Foamed aluminum piezoelectric composite floater device for collecting sea wave energy
By using main and auxiliary floats made of aluminum foam, combined with multiple push rods and piezoelectric units, the problem of fixed vibration frequency of traditional floats is solved, improving energy capture efficiency and stability, and realizing efficient energy collection and conversion.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-13
AI Technical Summary
Traditional floats are mostly made of solid materials, and their material properties are fixed, resulting in a fixed frequency of vibration fluctuations. This makes it difficult to form an effective resonance with wave excitation over a wide frequency range, thereby reducing energy capture efficiency.
The main and auxiliary floats are made of aluminum foam, combined with multiple push rods and piezoelectric units. Through structures such as support columns, cantilever frames and elastic supports, the contact area with the waves and the energy capture capability are enhanced, and the core electrical components are protected by springs and shock-absorbing structures.
It improves energy capture efficiency, increases the total amount of energy collected, and reduces the probability of failure through a shock-absorbing structure, protecting electrical components and achieving continuous energy conversion and stable output.
Smart Images
Figure CN121664021A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine renewable energy technology, and more specifically, to a foamed aluminum piezoelectric composite float device for harvesting wave energy. Background Technology
[0002] Marine renewable energy refers to sustainable energy sources found in the marine environment, including tidal energy, wave energy, current energy, thermal gradient energy, and salinity gradient energy. Wave energy is a renewable green energy source with huge reserves and a significant advantage in energy density, far exceeding that of onshore wind and solar energy.
[0003] Therefore, wave energy is an important green energy source. During collection, energy is collected and converted through a power generation system. The core of the power generation system is a float that rises and falls with the waves. Through a mechanism such as hydraulics, a linear generator, or mechanical gears, the linear or rotational motion of the float is converted into electrical energy. Since traditional floats are mostly solid, such as those made of steel, concrete, or foam, their fixed material properties result in a relatively fixed frequency of vibration. This fixed frequency is difficult to resonate effectively with the wide range of wave excitation, which leads to a problem of reduced energy capture efficiency. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This invention provides a foamed aluminum piezoelectric composite float device for harvesting wave energy. The main and auxiliary floats are made of foamed aluminum, which is lightweight, high-strength, and corrosion-resistant. The main and auxiliary floats maximize their contact area with the waves, thereby more effectively capturing the mechanical energy of the wave's up-and-down movement and improving energy capture efficiency. The inclusion of multiple push rods and piezoelectric units increases the total energy harvested, thus solving the problems mentioned in the background art: traditional floats are mostly solid materials such as steel, concrete, or foam-filled materials. Their fixed material properties result in a relatively fixed frequency of vibration, which is difficult to resonate effectively with the wide range of wave excitation, leading to a decrease in energy capture efficiency.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the foamed aluminum piezoelectric composite float device for wave energy harvesting includes a main float and an auxiliary float. The bottom end of the auxiliary float is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the main float. Both the main float and the auxiliary float are foamed aluminum floats. A support column is slidably connected to the inner surface of the main float. A fixed tube is inserted into the inner surface of the auxiliary float. Multiple push rods are fixedly connected to the upper surface of the support column. The multiple push rods are inserted into the inner surface of the fixed tube. A fixed frame is fixedly connected to the surface of the fixed tube. A cantilever frame is fixedly connected to the surface of the fixed frame. An elastic support is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the cantilever frame. Multiple piezoelectric units are fixedly connected to the bottom end of the elastic support. The multiple piezoelectric units are inserted into the inner surface of the fixed tube. The piezoelectric units are located directly above the push rods. Multiple flexible membranes are fixedly connected to the inner surface of the fixed tube.
[0006] In the above technical solution, multiple connecting rods are fixedly connected to the inner surface of the main float and the surface of the fixed tube; multiple first springs are fixedly connected to the surface of the support column and the inner surface of the main float; multiple flow channels are opened on the surface of the fixed tube; the surface of the push rod is slidably connected to the inner surface of the flow channel of the fixed tube; flowing water is provided on the inner surface of the flow channel; the inner surface of the flow channel is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene; a connecting tube is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the support column; a cable is inserted into the inner surface of the connecting tube; a through groove is opened on the surface of the support column; the cable is inserted into the inner surface of the through groove of the support column; and the upper surface of the piezoelectric unit and the surface of the cable are electrically connected.
