JP7685696B2 - Vertical Wind Power Generation System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vertical wind power generation system that converts wind energy into rotational energy of the blades and then converts the rotational energy into electrical energy by a generator, and to a blade configuration and control method for the vertical wind power generation system, and in particular to a significant improvement in the rotational energy of the blades in the vertical wind power generation system and to ensuring the safety of the wind turbine during storms.

In recent years, from the perspective of protecting the natural environment by reducing harmful exhaust gases and utilizing natural energy, the development of wind power generation systems that utilize natural wind energy has been progressing in countries around the world, and a large number of wind power generation systems have been installed and are now in operation.

There are two types of wind power generation systems: horizontal and vertical. Horizontal systems have a simple structure, but the blades rotate at a relatively high speed, generating wind noise, and the wind direction in which they can generate power is limited, so the blades' wind-receiving surfaces must face the wind, and they have issues with the need for mechanisms or controls to always follow the wind direction. On the other hand, vertical systems have a somewhat complex structure and are relatively low in efficiency of conversion to rotational energy, but they have the advantage of a relatively low rotation speed and no need to consider the wind direction.

In order to increase the efficiency of rotational energy conversion from wind kinetic energy to electrical energy in a vertical wind power generation system, it is necessary to increase the efficiency of rotational energy conversion at average wind speeds that occur relatively frequently, and to generate power as much as possible at all times under all environmental conditions from light winds to strong winds. Furthermore, it is important to generate power as much as possible in strong wind and storm areas, and for the blades and poles to withstand wind pressure and for the generator and brakes to safely handle the rotational torque of the blades (straight blades, etc.).
Here, the rotational energy conversion efficiency is the conversion efficiency (%) of converting the kinetic energy of the wind passing over the blade's wind receiving surface per unit time into the rotational energy of the blade, and is defined as Cp, which is the rotational energy conversion efficiency or power generation efficiency. In addition, the value obtained by dividing this rotational energy (W) by the angular velocity ω (rad/s: rotation speed rpm is also acceptable) is the rotational torque (N·m), which is the tangential rotational force of the entire vertical blade, which becomes a cylindrical rotating body. The above wind energy can be expressed as ¹ /2ρAV3, where A is the vertical blade's swept area (diameter x blade length) ( ^m2 ), V is the wind speed (m/s), and ρ is the air density (kg/ ^m3 ).

To generate electricity in light wind areas, a blade configuration is required that can smoothly convert the kinetic energy of the wind into rotational energy for the blades, and to generate as much electricity as possible in strong wind areas, it is necessary to build a vertical wind power generation system that will not mechanically or electrically damage the blades, poles, arms, generators, brakes, etc., even with excessive rotational energy. Furthermore, to generate electricity in stormy wind areas and maintain the wind power generation system safely, it is necessary to withstand wind pressure and the rotational energy of the blades during high-speed rotation in strong winds and stormy wind areas.

In order to improve the starting characteristics, a vertical wind power generation system has been proposed in which a part of the airfoil is cut out to increase the drag (Patent Document 1) and a vertical wind power generation system has been proposed in which the blades are rotated using a cam or link mechanism (Patent Document 2). Furthermore, Patent Document 3 proposes a vertical wind power generation system in which the blade mounting angle is adjustable to improve power generation efficiency. Also, a vertical wind power generation system has been proposed in which the blade diameter and blade angle of the blades are variable to optimize the amount of power generation.

Patent No. 4514502 JP 2006-152922 A JP2017-31920Publication Patent No. 4949238

However, in the above-mentioned conventional vertical wind power generation systems in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the most essential theory of fluid force (aeroelasticity) acting on the blades, such as what conditions for the blades increase the rotational torque of the vertical blades, how the peripheral speed ratio (ratio of wind speed to blade rotation speed), blade performance, and Reynolds number are related, and how the blade shape changes affect the most essential theory, such as aeroelasticity, is not considered or disclosed. Therefore, it is unclear how much the rotational torque or power generation efficiency (Cp) will increase if the angle of attack (or the mounting angle or pitch angle with respect to the arm) is set to the relative wind speed. In addition, since an optimal aeroelasticity solution has not been reached, even if a blade rotational torque with high power generation efficiency is obtained in a light breeze of about 2 m/s, for example, in the vicinity of the average wind speed (for example, around 6 m/s) that occurs most frequently, problems such as a decrease in power generation efficiency due to the influence of the blade airfoil shape, a deviation from the optimal angle of attack at which the lift is maximized, and a decrease in lift occur. Conversely, even if power generation is possible in a stormy wind area, problems such as a significantly low power generation efficiency and almost no power generation occur in a light breeze area or average wind speed.
This makes it difficult to provide a vertical wind power generation system that has high power generation efficiency over a wide range of wind speeds.

In the case of Patent Document 1, in which the blades are configured with notches, the power generation efficiency may improve somewhat in light winds, but conversely, the power generation efficiency decreases in areas where the average wind speed is high. The notches in the blade airfoil shape cause the original wing characteristics to be lost, and the lift force is greatly reduced, resulting in a significant decrease in the amount of power generation (power generation efficiency) during rotation near the average wind speed.

Furthermore, the blade angle of attack (mounting angle) adjustment using cams and links as described in Patent Document 2 has the following problems: it is only effective in certain wind directions, and conversely, if the wind direction changes, the rotational energy conversion efficiency (power generation efficiency) significantly deteriorates; the adjustment range of the angle of attack is narrow; and no consideration is given to what kind of angle of attack adjustment should be made or how effective it would be; and in the first place, the optimal value of the angle of attack changes significantly if the wind speed or direction changes.

Furthermore, Patent Document 3 shows a configuration for improving power generation efficiency by adjusting the angle of attack. However, it does not take into consideration that there is an optimal angle of attack depending on the wind speed, wind direction, rotation angle of the vertical blades, the blade airfoil type, chord length and number of blades, and the rotation speed of the vertical blades, and that the angle of attack needs to be adjusted depending on these values. In addition, there is a limit to reducing the wind pressure that the blades receive during a storm, and when the wind direction changes, there is a time delay until the angle of attack is adjusted, which makes it difficult to safely protect the blades and poles from the wind pressure when there is a gust of wind or a change in wind direction.
In addition, Patent Document 4 does not consider the essential issue of how to control the angle of attack, which determines the lift and drag of the blades, relative to the so-called relative wind speed, which is the composite of the wind speed and the rotation speed of the blades. Furthermore, by allowing the upper or lower end of the blade to slide freely relative to the rotation axis of the blades, the blade diameter and rotation speed of the vertical wind turbine differ at each position on the vertical cross section of the blades, making it difficult to set the optimal angle of attack, and also making it difficult to maximize power generation efficiency, accurately control power generation efficiency, and reduce noise.

As described above, the vertical wind power generation systems disclosed in the prior art have the following problems: the blades cannot be started to rotate in a light breeze, the power generation efficiency decreases near the average wind speed, it is difficult to control the rotation speed of the blades in a strong wind, and the life and reliability of the vertical wind power generation system is significantly reduced due to strength problems against excessive wind energy in a strong wind. In addition, the vertical wind power generation systems have the problem that they cannot be installed near residential areas because relatively loud noise is generated by vortexes generated around the blades.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and provides a vertical wind power generation system that effectively controls the generation of lift and drag in various wind directions and wind speeds, and efficiently converts them into rotational torque for the vertical blades, thereby significantly improving power generation efficiency in areas ranging from light winds to strong winds compared to conventional systems, and can also efficiently reduce the rotational energy of the blades and precisely control the blade rotation speed even in strong wind and storm areas, thereby achieving a significant improvement in power generation efficiency and a significant improvement in the reliability and lifespan of the equipment.
Furthermore, by adjusting the angle of attack to the optimum relative wind speed according to the blade diameter and the wind speed and direction, the present invention provides a vertical wind turbine power generation system that is safe, highly efficient, and quiet from light wind areas to strong wind areas.

