JP7685892B2 - Power generating unit enclosure - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an enclosure for a power generation unit that houses a power generation unit consisting of a generator and a power generation source that drives the generator.

The power generation unit is mainly used outdoors while housed inside a housing called a power generation unit enclosure. The power generation unit enclosure is configured to supply intake air drawn in from the outside to the power generation unit, but if this intake air contains rainwater, it may have a negative effect on the power generation unit. For this reason, the power generation unit enclosure is designed with various measures to remove rainwater contained in the intake air drawn in from the outside. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that the power generation unit enclosure is provided with louvers at the entrance of an intake duct that draws in intake air from the outside.

JP 2018-091184 A

However, providing louvers at the intake duct entrance reduces the opening area of the intake duct entrance, and the flow rate of the intake air passing through the intake duct entrance increases. This increases the amount of rainwater that is sucked into the intake duct, which may have a negative effect on the power generation unit.

This disclosure was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an enclosure for a power generation unit that can suppress adverse effects on the power generation unit.

In order to achieve the above object, the present disclosure provides an enclosure for a power generating unit, comprising:
An enclosure for a power generation unit that houses a power generation unit including a generator and a power generation source that drives the generator,
a main body having a power chamber therein capable of accommodating the generator and the power generation source;
an intake duct portion in which an intake passage through which intake air supplied to the power chamber flows is formed;
a louver disposed in the intake passage,
The louver is located downstream in the flow direction of the intake air from an inlet of the intake passage that is open to the atmosphere.

The power generation unit enclosure disclosed herein can reduce adverse effects on the power generation unit.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the power generation unit enclosure according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an intake duct portion according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an inlet of an intake passage according to the first embodiment. 11A to 11C are diagrams for explaining the installation positions of louvers according to some embodiments. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an intake duct portion according to a second embodiment. A schematic diagram showing the configuration of a first louver structure according to a second embodiment. A schematic diagram showing the configuration of a second louver structure according to a second embodiment. A schematic diagram showing the configuration of a first louver structure according to an embodiment different from the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a louver according to a third embodiment. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating the configuration of louvers according to some embodiments. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating the configuration of louvers according to some embodiments. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating the configuration of louvers according to some embodiments. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an intake duct portion according to some embodiments.

The following describes an enclosure for a power generation unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. This embodiment shows one aspect of the present disclosure and does not limit the disclosure, and can be modified as desired within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure.

First Embodiment
(Configuration of the power generation unit enclosure)
Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a power generating unit enclosure 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the power generating unit enclosure 1 is a housing that houses a power generating unit 7 including a generator 8 and a power generating source 9 that drives the generator 8. The power generating source 9 is, for example, an engine that drives the generator 8 by burning fuel. Note that the present disclosure does not limit the power generating source 9 to an engine. For example, the power generating source 9 may be a turbine such as a gas turbine.

The power generating unit enclosure 1 comprises a main body 2 having a box shape and an internal power chamber 6 capable of housing a generator 8 and a power generating source 9, an intake duct section 3 through which intake air G1 supplied to the power chamber 6 flows and in which an intake passage 10 is formed including an inlet 10a opening downward into the atmosphere and an outlet 10b opening downward into the power chamber 6, and a louver 20 arranged in the intake passage 10.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the power generating unit enclosure 1 further includes an exhaust duct section 4 and a muffler 5. The exhaust duct section 4 has an exhaust passage 11 formed therein through which the exhaust G2 discharged from the power chamber 6 flows, and is disposed on the opposite side of the main body section 2 to the intake duct section 3. The muffler 5 is connected to the power generating source 9 (engine) via a muffler duct section 17, and is disposed above the main body section 2. With this configuration, the intake air G1 supplied to the power chamber 6 can flow through the exhaust duct section 4 after cooling the engine and can be discharged to the atmosphere, and can also flow through the muffler 5 after being burned with fuel in the engine and discharged to the atmosphere.

Hereinafter, the direction from the exhaust duct section 4 of the power generation unit enclosure 1 toward the intake duct section 3 is referred to as the forward direction, and the direction from the intake duct section 3 of the power generation unit enclosure 1 toward the exhaust duct section 4 is referred to as the rearward direction. The front-to-rear direction of the power generation unit enclosure 1 is referred to as the "front-to-rear direction X1". The vertical direction of the power generation unit enclosure 1 is referred to as the "vertical direction X2". The width direction of the power generation unit enclosure 1 is referred to as the "width direction X3". One side of the width direction X3 is referred to as the left, and the other side of the width direction X3 is referred to as the right.

Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the intake duct section 3 according to the first embodiment. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the intake duct section 3 includes a vertical section 12 and a horizontal section 14.

The vertical section 12 has a cylindrical shape, and a vertical passage 13 is formed inside, extending upward from the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10. In other words, the lower end 16a of the vertical section 12 forms the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10. The lower end 16a of the vertical section 12 is located above the lower end of the front surface 2a of the front side of the main body section 2 in the vertical direction X2 (see FIG. 1), and the distance between the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10 and the ground is a certain value or more (e.g., 1 m or more). The upper end 16b of the vertical section 12 is located at the same height as the upper end of the front surface 2a of the front side of the main body section 2 in the vertical direction X2 (see FIG. 1).

The horizontal section 14 has a horizontal passage 15 formed inside it downstream of the vertical passage 13, which communicates with the vertical passage 13. The horizontal section 14 is connected to the upper surface 2b of the main body 2, and the horizontal passage 15 communicates with the power chamber 6 via an opening 2c formed in the upper surface 2b of the main body 2 (see FIG. 1). In other words, the horizontal passage 15 includes the outlet 10b of the intake passage 10. The horizontal passage 15 extends along the front-rear direction X1, and brings the intake air G1 that has flowed through the vertical passage 13 closer to the power chamber 6.

The louvers 20 are located downstream of the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10 in the flow direction of the intake air G1. In the first embodiment, the louvers 20 are arranged in the vertical passage 13. The louvers 20 arranged in the vertical passage 13 are located on the lower end 16a side of the vertical section 12 in the vertical direction X2. The louvers 20 are arranged in the vertical passage 13 so as to be approximately parallel to the front-rear direction X1.

Here, the installation position of the louver 20 will be specifically described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10 according to the first embodiment, in which the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10 is viewed from below. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. That is, the inner peripheral edge 22 of the lower end 16a of the vertical portion 12 has a rectangular shape similar to the shape of the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10. In addition, the outer peripheral edge 24 of the lower end 16a of the vertical portion 12 has a rectangular shape. The vertical portion 12 extends from the lower end 16a to the upper end 16b while maintaining the shape of the inner peripheral edge 22 and the shape of the outer peripheral edge 24 of the lower end 16a. That is, the vertical portion 12 has a square tube shape. With this configuration, the thickness of the vertical portion 12 is reduced, and the weight and cost of the power generation unit enclosure 1 are reduced.

The following description will be given using an example in which the vertical portion 12 has a rectangular cylindrical shape, but the present disclosure does not limit the vertical portion 12 to a rectangular cylindrical shape. For example, the vertical portion 12 may have a cylindrical shape.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the vertical section 12 includes a rear wall 21, a front wall 23, a left wall 25, and a right wall 27. The rear wall 21 is located rearward of the front wall 23. In the front-rear direction X1, the rear wall 21 is located on the opposite side of the vertical passage 13 from the front wall 23. The left wall 25 and the right wall 27 each connect the rear wall 21 and the front wall 23. The left wall 25 is located leftward of the right wall 27. In the width direction X3, the left wall 25 is located on the opposite side of the vertical passage 13 from the right wall 27. The vertical passage 13 is formed by being surrounded by the rear wall 21, the front wall 23, the left wall 25, and the right wall 27.

Let A be the area of the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10, and D be the diameter of an imaginary circle having area A. As shown in FIG. 2, if a position P1 in the vertical passage 13 is D/4 above the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10, the louver 20 is located above position P1. In another embodiment, the louver 20 is disposed in the vertical passage 13 such that the lower end of the louver 20 is located at the same height as position P1 in the vertical direction X2.

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, if a position P2 in the vertical passage 13 is D/2 above the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10, the louver 20 is located above position P1 and below position P2.