[0007] Furthermore, based on the above, the surface of the cantilever frame is provided with a support device, the support device including two connecting frames fixedly connected to the side wall of the cantilever frame, the side walls of the two connecting frames are fixedly connected to a fixed frame, a placement frame is inserted into the inner surface of the fixed frame, two second springs are fixedly connected to the upper and lower ends of the placement frame and the inner surface of the fixed frame, an energy processing module is fixedly connected to the inner surface of the placement frame, the surface of the energy processing module is electrically connected to the surface of the cable, and two third springs are fixedly connected to both sides of the placement frame and the inner surface of the fixed frame.
[0008] Meanwhile, the surface of the main float is provided with an auxiliary device, which includes multiple float cylinders fitted on the surface of the main float. The side wall of each float cylinder is fixedly connected with two fixing rings. The surface of the main float is fixedly connected with four clamping rings, and two clamping rings close to each other form a group. The fixing rings are inserted between the two clamping rings. The inner walls of the two groups of clamping rings and the inner walls of the two fixing rings are threaded with three mounting pins. The surface of the multiple float cylinders is fitted with an elastic sleeve.
[0009] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: In this wave energy harvesting foam aluminum piezoelectric composite float device, the main float and auxiliary float are made of foam aluminum, which combines lightweight, high strength and corrosion resistance. The main float and auxiliary float increase the contact area with the waves, thereby more fully capturing the mechanical energy of the waves' up-and-down movement, thus improving the energy capture efficiency. The arrangement of multiple push rods and multiple piezoelectric units increases the total energy harvested. The first spring provides a restoring force for the support column, allowing the push rods to continuously push the piezoelectric units as they move periodically with the waves, thus ensuring the continuity of energy conversion.
[0010] 2. In this wave energy collection foam aluminum piezoelectric composite float device, a multi-dimensional shock absorption structure is formed by setting springs and a third spring, which can buffer the impact of waves on the power processing module, thereby protecting the core electrical components and reducing the probability of failure. The connection pipe and through groove are set to provide a closed protection channel for the cable, preventing the cable from being soaked in seawater or damaged by external force. Attached Figure Description
[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a side view of the main float structure in this invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the main float in this invention; Figure 4 In this invention Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure at point A; Figure 5 This is a side view of the fixed tube structure in this invention; Figure 6 This is a bottom view of the connecting pipe in this invention. Figure 7 In this invention Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure at point B.
[0012] The meanings of the labels in the diagram are as follows: 1. Main float; 2. Secondary float; 3. Support column; 4. Fixing tube; 5. Push rod; 6. Fixing frame; 7. Cantilever frame; 8. Elastic support; 9. Piezoelectric unit; 10. Flexible membrane; 11. Connecting rod; 12. First spring; 13. Flow channel; 14. Connecting tube; 15. Support device; 151. Connecting frame; 152. Fixing frame; 153. Second spring; 154. Placement frame; 155. Power processing module; 156. Third spring; 16. Through slot; 17. Auxiliary device; 171. Float; 172. Fixing ring; 173. Clamping ring; 174. Mounting pin; 175. Elastic sleeve. Detailed Implementation
[0013] The technical solutions of this invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.
[0014] Since traditional floats are mostly solid, such as made of steel, concrete, or foam, their fixed material properties result in a relatively fixed frequency of vibration. This fixed frequency makes it difficult to resonate effectively with the wide range of wave excitation, which in turn leads to a decrease in energy capture efficiency.
