Wave energy turbine performance test platform

CN121557020BActive Publication Date: 2026-08-07QINGDAO UNIV OF SCI & TECH
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
QINGDAO UNIV OF SCI & TECH
Filing Date
2025-12-02
Publication Date
2026-08-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

另外,研究透平的性能特点必须提供与真实运行条件相符的测试环境,传统测试平台集成度较低、对透平模型进行理想化处理,前端常采用恒定气流输入,导致难以准确模拟复杂多变的海洋环境,后端缺少发电机及相关电气控制系统,导致无法探究后端和透平装置的相互作用关系、无法发挥相关控制策略在提升功率和性能方面的优势

Benefits of technology

1. 由滚珠丝杠带动的活塞系统相比于液压缸直接驱动的活塞系统拥有更高的传动精度和行程控制,用于构建气流模拟系统,能够精确复现海洋波浪的周期性、非定常性与能量波动特征,显著提升实验环境的真实性与可重复性。

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Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of wave energy power generation, and particularly relates to a wave energy power generation turbine performance test platform, which comprises a control mechanism, a ball screw module driven by a servo motor, a sleeve, a turbine mechanism, a sensor assembly, a servo generator and a data acquisition device. The present application can simulate the reciprocating oscillating air flow matching the actual sea conditions, and realize the turbine maximum power point tracking control through the data acquisition of the air turbine transient aerodynamic performance parameters. By constructing a system integrating wave motion simulation, mechanical transmission, adjustable load, real-time control and data acquisition, the present application provides experimental basis for the research on the performance of the air turbine under different sea conditions, the optimization of control parameters, the improvement of energy capture efficiency and power generation. The present application is dedicated to providing an efficient, reliable and repeatable experimental research tool for the aerodynamic performance research of the wave energy air turbine.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of wave energy power generation technology, and specifically relates to a wave energy power generation turbine performance testing platform. Background Technology

[0002] Wave energy, as a widely distributed, high-energy-density, and renewable clean energy source from the ocean, has received considerable attention in recent years. Among wave energy utilization devices, the oscillating water column wave power generation device (OWC) is considered one of the most reliable. Its principle is that incident waves cause a water column in an air chamber to oscillate up and down, driving air movement to form a reciprocating airflow, which in turn drives an air turbine to rotate, thereby powering a generator to produce electricity. The entire process involves three stages of energy conversion, with the air turbine being the second-stage energy conversion device in the OWC device. It is the core component of the entire device, and its performance is crucial to determining the overall performance of the wave energy device.

[0003] However, in wave energy power generation systems, the high randomness and instability of waves lead to drastic fluctuations in input energy, resulting in random fluctuations in the device's power output and negatively impacting grid connection due to reduced power quality. Therefore, research on the transient performance of air turbines is crucial. Furthermore, studying turbine performance characteristics requires a test environment that closely matches real-world operating conditions. Traditional test platforms often suffer from low integration, idealize turbine models, and employ constant airflow input at the front end, making it difficult to accurately simulate complex and variable marine environments. Additionally, the lack of generators and related electrical control systems at the back end hinders the exploration of the interaction between the back end and the turbine device, and prevents the full utilization of control strategies to improve power and performance. Therefore, this invention aims to build a comprehensive test platform for studying air turbine performance under simulated real sea conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention discloses a wave energy power generation turbine performance testing platform, aiming to overcome the shortcomings of existing wave energy power generation device testing platforms in terms of simulation realism, control flexibility, and system integration. It provides a testing platform capable of simulating reciprocating oscillating airflow matching actual sea conditions, acquiring data on transient aerodynamic performance parameters of the air turbine, and achieving maximum power point tracking control of the turbine. By constructing a system integrating wave motion simulation, mechanical transmission, adjustable load, real-time control, and data acquisition, it provides experimental evidence for studying the performance of air turbines under different sea conditions, optimizing control parameters, improving energy capture efficiency, and increasing power generation. This invention is dedicated to providing an efficient, reliable, and repeatable experimental research tool for the aerodynamic performance study of wave energy air turbines, promoting the research and development of wave energy power generation technology and the practical application of marine renewable energy systems.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A wave energy power generation turbine performance testing platform includes a control mechanism, a ball screw module driven by a servo motor, a sleeve, a turbine mechanism, a sensor assembly, a servo generator, and a data acquisition device. A movable block is fixedly connected to a nut pair on the ball screw module. A piston is slidably connected within the sleeve. One end of the movable block is fixedly connected to the outer end of the piston via a connecting rod to drive the piston to move back and forth along the sleeve. The end of the sleeve away from the servo motor is detachably fixedly connected to the protective pipe of the turbine mechanism via a flange. The output shaft of the turbine mechanism is connected to a fixed shaft via an electromagnetic clutch. The end of the fixed shaft away from the electromagnetic clutch is fixedly connected to the input shaft of the servo generator. The sensor assembly includes a flow velocity sensor located on the inner wall of the sleeve near the turbine mechanism, a flow rate sensor located within the protective pipe of the turbine mechanism, a first air pressure sensor and a second air pressure sensor located on the inner walls of the protective pipes on both sides of the turbine mechanism, and a speed sensor and a torque sensor located on the fixed shaft. The sensor assembly is signal-connected to the control mechanism via the data acquisition device. The control mechanism is electrically connected to the servo motor, the servo generator, and the electromagnetic clutch via wires.

