Wave energy power plant

Abstract

The application discloses a wave energy power generation device, which comprises an underwater floating body, an energy conversion unit installed in the underwater floating body, and a central floating body fixed to the upper end of the underwater floating body, wherein the outer wall of the central floating body is sleeved with a main float, the main float is connected with the energy conversion unit through a pressure cylinder, the circumferential side of the underwater floating body is provided with at least two groups of anchoring units, the circumferential side of the main float is symmetrically distributed with a plurality of auxiliary float units, and the auxiliary float units are rigidly connected with the main float. The wave energy power generation device has the beneficial effects that the circumferential side of the main float is provided with the plurality of auxiliary float units which are rigidly connected and are circumferentially distributed, the auxiliary float units increase the contact area between the device and the sea surface, enhance the water resistance effect of the device as a whole, can effectively inhibit the freedom of the main float in five directions of sway, surge, yaw, roll and pitch, the device can independently maintain the initial floating state, keep the wave energy capturing movement in the single degree of freedom of heave, and improve the wave energy capturing efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine energy capture equipment, and more particularly to a wave energy power generation device. Background Technology

[0002] Equipment that converts wave energy into electrical energy is called a wave energy power generation device. In recent years, there have been many reports on the research progress of wave energy power generation devices, but the technology is not yet mature and there is still a lot of room for research and potential.

[0003] Based on the principle of capturing wave energy, wave energy generation devices can be classified into oscillating water column type, oscillating float type, pendulum type, and wave-overtaking type. Oscillating float type wave energy generation devices are currently the most numerous and fastest-growing type. At present, wave energy generation devices are mostly single-unit devices, with fewer multi-body wave energy generation devices. Multi-body wave energy generation devices share a single base, featuring low cost, high reliability, and good adaptability, making them more suitable for improving wave energy capture efficiency and increasing the utilization rate of a unit area of ​​sea.

[0004] For example, Chinese invention patent application CN113090439A discloses a wave energy power generation device based on a multi-buoy array. It utilizes a multi-buoy ring array to achieve multi-point energy absorption, improve the stability of wave energy capture, and improve the overall power generation efficiency of the floats. At the same time, each float captures wave energy during its up-and-down movement, further improving the power generation efficiency of the floats.

[0005] However, each float in the multi-buoy array of the aforementioned device is individually equipped with a hinge mechanism, meaning each float operates independently. Since the entire device experiences multi-degree-of-freedom energy in the waves, a single float can only capture energy carried by heave motion from uncertain multi-degree-of-freedom motion, resulting in low energy conversion efficiency. Furthermore, the main structure of the device also undergoes heave motion with the waves, meaning the floats and the main body may rise or sink simultaneously. In this extreme case, the hinge mechanism receives no power input, leading to a low overall energy conversion efficiency per unit time. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a wave energy power generation device, which mainly solves the problem of low energy capture efficiency caused by the individual floats generating electricity through independent hinge mechanisms in existing multi-float wave energy power generation devices.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0008] A wave energy generation device includes an underwater float, an energy conversion unit installed inside the underwater float, and a central float fixed to the upper end of the underwater float. A main float is fitted on the outer wall of the central float. The main float is connected to the energy conversion unit through a pressure cylinder. At least two sets of mooring units are arranged around the underwater float. Several auxiliary float units are symmetrically distributed around the main float, and the auxiliary float units are rigidly connected to the main float.

[0009] In some embodiments, the central axis of the central float coincides with the central axis of the main float.

[0010] In some embodiments, the main float is composed of two semi-cylinders whose centers do not coincide.

[0011] In some embodiments, the auxiliary float unit includes a support rod and an auxiliary float, with both ends of the support rod fixedly connected to the auxiliary float and the main float, respectively.

[0012] In some embodiments, one end of the support rod passes through the center of the secondary float, and the other end passes through the center of the primary float.

[0013] In some embodiments, the secondary float and the primary float are located on the same plane.

[0014] In some embodiments, the top and bottom of the auxiliary float are respectively provided with an exhaust hole and a drain hole.

[0015] In some embodiments, the auxiliary float is provided with two one-way valves, which control the opening and closing of the vent and the drain, respectively.

[0016] In some embodiments, the mooring unit includes an anchor chain and an anchor block, one end of the anchor chain being connected to the sidewall of the underwater buoy and the other end of the anchor chain being connected to the anchor block.

