Omnidirectional-longitudinal conversion power generation device for horizontal wave energy

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of ocean energy power generation, in particular to a horizontal wave energy omnidirectional-longitudinal conversion power generation device. The device is used for solving the problems that an existing wave energy power generation device is low in horizontal wave energy collection efficiency, and multidirectional wave force is difficult to fully utilize. According to the technical scheme, a supporting frame above a shell is connected with floating plates distributed in the circumferential direction through a plurality of first universal joints to receive horizontal wave force in any direction, and a hydraulic telescopic mechanism vertically arranged in the center of the interior of the shell is connected with the center of the supporting frame through a second universal joint to form a two-stage transmission mechanism; the horizontal wave force is converted into longitudinal mechanical motion, the lock shaft frame restrains the cylinder body to move in the axial direction, the cylinder body drives the friction nanometer power generation units arranged around the cylinder body to generate electric energy, the power generation units are of a plug-pull type relative motion structure, and the generated electric energy is output after being processed by the energy storage assembly. The device is mainly used for efficiently collecting ocean wave energy and supplying power to ocean monitoring equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to power generation devices, and more particularly to a power generation device for converting horizontal wave energy omnidirectionally to longitudinally. Background Technology

[0002] With the energy crisis becoming increasingly severe, the exploration of renewable energy has become a major challenge for sustainable energy development. Traditional energy sources such as oil, coal, and natural gas—high-quality, low-entropy energy—can no longer meet human energy needs. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative energy sources, such as green energy from nature, like wind and ocean energy. Currently, the global ocean covers approximately 70.8%, and collecting and utilizing ocean energy is also a goal for humanity. At present, ocean energy collection mainly utilizes electromagnetic generators. By collecting the potential energy during high and low tides, the generator drives an impeller, causing it to rotate and thus converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. However, this method is highly limited in location, suitable only for collection near the coast, and is expensive and environmentally unfriendly. Furthermore, electromagnetic generators cannot achieve maximum efficiency when collecting low-frequency ocean energy.

[0003] The rise of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) has provided a new pathway for harvesting low-frequency, distributed mechanical energy. However, existing TENG-based wave energy harvesting devices fail to fully consider the multidirectional nature of ocean waves, resulting in inefficient harvesting of horizontal wave energy and energy waste. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a novel power generation device capable of omnidirectionally harvesting horizontal wave energy and efficiently converting it into electrical energy. Summary of the Invention

[0004] (1) Technical problems to be solved To address the technical problem of low efficiency in collecting horizontal and multi-frequency wave energy in existing wave energy generation devices, especially triboelectric nanogenerators, this invention provides a power generation device for omnidirectional-longitudinal conversion of horizontal wave energy.

[0005] (2) Technical solution This invention provides a power generation device for omnidirectional-longitudinal conversion of horizontal wave energy, comprising: shell; A support frame is disposed above the outer shell, and multiple floating plates connected by a first universal joint are distributed circumferentially at the bottom. A hydraulic telescopic mechanism is provided on the central axis inside the housing, including a cylinder as a moving part and a piston rod as a fixed part, the bottom end of the piston rod being fixed to the bottom end inside the housing; The second universal joint is used to connect the top of the cylinder block to the center position of the bottom end of the support frame; The mounting brackets are evenly distributed around the circumference and fixed to the inner wall of the outer casing; A triboelectric nanogenerator unit is arranged around the circumference of the hydraulic telescopic mechanism between the inner wall of the outer shell and the inner wall of the outer shell. The triboelectric nanogenerator unit includes a generator sub-plate hinged to the inner wall of the fixed frame and a generator base plate hinged to the side wall of the cylinder. The generator base plate is inserted into the accommodating cavity of the generator sub-plate.

[0006] Preferably, a locking shaft frame is fixedly connected to the upper end of the inner shell, and a linear guide mechanism for constraining the cylinder body to move along its axial direction is provided at the center of the locking shaft frame.

[0007] Preferably, the linear guide mechanism is a vertical bearing, which is sleeved and fixed in the center hole of the locking shaft bracket, and its inner ring is fitted with the outer wall of the cylinder body.

[0008] Preferably, a sealing cover is fixedly connected to the top of the housing, a through hole is opened in the center of the sealing cover, the upper part of the second universal joint passes through the through hole, and a sealing ring is provided between the through hole and the second universal joint. The sealing cover is made of flexible sealing material.

[0009] Preferably, the surface of the power generation substrate is provided with alternating grid-shaped first copper film electrodes and second copper film electrodes, and the inner wall of the accommodating cavity of the power generation sub-plate is provided with a friction material layer.

[0010] Preferably, the triboelectric nanogenerator unit is provided in multiple groups, which are radially distributed around the axis of the hydraulic telescopic mechanism and arranged in a multi-layer structure with intervals along the longitudinal direction of the hydraulic telescopic mechanism.

