An underwater robot driven drift-type offshore wind power device
The drifting offshore wind power unit driven by an underwater spherical robot utilizes a digital water pressure pump and hydraulic system to achieve self-adjustment of wind direction and compensation for wave impact. This solves the problems of complex structure and low efficiency of offshore wind power platforms, improves power generation efficiency and stability, simplifies the structure, and reduces costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NANJING INST OF TECH
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing offshore wind power platforms have complex transmission mechanisms, a high probability of hydraulic leakage, low efficiency of wind turbines in low to medium wind speed areas, making them difficult to commercialize. Furthermore, traditional hydraulic pumps are difficult to manufacture and have low power generation efficiency.
The drifting offshore wind turbine, driven by an underwater spherical robot, utilizes a digital water pressure pump and hydraulic system, combined with vector propulsion technology, to achieve self-adjustment of wind direction and compensation for wave impact. It uses seawater as the power medium, simplifies the structure, and improves power generation efficiency.
It improves the power generation efficiency and stability of offshore wind power devices, simplifies the structure, reduces costs, enables efficient power generation in offshore environments, and provides energy security throughout the entire life cycle.
Smart Images

Figure CN117365859B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of power generation technology, and relates to an offshore wind power generation device, and more particularly to a drifting offshore wind power device driven by an underwater robot. Background Technology
[0002] Due to the limited onshore wind power resources, and the significantly higher offshore wind speeds and larger exploitable land area compared to onshore wind speeds, offshore wind power has become a crucial development direction for renewable energy development and utilization, and a global research hotspot and focus. my country has a long coastline, and the prospects for offshore wind power development are very broad. It plays a vital role in promoting energy structure transformation and undertaking environmental protection upgrades, and is also an important component of my country's strategic emerging industries, science and technology industries, and marine economic development. Although existing offshore wind power platforms use traditional hydraulically driven wind turbines, the transmission mechanism is complex. Especially when the wind turbine yaws, the pipelines inside the tower twist, requiring hydraulic swivel joints, which increases the possibility of oil leakage. Low-speed, high-displacement hydraulic pumps are difficult to manufacture. Wind turbines operate mostly in low to medium wind speed areas, and the swashplate variable pumps used are inefficient under certain displacement conditions, reducing the overall efficiency of the wind turbine. Low power generation efficiency is a major reason why this type of wind turbine is difficult to commercialize. Digital hydraulic pumps using valve distribution can maintain high volumetric efficiency, simplify the complex structure of power generation devices, and reduce device costs. Therefore, developing wind turbines based on the combination of digital pumps and seawater hydraulic transmission theory has greater engineering value and significance for reducing offshore wind farm costs, improving power generation quality, actively resisting changes in sea waves to ensure long-term stable operation, and developing green and environmentally friendly underwater robot-driven drifting offshore wind power devices. Summary of the Invention
[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a drifting offshore wind power device driven by an underwater robot. This device utilizes the high mobility of the underwater spherical robot's vector propulsion to adjust and compensate for the impact of sea winds and waves, adapting to the many adverse factors brought about by changes in wind direction. It fully utilizes the high mobility of the underwater robot to track and locate in seawater, enabling power generation in the ocean environment where the wind is stronger in the open sea, improving power generation efficiency, and also contributing to the energy security of the underwater robot throughout its entire life cycle.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a drifting offshore wind power device driven by an underwater robot, characterized by comprising a wind power generation device, a spherical shell, a digital pump-controlled motor hydraulic system, and a directional control system; the wind power generation device is mounted on the spherical shell; the digital pump-controlled motor hydraulic system includes a high-speed hydraulic motor and a digital hydraulic pump; the digital hydraulic pump is connected to the high-speed hydraulic motor via a first pipeline; the digital hydraulic pump draws seawater through the pipeline to drive the high-speed hydraulic motor; the high-speed hydraulic motor is connected to the generator of the wind power generation device, driving the generator to operate and controlling and adjusting the generator's speed; the directional control system includes... The system comprises a seawater hydraulic pump, four digital flow valves, four first jet propulsion nozzles, and two second jet propulsion nozzles. The four first jet propulsion nozzles are distributed in the four directions of the XOY plane of the spherical shell, and the two second jet propulsion nozzles are distributed in the two directions of the Y-axis. The seawater hydraulic pump is connected to the four digital flow valves, and the four digital flow valves are connected to the four first jet propulsion nozzles in a one-to-one correspondence. The two digital flow valves are also connected to the two second jet propulsion nozzles. The seawater hydraulic pump draws in seawater through pipelines and sprays it out from the first jet propulsion nozzles and the two second jet propulsion nozzles after being regulated by the digital flow valves.