(Functions and Effects of Power Generation Unit Enclosures)
According to the first embodiment, the louvers 20 arranged in the vertical passage 13 are located downstream in the flow direction of the intake air G1 from the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10. Therefore, the opening area of the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10 is reduced by installing the louvers 20, and the flow speed of the intake air G1 flowing through the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10 can be prevented from increasing. This reduces the amount of rainwater sucked into the intake duct portion 3 via the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10, and prevents the adverse effects of the rainwater contained in the intake air G1 on the power generation unit 7.

Even if the louvers 20 are located downstream of the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10 in the flow direction of the intake air G1, if the louvers 20 are located very close to the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10, the flow speed of the intake air G1 flowing through the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10 will be increased. This may reduce the effect of suppressing the amount of rainwater sucked into the intake duct section 3. According to the first embodiment, the louvers 20 are located further above position P1, which is D/4 above the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10. This can suppress the increase in the flow speed of the intake air G1 flowing through the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10, and suppress the amount of rainwater sucked into the intake duct section 3.

The intake duct section 3 removes rainwater contained in the intake air G1 by causing the intake air G1 drawn into the intake duct section 3 to collide with the wall surface of the intake passage 10. However, if the position of the louver 20 is too far from the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10, it becomes difficult to cause the intake air G1 drawn into the intake duct section 3 to collide with the wall surface of the intake passage 10. In particular, it becomes difficult to cause the intake air G1 that has flowed through the louver 20 to collide with the wall surface of the vertical passage 13 (the inner wall surface of the rear wall 21, the front wall 23, the left wall 25, or the right wall 27), and there is a risk that the effect of removing rainwater will be reduced. According to the first embodiment, the louver 20 is located below the position P2 that is D/2 above the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10. Therefore, the intake air G1 that has flowed through the louver 20 can be caused to collide with the wall surface of the vertical passage 13, thereby removing rainwater contained in the intake air G1.

Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the installation position of the louver 20 according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 4, in some embodiments, if the cross-sectional area of the vertical passage 13 at the position P3 where the louver 20 is placed in the vertical direction X2 is B, the distance from the louver 20 to the lower end 16a of the vertical section 12 is L1, and the distance from the louver 20 to the upper end 16b of the vertical section 12 is L2, then L1 < (√B)/2 < L2 is satisfied. Note that while satisfying L1 < (√B)/2 < L2, the louver 20 may be located within a range of D/4 or more from the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10.

According to the findings of the inventors, it has been found that by satisfying L1 < (√B)/2 < L2, the amount of rainwater sucked into the intake duct section 3 can be suppressed and the size of the power generation unit enclosure 1 can be suppressed. To be more specific, if (√B)/2 > L2, the intake air G1 that has flowed through the louver 20 may be supplied to the power chamber 6 without colliding with the wall surface of the vertical passage 13 above the louver 20. In addition, the cross-sectional area B of the vertical passage 13 at position P3 becomes larger, and the dimension of the vertical section 12 becomes larger, and the dimension of the horizontal section 14 connected to the vertical section 12 becomes larger. In other words, the intake duct section 3 becomes very large, and the power generation unit enclosure 1 may become large. In addition, if L1 > L2, the intake air G1 that has flowed through the louver 20 may be supplied to the power chamber 6 without colliding with the wall surface of the vertical passage 13 above the louver 20.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, L1 < (√B)/2 < L2 is satisfied, so the amount of rainwater sucked into the intake duct portion 3 can be reduced while preventing the power generation unit enclosure 1 from becoming too large.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the power generation unit enclosure 1 further includes a filter device 50 provided between the inlet 10a of the intake passage 10 and the louver 20. The filter device 50 includes a mesh-shaped first flat plate member 52 arranged at an angle to the cross-sectional direction of the intake passage 10 so that one end is located upstream of the intake passage 10 relative to the other end in the front-rear direction X1, and a mesh-shaped second flat plate member 54, one end of which is connected to the other end of the first flat plate member 52, and one end of which is located downstream of the intake passage 10 relative to the other end. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the power generation unit enclosure 1 includes two filter devices 50 arranged along the front-rear direction X1. The first flat plate member 52 is located rearward of the second flat plate member 54. The filter device 50 is configured to have an inverted V shape with a first flat plate member 52 and a second flat plate member 54.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the filter device 50 has the first flat plate member 52 and the second flat plate member 54 arranged at an angle to the cross-sectional direction of the intake passage 10, and therefore the cross-sectional area through which the intake air G1 passes is larger than that of a conventional filter device in which mesh-like flat plate members are arranged along the cross-sectional direction of the same intake passage 10. This reduces the pressure loss of the intake air G1, and accordingly makes it possible to make the intake duct section 3 more compact.

