Self-sustaining wave turbine wave power generation device based on liquid medium space synchronous conversion

Abstract

The invention discloses a self-sustaining wave turbine wave power generation device based on liquid medium space synchronous conversion. The device abandons low-efficiency liquid-gas conversion and time sequence respective conversion modes, and has the core innovations that 1, direct conversion is performed in a seawater medium, and a large rigid structure is constructed by utilizing the characteristics of a liquid medium; 2, space synchronous conversion is carried out, wave bidirectional vertical kinetic energy can be synchronously converted into unidirectional rotating torque at any time through a symmetric wing array with a fixed attack angle on the circumference, and the efficiency is far higher than that of a Wills turbine; and 3, the intrinsic torque is self-balanced, and a pair of impeller machine units rotating in opposite directions are adopted, so that the reaction torque is counteracted in the system, an external fixed base is not needed, and self-sustaining floating power generation is realized. Large-scale stability and depth self-adaptive design are combined, ring gear driving and three-way constraint roller supporting structures are optimized, high-efficiency, ultrahigh-power and high-reliability wave energy direct power generation is achieved, and a subversive solution is provided for commercialized development of wave energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of ocean wave energy generation technology, specifically relating to a wave power generation device that directly converts the bidirectional fluid kinetic energy of waves into unidirectional rotational mechanical energy. More specifically, it relates to a high-efficiency wave turbine power generation system that achieves spatial synchronous energy conversion and intrinsic torque balance in a liquid medium. Background Technology

[0002] Wave energy is a high-energy-density renewable energy source, but its efficient and reliable conversion has always been a global technological challenge. Existing wave power generation technologies mainly fall into two categories and their inherent limitations: Category 1: Hydraulic Oscillating Float Technology Approach The Nankun, with an installed capacity of 1MW, is currently the most advanced in wave power generation technology and is at the forefront of the world. This route adopts a multi-stage conversion mode of "oscillating float → hydraulic system → turbine → generator". Its main drawbacks include: (1) the energy conversion path is long and the efficiency loss of each link is superimposed, resulting in low overall efficiency; (2) the hydraulic system has a complex structure, high failure rate and high maintenance cost in harsh marine environments; (3) due to the limited size and layout of discrete floats, the effective energy capture width of a single unit is limited, and the power increase encounters a bottleneck.

[0003] Category 2: Aerodynamic conversion route based on Wells turbine: The "Huaqing" turbine, with an installed capacity of 100KW, is a representative example. This approach attempts to utilize the characteristics of symmetrical airfoils working in airflow. Its technical logic is: first, the kinetic energy of waves (seawater) is converted into the kinetic energy of air, and then the Wells turbine is driven to generate electricity. This approach has three fundamental flaws: (1) significant energy efficiency loss due to medium conversion; (2) commutation loss due to timing conversion mode; and (3) it must rely on an external fixed base to resist the counter-torque and cannot achieve self-sustaining operation.

[0004] In addition, the inventors have proposed the basic principle of deploying a symmetrical wing array on a wave energy enrichment layer and performing spatial synchronous conversion in the prior art of their prior patent application No. 2026101136020 entitled "Method and Apparatus for Direct Utilization of Wave Energy Based on Spatial Synchronous Conversion of Symmetrical Wing Array and Optimal Capture of Energy Enrichment Layer".

[0005] Meanwhile, the prior patent application No. 2026100694157, entitled "An Anchoring System for a Dual-Floating Wave Energy Generation Device", provides an efficient and reliable anchoring solution for floating wave energy devices, which can provide a stable marine mooring foundation for this invention.

