Beacon light device powered by flow-induced vibration

Abstract

The invention discloses a beacon light device powered by flow-induced vibration. The device comprises a floating body supporting assembly, a vibration energy harvesting system, a gear set, a power generation unit and a beacon light. The energy harvesting structural body drives the vibration transmission structure through the dowel bar and is in linkage with two stages of gears (a first pinion, a large gear and a second pinion) through a double-side rack, and conversion from kinetic energy of ocean current to electric energy is achieved. The two groups of independent power generation units operate in parallel, and 50% power supply capability is maintained when a single machine fails; the vibration transmission structure is suspended in the middle of the limiting spring through the spring hanging structure, and the mechanical loss is reduced by combining a low-friction lining of the linear guide rail; the energy harvesting structural body can be configured to be a cylinder, a square cylinder or a triangular prism, and is adaptive to different flow velocity environments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine energy power generation technology, specifically to a navigation light device powered by flow-induced vibration. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the world economy and the depletion of fossil fuels, the renewable energy resources nurtured in the ocean have made ocean energy power generation a current research hotspot. Ocean current energy, in particular, possesses advantages such as strong regularity and predictability, high energy density, and wide distribution, offering broad application prospects. my country is one of the world's richest regions in ocean current energy, with the theoretical power of ocean current energy in its coastal areas alone reaching 140,000 megawatts, equivalent to the installed capacity of 70 Three Gorges Dams. However, traditional turbine-type power generation devices are often complex in structure, difficult to maintain, and only suitable for high-speed ocean current environments (greater than 2 m / s), while ocean current velocities in most parts of my country and the world are below 1.5 m / s. To address the challenge of developing fluid kinetic energy under low-speed conditions, scholars both domestically and internationally have proposed the new concept of flow-induced vibration energy harvesting. "Flow-induced vibration" refers to the alternating forces generated when an external flow passes over a structure, forcing the structure to move. This structural movement alters the flow regime, thereby changing the fluid forces and ultimately leading to resonance. Flow-induced vibration is a complex nonlinear fluid-structure interaction problem, with the two most typical forms being vortex-induced vibration and galloping vibration.

[0003] Ships need to navigate in waterways, and numerous floating navigation lights are required along coastal and inland waterways. These lights, distributed along the coast and rivers, provide safety for ships navigating at night and are a type of traffic light installed on certain navigation marks. Most existing navigation lights use batteries as their power source, while large lighthouses often use diesel engines. Some also utilize wind and mechanical energy converted into electricity. Traditional navigation lights rely on batteries or solar power, which suffers from frequent maintenance and short operating range. Although ocean current energy is abundant, low-speed currents (<1.5m / s) have low power generation efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the defects in the prior art and provide a navigation light device powered by flow-induced vibration.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is to design a navigation light device powered by flow-induced vibration, including a float support assembly, a vibration energy harvesting system, a gear set, a power generation unit, and a navigation light. The float support assembly includes an airbag float, a mooring cable, a support frame, an upper support plate, and a lower support plate. The support frame is bolted to the airbag float. One end of the mooring cable is connected to the airbag float, and the other end is fixed to the seabed of the corresponding watershed. The upper and lower support plates are respectively installed at the upper and lower ends of the support frame. The airbag float is made of rubber.

[0006] The vibration energy harvesting system includes a movable oscillator, a linear guide rail, and a transmission bearing. The linear guide rail consists of two sets, located on the left and right sides of the support frame, with its two ends respectively mounted on the upper support plate and the lower support plate. The transmission bearing is slidably engaged with the linear guide rail. The movable oscillator is mounted on the transmission bearing and includes an upper vibration transmission structure and a lower energy harvesting structure. The vibration transmission structure and the energy harvesting structure are connected by a force transmission rod. The vibration transmission structure is hung on the middle of a limiting spring by a spring hanging structure, with both ends of the limiting spring respectively mounted on the upper support plate and the lower support plate. The gear set consists of two sets, each including a double rack, a first pinion, a gear shaft, a large gear, and a gear bearing. The double rack is mounted on the vibration transmission structure and located between the two sets of transmission bearings. The first pinion is located on both sides of the double rack and meshes with it. The first pinion and the large gear are respectively mounted on both ends of the gear shaft. The gear shaft is mounted on the lower support plate through the gear bearing. The power generation unit consists of two sets, each including a second pinion, a generator, and a first power line. The generator is mounted on the lower support plate, the second pinion is mounted on the generator drive shaft, and the second pinion meshes with the large gear. One end of the first power line is electrically connected to the generator, and the other end is electrically connected to the navigation light. The navigation light is mounted on the upper support plate.