[0015] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a foamed aluminum piezoelectric composite float device for wave energy harvesting, referencing... Figure 1-4 As shown, it includes a main float 1 and an auxiliary float 2. The bottom end of the auxiliary float 2 is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the main float 1. The arrangement of the main float 1 and the auxiliary float 2 can increase the contact area between the float and the waves, and increase the ability to capture mechanical energy in the waves. The main float 1 and the auxiliary float 2 are foamed aluminum floats. Foamed aluminum has the characteristics of being lightweight, high-strength and corrosion-resistant, reducing the overall weight and enabling it to respond flexibly to wave fluctuations. The inner surface of the main float 1 is slidably connected to a support column 3. The sliding connection design allows the support column 3 to move up and down flexibly with the wave drive, providing a stable stroke for subsequent mechanical energy transmission. The inner surface of the auxiliary float 2 is inserted with a fixing tube 4. The upper surface of the support column 3 is fixedly connected with multiple push rods 5. The multiple push rods 5 are inserted into the inner surface of the fixing tube 4. The surface of the fixing tube 4 is fixedly connected with a fixing frame 6. The surface of the fixing frame 6 is fixedly connected with a cantilever frame 7. The fixing frame 6 and the cantilever frame 7 form a stable support structure, which can fix the piezoelectric unit 9 and prevent the components from shifting due to wave turbulence. The bottom end of the cantilever 7 is fixedly connected to an elastic support 8, and the bottom end of the elastic support 8 is fixedly connected to multiple piezoelectric units 9. The elastic support 8 can buffer the impact of waves and assist the piezoelectric units 9 to quickly reset after deformation, thereby ensuring subsequent energy collection. Multiple piezoelectric units 9 are inserted into the inner surface of the fixed tube 4. The piezoelectric units 9 are located directly above the push rod 5. The multiple piezoelectric units 9 and multiple push rods 5 correspond to each other, which can efficiently convert the mechanical energy driven by waves into electrical energy and increase the total amount of energy collected. Multiple flexible membranes 10 are fixedly connected to the inner surface of the fixed tube 4. The setting of the flexible membranes 10 can reduce the outflow of fluid in the fixed tube 4.
[0016] refer to Figure 5As shown, multiple connecting rods 11 are fixedly connected to the inner surface of the main float 1 and the surface of the fixed tube 4. The arrangement of multiple connecting rods 11 can increase the stability between the main float 1 and the fixed tube 4. Multiple first springs 12 are fixedly connected to the surface of the support column 3 and the inner surface of the main float 1. The first springs 12 provide elastic restoring force for the support column 3. Multiple flow channels 13 are opened on the surface of the fixed tube 4. The surface of the push rod 5 is slidably connected to the inner surface of the flow channel 13 of the fixed tube 4. The flow channel 13 provides precise guidance for the push rod 5 and avoids the push rod 5 from deviating when sliding. The inner surface of the flow channel 13 is provided with flowing water. The design of flowing water can facilitate the pushing of the flexible membrane 10. The inner surface of the flow channel 13 is provided with a polytetrafluoroethylene coating. The setting of the polytetrafluoroethylene coating can reduce the sliding friction between the push rod 5 and the inner wall of the flow channel 13, thereby reducing component wear and reducing the corrosion of the inner wall of the flow channel 13.
[0017] Continue to refer to Figure 5 As shown, a connecting pipe 14 is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the support column 3. A cable is inserted into the inner surface of the connecting pipe 14. The connecting pipe 14 provides a closed and stable installation channel for the cable, which can effectively prevent seawater and marine impurities from contacting the cable. A through groove 16 is opened on the surface of the support column 3. The cable is inserted into the inner surface of the through groove 16 of the support column 3. The upper surface of the piezoelectric unit 9 and the surface of the cable are electrically connected. The plug-in installation facilitates the cable laying and subsequent maintenance and replacement. It can also fix the cable position through the limiting effect of the connecting pipe 14. At the same time, the cable can also transmit the electricity generated by the piezoelectric unit 9 to the energy storage device.
