Ocean current power generation system

Abstract

An ocean current power generation system is disclosed, comprising a ballast block, a rotatable power collection slip ring mounted on the ballast block, a flow-guiding structure, a generator set, and a buoy control platform. The flow-guiding structure comprises an ocean current inlet with a larger diameter and an ocean current outlet with a smaller diameter, effectively accelerating the ocean current to enhance kinetic energy conversion efficiency. The flow-guiding structure is made of corrosion-resistant materials, including buoyancy pipes composed of HDPE pipes filled with steel pipes and polyurethane foam, as well as ballast pipes composed of HDPE pipes filled with rebar and concrete. The flow-guiding shroud is made of materials such as fiberglass membranes, polyester fiber membranes, and ETFE. The buoy control platform is connected via support cables and is responsible for adjusting operational depth and stability, while the power collection slip ring automatically aligns itself according to changes in ocean current direction. Both the buoy control platform and the ballast block are equipped with warning lights to indicate the system’s operational range. The ocean current power generation system significantly enhances the durability, power generation efficiency, and environmental adaptability of renewable energy applications.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention refers to an ocean current power generation system, and more particularly to an ocean current power generation system having a current collecting slip ring and a current guiding structure. [Previous Technology]

[0002] When there is a significant difference in seawater temperature, it drives ocean currents in specific directions, such as the strong and stable Kuroshio Current. These ocean currents have high-speed flow and strong propulsion, making them an important source of ocean energy resources and very suitable for hydroelectric power generation technology. By deploying ocean current generators, the kinetic energy of ocean currents can be converted into electrical energy, providing stable and renewable green energy.

[0003] However, traditional ocean current generator sets typically have the following disadvantages: 1. The equipment is immersed in seawater for a long time, making it susceptible to salt corrosion, increasing maintenance costs and frequency. 2. If the turbine or impeller direction of the ocean current generator set is fixed, when the direction of the ocean current changes, the incident angle deviates from the optimal range, making it impossible to effectively converge the ocean current, resulting in insufficient flow velocity and flow rate, further affecting the stability of power generation and energy conversion efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, how to improve the above-mentioned problems and enhance the durability and power generation efficiency of ocean current power generation systems is a question worth considering for those with ordinary knowledge in the field. [Summary of the Invention]

[0005] This invention provides an ocean current power generation system, the purpose of which is to efficiently convert the kinetic energy of ocean currents into electrical energy. The ocean current power generation system mainly includes a ballast block, a rotatable slip ring mounted on the ballast block, a flow guiding structure, a generator set, and a float control platform. The flow guiding structure includes an ocean current inlet and an ocean current outlet, wherein the diameter of the ocean current inlet is larger than that of the ocean current outlet, thereby effectively accelerating the ocean current, increasing its velocity and kinetic energy, and thus optimizing the operating efficiency of the generator set.

[0006] Multiple first support cables connect the current guiding structure to the rotatable current collecting slip ring, enabling the ocean current power generation system to automatically rotate and adjust its alignment to maintain optimal positioning relative to the ocean current direction.

[0007] Furthermore, the buoy control platform is located above the current-guiding structure and connected by multiple second support cables, enabling precise buoyancy adjustment to ensure the ocean current power generation system maintains appropriate operating depth and stability under different sea conditions. To enhance structural integrity and corrosion resistance, the current-guiding structure includes buoyancy pipes filled with HDPE pipes and polyurethane foam, and submerged pipes filled with HDPE pipes and reinforced concrete. Additionally, a current-guiding shield made of fiberglass film, polyester fiber film, ETFE, etc., is provided to offer excellent durability and environmental resistance.

[0008] Through the above design, the present invention has significantly improved durability, adaptability and energy conversion efficiency compared with traditional ocean current power generation systems. It can effectively reduce corrosion damage, optimize energy collection through dynamic positioning, and ensure stable operation even in harsh sea conditions.

[0009] To make the above-mentioned features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Implementation Method

[0010] Due to the influence of seawater temperature differences and geographical environment, ocean currents possess abundant and sustainably exploitable kinetic energy, suitable for power generation. Compared to traditional ocean current power generation systems, this invention is an ocean current power generation system 100, designed to effectively utilize the kinetic energy of ocean currents and convert it into electrical energy. Furthermore, the ocean current power generation system 100 proposes improvement solutions to problems such as equipment susceptibility to corrosion, positioning errors caused by changes in ocean current direction, and vulnerability under harsh sea conditions.

