Self-starting salt system power supply system for offshore unmanned equipment and control method

Abstract

The invention discloses a self-starting salt system power supply system for offshore unmanned equipment. The self-starting salt system power supply system comprises an equipment platform and a metal air power supply, the metal air power source communicates with a liquid inlet assembly, a liquid discharging assembly and an air inlet assembly. The liquid inlet assembly is provided with a self-starting water pump responding to a liquid discharge completion signal of the power supply system; the power supply system outputs a drainage completion signal after the water pump starts to stop running for a period of time; the liquid discharging assembly comprises a first liquid discharging pipeline and a second liquid discharging pipeline, the first liquid discharging pipeline communicates with a liquid discharging opening of the metal air power source, and the second liquid discharging pipeline communicates with the liquid inlet assembly; wherein the metal air power supply is subjected to electrochemical reaction under the action of saline water pumped by the water pump and air flowing into the air inlet assembly and outputs electric energy to the outside. The power supply system provided by the invention not only can realize self-adaptive adjustment and efficient power generation in an extreme marine environment, but also has a self-protection function, and can meet the requirements of marine unmanned equipment on stable and reliable power supply under various sea conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of power supplies, and in particular to a self-starting salt-based power supply system and a control method for unmanned offshore equipment. Background Art

[0002] In the application field of unmanned marine equipment, the stability and reliability of energy supply are crucial. Traditional unmanned marine equipment usually relies on solar energy, wind energy or built-in battery systems as energy supply methods. However, these energy supply methods have certain limitations. Solar energy and wind energy are greatly affected by environmental factors and cannot provide stable energy in bad weather or at night; while the built-in battery system is limited by battery capacity and life, and requires regular maintenance and replacement, which not only increases operating costs, but also limits the continuous working time and range of the equipment.

[0003] In addition, when performing tasks, unmanned equipment at sea may encounter extreme marine environments, such as storms and large waves, which places higher demands on the stability and durability of the power supply system. Existing power supply systems often lack effective self-protection mechanisms and are difficult to maintain normal operation under these extreme conditions, thus affecting the efficiency and safety of unmanned equipment mission execution.

[0004] Therefore, developing a power supply system that can provide stable, reliable and long-lasting power supply in harsh marine environments is of great significance to improving the performance and application scope of unmanned marine equipment. This power supply system needs to be able to quickly respond to different power demands and have self-protection capabilities to adapt to complex marine environments and ensure energy security and efficient operation of unmanned equipment when performing tasks. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the above shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a self-starting salt-based power supply system for unmanned marine equipment to solve the problems of insufficient reliability of the power supply system in the prior art in harsh marine environments, inability to quickly respond to changes in power demand, lack of effective self-protection mechanism, and inability to provide long-term stable power. Through the technical solution of the present invention, a power supply system that can adaptively adjust under extreme marine conditions, generate electricity efficiently, and has a self-protection function is realized, thereby ensuring that unmanned marine equipment can operate continuously and stably.

[0006] In order to achieve the above purpose, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0007] A self-starting salt system power supply system for unmanned equipment at sea, the power supply system includes an equipment platform and a metal-air power supply installed on the equipment platform; the metal-air power supply is connected to a liquid inlet component and a liquid discharge component near the bottom, and is connected to an air intake component near the top; the liquid inlet component is provided with a self-starting water pump in response to a liquid discharge completion signal of the power supply system; the operation duration of the water pump is in response to a signal outputted by at least one of the lithium battery feeding level, the power demand level of other electrical equipment of the seawater unmanned equipment, and the power supply level of the metal-air power supply itself; the power supply system outputs a liquid discharge completion signal after the water pump starts to stop running for a period of time; the liquid discharge component includes a first liquid discharge pipeline and a second liquid discharge pipeline, the first liquid discharge pipeline is connected to the liquid outlet of the metal-air power supply, and the second liquid discharge pipeline is connected to the liquid inlet component; wherein the metal-air power supply undergoes an electrochemical reaction under the action of the salt water extracted by the water pump and the air flowing into the air intake component and outputs electric energy to the outside. The power supply system of the present invention, through reasonable structural design and logical control, can meet the long-term power demand of unmanned equipment at sea even if the equipment is temporarily sunk into the seawater by waves. The salt system of the present invention includes but is not limited to sea salt; the power supply system of the present invention uses sea salt as an electrolyte, so that the cathode and anode of the battery stack 21 of the metal-air power supply 2 undergo electrochemical reactions under the action of sea water to output electrical energy.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution, the metal-air power source is provided with a protective shell, and a certain gap is left between the inner wall of the protective shell and the outer peripheral edge of the metal-air power source.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution, the top of the protective shell is in a herringbone structure.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution, the air intake assembly includes at least one downwardly bent air intake pipeline and an air intake water-stopping structure connected to the end of the air intake pipeline.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution, the first liquid discharge pipeline is connected to the gap between the shell and the metal air power supply.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution, a float ball that can float freely up and down is provided on the discharge port of the first discharge pipeline.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution, the distance between the discharge port of the first discharge pipeline and the equipment platform is smaller than the distance between the water pump liquid inlet and the equipment platform.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution, an electric valve is provided on the second liquid discharge pipeline, one end of which is connected to the liquid inlet assembly and the other end is connected to the first liquid discharge pipeline; the electric valve receives a liquid discharge start signal output by the power supply system, and the liquid discharge start signal is output after the water pump stops running for a period of time. The electric valve of the present application is preferably an electric ball valve. The power supply system fully considers the compactness of the pipeline, and the liquid inlet assembly and the electric valve open a common set of pipelines, which are placed at the bottom of the power supply system.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution, a one-way valve is also provided on the liquid inlet pipeline between the water pump and the metal air power supply.