In the first embodiment, the outlet 10b of the intake passage 10 opens downward, but the present disclosure is not limited to this form. As shown in FIG. 9, the outlet 10b of the intake passage 10 may open sideways. In this case, the intake duct portion 3 has, for example, a box shape. In this case, the intake passage 10 communicates with the power chamber 6 through, for example, an opening formed in the front surface 2a of the main body portion 2.

Second Embodiment
A power generating unit enclosure 1 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, the configuration of the louver 20 according to the first embodiment is further limited. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

(Louver configuration)
5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the intake duct portion 3 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the louver 20 includes a first region 26 that guides the flow direction of the intake air G1 that has flowed through the louver 20 in a first direction Y1, and a second region 28 that guides the flow direction of the intake air G1 that has flowed through the louver 20 in a second direction Y2 that is different from the first direction Y1.

The first region 26 of the louver 20 is located rearward of the second region 28 of the louver 20. In other words, the first region 26 of the louver 20 is located closer to the power chamber 6 than the second region 28 of the louver 20.

The intake air G1 that flows through the first region 26 of the louver 20 is guided rearward. In other words, the first direction Y1 is the direction toward the power chamber 6. The intake air G1 that flows through the second region 28 of the louver 20 is guided forward. In other words, the second direction Y2 is the direction away from the power chamber 6.

In the second embodiment, the second direction Y2 is opposite to the first direction Y1, but the present disclosure is not limited to this form. In some embodiments, the intake air G1 that flows through the second region 28 of the louver 20 is guided to the left or right. In other words, the second direction Y2 is a direction that intersects with the first direction Y1.

In the second embodiment, the louver 20 includes a first louver structure 30 that defines the first region 26 and a second louver structure 32 that defines the second region 28. The first louver structure 30 and the second louver structure 32 are each configured as separate parts and are removable from the louver 20. In another embodiment, the louver 20 is configured as a single part that includes the first region 26 and the second region 28.

Figure 6A is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a first louver structure 30 according to the second embodiment. Figure 6B is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a second louver structure 32 according to the second embodiment. Figure 6C is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a first louver structure 30 according to an embodiment different from the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the first louver structure 30 includes a plurality of first blades 34. Each of the plurality of first blades 34 is arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction X1. Each of the plurality of first blades 34 is inclined in the flow direction of the intake air G1 such that the upstream end 35a is located forward of the downstream end 35b. The first louver structure 30 includes a first holder (not shown) that holds the plurality of first blades 34.

The first louver structure 30 is not limited to the form illustrated in FIG. 6A as long as it is configured to guide the intake air G1 flowing through the first louver structure 30 in the first direction Y1. As shown in FIG. 6C, the first louver structure 30 includes a plurality of first slats 34, an upstream guide 37 extending forward from the upstream end 35a of the first slat 34, and a downstream guide 39 extending rearward from the downstream end 35b of the first slat 34. With this configuration, the first louver structure 30 can be easily adjusted in the first direction Y1 while increasing rigidity compared to a case in which the first slat 34 does not include the upstream guide 37 and the downstream guide 39. Furthermore, the first louver structure 30 can prevent rainwater from entering the intake passage 10 by causing the rainwater to collide with the upstream guide 37 and the downstream guide 39.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the second louver structure 32 includes a plurality of second blades 36. Each of the plurality of second blades 36 is arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction X1. Each of the plurality of second blades 36 is inclined in the flow direction of the intake air G1 such that the upstream end 37a is located rearward of the downstream end 37b. The second louver structure 32 includes a second holder (not shown) that holds the plurality of second blades 36.

