Direct-driven wave power generation device coupled and fixed with offshore power generation platform

By arraying the direct drive wave energy power generation device on a fixed offshore power generation platform, using linear motors and lifting devices, the problems of large energy loss and easy equipment damage in traditional wave energy power generation devices are solved, and efficient energy capture and safe operation are achieved.

CN120506340APending Publication Date: 2025-08-19HUADIAN ELECTRIC POWER SCI INST CO LTD +1
View PDF 0 Cites 1 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510900292.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-07-01
Publication Date
2025-08-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional wave energy power generation devices have large energy losses, complex systems, high maintenance costs, and are difficult to maintain optimal energy capture efficiency under wide-band wave conditions. They are prone to equipment damage in extreme sea conditions such as typhoons.

Method used

A linear motor is used as the energy conversion core, an intermediate conversion link is omitted, and coupled design is combined with a fixed offshore power generation platform, arrayed, and a lifting device is used to adapt to tide level changes and extreme sea conditions. The maximum energy capture is achieved through efficient energy capture methods and active adjustment of the system's dynamic characteristics.

Benefits of technology

It significantly improves energy conversion efficiency, reduces system complexity and maintenance costs, ensures the safety and stability of the device in wide-band waves and extreme sea conditions, and promotes commercial applications.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN120506340A_ABST
    Figure CN120506340A_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention discloses a direct-driven wave power generation device coupled and fixed with an offshore power generation platform, and belongs to the technical field of offshore power generation. The device comprises a floater, a push rod is hinged to the floater, the push rod is connected with a linear motor, and a steel truss structure is arranged on the side portion of the linear motor. The steel truss structure is arranged on a fixed offshore power generation platform, a lifting device is arranged on the side portion of the fixed offshore power generation platform, and the lifting device is connected with the steel truss structure; wherein the direct-driven wave power generation devices are arranged around the fixed offshore power generation platform in an array manner; the linear motor is adopted for energy conversion power generation, the offshore power generation platform is coupled and fixed, the infrastructure is utilized, maximum energy capture is achieved through a linear motor efficient energy capture control method, and height adjustment is conducted in combination with the lifting device.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a direct-drive wave energy power generation device coupled with a fixed offshore power generation platform, belonging to the technical field of offshore power generation. Background Art

[0002] Traditional wave energy generators typically use hydraulic systems or other intermediate conversion devices to drive rotating generators to achieve energy conversion. This secondary energy conversion mechanism suffers from large energy losses, complex system structure, and high maintenance costs. A single wave energy generator is affected by the randomness of waves, and its output power fluctuates significantly. Direct grid connection is difficult, and requires additional energy storage systems or complementary operation with other energy sources, further increasing system complexity and operating costs. In addition, the mooring system of a floating wave energy generator is prone to fatigue wear and even fracture failure under long-term dynamic loads, and the investment in supporting infrastructure such as underwater cable laying and power transmission is also large.

[0003] Existing wave energy systems often operate in a passive power generation mode, optimizing the shape and dimensions of the float to match its natural frequency with the dominant wave frequency, thereby achieving system resonance. However, real waves are always irregular, containing numerous frequency components, and macroscopic ocean wave conditions are constantly changing. This makes it difficult for wave energy generators with fixed parameters to maintain optimal energy capture efficiency across a wide range of wave conditions.