In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 of the present invention has a vertical blade composed of a rotating shaft, a plurality of straight blades arranged parallel to the rotating shaft, an arm that holds the straight blades on the rotating shaft, and an angle-of-attachment adjustment mechanism that varies the attachment angle of the straight blades to the arm, and is characterized in that in each of the wind speed ranges of light breeze, normal power generation wind speed, strong wind range, and storm range, the angle of attack of the straight blades with respect to the relative wind speed or the attachment angle to the arm is adjusted by the angle-of-attachment adjustment mechanism depending on the wind speed, wind direction, rotation angle of the vertical blades, rotation speed of the vertical blades, diameter of the vertical blades, cross-sectional shape of the straight blades, chord length of the straight blades, and number of the straight blades.

Similarly, the invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that the rotor comprises a generator and the vertical blades, and the rotating shaft is connected to approximately the center of rotation of the generator.

Similarly, the invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that the attack angle adjustment mechanism is driven by a motor and gears and/or a belt, or a linear actuator.

Similarly, the invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that the rotation speed of the vertical blades is detected by a rotation sensor configured on the rotating shaft or around the generator, and the detection of the wind speed and/or wind direction and the setting value for the angle adjustment are estimated from changes in the rotational torque or output of the vertical blades.

Similarly, the invention described in claim 5 is characterized in that the set value for the angle adjustment refers to a numerical value calculated in advance based on an output curve for each preset wind speed.

In the sixth aspect of the present invention, the set value for the angle adjustment is estimated from a change in the rotation torque or output of the vertical blade.

Similarly, the invention described in claim 7 has a vertical blade comprising a rotating shaft, a plurality of straight blades arranged parallel to the rotating shaft, an arm that holds the straight blades on the rotating shaft, and a vertical blade formed from the rotating shaft, the arm, and the plurality of straight blades, and is characterized in that the blade diameter of the vertical blade is variable by deforming the shape of the arm using a blade diameter variable mechanism that slides or rotates a portion of the arm depending on the wind speed.

Similarly, the invention described in claim 8 is characterized in that the setting values of the blade diameter corresponding to each wind speed of the light breeze area, normal power generation wind speed, strong wind area, and storm area are calculated by referring to numerical values calculated in advance.

Similarly, the invention described in claim 9 has the generator and the vertical blade equipped with the angle of attack adjustment mechanism and the blade diameter variable mechanism, and is characterized in that in each wind speed range of light breeze, normal power generation wind speed, strong wind range, and storm range, the angle of attack of the straight blade with respect to the relative wind speed or the attachment angle with respect to the arm is adjusted by the angle of attack adjustment mechanism and the blade diameter is adjusted by the blade diameter variable mechanism depending on the wind speed, wind direction, rotation angle of the vertical blade, rotation speed of the vertical blade, diameter of the vertical blade, cross-sectional shape of the straight blade, chord length of the straight blade, and number of the straight blades.

Similarly, the invention described in claim 10 is characterized in that the set values of the angle adjustment and the blade diameter refer to values calculated in advance based on an output curve for each preset wind speed.

Similarly, the invention described in claim 11 is characterized in that, in the angle adjustment and blade diameter setting values corresponding to each wind speed range of a light breeze range, a normal power generation wind speed, a strong wind range, and a storm range, the blade diameter setting value refers to a numerical value calculated in advance, and the angle adjustment setting value is estimated from changes in the rotational torque or output of the vertical blades.

Similarly, the invention described in claim 12 is characterized in having a stop mode in which the blade diameter is minimized and the angle adjustment is performed in a pre-set wind speed range, including a state where the wind is stopped, a light breeze range, a normal power generation wind speed range, a strong wind range, and a storm range, and the rotation of the vertical blades is stopped.

Similarly, the invention described in claim 13 is characterized in that, in the stop mode, a braking force for preventing rotation of the rotating shaft is generated by a disk brake or the generator.

Similarly, the invention described in claim 14 is characterized in that the power supply is used as an emergency power source for furling control of a horizontal offshore wind turbine.

Similarly, the invention described in claim 15 is characterized in that the vertical wind power generation system is installed on a part of the pole of the horizontal offshore wind turbine.

Similarly, the invention described in claim 16 is characterized in that the set value of the blade diameter is maximized at normal power generation wind speed, the blade diameter is smaller than the set value of the normal power generation wind speed in the light breeze area and the strong wind area, and the set value of the blade diameter is even smaller than the set value in the strong wind area in the storm area and in the stop mode.

Similarly, the invention described in claim 17 is characterized in that the gentle breeze area has a wind speed of less than 3 m/s, the normal wind speed has a wind speed of 3 m/s or more and less than 12 m/s, the strong wind area has a wind speed of 12 m/s or more and less than 20 m/s, and the storm area has a wind speed of 20 m/s or more.

The vertical wind power generation system according to the present invention is configured as described above. According to the vertical wind power generation system according to the invention described in claims 1 to 6, the vertical wind power generation system has a vertical blade composed of a rotating shaft, a plurality of approximately straight blades, an arm that holds the approximately straight blades on the rotating shaft, and an attack angle adjustment mechanism that changes the attachment angle of the approximately straight blades to the arm, and is characterized in that the attack angle of the approximately straight blades with respect to the relative wind speed or the attachment angle of the approximately straight blades to the arm is adjusted by the attack angle adjustment mechanism in accordance with the wind speed, wind direction, rotation angle of the vertical blades, rotation speed of the vertical blades, diameter of the vertical blades, cross-sectional shape of the approximately straight blades, chord length of the approximately straight blades, and number of the approximately straight blades in each wind speed range from a light breeze to a strong wind.

The set value for the angle adjustment of the attack angle or the setting angle is calculated in advance, or is estimated based on the previously calculated set value from the change in the rotation torque or output of the vertical blades.Furthermore, the set value for the angle adjustment is calculated based on an output curve for each wind speed that is set in advance, taking into consideration the amount of power generated by the wind turbine and the noise level in the installation environment, and safety, in environments ranging from light winds to strong winds, and the angle adjustment is performed by referring to the data.

With this configuration, in light breeze areas, rotation is relatively easy and power generation efficiency increases, and near the average wind speed, power generation efficiency increases and noise levels can be significantly reduced. In strong wind areas, the angle adjustment setting value can be selected which results in output characteristics that take into consideration a balance between the desired output, the mechanical strength of the blades, poles, arms, brakes, etc., electrical capabilities such as the rated output of the generator, and the safety of the entire wind turbine, and even during strong winds, it is possible to select the angle adjustment setting value which results in output characteristics that take into consideration a balance between the desired output, including shutdown, the mechanical strength of the blades, poles, arms, brakes, etc., and electrical capabilities such as the rated output of the generator, and the safety of the entire wind turbine, making it possible to achieve a good balance between the power generation performance, safety, and quietness of the vertical wind power generation system.

