Horizontal axis tidal current power plant with cooling device

Abstract

The application relates to a horizontal shaft tidal current power generation device with a cooling device, which comprises an upper shell, a middle shell connected with the upper shell, a lower shell connected with the middle shell, and a generator installed in the upper shell, wherein an outer casing is arranged outside the generator, the casing is installed in the upper shell, a plurality of groups of shell heat dissipation fins are arranged on the lower surface of the casing, at least one convection heat exchange pipe is arranged between the shell heat dissipation fins, the convection heat exchange pipe is communicated with the outside of the upper shell, and an external cooling pipe is arranged on the upper part of the upper shell. The generator heat dissipation effect is achieved through the heat dissipation fins and the convection heat exchange structure, the generator working efficiency is improved, the faults caused by overheating in the working state are avoided, the hot air in the cavity of the power generation device is condensed through the external cooling pipe, the condensed water can be collected through the condensed water collecting structure, and thus the condensed water is prevented from flowing to the internal parts of the power generation device and causing the parts to rust.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tidal current power generation technology, and in particular to a horizontal axis tidal current power generation device with a cooling device. Background Technology

[0002] Ocean energy, as a clean and renewable energy source, has minimal environmental impact. It does not occupy land resources, and the world possesses abundant marine renewable energy resources with considerable development potential. It will play a vital role in providing humanity with living space, food, minerals, energy, and water resources. Tidal energy resources are an important supplement to future energy sources, particularly significant in solving energy supply issues for islands. Tidal power generation equipment operates in complex and harsh marine environments. Its working principle involves converting tidal energy into mechanical energy, which is then converted into electrical energy by a generator for storage. The generator, as the heart of the tidal power generation equipment, has high requirements for waterproofing, vibration resistance, and high-temperature resistance. Without appropriate motor protection and cooling devices, the generator's performance will be affected. Furthermore, most tidal power generation equipment lacks a condensate collection structure, failing to collect water droplets generated by condensation inside the equipment cavity. Internal moisture and humidity can corrode and damage the equipment, leading to reduced performance or malfunctions of internal components. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a horizontal axial tidal power generation device with a cooling device, which effectively solves the problem of high temperature inside the shell during operation, greatly extends the equipment life and reduces maintenance costs.

[0004] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0005] A horizontal axial tidal power generation device with a cooling device includes an upper housing and a generator installed inside the upper housing. The generator is provided with a casing, which is installed inside the upper housing. The lower surface of the casing is provided with multiple sets of casing heat sinks, and at least one convection heat exchange tube is provided between the casing heat sinks. The convection heat exchange tube is connected to the outside of the upper housing.

[0006] According to the above technical solution, preferably, the side of the upper shell is provided with a convection heat dissipation inlet end and a convection heat dissipation outlet end, and the convection heat dissipation inlet end, the convection heat exchange tube, and the convection heat dissipation outlet end are connected in sequence by a flexible hose.

[0007] According to the above technical solution, preferably, the upper part of the upper shell is provided with an external cooling pipe.

[0008] According to the above technical solution, preferably, the external cooling pipe includes multiple external water cooling pipes and external air cooling pipes, with the two ends of the external water cooling pipes and external air cooling pipes respectively penetrating through both sides of the upper housing.

[0009] According to the above technical solution, preferably, the external cooling pipe is located above the generator, and a condensate collection plate is provided between the external cooling pipe and the generator.

[0010] According to the above technical solution, preferably, it also includes a middle shell connected to the upper shell and a lower shell connected to the middle shell. The middle shell includes a transmission channel with openings at both the upper and lower ends and a condensate chamber with an opening at the upper part. The condensate chamber is located opposite to the generator below.

[0011] According to the above technical solution, preferably, a transmission pulley is installed at the connection between the middle shell and the upper shell, the transmission pulley is located at the upper opening of the transmission channel, and a protective structure is provided on the outside of the transmission pulley.

[0012] According to the above technical solution, preferably, the protective structure includes an embedded support plate fixedly connected to the upper opening of the transmission channel by bolts and a condensate protection cover fixed above the embedded support plate, wherein the condensate protection cover is located outside the transmission pulley.

[0013] According to the above technical solution, preferably, the rear side of the generator housing is a rear end cover, and the rear end cover is provided with multiple sets of end cover heat sinks.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0015] This invention utilizes a heat sink and convection heat exchange structure to dissipate heat from the generator, improving its efficiency and preventing malfunctions caused by overheating during operation. External cooling pipes condense the hot air inside the generator housing. Simultaneously, a condensate collection structure collects the condensate, preventing it from flowing into internal components and causing corrosion. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the generator part of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the upper shell of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0019] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the upper shell of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0020] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the upper shell of the present invention. Figure 3 .