[0004] Under extreme sea conditions such as typhoons, the violent reciprocating motion of the generator rotor in the wave energy power generation device causes the structural vibration to intensify, the power generation power exceeds the design rated power, resulting in mechanical damage to the equipment and irreversible damage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a direct-drive wave energy power generation device coupled to a fixed offshore power generation platform. The device uses a linear motor as the core of energy conversion, omitting traditional hydraulic or other intermediate conversion links, significantly improving energy conversion efficiency and reducing maintenance costs. By coupling the direct-drive wave energy power generation device with the fixed offshore power generation platform, it is arranged on the pile foundation of the fixed offshore power generation platform, making full use of the mature power transmission and distribution system of the fixed offshore power generation platform and arranging it in an array, significantly reducing development costs and promoting its engineering and commercial application. Utilizing an efficient energy capture method, the generator actively adjusts the system's dynamic characteristics so that the resonant frequency of the power generation system tracks the wave frequency in real time, achieving maximum energy capture. Utilizing a lifting device, the direct-drive wave energy power generation device can be raised or lowered as a whole to adapt to changes in tidal differences at different times. When encountering extreme sea conditions such as typhoons, the device is lifted upward as a whole, completely lifting the float out of the water, safely terminating power generation operations and ensuring the safety of the device.

[0006] In order to achieve the above objectives / solve the above technical problems, the present invention is implemented by adopting the following technical solutions: A direct-drive wave energy power generation device coupled to a fixed offshore power generation platform, comprising: A float, wherein the float is hinged with a push rod, the push rod is connected to a linear motor, and a steel truss structure is provided on the side of the linear motor; A fixed power generation platform provided on the seabed, wherein a lifting device is provided on the side of the fixed offshore power generation platform, and the lifting device is connected to the steel truss structure; Wherein, the direct-drive wave energy power generation device is arranged in an array around a fixed offshore power generation platform.

[0007] Optionally, the linear motor includes a generator stator and a generator mover, the generator stator is provided with a generator coil inside and is connected to a steel truss structure on the outside, the generator mover is provided inside the generator stator and is provided with a permanent magnet, and the generator mover is connected to the push rod.

[0008] Optionally, a flange is provided at the lower end of the generator rotor, and a flange is provided at the upper end of the push rod. The two flanges are connected by bolts, and an elastic buffer gasket is provided between the two flanges.

[0009] Optionally, the float and the push rod are movably connected via a universal joint, and a sealed bearing is provided in the universal joint.

[0010] Optionally, the lower ends of the generator mover and the generator stator are through-cabin parts, and the through-cabin parts are sealed with magnetic fluid.

[0011] Optionally, the float adopts a stainless steel shell structure and is filled with concrete.

[0012] Optionally, the lifting device includes a screw rod, a nut and a stepping motor, the nut is fixedly connected to the steel truss structure, the screw rod is threadedly connected to the nut, and the output end of the stepping motor is connected to the screw rod.

[0013] Optionally, a mechanical limit block is provided under the screw, one end of the mechanical limit block is fixedly connected to the fixed platform, the upper and lower ends of the fixed plate are fixedly connected to the stepping motor and the mechanical limit block respectively, and the side end of the fixed plate is fixedly connected to the fixed platform.

[0014] Optionally, a plurality of aluminum alloy sacrificial anodes are installed on the surface of the float, with the distance between any two of the aluminum alloy sacrificial anodes not exceeding 1 meter, and the aluminum alloy sacrificial anodes are in direct and close contact with the surface of the float.

[0015] Optionally, the steel truss structure is additionally provided with oblique reinforcement ribs, and the angle of the oblique reinforcement ribs in the horizontal direction is 45°, forming a stable triangular spatial support system.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: The device uses a linear motor as the core of its energy conversion. A floating body, which reciprocates with the waves, drives the linear motor's rotor. The relative motion between the rotor and stator causes the motor coil to cut through the permanent magnet lines of force, converting wave energy into electrical energy. This eliminates the need for hydraulic or other intermediate conversion devices, reducing device complexity and energy transmission losses, while improving system reliability and energy conversion efficiency.

[0017] The present invention couples the direct-drive wave energy power generation device with a fixed offshore power generation platform, fixes it on the pile foundation and platform of the fixed offshore power generation platform, arranges it in an array, and utilizes the mature power transmission and distribution system of the fixed offshore power generation platform, which can greatly reduce development costs and promote its engineering and commercial application.