[0016] As a preferred technical solution, the running duration of the water pump preferentially responds to the signal output by the lithium battery power supply level.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a self-starting salt system power supply system control method for unmanned offshore equipment as described above, the control method comprising the following steps:

[0018] S1: When the lithium battery in the unmanned offshore equipment is powered, the power system outputs a start signal to the water pump in the liquid inlet assembly. Within t1, the water pump is turned on and the seawater is pumped into the metal-air power stack through the liquid inlet pipeline. The metal-air power stack undergoes an electrochemical reaction under the action of the salt water system and generates electricity. At the same time, within t1, part of the electrochemical reaction products generated inside the stack are discharged through the first liquid discharge pipeline along with the liquid flow.

[0019] S2: Turn off the water pump, and the one-way valve cuts off the discharge of the liquid flow on the liquid inlet pipeline. The distance between the discharge port of the first liquid discharge pipeline and the equipment platform is smaller than the distance between the water pump inlet and the equipment platform. At this time, the seawater is stored in the battery stack for t2 time. The power system continues to charge the lithium battery and can also supply power to other electrical equipment;

[0020] S3: The power supply system outputs a drainage start signal to the electric valve, and the electric valve gradually opens after receiving the signal. After t3 time, the bottom of the stack is drained through the second drainage pipeline until the liquid and electrochemical reaction products inside the stack are completely discharged, and the electric valve is closed;

[0021] S4: The power supply system outputs a drainage completion signal to the water pump. At this time, the water pump starts again, and the liquid inlet component starts to infuse liquid again. The operations of steps S1 to S3 are repeated to ensure that the unmanned equipment at sea has a long-lasting and stable power supply.

[0022] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0023] The present invention provides a self-starting salt-based power supply system for unmanned offshore equipment, which realizes stable power supply in extreme marine environments through innovative structural design and control methods. The system includes an equipment platform, a metal-air power supply, a liquid inlet component, a liquid discharge component, and an air intake component. The metal-air power supply undergoes an electrochemical reaction under the action of salt water extracted by a water pump and air flowing into the air intake component and outputs electrical energy to the outside. The liquid inlet component of the power supply system is provided with a self-starting water pump, and its operating duration is dynamically adjusted according to the power supply level of the lithium battery, the power demand of other electrical equipment, and the power supply level of the metal-air power supply itself, ensuring efficient energy management of the power supply system.

[0024] In addition, the system is designed with components such as protective shells, air intake and water-stopping structures, drainage pipelines, and electric valves to enhance the waterproof performance and adaptability of the system. Through the control method, the system can automatically start when the lithium battery is powered, and perform cyclic operations of seawater extraction, electrochemical reaction, power generation, charging, and drainage, ensuring the power demand of unmanned equipment for long-term operation at sea. This design enhances the system's adaptability and environmental adaptability, and also maintains long-term durability and stability. The overall comprehensive performance is strong, which can meet the long-term stable operation requirements of unmanned equipment at sea in harsh sea conditions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 This is an appearance diagram of the power supply system of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the power supply system of the present invention along the width direction.