[0006] Preferably, the system also includes a worktable. The ball screw module includes a screw and a nut assembly screwed onto the screw. Both ends of the screw are rotatably connected to the top of the worktable via bearing seats. The servo motor is fixedly connected to the worktable. The output shaft of the servo motor is fixedly connected to one end of the screw via a coupling. A guide rod passes through the moving block. Both ends of the guide rod are fixedly connected to two bearing seats. The sleeve includes a tapered section located on one side of the servo motor and a straight cylindrical section connected to the tapered section on the side away from the servo motor. The piston and the straight cylindrical section are in a sealed sliding fit.

[0007] Preferably, the top of the workbench is provided with limit switches on both sides of the movable block, and the limit switches are electrically connected to the control mechanism.

[0008] A research method for a wave energy power generation turbine performance testing platform includes: assuming the current airflow velocity inside the sleeve is v. a1 The turbine rotates at a speed of n1, and A is the flow velocity v. a1 The maximum output power point of the turbine mechanism is P. A When the air velocity increases to v a2 At that instant, the turbine's rotational speed is still n1, and at this moment, the turbine's maximum output power is P. A Increase to P B However, the power generated by the generator is still P. AThe resulting power difference increases the turbine's rotational speed; this increase in rotational speed leads to a rise in the turbine's maximum output power. A curve is formed by connecting the turbine's rotational speed (n) on the horizontal axis and its maximum output power on the vertical axis, corresponding to different airflow velocities. This curve represents the turbine's maximum power output. When the maximum output power increases along this curve with each extension and retraction of the lead screw, the servo generator's power also increases. Conversely, when the maximum output power decreases along this curve with each extension and retraction of the lead screw, the servo generator's power decreases in the opposite direction. Based on this principle, the relationship between turbine output power and rotational speed at different airflow velocities is plotted experimentally, allowing us to identify the rotational speeds corresponding to the maximum power points at different airflow velocities.

[0009] The beneficial effects of the wave energy power generation turbine performance testing platform of the present invention are as follows: 1. Compared with the piston system directly driven by the hydraulic cylinder, the piston system driven by the ball screw has higher transmission accuracy and stroke control. When used to build airflow simulation system, it can accurately reproduce the periodicity, unsteadiness and energy fluctuation characteristics of ocean waves, and significantly improve the realism and repeatability of the experimental environment.

[0010] 2. Compared to mechanical valve control, the introduction of a maximum power point tracking control algorithm enables more precise adjustment of the turbine, allowing it to operate in the high-efficiency range under dynamically changing airflow conditions.

[0011] 3. The platform integrates the entire process of "aerodynamic simulation - mechanical transmission - control input - data acquisition" to form a highly integrated air turbine testing system, enabling the experiment to truly reflect the overall situation of the wave energy power generation system.

