A method for wave energy power generation

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of wave energy power generation, and particularly to a wave energy power generation method, which is realized based on a float and a water storage tank; a diaphragm pump is arranged inside the float, and the diaphragm pump includes a top plate, a bottom plate and a flexible wall body capable of deforming. The top plate, the bottom plate and the flexible wall body jointly enclose a cavity. An inlet pipe and an outlet pipe with one-way valves are arranged on the top plate, and a damping disc is connected to the bottom plate through a connecting piece; a water storage cavity, a water turbine generator set located at the lower part of the water storage cavity and an energy storage battery connected to the water turbine generator set are arranged inside the water storage tank; the water storage cavity is communicated with the outlet pipe; the float moves up and down with the waves, driving the flexible wall body to deform, and the volume of the cavity of the diaphragm pump changes, sucking seawater into the cavity of the diaphragm pump or pumping the seawater in the cavity out into the water storage cavity, driving the water turbine generator set to generate electricity, and storing the electric energy in the energy storage battery. Through this power generation method, the problems of high cost and short service life can be effectively solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of wave energy power generation, and particularly to a wave energy power generation method. Background Art

[0002] The ocean covers most of the earth's surface and provides vast energy potential. Whether it is tidal energy, wave energy, temperature difference energy, salinity gradient energy or ocean current energy, it represents an almost inexhaustible energy supply. Wave energy generates energy through the up-and-down movement of ocean waves. This kind of energy utilizes the wave power generated by the wind acting on the sea surface.

[0003] In the prior art, the use of wave energy for power generation has been proposed. For example, in a Chinese invention patent document with the publication number CN106979119A and the publication date of April 25, 2017, the technical solution disclosed in the patent literature is as follows: An offshore dam-type wave energy power generation device and a wave energy power generation method. The power generation device includes: a high-level water storage device, a water turbine generator set, a piston pump, a lever, a rotary fulcrum, a power take-off floating box, and a fixed platform; the power take-off floating box is arranged on the sea surface; the lever has a rotary fulcrum, one end of the lever is fixedly connected to the power take-off floating box, and the other end of the lever is fixedly connected to the piston through a piston rod.

[0004] In the actual use process of the above technical solution, the following problems will occur:

[0005] (1) The power take-off floating box drives the piston to reciprocate up and down through the lever. Both the lever and the piston are prone to wear, and the requirements for the piston are relatively high. It is necessary to prevent water leakage and enable free sliding to prevent jamming. The entire power generation device is prone to instability and has a short service life.

[0006] (2) The water turbine generator set and the high-level water storage device are set separately and are arranged on the fixed platform. The fixed platform needs to be fixedly arranged on the sea surface, and the high-level water storage device is in the form of a water storage tower or a water storage dam. The cost from design, construction to deployment and maintenance is relatively high, and it is easy to have an impact on the marine environment. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention proposes a wave energy power generation method, which can effectively solve the problems of high cost and short service life.

[0008] The present invention is realized by adopting the following technical solutions:

[0009] A wave energy power generation method is realized based on a float and a water storage tank arranged on the sea surface; a diaphragm pump is arranged inside the float, the diaphragm pump includes a top plate, a bottom plate and a flexible wall body capable of deforming, the top plate, the bottom plate and the flexible wall body jointly enclose a cavity, a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe which are communicated with the cavity and are respectively provided with one-way valves are arranged on the top plate, the bottom plate is connected with a damping disc for slowing down the movement trend of the bottom plate through a connecting piece; a water storage cavity, a water turbine generator set located at the lower part of the water storage cavity and an energy storage battery connected with the water turbine generator set are arranged inside the water storage tank; the water storage cavity is communicated with the water outlet pipe; the float moves up and down with the waves, so that the relative positions of the top plate and the bottom plate of the diaphragm pump change, driving the flexible wall body to deform, the volume of the cavity of the diaphragm pump changes, sucking seawater into the cavity of the diaphragm pump or pumping the seawater in the cavity out into the water storage cavity, driving the water turbine generator set to generate electricity, and storing the electric energy in the energy storage battery.