[0018] See again Figure 4 As shown, the surface of the cantilever 7 is provided with a support device 15. The support device 15 can support the power processing module 155. The support device 15 includes two connecting frames 151 fixedly connected to the side wall of the cantilever 7. The two connecting frames 151 are symmetrically distributed and connected, which can increase the stability of the entire device. The side walls of the two connecting frames 151 are fixedly connected with a fixed frame 152. A placement frame 154 is inserted into the inner surface of the fixed frame 152. Two second springs 153 are fixedly connected to the upper and lower ends of the placement frame 154 and the inner surface of the fixed frame 152. The second springs 153 at the upper and lower ends form vertical shock absorption, effectively absorbing the impact force brought by the up and down of the waves, and preventing the power processing module 155 from being damaged by vertical vibration. An energy processing module 155 is fixedly connected to the inner surface of the placement rack 154. The surface of the energy processing module 155 is electrically connected to the surface of the cable. The energy processing module 155 can process the unstable electrical energy converted by the piezoelectric unit 9 into usable and stable electrical energy. Two third springs 156 are fixedly connected to both sides of the placement rack 154 and the inner surface of the fixing frame 152. The third springs 156 on both sides form horizontal shock absorption protection and assist the second spring 153 in shock absorption.
[0019] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the surface of the main float 1 is provided with an auxiliary device 17. The auxiliary device 17 can improve the buoyancy performance of the main float 1, thereby adapting to the usage requirements of the ocean wave environment. The auxiliary device 17 includes multiple floats 171 sleeved on the surface of the main float 1. The multiple floats 171 are distributed along the surface of the main float 1, which can significantly improve the overall buoyancy reserve of the device, allowing the main float 1 to float more stably on the sea surface. Two fixing rings 172 are fixedly connected to the side wall of the float 171. The fixing rings 172 provide force support points for the connection between the float 171 and the main float 1. Four clamping rings 173 are fixedly connected to the surface of the main float 1, with two clamping rings 173 close to each other forming a group. A fixing ring 172 is inserted between two clamping rings 173. The grouped clamping rings 173 are precisely matched with the fixing rings 172 of the float 171, forming a bidirectional limit through the clamping structure. Three mounting pins 174 are threadedly connected to the inner walls of the two groups of clamping rings 173 and the inner walls of the two fixing rings 172. The surfaces of multiple floats 171 are covered with elastic sleeves 175. The elastic sleeves 175 can buffer the impact of waves on the floats 171, and also reduce the direct collision and wear between the floats 171 and seawater or floating objects.
[0020] The working principle of this invention is as follows: When the main float 1 is driven by the waves to move up and down, the support column 3, which is slidably connected to the inner surface of the main float 1, moves up and down synchronously with the rhythm of the waves. The first spring 12 on the surface of the support column 3 provides elastic restoring force to ensure that the support column 3 does not get stuck when it moves periodically with the waves. When the support column 3 moves, it will drive the push rod 5 to move. The push rod 5 slides steadily upward along the flow channel 13. The push rod 5 will push the fluid to flow. The fluid will push the flexible membrane 10. The flexible membrane 10 will squeeze the piezoelectric unit 9, thereby generating electrical energy. Electrical energy enters the power processing module 155 through a cable. The power processing module 155 converts the electrical energy generated by the pressure unit 9 into stable direct current, which is then transmitted to the energy storage device through a cable. During installation, the cable is inserted into the through slot 16 and then into the connecting pipe 14. The piezoelectric unit 9 is continuously squeezed, causing it to undergo elastic deformation. According to the piezoelectric effect, mechanical energy is directly converted into electrical energy. When the piezoelectric unit 9 deforms, it will cause the elastic support 8 to deform. When the fixed pipe 4 is impacted, the power processing module 155 will cause the placement frame 154 to move. The placement frame 154 causes the second spring 153 and the third spring 156 to deform, while the fixed frame 152 and the connecting frame 151 will bear part of the force. When using the entire device, multiple floats 171 are fitted onto the surface of the main float 1. The retaining rings 172 on the floats 171 are inserted between the two clamping rings 173. Then, the mounting pins 174 are rotated to the inner walls of the multiple clamping rings 173 and the two retaining rings 172. After the floats 171 are installed, elastic sleeves 175 are fitted onto the surface of the multiple floats 171. The floats 171 increase the buoyancy of the entire device, while the elastic sleeves 175 reduce the wear between seawater or floating objects and the floats 171.
