Ocean energy power generation system

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of ocean temperature difference energy utilization devices, and provides an ocean energy power generation system which comprises an energy capture device, a steam power generation assembly and an electric energy storage device, the energy capture device comprises a gravity heat pipe, a thermoelectric module and an evaporator, and the gravity heat pipe comprises an evaporation section, a heat insulation section and a condensation section which are sequentially arranged in the axial direction of a pipe body; a liquid working medium is arranged in the pipe cavity, the thermoelectric module is arranged on the outer wall face of the gravity heat pipe and comprises a plurality of thermoelectric modules which are arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the gravity heat pipe, and the evaporator is arranged on the condensation section; the steam power generation assembly comprises a steam turbine and a generator set, and the steam turbine communicates with the evaporator and is mechanically coupled with the generator set; the thermoelectric module and the generator set are electrically connected with the electric energy storage device. Efficient energy capture is achieved through cooperation of the thermoelectric module and the gravity assisted heat pipe, efficient energy conversion is achieved through cooperation of the steam power generation assembly, and the energy utilization efficiency of the system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of ocean temperature difference energy utilization devices, and in particular to an ocean energy power generation system. Background Art

[0002] Hydrothermal vents are scattered throughout the deep ocean. Cracks in the Earth's crust allow high-temperature magma to approach seawater, heating the water at these vents to hundreds or even thousands of degrees Celsius, forming mineral-rich hydrothermal fluids. These fluids are ejected from the seabed at high speeds. The core temperature of the hydrothermal fluids ranges from 200-400°C, while the surrounding seawater temperature is approximately 4°C, a significant temperature difference. A single hydrothermal vent can generate megawatts of heat. Harnessing deep-sea hydrothermal energy for power generation can provide a stable energy source for deep-sea equipment such as unmanned underwater vehicles.

[0003] The main method for capturing energy at hydrothermal vents is to exploit the Seebeck effect to capture the heat energy of deep-sea hydrothermal fluids. However, this method is limited by the inherent properties of thermoelectric materials, resulting in low energy conversion efficiency and power generation. This results in the loss of most of the heat energy at the vents. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides an ocean energy power generation system to solve the defects of low energy utilization and large heat loss at hydrothermal vents in the prior art.

[0005] The present invention provides an ocean energy power generation system, comprising: an energy capture device, a steam power generation component and an electric energy storage device, wherein the energy capture device comprises a gravity heat pipe, a thermoelectric module and an evaporator, wherein the gravity heat pipe comprises an evaporation section, an insulation section and a condensation section sequentially arranged along the axial direction of the pipe body, a liquid working medium is provided in the tube cavity at the corresponding position of the evaporation section, and the liquid working medium can form saturated steam under the action of an ocean heat source; the thermoelectric module is provided on the outer wall surface of the gravity heat pipe, and the thermoelectric module comprises a plurality of thermoelectric modules, wherein the plurality of thermoelectric modules are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the gravity heat pipe, and the plurality of thermoelectric modules are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the gravity heat pipe. The electric module is located in the insulation section, and the thermoelectric module can generate electric energy based on the temperature difference of the insulation section; the evaporator is arranged in the condensing section, and the evaporator is used to absorb the thermal energy of saturated steam to generate driving steam; the steam power generation component includes a steam turbine and a generator set, the steam inlet of the steam turbine is connected to the steam outlet of the evaporator, the steam turbine is mechanically coupled to the rotor of the generator set through an output shaft, and the steam turbine is configured to drive the generator set to generate electricity in response to the driving steam generated by the evaporator; the thermoelectric module and the generator set are both electrically connected to the electric energy storage device.

[0006] According to the ocean energy power generation system provided by the present invention, the steam power generation component also includes a condenser, the input port of the condenser is connected to the exhaust steam outlet of the turbine, and the output port of the condenser is connected to the working fluid supply port of the evaporator; wherein a condensate pump is provided on the connecting pipeline between the condenser and the evaporator.

[0007] According to the ocean energy power generation system provided by the present invention, the thermoelectric module includes a plurality of thermoelectric components arranged at intervals along the circumference of the gravity heat pipe, and the plurality of thermoelectric components are attached to the outer wall surface of the gravity heat pipe.

