Energy conversion structure and wave energy conversion device

Abstract

The invention discloses an energy conversion structure and a wave energy conversion device, and relates to the technical field of wave energy power generation. The limiting piece is arranged at one end of the guide piece; the damping system is arranged at the other end of the guide piece; the two floating bodies are arranged on the guide piece in a sliding mode, the two floating bodies are connected through an elastic piece, and the floating body close to the damping system is connected with the damping system; and the energy conversion unit is arranged in the floating body, and the energy conversion unit can convert the linear motion of the floating body into electric energy. Compared with an existing single-floating-body structure, the energy conversion device is provided with the two floating bodies, and when the energy conversion device is applied to the wave energy conversion device, the wave energy capturing and converting efficiency of the structure can be effectively improved under the condition of the same space size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wave energy generation technology, and in particular to an energy conversion structure and a wave energy conversion device. Background Technology

[0002] Point-source wave energy converters can convert wave energy into kinetic energy, and then convert that kinetic energy into electrical energy through a generator. They have been widely used in many marine engineering projects. However, existing point-source wave energy converters are mostly single-buoy structures. The energy capture efficiency of this structure is unstable and easily affected by the marine environment. When the marine environment changes, its energy conversion efficiency may drop significantly. Furthermore, existing point-source wave energy converters are generally connected to floating foundations via mooring chains. This connection method has poor resistance to harsh environments and is prone to loss of control due to the impact of large waves in complex marine environments. Finally, the damping systems of existing point-source wave energy converters are too simplistic and cannot achieve dynamic adjustment and adaptive response to complex and changing sea conditions, resulting in a narrow range of applicable sea areas and significant limitations.

[0003] Therefore, under complex marine conditions, the reliability and power generation efficiency of existing point-absorbing wave energy converters are difficult to meet the requirements for safe and stable power generation. Thus, a safe, reliable, and highly efficient wave energy conversion device is needed to cope with the impact of irregular wave frequencies and extreme weather, ensuring that the structure still has sufficient safety, reliability, and excellent wave energy conversion efficiency under the influence of irregular waves and extreme weather. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application aims to solve one of the aforementioned technical problems in the prior art. To this end, embodiments of this application provide an energy conversion structure.

[0005] This application also provides a wave energy conversion device.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, an energy conversion structure is provided, including two parallel guide members; A limiting member is disposed at one end of the guide member; A damping system is provided at the other end of the guide member; Two floats are slidably disposed on the guide member and connected to each other by an elastic member, wherein the float closer to the damping system is connected to the damping system; An energy conversion unit is disposed within the float body, which is capable of converting the linear motion of the float body into electrical energy.

[0007] The aforementioned energy conversion structure has at least the following beneficial effects: the two floats are connected by an elastic element, and the sliding direction and range of the floats are limited by the cooperation of a limiting element, a guiding element, and a damping system. The elastic element can deform accordingly with the movement of the floats so that the two floats can adapt to wave motion of different frequencies. The floats slide in a straight line under the drive of the waves, and can be converted into electrical energy through the energy conversion unit. The damping structure can dynamically control the movement amplitude of the floats according to the wave state of different frequencies. Compared with the previous single-float structure, the energy conversion device of this application has two floats. When applied to a wave energy conversion device, it can effectively increase the structure's efficiency in capturing and converting wave energy under the same spatial size conditions.

[0008] According to the energy conversion structure described in the first aspect of this application, the energy conversion unit includes a connector, a first tooth structure, a first clutch structure, and a generator. One end of the connector is fixed to the limiting member, and the other end of the connector passes through two floats in sequence. The first tooth structure includes a first rack and a first gear. The first rack is fixed to the connector, and the first gear is rotatably disposed in the float and meshes with the first rack. The floats are connected to the generator through the first clutch structure.

[0009] According to the energy conversion structure described in the first aspect of this application, the first clutch structure includes a first overrunning clutch, a first connecting shaft, a second connecting shaft, and a first one-way clutch. The first overrunning clutch is fixed to the first gear, the first overrunning clutch is connected to the first one-way clutch through the first connecting shaft, and the first one-way clutch is connected to the rotating shaft of the generator through the second connecting shaft.

