the wind power generation business operator C can view data in the database 60 connected to the server 50 via the communication network 1, and the terminal device 30d of the insurance company D (business operator) can view data in the database 60 connected to the server 50 via the communication network 1. The provision of lightning strike-related data and the provision of lightning strike information between businesses is based on a contract or the like concluded in advance, and conditions such as the type of data to be provided, the method of provision, and the usage fee may be determined for the contract or the like.

As described above, the server 50 acquires lightning-related data from the lightning detection devices 20 installed in the wind power generation facilities 10 operated by different power generation companies via the communication unit 52, and stores the acquired lightning-related data in the database 60. The interface unit 54 has an interface function between the server 50 and the database 60. The server 50 can provide lightning information based on the lightning-related data stored in the database 60 to the terminal device.

The above-mentioned configuration allows lightning-related data that occurs at wind power generation facilities operated by different power generation companies to be aggregated and stored, and lightning information can be provided to businesses (including power generation companies) that require it, making it possible to build a system for sharing lightning information and for lightning information to be shared between businesses.

Next, we will explain the lightning information that server 50 provides to businesses.

The lightning information providing unit 53 generates lightning information based on the lightning-related data stored in the database 60, and can provide the generated lightning information to the operator's terminal device via the communication unit 52.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of real-time lightning information. The example shown in Figure 5 can be displayed on the operator's terminal device when lightning information is provided in real time, and lightning information at the time of lightning occurrence can be confirmed in real time. As shown in Figure 5, lightning information can include the time of occurrence of the lightning, the location of the lightning, the charge of the lightning and the peak value of the lightning current, and the provider of the lightning-related data on which the lightning information is based. Note that while the polarity of the peak value of the lightning current is shown as positive (+) in Figure 5, the polarity of the peak value may also be negative (-). The lightning information may be the lightning-related data itself, or may be information generated based on the lightning-related data. Note that the lightning information may include waveform data of the lightning current and time-series numerical data.

As described above, by providing lightning information including the location of the lightning strike, the time of occurrence (date and time), the peak value of the lightning strike current, and the amount of charge to the terminal device in real time, it is possible to provide lightning information in real time regardless of which wind power generation facility 10 operated by different power generation companies the lightning strike occurs near. In addition, the amount of charge (energy) at the time of the lightning strike can also be provided, which resolves the lack of information that existed in the past due to the lack of wide-ranging lightning data measuring the amount of charge.

The server 50 can notify registered persons within a specified range of the wind power generation facility 10 of the occurrence of a lightning strike via the communication unit 52, based on the location information of the wind power generation facility 10 where the lightning strike is occurring. The registered persons may be, for example, persons involved in the wind power generation facility 10, or workers performing maintenance and inspection. The notification can be sent to a mobile device carried by the registered person or to a terminal device used by the registered person. This allows prompt notification of the occurrence of a lightning strike.

When a lightning strike occurs, the lightning strike information provider 53 can use weighting coefficients α, β, and γ to calculate an evaluation index E indicating the scale (score) of the lightning strike, using the formula E = α・X + β・Y + γ・Z, where X, Y, and Z are the number of lightning strikes, the charge of the lightning strikes, and the peak value of the lightning strike current, respectively. Here, at least two of α, β, and γ may be zero. When notifying the occurrence of a lightning strike, the server 50 can notify the evaluation index E indicating the scale of the lightning strike.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of lightning strike statistical information. The example shown in Figure 6 can be displayed on the terminal device of the business operator when the lightning strike information is provided as statistical information. As shown in Figure 6, the statistical information may be divided into predetermined target areas, or may cover all areas. It can be changed according to the request of the business operator receiving the lightning strike information. The statistical information is a statistically processed lightning strike related data based on the lightning strikes that occurred within a predetermined data collection period. The statistical information can include, for example, the number of lightning strikes, the maximum and average electric charges of the lightning strikes, the maximum and average crest values of the lightning strike current, and the lightning damage status of the wind power generation facility 10 (for example, the number of damaged or broken parts, the scale of the lightning damage (for example, large, medium, small, etc.)). The lightning damage status of the wind power generation facility 10 can be created based on information such as investigations after the lightning strikes.