[0008] According to the ocean energy power generation system provided by the present invention, the thermoelectric component includes a thermoelectric sheet and an adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer is provided between the thermoelectric sheet and the gravity heat pipe.

[0009] According to the ocean energy power generation system provided by the present invention, the adhesive layer includes a thermally conductive adhesive with epoxy resin as a base material.

[0010] According to the ocean energy power generation system provided by the present invention, the thermoelectric component further includes heat dissipation fins, and the heat dissipation fins are arranged on the outside of the thermoelectric sheet.

[0011] According to the ocean energy power generation system provided by the present invention, limiting blocks are provided between adjacent thermoelectric modules and between the thermoelectric modules and the evaporator.

[0012] According to the ocean energy power generation system provided by the present invention, the evaporation section and the condensation section are respectively located at two ends of the axial direction of the gravity heat pipe, and the insulation section is located between the evaporation section and the condensation section.

[0013] According to the ocean energy power generation system provided by the present invention, the insulation section accounts for 40%-50% of the total length of the gravity heat pipe.

[0014] According to the ocean energy power generation system provided by the present invention, the gravity heat pipe includes one of a copper pipe, an aluminum alloy pipe, a stainless steel pipe, and a titanium alloy pipe.

[0015] The ocean energy power generation system provided by this invention achieves efficient energy capture through the combination of thermoelectric modules and gravity heat pipes. Furthermore, through the integration of steam power generation components, it achieves efficient energy conversion, significantly improving the system's energy utilization efficiency. The gravity heat pipes have a simple structure and regular shape, making them easy to install and use in deep-sea environments. They can also operate stably under high-pressure deep-sea conditions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present invention or the prior art, a brief introduction is given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the ocean energy power generation system provided by the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the energy capture device in the ocean energy power generation system provided by the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the gravity heat pipe in the ocean energy power generation system provided by the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the thermoelectric module in the ocean energy power generation system provided by the present invention.

[0021] Reference numerals: 1. Energy capture device; 11. Gravity heat pipe; 100. Liquid working fluid; 111. Evaporation section; 112. Insulation section; 113. Condensation section; 12. Thermoelectric module; 121. Thermoelectric module; 1211. Thermoelectric component; 1212. Adhesive layer; 1213. Heat dissipation fin; 13. Evaporator; 14. Limit block; 2. Steam power generation component; 21. Steam turbine; 22. Generator set; 23. Condenser; 24. Condensate pump; 3. Electric energy storage device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of explaining the embodiments of the present 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 and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0024] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, electrical connections; and direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0025] In the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0026] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiment of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0027] Deep-sea hydrothermal vents are distributed in major oceans around the world. Hydrothermal vents have relatively high temperatures. In related technical solutions, the energy utilization rate of this part is low, resulting in serious energy loss.

[0028] Regarding the problems in related technologies, such as Figure 1-Figure 2 As shown, the present invention provides an ocean energy power generation system, including an energy capture device 1, a steam power generation component 2 and an electric energy storage device 3. The energy capture device 1 includes a gravity heat pipe 11, a thermoelectric module 12 and an evaporator 13. The gravity heat pipe 11 includes an evaporation section 111, an insulation section 112 and a condensation section 113 arranged in sequence along the axial direction of the tube body. A liquid working medium 100 is provided in the tube cavity at the corresponding position of the evaporation section 111. The liquid working medium 100 can form saturated steam under the action of the ocean heat source; the thermoelectric module 12 is provided on the outer wall surface of the gravity heat pipe 11, and the thermoelectric module 12 includes a plurality of thermoelectric modules 121. The plurality of thermoelectric modules 121 are arranged along the axial direction of the gravity heat pipe 11. Arranged at intervals, multiple thermoelectric modules 121 are located in the insulation section 112, and the thermoelectric modules 121 can generate electricity based on the temperature difference at the position of the insulation section 112; the evaporator 13 is arranged in the condensing section 113, and the evaporator 13 is used to absorb the thermal energy of saturated steam to generate driving steam; the steam power generation component 2 includes a steam turbine 21 and a generator set 22, the steam inlet of the steam turbine 21 is connected to the steam outlet of the evaporator 13, and the steam turbine 21 is mechanically coupled to the rotor of the generator set 22 through the output shaft; the steam turbine 21 is configured to drive the generator set 22 to generate electricity in response to the driving steam generated by the evaporator 13; the thermoelectric module 12 and the generator set 22 are both electrically connected to the energy storage device 3. There is a large amount of available heat energy at the hydrothermal vents in the deep sea. Conventional technology often uses the Seebeck effect to realize the utilization of this location, but the energy utilization rate of converting waste heat into electrical energy by solely using the Seebeck effect is too low, resulting in most of the actual heat energy at the hydrothermal vents being wasted. In this embodiment, the effective capture of heat energy can be achieved through the joint action of the thermoelectric module 12 and the evaporator 13, and the efficient conversion and storage of electrical energy are achieved in conjunction with the steam power generation component 2 and the energy storage device 3, so that the heat energy of the hydrothermal vents can be fully utilized, thereby improving the heat energy utilization efficiency of the hydrothermal vents and effectively increasing the power generation capacity.