[0012] 4. The practical significance of this invention through maximum power point tracking: Based on known maximum power curves of turbines under different sea wave conditions (this curve represents the correspondence between turbine speed and output power, such as...) Figure 2 When faced with changes in actual airflow conditions, the turbine speed can be changed to near the speed corresponding to the maximum power point by controlling the servo motor, thereby achieving the tracking simulation of the maximum power point when airflow conditions change. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 It describes the process of turbine output power changing under different wind speeds.

[0014] Marked in the image: 01. Worktable; 1. Servo Motor; 2. Coupling; 3. Ball Screw Module; 31. Guide Rod; 32. Bearing Seat; 4. Limit Switch; 5. Guide Rail Slider; 51. Connecting Rod; 52. Moving Block; 6. Sleeve; 61. Conical Section Port; 62. Conical Section; 7. Flow Rate Sensor; 8. Turbine Mechanism; 9. Flow Sensor; 10. Electromagnetic Clutch; 11. Speed ​​Sensor; 12. Torque Sensor; 13. Servo Generator; 14. First Air Pressure Sensor; 15. Control Mechanism. The curves corresponding to Va1-Va3 refer to the wind speed changes generated during each reciprocating motion of the piston, simulating the wind speed changes under different airflow conditions caused by ocean waves. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The following description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0016] The following embodiments can be understood as illustrating a part of the structure or method of the present invention individually, or as combining the embodiments to explain the broader structure or method of the present invention.

[0017] Example 1: A wave energy power generation turbine performance testing platform, such as Figure 1 As shown, the system includes a control mechanism 15, a ball screw module 3 driven by a servo motor 1, a sleeve 6, a turbine mechanism 8, a sensor assembly, a servo generator 13, and a data acquisition device. A moving block 52 is fixedly connected to the nut pair on the ball screw module 3. A piston (not shown) is slidably connected inside the sleeve 6. One end of the moving block 52 is fixedly connected to the outer end of the piston via a connecting rod 51 to drive the piston to move back and forth along the sleeve 6. The end of the sleeve 6 away from the servo motor 1 is detachably fixedly connected to the protective pipe of the turbine mechanism 8 via a flange. The output shaft of the turbine mechanism 8 is connected to a fixed shaft via an electromagnetic clutch 10. The end of the fixed shaft away from the electromagnetic clutch 10 is connected to the servo generator 13. The input shaft of the machine 13 is fixedly connected. The sensor assembly includes an air velocity sensor 7 located on the inner wall of the sleeve 6 near the turbine mechanism 8, an air flow sensor 9 located in the protective pipe of the turbine mechanism 8, a first air pressure sensor 14 and a second air pressure sensor (not marked in the figure, the air pressure difference between the front and rear of the turbine mechanism is calculated by the two air pressure sensors) located on the inner wall of the protective pipe on both sides of the turbine mechanism 8, a speed sensor 11 and a torque sensor 12 located on the fixed shaft. The sensor assembly is connected to the control mechanism 15 via a data acquisition device. The control mechanism 15 is electrically connected to the servo motor 1, the servo generator 13 and the electromagnetic clutch 10 via wires.

[0018] Example 2: like Figure 1 As shown, it also includes a worktable 01. The ball screw module 3 includes a screw and a nut assembly screwed onto the screw. The two ends of the screw are rotatably connected to the top of the worktable 01 through bearing seats 32. The servo motor 1 is fixedly connected to the worktable 01. The output shaft of the servo motor 1 is fixedly connected to one end of the screw through a coupling 2. A guide rod 31 passes through the moving block 52. The two ends of the guide rod 31 are fixedly connected to two bearing seats 32. The sleeve 6 includes a tapered section 62 located on one side of the servo motor 1 (used to guide the piston) and a straight section connected to the tapered section 62 away from the servo motor 1. The piston and the straight section are in a sealed sliding fit.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the top of the workbench 01 is provided with limit switches 4 on both sides of the moving block 52, and the limit switches 4 are electrically connected to the control mechanism 15.