In addition, according to the vertical wind power generation system of the invention described in claims 7 and 8, the system has a rotating shaft, a plurality of approximately straight blades, an arm that holds the approximately straight blades on the rotating shaft, and a vertical blade that is composed of the rotating shaft, the arm, and the plurality of straight blades, and is configured to change the blade diameter of the vertical blades by deforming the shape of the arm using a blade diameter changing mechanism that slides or rotates a part of the arm depending on the wind speed.

With this configuration, when the amount of power generation is small when the system is stopped or in a light breeze area (less than 3 m/s), the blade diameter is made smaller to ensure space, and at normal power generation wind speeds near the average wind speed (3 m/s or more to less than 12 m/s) the blade diameter is made as large as possible to increase the amount of power generation, and in strong wind areas (12 m/s or more to less than 20 m/s) the blade diameter is made smaller to take into account power generation and safety, and in storm areas (20 m/s or more) the blade diameter is made as small as possible to reduce wind pressure from a safety standpoint, making it possible to achieve an even better balance between the power generation performance and safety of the vertical wind power generation system.

Furthermore, according to the vertical wind power generation system of the invention described in claims 9 to 13, the system has the generator and the vertical blade equipped with the angle-of-attack adjustment mechanism and the blade diameter variable mechanism, and is configured to adjust the angle of attack of the approximately straight blade with respect to the relative wind speed or the mounting angle with respect to the arm by the angle-of-attack adjustment mechanism according to the wind speed, wind direction, rotation angle of the vertical blade, and rotation speed of the vertical blade, and to adjust the blade diameter by the blade diameter variable mechanism.

With this configuration, when the amount of power generation is small in a light breeze area, the blade diameter is reduced to ensure space while adjusting the angle to the angle of attack relative to the relative wind speed or the attachment angle to the arm, thereby increasing the power generation efficiency or power generation while ensuring space; at a normal power generation wind speed which is close to the average wind speed, the blade diameter is increased as much as possible and the angle adjustment to the angle of attack relative to the relative wind speed or the attachment angle to the arm is performed, thereby increasing the amount of power generation and achieving quieter operation; in a strong wind area, the blade diameter is reduced to take into account the amount of power generation and safety, while the angle adjustment to the angle of attack relative to the relative wind speed or the attachment angle to the arm is performed, thereby achieving both the amount of power generation and safety; and in a stormy wind area, the blade diameter is reduced as much as possible to reduce wind pressure from a safety standpoint, and the angle adjustment to the angle of attack relative to the relative wind speed or the attachment angle to the arm is performed, thereby making it possible to achieve an even better balance between the power generation performance and safety of the vertical wind power generation system while enabling power generation in a stormy wind area.

In particular, when the blade diameter is increased, the rotation speed at which maximum output is generated is relatively slower than when the blade diameter is small, assuming the same wind speed, and when the blade diameter is decreased, the rotation speed at which maximum output is generated is relatively faster than when the blade diameter is large, assuming the same wind speed. Since an increase in the rotation speed in a stormy wind area leads to a deterioration in mechanical strength, it is possible to significantly suppress the increase in the rotation speed in a stormy wind area by adjusting the angle of attack with respect to the relative wind speed, the mounting angle with respect to the arm, or the pitch angle, and it is possible to generate stable power even in a stormy wind area, and it is possible to achieve a better balance between the power generation performance and safety of the vertical wind power generation system.
In addition, the vertical wind turbine can be further improved in safety by providing a stop mode in which the blade diameter is minimized and the angle is adjusted in a pre-set wind speed range from a light breeze range to a strong wind range, and the rotation of the vertical blades is stopped. In the stop mode, the braking force for preventing the rotation of the rotating shaft is generated by a disk brake or the generator, thereby further improving the safety of the vertical wind turbine.

Furthermore, according to the vertical wind power generation system of the present invention described in claim 14, the vertical wind power generation system is configured to be used as an emergency power source for furling control of a horizontal offshore wind turbine.

With this configuration, even when the blades of the horizontal offshore wind turbine are stopped and power generation is halted during abnormal weather such as a typhoon or bomb cyclone, the turbine can still be used as a power source for furling control to prevent the blades from facing directly into the wind, making it possible to realize a highly safe vertical wind power generation system.

Furthermore, according to a vertical wind power generation system according to the present invention as set forth in claim 15, the vertical wind power generation system is configured to be installed on a part of the pole of the horizontal offshore wind turbine.

This configuration makes it possible to share the poles of the vertical wind power generation system with the poles of the horizontal offshore wind turbine, thereby enabling significant cost reductions for the emergency power supply of the horizontal offshore wind turbine and the vertical wind power generation system, and making it possible to achieve an even better balance between cost reduction and safety of the vertical wind power generation system.

Furthermore, according to the vertical wind power generation system of the invention described in claim 16, the set value of the blade diameter is set to a maximum value at normal power generation wind speed, and in the light breeze area and the strong wind area, the set value of the blade diameter is set to a value smaller than the set value of the normal power generation wind speed, and in the storm area and the stop mode, the set value of the blade diameter is set to a value even smaller than that of the strong wind area.
This configuration allows the optimum blade diameter to be selected according to the wind speed, and the optimum power generation efficiency and wind pressure to be selected according to the wind speed. Furthermore, by adjusting the blade diameter and the angle of attack, it is possible to select the optimum power generation efficiency, power generation amount, wind pressure, and quietness.

According to the vertical wind power generation system of the invention described in claim 17, the gentle breeze area is a wind speed of less than 3 m/s, the normal power generation wind speed is a wind speed of 3 m/s or more and less than 12 m/s, the strong wind area is a wind speed of 12 m/s or more and less than 20 m/s, and the storm area is a wind speed of 20 m/s or more.
This configuration makes it possible to select and set the optimal blade diameter and angle of attack for each wind speed. However, this wind speed range setting is only an example, and there is no problem in the effect of the present invention even if the wind speed range for each wind speed is changed.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a vertical wind power generation system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional configuration of a vertical wind power generation system 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a blade diameter variable mechanism 13 and an attack angle adjustment mechanism 5 of the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a blade diameter variable mechanism 13 and an attack angle adjustment mechanism 5 of the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of an attack angle adjustment mechanism 5 of the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of an attack angle adjustment mechanism 5 of the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the angle of attack and the relative wind speed (W) of the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a rotation angle (θ) of the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a calculation method of a multi-current sensing double actuator method for calculating an angle of attack of the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a variable state of the diameter (D) of the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a variable state of the diameter (D) of the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment. 1A to 1C are diagrams showing the effect of reducing rotational energy by adjusting the angle of attack and the diameter (D) in a strong wind area and a storm wind area in the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment. 1A to 1C are diagrams showing the effect of reducing rotational energy and the effect of controlling the rotation speed by adjusting the angle of attack and the diameter (D) in a strong wind area or a storm wind area in the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment. 1A to 1C are diagrams showing examples of settings of a blade diameter 26 (D) in the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment when the system is stopped, in a light breeze region, in a normal power generation wind speed region, in a strong wind region, and in a storm region. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the set values of the blade rotation angle and the blade attack angle in each wind speed range of the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a vertical wind power generation system 1 according to a second embodiment attached to a main pole of a large wind turbine as an emergency power source during a storm or the like. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a vertical wind power generation system 1 according to a second embodiment attached to a main pole of a large wind turbine as an emergency power source during a storm or the like.