[0010] According to the energy conversion structure described in the first aspect of this application, the energy conversion unit further includes a second gear, a second clutch structure, and a second tooth structure. The second gear is rotatably disposed in the float body and meshes with the first rack. The second gear is connected to the second clutch structure, and the second clutch structure is connected to the generator through the second tooth structure.

[0011] According to the energy conversion structure described in the first aspect of this application, the second clutch structure includes a second overrunning clutch, a third connecting shaft, a fourth connecting shaft, and a second one-way clutch. The second overrunning clutch is connected to the second one-way clutch via the third connecting shaft, and the second one-way clutch is connected to the generator via the second tooth structure.

[0012] According to the energy conversion structure described in the first aspect of this application, the second gear structure includes a third gear and a fourth gear, the third gear is fixed to the fourth connecting shaft, and the fourth gear is fixed to the second connecting shaft or the rotating shaft of the generator, wherein the third gear meshes with the fourth gear.

[0013] According to the energy conversion structure described in the first aspect of this application, the damping system includes a first piston and a cylinder. The first piston is disposed in the cylinder to divide the internal space of the cylinder into an extension chamber and a compression chamber. The piston rod of the first piston extends out of the cylinder and is connected to the float. The compression chamber is filled with damping fluid. The first piston is provided with a flow hole that connects the extension chamber and the compression chamber.

[0014] According to the energy conversion structure described in the first aspect of this application, the damping fluid is a magnetorheological fluid, and an electromagnetic coil and a sensor assembly are provided on the first piston. When the electromagnetic coil is energized, it can change the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid, and the sensor assembly is used to acquire the piston's motion data and pressure data.

[0015] According to the energy conversion structure described in the first aspect of this application, a second piston is further provided inside the compression chamber, and the second piston separates the compression chamber into a gas chamber, which is filled with gas.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the second aspect of this application, a wave energy conversion device is provided, comprising the energy conversion structure described above; Two floating components; Two connecting rods connect the two floating components, and a portion of the connecting rods forms the guide rod.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments; Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the wave energy conversion device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the energy conversion structure in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the energy conversion structure in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 ; Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the damping system in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ; Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of the damping system in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 ; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the energy conversion unit in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Reference numerals: Floating component (1, 2), limiting component 3, floating body (4, 5), damping system 6, connecting component 7, guide component 8, elastic component 9, energy conversion unit 10, damping connecting rod 11, buffer pad 12, magnetorheological damper 13, pressure sensor 14, acceleration sensor 15, displacement sensor 16, control system 17, battery 18, coil wire 19, piston rod 20, cylinder 21, piston guide device 22, piston limiter 23, first piston 24, second piston 25, air chamber 26, compression chamber 27, magnetorheological fluid 28, electromagnetic coil 29, extension chamber 30, first gear 31, first rack 32, first overrunning clutch 33, first connecting shaft 34, first one-way clutch 35, second connecting shaft 36, fourth gear 37, rotating shaft 38, generator 39, second overrunning clutch 40, third connecting shaft 41, second one-way clutch 42, fourth connecting shaft 43, third gear 44, second gear 45. Detailed Implementation

[0020] This section will describe in detail the specific embodiments of this application. Preferred embodiments of this application are shown in the accompanying drawings. The purpose of the drawings is to supplement the textual description with graphics, so that people can intuitively and vividly understand each technical feature and the overall technical solution of this application, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0021] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0022] In the description of this application, "several" means one or more, "more than" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0023] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly defined, terms such as "setup," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this application in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0024] Reference Figure 1 This application provides a wave energy conversion device, including an energy conversion structure, two floating components, and two connecting rods. Floating component 1 and floating component 2 are connected as one unit by the two connecting rods. The energy conversion structure is disposed on the connecting rods and converts wave energy into electrical energy.

[0025] Among them, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the energy conversion structure includes two guide members 8, a limiting member 3, a damping system 6, two floats, and an energy conversion unit 10. The two guide members 8 are arranged in parallel, the limiting member 3 is located at one end of the guide member 8, and the damping system 6 is located at the other end of the guide member 8. The two floats are slidably mounted on the guide members 8 and are connected to each other by an elastic member 9. The float closer to the damping system 6 is connected to the damping system 6. The energy conversion unit 10 is located inside the float and can convert the linear motion of the float into electrical energy.

[0026] In this embodiment, the float 4 is close to the limiting member 3, and the float 5 is close to the damping system 6.