[0005] Furthermore, the present invention provides a drifting offshore wind power device driven by an underwater robot, which may also have the following feature: wherein a first high-pressure filter is provided on the first pipeline connecting the digital water pressure pump and the high-speed water pressure motor.
[0006] Furthermore, the present invention provides a drifting offshore wind power device driven by an underwater robot, which may also have the following feature: wherein the digital water pressure pump and the seawater hydraulic pump draw in seawater through the same pipeline, and the pipeline is equipped with a low-pressure filter.
[0007] Furthermore, the present invention provides a drifting offshore wind power device driven by an underwater robot, which may also have the following feature: wherein the high-speed hydraulic motor is connected to the low-pressure filter through a second pipeline.
[0008] Furthermore, the present invention provides a drifting offshore wind power device driven by an underwater robot, which may also have the following feature: wherein a third pipeline is connected between the first pipeline and the second pipeline, and a first overflow valve is provided on the third pipeline.
[0009] Furthermore, the present invention provides a drifting offshore wind power device driven by an underwater robot, which may also have the following feature: wherein the third pipeline is also connected to the seawater hydraulic pump through a fourth pipeline.
[0010] Furthermore, the present invention provides a drifting offshore wind power device driven by an underwater robot, which may also have the following feature: wherein a second overflow valve is provided on the fourth pipeline.
[0011] Furthermore, the present invention provides a drifting offshore wind power device driven by an underwater robot, which may also have the following feature: wherein the second pipeline is also connected in sequence to an electrically controlled hydraulic overflow valve and a hydraulic accumulator.
[0012] Furthermore, the present invention provides a drifting offshore wind power device driven by an underwater robot, which may also have the following feature: wherein a second high-pressure filter is provided on the pipeline between the seawater hydraulic pump and the digital flow valve.
[0013] Furthermore, the present invention provides a drifting offshore wind power device driven by an underwater robot, which may also have the following features: it further includes a transformer system and an energy storage device; both the transformer system and the energy storage device are housed within a spherical shell; the generator of the wind power generation device is connected to the transformer system, and the generated electrical energy is transformed by the transformer system, and the transformed electrical energy is stored in the energy storage device or directly transmitted to the power grid via a cable.
[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:
[0015] 1. Utilize the vector propulsion of an underwater spherical robot to self-regulate against the impact of sea winds and waves to compensate for the balancing forces. Take advantage of the high mobility of the underwater robot to track and locate itself in the seawater, ensuring that it can move within a certain range and reduce the impact and damage caused by strong storms at sea.
[0016] Second, all hydraulic systems involved in the wind power generation device are driven by seawater, which is simple in structure, does not require a special water tank, and can directly draw seawater. The entire power generation device is simple in structure, energy-saving and environmentally friendly.
[0017] Third, the speed regulator of the wind power generation device adopts a digital pump-controlled motor hydraulic system, with the power source coming from a digital water pressure pump, to achieve precise control of the flow rate of the high-speed water pressure motor, thereby further controlling the speed output by the motor speed regulator within the error range required for power generation.