(How one embodiment of the present invention was achieved)
The inventors have conducted extensive research into improving the power generation efficiency of conventional vertical wind turbines described in the "Background Art" section, and into power generation and equipment maintenance measures in stormy wind areas. In this study, wind speed areas are defined as light wind area (less than 3 m/s), normal power generation wind speed (3 m/s to less than 12 m/s), strong wind area (12 m/s to less than 20 m/s), and storm area (20 m/s or more).

Due to its configuration, it is difficult for a conventional vertical wind turbine to have a high power generation efficiency (Cp) in all wind speed ranges from a light breeze range to a normal power generation wind speed. In addition, although it is possible to increase the optimal power generation efficiency (Cp) in a specific wind speed range, it is difficult to increase the power generation efficiency (Cp) in a wide range of wind speeds. Furthermore, it is difficult to generate power in each wind speed range of a light breeze range, a normal power generation wind speed, a strong wind range, and a storm range, and to safely maintain the equipment against large wind pressure. On the other hand, even if the power generation efficiency (Cp) is set extremely low and the configuration is such that power generation is only performed in a storm range, there is a problem that almost no power is generated at a normal power generation wind speed and the equipment cost including the pole increases significantly in order to increase the rigidity of the equipment. In addition, there is a problem that no measures are taken against the noise caused by the wind noise of the blades, and the installation of conventional wind turbines near residential areas is limited.

As described above, conventional vertical wind turbines had the problem that it was extremely difficult to generate electricity over a wide range of wind speeds from light breeze to strong winds, achieve high power generation efficiency (Cp) over that wide range of wind speeds from light breeze to strong winds, and simultaneously maintain safety to keep the equipment safe from strong winds, be quiet, and be compact.
Furthermore, in order to maintain equipment in storm areas, it would be extremely costly to design mechanical parts such as poles, blades, rotating shafts, arms, and brakes, as well as generators, to withstand wind pressure and rotational energy, which meant that equipment costs were too high.
Furthermore, simply reducing the blade diameter in order to reduce wind pressure makes it difficult to optimize power generation efficiency (Cp), and the blade rotation speed becomes too fast, greatly exceeding the capacity of the generator, blades, arms, etc., and there are problems in that it is difficult to set optimal power generation, rotation speed, and rigidity for various wind speed ranges.

Furthermore, when considering the capital investment required for a wind turbine, there was a problem in that unless the power generation efficiency (Cp) was significantly increased compared to conventional vertical wind turbines, the investment payback period would be significantly extended.
Meanwhile, when furling control is performed on horizontal offshore wind turbines to prevent the blades from facing the wind directly in stormy areas, an emergency power source is required to enable furling control even when the blades have stopped. However, there was an issue in that an alternative to diesel engines was needed to provide a stable power supply even in prolonged storms.

Additionally, conventional wind turbines generate a lot of noise due to vortexes and flow separation that occur around the blades, making it difficult to install them near residential areas due to the noise generated late at night, etc.

The inventors have studied this problem and have come to the following conclusion: They thought it might be possible to realize a configuration that would increase the power generation efficiency (Cp) as much as possible across the entire range from light wind areas to normal power generation wind speeds, while at the same time, in strong wind areas and stormy wind areas, taking into consideration the balance between the amount of power generation (power generation efficiency) and equipment maintenance as much as possible.

By adjusting the angle of attack of the blades, the power generation efficiency is greatly improved, and in strong wind and stormy wind areas, not only the angle of attack is adjusted but also the diameter of the blades is changed and controlled, and the blade rotation speed and power generation amount are set taking into consideration the performance of the generator, and the load on the pole, blades, arms, etc. due to wind pressure is also taken into consideration, and the optimal angle of attack for the relative wind speed and the optimal blade diameter for each wind speed range are set in advance. Furthermore, the angle of the blades is adjusted to reduce noise.
The optimal angle of attack may be learned during operation. Furthermore, in light wind areas or when the aircraft is stopped, the blades may be folded to the smallest diameter to secure space, and in strong wind areas the blades may also be folded to the smallest diameter, and in that case, the rotor shaft may be fixed with a brake to ensure even safer maintenance of the equipment.

The present invention provides the following aspects.
The vertical wind power generation system according to the first aspect of the present invention has vertical blades composed of a rotating shaft, a plurality of straight blades arranged parallel to the rotating shaft, an arm that holds the straight blades on the rotating shaft, and an angle-of-attachment adjustment mechanism that changes the attachment angle of the straight blades to the arm, and is configured to adjust the angle of attack of the straight blades with respect to the relative wind speed or the attachment angle with respect to the arm by the angle-of-attachment adjustment mechanism depending on the wind speed, wind direction, rotation angle of the vertical blades, rotation speed of the vertical blades, diameter of the vertical blades, cross-sectional shape of the straight blades, chord length of the straight blades and number of the straight blades in each of the wind speed ranges of light breeze, normal power generation wind speed, strong wind range and storm range.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, by adjusting the optimal attack angle of the vertical blades for the relative wind speed or the mounting angle of the vertical blades to the arms according to the wind speed, wind direction, the rotation angle of the vertical blades, the rotation speed of the vertical blades, the diameter of the vertical blades, the cross-sectional shape of the substantially straight blades, the chord length of the substantially straight blades, and the number of the substantially straight blades, it is possible to significantly improve the rotational energy of the vertical blades or the power generation efficiency (Cp) of the vertical wind power generation system in light wind areas, normal power generation wind speeds, and strong wind areas. Furthermore, in strong wind areas and storm areas, it is possible to set the optimal attack angle of the vertical blades for the relative wind speed while taking into account the wind pressure received by the vertical blades, the rotational energy of the vertical blades, and the rotation speed of the vertical blades, and taking into account the balance between the wind pressure, power generation, and rotation speed.

A vertical wind power generating system according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises a generator and the vertical blades, and the rotating shaft is connected to approximately the center of rotation of the generator.
With the above-described configuration, the vertical blades can rotate efficiently with high precision, making it possible to construct a vertical wind power generation system with little power generation loss from low to high rotation speeds.

The attack angle adjustment mechanism of the vertical wind power generating system according to the third aspect of the present invention is configured to use a motor and a gear and/or a belt, or a linear actuator as a drive source.
According to the above-mentioned configuration, by using a motor such as a stepping motor, a DC motor, or an AC motor and a gear or a belt, or a linear actuator as a drive source, it is possible to realize the attack angle adjustment mechanism with a simple configuration.

In addition, the rotation speed of the vertical blades of the vertical wind power generation system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is detected by a rotation sensor arranged on the rotating shaft or around the generator, and the detection of the wind speed and/or wind direction and the setting value of the angle adjustment are estimated from changes in the rotation torque or output of the vertical blades.
With this configuration, it is possible to eliminate the wind vane and/or the anemometer by estimating the wind speed and direction, and it is also possible to correct calculation errors in the angle of attack, which is the set value for angle adjustment, assembly errors of the vertical blades, installation errors of the vertical wings, etc.

In addition, the set value of the angle adjustment in the vertical wind power generation system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is configured to refer to a numerical value calculated in advance based on an output curve for each wind speed set in advance.
With this configuration, the optimal angle of attack of the vertical blades, or the attachment angle of the vertical blades to the arms, or the angle of attack of the vertical blades with respect to the relative wind speed, can be verified in advance with high accuracy according to the wind speed, wind direction, rotation angle of the vertical blades, rotation speed of the vertical blades, diameter of the vertical blades, cross-sectional shape of the approximately straight blades, chord length of the approximately straight blades, and number of the approximately straight blades. Furthermore, by calculating and preparing these in advance, it becomes possible to quickly and accurately set the angle adjustment setting value according to the wind speed, wind direction, rotation angle of the vertical blades, and rotation speed of the vertical blades.

