Rolling bearing protection device and vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device applicable thereto

Abstract

The present invention also provides a rolling bearing protection device and a vertical axis tidal current energy generation device applicable thereto. The vertical axis tidal current energy generation device includes a frame, a vertical axis hydrogenerator, a rolling bearing, and a rolling bearing protection device. The vertical axis hydrogenerator includes a main shaft disposed perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and one end of the main shaft is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the frame. The rolling bearing is sleeved on one end of the main shaft. The rolling bearing protection device is disposed above the rolling bearing. The rolling bearing protection device includes a first sealing protection device, a first water leakage protection chamber, and a second sealing protection device sequentially arranged along the gravity direction. The first sealing protection device includes at least one first sealing component. The first water leakage protection chamber includes a first water accumulation chamber and a first drainage hole, and the first drainage hole is disposed on the side wall of the first water accumulation chamber. The second sealing protection device includes at least one second sealing component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of tidal current power generation, and particularly relates to a rolling bearing protection device and a vertical-axis tidal current power generation device applicable thereto. Background Art

[0002] Ocean energy (including tidal current energy, wave energy, temperature difference energy, salinity difference energy, ocean current energy, etc.) is a clean and pollution-free renewable energy source with rich reserves, wide distribution, and excellent development prospects and value. Nowadays, energy is increasingly scarce and the greenhouse effect is becoming increasingly serious, and energy needs to be low-carbon. Therefore, clean energies such as wind energy and ocean energy are the future development direction of energy. However, for the power generation equipment of these clean energies, except that wind energy utilization is relatively mature, the utilization of ocean energy is still in its infancy and lacks general and mature equipment. Most importantly, the power generation cost of tidal current power generation devices is much higher than that of other energy sources, which seriously hinders the commercial application and popularization of tidal current power generation.

[0003] Tidal current power generation devices mainly use two types of water turbine generators, one is a vertical-axis water turbine generator, and the other is a horizontal-axis water turbine generator. Since the main shaft of the vertical-axis water turbine is always rotating, bearings are usually used to support the main shaft. According to the different friction properties, bearings are generally divided into two types: sliding bearings and rolling bearings. A sliding bearing is a bearing that works under sliding friction. Under the condition of liquid lubrication, the sliding surfaces are separated by a lubricant (i.e., clean water) and do not come into direct contact, greatly reducing surface wear. Because the entire surface is involved in friction in a sliding bearing, the starting friction resistance is large. Due to the large friction resistance, sliding bearings are prone to damage and have a short service life. In actual use, the maximum service life does not exceed five years. This means that if a sliding bearing is used in a tidal current power generation device, the entire power generation device must be lifted out of the water to replace the bearing within no more than five years. Therefore, the use and maintenance costs of sliding bearings are very high.

[0004] A rolling bearing is a type of bearing that converts the sliding friction between a rotating shaft and a bearing seat into rolling friction, thereby reducing frictional losses. If properly maintained, a rolling bearing can be used for up to 20 - 30 years, and the manufacturing cost of the rolling bearing itself is lower than that of a sliding bearing. Therefore, the use of rolling bearings will significantly reduce the usage and maintenance costs of a tidal energy power generation device. However, different from sliding bearings, rolling bearings use lubricating oil as a lubricant. Since most tidal energy power generation devices operate in water, the sealing requirements for rolling bearings are very high. Once external seawater leaks into the rolling bearing through the sealing ring, the entire rolling bearing will be completely scrapped. This not only fails to reduce costs but instead increases the usage and maintenance costs of the bearing. However, existing vertical-axis tidal energy power generation devices cannot solve the sealing problem of rolling bearings after long-term use. Because of this, even though rolling bearings are more suitable for tidal energy power generation devices, existing vertical-axis tidal energy power generation devices still use sliding bearings. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome at least one deficiency in the prior art, the present invention provides a rolling bearing protection device and a vertical-axis tidal energy power generation device to which it is applicable.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a rolling bearing protection device applicable to a vertical-axis tidal energy power generation device. The vertical-axis tidal energy power generation device includes a rolling bearing, and the rolling bearing protection device is disposed above the rolling bearing. The rolling bearing protection device includes a first sealing protection device, a first water leakage protection chamber, and a second sealing protection device sequentially arranged along the direction of gravity. The first sealing protection device includes at least one first sealing component. The first water leakage protection chamber includes a first water accumulation chamber and a first drainage hole. The first drainage hole is disposed on the side wall of the first water accumulation chamber. The second sealing protection device includes at least one second sealing component.