[0018] Fourth, by using underwater robot drive, the transformer system and energy storage device can be placed inside the robot, optimizing the structural space. This enables the drifting wind power device to work in the windy marine environment of the open sea, ensures energy security for the underwater robot throughout its entire life cycle, and stores the energy generated by the wind power device, thereby improving energy utilization. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a drifting offshore wind power device driven by an underwater robot.
[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a drifting offshore wind power device driven by an underwater robot.
[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of the jet propulsion nozzles of a drifting offshore wind turbine driven by an underwater robot.
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the motor speed regulator for a drifting offshore wind turbine driven by an underwater robot. Detailed Implementation
[0023] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0024] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the present invention provides a drifting offshore wind power device driven by an underwater robot, including a wind power generation device 15, a spherical shell 16, a digital pump-controlled motor hydraulic system, a directional control system, a transformer system, and an energy storage device.
[0025] The wind power generation device 15 is mounted on the spherical shell 16.
[0026] The digital pump-controlled motor hydraulic system includes a high-speed hydraulic motor 14 and a digital hydraulic pump 11. The digital hydraulic pump 11 is connected to the high-speed hydraulic motor 14 via a first pipeline. A first high-pressure filter 12 is installed on the first pipeline connecting the digital hydraulic pump 11 and the high-speed hydraulic motor 14. The digital hydraulic pump 11 draws in seawater 1 through the pipeline to drive the high-speed hydraulic motor 14. The high-speed hydraulic motor 14 is connected to the generator of the wind power generation device 15, driving the generator and controlling and regulating its speed. Specifically, the output shaft of the high-speed hydraulic motor 14 is connected to the generator main shaft via a coupling, driving the generator and controlling and regulating the generator main shaft speed. That is, the digital pump-controlled motor hydraulic system uses seawater 1 as the working medium, the high-speed hydraulic motor 14 acts as a regulator to directly control the generator speed, and the hydraulic power source uses the digital hydraulic pump 11 to precisely control the flow rate of the high-speed hydraulic motor 14, thereby further precisely controlling the output speed of the high-speed hydraulic motor 14 speed regulator to be within the error range required for power generation.
[0027] Both the transformer system and the energy storage device are housed within the spherical casing 16. The generator of the wind power generation device 15 is connected to the transformer system, and the generated electrical energy is transformed by the transformer system. The transformed electrical energy, which meets national standards, is directly transmitted to the power grid via cable or stored in the energy storage device.
[0028] like Figure 2 and 3As shown, the directional control system includes a seawater hydraulic pump 3, four digital flow valves 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4, four first jet propulsion nozzles X1, X2, Y1, Y2 and two second jet propulsion nozzles Y3, Y4.
[0029] Four first jet propulsion nozzles X1, X2, Y1, and Y2 are distributed along the four directions of the plane XOY of the spherical shell 16, while two second jet propulsion nozzles Y3 and Y4 are distributed along the two directions of the Y-axis. The seawater hydraulic pump 3 is connected to four digital flow valves 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, and 6-4, which correspond one-to-one with the four first jet propulsion nozzles X1, X2, Y1, and Y2. Two of the digital flow valves are also connected to the two second jet propulsion nozzles Y3 and Y4 via three-way solenoid valves 7-1 and 7-2, respectively. A second high-pressure filter 5 is installed on the pipeline between the seawater hydraulic pump 3 and the digital flow valves. The seawater hydraulic pump 3 draws in seawater 1 through the pipeline and, after being regulated by the digital flow valves 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, and 6-4, ejects it from the first jet propulsion nozzles X1, X2, Y1, and Y2 and the two second jet propulsion nozzles Y3 and Y4.