In addition, in the vertical wind power generation system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the set value of the angle adjustment is estimated from a change in the rotation torque or output of the vertical blades.
This configuration makes it possible to correct calculation errors in the angle of attack, assembly errors in the vertical blades, installation errors in the vertical wings, etc., thereby enabling angle adjustment to be performed with even higher precision.

In addition, a vertical wind power generation system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention has a rotating shaft, a plurality of straight blades arranged parallel to the rotating shaft, an arm that holds the straight blades on the rotating shaft, and a vertical blade composed of the rotating shaft, the arm, and the plurality of straight blades, and is configured to change the blade diameter of the vertical blades by deforming the shape of the arm using a blade diameter changing mechanism that slides or rotates a portion of the arm depending on the wind speed.
This configuration makes it possible to reduce the blade diameter in strong wind or storm areas to reduce wind pressure, and to reduce the blade diameter in light wind areas or when there is no wind, to utilize the extra space. In this way, it is possible to select the optimal blade diameter according to various wind speeds, and it is possible to achieve a high degree of balance between power generation efficiency, power generation amount, and equipment safety.

In addition, the setting values of the blade diameter corresponding to each wind speed in the light breeze zone, normal power generation wind speed, strong wind zone, and storm zone of the vertical wind power generation system according to the eighth aspect of the present invention are configured to refer to numerical values calculated in advance.
With this configuration, the blade diameter can be verified in advance with high accuracy in accordance with the wind speed, and by calculating and preparing it in advance, it is possible to quickly and accurately set the angle adjustment setting value in accordance with the wind speed.

In addition, a vertical wind power generation system according to a ninth aspect of the present invention has the generator and the vertical blade equipped with the angle of attack adjustment mechanism and the blade diameter variable mechanism, and is configured to adjust the angle of attack of the straight blade with respect to the relative wind speed or the attachment angle with respect to the arm by the angle of attack adjustment mechanism and to adjust the blade diameter by the blade diameter variable mechanism depending on the wind speed, wind direction, rotation angle of the vertical blade, rotation speed of the vertical blade, diameter of the vertical blade, cross-sectional shape of the straight blade, chord length of the straight blade and number of the straight blades in each wind speed range of light breeze range, normal power generation wind speed range, strong wind range and storm range.
With this configuration, it is possible to adjust the angle of attack of the straight blades with respect to the relative wind speed or the attachment angle with respect to the arm, and the blade diameter to be optimal depending on the wind speed, wind direction, rotation angle of the vertical blades, rotation speed of the vertical blades, diameter of the vertical blades, cross-sectional shape of the approximately straight blades, chord length of the approximately straight blades, and number of the approximately straight blades, making it possible to achieve a balance between power generation efficiency, power generation amount, and maintaining the safety of the equipment with greater precision.

In addition, the angle adjustment and blade diameter setting values of the vertical wind power generation system according to the tenth aspect of the present invention are configured to refer to numerical values calculated in advance based on an output curve for each pre-set wind speed.
With this configuration, the optimal angle of attack of the vertical blades or the attachment angle of the vertical blades to the arms, or the angle of attack of the vertical blades with respect to the relative wind speed, depending on the wind speed, wind direction, rotation angle of the vertical blades, rotation speed of the vertical blades, diameter of the vertical blades, cross-sectional shape of the approximately straight blades, chord length of the approximately straight blades and number of the approximately straight blades, can be verified in advance with high accuracy, and by calculating and preparing them in advance, it is possible to quickly and accurately set the angle adjustment setting value and the blade diameter depending on the wind speed, wind direction, rotation angle of the vertical blades and rotation speed of the vertical blades.

In addition, in the vertical wind power generation system according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the angle adjustment and the blade diameter setting values corresponding to each wind speed range of a light breeze range, a normal power generation wind speed range, a strong wind range, and a storm range, the blade diameter setting value is set by referring to a numerical value calculated in advance, and the angle adjustment setting value is estimated from a change in the rotational torque or output of the vertical blade.
This configuration makes it possible to correct calculation errors in the angle of attack, which is the setting value for the angle adjustment, assembly errors in the vertical blades, and installation errors in the vertical wing, thereby enabling the angle adjustment to be performed with even higher precision.

In addition, the vertical wind power generation system according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention is configured to have a stop mode in which the blade diameter is minimized and the angle adjustment is performed in pre-set wind speed ranges, namely, when the wind is stopped, in a light breeze range, a normal power generation wind speed range, a strong wind range, and a storm range, and the rotation of the vertical blades is stopped.
This configuration significantly reduces the effect of wind pressure on the vertical blades, the straight wings, the arms, the pole, and the rotating shaft in strong wind or storm areas, and also makes it possible to minimize the space occupied by the vertical wind power generation system in light wind areas or when there is no wind, making it possible to realize a vertical wind power generation system with excellent equipment maintainability and space efficiency.

In addition, the vertical wind power generating system according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is configured such that, in the stop mode, a braking force for preventing rotation of the rotating shaft is generated by a disk brake or the generator.
With this configuration, it is possible to reliably stop the rotation of the vertical blades in the stop mode, and it is possible to realize a vertical wind power generation system with even greater facility maintainability and safety.

The vertical wind power generation system according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is configured to be used as an emergency power source for furling control of a horizontal offshore wind turbine.
With this configuration, even if the blades of the horizontal offshore wind turbine stop in a storm area and power generation stops, it is possible to generate power and supply electricity for furling control, making it possible to realize a vertical wind power generation system with even better equipment maintainability and safety.

A vertical wind power generation system according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is configured to be installed on a part of the pole of the horizontal offshore wind turbine.
With this configuration, it is possible to share the poles of the vertical wind power generation system with the poles of the horizontal offshore wind turbine, which enables a significant reduction in the costs of the emergency power supply for the horizontal offshore wind turbine and the vertical wind power generation system. This makes it possible to achieve an even better balance between cost reduction and safety of the vertical wind power generation system, making it possible to realize a vertical wind power generation system that is even lower cost and safer.

In addition, the vertical wind power generation system according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention is configured such that the set value of the blade diameter is maximum at normal power generation wind speed, the blade diameter is smaller than the set value of the normal power generation wind speed in the light breeze area and the strong wind area, and the blade diameter is set to an even smaller value than that in the strong wind area in the storm area and in the stop mode.
This configuration allows the optimum blade diameter to be selected according to the wind speed, and the optimum power generation efficiency and wind pressure to be selected according to the wind speed. Furthermore, by adjusting the blade diameter and the angle of attack, it is possible to select the optimum power generation efficiency, power generation amount, wind pressure, and quietness.

In addition, in the vertical wind power generation system according to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the gentle breeze area is a wind speed of less than 3 m/s, the normal power generation wind speed is a wind speed of 3 m/s or more and less than 12 m/s, the strong wind area is a wind speed of 12 m/s or more and less than 20 m/s, and the storm area is a wind speed of 20 m/s or more.
This setting makes it possible to select and set the optimal blade diameter and angle of attack for each wind speed. However, this wind speed range setting is only an example, and there is no problem in the effect of the present invention even if the wind speed range for each wind speed is changed.