[0007] In an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the second sealing protection device includes a second water leakage protection chamber. The second water leakage protection chamber includes a second water accumulation chamber and a second drainage hole. The second drainage hole is disposed on the side wall of the second water accumulation chamber.

[0008] In an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the second sealing protection device includes a stop structure. The stop structure is disposed above the second water accumulation chamber to prevent the water accumulated in the second water accumulation chamber from splashing out.

[0009] In a second aspect, the present invention further provides a vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device, which includes a frame, a vertical-axis hydrogenerator, a rolling bearing, and a rolling bearing protection device. The vertical-axis hydrogenerator includes a main shaft disposed perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and one end of the main shaft is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the frame. The rolling bearing is sleeved on one end of the main shaft. The rolling bearing protection device is disposed above the rolling bearing. The rolling bearing protection device includes a first sealing protection device, a first water leakage protection chamber, and a second sealing protection device sequentially arranged along the gravity direction. The first sealing protection device includes at least one first sealing component. The first water leakage protection chamber includes a first water accumulation chamber and a first drainage hole. The first drainage hole is disposed on the side wall of the first water accumulation chamber. The second sealing protection device includes at least one second sealing component.

[0010] In an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the second sealing protection device includes a second water leakage protection chamber. The second water leakage protection chamber includes a second water accumulation chamber and a second drainage hole. The second drainage hole is disposed on the side wall of the second water accumulation chamber.

[0011] In an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the second sealing protection device includes a stop structure disposed above the second water accumulation chamber to prevent the water accumulated in the second water accumulation chamber from splashing out.

[0012] In an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device further includes a bearing oil supply pipe passing through the inside of the main shaft. One end of the bearing oil supply pipe communicates with the lubrication chamber of the rolling bearing to supply lubricating oil to the lubrication chamber.

[0013] In an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device further includes an oil suction pipe and an oil suction pump passing through the inside of the main shaft. One end of the oil suction pipe communicates with the lubrication chamber of the rolling bearing, and the oil suction pump is disposed at the other end of the oil suction pipe to suck out the lubricating oil in the lubrication chamber through the oil suction pipe.

[0014] In an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device further includes a liquid level sensor, a water suction pipe, and a water suction pump. The first drainage hole communicates with the inside of the main shaft. The liquid level sensor detects the water level of the leaked water accumulated inside the main shaft. When the liquid level sensor detects that the water level inside the main shaft reaches a preset value, the water suction pump operates to pump out the accumulated water inside the main shaft through the water suction pipe and discharge it to the outside of the vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device.

[0015] In an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the main shaft is of a hollow structure and has a large enough inner diameter to enable maintenance personnel to enter the inside of the main shaft.

[0016] In an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device further includes at least one blower and a ventilation pipe. The ventilation pipe is disposed inside the main shaft and extends from above the water surface to below the water surface to enable air exchange inside the main shaft.

[0017] In an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the other end of the main shaft is rotatably fixed to the top of the frame through another rolling bearing.

[0018] In summary, the rolling bearing protection device provided by the present invention is provided with a water leakage protection cavity between two sealing protection devices. Even if the sealing element becomes aged and loose after long-term use, the leaked water will be collected and accumulated in the first water leakage protection cavity and will not enter the inside of the rolling bearing. A second sealing protection device is provided below the first water leakage protection cavity to form a sealing safety redundancy and eliminate all possibilities of water leakage entering the inside of the rolling bearing. The use environment of the rolling bearing is ensured, and the service life of the rolling bearing is greatly extended. Thereby, the cost of the vertical axis tidal current energy generation device is reduced, and the commercial application of the vertical axis tidal current energy generation device is promoted.

[0019] To make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and understandable, the following specifically enumerates preferred embodiments and, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, makes a detailed description as follows. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] Figure 1 Shown is a schematic diagram of a vertical axis tidal current energy generation device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 Shown as Figure 1 an enlarged schematic diagram of the area marked A in the circle.