[0006] However, there is still a lack of a specific wave turbine system structure that can achieve large-scale power generation and has complete industrial feasibility based on the above principles and anchoring system, especially a complete device scheme that adopts a concentric ring rigid frame, integrates buoyancy and depth adjustment, and achieves intrinsic torque self-balancing. Summary of the Invention

[0007] I. Purpose of the Invention The present invention aims to provide a wave power generation device with a complete structure, self-sustaining stability, and suitable for large-scale offshore deployment. Specific objectives include: (1) achieving efficient energy conversion directly in seawater; (2) achieving stable torque output through a concentric ring frame and a spatial synchronous conversion wing array; (3) integrating a buoyancy adjustment system to ensure that the device always operates at the optimal energy level; and (4) combining a dual-floating body anchoring system to achieve self-sustaining stability and reliable mooring of the entire system.

[0008] II. Technical Solution To achieve the above objectives, this invention designs a dedicated turbine for bidirectional wave kinetic energy conversion, referred to as a "wave turbine," which integrates the functions of an oscillating float, a high-pressure hydraulic cylinder, and a turbine, thereby achieving the goal of low-cost, high-efficiency wave power generation. The technical solution is as follows: A self-supporting wave generator based on a concentric ring frame and dual-buoy anchoring, characterized in that it comprises: 1. Supporting structural system: It is a truss-type rigid offshore platform made of tubular materials, with sufficient structural strength and working buoyancy, providing an overall support benchmark.

[0009] 2. A pair of concentric ring frame impeller units: Two impeller units are arranged side by side with their rotation axes at the same horizontal height. They are rotatably mounted on the support structure system, and their rotation directions are opposite.

[0010] Each of the aforementioned impeller units includes two concentrically arranged annular frames, one inner and one outer, and a plurality of energy conversion blades that are uniformly and rigidly fixed along the radial circumference of the frames, together forming a rigid circumferential blade array. The outer annular frame has circumferentially oriented ring teeth on its outer side for drive transmission.

[0011] 3. Power generation system: Installed in a sealed power generation compartment, it is connected to at least one of the impeller units via a transmission mechanism containing a gearbox.

[0012] 4. Integrated buoyancy and attitude control system: Multiple buoyancy control pontoons are directly integrated inside or outside the truss of the support structure system. By adjusting the ballast water or gas, the draft and attitude of the entire device are dynamically adjusted, so that the pair of wave turbine units are synchronously in the optimal energy layer for the current wave state.

[0013] 5. Inherent torque self-balancing mechanism: It consists of a pair of counter-rotating impeller units. The rotational counter-torques generated by the two units are equal in magnitude, opposite in direction, and cancel each other out in real time on the support structure system, so that the entire device does not need to rely on an external fixed foundation for torsional resistance during power generation.

[0014] 6. Three-way constrained roller support frame: The support structure system has multiple three-dimensional constraint roller support frames evenly distributed along the circumference of each impeller unit, providing upper and lower axial constraints and outer radial constraints respectively. Together with the support structure system, they form a high-rigidity, low-friction composite rotary support system. This system transfers all the force of the waves acting on the impeller's vertical oscillations to the support system, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the impeller.

[0015] 7. Dual-buoy anchoring system interface: The support structure system is provided with a standard interface or connection mechanism for connecting to the dual-floating anchoring system as described in application number 2026100694157, so as to achieve self-sustaining stability and reliable mooring of the entire power generation unit at the offshore operating position.

[0016] III. Core Innovation and Synergistic Advantages 1. Concentric ring frame structure: The inner and outer double ring design enhances the overall rigidity and torsional resistance of the frame, providing a stable foundation for the dense wing array. The outer ring teeth directly drive the transmission, which is efficient and reliable.

[0017] 2. Buoyancy system integrated design: The pontoon and tubular truss structure are integrated into one design, which saves space, optimizes fluid performance, and enables rapid and precise depth and attitude adjustment.

[0018] 3. Complete self-sustaining system closed loop: internal torque balance + depth adaptive adjustment + external dual floating body anchoring constitute a complete technical closed loop from energy capture and conversion to system stability.

[0019] 4. Modularity and scalability: The tubular truss platform, wave turbine unit, and power generation module can all be designed and manufactured in a standardized manner, which facilitates assembly, maintenance, and power expansion.