[0029] Specifically, if Figure 1 、 Figure 2As shown in the figure, the arrows in the gravity heat pipe 11 indicate the flow direction of the saturated gas. The gravity heat pipe 11 is a tubular structure as a whole, and the tube body has a closed space tube cavity, which is used to accommodate the liquid working medium 100. When in use, the evaporation section 111 of the gravity heat pipe 11 is inserted into the position of the hot liquid nozzle, so that the heat at the hot liquid nozzle can be used to heat the liquid working medium 100 in the tube cavity. After being heated, the liquid working medium 100 becomes saturated steam. The saturated steam rises along the tube cavity inside the gravity pipe and rises through the adiabatic section 112 to the condensation section 113. The saturated steam completes heat exchange with the heat exchange medium in the evaporator 13 in the condensation section 113. On the one hand, after heat exchange, the liquid working medium 100 in the gravity heat pipe 11 descends to the evaporation section 111 of the heat exchange tube in the form of liquid under the action of gravity and capillary action. At the same time, the heat exchange medium in the evaporator 13 evaporates through heat exchange with the saturated steam to form driving steam, which drives the steam turbine 21 to rotate, thus forming a complete cycle.

[0030] The evaporation section 111, insulation section 112, and condensation section 113 of the upper tube of the gravity heat pipe 11 can be arranged adjacent to each other or spaced apart on the gravity heat pipe 11, as long as the liquid working medium 100, thermoelectric module 12, and evaporator 13 can be arranged in corresponding positions. Furthermore, the aforementioned electrical energy storage device 3 can be one or more of a lead-acid battery, a solid-state battery, a lithium battery, etc.

[0031] It can be understood that the heat energy at the hydrothermal vent is converted into energy through the thermoelectric module 12 and the evaporator 133, which greatly improves the energy capture efficiency of the device. The mechanical coupling of the steam turbine 21 and the generator set 22 enables it to further convert the heat energy into electrical energy, and finally the electrical energy generated by the generator set 22 and the thermoelectric module 12 is stored in the electrical energy storage device 3, thereby realizing the efficient utilization of the heat energy at the hydrothermal vent. In addition, the gravity heat pipe 11 in this example has a simple structure and a regular shape, which is convenient for the installation and use of the equipment in the deep sea environment. The heat pipe can work stably under high-pressure deep sea conditions; at the same time, through the electrical energy conversion of the thermoelectric module 12, the secondary utilization of energy is realized. Furthermore, the heat of the gravity heat pipe 11 is higher at one end near the liquid vent and lower at the end away from the liquid vent. In this embodiment, multiple thermoelectric modules 121 are arranged at intervals on the path of the rising saturated steam, and the heat exchange of the top evaporator 13 is combined to achieve hierarchical utilization of energy and improve the utilization efficiency of thermal energy. Specifically, the thermal energy is high at one end near the bottom of the gravity heat pipe 11, and the temperature difference is large, which enables it to be directly converted through the thermoelectric module 121. After the thermoelectric module 121 is converted into electrical energy, the thermal energy of the saturated steam decreases and further rises to the top. At the top of the gravity heat pipe 11, the waste heat is fully utilized through the evaporator 13. The heat exchange medium inside it is heated by the evaporator 13 at the top, so that it forms driving steam to drive the steam turbine 21 to rotate, and the mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy through the generator set 22, thereby realizing the hierarchical utilization of energy and improving the energy utilization efficiency.