The second louver structure 32 is not limited to the form illustrated in FIG. 6B as long as it is configured to guide the intake air G1 flowing through the second louver structure 32 in the second direction Y2. Although not shown, in one embodiment, the second louver structure 32 has a plurality of second blades 36, and includes an upstream guide extending rearward from the upstream end 37a of the second blades 36, and a downstream guide extending forward from the downstream end 37b of the second blades 36.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the second embodiment, the intake duct section 3 is arranged in the vertical passage 13 and further includes a plate-shaped partition plate 40 extending along the vertical direction X2. The partition plate 40 is located above the louver 20. The partition plate 40 extends from the upper end of the louver 20 to the upper end 16b of the vertical section 12, and divides the vertical passage 13 above the louver 20 into a first vertical passage 42 and a second vertical passage 44. The first vertical passage 42 is located behind the second vertical passage (toward the power chamber 6). With this configuration, the intake air G1 that has flowed through the louver 20 is collided with the partition plate 40, thereby further removing rainwater contained in the intake air supplied to the power chamber 6.

(Action and Effects)
According to the second embodiment, compared to the case where the intake air G1 that has flowed through the louvers 20 is guided in one direction, it is possible to increase the area of the wall surface of the intake passage 10 (particularly the vertical passage 13) against which the intake air G1 drawn into the intake duct portion 3 collides. This makes it possible to enhance the effect of removing rainwater by causing it to collide with the wall surface of the intake passage 10.

When the first region 26 of the louver 20 is located closer to the power chamber 6 than the second region 28 of the louver 20, the intake air G1 that flows through the first region 26 of the louver 20 may flow faster than the intake air G1 that flows through the second region 28 of the louver 20. If the flow speed of the intake air G1 is fast, there is a risk that the intake air G1 will be supplied to the power chamber 6 without colliding with the wall surface of the intake passage 10.

According to the second embodiment, the first region 26 of the louver 20 guides the intake air G1 in a direction approaching the power chamber 6. In other words, the first region 26 of the louver 20 guides the intake air that has flowed through the first region 26 of the louver 20 toward the rear wall 21 that is relatively close among the rear wall 21, the front wall 23, the left wall 25, and the right wall 27 that form the vertical passage 13. Therefore, the intake air G1 that has flowed through the first region 26 of the louver 20 can be collided with the inner wall surface of the rear wall 21 to remove rainwater before being supplied to the power chamber 6.

According to the second embodiment, the second region 28 of the louver 20 guides the intake air G1 in a direction away from the louver 20. In other words, the second region 28 of the louver 20 guides the intake air G1 that has flowed through the second region 28 of the louver 20 toward the front wall 23, which is relatively close among the rear wall 21, front wall 23, left wall 25, and right wall 27 that form the vertical passage 13. Therefore, the intake air G1 that has flowed through the second region 28 of the louver 20 can be collided with the inner wall surface of the front wall 23 to remove rainwater before being supplied to the power chamber 6.

Third Embodiment
A power generating unit enclosure 1 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the third embodiment, the configuration of the louvers 20 according to the first embodiment is further limited. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference symbols, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

(Louver configuration)
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of louver 20 according to the third embodiment, and is a plan view of louver 20 viewed from the vertical direction X2.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the third embodiment, the louver 20 includes a first region 26 that guides the flow direction of the intake air G1 that has flowed through the louver 20 in a first direction Y1, a second region 28 that guides the flow direction of the intake air G1 that has flowed through the louver 20 in a second direction Y2 that intersects with the first direction Y1, and a third region 38 that guides the flow direction of the intake air G1 that has flowed through the louver 20 in a third direction Y3 that is opposite to the second direction Y2.

The first region 26, the second region 28, and the third region 38 of the louver 20 may be configured as separate parts that are removable from the louver 20. Alternatively, the louver 20 may be configured as a single part that includes the first region 26, the second region 28, and the third region 38.

In the third embodiment, the first direction Y1 is the rearward direction, the second direction Y2 is the leftward direction, and the third direction Y3 is the rightward direction. In other words, the first direction Y1 is the direction approaching the power chamber 6. Note that each of the second direction Y2 and the third direction Y3 is not limited to being a direction that perpendicularly intersects with the first direction Y1.

The first region 26 of the louver 20 is located rearward of the second region 28 and the third region 38 of the louver 20. In other words, the first region 26 of the louver 20 is located closer to the power chamber 6 than the second region 28 and the third region 38 of the louver 20. The third region 38 of the louver 20 is located to the right of the second region 28 of the louver 20. In other words, the third region 38 of the louver 20 is located upstream in the second direction Y2 of the second region 28 of the louver 20.