These configurations make it possible to achieve a well-balanced system of high efficiency, low noise, compact size, space saving, and low cost for vertical wind power generation systems, as well as equipment maintenance measures in strong wind and storm areas, and power generation in strong wind and storm areas. In addition, the system can contribute greatly to the provision of a compact, low-cost, high-performance, and highly reliable equipment maintenance plan for offshore wind turbines as emergency power sources during typhoons and other abnormal weather conditions.

(Embodiment 1)
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and the description thereof will be omitted.

(Embodiment 1)
A vertical wind power generating system according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 8. Fig. 1 to Fig. 8 are schematic diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a vertical wind power generating system 1 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vertical wind power generation system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional configuration of the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional configuration of the blade diameter variable mechanism 13 and the attack angle adjustment mechanism 5 of the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional configuration of the blade diameter variable mechanism 13 and the attack angle adjustment mechanism 5 of the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional configuration of the attack angle adjustment mechanism 5 of the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional configuration of the attack angle adjustment mechanism 5 of the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the attack angle and the relative wind speed (W) of the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the rotation angle (θ) of the straight blade 3 of the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the vertical wind power generation system 1 is composed of a rotating shaft 2, a straight blade 3, an arm 4, an angle-of-attack adjustment mechanism 5, a vertical blade 6, a diameter variable motor 7, a timing belt 8, a rotating holding part 9, a link part 10, a generator 11, a pole 12, a blade diameter variable mechanism 13, an angle-of-attack adjustment motor 14, a brake 15, an angle-of-attack adjustment gear A 16, an angle-of-attack adjustment gear B 17, a pulley A 18, a pulley B 19, a holding part 20, a rotating holding pin 21, an anemometer 22, a wind vane 23, a generator movable part 24, an angle of attack 25, and a blade diameter 26.

The vertical blade 6 has a rotating shaft 2 fixed to the approximate center of rotation of the generator rotating part 24 of the generator 11, and the generator 11 (fixed part of the generator) is fixed to the pole 12. A brake 15 is attached near the vertical blade 6 and the generator rotating part 24 of the generator 11 or near the rotating shaft 2, and the (mechanical) brake 15 is used when braking. The brake function may be substituted by the lock function of the generator 11. The vertical blade 6 is composed of an arm 4 fixed to the rotating shaft 2 and a plurality of straight blades 3 fixed to the arm 4. The arm 4 has a blade diameter changing mechanism 13 composed of a diameter changing motor 7, a link part 10, a pulley A 18, a pulley B 19, and a timing belt 8, and the blade diameter 26 (D in the figure) of the vertical blade 6 can be changed by rotating the arm 4 on the rotating side from the pulley A 18 and pulley B 19 of the output of the diameter changing motor 7 via the link part 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the blade diameter varying mechanism 13 may be configured such that an arm 4 on the outer periphery side fixed to a link portion 10 (which may be a motor shaft) of a diameter varying motor 7 fixed to the arm 4 rotates.

Furthermore, the angle-of-attack adjustment mechanism 5 is composed of an angle-of-attack adjustment motor 14, an angle-of-attack adjustment gear A 16, an angle-of-attack adjustment gear B 17 fixed to the straight wing 3, and a rotating holding part 9 for holding the straight wing 3 rotatably on the arm 4, and the straight wing 3 is held on the arm 4 in a state where the angle of attack 25 is adjustable.

Figures 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams showing a configuration in which the arm 4 rotatably holds the straight blade 3. In this case, as shown in Figure 5 or 6, the straight blade 3 is held in a rotatable state on the arm 4 by a rotation holding part 9 and a rotation holding pin 21 fixed to the straight blade 3, and the center of rotation may be outside the straight blade 3 as shown in Figure 5, or may be inside the straight blade 3 as shown in Figure 6. When the rotation center is configured inside the straight blade 3 as shown in Figure 6, the rotation holding part 9, the rotation holding pin 21, and part of the arm 4 are configured inside the straight blade 3.

7 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the fluid forces (lift and drag) generated on the straight blade 3, the wind speeds, and the angles. This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the wind speed (V), blade rotation speed (m/s: or rotation speed rpm), relative wind speed (W), attack angle 25 (α), lift, drag, attachment angle, and pitch angle (ψ) on the straight blade 3 held by the arm 4. The relative wind speed (W: m/s) is a combination of the wind speed (V: m/s) and the blade rotation speed (m/s), and the attack angle 25 (α) is the angle of the straight blade 3 (center line) with respect to the relative wind speed (W). The attachment angle is the angle between the arm 4 and the straight blade 3, and the pitch angle (ψ) is the angle between the tangent to the rotation direction of the straight blade 3 and the straight blade 3 (center line).

On the other hand, Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a top view of the vertical blade 6 showing the rotation trajectory of the vertical blade 6, and shows the relationship between the rotation direction of the vertical blade 6 and the straight blade 3, the vertical blade rotation angle (θ), the length of the straight blade 3 (C), the diameter (D) of the vertical blade 6, the wind speed (V), the pitch angle (ψ), and the setting angle.
Each wind speed is defined as a light breeze range (less than 3 m/s), a normal power generation wind speed (3 m/s or more to less than 12 m/s), a strong wind range (12 m/s or more to less than 20 m/s), and a storm range (20 m/s or more), and the power generation efficiency (Cp) at each wind speed is maximized or optimized by calculating the angle of attack 25 (α: installation angle, or pitch angle) in the light breeze and strong wind ranges, taking into consideration conditions such as the wind direction detected by the anemometer 23, the wind speed detected by the anemometer 22, the blade rotation speed (m/s: calculated from the blade diameter 26 and the rotation speed of the vertical blades 5), the relative wind speed (m/s) calculated from the wind speed and the blade rotation speed, the vertical blade rotation angle (θ), the blade diameter 26, the characteristics of the blade shape of the vertical blades 3 (lift coefficient, drag coefficient, etc.), the length of the vertical blades 3 (C), and the number of straight blades 3.

In addition, to calculate the angle of attack 25 (α) that maximizes or optimizes the power generation efficiency (Cp) by varying the vertical blade diameter 26 (D) for each wind speed, the calculation takes into consideration conditions such as the wind direction detected by the anemometer 23, the wind speed detected by the anemometer 22, the blade rotation speed (m/s: calculated from the vertical blade diameter and rotation speed), the relative wind speed (m/s) calculated from the wind speed and the blade rotation speed, the vertical blade rotation angle (θ), the vertical blade diameter 26, the characteristics of the blade shape of the vertical blades 3 (lift coefficient and drag coefficient, etc.), the length (C) of the vertical blades 3, and the number of straight blades 3.
The settings of each wind speed range shown in the first embodiment are merely examples, and the effects of the present invention will not be affected even if the range of wind speed for each wind speed is changed.

In this embodiment, the angle of attack 25 (α) is calculated using the so-called multi-flow double actuator method shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a vertical wind turbine with the multi-flow tube double actuator method applied, viewed from above. A laminar flow tube is shown with an actuator surface imaginary at each of the upstream and downstream positions where the blade rotation circle intersects with each flow tube, and the blade element momentum theory is applied to each flow tube. That is, the rotation torque is calculated for each flow tube from the relationship between the momentum difference of the fluid at the inlet and outlet of each flow tube and the fluid force acting on the blade installed on the actuator surface shown in Fig. 9, and the sum of the torques is calculated as the rotation torque of the entire blade.