[0010] The float and the water storage tank are arranged in groups, and each group includes a water storage tank and a plurality of floats respectively located around the water storage tank.

[0011] It further includes a connected controller, a liquid level detector and a control valve; the liquid level detector is arranged inside the water storage cavity; the water storage tank further includes a water turbine generator set placement cavity, and the water storage cavity is communicated with the water turbine generator set placement cavity through a pipeline with a control valve; the controller sends a corresponding control signal to the control valve according to the liquid level height inside the water storage cavity detected by the liquid level detector.

[0012] The water storage tank further includes an isolation cavity, and the controller and the energy storage battery are both arranged inside the isolation cavity.

[0013] The flexible wall body is a cylindrical diaphragm, and the diaphragm is formed by connecting a plurality of folds in series.

[0014] The connecting piece is a connecting rod, and a bearing matched with the connecting rod is further arranged on the float.

[0015] The water storage tank and the damping disc are respectively arranged on a fixing frame.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are shown in:

[0017] 1. The present invention utilizes the deformation of the flexible wall body to realize the collection of wave energy. Compared with the conventional technical solution using a piston pump, the cost is lower. At the same time, there is no relative sliding between the piston components of the diaphragm pump, and problems such as jamming or wear will not occur, and the rubber material has hydrophobicity, which can alleviate the influence of marine organisms or sundries on the components, thereby improving the service life.

[0018] Furthermore, in the present invention, the water storage cavity and the water turbine generator set are both arranged inside the water storage tank. The water storage tank adopts a floating structure, eliminating the need for an additional ocean platform, which can significantly reduce costs and is not restricted by the depth of seawater in terms of its usage scope. Further, through the structural design and dimensional parameter design of the water storage tank, the center of gravity of the water storage tank can be made more stable, less affected by wave undulations, and can remain stable during the wave undulation process.

[0019] 2. Through the design of the damping plate, the movement tendency of the bottom plate can be slowed down. When the wave energy drives the float to move, the top plate makes a reciprocating movement relative to the bottom plate, and the flexible wall moves reciprocally and deforms, realizing the suction of seawater into the cavity of the diaphragm pump or pumping the seawater in the cavity out into the water storage cavity. The seawater collected in the water storage cavity can drive the water turbine generator set to generate electricity and store the electric energy in the energy storage battery for subsequent use. Due to its simple and reliable float structure, this power generation device has higher reliability than conventional float-type wave energy power generation devices.

[0020] 3. The float and the water storage tank float on the water surface. According to functional requirements, a GPS positioning device and a power source required for navigation can be designed, enabling the float and the water storage tank to move as needed.

[0021] 4. The floats and the water storage tanks are arranged in groups. Each group includes a water storage tank and several floats respectively located around the water storage tank. Through the one-to-many structural design and the setting of a large-flow diaphragm pump, the amount of seawater collected in the water storage tank can be ensured, the instability of power generation caused by the instability of wave energy can be mitigated, stable power output can be guaranteed, and the power quality can be improved.

[0022] 5. In the present invention, through the setting of the controller, the liquid level detector, and the control valve, power generation can be selectively carried out according to requirements or the amount of seawater in the water storage cavity, improving the controllability of power generation.

[0023] 6. The controller and the energy storage battery are both arranged in the isolation cavity to ensure safety during use.

[0024] 7. The flexible wall is a cylindrical diaphragm, which is formed by connecting several pleats in series. Compared with a conventional thin-film pump, it can meet the requirements of large flow and has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture.