[0018] (3) The present invention uses a lifting device to raise or lower the direct-drive wave energy power generation device as a whole, adjusting its height so that it can generate electricity normally in sea areas with large tidal differences at different times. When encountering extreme weather such as typhoons, the entire direct-drive wave energy power generation device is lifted to a safe height, allowing the float to completely clear the water surface, thereby safely terminating the power generation operation and effectively preventing equipment damage.

[0019] (4) This invention utilizes high-performance motor control technology. When the wave frequency changes and the power generation system's impedance deviates from the resonant condition, the generator can actively adjust the system's dynamic characteristics, changing its equivalent impedance so that the power generation system's resonant frequency tracks the wave frequency in real time, achieving maximum energy capture. Unlike the passive power generation mode in traditional devices, linear motors can actively change the system's motion characteristics through adjustment strategies. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 Shown is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 Shown is another structural schematic diagram of a power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the array top view structure of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 FIG2 is a schematic diagram of another array top view structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; In the figure: 1. Fixed offshore power generation platform; 2. Steel truss structure; 3. Generator coil; 4. Permanent magnet; 5. Generator stator; 6. Generator mover; 7. Push rod; 8. Float; 9. Universal joint; 10. Flange bolt; 11. Screw; 12. Nut; 13. Stepper motor; 14. Linear motor; 15. Lifting device; 16. Cabin penetration part; 17. Mechanical limit block; 18. Fixing plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In order to make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects achieved by the present invention easier to understand, the present invention is further described below in conjunction with specific implementation methods.

[0022] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined as "first", "second", etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more.

[0023] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, a direct-drive wave energy power generation device comprises: A float 8 is hingedly connected to a push rod 7, which is connected to a linear motor 14. A steel truss structure 2 is provided on the side of the linear motor 14, and the linear motor 14 is fixedly connected to the steel truss structure 2; A fixed offshore power generation platform 1 is provided on the seabed, and a lifting device 15 is provided on the side of the fixed offshore power generation platform 1, and the lifting device 15 is connected to the steel truss structure 2; Among them, direct-drive wave energy power generation devices are arranged in an array around a fixed offshore power generation platform.

[0025] In this embodiment, the linear motor 14 includes a generator stator 5 and a generator mover 6. The generator stator 5 is provided with a generator coil 3 inside and is externally connected to the steel truss structure 2. The generator mover 6 is provided inside the generator stator 5 and is provided with a permanent magnet 4. The generator mover 6 is connected to a push rod 7. The push rod 7 is made of high-strength 316L stainless steel. The up-and-down movement of float 8 with the waves drives the generator rotor 6, which in turn generates electricity. The direct-drive wave energy generator utilizes the existing transmission and distribution systems of fixed offshore power generation platforms (such as offshore wind power or offshore photovoltaic power generation), saving construction costs and ensuring grid-connected power generation.

[0026] The lifting device 15 includes a screw 11, a nut 12, a stepper motor 13, a mechanical limit block 17 and a fixing plate 18. The nut 12 is fixedly connected to the steel truss structure 2, the screw 11 is connected to the nut 12, and the output end of the stepper motor 13 is connected to the screw 11.

[0027] In this embodiment, a mechanical stopper 17 is provided at one end of screw 11 to prevent nut 12 from falling out of position. The high-precision screw 11 and nut 12, driven by a stepper motor 13, can move nut 12 up and down when the tide level fluctuates significantly during different periods of time, thereby driving the direct-drive wave energy generator to achieve smooth and controllable vertical movement along screw 11. This effectively eliminates the impact of tidal fluctuations on the generator's operating position and ensures stable operation of the power generation system.

[0028] When the ocean is hit by extreme typhoon weather, causing significant increases in wave height and period, maintaining the direct-drive wave energy generator in its generating state can exacerbate the movement of the float 8 and the generator rotor 6, significantly increasing structural vibration and potentially causing mechanical damage. Furthermore, the generated power exceeds the design rated power, causing irreversible damage to the motor. In this case, the entire direct-drive wave energy generator can be lifted upward using the lifting device 15, completely clearing the float 8 from the water and safely terminating the power generation operation.