[0022] Figure 3 Shown as Figure 2 an enlarged schematic diagram of the area marked B in the circle. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0023] As Figures 1 - 3 shown, a vertical axis tidal current energy generation device provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes a frame 1, a vertical axis hydrogenerator 2, a rolling bearing 3, and a rolling bearing protection device 4.

[0024] The vertical axis hydrogenerator 2 includes a main shaft 21 perpendicular to the horizontal plane P. One end of the main shaft 21 is rotatably fixed to the bottom 11 of the frame 1. In this embodiment, the said end of the main shaft 21 is Figure 1 the bottom end shown. The water turbine part of the vertical axis hydrogenerator is below the water surface, and the generator part is above the water surface. The present invention does not make any limitation on the specific type of the vertical axis hydrogenerator. The water turbine of the present application can adopt a lift-type impeller or a drag-type impeller.

[0025] Three sets of rolling bearings 3 are sleeved on the end (i.e., the bottom end) of the main shaft 21. In this embodiment, the rolling bearing 3 has a lubrication cavity 31 filled with lubricating oil. The vertical axis tidal current energy generation device of the present invention uses rolling bearings instead of sliding bearings, with a lower friction coefficient and higher bearing capacity of the bearings, solving the problems of high friction and low bearing capacity caused by the use of sliding bearings in traditional vertical axis tidal current energy generation devices.

[0026] In this embodiment, the other end of the main shaft 21 is rotatably fixed to the top of the frame 1 through another rolling bearing 3. Specifically, the vertical axis tidal current energy generation device has two rolling bearings 3, which are sleeved at two places on the main shaft 21, that is, respectively sleeved at the bottom end and near the top end of the main shaft 21 (the two rolling bearings 3 are respectively fixed to the top and bottom of the frame 1). Through this setting, both ends of the main shaft 21 can be "constrained", thereby improving the resistance of the main shaft 21 to the impact of water flow. In the existing vertical axis tidal current energy generation devices, only rolling bearings are provided for restraint at the part of the main shaft near the top end. At the bottom end of the main shaft, due to high costs such as replacing lubricating oil, the use of rolling bearings for restraint is abandoned. In this way, the tidal current energy generation device cannot be "made deeper" in the water depth direction (in the prior art, once it is made deeper, since the bottom of the main shaft is not constrained, it will not be able to resist the huge impact force of the water flow, and the main shaft is prone to bending or even breaking from it), which greatly limits the power generation power of the vertical axis tidal current energy generation device. The vertical axis tidal current energy generation device of this embodiment effectively overcomes this problem in the prior art, realizes the application of a long main shaft through "two-point restraint", and realizes the full utilization of tidal current energy in the water depth direction.

[0027] If the vertical axis tidal current energy generation device uses three or more restraint points, although the main shaft can be better supported at multiple places, in order to match the dimensions of the main shaft and the bearings, the processing accuracy requirements for the main shaft will be very high, which instead causes the cost to rise. The vertical axis tidal current energy generation device of this embodiment uses restraint on both ends of the main shaft, and the requirements for processing accuracy can be effectively reduced. In this way, it can not only play a good supporting role for the main shaft, but also effectively control the cost.

[0028] The rolling bearing protection device 4 is arranged above the rolling bearing 3. In this embodiment, the rolling bearing protection device 4 surrounds the gap between the rolling bearing 3 and the main shaft 21 to protect the rolling bearing 3 from being invaded by external seawater. The "up" and "down" mentioned in this application are relative to the direction of gravity. The direction of gravity mentioned in this application is from Figure 1 In the shown angle of view, the direction from top to bottom is the direction of gravity. The rolling bearing protection device 4 includes a first sealing protection device 41, a first water leakage protection cavity 43, and a second sealing protection device 42 arranged in sequence along the direction of gravity.