[0032] In specific configurations, the gravity heat pipe 11 is made of a thermally conductive material, specifically one of a copper tube, an aluminum alloy tube, a stainless steel tube, and a titanium alloy tube. In this embodiment, the gravity heat pipe 11 is limited to a thermally conductive material. This facilitates the conduction of heat energy, resulting in a significant temperature difference between the inside of the thermoelectric module 12 (the side connected to the gravity heat pipe 11) and the outside of the thermoelectric module 12 (the side facing away from the gravity heat pipe 11), thereby improving the energy utilization efficiency of the thermoelectric module 12.

[0033] In a preferred example, the gravity heat pipe 11 is made of titanium alloy tube. Titanium alloy has the characteristics of high strength, corrosion resistance, and light weight, and can be applied to the harsh environment of high temperature and high pressure at hydrothermal vents in the ocean.

[0034] In this embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown, the thermoelectric elements in the thermoelectric module 121 employ a conventional thermoelectric module 121 structure, with P-type and N-type thermoelectric arms alternately connected in series to form a thermocouple pair. During connection, the thermoelectric module 121 is attached to the outer surface of the gravity heat pipe 11, creating a significant temperature difference between it and the external seawater environment. In this temperature differential environment, the thermoelectric module 121 spontaneously generates an electromotive force, which drives the flow of charge, forming an electric current and thus achieving energy conversion.

[0035] Of course, the above embodiment does not limit the specific shape of the thermoelectric module 121, as long as it can be connected to the outer wall of the gravity heat pipe 11 and can generate electricity based on the temperature difference between the outer wall and the external seawater. For example, in some embodiments, the thermoelectric module 121 can be an annular structure that can be directly mounted on the outside of the gravity heat pipe 11. Alternatively, it can be an arc-shaped block structure that is connected via fixed connectors or adhesives.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the steam power generation assembly 2 also includes a condenser 23. The input port of the condenser 23 is connected to the exhaust steam outlet of the steam turbine 21, and the output port of the condenser 23 is connected to the working medium supply port of the evaporator 13. A condensate pump 24 is provided on the connecting pipeline between the condenser 23 and the evaporator 13. The connection between the condenser 23 and the evaporator 13 allows the heat exchange medium to be reused, improving the energy cycle efficiency.

[0037] Specifically, the condenser 23 includes a steam recovery section, a condensate chamber, and a working medium return section. The steam recovery section's input port is connected to the exhaust steam outlet of the steam turbine 21 via a first connecting pipe. The steam recovery section is thermally coupled via a phase-change heat transfer structure to condense the exhaust steam into water. The working medium return section's inlet is connected to the bottom of the condensate chamber, and the working medium return section's outlet is connected to the working medium supply port of the evaporator 13 via a second pipe. This allows low-temperature, low-pressure steam (i.e., exhaust steam) after work in the steam turbine 21 to be fed into the condensate chamber through the input port for condensation. The condensed water is ultimately fed into the evaporator 13 through the working medium supply port via the condensate pump 24.

[0038] In the above embodiment, by constructing a closed cycle of turbine 21-condenser 23-evaporator 13, more than 90% of the exhaust steam latent heat can be recovered and utilized, which improves the overall energy efficiency by 15%-30% compared to an open system. The coordinated design of the condensate pump 24 and the working fluid supply port reduces the fluctuation amplitude of the working fluid level in the evaporator 13 by more than 60%.

[0039] In a specific embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, the evaporation section 111 and the condensation section 113 are located at the two axial ends of the gravity heat pipe 11, respectively, and the insulation section 112 is located between the evaporation section 111 and the condensation section 113. When connected, the top of the gravity heat pipe 11 needs to be connected to the evaporator 13. This embodiment limits the condensation section 113 to the end, which facilitates the installation of the evaporator 13 and enables the evaporator 13 to fully contact the end of the gravity heat pipe 111, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the device.

