A pile-type tidal current generator set

Abstract

The present invention discloses a pile-type tidal energy generator set, comprising a pile, a yaw structure assembly and a cabin, wherein a lift wing and a generator set are arranged on the cabin, and the two sets of generator sets rotate in opposite directions during operation, and thrusters consisting of a motor and a propeller are symmetrically arranged on the front and rear sides of the cabin, and the internal compartment of the cabin is divided into multiple submerged areas and dry areas by crossbeams; the present invention improves the power of a single-pile unit, improves the center of gravity arrangement and force distribution of the unit, and reduces the difficulty of yaw design and maintenance, and reduces the force on the pile by symmetrically arranging two units, two lift wings, and two thrusters, and designing a drag-reducing lift airfoil of the water-facing section in combination with a new yaw structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of ocean energy power generation technology, specifically relating to a pile-type tidal current power generator that generates electricity using the kinetic energy of reciprocating tidal currents driven by the tidal motion of seawater. Background Technology

[0002] Tidal energy is a type of ocean energy that utilizes the energy of water flow generated by the rise and fall of tides to generate electricity. It is a green and clean energy source. The speed and direction of tidal currents change periodically during the tidal season. The rise and fall of tidal currents generally change in opposite directions in a 180° periodic cycle. Therefore, the generator set needs to have a yaw function to capture the energy of incoming currents from different directions.

[0003] Tidal power generators are similar to wind power generation. When using a pile-fixed scheme, underwater piling is required, and the cost of piling accounts for a high proportion of the total cost. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to install more generators on the piles.

[0004] The turbine is mounted on piles. To avoid the influence of the pile wake, the turbine blades need to be extended via a crossbeam. The length of the crossbeam is affected by the blade diameter, generally about 1.2 to 1.5 times the blade diameter. Since the turbine needs to be positioned at both ends of the crossbeam, it forms a cantilever beam structure with loads at both ends. This makes the design of the crossbeam's stiffness extremely difficult. Insufficient stiffness leads to excessive deformation, while excessive stiffness results in overweight and fatigue. Simultaneously, the crossbeam structure increases the flow area, causing excessive stress on both the turbine and the piles.

[0005] Traditional yaw devices for tidal power generator sets are typically located at the center of gravity of the pile. The main driving force of the yaw structure comes from two sources: a motor with a reducer or a hydraulic motor. This requires the provision of hydraulic equipment, joints, and pipelines, making later maintenance and repair difficult. In addition, this arrangement results in a small yaw arm, and due to the cantilever beam structure, the overall swaying and uneven force distribution during rotation can easily cause water leakage and failure of the dynamic sealing surface. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned situation and problems, the present invention proposes a pile-type tidal power generator set.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is: a pile-type tidal power generator set, including a pile and a hull installed on top of the pile via a yaw structure assembly. The pile is located at the center of the hull, which is beneficial for the overall balance of the arrangement. The pile and the hull are connected by the yaw structure assembly. The yaw structure assembly is an inner rotor type or an outer rotor type structure, which is arranged circumferentially on the top of the pile and consists of a yaw bearing, a braking device, and a yaw dynamic sealing structure. Lifting wings and generator sets are arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside on the left and right sides of the hull. The hull is the main carrier of the functional equipment, and the generator sets are the energy harvesting components. The two sets of generator sets symmetrically arranged on both sides of the hull rotate in opposite directions when running, and the bending moments generated can cancel each other out. Except for the pile, all other components are arranged inside or on the hull to form a whole. Side thrusters composed of motors and propellers are symmetrically arranged on the front and rear sides of the hull. The internal compartment of the hull is divided into multiple water-immersed areas and dry areas by crossbeams.

[0008] The aforementioned pile-type tidal power generator set has a yaw bearing composed of an inner ring, an outer ring, and balls; the aforementioned braking device is generally a disc brake, including a brake caliper and a brake piston; the aforementioned yaw dynamic sealing structure includes a sand-proof ring and a sealing lip seal.