As a result, it is possible to provide statistical information on lightning strikes regardless of the location of any of the wind power generation facilities 10 operated by different power generation companies, and to provide lightning strike information for a wide range of wind power generation facilities 10. In addition, it is possible to provide the charge (energy) of the lightning strike, which resolves the lack of information that existed in the past when there was no wide-ranging lightning data that measured the charge.

In addition, by including information regarding damage or failure of the wind power generation facility 10, it is possible to clarify the correlation between damage or failure of the wind power generation facility 10 and lightning strikes on the wind power generation facility, and it is possible to provide useful information to, for example, insurance companies that provide compensation for damage or failure of the wind power generation facility 10.

The server 50 can provide statistical information on lightning strike information to a terminal device in response to a request from the terminal device of a specified business (e.g., an insurance company). Note that the specified business is not limited to an insurance company. For example, it can provide information that is useful to an insurance company that provides compensation for lightning damage to wind power generation facilities.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a lightning strike map. The example shown in Figure 7 can be displayed on a terminal device of a business operator when lightning strike information is provided as map information. The lightning strike map shows the location of wind power generation facilities within a specified target area (in the example of Figure 7, the location is indicated by a circle, and the size of the circle indicates the scale of the wind power generation facility (e.g., the number of wind turbines)), and also shows the number of lightning strikes on the wind power generation facility in different display modes (can be displayed in different colors or patterns) according to the number of times. For convenience, in Figure 7, the size of the circles is the same, but the number of wind turbines is different. That is, the circles correspond to multiple wind turbines (wind turbine groups), and the squares represent the total data for the wind turbine groups. On the lightning strike map shown in Figure 7, a detailed map of the wind turbine groups can be displayed by moving the cursor (e.g., an arrow) to the position of the circle and performing a specified operation (e.g., clicking, double-clicking, etc.).

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a detailed map of a group of wind turbines. In Figure 7, by operating the circle indicated by reference numeral 101, detailed information indicating the positions of the wind turbines within area 111 and the number of lightning strikes on each wind turbine can be displayed. In Figure 8, six wind turbines 10 are arranged within area 111, and the numbers displayed near each wind turbine indicate the number of lightning strikes on that turbine. As a result, when multiple wind turbines are installed at one wind power generation facility, the number of lightning strikes on each wind turbine can be known, allowing a more detailed understanding of the lightning distribution.

9 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of a detailed map of a group of wind turbines. In FIG. 7, by operating the circle indicated by reference numeral 102, detailed information showing the positions of the wind turbines in the areas 112 and 113 and the number of lightning strikes on each wind turbine can be displayed. It can be said that the more areas there are, the more wind turbines are installed in one wind power generation facility. In the example of FIG. 9, the map of the group of wind turbines in one wind power generation facility is divided into two areas 112 and 113, and this allows the wind turbine group with a large number of lightning strikes and the wind turbine group with a small number of lightning strikes to be displayed separately due to the arrangement of the wind turbines, making it easy to determine the number of lightning strikes. In the example of FIG. 9, five wind turbines 10 are arranged in the area 112, and four wind turbines 10 are arranged in the area 113. The numbers displayed near each wind turbine indicate the number of lightning strikes on that wind turbine. This makes it easy to determine the direction or direction with a large number of lightning strikes and the direction or direction with a small number of lightning strikes. In the example of Figure 9, we can see that lightning strikes occurring in the north-south direction tend to occur more frequently in the north.

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a third example of a detailed map of a group of wind turbines. In Figure 7, by operating the circle indicated by reference numeral 103, detailed information indicating the positions of the wind turbines in areas 114, 115, and 116, and the number of lightning strikes to each wind turbine can be displayed. In the example of Figure 10, five wind turbines 10 are located in area 114, six wind turbines 10 are located in area 115, and four wind turbines 10 are located in area 116. The numbers displayed near each wind turbine indicate the number of lightning strikes to that wind turbine. In the example of Figure 10, it can be seen that many lightning strikes occurred locally on the east side of area 115.