[0027] The connecting rod is formed as a guide 8, that is, the limiting member 3 is fixed to the connecting rod, the damping system 6 is fixed to the connecting rod, and the connecting rod passes through the two floats, thereby fixing the energy conversion structure.

[0028] In this embodiment, two floating components are symmetrically arranged. One end of the connecting rod is connected to the upper part of one floating component, and the other end is connected to the lower part of the other floating component, so that the connecting rod is inclined. Directly connecting the floating component to the float using the connecting rod strengthens the connection between the floating component and the float, enhances the floating component's resistance to extreme weather conditions, and avoids floating component loss of control or sinking accidents caused by mooring chain breakage.

[0029] The combination of the limiting component 3, the damping system 6, and the connecting rod restricts the movement distance of the float, while the damping system 6 controls the frequency of the float's movement following the waves.

[0030] In this embodiment, the float is disc-shaped and the two floats are connected by an elastic element 9. The elastic element 9 has a certain degree of flexibility and elasticity and can deform accordingly with the movement of the float. The float slides in a straight line under the drive of the waves and can be converted into electrical energy through the energy conversion unit 10. The damping structure can dynamically control the movement amplitude of the float according to the wave state of different frequencies.

[0031] This application, by incorporating two floats within a single wave energy conversion device, effectively increases the structure's wave energy capture and conversion efficiency compared to existing single-float structures within the same spatial dimensions. The three-dimensional disc-shaped design of the floats possesses dynamic adaptive characteristics, allowing the horizontal cross-sectional area near the waterline to adjust in real time according to the wave vibration intensity. This induces a resonant effect between the device and the waves, thereby achieving efficient absorption of wave energy over a wider frequency range and significantly improving energy capture efficiency.

[0032] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the damping system 6 includes a first piston 24 and a cylinder 21. The first piston 24 is disposed inside the cylinder 21 to divide the internal space of the cylinder 21 into an extension chamber 30 and a compression chamber 27. The piston rod 20 of the first piston 24 extends outside the cylinder 21 and is connected to the float. The compression chamber 27 is filled with damping fluid. The first piston 24 is provided with a flow hole that connects the extension chamber 30 and the compression chamber 27.

[0033] As the float moves with the waves, the piston rod 20 drives the first piston 24 to compress the compression chamber 27, thereby causing the damping fluid in the compression chamber 27 to flow through the flow hole to the extension chamber 30. The damping fluid can effectively adjust the movement of the float at different frequencies from the waves.

[0034] The damping fluid is magnetorheological fluid 28. An electromagnetic coil 29 and a sensor assembly are provided on the first piston 24. When the electromagnetic coil 29 is energized, it can change the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid 28. The sensor assembly is used to acquire the piston's motion data and pressure data.

[0035] It should be noted that the piston, cylinder 21, magnetorheological fluid 28, electromagnetic coil 29 and sensor assembly mentioned above are formed as magnetorheological damper 13.

[0036] In some embodiments, a second piston 25 is also provided in the compression chamber 27. The second piston 25 separates a gas chamber 26 in the compression chamber 27. The gas chamber 26 is filled with gas. The second piston 25 is in an automatic moving state and is not connected to the first piston 24.

[0037] In some specific embodiments, such as Figure 4As shown, the damping system 6 also includes a control system 17 and a battery 18. The battery 18 is used to power the control system 17. The control system 17 controls the current entering the electromagnetic coil 29, thereby controlling the magnetic field strength of the electromagnetic coil 29. It should be noted that the battery 18 is connected to the electromagnetic coil 29 through the coil wire 19.

[0038] The sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor 14, an acceleration sensor 15, and a displacement sensor 16, which respectively measure the pressure of the waves on the buoy and the acceleration and displacement of the buoy under the action of the waves. Through the combined action of multiple sensors, the wave frequency in different sea areas can be distinguished, and the data is transmitted to the control system 17. The control system 17 calculates and analyzes the wave data and controls the battery 18 to generate the corresponding current.