[0007] Furthermore, the generator output is electrically connected to an energy storage device via a second power line, and the energy storage device output is electrically connected to the navigation light via a third power line.

[0008] Preferably, the energy-harvesting structure is a cylinder, a square prism, or a triangular prism, with its axis perpendicular to the incoming flow direction. The cylinder primarily utilizes vortex-induced vibration, exhibiting high efficiency within a narrow flow velocity range; the square and triangular prisms primarily utilize galloping vibration, offering even higher efficiency and greater stability over a wider flow velocity range (especially at lower flow velocities). Users can select or change the shape of the energy-harvesting body according to the typical flow velocity of the deployment area.

[0009] The principle is as follows: When fluid flows through a non-streamlined bluff body structure (energy trap), the fluid separates at the structure's surface, forming a complex wake (the region where the flow detaches from the structure). This flow separation generates time-varying fluid forces (mainly lift and drag) on ​​the structure. If the structure has a certain degree of freedom (it can vibrate vertically), these time-varying forces can drive structural motion. The structural motion, in turn, affects the surrounding flow field and fluid forces. This mutual coupling creates flow-induced vibration. When fluid flows over a cylinder, vortices are alternately generated and shed on the downstream side of the cylinder, forming the well-known von Kármán vortex street. This alternating vortex shedding generates alternating lift perpendicular to the flow direction on the cylinder (a force perpendicular to the flow direction), suitable for medium-velocity environments.

[0010] Galloping primarily occurs on blunt bodies with angular or non-streamlined symmetrical cross-sections (such as square, rectangular, D-shaped, and triangular). When such structures undergo lateral (perpendicular to the flow direction) displacement in a fluid, their angle of attack relative to the incoming flow changes. If the structure moves upward, it's equivalent to the fluid having a downward velocity component relative to the structure, creating a negative angle of attack. This negative angle of attack generates a downward lift force, which is in the same direction as the structure's motion (both downwards), doing positive work on the structure. If the structure moves downward, it's equivalent to a positive angle of attack. This positive angle of attack generates an upward lift force, which is also in the same direction as the structure's motion (both upwards), also doing positive work on the structure. This phenomenon, where the direction of the fluid force is always consistent with the direction of the structure's velocity, means that the fluid continuously inputs energy into the structure, creating a negative damping effect. This causes the structural amplitude to continuously increase until nonlinear effects (such as structural damping and fluid nonlinearity) limit its growth. This self-excited vibration, typically large-amplitude and low-frequency (far below the vortex shedding frequency) driven by hydrodynamic instability, is called galloping. The energy of galloping originates from the directionality of the unsteady aerodynamic / hydraulic forces generated when the fluid moves relative to the structure.

[0011] The square prism performs well in the low to high velocity range. While its critical velocity may be slightly higher than that of the triangular prism, once oscillation begins, it exhibits high and stable efficiency over a wide velocity range. The triangular prism is particularly well-suited for low-velocity environments. Its sharp edges result in the lowest critical oscillation velocity, making it easier to initiate oscillation and achieve high efficiency in low-velocity currents (<1.5 m / s). At low velocities, its energy harvesting performance is generally superior to that of cylinders and square prisms. It also performs well over a wider velocity range.

[0012] Preferably, the generator is a fixed-excitation DC motor.

[0013] Furthermore, a low-friction composite material bushing is provided between the linear guide rail and the transmission bearing. The bushing reduces friction between the linear guide rail and the transmission bearing, thereby improving transmission efficiency and reducing energy loss.

[0014] Furthermore, the outer side of the floating support assembly is provided with a shell. This shell serves to protect the internal structure from marine organisms attaching to it, impacts from floating objects, and to provide a certain degree of watertightness.

[0015] The advantages and beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. The dual gear set and dual generators work together to generate more electricity, and can still generate electricity even if a single unit fails, without affecting normal use. Compared with traditional navigation lights that rely on batteries or solar power, it has a longer operating time, more stable operation, and simpler maintenance.

[0016] 2. Utilizing the principle of flow-induced vibration (vortex-induced vibration / galloping), it is particularly adept at capturing the energy of low-speed ocean currents with a flow velocity of less than 1.5 m / s, solving the problem of low efficiency of traditional impeller-type devices in low-speed flows and expanding the geographical range of ocean current energy utilization.

[0017] 3. The energy-harvesting structure can be flexibly configured as a cylinder, square prism or triangular prism, and can be selected or replaced according to the current velocity characteristics and vibration modes of different sea areas to achieve the optimal performance of the device.