[0029] The first sealing protection device 41 includes at least one first sealing component 411. In this embodiment, the first sealing component 411 is composed of multiple different types of seals. By using different types of seals to form a safety redundancy, the sealing performance is ensured. Specifically, the first sealing component 411 includes at least two sealing rings 4111 located at the top, which are used to block the sediment in the external water flow. The sealing rings 4111 can be made of carbon-based composite materials. However, the present invention does not make any limitation on the material of the sealing rings. The first sealing component 411 further includes a spring 4112, which is used to apply pressure to the sealing rings 4111, so that the two sealing rings 4111 are closely attached. Below the sealing rings 4111 and the spring 4112, the first sealing component 411 may further include a sealing gasket 4113. The present invention does not make any limitation on the specific composition form of the first sealing component. In other embodiments, the first sealing component may not have a spring and only have multiple sealing rings, or the first sealing component adopts any one of the sealing forms such as airtight sealing and metal sealing. In another embodiment, the first sealing component may further include a water accumulation chamber and a drain hole as described below. In yet another embodiment, the first sealing protection device 41 may include two or more first sealing components 411.

[0030] The first water leakage protection chamber 43 includes a first water accumulation chamber 431 and a first drain hole 432, and the first drain hole 432 is provided on the side wall of the first water accumulation chamber 431. In this embodiment, when the first sealing protection device 41 ages and becomes loose due to long-term use, a small amount of seawater may leak in from the gap between the first sealing protection device 41 and the main shaft 21. The first water accumulation chamber 431 is arranged below the first sealing protection device 41 to collect and accumulate the seawater leaking in from the first sealing protection device 41, thereby preventing the seawater from invading the inside of the rolling bearing 3. When the liquid level of the accumulated leaked water reaches the first drain hole 432, since the first drain hole 432 communicates the first water accumulation chamber 431 and the inside of the main shaft 21, the accumulated leaked water will flow into the inside of the main shaft 21 through the first drain hole 432.

[0031] The second sealing protection device 42 includes at least one second sealing component 421. The present invention does not make any limitation on the specific composition form of the second sealing component. The second sealing component can be any one of sealing forms such as sealing rings, sealing gaskets, air seals, metal seals, etc. In another embodiment, the second sealing protection device may include two or more second sealing components. In this embodiment, the second sealing protection device 42 includes a second water leakage protection cavity 422. The second water leakage protection cavity 422 includes a second water accumulation chamber 4221 and a second drain hole 4222. The second drain hole 4222 is provided on the side wall of the second water accumulation chamber 4221. Preferably, the second drain hole 4222 is located at a position close to the bottom of the side wall of the second water accumulation chamber 4221 so as to facilitate the timely discharge of the accumulated water leakage in the second water accumulation chamber 4221. After the vertical axis tidal current energy generation device operates for several years, the amount of accumulated water leakage in the first water accumulation chamber 431 is relatively large, and the water leakage may not be discharged into the interior of the main shaft 21 from the first drain hole 432 in a timely manner. At this time, if the second sealing protection device 42 is not provided, there is still a risk that seawater may flow into the lower rolling bearing 3. In order to ensure that seawater does not invade the interior of the rolling bearing 3, the present invention further provides a second sealing protection device 42 below the first water leakage protection cavity 43 to further ensure the service environment of the rolling bearing and extend the service life of the rolling bearing.

[0032] When the amount of accumulated water leakage in the second water leakage protection cavity 422 is relatively large, since the main shaft 21 is always rotating, the accumulated water leakage may splash out under the action of centrifugal force. In this embodiment, the second sealing protection device 42 includes a stop structure 423. The stop structure 423 is provided above the second water accumulation chamber 4221 to stop the water in the second water accumulation chamber 4221 from splashing out. In this embodiment, protruding parts are provided on the side wall and the top of the second water leakage protection cavity 422, that is, the stop structure is formed.

[0033] Due to the corrosiveness of seawater and the huge impact force of water flow, the service life of the sealing elements of the vertical axis tidal current energy generation device often does not exceed 5 years. In practical applications, in less than five years, in order to ensure that the rolling bearing is not invaded by seawater, the existing vertical axis tidal current energy generation device must lift the entire generator set out of the water to replace the sealing parts, which makes the cost of tidal current energy generation remain high. By providing a first water leakage protection cavity below the first sealing protection device and then providing a second sealing protection device below the first water leakage protection cavity, the present invention application can ensure that external seawater does not flow into the interior of the rolling bearing, effectively extend the service life of the rolling bearing, greatly reduce the maintenance or replacement frequency of the bearing, and thus greatly reduce the maintenance cost of the vertical axis tidal current energy generation device.