[0030] To achieve self-regulation and balance against the impact of sea winds and waves, a digital flow valve regulates the output flow to control the jet thrust of the first jet propulsion nozzles distributed in the four directions (XOY) of the spherical shell. This self-regulates the underwater robot's positioning to adapt to changes in sea wind direction and compensate for wave impacts, further reducing the impact of sea winds and waves. Furthermore, the jet thrust generated by the first jet propulsion nozzles and its vector composite force propel the underwater robot to move freely in any direction in the seawater. The high maneuverability resulting from the underwater robot's vector propulsion technology allows for tracking and positioning in the seawater, enabling free movement of offshore wind power equipment over a wide area, both in the open and near sea, significantly improving the efficiency, safety, and reliability of the wind power platform. Simultaneously, the vector torque generated by the second jet propulsion nozzles in the Y-axis direction is fully utilized to adjust the rotation of the spherical shell to adapt to changes in sea wind direction. Combined with wind speed and direction sensor monitoring, this ensures the blades operate at the optimal angle to adapt to the wind direction, further reducing the impact of sea winds and waves.
[0031] The electrical energy generated by the wind power generation device 15 can provide power for the underwater robot, and can also store the electrical energy generated by the wind power generation device 15. Driven by the underwater robot, it can ensure the power guarantee for the device's endurance throughout its entire life cycle.
[0032] Furthermore, the digital water pressure pump 11 and the seawater hydraulic pump 3 draw in seawater through the same pipeline, which is equipped with a low-pressure filter 2. The high-speed water pressure motor 14 is connected to the low-pressure filter 2 through a second pipeline. A third pipeline connects the first and second pipelines, and a first overflow valve 13 is installed on the third pipeline. The third pipeline is also connected to the seawater hydraulic pump 3 through a fourth pipeline with a damping orifice. A second overflow valve 4 is also installed on the fourth pipeline. The second pipeline is also connected in sequence to an electrically controlled water pressure overflow valve 10 and a water pressure accumulator 9 through pipelines.
[0033] During operation, the digital pump-controlled motor hydraulic system uses seawater as the working medium, drawing seawater directly from the ocean without the need for a dedicated water tank. This reduces the number of hydraulic components and simplifies the overall structure of the device. Furthermore, a high-speed water pressure motor 14 serves as the speed controller, replacing the gear speed increaser of the traditional power generation unit, further simplifying the mechanical structure. Simultaneously, the transformer system and energy storage device are housed within the spherical casing 16, maximizing space utilization. The system is environmentally friendly, preventing ocean pollution caused by hydraulic system leaks.
[0034] Specifically, a digital hydraulic pump 11 is used to precisely control the flow rate of the high-speed hydraulic motor 14. Simultaneously, leakage in the pump-controlled high-speed hydraulic motor 14 circuit is automatically replenished by the seawater hydraulic pump 3. The digital hydraulic pump adopts a plunger-type structure, facilitating digital control. The connecting pipeline is located inside the tower of the wind turbine generator 15. The high-speed hydraulic motor 14 can employ a gear or blade structure, simplifying the manufacturing process and easily achieving the required speed of 1500 rpm for wind power generation. Furthermore, it only requires unidirectional rotation. The low viscosity and low frictional torque of the water medium are beneficial for adjusting the speed of the high-speed hydraulic motor 14. The digital pump-controlled motor hydraulic system requires only a first relief valve 13 as a safety protection measure. If a special situation occurs in the wind turbine generator 15, the electrically controlled hydraulic relief valve 10 can be activated, allowing the hydraulic accumulator 9 to output high-pressure water for braking. The seawater hydraulic pump 3 is a hydraulic screw pump, providing pulsating output flow, improving the accuracy of the replenishment system, and better ensuring the stability of the high-speed hydraulic motor 14's speed.
[0035] If necessary, a proportional flow valve can be added locally to the wind power generation device 15 as a speed controller for a high-speed hydraulic motor to further improve control accuracy, so that the speed output by the motor speed regulator is within the error range of the speed required for power generation, thereby ensuring the high efficiency and stability of the wind power generation device 15 in adapting to the influence of wind speed and wind direction changes on speed changes.