(Action and Effects)
According to the third embodiment, the second region 28 of the louver 20 guides the intake air G1 that has flowed through the second region 28 of the louver 20 toward the relatively nearby left wall 25 among the rear wall 21, front wall 23, left wall 25, and right wall 27 that form the vertical passage 13. The third region 38 of the louver guides the intake air G1 that has flowed through the third region 38 of the louver 20 toward the relatively nearby right wall 27 among the rear wall 21, front wall 23, left wall 25, and right wall 27 that form the vertical passage 13. Therefore, the intake air G1 that has flowed through each of the second region 28 and the third region 38 of the louver 20 can be collided with the relatively nearby wall surface (left wall or right wall) of the vertical passage 13 to remove rainwater therefrom, and then supplied to the power chamber 6.

In the third embodiment, the first region 26 is configured to guide the intake air G1 rearward, the second region 28 to the left, and the third region 38 to the right, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. Figures 8A to 8C are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of the louver 20 according to some embodiments, and are plan views of the louver 20 viewed from the vertical direction X2.

In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 8A-8C, the louver 20 includes a first region 26, a second region 28, a third region 38, and a fourth region 46. The first region 26 is located rearward of the second region 28 and the third region 38, and to the left of the third region 38 and the fourth region 46. The second region 28 is located forward of the first region 26 and the fourth region 46, and to the left of the third region 38 and the fourth region 46. The third region 38 is located forward of the first region 26 and the fourth region 46, and to the right of the first region 26 and the second region 28. The fourth region 46 is located rearward of the second region 28 and the third region 38, and to the right of the first region 26 and the second region 28. In other words, of the four regions obtained by dividing the louver 20 into a grid pattern, the upper left region of each of Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C is the first region 26, the upper right region of the page is the second region 28, the lower right region of the page is the third region 38, and the lower left region of the page is the fourth region 46.

The first area 26, the second area 28, the third area 38, and the fourth area 46 are each configured as a separate part and are removable from the louver 20. In addition, the direction in which the intake air G1 is guided can be changed by, for example, attaching the first area 26, the second area 28, the third area 38, and the fourth area 46 to the louver 20 upside down or rotating them 90 degrees horizontally (perpendicular to the vertical direction X2) and attaching them to the louver 20.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8A, the louvers 20 are configured so that the intake air G1 that has flowed through the first region 26 is directed to the left, the intake air G1 that has flowed through the second region 28 is directed forward, the intake air G1 that has flowed through the third region 38 is directed forward, and the intake air G1 that has flowed through the fourth region 46 is directed to the right.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8B, the louvers 20 are configured so that the intake air G1 that has flowed through the first region 26 is directed rearward, the intake air G1 that has flowed through the second region 28 is directed leftward, the intake air G1 that has flowed through the third region 38 is directed forward, and the intake air G1 that has flowed through the fourth region 46 is directed rightward.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8C, the louvers 20 are configured so that the intake air G1 that has flowed through the first region 26 is directed to the left, the intake air G1 that has flowed through the second region 28 is directed to the rear, the intake air G1 that has flowed through the third region 38 is directed to the rear, and the intake air G1 that has flowed through the fourth region 46 is directed to the right.

The configuration illustrated in Figures 8A to 8C allows the preparation of louvers 20 that correspond to the cross section of the intake air G1 flowing through the vertical passage 13. For example, if the cross section of the passage has a rectangular shape with a longitudinal shape in the width direction X3, the intake air G1 flowing through the louvers 20 can be guided forward or backward to increase the area of the wall surface (the inner wall surface of the rear wall 21 or front wall 23) of the vertical passage 13 that collides with the intake air G1, thereby improving the effectiveness of removing rainwater.

The contents described in each of the above embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows:

[1] The enclosure for a power generating unit according to the present disclosure (1) comprises:
An enclosure for a power generation unit that houses a power generation unit (7) consisting of a generator (8) and a power generation source (9) that drives the generator,
a main body (2) having a power chamber (6) therein capable of accommodating the generator and the power generation source;
an intake duct section (3) through which intake air (G1) supplied to the power chamber flows and in which an intake passage (10) is formed, the intake passage (10) including an inlet (10a) opening downward into the atmosphere and an outlet (10b) opening downward or sideways into the power chamber;
A louver (20) disposed in the intake passage,
The louver is located downstream of the inlet of the intake passage in a flow direction of the intake air.