[0027] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the power supply system of the present invention along the length direction.

[0028] Figure 4 It is a bottom view of the power supply system of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the working process of the power supply system of the present invention.

[0030] Among them, there are equipment platform 1, metal air power supply 2, protective shell 3, liquid inlet component 4, liquid discharge component 5, air intake component 6, power output line 7, electric ball valve 8, battery stack 21, battery stack liquid inlet 21a, battery stack liquid outlet 21b, interval gap 3a, water pump 41, one-way valve 42, liquid inlet pipeline 43, first liquid discharge pipeline 51, second liquid discharge pipeline 52, liquid discharge port 51a, float 511, air intake water-stop structure 61, and air intake pipeline 62. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following description is used to disclose the present invention so that those skilled in the art can implement the present invention. The preferred embodiments described below are only examples, and those skilled in the art may think of other obvious variations.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the present embodiment is a self-starting salt system power supply system for unmanned offshore equipment, which includes an equipment platform 1 and a metal-air power supply 2 installed on the equipment platform 1; the metal-air power supply 2 is connected to a liquid inlet component 4 and a liquid discharge component 5 near the bottom, and is connected to an air intake component 6 near the top; the liquid inlet component 4 is provided with a self-starting water pump 41 in response to a liquid discharge completion signal of the power supply system, and the liquid inlet component 4 is connected to a liquid inlet port 21a of a battery stack 21; the running duration of the water pump 41 is in response to a signal output by a lithium battery feed level; the power supply system outputs a liquid discharge completion signal after the water pump 41 starts to stop running for a period of time; the liquid discharge component 5 includes a first liquid discharge pipeline 51 and a second liquid discharge pipeline 52, the first liquid discharge pipeline 51 is connected to a liquid outlet port 21b of a battery stack 21 in the metal-air power supply 2, and the second liquid discharge pipeline 52 is connected to the liquid inlet component 4; wherein, the metal-air power supply 2 undergoes an electrochemical reaction under the action of salt water extracted by the water pump 41 and air flowing into the air intake component 6 and outputs electrical energy to the outside. Furthermore, the electric energy outputted by the present invention provides a reliable power supply for the lithium battery (not shown) and other electrical equipment of the seawater unmanned equipment through the power output line 7 and the voltage stabilizing module (not shown). Under the pumping action of the water pump 41, the seawater of the present invention can flow through the first drainage circuit composed of the liquid inlet component 4, the battery stack 21 and the first drainage pipeline 51, and return to the sea after electrochemical work is performed inside the battery stack 21.

[0034] In one embodiment, the metal air power supply 2 is provided with a protective shell 3, and a certain gap 3a is left between the inner wall of the protective shell 3 and the outer peripheral edge of the metal air power supply 2. The protective shell 3 not only provides additional physical protection to prevent the external environment from damaging the power supply system, but also the provided gap 3a is helpful for heat dissipation on the one hand, and helps to form an external drainage system outside the metal air power supply 2, that is, a second drainage circuit on the other hand.

[0035] In one embodiment, the top of the protective shell 3 is in a herringbone structure. When the power system is at sea for a long time, water vapor is formed inside the system, and after a certain period of time, liquid is formed on the top and naturally flows down to both sides.

[0036] In one embodiment, the air intake assembly 6 includes four air intake pipes 62 bent downward and an air intake water stop structure 61 connected to the end of the air intake pipe 62. The air intake water stop structure 61 is a floating ball closing structure. Under harsh conditions, the air intake assembly 6 is designed as a floating ball closing structure, which can effectively prevent seawater from invading the outside of the metal air power supply 2 in a short period of time. The length L1 of the air intake pipe 62 in the vertical direction can be adjusted to adjust the length of time for seawater to invade the stack 21; even if seawater enters the outside of the stack 21 through the air intake assembly 6, the stack 21 has been fully considered in the design, and the stack 21 itself is designed to have a certain height L2. A second set of drainage circuits of the power system is designed outside the stack 21, that is, seawater enters the gap 3a between the inner wall of the protective shell 3 and the outer peripheral edge of the stack 21 of the metal air power supply 2 through the air intake assembly 6 under extreme conditions, and then is discharged into the sea again through the first drainage pipeline 51. The entire power supply system ensures the normal entry of air through the float structure design of the air intake component 6. In extreme cases, when seawater invades the unmanned equipment for 10S to 15S, the air intake component 6 can effectively prevent a large amount of seawater from suddenly invading through its structural design.