In addition, on the lightning strike map shown in Figure 7, by moving the cursor (e.g., an arrow) to the position of the wind power generation facility and performing a specified operation (e.g., clicking, double-clicking, etc.), the detailed information shown below can be displayed. When the circle is operated, a drop-down menu can be displayed to allow the user to select whether to display a detailed map of the wind turbine group or the detailed information shown below.

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of detailed information. The detailed information can include the date and time of the lightning strike, the charge of the lightning strike, and the peak value of the lightning current. When the location of the lightning strike or the number of lightning strikes is confirmed on the lightning strike map shown in Figure 7, the scale of the lightning strike occurring can be confirmed at each position on the lightning strike map. Note that the lightning strike map may specify at least one of the location of the lightning strike, the number of lightning strikes, the peak value of the lightning current, and the charge of the lightning strike as lightning strike information.

As mentioned above, by using a lightning strike map of wind power generation facilities as lightning strike information, it is possible to provide data on lightning strike occurrence conditions, charge amount, etc. over a wide area on a map to wind power generation facilities, which was insufficient with conventional lightning strike maps.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mechanism for promoting the sharing of lightning information. In the example of Figure 12, for the sake of convenience, it is assumed that wind power generation operator C provides lightning-related data to server 50, and wind power generation operators A and B and insurance company D receive the lightning information (data viewing). As shown in Figure 12, wind power generation operator C provides lightning-related data to server 50, and can receive compensation (specifically, information indicating the compensation) from server 50. Wind power generation operators A and B and insurance company D receive lightning information from server 50, and pay a usage fee (specifically, information indicating the usage fee) to server 50.

Wind power generation operator C can receive compensation by providing lightning-related data to server 50, which can motivate power generation operators to provide data and promote the sharing of lightning information. In addition, wind power generation operators A and B and insurance company D will have to pay a usage fee when they receive lightning information, so a system for paying the usage fee can be established, which can eliminate any sense of unfairness when sharing lightning information.

Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a method for determining compensation. In Figure 13, wind power generation businesses A, B, ... are listed as wind power generation businesses that provide lightning-related data to server 50. Compensation can be determined according to the number of lightning sensors installed for each of wind power generation businesses A and B, the data collection period, and the number of businesses to which lightning information is provided. The payment processing unit 55 can determine compensation to be granted to different power generation businesses based on at least one of the number of lightning sensors installed, the data collection period by the lightning sensors, and the number of businesses to which lightning information is provided. Note that the processing of the payment processing unit 55 may be performed by a separate payment server.

When a power generation company provides lightning information, the more lightning sensors installed, the more data the power generation company can provide, so it can be determined that a higher compensation will be paid to the power generation company. Also, when a power generation company provides lightning information, the longer the data collection period by the lightning sensors (e.g., the period during which the lightning sensors are in operation), the more data the power generation company can provide, so it can be determined that a higher compensation will be paid to the power generation company. Also, when a power generation company provides lightning information, the more companies to which the lightning information is provided, the wider the scope of sharing of the lightning information can be, so it can be determined that a higher compensation will be paid to the power generation company. This can encourage power generation companies to provide data and promote the sharing of lightning information.

Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a method for determining a usage fee. In Figure 14, wind power generation business operator A, insurance company D, ... are listed as businesses that receive lightning information from server 50. The settlement processing unit 55 can determine the usage fee to the businesses to which lightning information is provided based on at least one of the number of installed lightning sensors and the period of data collection by the lightning sensors.

When a destination business receives lightning information, the more lightning sensors the power generation business installs, the greater the amount of lightning information provided, so the higher the usage fee paid by the destination business is determined.When a destination business receives lightning information, the longer the data collection period using the power generation business's lightning sensors, the greater the amount of lightning information provided, so the higher the usage fee paid by the destination business is determined.This makes it possible to create a system in which businesses that receive more lightning information pay higher usage fees, eliminating any sense of unfairness when sharing lightning information.