[0017] In some embodiments, the system also includes a coil disposed on the outer wall of the central float and a magnet disposed inside the main float, the magnet being tubular in shape, the coil being wound along the axial direction of the main float, and the two ends of the coil being coupled to the input end of the energy conversion unit.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: by setting several auxiliary float units with rigid connections in a circular distribution around the main float, the auxiliary float units increase the contact area between the device and the sea surface, enhance the overall water resistance effect of the device, and can effectively suppress the main float's degrees of freedom in five directions: sway, pitch, yaw, roll, and pitch. The device can autonomously maintain its initial floating state and continue to perform wave energy capture motion with a single degree of freedom of heave, thereby improving the wave energy capture efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the wave energy power generation device disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the secondary float unit disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another wave energy power generation device disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer and more explicit, the content of this invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to this invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, not all of them.

[0023] This embodiment proposes a wave energy power generation device, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes an underwater float 1, an energy conversion unit 9 installed inside the underwater float 1, and a central float 2 fixed to the upper end of the underwater float 1. The outer wall of the central float 2 is fitted with a main float 3. The main float 3 is connected to the energy conversion unit 9 through a pressure cylinder 8. At least two sets of mooring units 5 are provided on the periphery of the underwater float 1. Several auxiliary float units 4 are symmetrically distributed on the periphery of the main float 3. The symmetrical distribution of the auxiliary float units 4 can keep the main float 3 in balance and adjust the buoyancy in time. The auxiliary float units 4 are rigidly connected to the main float 3.

[0024] In this embodiment, by setting several auxiliary float units 4 rigidly connected in a circular distribution around the main float 3, the auxiliary float units 4 increase the contact area between the device and the sea surface, enhance the overall water resistance effect of the device, and can effectively suppress the five degrees of freedom of the main float 3 in the five directions of sway, pitch, yaw, roll and pitch. The device can autonomously maintain its initial floating state and continue to perform wave energy capture motion with a single degree of freedom of heave, thereby improving the wave energy capture efficiency. The mechanical energy captured by the main float 3 is input into the energy conversion unit 9 through the pressure cylinder 8, converting the mechanical energy into electrical energy and storing it.

[0025] The aforementioned energy conversion unit 9 can be any device capable of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. It can be equipped with multiple intermediate energy converters, such as a hydraulic accumulator, to convert the mechanical energy input from the pressure cylinder 8 into hydraulic energy. When the pressure reaches the pressure relief threshold, the hydraulic accumulator automatically releases high-pressure hydraulic oil, converting the hydraulic energy back into mechanical energy to drive the turbine, which in turn drives the generator to output electrical energy.

[0026] The working principle of this invention is as follows: The wave energy generation device floats on the water surface, with the main float 3 and the auxiliary float unit 4 half submerged at the bottom and half floating on the surface. Under the action of the waves, when the main float 3 moves along the central float 2, it pulls the hydraulic rod of the pressure cylinder 8 up and down, drawing low-pressure hydraulic oil from the low-pressure oil tank in the energy conversion system 1 and converting it into high-pressure hydraulic oil, which is then injected into the hydraulic accumulator of the energy conversion system 1. When the pressure reaches the pressure relief threshold, the hydraulic accumulator automatically releases the high-pressure hydraulic oil.

[0027] Under the influence of waves, when the main float 3 moves, the auxiliary float unit 4 assists it to move only in the vertical direction. Since the main float 3 and the auxiliary float unit 4 are rigidly connected, when the buoyancy of the main float 3 changes, the equilibrium state of the auxiliary float unit 4 is also disrupted, the buoyancy changes, but the gravity remains unchanged. A restoring torque is formed between buoyancy and gravity, preventing changes in the buoyancy of the main float 3 and the auxiliary float unit 4. Therefore, except for heave motion, all other degrees of freedom of the main float 3 are suppressed; that is, the main float 3 can only perform single-degree-of-freedom motion that can capture wave energy, namely heave motion. Moreover, the captured wave energy will not be converted into other ineffective degrees of freedom motion; that is, the captured wave energy will not be dissipated. On the other hand, the special shape of the central float 2 has a water-blocking effect, restricting its movement in the waves, ensuring not only the relative amplitude of its movement with the main float 3 but also smooth relative movement between the two.

[0028] from Figure 2 As can be seen, the aforementioned auxiliary float unit 4 adopts a special structural design with eight floats connected together. The device has a simple structure, stable floating state, and a single degree of freedom of motion. Compared with existing articulated power inputs, this device has less mechanical wear, is not easily damaged, and is suitable for use in complex marine environments.

[0029] In one example, see below. Figure 2 The auxiliary float unit 4 includes a support rod 401 and an auxiliary float 402. The two ends of the support rod 401 are fixedly connected to the auxiliary float and the main float, respectively. Obviously, the support rod 401 mainly serves to rigidly connect and extend the float. More specifically, one end of the support rod 401 passes through the center of the ball of the auxiliary float 402, and the other end passes through the center of the ball of the main float 3, so that the movement of the auxiliary float and the main float is synchronized.