[0034] In this embodiment, the vertical axis tidal current energy generation device further includes an oil suction pipe 5 and an oil suction pump 6. The oil suction pipe 5 is disposed inside the main shaft 21, and one end of the oil suction pipe 5 communicates with the lubrication cavity 31 of the rolling bearing 3. The oil suction pump 6 is connected to the other end of the oil suction pipe 5 to suck away the lubricating oil in the lubrication cavity 31 through the oil suction pipe 5. In this embodiment, the oil suction pump 6 is disposed inside the main shaft 21. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the oil suction pump may be located on the water surface outside the main shaft.

[0035] In this embodiment, the vertical axis tidal current energy generation device further includes a bearing oil supply pipe 7. The bearing oil supply pipe 7 is disposed inside the main shaft 21, and one end of the bearing oil supply pipe 7 communicates with the lubrication cavity 31 of the rolling bearing 3 to supply lubricating oil into the lubrication cavity 31. In actual use, the other end of the bearing oil supply pipe 7 may communicate with an oil storage tank 71 storing fresh lubricating oil. In this embodiment, the oil storage tank may be disposed inside the main shaft 21. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the oil storage tank may be disposed on the water surface outside the main shaft 21.

[0036] The lubricant of the rolling bearing is lubricating oil. When the lubricating oil functions properly, it will prevent friction between components, reduce heat generation, and also absorb some sediment, etc., to keep the machine running well. However, lubricating oil has a shelf life and cannot be used permanently. It must be replaced within a certain period of time to be beneficial to the service life of the entire shafting. In particular, after the rolling bearing is used for a period of time, the lubricating oil will deteriorate due to factors such as high temperature and impurity pollution, showing discoloration, excessive foaming or even emulsification, greatly reducing the lubrication effect. In order to ensure the lubrication quality of the rolling bearing, the lubricating oil must be replaced regularly (generally not exceeding six months). If the lubricating oil is not replaced in time, it will not only accelerate the wear of components due to the lack of lubrication effect, affecting the service life, but also form a resistance to the rotation of the main shaft due to the lack of good lubrication effect, affecting the rotation of the entire water turbine and thus affecting the power generation.

[0037] Due to the complex environment in the ocean, the existing vertical axis tidal current energy generation devices cannot replace the lubricating oil underwater. When the traditional vertical axis tidal current energy generation device needs to inspect and replace the lubricating oil, first, the operation of the water turbine must be stopped, then the entire water turbine must be lifted above the water surface, and then the bearing must be removed to replace the lubricating oil and perform maintenance and repair of the bearing. Therefore, the maintenance and repair work of the bearings of the traditional vertical axis tidal current energy generation device is time-consuming and laborious, and the maintenance cost remains high.

[0038] For the vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device provided by the present invention application, when it is necessary to replace the lubricating oil, the oil extraction pump 6 is controlled to operate to extract the deteriorated lubricating oil in the lubricating cavity 31. The non-deteriorated lubricating oil flows into the lubricating cavity 31 through the bearing oil supply pipe 7 under the action of gravity. The replacement of the lubricating oil underwater is achieved by removing the "old" oil and replacing it with "new" oil. Therefore, for the vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device provided by the present invention application, the replacement of the lubricating oil can be achieved without lifting the water turbine above the water surface, greatly reducing the operation cost of the vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device.

[0039] Particularly, in this embodiment, by arranging the bearing oil supply pipe 7 and the oil extraction pipe 5 inside the main shaft 21, while protecting the pipes from external seawater impact and corrosion, it is also beneficial for the inspection, maintenance and replacement of the bearing oil supply pipe 7 and the oil extraction pipe 5.

[0040] In this embodiment, the vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device further includes a liquid level sensor 81, a water extraction pipe 82 and a water extraction pump 83. When the leaked water enters the inside of the main shaft 21 from the first drain hole and accumulates at the bottom of the main shaft 21, the liquid level sensor 81 detects the water level inside the main shaft 21. When the water level detected by the liquid level sensor 81 inside the main shaft 21 reaches a preset value, the water extraction pump 83 operates to extract the water inside the main shaft 21 to the outside of the vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device through the water extraction pipe 82.