[0040] Specifically, if Figure 3As shown, the two axial ends of the gravity heat pipe 11 are constructed as spherical end structures, one of which is configured as the evaporation section 111 and the other is configured as the condensation section 113. The spherical end structure increases the contact area with the outside. For example, the evaporation section 111 increases the contact area with the hot liquid nozzle through the spherical end structure, so that the liquid working medium 100 can be quickly heated and form saturated steam. Similarly, the spherical end structure of the condensation section 113 increases the contact area with the heat exchange medium in the evaporator 13, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0041] Furthermore, a mounting port structure is provided on the evaporator 13, and the condensing section 113 extends into the evaporator 13 through the mounting port structure, thereby exchanging heat with the heat exchange medium in the evaporator 13 to achieve condensation of steam and heat the heat exchange medium.

[0042] In conjunction with the above embodiment, the insulating section 112 occupies 40%-50% of the total length of the gravity heat pipe 11. The thermoelectric module 12 is arranged in the insulating section 112. In this embodiment, the insulating section 112 occupies a longer area of ​​the entire length of the pipe body, which can increase the layout area of ​​the thermoelectric module 12, thereby increasing the overall power conversion capacity, and will not affect the evaporation and condensation cycle of the liquid working medium 100.

[0043] Specifically, the evaporation section 111 and the condensation section 113 account for a similar proportion of the total length of the gravity heat pipe 11, and the insulation section 112 occupies most of the pipe body area of ​​the gravity heat pipe 11, which facilitates the installation of the thermoelectric module 12 and helps to increase the power generation of the thermoelectric module 12.

[0044] Furthermore, the length of the insulating section 112 generally does not exceed 50% of the total length of the tube body. If it exceeds 50% or is less than 40%, it is difficult to achieve the evaporation and condensation effects of the present application, thereby affecting the evaporation and condensation cycles of the liquid working medium 100. By limiting the length ratio of the insulating section 112, this embodiment can achieve both evaporation and condensation cycles while also achieving a large power generation capacity, thereby enabling the device to achieve better energy utilization efficiency.

[0045] In a specific example, the insulation section 112 accounts for 46% of the total length of the gravity heat pipe 11, the evaporation section 111 accounts for 30% of the total length of the gravity heat pipe 11, and the condensation section 113 accounts for 24% of the total length of the gravity heat pipe 11. This allows the evaporation section 111 to store sufficient liquid working medium 100 and to generate a large amount of saturated steam after heating to realize the steam condensation cycle. In addition, during the steam rising process, it can have sufficient contact area and contact time with the thermoelectric module 12, thereby improving energy utilization efficiency. In other words, by limiting the proportion of each section to the total length, the entire circulation system can be more efficient, allowing the steam turbine 21 to continuously realize the conversion of electrical energy, thereby improving energy utilization efficiency.

[0046] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the thermoelectric module 121 includes multiple thermoelectric components 1211 spaced apart along the circumference of the gravity heat pipe 11. The multiple thermoelectric components 1211 are attached to the outer wall of the gravity heat pipe 11. The uniform axial arrangement increases the contact area with the gravity heat pipe 11 and utilizes the temperature difference at different points around the gravity heat pipe 11 to improve the thermal energy conversion efficiency.

[0047] Specifically, the thermoelectric component 1211 is a block structure, which is attached to the gravity heat pipe 11 by an adhesive. The adhesive can facilitate the connection of the thermoelectric component 1211 and improve the efficiency of the connection of the thermoelectric component 1211.

[0048] It is understandable that the temperatures at different circumferential points of the gravity heat pipe 11 may be different, and the corresponding temperature differences may also be different. This embodiment can utilize the temperature differences at different circumferential points by arranging multiple thermoelectric components 1211 circumferentially, thereby achieving effective utilization of thermal energy and avoiding waste of thermal energy.