[0039] As the float moves downwards, piston rod 20 drives the first piston 24 to move towards the bottom of cylinder 21. The volume of compression chamber 27 decreases, and the volume of extension chamber 30 increases. Magnetorheological fluid 28 flows from compression chamber 27 through the flow holes on the first piston 24 to extension chamber 30. During the flow, friction generates basic damping force. When electromagnetic coil 29 is energized, the coil generates a magnetic field. Under the influence of the magnetic field, the magnetorheological fluid 28 becomes thicker, increasing the resistance when passing through the damping holes, thus increasing the damping force. Simultaneously, the second piston 25 moves towards air chamber 26, compressing the gas inside air chamber 26. The energy generated by the volume change avoids sudden changes in the pressure inside the cavity; when the float moves upward, the magnetorheological fluid 28 flows back from the extension cavity 30 to the compression cavity 27, the second piston 25 moves towards the extension cavity 30, and the volume of the air chamber 26 expands back; a piston guide device 22 is provided in the cylinder 21 for guiding the piston rod 20. The piston guide device 22 constrains the direction of piston movement, making it move back and forth in a specified direction, reducing the adverse effects of radial sway. The piston limiter 23 provided in the cylinder 21 prevents the piston from excessively displacing, ensuring the smooth operation of the damping system 6.

[0040] In some specific embodiments, the damping system 6 is connected to the float via a damping link 11, and a buffer pad 12 is also provided on the side of the damping system 6 facing the float. The buffer pad 12 can reduce the impact between the float and the outer shell of the damping system 6.

[0041] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the energy conversion unit 10 includes a connector 7, a first tooth structure, a first clutch structure, and a generator 39. One end of the connector 7 is fixed to the limiting member 3, and the other end of the connector 7 passes through two floats in sequence. The first tooth structure includes a first rack 32 and a first gear 31. The first rack 32 is fixed to the connector 7, and the first gear 31 is rotatably disposed in the float and meshes with the first rack 32. The floats are connected to the generator 39 through the first clutch structure.

[0042] Specifically, the first clutch structure includes a first overrunning clutch 33, a first connecting shaft 34, a second connecting shaft 36, and a first one-way clutch 35. The first overrunning clutch 33 is fixed to the first gear 31. The first overrunning clutch 33 is connected to the first one-way clutch 35 through the first connecting shaft 34. The first one-way clutch 35 is connected to the rotating shaft 38 of the generator 39 through the second connecting shaft 36.

[0043] The up-and-down movement of the float will create a relative displacement with the connecting piece 7, causing the first rack 32 to drive the first gear 31 to rotate. When the first gear 31 rotates clockwise, it can drive the first overrunning clutch 33 to rotate, which in turn drives the first connecting shaft 34, the first one-way clutch 35, the second connecting shaft 36, and the rotating shaft 38 of the generator 39 to rotate clockwise, transmitting the clockwise rotation energy into the generator 39.

[0044] In some other embodiments, the energy conversion unit 10 further includes a second gear 45, a second clutch structure, and a second tooth structure. The second gear 45 is rotatably disposed in the float body and meshes with the first rack 32. The second gear 45 is connected to the second clutch structure, and the second clutch structure is connected to the generator 39 through the second tooth structure.

[0045] The second clutch structure includes a second overrunning clutch 40, a third connecting shaft 41, a fourth connecting shaft 43, and a second one-way clutch 42. The second overrunning clutch 40 is connected to the second one-way clutch 42 via the third connecting shaft 41. The second one-way clutch 42 is connected to the generator 39 via a second gear structure. The second gear structure includes a third gear 44 and a fourth gear 37. The third gear 44 is fixed to the fourth connecting shaft 43, and the fourth gear 37 is fixed to the second connecting shaft 36 or the rotating shaft 38 of the generator 39. The third gear 44 and the fourth gear 37 mesh.

[0046] When the second gear 45 rotates counterclockwise, it drives the second overrunning clutch 40, the third connecting shaft 41, the second one-way clutch 42, the fourth connecting shaft 43, and the third gear 44 to rotate counterclockwise. The third gear 44 meshes with the fourth gear 37, and the counterclockwise rotation of the third gear 44 will drive the fourth gear 37 to rotate clockwise, which in turn drives the rotating shaft 38 of the generator 39 to rotate clockwise, transmitting the clockwise rotational energy into the generator 39. Due to the presence of the first one-way clutch 35 and the second one-way clutch 42, the rotating shaft 38 on the left side of the clutch can drive the rotation of the right rotating shaft 38, while preventing the right rotating shaft 38 from driving the rotation of the left rotating shaft 38, thus ensuring the reliability of the transmission system.