[0041] In this embodiment, by arranging the liquid level sensor 81, the water extraction pipe 82 and the water extraction pump 83. In this embodiment, the first drain hole 432 and the second drain hole 4222 communicate with the inside of the main shaft 21, and the leaked water in the first water accumulation chamber 431 and the second water accumulation chamber 4221 is discharged into the inside of the main shaft 21. The leaked water will accumulate at the bottom of the main shaft 21 under the action of gravity. The liquid level sensor 81 detects the water level of the leaked water accumulated inside the main shaft 21. When the water level detected by the liquid level sensor 81 inside the main shaft 21 reaches a preset value, the water extraction pump 83 operates to extract the accumulated water inside the main shaft 21 through the water extraction pipe 82 and discharge it to the outside of the vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device.

[0042] In this embodiment, the main shaft 21 is of a hollow structure and has a sufficiently large inner diameter to enable maintenance personnel to enter the interior of the main shaft 21. Specifically, the part of the main shaft 21 above the horizontal plane P has an opening through which maintenance personnel or maintenance machines can enter the interior of the main shaft 21, and finally inspect, maintain or repair the pipelines and components arranged in the main shaft 21. The present invention does not limit the specific inner diameter value of the main shaft 21. If the maintenance operation is carried out by a person, the inner diameter width of the main shaft 21 should be sufficient for an adult to pass through, for example, it can be more than 1.5 m. Correspondingly, a ladder can be arranged on the inner wall of the main shaft 21 to facilitate the maintenance personnel to enter the bottom of the main shaft 21 to repair the rolling bearing 3, repair or replace pipelines such as the oil suction pipe or the water suction pipe, and repair or replace pumps such as the oil suction pump or the water suction pump. If the maintenance is carried out by a robot or a machine device, the inner diameter width of the outer shaft only needs to allow the maintenance machine to pass through.

[0043] In this embodiment, the vertical axis tidal current energy generation device further includes at least one ventilation pipe 91 and a blower 92. The ventilation pipe 91 is arranged in the main shaft 21 and extends from above the water surface to below the water surface so that air can be exchanged inside the main shaft 21. The existing vertical axis tidal current energy generation devices have not considered the situation of underwater installation or maintenance. The inventor of the present invention has considered underwater maintenance before, but has overlooked the problems of toxic and harmful gases and excessive carbon dioxide concentration generated by the high temperature caused by the long-term operation of the internal machines. If underwater operations are required, personnel need to stay underwater for a long time, and it is very easy to occur situations such as hypoxia or carbon dioxide poisoning. The blower and the ventilation pipe in this embodiment constitute a fresh air system, which greatly guarantees the life safety of the maintenance personnel or installation personnel entering underwater. When personnel need to enter the working area below the water surface to work, the blower can be started to exchange air in the working area below the water surface. In specific applications, the fresh air system can have a more complex structure, such as having an independent air supply system and an exhaust system, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0044] In summary, the rolling bearing protection device provided by the present invention is provided with a water leakage protection cavity between two sealing protection devices. Even if the sealing elements become aged and loose after long-term use, the leaked water will be accumulated in the first water leakage protection cavity and will not enter the interior of the rolling bearing. A second sealing protection device is provided below the first water leakage protection cavity to form a safety redundancy and eliminate the possibility of all leaked water entering the interior of the rolling bearing. This ensures the service environment of the rolling bearing and greatly extends the service life of the rolling bearing. Thereby, the cost of the vertical axis tidal current energy generation device is reduced, and the commercial application of the vertical axis tidal current energy generation device is promoted. The vertical axis tidal current energy generation device of the present invention uses a rolling bearing instead of a sliding bearing. The friction coefficient of the bearing is lower and the bearing capacity is higher, solving the problems of high friction and low bearing capacity caused by the use of sliding bearings in traditional vertical axis tidal current energy generation devices, and greatly reducing the use cost and maintenance cost.