[0029] In this embodiment, the float 8 is a 316L stainless steel shell structure, the interior of which is filled with concrete and counterweighted to ensure that the float 8 and the motor mover 6 can fall quickly by their own weight when moving with the waves.

[0030] In this embodiment, a flange is provided at the lower end of the generator rotor 6, and a flange is provided at the upper end of the push rod 7. The two flanges are connected by bolts, and an elastic buffer gasket is provided between the two flanges to cushion impacts. The float 8 is movably connected to the high-strength 316L stainless steel push rod 7 via a universal joint 9. A sealed bearing is provided within the universal joint 9 to prevent seawater corrosion, so that the float 8 has multi-degree-of-freedom motion characteristics and can perform composite lateral and longitudinal motion in response to wave action. The maximum swing angle of the universal joint 9 should be ≤30° to prevent excessive swing of the float 8. Through the flexible connection of the universal joint 9, the system can effectively absorb the longitudinal and transverse sway forces generated by wave action, significantly reducing structural loads. This multi-degree-of-freedom compensation mechanism not only improves the adaptability of the float 8 to complex wave environments, but also ensures that the linear motor 14 is always in optimal working condition, avoiding mechanical damage caused by lateral forces, thereby improving the reliability and energy conversion efficiency of the system.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the direct-drive wave energy power generation device is fixed to one or more fixed offshore power generation platforms 1 through a steel truss structure 2. The steel truss structure 2 is additionally provided with oblique reinforcement ribs. The angle of the oblique reinforcement ribs in the horizontal direction is 45°, forming a stable triangular spatial support system to resist the horizontal shear force and torque caused by waves.

[0032] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the direct-drive wave energy power generation device can be arranged in an array around the fixed offshore power generation platform 1. Along the direction of wave movement, the wave hydrological parameters (wave height, wavelength) after passing through the float 8 are attenuated. In order to achieve the optimal energy capture efficiency, computational fluid dynamics simulation is used to predict the attenuation law of wave parameters in the wake area, optimize the spacing and arrangement of the floats 8, and balance the energy recovery efficiency and the influence of the wake.

[0033] In this embodiment, the power generation equipment uses a linear motor 14, combined with high-performance linear motor 14 control technology to achieve active impedance matching, and achieves programmable adjustment of the system damping characteristics by precisely controlling the current, thereby generating any required equivalent impedance. When the wave frequency changes and the power generation system's own impedance deviates from the resonant condition, the linear motor 14 can be used to actively adjust the system's dynamic characteristics and change its equivalent impedance, so that the power generation system's resonant frequency tracks the wave frequency in real time and reaches the resonant condition again. For regular wave excitation, energy optimization control is to determine and achieve the optimal generator equivalent impedance to achieve the resonant condition, while for irregular waves, the corresponding optimal condition is to achieve the resonant condition at each frequency component of the wave. The present invention achieves matching of the generator's equivalent mechanical impedance and the float's mechanical impedance by dynamically adjusting the linear combination of the generator's electromagnetic force and the float's motion, thereby improving the ability to capture broadband wave energy.

[0034] In this embodiment, a plurality of aluminum alloy sacrificial anodes are installed on the surface of the float 8 , and the distance between any two of the aluminum alloy sacrificial anodes does not exceed 1 meter. The aluminum alloy sacrificial anodes are in direct and tight contact with the surface of the float 8 .

[0035] In this embodiment, the lower ends of the generator mover 6 and the generator stator 5 are formed as a through-chamber portion 16 , and the through-chamber portion 16 is sealed by magnetic fluid.