[0011] Preferably, the power generation sub-plate is connected to the fixed frame via a hinge shaft, which is horizontally positioned so that the power generation sub-plate can swing around the hinge shaft.

[0012] Preferably, the swing angle of the power generation subplate is ±60°.

[0013] Preferably, it further includes an energy storage component disposed in the cavity inside the outer shell, wherein the input end of the energy storage component is electrically connected to the electrodes of each of the power generation substrates, for rectifying, storing and outputting the alternating current generated by the triboelectric nanogenerator.

[0014] Preferably, the energy storage component includes a rectifier circuit, a supercapacitor and / or a battery, and a power management module connected in sequence.

[0015] (3) Beneficial effects 1. Highly efficient omnidirectional-longitudinal energy conversion: Through the synergistic action of the float, the first universal joint, the support frame, the second universal joint, and the hydraulic telescopic mechanism, two-stage force transmission and decoupling are achieved, which efficiently converts horizontal wave energy in any direction into pure longitudinal mechanical energy, thereby improving energy capture efficiency.

[0016] 2. Stable and reliable power generation mechanism: The triboelectric nanogenerator adopts a pluggable contact separation structure and the horizontal hinge shaft design enables the power generation subplate to swing adaptively, ensuring the stability and fullness of the triboelectric power generation process. The grid-shaped electrode further improves the charge transfer efficiency and output performance.

[0017] 3. Compact modular design: The power generation units can be arranged in arrays along the circumference and longitudinal direction of the hydraulic telescopic mechanism, resulting in a compact structure, high energy density, and easy expansion according to power demand.

[0018] 4. Complete energy management: Integrated energy storage components realize a complete closed loop from mechanical energy harvesting and conversion to electrical energy storage and management, which can directly provide stable power to external loads. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a power generation device that converts horizontal wave energy omnidirectionally to longitudinally. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of triboelectric nanogenerator units; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a hydraulic telescopic structure; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a triboelectric nanogenerator unit.

[0020] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1. Outer shell; 2. Sealing cover; 3. Support frame; 4. First universal joint; 5. Float plate; 6. Second universal joint; 7. Locking shaft frame; 8. Power generation base plate; 9. Power generation sub-plate; 10. Fixing frame; 11. Piston rod; 12. Cylinder body; 13. Friction material layer; 14-A, First copper film electrode; 14-B, Second copper film electrode. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "installed on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or it may be in a component that is centered on it. When a component is said to be "set on" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or it may also be in a component that is centered on it. When a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly fixed to the other component or it may also be in a component that is centered on it.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "or / and" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0024] Example like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a power generation device for converting horizontal wave energy omnidirectional to longitudinal direction. The outer shell 1 and the floating cover 2 together form a sealed cavity. The outer shell 1 is preferably made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to provide sufficient buoyancy and corrosion resistance. The sealing cover 2 is fixedly connected to the top of the outer shell 1 by means of waterproof adhesive or bolt pressing. The sealing cover 2 is made of flexible sealing material, such as rubber or silicone. The support frame 3 is made of low alloy high-strength steel and is placed above the outer shell 1. Four lotus leaf-shaped floating plates 5 are respectively hinged to the four corners of the bottom of the support frame 3 through the first universal joint 4. When the waves hit the floating plates 5, the horizontal forces in multiple directions are converted into longitudinal (up and down) components on the support frame 3 through the first universal joint 4.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, the longitudinal force transmitted by the support frame 3 is transmitted to the hydraulic telescopic structure through the second universal joint 6. The hydraulic telescopic structure consists of a cylinder 12 and a piston rod 11. The bottom end of the piston rod 11 is fixed to the bottom end inside the outer shell 1. The upper end of the cylinder 12 is connected to the connecting support frame 3 through the second universal joint 6. The locking shaft frame 7 is fixed to the upper end inside the outer shell 1. A vertical bearing is provided at its center. The bearing cooperates with the outer wall of the cylinder 12 to ensure that the cylinder 12 can only move vertically up and down and will not shift laterally.

[0026] When waves impact the float 5 from any direction, the float 5 transmits the horizontal wave force to the support frame 3 through the first universal joint 4. The function of the first universal joint 4 is to decompose the horizontal force in any direction and transmit the longitudinal component of the force to the support frame 3, while releasing the non-longitudinal constraints, so that the support frame 3 has the tendency to move up and down. The flexible sealing cover 2 effectively prevents seawater from entering the interior of the float and does not rigidly restrict the deflection movement of the support frame 3 and the second universal joint 6. When the support frame 3 gains a longitudinal movement tendency, it will tilt due to its four-corner support structure. At this time, the second universal joint 6 connected between the support frame 3 and the cylinder 12 plays a key role, allowing the support frame 3 to deflect freely within a certain range, but only transmitting the longitudinal (up and down) component of its movement to the cylinder 12, while decoupling the lateral bending moment and displacement, ensuring that the force acting on the cylinder 12 is purely tensile and compressive, and avoiding the cylinder 12 from being jammed or experiencing excessive wear.