[0025] 8. The mutual cooperation of the bearing and the connecting rod makes the moving direction of the float more controllable, facilitating the full utilization of wave energy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The following will further elaborate on the present invention in conjunction with the drawings in the specification and the specific embodiments, where:

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of the float in the present invention;

[0029] Markings in the figure:

[0030] 1. Float, 2. Water storage tank, 3. Hydroelectric generating set, 4. Fixed frame, 5. Diaphragm pump, 6. Inlet pipe, 7. Outlet pipe, 8. Inlet check valve, 9. Outlet check valve, 10. Cavity, 11. Top plate, 12. Flexible diaphragm, 13. Bottom plate, 14. Connecting rod, 15. Flexible connecting rope, 16. Damping plate, 18. Bearing, 19. Energy storage battery. Specific embodiments

[0031] Embodiment 1

[0032] As a basic embodiment of the present invention, the present invention includes a wave energy generation method, which is realized based on the float 1 and the water storage tank 2 arranged on the sea surface. In this embodiment, the shape of the float 1 is not limited, as long as it can float when at the wave crest section and fall when at the wave trough section. The wave energy collection efficiency can be improved through the shape design of the float 1, but no matter which shape is adopted, it should be within the scope of protection of this patent.

[0033] A diaphragm pump 5 is arranged inside the float 1. The diaphragm pump 5 includes a top plate 11, a bottom plate 13 and a flexible wall body that can generate deformation. The top plate 11, the bottom plate 13 and the flexible wall body jointly enclose to form a cavity 10. An inlet pipe 6 and an outlet pipe 7 communicating with the cavity 10 are provided on the top plate 11. Check valves are respectively provided on the outlet pipe 7 and the inlet pipe 6, and the outlet pipe 7 and the inlet pipe 6 are respectively connected to the float 1 and extend out of the float 1. The bottom plate 13 is connected to a damping plate for slowing down the movement trend of the bottom plate 13 through a connecting member.

[0034] A water storage cavity, a hydroelectric generating set 3 and an energy storage battery 19 are arranged inside the water storage tank 2. The hydroelectric generating set 3 can be arranged inside the water storage cavity and at the lower part inside the water storage cavity. The energy storage battery 19 can be independently arranged in one of the chambers of the water storage tank 2 and is connected to the hydroelectric generating set 3 through a cable. When the cable passes through this chamber and is connected to the hydroelectric generating set 3, a seal can be provided between the cable and the chamber.

[0035] The water storage cavity is communicated with the outlet pipe 7. The float 1 moves up and down with the waves, driving the top plate 11 to move up and down, further driving the flexible wall body to deform, the volume of the cavity 10 of the diaphragm pump 5 changes, sucking seawater into the cavity 10 of the diaphragm pump 5 or pumping the seawater in the cavity 10 out into the water storage cavity. The seawater pumped into the water storage cavity flows downward, driving the hydroelectric generating set 3 located below to generate electricity and storing the electric energy in the energy storage battery 19.

[0036] Example 2

[0037] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention includes a wave energy power generation method, which is realized based on a float 1 and a water storage tank 2 fixed on an electrical facility or other power generation facilities. The electrical facilities include, but are not limited to, offshore drilling platforms, floating fish farms, etc., and the present invention can supply power to them. The other power generation facilities include, but are not limited to, offshore wind power, etc., and the power generated by the device of the present invention can be transmitted through their transmission lines to reduce the transmission cost.

[0038] A diaphragm pump 5 is arranged inside the float 1. The diaphragm pump 5 includes a top plate 11, a bottom plate 13 and a flexible wall body that can deform. The top plate 11, the bottom plate 13 and the flexible wall body jointly enclose a cavity 10. A water inlet pipe 6 and a water outlet pipe 7 communicating with the cavity 10 are arranged on the top plate 11. Check valves are respectively arranged on the water outlet pipe 7 and the water inlet pipe 6, and the water outlet pipe 7 and the water inlet pipe 6 are respectively connected to the float 1 and extend outwards from the float 1. The bottom plate 13 is connected to a damping plate for slowing down the movement trend of the bottom plate 13 through a connecting member.