[0037] In one embodiment, the first liquid discharge pipeline 51 is connected to the gap 3 a between the housing and the metal-air power source 2 .

[0038] In one of the embodiments, a float 511 that can float freely up and down is provided on the discharge port 51a of the first discharge pipeline 51. The float 511 can automatically adjust the opening and closing of the discharge port to prevent seawater from flowing back into the power system, and automatically open during discharge to improve the automation level of the system. The second set of drainage circuits of the present invention eventually merges with the first set of drainage circuits into a discharge port 51a and a corresponding pipeline, and then is connected to the outside, and this pipeline is designed with a seawater intrusion prevention float 511 structure to ensure that the power system is inside the seawater, and it forms a completely enclosed space to the outside. The above-mentioned second set of drainage circuits can passively prevent seawater from entering and draining. When seawater floods unmanned equipment, it passively prevents seawater from flooding and burying the battery stack 21, and removes a small amount of seawater in time when the unmanned equipment floats to the surface of the sea.

[0039] In one embodiment, the distance between the discharge port 51a of the first discharge pipeline 51 and the equipment platform 1 is smaller than the distance between the liquid inlet of the water pump 41 and the equipment platform 1. When the water pump 41 is turned off, the seawater is stored inside the battery stack 21 for a period of time t2, and the power system continues to charge the lithium battery and can also supply power to other electrical devices.

[0040] In one embodiment, an electric ball valve 8 is provided on the second liquid discharge pipeline 52, one end of the second liquid discharge pipeline 52 is connected to the liquid inlet assembly 4, and the other end is connected to the first liquid discharge pipeline 51; the electric ball valve 8 receives a liquid discharge start signal output by the power supply system, and the liquid discharge start signal is output after the water pump 41 stops running for a period of time. The present application uses the setting of the electric ball valve 8 to allow the seawater and electrochemical reaction products stored in the battery stack 21 to be smoothly discharged back into the sea through the liquid inlet pipeline 43 and the second liquid discharge pipeline 52, thereby allowing the battery stack 21 in the metal-air power supply 2 to maintain the entry of fresh seawater during the next liquid inlet cycle operation, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the battery stack 21 and extending its service life.

[0041] In one embodiment, a one-way valve 42 is further provided on the liquid inlet pipeline 43 between the water pump 41 and the metal-air power source 2 .

[0042] The present embodiment is a method for controlling a self-starting salt-based power supply system for unmanned offshore equipment, which comprises the following steps:

[0043] S1: When the lithium battery in the unmanned offshore equipment is powered, the power system outputs a start signal to the water pump 41 in the liquid inlet assembly 4. Within t1 = 5 minutes, the water pump 41 is turned on and the seawater is pumped into the battery stack 21 of the metal-air power source 2 through the liquid inlet pipeline 43. The metal-air power source 2 performs an electrochemical reaction and generates electricity under the action of the salt water system. At the same time, within t1 = 5 minutes, part of the electrochemical reaction products generated inside the battery stack 21 are discharged through the first liquid discharge pipeline 51 along with the liquid flow.

[0044] S2: Turn off the water pump 41, and the one-way valve 42 stops the liquid flow on the liquid inlet pipeline 43 from being discharged. The distance between the discharge port 51a of the first liquid discharge pipeline 51 and the equipment platform 1 is smaller than the distance between the liquid inlet of the water pump 41 and the equipment platform 1. At this time, the seawater is stored in the battery stack 21 for a period of time t2. The power system continues to charge the lithium battery and can also supply power to other electrical equipment.

[0045] S3: The power supply system outputs a drainage start signal to the electric ball valve 8, and the electric ball valve 8 gradually opens within 3 seconds after receiving the signal. After t3 = 2 minutes, the bottom of the battery stack 21 is drained through the second drainage pipeline 52 until the liquid and electrochemical reaction products inside the battery stack 21 are completely discharged, and the electric ball valve 8 is closed;

[0046] S4: The power system outputs a draining completion signal to the water pump 41, and the water pump 41 is restarted, and the liquid inlet assembly 4 starts to inlet liquid again, and the operation of steps S1 to S3 is repeated to ensure that the unmanned equipment at sea has a long-lasting and stable power supply. The power system of the present application repeats the above control logic twice per hour to ensure that the lithium battery is fully charged.

[0047] The above shows and describes the basic principles, main features and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and the above embodiments and descriptions only describe the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be subject to various changes and improvements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and these changes and improvements fall within the scope of the present invention claimed.