The payment processing unit 55 can also determine the usage fee to be charged to the business to which the lightning information is provided depending on whether the lightning information is provided in real-time or statistical form. This allows an appropriate usage fee to be determined depending on the form in which the lightning information is provided.

Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the server 50. In the following, the processing will be described with the control unit 51 as the main entity. The control unit 51 acquires lightning-related data from different power generation companies (S11), and stores the acquired lightning-related data in the database 60 (S12).

The control unit 51 determines whether there is lightning-related data from the power generation company (S13), and if there is lightning-related data from the power generation company (YES in S13), repeats the processing from step S11 onwards, and if there is no lightning-related data from the power generation company (NO in S13), provides real-time lightning information to a specified company when lightning strikes the target wind power generation facility (S14). The specified company is a company that has been determined in advance by contract or the like to receive lightning information.

The control unit 51 generates lightning statistical information based on the collected lightning-related data (S15), and generates a lightning map of lightning strikes on the wind power generation facility (S16). The control unit 51 determines whether or not there is a request for lightning strike information from the operator (S17). The operator is an operator that has agreed in advance by contract or the like to receive lightning strike information.

When there is a request for lightning information from the business operator (YES in S17), the control unit 51 provides the lightning statistical information and lightning map (S18) and performs processing in step S19 described below. Note that the provision of the lightning statistical information and lightning map to the business operator is not limited to when there is a request, and the timing of provision can also be determined in advance by contract, etc.

If there is no request for lightning information from the business operator (NO in S17), the control unit 51 performs a payment process (S19) and ends the process. The payment process includes payment of a fee to the power generation business operator that provides the lightning-related data, and collection of a usage fee from the business operator that receives the lightning information. The payment process can be performed at a time determined by a contract, etc. Note that, for convenience, the process of step S19 is described after step S18, but it does not necessarily have to follow step S18, and may be performed at a predetermined time (for example, once a month).

The server 50 of this embodiment can be realized by loading a computer program that defines the procedures for each process, as shown in FIG. 15, into a storage unit such as a RAM provided in a computer, and executing the computer program in a CPU (processor) or the like.

According to this embodiment, the data service provider that operates the server 50 is involved, allowing wind power generation companies to share lightning information without negotiating directly with competitors. Furthermore, even if the number of power generation companies that provide lightning-related data and companies that receive lightning information increases, the amount of work required for negotiations does not increase.

In addition, according to this embodiment, it is possible to collect lightning-related data on lightning strikes on wind power generation facilities one by one, and to provide lightning information based on the collected lightning-related data in real time or as statistical information. It is also possible to accurately grasp the charge of lightning strikes on wind power generation facilities, which was not possible in the past.

In addition, according to this embodiment, providers of lightning-related data are paid compensation and can expect to earn income from providing lightning-related data (especially power generation companies with many bases will earn more), which will provide incentives for the expansion of wind power generation facilities and contribute to the promotion of wind power generation projects nationwide.

The method for providing lightning information in this embodiment acquires lightning-related data including detection data detected by lightning sensors installed in wind power generation facilities operated by different power generation companies, time information when a lightning strike occurred, and location information of the wind power generation facilities, stores the acquired lightning-related data in a database, and provides lightning information based on the stored lightning-related data to a terminal device.

The lightning information providing server of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit that acquires lightning-related data including detection data detected by lightning sensors installed in wind power generation facilities operated by different power generation companies, time information when a lightning strike occurred, and location information of the wind power generation facilities, a database that stores the acquired lightning-related data, and a provision unit that provides lightning information based on the stored lightning-related data to a terminal device.

The lightning information providing method obtains lightning-related data including detection data detected by a lightning sensor installed in a wind power generation facility operated by a different power generation company, time information when a lightning strike occurred, and location information of the wind power generation facility, and stores the obtained lightning-related data in a database. The lightning-related data is not limited to the detection data detected by the lightning sensor, time information when a lightning strike occurred, and location information of the wind power generation facility, but also includes data that can be detected by the lightning sensor and data obtained by performing required calculations and processing on the detected data. The lightning-related data can also include data detected not only by the lightning sensor, but also by other sensors or detection devices related to lightning strikes, or data measured by measuring instruments. The lightning information providing method provides lightning information based on the lightning-related data stored in the database to a terminal device. The terminal device may be a terminal device of the power generation company, or a terminal device of a business entity other than the power generation company (e.g., an insurance company, a meteorological information business entity, a lightning research institute, a manufacturer, etc.).