[0027] The fixing brackets 10 are evenly distributed around the circumference and fixed to the inner wall of the outer casing 1; The triboelectric nanogenerator assembly is disposed between the cylinder 12 and the inner wall of the outer shell 1, and includes a power generation sub-plate 9 and a power generation base plate 8. The power generation sub-plate 9 is a shell structure, which is connected to the fixed frame 10 through a hinge (or bearing) so that it can swing relative to the fixed frame 10 within a certain angle. The power generation base plate 8 is connected to the outer wall of the cylinder 12 through a hinge and is inserted into the shell accommodating cavity of the power generation sub-plate 9.

[0028] like Figure 4 As shown, the surface of the power generation substrate 8 is covered with alternating grid-shaped electrodes, namely the first copper film electrode 14-A and the second copper film electrode 14-B. The inner wall of the power generation sub-board 9 is first pasted with sponge as a buffer layer, and then covered with a layer of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) film as a friction material layer 13. PTFE has strong electronegativity and is a preferred friction material.

[0029] In this process, the power generation sub-plate 9 and the power generation base plate 8 move relative to each other. The friction material layer 13 and the grid-shaped electrode on the power generation sub-plate 9 and the power generation base plate 8 accumulate a large amount of charge. The grid-shaped electrode carries a positive charge and generates a negative charge on the surface of the friction material. As the friction material moves, a potential difference is generated, thereby realizing current output.

[0030] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the power generation base plate 8 and the power generation sub-plate 9 are arranged in three rows at 120° intervals around the cylinder body 12. In the longitudinal direction, a layer is arranged every 200mm, for a total of five layers, totaling fifteen power generation units. This layout makes full use of the internal space of the float and achieves high-density energy collection. The power generation sub-plate 9 is connected to the fixed frame 10 through a hinge shaft, which allows it to swing about ±60° during transmission, ensuring smooth movement and reducing jamming.

[0031] An energy storage component is installed in the internal cavity of the outer casing 1. The energy storage component includes a rectifier circuit, a supercapacitor (or battery), and a power management module. The electrode wires (leads of the first copper film electrode 14-A and the second copper film electrode 14-B) leading out from all the power generation substrates 8 are connected in parallel and then connected to the input terminal of the rectifier circuit. The rectifier circuit rectifies the high-voltage AC power generated by the triboelectric nanogenerator into DC power and stores it in the supercapacitor. The power management module is connected after the supercapacitor to stabilize the output voltage and provide overcharge and over-discharge protection. The module provides a standard DC output interface (such as a USB interface or terminal block) for supplying power to external loads. The rectifier circuit, supercapacitor, and power management module are integrated on a circuit board and fixed in the internal cavity of the outer casing 1.

[0032] Working principle: When horizontal waves from any direction impact the floating plate 5, the floating plate 5 transmits the force to the first universal joint 4. The first universal joint 4 decomposes the complex horizontal multi-directional force and transmits the longitudinal component force to the support frame 3, completing the first conversion from omnidirectional to longitudinal.

[0033] The support frame 3 transmits the obtained longitudinal force downward. Since the support frame 3 will tilt, the second universal joint 6 plays a role in motion decoupling. It allows the support frame 3 to deflect, but only transmits the pure longitudinal component of its motion to the hydraulic telescopic mechanism, i.e., the cylinder 12, filtering out the harmful lateral bending moment.

[0034] The longitudinal force purified by the second universal joint 6 drives the cylinder 12 to move up and down in a straight line. The locking bracket 7 and its internal vertical bearing ensure that the cylinder 12 moves along the axis without lateral deviation, thus ensuring the efficiency of energy transfer and service life.

[0035] The up-and-down movement of the cylinder 12 drives the power generation substrate 8, which is hinged to it, to reciprocate in the cavity of the power generation sub-plate 9. The grid-shaped first copper film electrode 14-A and second copper film electrode 14-B on the power generation substrate 8 periodically contact and separate from the friction material layer 13 on the inner wall of the power generation sub-plate 9. Based on the triboelectric effect and electrostatic induction, alternating charge transfer is generated between the first copper film electrode 14-A and the second copper film electrode 14-B, thereby outputting alternating current. The power generation sub-plate 9 is connected to the fixing frame 10 through a horizontal hinge shaft, which enables it to swing adaptively to ensure smooth insertion and removal without jamming.