Claims

1. A self-starting salt system power supply system for unmanned offshore equipment, It is characterized in that The power supply system includes an equipment platform and a metal-air power supply installed on the equipment platform; the metal-air power supply is connected to a liquid inlet component and a liquid discharge component near the bottom, and is connected to an air intake component near the top; the liquid inlet component is provided with a self-starting water pump that responds to a liquid discharge completion signal of the power supply system; the operation duration of the water pump responds to a signal output by at least one of the power supply level of the lithium battery, the power demand level of other electrical equipment of the seawater unmanned equipment and the power supply level of the metal-air power supply itself; the power supply system waits for the water pump to stop running for a period of time before outputting a liquid discharge completion signal; the liquid discharge component includes a first liquid discharge pipeline and a second liquid discharge pipeline, the first liquid discharge pipeline is connected to the liquid outlet of the metal-air power supply stack, and the second liquid discharge pipeline is connected to the liquid inlet component; wherein, the metal-air power supply undergoes an electrochemical reaction under the action of the brine extracted by the water pump and the air flowing into the air intake component and outputs electrical energy to the outside.

2. The self-starting salt system power supply system for unmanned offshore equipment according to claim 1, It is characterized in that A protective shell is disposed outside the metal-air power supply, and a certain gap is left between the inner wall of the protective shell and the outer peripheral edge of the metal-air power supply.

3. The self-starting salt system power supply system for unmanned offshore equipment according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The air intake assembly includes at least one air intake pipeline bent downward and an air intake water-stopping structure connected to the end of the air intake pipeline.

4. The self-starting salt system power supply system for offshore unmanned equipment according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The first liquid discharge pipeline is communicated with the interval space between the shell and the metal air power supply.

5. The self-starting salt system power supply system for unmanned offshore equipment according to claim 1, It is characterized in that A floating ball which can float freely up and down is arranged on the liquid discharge port of the first liquid discharge pipeline.

6. The self-starting salt system power supply system for unmanned offshore equipment according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The distance between the discharge port of the first discharge pipeline and the equipment platform is smaller than the distance between the water pump liquid inlet and the equipment platform.

7. The self-starting salt system power supply system for offshore unmanned equipment according to claim 1, It is characterized in that An electric valve is arranged on the second liquid discharge pipeline, one end of which is connected to the liquid inlet assembly, and the other end of which is connected to the first liquid discharge pipeline; the electric valve receives a liquid discharge start signal output by the power supply system, and the liquid discharge start signal is output after the water pump stops running for a period of time.

8. The self-starting salt system power supply system for offshore unmanned equipment according to claim 1, It is characterized in that A one-way valve is also provided on the liquid inlet pipeline between the water pump and the metal air power supply.

9. The self-starting salt system power supply system for unmanned offshore equipment according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The operating duration of the water pump is preferentially responsive to a signal outputted from the lithium battery feed level.

10. A self-starting salt system power supply system control method for offshore unmanned equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 9, It is characterized in that The control method comprises the following steps: S1: When the lithium battery in the unmanned offshore equipment is powered, the power system outputs a start signal to the water pump in the liquid inlet assembly. Within t1, the water pump is turned on and the seawater is pumped into the metal-air power stack through the liquid inlet pipeline. The metal-air power stack undergoes an electrochemical reaction under the action of the salt water system and generates electricity. At the same time, within t1, part of the electrochemical reaction products generated inside the stack are discharged through the first liquid discharge pipeline along with the liquid flow. S2: Turn off the water pump, and the one-way valve cuts off the discharge of the liquid flow on the liquid inlet pipeline. The distance between the discharge port of the first liquid discharge pipeline and the equipment platform is smaller than the distance between the water pump inlet and the equipment platform. At this time, the seawater is stored in the battery stack for t2 time. The power system continues to charge the lithium battery and can also supply power to other electrical equipment; S3: The power supply system outputs a drainage start signal to the electric valve, and the electric valve gradually opens after receiving the signal. After t3 time, the bottom of the stack is drained through the second drainage pipeline until the liquid and electrochemical reaction products inside the stack are completely discharged, and the electric valve is closed; S4: The power supply system outputs a drainage completion signal to the water pump. At this time, the water pump starts again, and the liquid inlet component starts to infuse liquid again. The operations of steps S1 to S3 are repeated to ensure that the unmanned equipment at sea has a long-lasting and stable power supply.

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