[0020] Example 3: Based on the above embodiments, this embodiment discloses a research method for a wave energy power generation turbine performance testing platform, including: assuming the current airflow velocity inside the sleeve is v. a1 The turbine rotates at a speed of n1, and A is the flow velocity v. a1 The maximum output power point of the turbine mechanism is P. A When the air velocity increases to v a2 At that instant, the turbine's rotational speed is still n1. At this moment, the turbine's maximum output power (here, "maximum" refers to the maximum output power of the turbine under one wave condition. When the airflow condition changes, the corresponding maximum power of the turbine will also change) is determined by P. A Increase to P B However, the power generated by the generator is still P. A The resulting power difference increases the turbine's rotational speed. Using the turbine's rotational speed *n* as the horizontal axis and the maximum output power of the turbine as the vertical axis, a curve is formed connecting the maximum output power points corresponding to various airflow velocities. This curve represents the turbine's maximum power output. When the maximum output power of the turbine increases along the maximum power output curve with each extension and retraction of the lead screw, the power of the servo generator also increases along the maximum power output curve. Conversely, when the maximum output power of the turbine decreases along the maximum power output curve with each extension and retraction of the lead screw, the power of the servo generator decreases in the opposite direction. Based on this principle, the relationship curves between turbine output power and rotational speed at different airflow velocities are plotted experimentally, and the rotational speeds corresponding to the maximum power points at different airflow velocities are identified.

[0021] Working principle of the invention: 1. Construction and operation of the airflow simulation system: The airflow simulation system is used to reproduce the steady and unsteady airflow generated by the periodic oscillations of real ocean waves. When servo motor 1 starts, it drives the lead screw to rotate synchronously according to the set rotation direction, speed, and acceleration. Since the nut on the lead screw is fixed to the moving block, the rotational motion of the lead screw can be converted into the linear reciprocating motion of the moving block along the guide rod. The moving block is connected to the piston, which in turn drives the piston to perform reciprocating linear motion within the sleeve, thereby generating airflow that simulates ocean waves. Simultaneously, the parameters of the servo motor can be adjusted through the servo motor control module to control the piston's stroke length and reciprocating frequency, thus generating a reciprocating airflow that is almost identical to real sea conditions. Limit switches 4 are installed on both sides of the moving block, triggering a signal when the piston approaches its limit position to promptly limit the piston's range of motion, preventing damage to the equipment due to overtravel and ensuring the safe operation of the system.

[0022] 2. Turbine and power generation system: The testing platform of this invention enables compatible testing of axial-flow impact turbines, Wells turbines, and radial-flow turbines. The turbine unit is connected to the back-end equipment via a standard flange interface, facilitating turbine mechanism replacement. When the piston reciprocates, it pushes the air within the sleeve cavity to form alternating positive and negative pressure airflows, driving the turbine blades to rotate. The turbine mechanism's output shaft is connected to a fixed shaft via an electromagnetic clutch. The fixed shaft is connected to a servo generator via a coupling. The electromagnetic clutch is automatically triggered by the control mechanism when the turbine speed exceeds a set safety threshold or an emergency stop is required, quickly disconnecting the mechanical connection between the turbine and the servo generator. This design effectively prevents equipment damage or safety accidents that may result from overspeed operation, protecting key components such as the turbine mechanism, coupling, and servo generator. It also provides safety assurance for maintenance operations, greatly improving system reliability and operational safety. Furthermore, the electromagnetic clutch can be disengaged during insufficient airflow or the start-up phase to reduce load and facilitate smooth system startup; after power generation conditions are restored, the clutch can be reconnected to resume energy output.

[0023] 3. Data acquisition and control system: The sensor assembly includes a flow velocity sensor 7, a flow rate sensor 9, first and second air pressure sensors, a speed sensor 11, and a torque sensor 12. The sensor assembly converts the real-time captured data into continuous electrical signals, which are then continuously transmitted to a data acquisition device and input to a control mechanism 15. The control mechanism performs corresponding control of the system according to a preset program. Based on preset logic and algorithms, the control system precisely controls the servo motor and electromagnetic clutch, ensuring the automation of the testing process and the real-time dynamic response. This highly integrated design of the platform not only improves the system's stability and measurement accuracy but also significantly enhances the overall synergy and intelligence of the testing platform.