[0009] The aforementioned pile-type tidal current generator unit has its hull connected to the yaw structure component via bolts, or via a pin-type structure formed by a combination of a full-circle pin and a V-shaped semi-circular opening. The use of bolts or pin-type connections, particularly the pin-type structure, allows for separation during hoisting, facilitating modular design, installation, and disassembly.

[0010] The aforementioned pile-type tidal power generator unit has two sets of four lifting blades. The two sets of lifting blades are symmetrically installed on the left and right sides of the cabin, and two sets in each set are symmetrically installed on the upper and lower sides of the cabin. The main function of the lifting blades is to provide lift and reduce the downward force on the cabin crossbeams.

[0011] The aforementioned pile-type tidal current generator set has two sets of side thrusters embedded in the front and rear sides of the cabin. All of the above equipment is arranged symmetrically in even numbers to maintain optimal balance.

[0012] The aforementioned pile-type tidal power generator set consists of blades, a main shaft, a main shaft seal, a gearbox, and a generator. The blades and the main shaft are dynamically sealed by the main shaft seal, while the remaining structures are statically sealed by O-rings or gaskets.

[0013] The aforementioned pile-type tidal power generator set has a pile cross-section that is elliptical or airfoil-shaped. Compared with the traditional cylindrical shape, this avoids flow separation caused by flow around a cylinder, greatly reducing the stress and vibration on the pile. The cabin is an airfoil structure, and the lifting wing is made of composite material and is fixed to the cabin with bolts. Its cross-section is also airfoil-shaped.

[0014] The aforementioned pile-type tidal current generator set has a cabin airfoil that can extend to the left and right sides to the outside of the generator set, and lifting wings can be further arranged on the extended cabin surface.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects achieved by the present invention are:

[0016] The present invention uses a dual-machine symmetrical arrangement of the overall structure to allow two generator sets to be placed on a single pile. At the same time, the overall center of gravity is centered and the force is evenly distributed. The rotation directions of the generator sets on both sides are opposite, and the rotational torques generated cancel each other out.

[0017] When the generator set of the present invention is running, the airfoil section structure of the cabin beam provides lift, the lifting wing structure provides lift, and the dry area in the cabin provides buoyancy, which greatly reduces the vertical gravity force on the cabin beam and pile.

[0018] The unit as a whole and the piles are designed with drag reduction, which reduces the longitudinal force parallel to the water flow direction, thereby reducing the size of the piles and the depth of insertion into the foundation, and reducing costs. The yaw structure of the unit has a simple internal structure and a large yaw arm, which reduces maintenance costs. The cabin and the piles can adopt a pin-type plug-in structure, which is very convenient for assembly and disassembly. It can also adapt to internal rotor and external rotor structures, making the design more flexible. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a general structural diagram of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 , 3 This is a schematic diagram of the pin structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 A top view of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view along the PP direction;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a general layout diagram of the yaw structure component of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the internal rotor yaw structure assembly;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of an external rotor type yaw structure assembly.

[0026] The labels on the attached drawings are as follows: 1—pile, 2—yaw structure assembly, 21—yaw bearing, 22—brake device, 23—yaw dynamic seal structure, 3—hull, 4—lifting wing, 5—generator set, 51—blade, 52—main shaft, 53—main shaft seal, 54—gearbox, 55—generator, 6—side thruster. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. For example, although the various components in the drawings are drawn to a specific scale, these proportional relationships are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can adjust them as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0028] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the direction or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed or operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention.

[0029] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances. Example 1

[0030] According to one example of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, this invention discloses a pile-type tidal current generator set, comprising a pile 1, a yaw structure assembly 2, a cabin 3, a lifting wing 4, a generator set 5, and a side thruster 6. The pile 1 is located at the center of the cabin 3, which facilitates the overall balance of the arrangement. The pile 1 and the cabin 3 are connected by the yaw structure assembly 2, and the cabin 3 is connected to the yaw structure assembly 2 by bolts, or by a pin-type structure formed by a combination of a full-circle pin and a V-shaped semi-circular opening. Except for the pile 1, all other components are arranged inside or on the cabin 3, forming a whole. In actual operation, other equipment can be installed on the cabin 3 first, and then the cabin 3 can be installed on the pile 1, which facilitates modular design, reduces installation difficulty, and improves convenience.