[0011] Hereinafter, the structural relationship and function of each component will be described in detail with reference to FIG1A. FIG1A is a schematic diagram of the structural configuration and the relationship of each component of the ocean current power generation system 100 described in this invention. The ocean current power generation system 100 includes a ballast block 130, a current collector slip ring 160, a current guiding structure 140, a float control platform 120, and a first support cable 152 and a second support cable 154 for connection. The ballast block 130 is firmly placed on the seabed 10 (see FIG1B) as the basic anchor point of the ocean current power generation system 100. The current collector slip ring 160 is rotatably mounted on the ballast block 130, so that the connected components can be rotated and adjusted for alignment according to changes in the direction of the ocean current. The current collector slip ring 160 is also electrically connected to the generator set 110 through a cable 161 to ensure that power can be continuously and stably transmitted even if affected by ocean current movement.

[0012] Furthermore, please refer to Figure 2, which shows a perspective view of the flow guiding structure 140. The flow guiding structure 140 is connected to the current collector slip ring 160 via multiple first support cables 152. The flow guiding structure 140 includes a current inlet 142 and a current outlet 144. The diameter of the current inlet 142 is larger than the diameter of the current outlet 144, presenting a distinct funnel-shaped design. The current inlet 142 is designed with a larger diameter to maximize the collection and concentration of the current, thereby promoting the operation of the generator set 110. In detail, the current inlet 142 is used to effectively collect and guide seawater flow towards the narrower current outlet 144, accelerating the water flow and increasing the kinetic energy of the current.

[0013] The narrower ocean current outlet 144 is equipped with a generator set 110, which is used to convert the kinetic energy of the accelerated ocean current into electrical energy and transmit the power to an onshore power station or energy storage facility through a cable 161 for subsequent use.

[0014] To maintain optimal positioning and stability of the current-guiding structure 140 within the ocean current, a float control platform 120 is installed above it and connected by multiple second support cables 154. This float control platform 120 ensures that the ocean current power generation system 100 maintains an appropriate operating depth according to sea conditions. Furthermore, the float control platform 120 is equipped with warning lights 120L (see Figure 3) to indicate the operating range of the ocean current power generation system 100.

[0015] In addition, the flow guiding structure 140 also includes a flow guiding shroud 148, multiple buoyancy tubes 145, and multiple submersion tubes 146. Among them, the flow guiding shroud 148 is made of glass fiber membrane material, polyester fiber membrane material as base material, or ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene membrane (ETFE), thus greatly improving the structural durability, weather resistance and corrosion resistance, and is suitable for long-term seawater immersion.

[0016] Please refer to Figure 4B, which shows a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the buoyancy tube 145 in the flow guiding structure 140. The buoyancy tube 145 is covered by a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe 1454, hereinafter referred to as HDPE pipe 1454. HDPE pipe 1454 ensures structural strength and corrosion resistance. The HDPE pipe 1454 is filled with steel pipe 1453 and polyurethane foam 1452 to ensure long-term buoyancy. In contrast, please refer to the cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the submersible tube 146 shown in Figure 4A. The submersible tube 146 is also covered by an HDPE pipe 1464 to ensure structural integrity, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability, sufficient to withstand harsh marine environments. HDPE pipe 1464 is filled with steel bars 1462 and concrete 1466 to provide the necessary weight and strength to ensure the stability of the flow guiding structure underwater.

[0017] Furthermore, the strategic arrangement of placing the sinking pipe 146 below and the buoyancy pipe 145 above helps the current-guiding structure 140 achieve optimal positioning and balance. Specifically, this positioning design not only maintains the predetermined attitude and height during normal operation but also allows the current-guiding structure 140 to safely sink to the vicinity of the seabed 10 under adverse weather conditions, effectively protecting the generator set 110 and the current-guiding structure 140 from damage. This carefully balanced configuration of buoyancy and counterweight not only maintains optimal operating depth and stability under normal conditions but also allows the ocean current power generation system 100 to safely sink to the seabed 10 during severe weather such as typhoons, ensuring structural safety.