When the vertical blade 6 is stopped, the blade diameter 26 (D) is set to an appropriate value between the maximum and minimum, and the blade diameter 26 (D) is made as small as possible, thereby making it possible to secure space.
In light wind areas, the blade diameter 26 (D) is reduced and the solidity (the ratio of the sum of the lengths (C) of the vertical blades 3 to the circumference) is increased to make the blade easier to rotate, or the angle of attack 25 (α) is adjusted to rotate the blade mainly by the drag. Generally, by increasing the solidity of the blade, the rotation speed at which maximum efficiency is achieved is lowered and the gaps in the blade are reduced at the start of rotation, making the blade easier to rotate.
At normal power generation wind speeds, it is possible to significantly improve the amount of power generation by making the blade diameter 26 as large as possible using the blade diameter variable mechanism 13 and setting the angle of attack 25 (α) to a value that maximizes the power generation efficiency (Cp) using the angle of attack adjustment mechanism 5. In this case, the angle of attack 25 (α) may be set to an angle that maximizes the power generation efficiency (Cp) as much as possible, and it is not necessary to change the angle of attack 25 (α) more than necessary (to an angle that maximizes the efficiency).

In a strong wind area, the blade diameter 26 is set in advance by the blade diameter variable mechanism 13 according to the wind speed, and the blade diameter 26 is adjusted to the angle of attack 25 (α) set in advance according to the blade diameter 26. At this time, the blade diameter 26 and the angle of attack 25 are set in advance for each wind speed based on the stress on the mechanical parts due to the wind pressure, the performance of the generator 11, and the power generation efficiency (Cp) calculated from the required power generation amount, and the blade diameter variable mechanism 13 adjusts the blade diameter 26 and the angle of attack adjustment mechanism 5 adjusts the angle of attack 25. Therefore, in addition to reducing the wind pressure by reducing the blade diameter 26, the angle of attack 25 is adjusted to reduce the wind pressure and adjust the power generation efficiency (Cp). If only the blade diameter 26 is reduced and the angle of attack 25 is not optimized, the rotation speed, power generation amount, and wind pressure of the vertical blade 6 will become too large, so it is necessary to make the blade diameter 26 variable and adjust the angle of attack 25 together.

In a storm zone, the blade diameter 26 of the blade diameter variable mechanism 13 is set in advance according to the wind speed, and the blade diameter 26 is adjusted to the angle of attack 25 set in advance according to the blade diameter 26. At this time, the blade diameter 26 and the angle of attack 25 are set in advance for each wind speed based on the stress on the mechanical parts due to the wind pressure, the performance of the generator 11, and the power generation efficiency (Cp) calculated from the required power generation amount, and the blade diameter 26 is adjusted by the blade diameter variable mechanism 13, and the angle of attack 25 is adjusted by the angle of attack adjustment mechanism 5. Therefore, in addition to reducing the wind pressure by reducing the blade diameter 26, the angle of attack 25 is adjusted to reduce the wind pressure and adjust the power generation efficiency (Cp). Furthermore, in a storm zone, there is a stop mode in which the rotation of the vertical blades 6 is stopped and the vertical blades 6 are protected by locking the rotation of the brake 15 or the generator 11.

10 and 11 are diagrams showing the variable state of the blade diameter 26 of the vertical blade 6 at each wind speed in the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the embodiment 1. There is no problem in varying the blade diameter 26 in the light breeze range and the normal power generation wind speed depending on the situation.

12 is a diagram showing an overview of the change in rotational energy (Kw) of the vertical blades 6 (change in power generation amount or power generation efficiency) due to the adjustment of the attack angle 25 of the straight blades 3 in a strong wind area or a storm wind area, the adjustment of the attack angle 25 of the straight blades 3, and the adjustment of the blade diameter 26 of the vertical blades 6 in the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment. Measures 1 and 2 adjust the attack angle 26 and/or the blade diameter 26 in a strong wind area or a storm wind area, thereby suppressing the rotational energy (Kw) and significantly reducing the wind pressure acting on the vertical blades 6 and the poles 12, thereby making it possible to realize stable power generation in a strong wind area or a storm wind area and highly reliable equipment maintenance of the vertical wind power generation system 1.

13 is a diagram showing an overview of the change in rotational energy (Kw) of the vertical blades 6 (change in power generation amount or power generation efficiency) by adjusting the angle of attack 25 of the straight blades 3 in a strong wind area or a storm area, adjusting the angle of attack 25 of the straight blades 3, and adjusting the blade diameter 26 of the vertical blades 6 in the vertical wind power generation system 1 according to the first embodiment. Measures 1 and 2 adjust the angle of attack 25 and/or the blade diameter 26 in a strong wind area or a storm area to suppress the rotational energy (Kw) and to control the rotational energy and the rotation speed of the vertical blades 6, thereby enabling highly accurate power generation in a strong wind area or a storm area, preventing the vertical blades 6 from running out of control, and significantly reducing the load on the mechanical parts of the vertical blades 6 and the generator 11, thereby enabling stable power generation with high power generation amount accuracy in a strong wind area or a storm area and more reliable equipment maintenance of the vertical wind power generation system 1.

FIG. 14 shows an example of setting the blade diameter 26 (D) using a link system (mechanism) having the link portion 10 when the turbine is stopped, in a light wind area, a normal wind speed area, a strong wind area, and a storm area.
In FIG. 14 , when the turbine is stopped, blade diameter 26 (D) is small to improve space efficiency or to reduce the effects of wind pressure, blade diameter 26 (D) is small in a light breeze to improve starting performance and power generation efficiency, blade diameter 26 (D) is relatively large in normal wind speeds to improve power generation efficiency, blade diameter 26 (D) is relatively small in strong wind areas to reduce the effects of wind pressure and to adjust the amount of power generation (power generation efficiency), and blade diameter 26 (D) is even smaller in stormy wind areas to reduce the effects of wind pressure.

The setting values and examples of the blade rotation angle and blade attack angle for each wind speed range are shown in Figure 15. To maximize power generation efficiency, the change in the attack angle in a light wind range is larger than the change in the attack angle at normal power generation wind speed. Also, since the power generation efficiency decreases in a strong wind range, the change in the attack angle in a strong wind range is larger than the change in the attack angle at normal power generation wind speed.

In the first embodiment, the blade diameter 26 (D) in a light breeze region is smaller than the blade diameter 26 (D) in a normal power generation wind speed, but there is no problem if they are the same.

In the first embodiment, the generator 11 is of an outer rotor type, but it may be of an inner rotor type.

In the first embodiment, the number of the straight blades 3 in the vertical blade 6 is two, but any number greater than or equal to two may be used.

Although the timing belt 8 is used in the first embodiment, a belt without any irregularities may also be used.

In the first embodiment, the angle-of-attack adjustment mechanism 5 uses two gears, the angle-of-attack adjustment gear 1 and the angle-of-attack adjustment gear 2, but a belt may be used or any other rotating mechanism may be used.

In the first embodiment, the blade diameter varying mechanism 13 is configured to fold the outer peripheral arm 4 via the link portion 10 in a link system, but it may be configured to change the radius and diameter using a linear actuator.