According to the configuration described in [1] above, the louvers arranged in the intake passage are located downstream of the intake passage inlet in the flow direction of the intake air. Therefore, the opening area of the intake passage inlet is reduced by installing the louvers, and the flow speed of the intake air flowing through the intake passage inlet can be prevented from increasing. This reduces the amount of rainwater sucked into the intake duct section through the intake passage inlet, and reduces adverse effects on the power generation unit.

[2] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in [1] above,
If the area of the inlet of the intake passage is A and the diameter of a virtual circle having the area A is D, then
The louvers are positioned within a range of D/4 or more from the inlet of the intake passage.

If the louvers are installed very close to the inlet of the intake passage, they will increase the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the inlet of the intake passage. This may reduce the effect of suppressing the amount of rainwater drawn into the intake duct. According to the configuration described in [2] above, the louvers are located in a range of D/4 or more downstream from the inlet of the intake passage, so that it is possible to suppress the increase in the flow rate of the intake air flowing through the inlet of the intake passage and suppress the amount of rainwater drawn into the intake duct.

[3] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in [1] or [2] above,
If the cross-sectional area of the intake passage at the position where the louver is disposed is B, the distance from the louver to the lower end of the intake passage is L1, and the distance from the louver to the upper end of the intake passage is L2, then:
The relationship L1<(√B)/2<L2 is satisfied.

The inventors have found that by satisfying L1 < (√B)/2 < L2, the amount of rainwater drawn into the intake duct can be reduced and the size of the power generation unit enclosure can be reduced. According to the configuration described in [3] above, L1 < (√B)/2 < L2 is satisfied, so the amount of rainwater drawn into the intake duct can be reduced while the size of the power generation unit enclosure can be reduced.

[4] In some embodiments, in the configuration according to any one of [1] to [3] above,
When the louver is viewed vertically, the louver includes a first region (26) that guides the flow direction of the intake air that has passed through the louver in a first direction (Y1), and a second region (28) that guides the flow direction of the intake air that has passed through the louver in a second direction (Y2) different from the first direction.

According to the configuration described in [4] above, the area of the wall surface of the intake passage against which the intake air drawn into the intake duct collides can be increased compared to when the intake air flowing through the louvers is directed in one direction. This can increase the effectiveness of removing rainwater by colliding with the wall surface of the intake passage.

[5] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in [4] above,
the first region of the louver is located closer to the power chamber than the second region of the louver,
The first direction is a direction approaching the power chamber.

When the first region of the louver is located closer to the power chamber than the second region of the louver, the intake air that flows through the first region of the louver may flow faster than the intake air that flows through the second region of the louver. If the flow speed of the intake air is faster, there is a risk that the intake air will be supplied to the power chamber without colliding with the wall of the intake passage. According to the configuration described in [5] above, the first region of the louver guides the intake air in a direction approaching the power chamber. In other words, the first region of the louver guides the intake air that flows through the first region of the louver toward the wall of the intake passage on the power chamber side that is relatively close among the walls of the intake passage. Therefore, the intake air that flows through the first region of the louver can be collided with the wall of the intake passage to remove rainwater before being supplied to the power chamber.

[6] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in [5] above,
the second region of the louver is located on an opposite side to the power chamber side than the first region of the louver,
The second direction is a direction intersecting the first direction or a direction opposite to the first direction.

According to the configuration described in [6] above, the second region of the louver is relatively close to the wall surface of the intake passage facing the power chamber (opposite wall surface) or the wall surface of the intake passage intersecting with the opposite wall surface (crossing wall surface). The second region of the louver guides the intake air that has flowed through the second region of the louver toward the opposite wall surface or the crossing wall surface. Therefore, the intake air that has flowed through the second region of the louver can be collided with the opposite wall surface or the crossing wall surface of the intake passage to remove rainwater before being supplied to the power chamber.

[7] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in [6] above,
the second direction intersects with the first direction,
When the louver is viewed in a vertical direction, the louver further includes a third region (38) that guides the flow direction of the intake air that has flowed through the louver in a third direction (Y3) opposite to the second direction,
The third region of the louver is located on the opposite side of the power chamber from the first region of the louver, and is located upstream in the second direction from the second region of the louver.