[0039] A water storage cavity and a water turbine generator set 3 located at the lower part of the water storage cavity are arranged inside the water storage tank 2. The power generated by the water turbine generator set 3 can be supplied to the electrical facility for use through a lead wire or connected to the transmission line of other power generation equipment.

[0040] Example 3

[0041] As another embodiment of the present invention, the present invention includes a wave energy power generation method, which is realized based on a float 1 and a water storage tank 2 arranged on the sea surface. A diaphragm pump 5 is arranged inside the float 1. The diaphragm pump 5 includes a top plate 11, a bottom plate 13 and a flexible wall body that can deform. The deformable flexible wall body can be made of an elastic material. The top plate 11, the bottom plate 13 and the flexible wall body jointly enclose a cavity 10. A water inlet pipe 6 and a water outlet pipe 7 communicating with the cavity 10 and respectively provided with check valves are arranged on the top plate 11. The bottom plate 13 is connected to a damping disc 16 for slowing down the movement trend of the bottom plate 13 through a connecting member.

[0042] A water storage cavity, a water turbine generator set 3 located below the water storage cavity and an energy storage battery 19 connected to the water turbine generator set 3 are arranged inside the water storage tank 2. Among them, a water outlet channel facing the water turbine generator set 3 is arranged at the bottom of the water storage cavity. From top to bottom, the water outlet channel can be in a reduced-diameter shape to facilitate increasing the flow rate of seawater in the water storage cavity.

[0043] The water storage cavity is communicated with the water outlet pipe 7. The float 1 moves up and down with the waves, driving the flexible wall body to deform, and the volume of the cavity 10 of the diaphragm pump 5 changes, sucking seawater into the cavity 10 of the diaphragm pump 5 or pumping the seawater in the cavity 10 out into the water storage cavity, driving the water turbine generator set 3 to generate electricity, and storing the electric energy in the energy storage battery 19.

[0044] Embodiment 4

[0045] As another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention includes a wave energy power generation method, which is realized based on the float 1 and the water storage tank 2 arranged on the sea surface. A diaphragm pump 5 is arranged inside the float 1. The diaphragm pump 5 includes a top plate 11, a bottom plate 13 and a flexible wall body capable of deforming. The top plate 11, the bottom plate 13 and the flexible wall body jointly enclose to form a cavity 10. A water inlet pipe 6 and a water outlet pipe 7 communicated with the cavity 10 are arranged on the top plate 11. One-way valves are respectively arranged on the water outlet pipe 7 and the water inlet pipe 6, and the water outlet pipe 7 and the water inlet pipe 6 respectively extend out of the float 1. The bottom plate 13 is connected with a damping disc 16 for slowing down the movement trend of the bottom plate 13 through a connecting piece.

[0046] A water storage cavity, a water turbine generator set placement cavity and an isolation cavity are arranged inside the water storage tank 2. The water turbine generator set placement cavity can be located below the water storage cavity, and the water storage cavity and the water turbine generator set placement cavity can be communicated through a pipeline with a control valve. The water turbine generator set 3 is placed in the water turbine generator set placement cavity. The upper end of the water turbine generator set placement cavity, i.e., the end communicated with the pipeline, is in a reduced-diameter shape facing the water turbine generator set 3, which is convenient for increasing the flow rate of the seawater entering the water turbine generator set 3.

[0047] Furthermore, an energy storage battery 19 and a controller are also arranged inside the isolation cavity. A liquid level detector is also arranged inside the water storage cavity. The controller is connected with the liquid level detector and the control valve, and is used for sending corresponding control signals to the control valve according to the liquid level height of the water storage cavity detected by the liquid level detector. The energy storage battery 19 is connected with the water turbine generator set 3 and is used for storing the electric energy generated by the water turbine generator set 3. The stored electric energy can be used for charging military or civilian submersibles.