[0049] In conjunction with the above embodiment, the thermoelectric component 1211 includes a thermoelectric sheet (the physical portion of the thermoelectric component) and an adhesive layer 1212, which is disposed between the thermoelectric sheet and the gravity heat pipe 11. The provision of the adhesive layer 1212 enables the thermoelectric component 1211 to be quickly connected to the gravity heat pipe 11, reducing the difficulty of connecting the thermoelectric component 1211.

[0050] Specifically, when the thermoelectric component 1211 is connected, an adhesive is applied to the inner side of the thermoelectric component 1211 to form an adhesive layer 1212, thereby bonding the thermoelectric component 1211 to the gravity heat pipe 11, which facilitates rapid connection of the thermoelectric component 1211. This bonding method can also make the thermoelectric component 1211 more stable.

[0051] In a specific configuration, the adhesive layer 1212 includes a thermally conductive adhesive based on epoxy resin. This embodiment provides a high thermal conductivity through the configuration of the thermally conductive adhesive, which is beneficial for heat conduction.

[0052] Specifically, the epoxy resin-based thermally conductive adhesive contains thermally conductive fillers (such as one or more of aluminum powder, copper powder, graphite, and boron nitride), which provides high thermal conductivity and facilitates heat transfer within the gravity heat pipe 11. Epoxy resin also has excellent bonding and temperature resistance, ensuring stable and long-term use of the thermoelectric component 1211 after connection.

[0053] In combination with the above embodiment, the thermoelectric component 1211 further includes heat dissipation fins 1213, which are arranged outside the thermoelectric element. The provision of the heat dissipation fins 1213 can further increase the temperature difference, thereby improving the power generation of the thermoelectric module 121 and enhancing the heat exchange efficiency.

[0054] Specifically, the outer wall surface of the heat dissipation fin 1213 is formed with an undulating structural surface, which can increase the contact area between the heat dissipation fin 1213 and the seawater during use, thereby increasing the heat exchange temperature difference and further improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0055] In the specific configuration, the thermoelectric module 12 includes two groups of thermoelectric modules 121, which are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the gravity heat pipe 11. Each group of thermoelectric modules 121 includes four thermoelectric components 1211 evenly spaced along the circumference of the gravity heat pipe 11. The two groups of thermoelectric modules 121 are distributed at different axial positions of the gravity heat pipe 11, which can fully utilize the temperature gradient and improve energy capture efficiency. Furthermore, the arrangement of four thermoelectric components 1211 at intervals in the axial direction can further refine the utilization of temperature gradient resources, achieve improved heat-to-electricity conversion efficiency through spatial distribution optimization, enhance device reliability, and extend service life.

[0056] It is understandable that the heat distribution on the wall of the gravity heat pipe 11 is uneven, and the heat is high near the evaporation section 111. In this embodiment, each module is arranged at intervals in the axial and circumferential directions so that each module is in the optimal temperature difference range for its position. For example, the high-temperature end module uses a larger temperature difference to generate electricity, and the medium and low temperature end modules use the remaining temperature difference in turn to avoid excessive consumption of the temperature difference at a single position, thereby improving the overall energy capture efficiency. The interval setting can also reduce direct heat conduction between adjacent modules, prevent heat from flowing rapidly from the high-temperature zone to the low-temperature zone along the tube body and bypassing the thermoelectric module 121, and ensure that the effective temperature difference of each module is maintained. Each module works independently. Even if a module fails due to material aging or poor contact, the other modules can still continue to generate electricity, enhancing the fault tolerance of the system. The interval layout facilitates individual maintenance or replacement of modules, reducing downtime.

[0057] In some embodiments, stoppers 14 are provided between adjacent thermoelectric modules 121 and between the thermoelectric modules 121 and the evaporator 13. The stoppers 14 can provide support to the thermoelectric modules 121 and isolate adjacent thermoelectric modules 121 to prevent contact and mutual influence between adjacent thermoelectric modules 121.

[0058] Specifically, the stopper 14 is made of a thermally insulating material and is located below the bottommost thermoelectric module. The stopper 14 physically isolates the thermoelectric modules 121. In other words, the thermally insulating stopper 14 further reduces direct heat conduction between adjacent modules, preventing heat from rapidly flowing from the high-temperature zone to the low-temperature zone along the tube body and bypassing the thermoelectric modules 121, thereby ensuring that the effective temperature difference between each module is maintained. The provision of the stopper 14 allows for the heat flow to be dispersed at intervals, avoiding local overheating or overcooling, maintaining the stability of the tube body's temperature gradient, and extending the duration of the temperature difference.