[0018] 4. Compared with traditional water turbines, this device mainly moves in linear reciprocating vibration, has a relatively simple structure, improves long-term operational reliability in marine environments, and reduces maintenance requirements and costs. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the navigation light device of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the outer casing structure of the navigation light device of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the vibration energy harvesting system of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the energy-harvesting structure of the present invention when it is a cylinder; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the energy-harvesting structure of the present invention when it is a square prism; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the energy-harvesting structure of the present invention when it is a triangular prism; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the gear set structure of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the power generation unit structure of the present invention.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Float support assembly; 101. Airbag float; 102. Mooring cable; 103. Support frame; 104. Upper support plate; 105. Lower support plate; 106. Bolt; 2. Vibration energy harvesting system; 201. Movable oscillator; 202. Linear guide rail; 203. Transmission bearing; 204. Vibration transmission structure; 205. Energy harvesting structure; 206. Limiting spring; 207. Force transmission rod; 208. Spring mounting structure; 209. Bushing; 3. Gear set; 301. Double-sided rack; 302. First pinion; 303. Gear shaft; 304. Large gear; 305. Gear bearing; 4. Power generation unit; 401. Second pinion; 402. Generator; 403. First power line; 404. Transmission shaft; 5. Navigation light; 6. Energy storage device; 601. Second power line; 602. Third power line; 7. Outer shell. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] according to Figures 1-8 As shown, the present invention is a navigation light device powered by flow-induced vibration, including a float support assembly 1, a vibration energy harvesting system 2, a gear set 3, a power generation unit 4, and a navigation light 5. The float support assembly 1 includes an airbag float 101, a mooring cable 102, a support frame 103, an upper support plate 104, and a lower support plate 105. The support frame 103 is connected to the airbag float 101 by bolts 106. One end of the mooring cable 102 is connected to the airbag float 101, and the other end is fixed to the seabed of the corresponding watershed. The upper support plate 104 and the lower support plate 105 are respectively installed at the upper and lower ends of the support frame 103. The vibration energy harvesting system 2 includes a movable oscillator 201, a linear guide rail 202, and a transmission bearing 203. The linear guide rail 202 consists of two sets, located on the left and right sides of the support frame 103, respectively. Its two ends are respectively mounted on the upper support plate 104 and the lower support plate 105. The transmission bearing 203 is slidably engaged with the linear guide rail 202. The movable oscillator 201 is mounted on the transmission bearing 203. The movable oscillator 201 includes an upper vibration transmission structure 204 and a lower energy harvesting structure 205. The vibration transmission structure 204 and the energy harvesting structure 205 are connected by a force transmission rod 207. The vibration transmission structure 204 is hung on the middle of a limiting spring 206 by a spring hanging structure 208. The two ends of the limiting spring 206 are respectively mounted on the upper support plate 104 and the lower support plate 105. The gear set 3 consists of two sets, each including a double rack 301, a first pinion 302, a gear shaft 303, a large gear 304, and a gear bearing 305. The double rack 301 is mounted on the vibration transmission structure 204 and located between the two sets of transmission bearings 203. The first pinion 302 is located on both sides of the double rack 301 and meshes with the double rack 301. The first pinion 302 and the large gear 304 are respectively fitted onto both ends of the gear shaft 303. The gear shaft 303 is mounted on the lower support plate 105 through the gear bearing 305. The power generation unit 4 consists of two sets, each including a second pinion 401, a generator 402, and a first power line 403. The generator 402 is mounted on the lower support plate 105. The second pinion 401 is fitted onto the transmission shaft 404 of the generator 402 and meshes with the large gear 304. One end of the first power line 403 is electrically connected to the generator 402, and the other end is electrically connected to the navigation light 5. The navigation light 5 is mounted on the upper support plate 104.

[0023] The output terminal of the generator 402 is electrically connected to the energy storage device 6 via the second power line 601, and the output terminal of the energy storage device 6 is electrically connected to the navigation light 5 via the third power line 602.

[0024] The generator 402 is a fixed-excitation DC motor.

[0025] A low-friction composite material bushing 209 is provided between the linear guide rail 202 and the transmission bearing 203.

[0026] The outer side of the floating body support assembly 1 is provided with a shell 7.

[0027] according to Figures 4-5 As shown, the energy-harvesting structure 205 is a cylinder, a square prism, or a triangular prism, with its axis perpendicular to the incoming flow direction.