[0048] Embodiment 5

[0049] As the best embodiment of the present invention, the present invention includes a wave energy power generation method, which is realized based on the fixing frame 4 and the float 1 and the water storage tank 2 located on the fixing frame 4. The fixing frame 4 can float in the water or be connected with the seabed through a connecting rope. Refer to the attached drawings in the specification Figure 1 and the attached drawings in the specification Figure 2, the float 1 and the water storage tank 2 are arranged in groups, and each group includes a water storage tank 2 and several floats 1 respectively located around the water storage tank 2. Among them, the float 1 can be in the shape of a large upper part and a small lower part, which is convenient for improving the efficiency of the float 1 to collect wave energy.

[0050] A diaphragm pump 5 is arranged in each float 1. The diaphragm pump 5 includes a top plate 11, a bottom plate 13, a water inlet pipe 6, a water outlet pipe 7 and a flexible wall body that can be deformed. The flexible wall body is a cylindrical diaphragm. The top plate 11 and the bottom plate 13 are parallel to each other, and the cylindrical diaphragm is located between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 13. The top plate 11, the bottom plate 13 and the diaphragm jointly enclose a cavity 10. The diaphragm is formed by connecting several folds in series, and the folds are parallel to the bottom plate 13.

[0051] One end of the water outlet pipe 7 and the water inlet pipe 6 are respectively arranged on the top plate 11 and communicated with the cavity 10. The other ends extend out of the float 1 respectively. Further, the water inlet of the water inlet pipe 6 is downward, that is, facing the seabed. The water outlet of the water outlet pipe 7 can be directly communicated with the water storage tank 2 or communicated with the water storage tank 2 through a pipeline. Among them, a water outlet check valve 9 is arranged on the water outlet pipe 7, and a water inlet check valve 8 is arranged on the water inlet pipe 6.

[0052] The bottom plate 13 is connected with a damping disc 16 through a connecting member. The connecting member can be a connecting rod 14. The damping disc 16 is used to slow down the movement trend of the bottom plate 13. The damping disc is connected with a fixed frame 4 through a flexible connecting rope 15. Further, a bearing 18 matching with the connecting rod 14 is also arranged on the float 1, and a special structure is adopted to seal the bearing 18. Specifically, a diaphragm can be arranged outside the connecting rod 14 and the bearing 18 to isolate them from seawater.

[0053] The bottom of the water storage tank 2 is connected with the fixed frame 4. A water storage cavity, a water turbine generator set placement cavity and an isolation cavity are arranged in the water storage tank 2. The water turbine generator set placement cavity can be located at the lower part of the water storage cavity, and the isolation cavity is located around the water turbine generator set placement cavity. The water storage cavity and the water turbine generator set placement cavity can be communicated or disconnected through a control valve. The water turbine generator set 3 is placed in the water turbine generator set placement cavity.

[0054] Further, a storage battery 19 and a controller are also provided in the isolation chamber. A liquid level detector is also provided in the water storage chamber. The controller can be connected to the liquid level detector and the control valve respectively through cables or by wireless communication, and is used to send corresponding control signals to the control valve according to the liquid level height in the water storage chamber detected by the liquid level detector. Specifically, when the liquid level in the water storage chamber reaches the corresponding requirement, the control valve will open, enabling the water storage chamber to communicate with the water turbine generator set placement chamber to realize power generation. The storage battery 19 can be connected to the water turbine generator set 3 through a cable and is used to store the electric energy generated by the water turbine generator set 3. The stored electric energy can be used for charging military or civilian submersibles. Among them, when each cable passes through the isolation chamber, a seal can be provided between the cable and the isolation chamber to achieve sealing. A detachable cover is also provided on the water storage tank 2 corresponding to the position of the isolation chamber. Through the detachable cover, the isolation chamber can be connected or closed to the outside world. A seal is also provided between the detachable cover and the water storage tank 2 to ensure the safety of the components in the isolation chamber during use.