[0031] See the pin-type structure. Figure 2 Generally, a full-circle pin and V-shaped semi-circular hole structure, or a similar structure such as a V-shaped structure, are used, evenly arranged around the circumference. Considering the manufacturing difficulty and cost, the quantity is usually 3-4. During hoisting, the two can be installed separately for easy assembly and disassembly. For example, during installation, the pile 1 can be installed on the seabed first, and then the cabin 3 can be hoisted from the surface installation vessel and lowered directly into the water after being aligned with the pin hole position of the pile 1. The V-shaped opening acts as a guide, and the cabin 3 will automatically lock and fix itself in the semi-circle along the V-shaped opening, eliminating the need for underwater screw tightening. When it is time to lift the cabin 3 to the surface installation vessel, disassembly can be avoided, and the cabin 3 can be directly hoisted vertically out of the water.

[0032] Figure 3 The diagram shows a pin-type structure using V-shaped pins and V-shaped holes.

[0033] Cabin 3 is the main carrier of the functional equipment, see Figure 4 and Figure 5 There are two sets of generator sets 5 installed on the cabin 3, symmetrically arranged on its left and right sides. The generator sets 5 are energy harvesting components. When the two sets of generators run in opposite directions, the bending moments generated can cancel each other out. There are four sets of lifting wings 4 installed on the crossbeam of the cabin 3, symmetrically arranged on its upper, lower, left and right sides. The main function of the lifting wings 4 is to provide lift and improve the downward pull on the crossbeam of the cabin 3. There are two sets of side thrusters 6 installed on the cabin 3, symmetrically embedded on its front and rear sides.

[0034] Furthermore, the number and distribution distance of the lifting wings 4 can be designed as needed, without being limited by the local... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The quantity limit is shown.

[0035] The crossbeam of hull 3 is partially an airfoil structure, internally divided into multiple compartments: a flooded area and a dry area. The buoyancy of both the airfoil structure and the dry area provides upward lift, improving the stress distribution on the crossbeam of hull 3. The lifting wings 4 all have airfoil profiles, are made of composite materials, and are bolted to hull 3 to reduce weight.

[0036] The generator set 5 consists of blades 51, main shaft 52, main shaft seal 53, gearbox 54 and generator 55. The blades 51 and main shaft 52 are dynamically sealed by the main shaft seal 53, and the remaining structures are statically sealed by O-rings or gaskets.

[0037] Furthermore, the airfoil of the cabin 3 can be extended to the left and right to the outside of the generator set 5, and the lifting wings 4 can be arranged on the extended cabin 3 surface.

[0038] The cross-section of the pile 1 is elliptical or airfoil-shaped, which, compared to the traditional cylindrical shape, avoids flow separation caused by flow around a cylinder, greatly reducing the stress and vibration of the pile 1. Furthermore, the pile 1 can also be a split structure, mostly elliptical or airfoil-shaped, but a small part of the structure can be changed to a cylindrical shape to facilitate docking and installation with the cabin 3, and then the sections are welded or bolted together.

[0039] Yaw structure component 2 is arranged circumferentially on pile 1, see Figure 6 and Figure 7 It consists of a yaw bearing 21, a braking device 22, and a yaw dynamic seal structure 23. When the unit is running, the braking device 22 fixes the pile-type tidal power generator unit. When the unit needs to yaw during the slack tide period, the brake is released, and the pile-type tidal power generator unit can yaw under the action of the side thruster 6. After the yaw action is completed, the patented unit is fixed again by the braking device 22.