[0047] Compared to existing technologies, this application employs a dual-floating-body structure design, incorporating two floating bodies within a single wave energy conversion device. Compared to existing single-floating-body structures, this effectively increases the structure's efficiency in capturing and converting wave energy within the same spatial dimensions. The three-dimensional disc-shaped design of the floating bodies possesses dynamic adaptive characteristics, allowing the horizontal cross-sectional area near the waterline to adjust in real time according to the wave vibration intensity. This induces a resonant effect between the device and the waves, thereby achieving efficient absorption of wave energy across a wider frequency range and significantly improving energy capture efficiency.

[0048] In addition, this application collects wave energy data through sensors and transmits it to the control system 17. The control system 17 adjusts the magnetic field strength of the electromagnetic coil 29 according to the data and precisely changes the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid 28 to achieve dynamic control of the damping magnitude, so as to adapt to waves of different frequencies and enhance the power generation efficiency of the device in different ranges and under different frequency wave conditions.

[0049] It should be noted that the wave energy absorbed by the floating body is converted into mechanical energy to drive the relative motion of the gear rack. By using an overrunning clutch and a one-way overrunning clutch, the rotational energy can be fully transmitted and input into the generator 39 in a one-way rotational form, thereby improving the transmission efficiency.

[0050] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this application.

Claims

1. An energy conversion structure, characterized in that: include Two parallel guide components; A limiting member is disposed at one end of the guide member; A damping system is provided at the other end of the guide member; Two floats are slidably disposed on the guide member and connected to each other by an elastic member, wherein the float closer to the damping system is connected to the damping system; An energy conversion unit is disposed within the float body, which is capable of converting the linear motion of the float body into electrical energy.

2. The energy conversion structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The energy conversion unit includes a connector, a first tooth structure, a first clutch structure, and a generator. One end of the connector is fixed to the limiting member, and the other end of the connector passes through the two floats in sequence. The first tooth structure includes a first rack and a first gear. The first rack is fixed to the connector, and the first gear is rotatably disposed in the float and meshes with the first rack. The floats are connected to the generator through the first clutch structure.

3. The energy conversion structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first clutch structure includes a first overrunning clutch, a first connecting shaft, a second connecting shaft, and a first one-way clutch. The first overrunning clutch is fixed to the first gear. The first overrunning clutch is connected to the first one-way clutch through the first connecting shaft. The first one-way clutch is connected to the rotating shaft of the generator through the second connecting shaft.

4. The energy conversion structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The energy conversion unit further includes a second gear, a second clutch structure, and a second tooth structure. The second gear is rotatably disposed in the float body and meshes with the first rack. The second gear is connected to the second clutch structure, and the second clutch structure is connected to the generator through the second tooth structure.

5. The energy conversion structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second clutch structure includes a second overrunning clutch, a third connecting shaft, a fourth connecting shaft, and a second one-way clutch. The second overrunning clutch is connected to the second one-way clutch via the third connecting shaft, and the second one-way clutch is connected to the generator via the second gear structure.

6. The energy conversion structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second gear structure includes a third gear and a fourth gear. The third gear is fixed to the fourth connecting shaft, and the fourth gear is fixed to the second connecting shaft or the rotating shaft of the generator. The third gear meshes with the fourth gear.

7. The energy conversion structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The damping system includes a first piston and a cylinder. The first piston is disposed in the cylinder to divide the internal space of the cylinder into an extension chamber and a compression chamber. The piston rod of the first piston extends out of the cylinder and is connected to the float. The compression chamber is filled with damping fluid. The first piston is provided with a flow hole that connects the extension chamber and the compression chamber.

8. The energy conversion structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The damping fluid is a magnetorheological fluid. An electromagnetic coil and a sensor assembly are provided on the first piston. When the electromagnetic coil is energized, it can change the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid. The sensor assembly is used to acquire the piston's motion data and pressure data.

9. The energy conversion structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The compression chamber is also equipped with a second piston, which separates the compression chamber into a gas chamber, which is filled with gas.

10. A wave energy conversion device, characterized in that: include The energy conversion structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9; Two floating components; Two connecting rods connect the two floating components, and a portion of the connecting rods forms the guide rod.

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