The above-mentioned configuration allows lightning-related data that occurs at wind power generation facilities operated by different power generation companies to be aggregated and stored, and lightning information can be provided to businesses (including power generation companies) that require it, making it possible to build a system for sharing lightning information and for lightning information to be shared between businesses.

The lightning information providing method of this embodiment provides the lightning information, including the location of the lightning strike, the date and time of the strike, the peak value of the lightning current, and the charge amount, to the terminal device in real time.

The lightning information providing method can provide lightning information, including the location of the lightning strike, the date and time of the strike, the peak value of the lightning current, and the amount of charge, to a terminal device in real time. This makes it possible to provide lightning information in real time regardless of whether a lightning strike occurs near any of the wind power generation facilities operated by different power generation companies. In addition, the amount of charge (energy) at the time of the lightning strike can also be provided, eliminating the lack of information that previously existed due to the lack of wide-ranging lightning data measuring the amount of charge.

The lightning information providing method of this embodiment provides statistical information regarding the lightning information to the terminal device.

The statistical information can include, for example, the number of lightning strikes occurring in a required period, the maximum and average peak values of the lightning current, and the maximum and average values of the charge of the lightning strike. This makes it possible to provide statistical information on lightning strikes regardless of which wind power generation facility operated by different power generation companies the lightning strike occurs near, making it possible to provide lightning strike information for a wide range of wind power generation facilities. In addition, the charge (energy) of the lightning strike can also be provided, resolving the lack of information that previously existed due to the lack of wide-ranging lightning data that measured the charge.

In the lightning information providing method of this embodiment, the lightning information includes a lightning map in which at least one of the location of lightning strikes, the number of lightning strikes, the peak value of the lightning current, and the charge of the lightning strike is identified on a map.

The lightning information includes a lightning map that identifies at least one of the locations of lightning strikes, the number of lightning strikes, the peak value of the lightning current, and the charge of the lightning strike. Conventional lightning maps were insufficient in providing data on lightning strike occurrences, charge amount, and other information to wind power generation facilities over a wide area on the map.

In the lightning information providing method of this embodiment, the lightning information includes information regarding damage or failure of the wind power generation facility.

This makes it possible to clarify the correlation between damage or failure of wind power generation equipment and lightning strikes on wind power generation equipment, and can provide useful information for insurance companies that provide compensation for damage or failure of wind power generation equipment, for example.

The lightning information provision method of this embodiment notifies registered users within a specified range of the wind power generation facility of the occurrence of a lightning strike based on the location information.

The lightning information provision method can notify registered persons within a specified range of a wind power generation facility of the occurrence of a lightning strike based on location information. The registered persons may be, for example, persons involved in the wind power generation facility or workers performing maintenance and inspection. The notification can be sent to a mobile device carried by the registered person or to a terminal device used by the registered person. This allows prompt notification of the occurrence of a lightning strike.

The lightning information provision method of this embodiment determines the compensation to be paid to each power generation company based on at least one of the number of lightning sensors installed, the data collection period by the lightning sensors, and the number of companies to which the lightning information is provided.

When a power generation company provides lightning information, the more lightning sensors installed, the more data the power generation company can provide, so it can be determined that a higher compensation will be paid to the power generation company. Also, when a power generation company provides lightning information, the longer the data collection period by the lightning sensors (e.g., the period during which the lightning sensors are in operation), the more data the power generation company can provide, so it can be determined that a higher compensation will be paid to the power generation company. Also, when a power generation company provides lightning information, the more companies to which the lightning information is provided, the wider the scope of sharing of the lightning information can be, so it can be determined that a higher compensation will be paid to the power generation company. This can encourage power generation companies to provide data and promote the sharing of lightning information.