[0036] The computer control system of the wind power generation device 15 and the control system of the underwater robot form feedback compensation. The underwater robot sends control signals to control the digital flow valves (6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4) and the two-position three-way solenoid valves (7-1, 7-2) to control the selection of the first jet propulsion nozzle and the second jet propulsion nozzle to adapt to the adjustment and coordination of the blade direction change of the wind power generation device 15, and further cooperates with the pump controller to control and adjust the seawater hydraulic pump 3 and the digital water pressure pump 11.
[0037] In this invention, unless otherwise stated, scientific and technical terms used herein have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art.
[0038] It should be noted that the terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", and "back" used in the invention are only for clarity of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of the invention.
[0039] Finally, it should be noted that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A drifting offshore wind power device driven by an underwater robot, characterized in that: Includes wind power generation equipment, spherical shell, digital pump-controlled motor hydraulic system, and directional control system; The wind power generation device is mounted on a spherical shell; The digital pump-controlled motor hydraulic system includes a high-speed water pressure motor and a digital water pressure pump; The digital water pressure pump is connected to the high-speed water pressure motor through the first pipeline; the digital water pressure pump draws in seawater through the pipeline to drive the high-speed water pressure motor; A high-speed hydraulic motor is connected to the generator of the wind power generation device to drive the generator and control and regulate the generator speed; The directional control system includes a seawater hydraulic pump, four digital flow valves, four first jet propulsion nozzles, and two second jet propulsion nozzles. The four first jet propulsion nozzles are distributed in the four directions of the plane XOY of the spherical shell, and the two second jet propulsion nozzles are distributed in the two directions of the Y axis. The seawater hydraulic pump is connected to four digital flow valves respectively. The four digital flow valves are connected to four first jet propulsion nozzles one by one. Two of the digital flow valves are also connected to two second jet propulsion nozzles respectively. The seawater hydraulic pump draws in seawater through pipelines and sprays it out from the first jet propulsion nozzle and two second jet propulsion nozzles through a digital flow valve.
2. The underwater robot-driven drifting offshore wind power device according to claim 1, characterized in that: in, A first high-pressure filter is provided on the first pipeline connecting the digital water pump and the high-speed water motor.
3. The underwater robot-driven drifting offshore wind power device according to claim 1, characterized in that: in, The digital water pressure pump and the seawater hydraulic pump draw in seawater through the same pipeline, which is equipped with a low-pressure filter.
4. The underwater robot-driven drifting offshore wind power device according to claim 3, characterized in that: in, The high-speed water pressure motor is connected to the low-pressure filter via a second pipeline.
5. The underwater robot-driven drifting offshore wind power device according to claim 4, characterized in that: in, A third pipeline is connected between the first pipeline and the second pipeline, and a first overflow valve is installed on the third pipeline.
6. The underwater robot-driven drifting offshore wind power device according to claim 5, characterized in that: in, The third pipeline is also connected to the seawater hydraulic pump via a fourth pipeline.
7. The underwater robot-driven drifting offshore wind power device according to claim 6, characterized in that: in, The fourth pipeline is also equipped with a second overflow valve.
8. The underwater robot-driven drifting offshore wind power device according to claim 4, characterized in that: in, The second pipeline is also connected in sequence to an electrically controlled water pressure overflow valve and a water pressure accumulator.
9. The underwater robot-driven drifting offshore wind power device according to claim 1, characterized in that: in, A second high-pressure filter is installed on the pipeline between the seawater hydraulic pump and the digital flow valve.
10. The underwater robot-driven drifting offshore wind power device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes transformer systems and energy storage devices; Both the transformer system and the energy storage device are housed within the spherical casing; The generator of the wind power generation device is connected to the transformer system. The generated electrical energy is transformed by the transformer system. The transformed electrical energy is stored in an energy storage device or directly transmitted to the power grid through a cable.