[0024] 4. Control logic for maximum power point tracking control: As the piston extends and retracts, assuming the current airflow velocity is v a1 The turbine rotational speed is n1, and A is the flow velocity v. a1 The maximum output power point of the turbine is P. A When the air velocity increases to v a2 At that instant, the turbine's rotational speed is still n1, and the turbine's output power changes from P. A Increase to P B However, the power generated by the servo generator is still P. A The resulting power difference causes the turbine mechanism to rotate at higher speeds. This increased speed, in turn, causes the corresponding turbine mechanism output power to increase along... Figure 2 The curve with the arrow indicates the turbine's optimal output power curve; as this curve increases, the generator's power output also increases along this curve. Similarly, if the current airflow velocity is v... a3 The turbine rotational speed is n3, and E is the flow velocity v. a3 The maximum output power point of the turbine mechanism is P. E At the instant the flow velocity decreases to va2, the turbine rotational speed remains n3. At this moment, the maximum output power of the turbine is P. E Reduce to P D However, the power generated by the generator is still P. E Therefore, the resulting power difference causes the turbine speed to decrease.

Claims

1. A research method for a wave energy power generation turbine performance testing platform, characterized by: The wave energy power generation turbine performance testing platform includes a control mechanism, a ball screw module driven by a servo motor, a sleeve, a turbine mechanism, sensor components, a servo generator, and a data acquisition device. A moving block is fixedly connected to a nut pair on the ball screw module. A piston is slidably connected within the sleeve. One end of the moving block is fixedly connected to the outer end of the piston via a connecting rod to drive the piston to move back and forth along the sleeve. The end of the sleeve away from the servo motor is detachably fixedly connected to the protective pipe of the turbine mechanism via a flange. The output shaft of the turbine mechanism is connected to a fixed shaft via an electromagnetic clutch. The end of the fixed shaft away from the electromagnetic clutch is fixedly connected to the input shaft of the servo generator. The sensor components include a flow velocity sensor located on the inner wall of the sleeve near the turbine mechanism, a flow rate sensor located within the protective pipe of the turbine mechanism, a first air pressure sensor and a second air pressure sensor located on the inner walls of the protective pipes on both sides of the turbine mechanism, and a speed sensor and a torque sensor located on the fixed shaft. The sensor components are signal-connected to the control mechanism via the data acquisition device. The control mechanism is electrically connected to the servo motor, the servo generator, and the electromagnetic clutch via wires. It also includes a worktable. The ball screw module includes a screw and a nut assembly screwed onto the screw. The two ends of the screw are rotatably connected to the top of the worktable via bearing seats. The servo motor is fixedly connected to the worktable. The output shaft of the servo motor is fixedly connected to one end of the screw via a coupling. A guide rod passes through the moving block. The two ends of the guide rod are fixedly connected to two bearing seats. The sleeve includes a tapered section located on one side of the servo motor and a straight cylindrical section connected to the tapered section away from the servo motor. The piston and the straight cylindrical section are in a sealed sliding fit. The research methods include: Assume the current air velocity inside the sleeve is v a1 The turbine rotates at a speed of n1, and A is the flow velocity v. a1 The maximum output power point of the turbine mechanism is P. A When the air velocity increases to v a2 At that instant, the turbine's rotational speed is still n1, and at this moment, the turbine's maximum output power is P. A Increase to P B However, the power generated by the servo generator is still P. A The resulting power difference increases the turbine's rotational speed; this increase in rotational speed leads to a rise in the turbine's maximum output power. A curve is formed by connecting the turbine's rotational speed (n) on the horizontal axis and its maximum output power on the vertical axis, corresponding to different airflow velocities. This curve represents the turbine's maximum power output. When the maximum output power increases along this curve with each extension and retraction of the lead screw, the servo generator's power also increases. Conversely, when the maximum output power decreases along this curve with each extension and retraction of the lead screw, the servo generator's power decreases in the opposite direction. Based on this method, the relationship between turbine output power and rotational speed at different airflow velocities is experimentally plotted, allowing us to identify the rotational speeds corresponding to the maximum power points at different airflow velocities.

2. The research method for a wave energy power generation turbine performance testing platform as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the workbench is equipped with limit switches on both sides of the movable block, and the limit switches are electrically connected to the control mechanism.