[0021] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the central shell of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0022] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the central shell of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0023] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the protective structure portion of the present invention.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Housing; 2. Housing heat sink; 3. Convection heat exchange tube; 4. Rear end cover; 5. End cover heat sink; 6. External air cooling pipe; 7. External water cooling pipe; 8. Upper housing; 9. Convection heat dissipation outlet end; 10. Convection heat dissipation inlet end; 11. Condensate collection plate; 12. Condensate chamber; 13. Transmission channel; 14. Condensate protection cover; 15. Embedded support plate; 16. Condensate tank; 17. Middle housing; 18. Lower housing. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0026] In the description of the invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", 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 the invention 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 the invention.

[0027] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] Example 1: As shown in the figure, the present invention includes an upper housing 8 and a generator installed inside the upper housing 8. The generator has a casing 1 installed inside the upper housing 8. The lower surface of the casing 1 has multiple sets of heat sinks 2, and at least one convection heat exchange pipe 3 is provided between the heat sinks 2. The convection heat exchange pipe 3 is connected to the outside of the upper housing 8. The rear side of the generator casing 1 is a rear end cover 4, and the rear end cover 4 has multiple sets of end cover heat sinks 5 to further increase the heat dissipation area of ​​the casing 1. In this example, the generator casing 1 has a front end cover and a rear end cover 4 on its front and rear sides, respectively. The generator is fixed to the casing 1 and the end cover by bolts, and vibration-damping flexible pads are placed at the bolt connections to offset some of the vibrations during generator operation.

[0029] The upper shell 8 has a convection heat dissipation inlet 10 and a convection heat dissipation outlet 9 on its side. The convection heat dissipation inlet 10, the convection heat exchange tube 3, and the convection heat dissipation outlet 9 are connected sequentially by flexible hoses. In this example, the convection heat dissipation inlet 10 is provided with a funnel, with the horizontal projection of the convection heat dissipation inlet 10 located above the convection heat exchange tube 3, and the horizontal projection of the convection heat exchange tube 3 located above the convection heat dissipation outlet 9. This raises the positions of the convection heat dissipation outlet 9, the convection heat exchange tube 3, and the convection heat dissipation inlet 10 sequentially, facilitating water flow from a higher to a lower position. Since the generator is the heart of the equipment, its heat dissipation is crucial. Therefore, a separate convection heat exchange structure is provided for it. The convection heat dissipation inlet 10 and the convection heat exchange tube 3 are connected to both ends of the convection heat exchange tube 3 via flexible hoses. Seawater or rainwater enters the convection heat dissipation inlet 10, passes through the convection heat exchange tube 3, and flows out from the convection heat dissipation outlet 9, achieving a convection heat dissipation effect.

[0030] The power generation equipment includes an energy harvesting device and a generator mounted above it. The energy harvesting device transmits power to the generator via a lower synchronous pulley, a lower synchronous belt, a transmission pulley, an upper synchronous belt, and an upper synchronous pulley. The energy harvesting device includes a shroud, blades, a hub, and a transmission shaft. The lower synchronous pulley is located on the transmission shaft, and the upper synchronous pulley is connected to a torque sensor via a coupling. The torque sensor is connected to the generator via a coupling. In actual operation, the tidal current drives the blades to rotate along the shroud. The blades are bolted to the hub, which drives the hub to rotate. The hub is securely connected to the transmission shaft, which in turn drives the lower synchronous pulley and the lower synchronous belt to rotate. This, in turn, drives the upper transmission belt and the upper synchronous pulley to operate synchronously, converting tidal energy into mechanical energy and transmitting it to the upper synchronous pulley. The upper synchronous pulley then transmits the mechanical energy to the generator via the torque sensor, converting it into electrical energy, thus generating electricity on the sea surface—that is, tidal energy is ultimately converted into electrical energy. The above-mentioned structure within the device body is existing technology, therefore its technical principle will not be elaborated in this technical solution. In this application, the lower housing 18 is located outside the energy harvesting device, the middle housing 17 is located outside the lower synchronous belt, and the upper synchronous belt, upper synchronous pulley, coupling, and generator are located inside the upper housing 8.

[0031] Example 2: Based on the above embodiment, preferably, an external cooling pipe is provided on the upper part of the upper shell 8. The external cooling pipe includes multiple external water cooling pipes 7 and external air cooling pipes 6. The external water cooling pipes 7 and external air cooling pipes 6 are open at both ends and are respectively arranged through both sides of the upper shell 8. One end of the external water cooling pipe 7 has an upward-facing funnel. Since the generator and transmission cable are installed on the upper part of the equipment, the upper part of the equipment is exposed to the high temperature environment of the sea surface for a long time when it is hot. The high temperature air floats upward, and most of the heat generated inside the equipment cavity is concentrated in the upper part. Therefore, external water cooling pipes 7 and external air cooling pipes 6 are provided on the equipment shell. Seawater or rainwater enters the funnel end of the external water cooling pipe 7 and flows out from the other end, realizing heat dissipation by water convection. Air flows in and out through the inner cavity of the external air cooling pipe 6, realizing heat dissipation by air convection.