According to the configuration described in [7] above, the second region of the louver is relatively close to one of the cross wall surfaces located downstream in the second direction among the walls of the intake passage, and guides the intake air that has flowed through the second region of the louver toward one of the cross wall surfaces. In addition, the third region of the louver is relatively close to the other of the cross wall surfaces located upstream in the second direction among the walls of the intake passage, and guides the intake air that has flowed through the third region of the louver toward the other cross wall surface. Therefore, the intake air that has flowed through each of the second and third regions of the louver can be collided with the wall surface of the intake passage (one of the cross wall surfaces or the other cross wall surface) to remove rainwater, and then supplied to the power chamber.

Reference Signs List 1: Enclosure for power generating unit 2: Main body 3: Intake duct 6: Power room 7: Power generating unit 8: Generator 9: Power generating source 10: Intake passage 10a: Inlet 10b: Outlet 20: Louver 26: First area 28: Second area 38: Third area 46: Fourth area

G1 Intake X1 Front-rear direction X2 Vertical direction X3 Width direction Y1 First direction Y2 Second direction Y3 Third direction

Claims (7)

An enclosure for a power generation unit that houses a power generation unit including a generator and a power generation source that drives the generator,
a main body having a power chamber therein capable of accommodating the generator and the power generation source;
an intake duct section through which intake air supplied to the power chamber flows and in which an intake passage is formed, the intake passage including an inlet opening downward into the atmosphere and an outlet opening downward or sideways into the power chamber;
a louver disposed in the intake passage,
The louver is located downstream of the inlet of the intake passage in a flow direction of the intake air and is disposed facing downward.
Enclosure for power generating unit. An enclosure for a power generation unit that houses a power generation unit including a generator and a power generation source that drives the generator,
a main body having a power chamber therein capable of accommodating the generator and the power generation source;
an intake duct section through which intake air supplied to the power chamber flows and in which an intake passage is formed, the intake passage including an inlet opening downward into the atmosphere and an outlet opening downward or sideways into the power chamber;
a louver disposed in the intake passage,
the louver is located downstream of the inlet of the intake passage in a flow direction of the intake air,
If the area of the inlet of the intake passage is A and the diameter of a virtual circle having the area A is D, then
The louver is located within a range of D/4 or more from the inlet of the intake passage.
Enclosure for power generating unit. An enclosure for a power generation unit that houses a power generation unit including a generator and a power generation source that drives the generator,
a main body having a power chamber therein capable of accommodating the generator and the power generation source;
an intake duct section through which intake air supplied to the power chamber flows and in which an intake passage is formed, the intake passage including an inlet opening downward into the atmosphere and an outlet opening downward or sideways into the power chamber;
a louver disposed in the intake passage,
the louver is located downstream of the inlet of the intake passage in a flow direction of the intake air,
If the cross-sectional area of the intake passage at the position where the louver is disposed is B, the distance from the louver to the lower end of the intake passage is L1 , and the distance from the louver to the upper end of the intake passage is L2 , then:
L1 < (√B)/2 < L2 is satisfied .
Enclosure for power generating unit. When the louver is viewed in a vertical direction, the louver includes a first region that guides the flow direction of the intake air that has passed through the louver in a first direction, and a second region that guides the flow direction of the intake air that has passed through the louver in a second direction different from the first direction.
An enclosure for a power generating unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3. the first region of the louver is located closer to the power chamber than the second region of the louver,
The first direction is a direction approaching the power chamber.
5. An enclosure for a power generating unit according to claim 4. the second region of the louver is located on an opposite side to the power chamber side than the first region of the louver,
The second direction is a direction intersecting the first direction or a direction opposite to the first direction.
6. An enclosure for a power generating unit according to claim 5. the second direction intersects with the first direction,
When the louver is viewed in a vertical direction, the louver further includes a third region that guides the flow direction of the intake air that has flowed through the louver to a third direction opposite to the second direction,
the third region of the louver is located on the opposite side of the power chamber side from the first region of the louver and is located upstream of the second region of the louver in the second direction.
7. An enclosure for a power generating unit according to claim 6.

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