In the first embodiment, the angle-of-attack adjustment mechanism 5 is composed of the angle-of-attack adjustment motor 14, the angle-of-attack adjustment gear A16, and the angle-of-attack adjustment gear B17 fixed to the straight wing 3, and the rotating holder 9, and the straight wing 3 is configured so that the angle of attack is adjusted on the arm 4; however, the angle-of-attack adjustment motor 14, the angle-of-attack adjustment gear A16, and the angle-of-attack adjustment gear B17 fixed to the straight wing 3 may be replaced with a linear actuator, and the angle of attack may be adjusted by the linear actuator and the rotating holder 9.

In addition, in embodiment 1, the adjustment value for the angle of attack 25 in each wind speed range is calculated in advance, but it is also possible to learn and predict the adjustment amount for the angle of attack 25 from the changes in the rotation speed of the vertical blades 6, the changes in rotational energy, and the changes in power generation.

In addition, in embodiment 1, the wind speed and wind direction are detected by the anemometer 22 and the wind vane 23, respectively. However, it is also possible to omit the anemometer 22 and/or the wind vane 23 and learn and predict the wind direction and wind speed from the adjustment amount to the angle of attack 25, the change in the rotation speed of the vertical blades 6, the change in rotational energy, and the change in the amount of power generation.

(Embodiment 2)
Second Embodiment A vertical wind power generation system 1 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
16 and 17 are diagrams showing a vertical wind power generation system 1 attached to a main pole as an emergency power source for a large wind turbine during a storm, etc. In Fig. 16, the vertical wind power generation system 1 is used as an emergency power source for performing furling control (rotation control of the large wind turbine blade surface) to reduce the wind pressure received by the large wind turbine blade when the rotation of the large wind turbine blade of the large wind turbine stops and power generation is not performed during a storm, etc., and a plurality of vertical wind power generation systems 1 are attached to the main pole by the main pole fixing part 25 and the wind turbine fixing part 25, and angle control of the attack angle 25 and/or length control of the blade diameter 26 (D) are performed.

This configuration allows stable furling control even during long-term strong winds, and the vertical wind power generation system 1 is supported by the wind turbine connection part 28, which has a significantly smaller and shorter pole 12, making it possible to achieve significant cost reductions, and enables equipment maintenance and cost reduction for the large wind turbine and vertical wind power generation system 1.

In Fig. 17, the fixed part of the generator 11 is attached to the main pole, and the straight blades 3 and the arms 4 are attached to the generator rotating part 24 of the generator 11, and the angle of attack 25 and/or the length of the blade diameter 26 (D) are controlled. With this configuration, only one vertical wind power generation system 1 is required to be installed as an emergency power source, which further simplifies and reduces costs, and further improves the reliability of equipment maintenance in strong wind and storm areas.
Although a vertical wind turbine is installed in the second embodiment, a horizontal wind turbine may be installed and used to track wind direction in synchronization with the furling control of a large wind turbine.

From the above description, many improvements and other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description should be construed as merely illustrative and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode for carrying out the present invention. Details of the structure and/or function thereof may be substantially changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a vertical wind power generation system that uses an angle of attack adjustment mechanism and a blade diameter variable mechanism to significantly improve power generation efficiency while also enhancing control performance, power generation performance, and equipment maintenance performance in strong wind areas and storm areas.The system has excellent power generation performance, reliability, quietness, economy, and equipment maintainability, and is an effective technology toward a decarbonized society, and can be used as an emergency power source for offshore and onshore wind power, a small power source device for smart cities and homes, and even as a wind speed sensor in urban spaces.

Reference Signs List 1 Vertical wind power generation system 2 Rotating shaft 3 Straight blade 4 Arm 5 Attack angle adjustment mechanism 6 Vertical blade 7 Diameter variable motor 8 Timing belt 9 Rotational holding part 10 Link part 11 Generator 12 Pole 13 Blade diameter variable mechanism 14 Attack angle adjustment motor 15 Brake 16 Attack angle adjustment gear 1
17 Angle of attack adjustment gear 2
18 Pulley 1
19 Pulley 2
20 Holding part 21 Rotating holding pin 22 Anemometer 23 Wind vane 24 Generator rotating part 25 Angle of attack (α)
26 Blade diameter (D)
27 Main pole fixing part 28 Wind turbine connection part

Claims (12)

A vertical wind power generation system comprising vertical blades including a rotating shaft, a plurality of straight blades arranged parallel to the rotating shaft, arms that hold the straight blades on the rotating shaft, and an angle-of-attachment adjustment mechanism that varies the mounting angle of the straight blades relative to the arms, wherein the angle-of-attachment adjustment mechanism adjusts the angle of attack of the straight blades relative to the relative wind speed or the mounting angle of the straight blades relative to the arms in accordance with the wind speed, wind direction, rotation angle of the vertical blades, rotation speed of the vertical blades, diameter of the vertical blades, cross-sectional shape of the straight blades, chord length of the straight blades, and number of the straight blades in each of the wind speed ranges of light breeze, normal power generation wind speed, strong wind, and storm, and the diameter of the vertical blades is varied by deforming the shape of the arms using a blade diameter variable mechanism that slides or rotates a portion of the arms in accordance with the wind speed. 2. The vertical wind power generating system according to claim 1, comprising a generator and said vertical blades, said rotating shaft being connected to approximately the center of rotation of said generator. 3. The vertical wind power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the attack angle adjustment mechanism is driven by a motor and a gear and/or a belt, or a linear actuator. The vertical wind power generation system according to claim 2, characterized in that the rotation speed of the vertical blades is detected by a rotation sensor arranged around the rotating shaft or the generator , the wind speed and/or wind direction is detected, and the setting value of the angle adjustment is estimated from a change in the rotation torque or output of the vertical blades. 5. The vertical wind power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the set value for the angle adjustment is calculated in advance based on a preset output curve for each wind speed. 5. The vertical wind power generating system according to claim 1, wherein the set value for the angle adjustment is estimated from a change in rotation torque or output of the vertical blades. 2. The vertical wind power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the diameters of the vertical blades corresponding to the wind speeds of a light breeze area, a normal power generation wind speed, a strong wind area, and a storm area are determined by referring to values calculated in advance. The vertical wind power generation system according to claim 7, characterized in that the angle adjustment and the diameter of the vertical blades are based on values calculated in advance based on a preset output curve for each wind speed. A vertical wind power generation system as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, in the angle adjustment and the diameter of the vertical blade corresponding to each wind speed range of a light breeze range, a normal power generation wind speed, a strong wind range, and a storm range, the diameter of the vertical blade is referred to a numerical value calculated in advance, and the setting value of the angle adjustment is estimated from a change in the rotational torque or output of the vertical blade. The vertical wind power generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it has a stop mode in which the diameter of the vertical blades is minimized and the angle is adjusted in a pre-set wind speed range in each of a wind stop state, a light breeze range, a normal power generation wind speed range, a strong wind range, and a storm range, and the rotation of the vertical blades is stopped. In the normal power generation wind speed, the diameter of the vertical blade is set to a maximum, in the light wind area and the strong wind area, the diameter of the vertical blade is set to a value smaller than the set value of the normal power generation wind speed, and in the storm area and in the stop mode, the vertical blade is set to a value smaller than the set value of the normal power generation wind speed. 11. The vertical wind power generating system according to claim 10, wherein the diameter of the straight blade is set to a value smaller than that of the strong wind area. The vertical wind power generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the gentle breeze area has a wind speed of less than 3 m/s, the normal power generation wind speed has a wind speed of 3 m/s or more and less than 12 m/s, the strong wind area has a wind speed of 12 m/s or more and less than 20 m/s, and the storm area has a wind speed of 20 m/s or more.