[0021] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A foamed aluminum piezoelectric composite float device for wave energy harvesting, comprising a main float (1) and a secondary float (2), characterized in that: The bottom end of the auxiliary float (2) is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the main float (1). The main float (1) and the auxiliary float (2) are aluminum foam floats. The inner surface of the main float (1) is slidably connected to a support column (3). The inner surface of the auxiliary float (2) is inserted with a fixed tube (4). The upper surface of the support column (3) is fixedly connected to multiple push rods (5). The multiple push rods (5) are inserted into the inner surface of the fixed tube (4). The surface of the fixed tube (4) is fixedly connected to a fixed frame (6). The surface of the fixed frame (6) is fixedly connected to a cantilever frame (7). The bottom end of the cantilever frame (7) is fixedly connected to an elastic bracket (8). The bottom end of the elastic bracket (8) is fixedly connected to multiple piezoelectric units (9). The multiple piezoelectric units (9) are inserted into the inner surface of the fixed tube (4). The piezoelectric units (9) are located directly above the push rods (5). The inner surface of the fixed tube (4) is fixedly connected to multiple flexible membranes (10).
2. The foamed aluminum piezoelectric composite float device for harvesting wave energy according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple connecting rods (11) are fixedly connected to the inner surface of the main float (1) and the surface of the fixed tube (4).
3. The foamed aluminum piezoelectric composite float device for harvesting wave energy according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple first springs (12) are fixedly connected to the surface of the support column (3) and the inner surface of the main float (1).
4. The foamed aluminum piezoelectric composite float device for harvesting wave energy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the fixed tube (4) is provided with multiple flow channels (13), the surface of the push rod (5) and the inner surface of the flow channel (13) of the fixed tube (4) are slidably connected, the inner surface of the flow channel (13) is provided with flowing water, and the inner surface of the flow channel (13) is provided with a polytetrafluoroethylene coating.
5. The foamed aluminum piezoelectric composite float device for harvesting wave energy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom end of the support column (3) is fixedly connected to a connecting pipe (14), and a cable is inserted into the inner surface of the connecting pipe (14).
6. The foamed aluminum piezoelectric composite float device for harvesting wave energy according to claim 5, characterized in that: The surface of the support column (3) is provided with a through groove (16), the cable is inserted into the inner surface of the through groove (16) of the support column (3), and the upper surface of the piezoelectric unit (9) and the surface of the cable are electrically connected.
7. The foamed aluminum piezoelectric composite float device for harvesting wave energy according to claim 6, characterized in that: The surface of the cantilever (7) is provided with a support device (15). The support device (15) includes two connecting frames (151) fixedly connected to the side wall of the cantilever (7). The side walls of the two connecting frames (151) are fixedly connected with a fixed frame (152). A placement frame (154) is inserted into the inner surface of the fixed frame (152). Two second springs (153) are fixedly connected to the upper and lower ends of the placement frame (154) and the inner surface of the fixed frame (152). An energy processing module (155) is fixedly connected to the inner surface of the placement frame (154). The surface of the energy processing module (155) is electrically connected to the surface of the cable.
8. The foamed aluminum piezoelectric composite float device for harvesting wave energy according to claim 7, characterized in that: Two third springs (156) are fixedly connected to both sides of the placement rack (154) and the inner surface of the fixing frame (152).
9. The foamed aluminum piezoelectric composite float device for harvesting wave energy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the main float (1) is provided with an auxiliary device (17). The auxiliary device (17) includes multiple floats (171) sleeved on the surface of the main float (1). The side wall of the float (171) is fixedly connected with two fixing rings (172). The surface of the main float (1) is fixedly connected with four clamping rings (173). Two clamping rings (173) that are close to each other form a group. The fixing rings (172) are inserted between the two clamping rings (173). The inner walls of the two groups of clamping rings (173) and the inner walls of the two fixing rings (172) are threadedly connected with three mounting pins (174).
10. The foamed aluminum piezoelectric composite float device for harvesting wave energy according to claim 9, characterized in that: The surfaces of the plurality of said pontoons (171) are fitted with elastic sleeves (175).