[0018] Next, please refer to Figures 1B and 5 simultaneously. Figure 1B shows a schematic diagram of the operational deployment and underwater positioning of the ocean current power generation system 100, and Figure 5 shows an overall schematic diagram of the deployment of the ocean current power generation system 100 in the marine environment. The underwater deployment and positioning of the ocean current power generation system 100 are explained below. The ballast block 130 is firmly placed on the seabed 10, serving as a stable anchor point for the overall structure of the ocean current power generation system 100. In addition, the ballast block 130 not only stabilizes the ocean current power generation system 100 to resist ocean currents, but also enables the rotational movement of the ocean current power generation system 100 through the provided slip ring 160. Furthermore, the ballast block 130 is also equipped with a warning light 130L (see Figure 1A) to indicate the activity range of the ocean current power generation system 100.

[0019] Because multiple first support cables 152 connect the current collector slip ring 160 and the current guide structure 140, the current collector slip ring 160 can effectively fix the position of the current guide structure 140 and automatically adjust the rotation angle according to the ocean current direction. The current guide structure 140 is designed to guide the ocean current from the ocean current inlet 142 to the ocean current outlet 144, thereby optimizing the operation of the generator set 110. The float control platform 120 is placed above the current guide structure 140 and connected via the second support cable 154, and is responsible for adjusting the vertical position and orientation of the current guide structure 140. In addition, the float control platform 120 can ensure that the structure maintains an appropriate immersion depth. In addition, under extreme weather conditions such as typhoons, the current guide structure 140 is usually safely sunk to the vicinity of the seabed 10 to reduce potential damage. This configuration allows the ocean current power generation system 100 to dynamically adjust its position and alignment according to environmental changes, thereby maximizing the efficiency and reliability of ocean current energy harvesting.

[0020] In summary, the ocean current power generation system 100 of the present invention exhibits a number of special technical features and advantages, effectively solving the shortcomings of traditional ocean current power generation systems.

[0021] First, by selecting and integrating corrosion-resistant materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and glass fiber membrane, the impact of seawater corrosion can be significantly reduced, maintenance frequency and cost can be reduced, thereby improving the reliability and service life of the system under harsh sea conditions.

[0022] Secondly, the rotational design of the current collector slip ring 160 ensures that the current guide structure 140 can maintain optimal alignment with changes in ocean current direction, enhancing the adaptability of the ocean current power generation system 100, enabling it to continue to collect energy in the best state when ocean current conditions change, thereby improving the overall energy conversion efficiency.

[0023] Finally, the flow guiding structure 140 is designed in the shape of a funnel, with a large ocean current inlet 142 and a narrow ocean current outlet 144, which can significantly accelerate the ocean current velocity, further enhance the available kinetic energy, and directly promote power generation efficiency and energy output.

[0024] In summary, the ocean current power generation system 100 of the present invention provides an efficient, reliable and sustainable ocean current energy utilization solution, meeting the industry's urgent needs for improved durability, adaptability and power generation efficiency.

[0025] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0026] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the structural configuration and the relationship between the components of the ocean current power generation system 100 of the present invention; Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the operational deployment and underwater positioning of the ocean current power generation system 100; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the current guiding structure 140; Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the configuration of the generator set 110 in the current guiding structure 140; Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the submersible pipe 146 in the current guiding structure 140; Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the buoyancy pipe 145 in the current guiding structure 140; and Figure 5 is an overall schematic diagram of the deployment of the ocean current power generation system 100 in the marine environment.

Claims

1. A current-generating power system, comprising: a ballast block placed on a seabed; a slip ring rotatably mounted on the ballast block; a current-guiding structure having a current inlet and a current outlet, wherein the diameter of the current inlet is larger than the diameter of the current outlet; a generator set installed at the current outlet; and a float control platform connected above the current-guiding structure; wherein, The flow guiding structure is connected to the slip ring by multiple first support cables, while the float control platform is connected to the flow guiding structure by multiple second support cables.

2. The ocean current power generation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the current guiding structure comprises: A fairing; Multiple buoyancy tubes, filled with steel pipes and polyurethane foam; and multiple sinking tubes, filled with steel bars and concrete.

3. The ocean current power generation system as claimed in claim 2, wherein both the buoyancy tube and the submersion tube are encapsulated in high-density polyethylene.

4. The ocean current power generation system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the flow deflector is made of glass fiber membrane, polyester fiber membrane or ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene membrane.

5. The ocean current power generation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the generator set is electrically connected to a slip ring via a cable.

6. The ocean current power generation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the float control platform is used to adjust the vertical position and stability of the current guiding structure in the ocean.

Images