[0036] Working principle: The float 8 of the direct-drive wave energy power generation device moves back and forth with the waves, driving the motor rotor 6 to move, and utilizing the relative displacement between the generator rotor 6 and the generator stator 5 to enable the motor winding to effectively cut the magnetic field established by the permanent magnet 4, thereby converting the wave energy into electrical energy. Through the universal joint 9, the float 8 can perform a composite transverse and longitudinal motion with the action of the waves when capturing wave energy, effectively absorbing the longitudinal and transverse sway forces generated by the action of the waves. Under normal power generation conditions, the lifting device 15 is in a locked state. When it is necessary to adjust the position of the direct-drive wave energy power generation device, the lifting device 15 is controlled, and the stepper motor 13 is started to drive the screw 11 to rotate. The rotation of the screw 11 drives the nut 12 to move up and down along the screw 11. The nut 12 is fixedly connected to the steel truss structure 2, thereby driving the entire device to rise and fall.

[0037] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A direct-drive wave energy power generation device coupled to a fixed offshore power generation platform, characterized in that: include: A float, wherein the float is hinged with a push rod, the push rod is connected to a linear motor, and a steel truss structure is provided on the side of the linear motor; An offshore fixed power generation platform is provided on the seabed, wherein a lifting device is provided on the side of the offshore fixed power generation platform, and the lifting device is connected to the steel truss structure; Wherein, the direct-drive wave energy power generation device is arranged in an array around a fixed offshore power generation platform.

2. The direct-drive wave energy power generation device coupled to a fixed offshore power generation platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The linear motor includes a generator stator and a generator mover. The generator stator is provided with a generator coil inside and is connected to a steel truss structure on the outside. The generator mover is arranged inside the generator stator and is provided with a permanent magnet. The generator mover is connected to a push rod.

3. The direct-drive wave energy power generation device coupled to a fixed offshore power generation platform according to claim 2, characterized in that: A flange is provided at the lower end of the generator rotor, and a flange is provided at the upper end of the push rod. The two flanges are connected by bolts, and an elastic buffer gasket is provided between the two flanges.

4. The direct-drive wave energy power generation device coupled to a fixed offshore power generation platform according to claim 2, characterized in that: The float and the push rod are movably connected via a universal joint, and a sealed bearing is provided inside the universal joint.

5. The direct-drive wave energy power generation device coupled to a fixed offshore power generation platform according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lower ends of the generator mover and the generator stator are through-cabin parts, and the through-cabin parts are sealed with magnetic fluid.

6. The direct-drive wave energy power generation device coupled to a fixed offshore power generation platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The float adopts a stainless steel shell structure and is filled with concrete.

7. The direct-drive wave energy power generation device coupled to a fixed offshore power generation platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting device includes a screw rod, a nut and a stepping motor. The nut is fixedly connected to the steel truss structure, the screw rod is threadedly connected to the nut, and the output end of the stepping motor is connected to the screw rod.

8. The direct-drive wave energy power generation device coupled to a fixed offshore power generation platform according to claim 7, characterized in that: A mechanical limit block is provided below the screw rod, one end of the mechanical limit block is fixedly connected to the fixed platform, the upper and lower ends of the fixed plate are fixedly connected to the stepping motor and the mechanical limit block respectively, and the side end of the fixed plate is fixedly connected to the fixed platform.

9. The direct-drive wave energy power generation device coupled to a fixed offshore power generation platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of aluminum alloy sacrificial anodes are installed on the surface of the float, and the distance between any two of the aluminum alloy sacrificial anodes does not exceed 1 meter. The aluminum alloy sacrificial anodes are in direct and close contact with the surface of the float.

10. The direct-drive wave energy power generation device coupled to a fixed offshore power generation platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steel truss structure is additionally provided with oblique reinforcement ribs, and the angle of the oblique reinforcement ribs in the horizontal direction is 45 degrees, forming a stable triangular space support system.

Citation Information

Cited By

  • Modularized tidal range self-adaption efficient transduction wave energy power generation device

    CN121229296A