[0032] In addition, an external cooling pipe is located above the generator, and a condensate collection plate 11 is provided between the external cooling pipe and the generator. During the heat dissipation process, the hot air inside the cavity will condense into droplets when it encounters cold air. To prevent the droplets from dripping directly onto the components below, a condensate collection plate 11 is connected to the upper part of the generator assembly. A sponge capable of absorbing water is placed in the condensate collection plate 11. If there is too much condensate inside the tank, the excess condensate will flow down the edge of the equipment housing from the outlet at the edge of the tank.

[0033] Example 3: As shown in the figure, the present invention includes an upper shell 8, a middle shell 17 connected to the upper shell 8, a lower shell 18 connected to the middle shell 17, and a generator installed in the upper shell 8. The generator is provided with a housing 1, which is installed in the upper shell 8. The lower surface of the housing 1 is provided with multiple sets of housing heat sinks 2, and at least one convection heat exchange tube 3 is provided between the housing heat sinks 2. The convection heat exchange tube 3 is connected to the outside of the upper shell 8.

[0034] The middle shell 17 includes a transmission channel 13 with openings at both the top and bottom, and a condensate chamber 12 with an opening at the top. The external structure of the tidal power generation equipment consists of three main parts: the lower shell 18, the middle shell 17, and the upper shell 8. These three parts are tightly connected to form the frame structure of the equipment. The lower transmission belt passes through the transmission channel 13 of the middle shell 17. The condensate chamber 12 is located opposite the generator, allowing the condensate generated during equipment operation to flow into the condensate chamber 12. The lower end of the condensate chamber 12 is a sealed cavity to prevent condensate from flowing into the lower part of the equipment. The upper edge of the condensate chamber 12 is sloped to facilitate the flow of condensate into the interior of the condensate chamber 12.

[0035] Furthermore, a transmission pulley is installed at the connection between the middle housing 17 and the upper housing 8. The transmission pulley is located at the upper opening of the transmission channel 13. A protective structure is provided outside the transmission pulley. The protective structure includes an embedded support plate 15 fixed to the upper opening of the transmission channel 13 by bolts and a condensate protection cover 14 fixed above the embedded support plate 15. The condensate protection cover 14 is located outside the transmission pulley and prevents condensate from flowing into the transmission channel 13 to a certain extent. Since the outer dimension of the working cavity of the middle housing 17 is larger than the positioning and mounting hole distance of the transition transmission mechanism (transmission pulley), it cannot be directly positioned and installed on the middle housing 17. Therefore, the embedded support plate 15 is used. The embedded support plate 15 is embedded in the transmission channel 13 of the middle housing 17 and connected to it by bolts, which can achieve effective positioning of the embedded support plate 15. The inner and outer contours of the embedded support plate 15 have a frame of a certain height, and a condensate groove 16 is formed between the two contours to store a small amount of condensate and prevent water from flowing into the transmission channel 13.

[0036] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A horizontal axial tidal power generation device with a cooling system, characterized in that, It includes an upper housing (8) and a generator installed inside the upper housing (8). The generator is provided with a housing (1) outside the housing. The housing (1) is installed inside the upper housing (8). The lower surface of the housing (1) is provided with multiple sets of housing heat sinks (2). At least one convection heat exchange tube (3) is provided between the housing heat sinks (2). The convection heat exchange tube (3) is connected to the outside of the upper housing (8). It also includes a middle housing (17) connected to the upper housing (8) and a lower housing (18) connected to the middle housing (17). The middle housing (17) includes a transmission channel (13) with openings at both the upper and lower ends and a condensate chamber (12) with an opening at the upper part. The condensate chamber (12) is located opposite to the generator below. A transmission pulley is installed at the connection between the middle shell (17) and the upper shell (8). The transmission pulley is located at the upper opening of the transmission channel (13). A protective structure is provided on the outside of the transmission pulley. The protective structure includes an embedded support plate (15) fixedly connected to the upper opening of the transmission channel (13) by bolts and a condensate protection cover (14) fixed above the embedded support plate (15), the condensate protection cover (14) being located outside the transmission pulley.

2. The horizontal axial tidal power generation device with a cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper shell (8) has a convection heat dissipation inlet end (10) and a convection heat dissipation outlet end (9) on its side. The convection heat dissipation inlet end (10), the convection heat exchange tube (3), and the convection heat dissipation outlet end (9) are connected in sequence by a flexible hose.

3. The horizontal axial tidal power generation device with a cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper part of the upper housing (8) is provided with external cooling pipes.

4. A horizontal axial tidal power generation device with a cooling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The external cooling pipes include multiple external water cooling pipes (7) and external air cooling pipes (6), with the two ends of the external water cooling pipes (7) and external air cooling pipes (6) respectively penetrating both sides of the upper housing (8).

5. A horizontal axial tidal power generation device with a cooling device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The external cooling pipe is located above the generator, and a condensate collection plate (11) is provided between the external cooling pipe and the generator.

6. A horizontal axial tidal power generation device with a cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The rear side of the generator housing (1) is a rear end cover (4), and the rear end cover (4) is provided with multiple sets of end cover heat sinks (5).

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