[0036] All the alternating current generated by the triboelectric nanogenerators is collected by wires to the energy storage component. The alternating current is first converted into direct current by a rectifier circuit, and then stored in a supercapacitor or battery. The stored energy is then regulated and protected by a power management module, and a continuous and stable power supply is provided to external devices, such as marine sensors, through the output interface.

[0037] The present invention has the following advantages: Structurally, this device combines a TENG with a first and second universal joint, improving its wave energy collection efficiency, particularly horizontal thrust collection efficiency. Furthermore, the TENG structure employs a vertical contact mode, resulting in higher energy conversion efficiency. The friction material and copper electrode also utilize a separate contact mode, indirectly enhancing the device's durability. Compared to traditional electromagnetic generators, it features a simpler structure, smaller size, and lower cost. Its vertical movement aligns with wave motion, and the overall structural arrangement is more rational. In terms of design, the device resembles a pontoon, allowing it to float stably on the sea surface while maximizing horizontal thrust conversion, supported by a float plate. Its overall size can be adjusted to suit various applications. Regarding materials, simple materials are required; any electronegative polymer insulating material can be used as the friction layer to generate an output signal.

[0038] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0039] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A power generation device for omnidirectional-longitudinal conversion of horizontal wave energy, comprising a housing (1), characterized in that: The support frame (3) is located above the outer shell (1), and multiple floating plates (5) are distributed circumferentially at the bottom and connected by the first universal joint (4). The hydraulic telescopic mechanism is located on the central axis inside the outer shell (1), and includes a cylinder (12) as a moving part and a piston rod (11) as a fixed part. The bottom end of the piston rod (11) is fixed to the bottom end inside the outer shell (1). The second universal joint (6) is used to connect the top of the cylinder (12) to the center of the bottom of the support frame (3); The fixing frame (10) is evenly distributed around the circumference and fixed to the inner wall of the outer shell (1); The triboelectric nanogenerator unit is arranged around the circumference of the hydraulic telescopic mechanism and between the inner wall of the outer shell (1). The triboelectric nanogenerator unit includes a power generation sub-plate (9) hinged to the inner wall of the fixing frame (10) and a power generation base plate (8) hinged to the side wall of the cylinder (12). The power generation base plate (8) is inserted into the accommodating cavity of the power generation sub-plate (9).

2. The power generation device for omnidirectional-longitudinal conversion of horizontal wave energy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper part of the outer shell (1) is fixedly connected to a locking shaft frame (7), and the center of the locking shaft frame (7) is provided with a linear guide mechanism for constraining the cylinder (12) to move along its axial direction.

3. The power generation device for omnidirectional-longitudinal conversion of horizontal wave energy according to claim 2, characterized in that, The linear guide mechanism is a vertical bearing, which is sleeved and fixed in the center hole of the lock shaft bracket (7), and its inner ring is fitted with the outer wall of the cylinder body (12).

4. The power generation device for omnidirectional-longitudinal conversion of horizontal wave energy according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing cover (2) is fixedly connected to the top of the outer shell (1). A through hole is opened in the center of the sealing cover (2). The upper part of the second universal joint (6) passes through the through hole, and a sealing ring is provided between the through hole and the second universal joint (6). The sealing cover (2) is made of flexible sealing material.

5. The power generation device for omnidirectional-longitudinal conversion of horizontal wave energy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the power generation substrate (8) is provided with alternating grid-shaped first copper film electrodes (14-A) and second copper film electrodes (14-B), and the inner wall of the cavity of the power generation sub-board (9) is provided with a friction material layer (13).

6. The power generation device for omnidirectional-longitudinal conversion of horizontal wave energy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The triboelectric nanogenerator unit is provided in multiple groups, which are radially distributed around the axis of the hydraulic telescopic mechanism and arranged in a multi-layer structure along the longitudinal interval of the hydraulic telescopic mechanism.

7. The power generation device for omnidirectional-longitudinal conversion of horizontal wave energy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power generation sub-plate (9) is connected to the fixed frame (10) via a hinge shaft. The hinge shaft is set horizontally, so that the power generation sub-plate (9) can swing around the hinge shaft.

8. The power generation device for omnidirectional-longitudinal conversion of horizontal wave energy according to claim 7, characterized in that, The swing angle of the power generation subplate (9) is ±60°.

9. The power generation device for omnidirectional-longitudinal conversion of horizontal wave energy according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an energy storage component disposed in the cavity inside the outer shell (1), wherein the input end of the energy storage component is electrically connected to the electrodes of each of the power generation substrates (8) for rectifying, storing and outputting the alternating current generated by the triboelectric nanogenerator.

10. The power generation device for omnidirectional-longitudinal conversion of horizontal wave energy according to claim 9, characterized in that, The energy storage component includes a rectifier circuit, a supercapacitor and / or a battery, and a power management module connected in sequence.

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