[0045] In addition, the bearing oil supply pipe and the oil extraction pipe of this embodiment are arranged inside the main shaft. While protecting the pipeline from external seawater impact and corrosion, it is also beneficial for the inspection, maintenance and replacement of the bearing oil supply pipe and the oil extraction pipe. The structure is simpler and the wiring is more reasonable. By arranging rolling bearings at the bottom and top of the main shaft in this embodiment, both ends of the main shaft can be "constrained", so that the main shaft can effectively resist the impact of water flow. Therefore, the main shaft can be made longer to make full use of ocean energy as much as possible and increase the power generation. For the vertical axis tidal current energy generation device provided by this embodiment, when the lubricating oil needs to be replaced, the oil extraction pump is controlled to work to extract the deteriorated lubricating oil in the lubricating cavity. The non-deteriorated lubricating oil flows into the lubricating cavity through the bearing oil supply pipe under the action of gravity, realizing the replacement of the lubricating oil underwater. Therefore, for the vertical axis tidal current energy generation device provided by this embodiment, the lubricating oil can be replaced without lifting the water turbine above the water surface, the maintenance of the rolling bearing is simpler, and the maintenance cost is greatly reduced.

[0046] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with the preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in this art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the scope claimed in the claims.

Claims

1. A rolling bearing protection device is applicable to a vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device. The vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device includes a rolling bearing, and the rolling bearing protection device is arranged above the rolling bearing. It is characterized in that The rolling bearing protection device includes: A first seal protection device, a first water leakage protection chamber, and a second seal protection device arranged in sequence along the gravity direction. The first seal protection device includes at least one first seal assembly. The first water leakage protection chamber includes a first water accumulation chamber and a first drain hole. The first drain hole is arranged on the side wall of the first water accumulation chamber. The second seal protection device includes at least one second seal assembly.

2. The rolling bearing protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second seal protection device includes a second water leakage protection chamber. The second water leakage protection chamber includes a second water accumulation chamber and a second drain hole. The second drain hole is arranged on the side wall of the second water accumulation chamber.

3. The rolling bearing protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second seal protection device includes a stop structure. The stop structure is arranged above the second water accumulation chamber to prevent the water accumulated in the second water accumulation chamber from splashing out.

4. A vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device, characterized in that, It includes: A frame; A vertical axis tidal current power generator, including a main shaft arranged perpendicular to the horizontal plane. One end of the main shaft is rotatably arranged at the bottom of the frame; A rolling bearing sleeved on the one end of the main shaft; The rolling bearing protection device according to any one of claims 1-3, arranged above the rolling bearing.

5. The vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device according to claim 4, wherein, The vertical axis tidal current power generation device further includes a bearing oil supply pipe passing through the inside of the main shaft. One end of the bearing oil supply pipe communicates with the lubrication chamber of the rolling bearing to supply lubricating oil to the lubrication chamber.

6. The vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The vertical axis tidal current power generation device further includes an oil extraction pipe and an oil extraction pump passing through the inside of the main shaft. One end of the oil extraction pipe communicates with the lubrication chamber of the rolling bearing. The oil extraction pump is arranged at the other end of the oil extraction pipe to extract the lubricating oil in the lubrication chamber through the oil extraction pipe.

7. The vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The vertical axis tidal current power generation device further includes a liquid level sensor, a water extraction pipe, and a water extraction pump. The first drain hole communicates with the inside of the main shaft. The liquid level sensor detects the water level of the leaked water accumulated inside the main shaft. When the liquid level sensor detects that the water level inside the main shaft reaches a preset value, the water extraction pump operates to extract the accumulated water inside the main shaft through the water extraction pipe and discharge it to the outside of the vertical axis tidal current power generation device.

8. The vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device according to claim 4, wherein, The main shaft is of a hollow structure and has a large enough inner diameter to enable maintenance personnel to enter the inside of the main shaft.

9. The vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device according to claim 8, wherein, The vertical axis tidal current power generation device further includes at least one blower and a ventilation pipe. The ventilation pipe is arranged inside the main shaft. The ventilation pipe extends from above the water surface to below the water surface to enable air exchange inside the main shaft.

10. The vertical-axis tidal current energy generation device according to claim 4, wherein, The other end of the main shaft is rotatably fixed to the top of the frame through another rolling bearing.

Images