[0030] Optionally, the auxiliary float 402 and the main float 3 are located on the same plane to ensure that the auxiliary float and the main float are at the same draft.

[0031] The structure of the above-mentioned auxiliary float unit 4 is simple, which enables the wave energy captured by the main float 3 to be converted only in the direction of heave, resulting in high conversion efficiency and low cost.

[0032] The shape of the auxiliary float 402 mentioned above can be any hollow body other than spherical, as long as it can achieve the floating effect.

[0033] Optionally, the support rod 401 can be cylindrical or any other shape, and its length can be varied according to actual needs, from zero to any length.

[0034] The central axis of the central float 2 coincides with the central axis of the main float 3, ensuring their coaxiality and smooth movement.

[0035] The main float 3 is composed of two semi-cylinders whose centers do not coincide. Its special streamlined shape allows the main float 3 to experience less water resistance during heave motion, making efficient use of wave force, increasing the amplitude of the main float 3's motion, and improving its adaptability to wave frequency.

[0036] Even better, the top and bottom of the auxiliary float 402 are respectively provided with an exhaust hole 403 and a drain hole 404. The exhaust hole 403 and the drain hole 404 are used to adjust the buoyancy of the device, which facilitates the deployment and recovery of the device.

[0037] The auxiliary float 402 is internally equipped with two one-way valves, which control the opening and closing of the vent and drain holes respectively, adjusting the buoyancy of the device, i.e., its draft. When it is necessary to reduce the draft of the device, high-pressure gas is introduced into the auxiliary float 402 through the vent 402, causing the water inside to be discharged through the drain hole 404. When it is necessary to increase the draft of the device, the vent 403 and drain hole 404 are opened directly, allowing air to automatically enter the vent 403 and water to be discharged through the drain hole 404.

[0038] The mooring unit 5 restricts the range of motion of the central float 2. In one example, the mooring unit 5 includes an anchor chain 501 and an anchor block 502, one end of the anchor chain 501 being connected to the side wall of the underwater float 1, and the other end of the anchor chain 501 being connected to the anchor block 502.

[0039] In a better implementation scheme, such as Figure 3 As shown, it also includes a coil 6 disposed on the outer wall of the central float 2, and a magnet 7 disposed on the inner side of the main float 3. The magnet 7 is tubular in shape, and the coil 6 is wound along the axial direction of the main float 3, with both ends of the coil 6 coupled to the input end of the energy conversion unit 9. When the main float 3 reciprocates and oscillates relative to the central float 2 under the action of waves, the coil 7 cuts the magnetic lines of force of the magnet 7, thereby generating an induced electromotive force. The generated electrical energy is collected by the energy conversion system 1 for use by the load.

[0040] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical concept and features of the present invention, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made based on the essence of the content of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wave energy generation device, characterized in that, The system includes an underwater float, an energy conversion unit installed inside the underwater float, and a central float fixed to the upper end of the underwater float. The outer wall of the central float is fitted with a main float, which is connected to the energy conversion unit through a pressure cylinder. At least two sets of mooring units are provided on the periphery of the underwater float, and several auxiliary float units are symmetrically distributed on the periphery of the main float, with the auxiliary float units being rigidly connected to the main float. The auxiliary float unit includes a support rod and an auxiliary float. The two ends of the support rod are fixedly connected to the auxiliary float and the main float, respectively. One end of the support rod passes through the center of the auxiliary float, and the other end passes through the center of the main float.

2. The wave energy generation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The central axis of the central float coincides with the central axis of the main float.

3. The wave energy generation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main float is composed of two semi-cylinders whose centers do not coincide.

4. The wave energy generation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The secondary float and the primary float are located on the same plane.

5. The wave energy generation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top and bottom of the auxiliary float are respectively provided with an exhaust hole and a drainage hole.

6. The wave energy generation device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The auxiliary float is equipped with two one-way valves, which control the opening and closing of the vent and the drain, respectively.

7. The wave energy generation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mooring unit includes an anchor chain and an anchor block. One end of the anchor chain is connected to the side wall of the underwater buoy, and the other end of the anchor chain is connected to the anchor block.

8. The wave energy generation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a coil disposed on the outer wall of the central float and a magnet disposed on the inner side of the main float. The magnet is in the shape of a tube. The coil is wound along the axial direction of the main float and the two ends of the coil are coupled to the input end of the energy conversion unit.

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