[0059] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that in each embodiment, the energy at the hydrothermal vent is efficiently captured through the combination of the thermoelectric module 121 and the gravity heat pipe 11, and that the steam power generation component 2 is used to achieve efficient energy conversion, greatly improving the energy utilization efficiency of the system. Furthermore, the gravity heat pipe 11 has a simple structure and a regular shape, which facilitates installation and use of the equipment in a deep-sea environment. The heat pipe can operate stably under high-pressure deep-sea conditions. At the same time, a thermoelectric module 121 is provided on the outer wall of the heat pipe to achieve secondary energy utilization. Heat dissipation fins 1213 are provided on the outer side of the thermoelectric module 121 to increase the heat exchange temperature difference and further improve efficiency. This solution has high reliability. Specifically, when one energy capture method fails, the normal operation of the device can still be guaranteed to achieve energy capture. In addition, the thermoelectric module 121 is relatively small in size. Using two energy capture methods in parallel at the same output power can reduce the size of the device, which is beneficial for the layout and installation of the equipment.

[0060] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A marine energy power generation system, characterized in that: include: An energy capture device, comprising a gravity heat pipe, a thermoelectric module, and an evaporator. The gravity heat pipe comprises an evaporation section, an insulation section, and a condensation section sequentially arranged along the axial direction of the pipe body. A liquid working medium is provided in the tube cavity at a position corresponding to the evaporation section. The liquid working medium can form saturated steam under the action of an ocean heat source. The thermoelectric module is provided on the outer wall surface of the gravity heat pipe, and the thermoelectric module includes a plurality of thermoelectric modules. The plurality of thermoelectric modules are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the gravity heat pipe, and the plurality of thermoelectric modules are located in the thermal insulation section. The thermoelectric modules can generate electrical energy based on the temperature difference of the thermal insulation section; the evaporator is provided in the condensing section, and the evaporator is used to absorb the heat energy of saturated steam to generate driving steam; a steam power generation assembly, the steam power generation assembly comprising a steam turbine and a generator set, the steam inlet of the steam turbine being in communication with the steam outlet of the evaporator, the steam turbine being mechanically coupled to a rotor of the generator set via an output shaft, the steam turbine being configured to drive the generator set to generate electricity in response to driving steam generated by the evaporator; An electric energy storage device is provided, wherein the thermoelectric module and the generator set are both electrically connected to the electric energy storage device.

2. The ocean energy power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steam power generation assembly further comprises a condenser, the input port of the condenser being connected to the exhaust steam outlet of the steam turbine, and the output port of the condenser being connected to the working fluid supply port of the evaporator; Wherein, a condensate pump is provided on the connecting pipeline between the condenser and the evaporator.

3. The ocean energy power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thermoelectric module includes a plurality of thermoelectric components arranged at intervals along the circumference of the gravity heat pipe, and the plurality of thermoelectric components are attached to the outer wall surface of the gravity heat pipe.

4. The ocean energy power generation system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The thermoelectric component includes a thermoelectric sheet and an adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer is provided between the thermoelectric sheet and the gravity heat pipe.

5. The ocean energy power generation system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bonding layer includes a thermally conductive adhesive with epoxy resin as a base material.

6. The ocean energy power generation system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The thermoelectric component further includes a heat dissipation fin, which is arranged on the outside of the thermoelectric plate.

7. The ocean energy power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Limiting blocks are provided between adjacent thermoelectric modules and between the thermoelectric modules and the evaporator.

8. The ocean energy power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The evaporation section and the condensation section are respectively located at two ends of the gravity heat pipe in an axial direction, and the insulation section is located between the evaporation section and the condensation section.

9. The ocean energy power generation system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The insulation section accounts for 40%-50% of the total length of the gravity heat pipe.

10. The ocean energy power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gravity heat pipe includes one of a copper pipe, an aluminum alloy pipe, a stainless steel pipe, and a titanium alloy pipe.

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