[0028] The working principle is as follows: Each time the ocean current impacts the vibration energy harvesting system 2, its movable oscillator 201 will induce flow-induced vibration under the influence of the ocean current. The energy harvesting structure 205 below it drives the vibration transmission structure 204 above it through the force transmission rod 207. Under the action of the linear guide rail 202 and the transmission bearing 203, the limiting spring 206 provides elastic support for the movable oscillator 201 through the spring hanging structure 208. Its stiffness and the system mass together determine the natural frequency of the system, which aims to make it reach or approach the resonance state under the action of the ocean current, thereby amplifying the vibration amplitude and improving the energy harvesting efficiency. At the same time, it also plays a role in limiting the excessive vibration stroke. The vibration transmission structure 204 continuously reciprocates up and down. During this process, the double-sided rack 301, which is mounted on the vibration transmission structure 204, moves up and down. During the up and down movement of the double-sided rack 301, the first pinion 302 meshing with it rotates and drives the large gear 304 to mesh through the gear shaft 303. Since the first pinion 302 and the large gear 304 are coaxial, but the large gear 304 has more teeth than the first pinion 302, it has a larger transmission ratio. When the large gear 304 transmits kinetic energy to the second pinion 401 meshing with it, it will then transmit the kinetic energy to the generator 402 through the transmission shaft 404 of the generator 402, thereby converting the kinetic energy into electrical energy. Finally, the electrical energy is supplied to the navigation light 5 through the power line, and the remaining electricity is stored in the energy storage device 6. Another independent gear set 3 and the generator unit 4 work in the same way. The two systems operate in parallel to jointly supply power to the navigation light 5 and / or the energy storage device 6. If any one of the systems (including the gear set or generator) fails, the other system can continue to operate, maintaining at least 50% of the power supply capacity.

[0029] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A navigation light device powered by flow-induced vibration, characterized in that, The system includes a floating support assembly (1), a vibration energy harvesting system (2), a gear set (3), a power generation unit (4), and a navigation light (5). The floating support assembly (1) includes an airbag float (101), a mooring cable (102), a support frame (103), an upper support plate (104), and a lower support plate (105). The support frame (103) is connected to the airbag float (101) by bolts (106). One end of the mooring cable (102) is connected to the airbag float (101), and the other end is fixed to the seabed of the watershed. The upper support plate (104) and the lower support plate (105) are respectively installed at the upper and lower ends of the support frame (103). The vibration energy harvesting system (2) includes a movable oscillator (201), a linear guide rail (202), and a transmission bearing (203). The linear guide rail (202) consists of two sets, located on the left and right sides of the support frame (103), with its ends mounted on the upper support plate (104) and lower support plate (105), respectively. The transmission bearing (203) slides with the linear guide rail (202), and the movable oscillator (201) is mounted on the transmission bearing (203). The active oscillator (201) includes an upper vibration transmission structure (204) and a lower energy-harvesting structure (205). The vibration transmission structure (204) and the energy-harvesting structure (205) are connected by a force transmission rod (207). The vibration transmission structure (204) is hung on the middle of a limiting spring (206) by a spring hanging structure (208). The two ends of the limiting spring (206) are respectively installed on the upper support plate (104) and the lower support plate (105). The gear set (3) consists of two sets, each including a double rack (301), a first pinion (302), a gear shaft (303), a large gear (304), and a gear bearing (305). The double rack (301) is mounted on the vibration transmission structure (204) and located between the two sets of transmission bearings (203). The first pinion (302) is located on both sides of the double rack (301) and meshes with the double rack (301). The first pinion (302) and the large gear (304) are respectively fitted on both ends of the gear shaft (303). The gear shaft (303) is mounted on the lower support plate (105) through the gear bearing (305). The power generation unit (4) consists of two sets, each including a second pinion (401), a generator (402), and a first power line (403). The generator (402) is mounted on the lower support plate (105). The second pinion (401) is fitted onto the transmission shaft (404) of the generator (402). The second pinion (401) meshes with the large gear (304). One end of the first power line (403) is electrically connected to the generator (402), and the other end is electrically connected to the navigation light (5). The navigation light (5) is mounted on the upper support plate (104).

2. The navigation light device powered by flow-induced vibration according to claim 1, characterized in that, The generator (402) output terminal is electrically connected to the energy storage device (6) via the second power line (601), and the energy storage device (6) output terminal is electrically connected to the navigation light (5) via the third power line (602).

3. The navigation light device powered by flow-induced vibration according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy-harvesting structure (205) is a cylinder, a square prism, or a triangular prism, with its axis perpendicular to the incoming flow direction.

4. A navigation light device powered by flow-induced vibration according to claim 1, characterized in that, The generator (402) is a fixed-excitation DC motor.

5. A navigation light device powered by flow-induced vibration according to claim 1, characterized in that, A low-friction composite material bushing (209) is provided between the linear guide rail (202) and the transmission bearing (203).

6. A navigation light device powered by flow-induced vibration according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer side of the floating support assembly (1) is provided with a shell (7).

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