The method for providing lightning information in this embodiment determines the usage fee to the business to which the lightning information is provided based on at least one of the number of installed lightning sensors and the period of data collection by the lightning sensors.

When a destination business receives lightning information, the more lightning sensors the power generation business installs, the greater the amount of lightning information provided, so the higher the usage fee paid by the destination business is determined.When a destination business receives lightning information, the longer the data collection period using the power generation business's lightning sensors, the greater the amount of lightning information provided, so the higher the usage fee paid by the destination business is determined.This makes it possible to create a system in which businesses that receive more lightning information pay higher usage fees, eliminating any sense of unfairness when sharing lightning information.

The method for providing lightning information in this embodiment determines the usage fee to the business to which the lightning information is provided depending on whether the lightning information is provided in real time or statistical information.

This allows appropriate usage fees to be determined depending on the form in which lightning information is provided.

The lightning information providing method of this embodiment provides statistical information regarding the lightning information to a terminal device of a specified business operator in response to a request from the terminal device.

The specified business entity may be, for example, an insurance company, but is not limited to an insurance company. For example, information useful to insurance companies that provide compensation for lightning damage to wind power generation facilities may be provided.

1. Communication network 10. Wind power generation equipment (wind turbines)
20 Lightning strike detection device 21 Coil 22 Measurement cable 23 Sensor interface unit 24 Calculation and recording unit 25 GPS unit 26 Communication unit 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d Terminal device 50 Server 51 Control unit 52 Communication unit 53 Lightning strike information providing unit 54 Interface unit 55 Payment processing unit 60 Database (DB)

Claims (10)

In the lightning information providing server,
Obtaining lightning-related data including detection data, detected by lightning sensors installed on the wind turbines of each wind power generation facility operated by different power generation companies, including lightning currents of direct lightning strikes to the wind turbines, time information when the lightning struck the wind turbines, and position information of the wind turbines;
The acquired lightning-related data is stored in a database.
providing lightning information based on the stored lightning-related data to a terminal device;
notifying registered users within a predetermined range of the wind power generation facility of the occurrence of a lightning strike based on the location information;
How to provide lightning information. The lightning information providing method according to claim 1, which provides the lightning information, including the location of the lightning strike, the date and time of the strike, the peak value of the lightning current, and the charge amount, to the terminal device in real time. The lightning information providing method according to claim 1 or claim 2, which provides statistical information regarding the lightning information to the terminal device. The lightning strike information is
4. The lightning information providing method according to claim 1, further comprising a lightning map in which at least one of a location of lightning strikes, a number of lightning strikes, a peak value of a lightning current, and an electric charge of a lightning strike is specified on a map. The lightning strike information is
The lightning information providing method according to claim 1 , further comprising information about damage or a malfunction of the wind power generation facility. A method for providing lightning information as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein compensation to be paid to each power generation company is determined based on at least one of the number of lightning sensors installed, the data collection period by the lightning sensors, and the number of companies to which the lightning information is provided. 7. The lightning information providing method according to claim 1 , further comprising determining a usage fee for the lightning information providing business based on at least one of the number of the lightning sensors installed and a data collection period by the lightning sensors. The lightning information providing method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a usage fee for the business entity to which the lightning information is provided is determined depending on whether the lightning information is provided in real time or statistical form. 9. The lightning information providing method according to claim 1 , further comprising providing statistical information on the lightning information to a terminal device of a predetermined business operator in response to a request from the terminal device. an acquisition unit that acquires lightning-related data including detection data, detected by lightning sensors installed on the wind turbines of each wind power generation facility operated by different power generation companies, the lightning-related data including lightning currents of direct lightning strikes to the wind turbines, time information when the lightning struck the wind turbines, and position information of the wind turbines;
A database for storing the acquired lightning-related data;
a providing unit that provides lightning strike information based on the stored lightning strike related data to a terminal device ;
a notification unit that notifies registered users within a predetermined range of the wind power generation facility of the occurrence of a lightning strike based on the location information;
A lightning information providing server comprising:

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