[0040] The yaw bearing 21 is divided into three parts: an inner ring, an outer ring, and balls. The braking device 22 is generally a disc brake, which includes a brake caliper and a brake piston. The braking function is achieved by the friction between the caliper and the brake disc. Figure 7 The structure is an internal rotor type. The stationary part is on the outer ring of the bearing and is connected to the pile body. They are sealed with O-rings for static sealing. The rotating part is on the inner ring of the bearing and is connected to the housing. They are also sealed with O-rings for static sealing. The brake device 22 is fixed to the stationary part, and the brake disc is fixed to the rotating part. The two can also be interchanged as needed. For example, the brake device 22 can be fixed to the rotating part, and the brake disc can be fixed to the stationary part.

[0041] When the generator unit is generating electricity in a certain tidal direction, the brake device 22 of the yaw structure component 2 is in a holding state, fixing the pile-type tidal power generator unit. When the pile-type tidal power generator unit needs to yaw during the slack tide period, the brake device 22 releases the brake, and the pile-type tidal power generator unit can yaw and rotate under the action of the side thruster 6. After the yaw action is completed, the brake device 22 holds the pile-type tidal power generator unit back in place to prepare for the next tidal direction. The yaw structure component 2 and the side thruster 6 together complete the yaw action of the cabin 3. When the tidal current is in the slack tide period, the generator unit can be yawed 180° to adapt to the next tidal direction.

[0042] The yaw bearing 21 is sealed by the yaw dynamic seal structure 23. The dynamic seal structure generally includes a sand-proof ring and a sealing lip to prevent water from entering the interior of the yaw bearing 21. The sand-proof ring can reduce the wear of the lip seal by impurities during rotation. Example 2

[0043] In this embodiment, the yaw structure component 2 is an external rotor type structure. See [link / reference] Figure 8As shown, the stationary component is located on the inner ring of the bearing and is connected to the pile 1, with O-rings used for static sealing. The rotating component is located on the outer ring of the bearing and is connected to the housing 3, with O-rings used for static sealing. The brake device body is fixed to the rotating component, and the brake disc is fixed to the stationary component. The two can also be interchanged in their fixed positions as needed. The unit's operation and yaw control strategy is the same as that of the internal rotor type structure.

[0044] The pile-type tidal current generator set of this invention can solve or greatly improve the problems of uneven load distribution in the center of the underwater unit structure, complex yaw structure, and excessive stress on the piles.

[0045] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention, as well as some of the application examples. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pile-type tidal current generator set, characterized in that: The container includes a pile (1) and a hull (3) mounted on top of the pile (1) via a yaw structure assembly (2). The hull (3) is connected to the yaw structure assembly (2) by bolts or by a pin-type structure formed by a combination of a full-circle pin and a V-shaped semi-circular opening. The pile (1) is located at the center of the hull (3). The yaw structure assembly (2) is an inner rotor type or an outer rotor type structure, consisting of a yaw bearing (21), a brake device (22), and a yaw dynamic seal structure (23). The yaw bearing (21) consists of an inner ring, an outer ring, and balls. The brake device (22) includes a brake caliper and a brake piston. The yaw dynamic seal structure (23) includes a sand-proof ring and a sealing lip. Lifting wings (4) and generator sets (5) are arranged sequentially on the left and right sides of the hull (3). There are two sets of four lifting wings (4). The two sets of lifting wings (4) are symmetrically installed on the left and right sides of the hull (3). Two sets in each set are symmetrically installed on the hull (3). 3) On the upper and lower sides, two sets of generator sets (5) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the cabin (3) and run in opposite directions. The generator set (5) consists of blades (51), main shaft (52), main shaft seal (53), gearbox (54) and generator (55). The blades (51) and main shaft (52) are sealed by the main shaft seal (53) for rotational dynamic sealing. The remaining structures are sealed by O-rings or gaskets for static sealing. The cabin (3) is symmetrically provided with side thrusters (6) consisting of motors and propellers. The two sets of side thrusters (6) are embedded in the cabin (3) on the front and rear sides. The cabin (3) is divided into multiple water-immersed areas and dry areas by crossbeams. The cross section of the pile (1) is elliptical or airfoil. The cabin (3) is an airfoil structure. The lifting wing (4) is made of composite material and is fixed to the cabin (3) by bolts. The cross section is airfoil. The airfoil surface of the cabin (3) extends to the outside of the generator set (5).

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