[0055] Further, the float and the water storage tank can float on the water surface. According to functional requirements, a GPS positioning device and a power source required for navigation can be designed so that the float and the water storage tank can be moved as needed.

[0056] When the wave transitions from the trough to the peak segment, the float 1 floats upward, driving the water inlet pipe 6, the water outlet pipe 7, and the top plate 11 to move upward. The flexible wall is stretched, and the volume of the cavity 10 increases, sucking seawater into the cavity 10. When the wave transitions from the peak to the trough segment, the float 1 falls, driving the water inlet pipe 6, the water outlet pipe 7, and the top plate 11 to move downward. The flexible wall is compressed downward, and the volume of the cavity 10 decreases, pumping the seawater in the cavity 10 into the water storage chamber of the water storage tank 2 of the power generation device. When the liquid level in the water storage chamber reaches the requirement, the control valve opens, and the seawater collected in the water storage chamber flows downward into the water turbine generator set placement chamber to impact the water turbine generator set 3, and the water turbine generator set 3 generates electricity and stores it in the adjacent storage battery 19. The stored electric energy can be used for charging military or civilian submersibles, etc.

[0057] In summary, after reading the present invention document, various other corresponding transformation schemes made by ordinary technicians in the art without creative mental labor according to the technical solutions and technical concepts of the present invention all fall within the scope protected by the present invention.

Claims

1. A wave energy power generation method, characterized in that: The method is realized based on a float (1) and a water storage tank (2) arranged on the sea surface; a diaphragm pump (5) is arranged in the float (1), and the diaphragm pump (5) comprises a top plate (11), a bottom plate (13) and a flexible wall body capable of generating deformation; the top plate (11), the bottom plate (13) and the flexible wall body together enclose a cavity (10); a water inlet pipe (6) and a water outlet pipe (7) which are in communication with the cavity (10) and are respectively provided with a one-way valve are arranged on the top plate (11); the bottom plate (13) is connected to a damping disc (16) for slowing down the movement trend of the bottom plate (13) through a connecting piece; the connecting piece is a connecting rod (14); and a bearing (18) which matches the connecting rod (14) is also arranged on the float (1); The water storage tank (2) is provided with a water storage chamber, a turbine generator set (3) located below the water storage chamber, and an energy storage battery (19) connected to the turbine generator set (3); the water storage chamber is connected to a water outlet pipe (7); the float (1) moves up and down with the waves, causing the relative position of the top plate (11) and the bottom plate (13) of the diaphragm pump (5) to change, driving the flexible wall to deform, causing the volume of the cavity (10) of the diaphragm pump (5) to change, and sucking seawater into the cavity (10) of the diaphragm pump (5) or pumping seawater in the cavity (10) into the water storage chamber, driving the turbine generator set (3) to generate electricity, and storing the electrical energy in the energy storage battery (19).

2. A wave energy power generation method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The floats (1) and the water storage tanks (2) are arranged in groups, and each group comprises a water storage tank (2) and a plurality of floats (1) respectively located around the water storage tank (2).

3. A wave energy power generation method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It also includes a connected controller, a liquid level detector and a control valve; the liquid level detector is arranged in the water storage chamber; the water storage tank (2) also includes a water turbine generator set placement chamber, the water storage chamber and the water turbine generator set placement chamber are connected through a pipeline with a control valve; the controller sends a corresponding control signal to the control valve according to the liquid level height in the water storage chamber detected by the liquid level detector.

4. A wave energy power generation method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The water storage tank (2) further comprises an isolation chamber, and the controller and the energy storage battery (19) are both arranged in the isolation chamber.

5. A wave energy power generation method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible wall is a cylindrical diaphragm, and the diaphragm is formed by a plurality of folds connected in series.

6. A wave energy power generation method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water storage tank (2) and the damping plate (16) are respectively arranged on the fixing frame (4).

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