[0020] IV. Beneficial Effects 1. High conversion efficiency: Direct conversion of liquid medium + synchronous spatial conversion avoids aerodynamic losses and time waste.

[0021] 2. Stable and reliable structure: The concentric ring frame, composite support system, and integrated buoyancy adjustment ensure the operational stability of the large rotating structure under harsh sea conditions; the huge inertia of the circular motion wave turbine becomes the flywheel energy storage, making its power generation output more stable than that of reciprocating motion oscillating floats and oscillating water column technology.

[0022] 3. Flexible deployment and controllable cost: The self-sustaining characteristics combined with the efficient anchoring system reduce the dependence on seabed geology and engineering, and broaden the applicable sea areas; the technical solution of replacing the oscillating float + high-pressure cylinder + turbine with a wave turbine significantly reduces equipment investment, and the expected levelized cost of electricity is significantly reduced.

[0023] 4. High power potential: By increasing the diameter, optimizing the fin layout and depth control, this architecture can easily achieve megawatt-level power output in a single unit.

[0024] 5. Higher equivalent operating hours: The wave height for idling start-up of the pulsator is only 0.02 cm, while that of the oscillating float is 50 cm. The pulsator technology does not cut off the wave height; during giant waves, the pressure wave can be used to continue generating electricity while avoiding damage from the giant waves by strongly pulling down the wave trough. Its equivalent operating hours are higher than existing wave power generation technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of the device of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 A top view of two pulsator machines rotating in opposite directions and a side view showing the installation direction of the symmetrical winglets.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of a three-dimensional constraint roller support frame.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the spatial synchronous conversion of the impeller machine.

[0029] Figure 5 The diagram shows a stable anchored floating wave power generation device based on prior patent 202610069415.7.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the torque self-balancing principle. The torque generated by the wave turbine is ultimately transmitted to the high-strength offshore rigid platform with truss structure through the generator.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the spatial synchronous conversion of the wave turbine and the time-series transformation of the fluid direction in the Wells turbine.

[0032] Explanation of the labels in the diagram: 1: Tubular truss type support structure system 2: Outer ring skeleton 3: Inner Ring Skeleton 4: Energy conversion fins 5: Power Generation Cabin 6: Integrated buoyancy control pontoon 7: Three-way constrained roller support frame 8: The input shaft gear of the generator nacelle meshes with the ring gear. 9: Rotation direction of the left-side impeller 10: Rotation direction of the right-side impeller Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0034] Example: like Figure 1 As shown, the main body of the device in this embodiment is a truss-type support platform (1) welded from high-strength steel pipes. Two impeller units are installed side by side on the platform via a three-way constrained roller support frame (7). Each impeller unit is composed of an inner and outer concentric ring skeleton (2, 3) made of carbon fiber composite material, with an outer ring diameter D = 100 meters and an inner ring diameter of 90 meters. 628 NACA 0015 symmetrical blades (4) are installed radially at 0.5-meter intervals along the circumference, with a chord length of 0.3 meters and a span of 3.0 meters. The angle of attack of all blades is fixed and rigidly connected to the skeleton.

[0035] Buoyancy system integration Figure 4 The buoyancy control float (6) is directly embedded inside the main chord of the tubular truss (1) as a sealed ballast tank. The water-air ratio is adjusted through the pump valve system to achieve continuous adjustment of the draft from -3 meters to -8 meters.

[0036] Transmission and support Figure 3 The outer ring skeleton (2) has circumferential ring teeth machined on its outer side, which mesh with the output gear (8) of the gearbox mounted on the platform. 24 sets of three-way constraint roller support frames (7) are evenly distributed along the circumference. Each set includes upper and lower axial rollers and outer radial rollers, which together constrain the six-degree-of-freedom motion of the impeller under wave load, ensuring smooth rotation.

[0037] Anchoring interface Figure 5 The platform has standardized connection interfaces (11) at its four corners, which are connected to the dual-buoy anchoring system (12) protected by application number 2026100694157 via universal joints and cables. This system provides the necessary mooring positioning and wind and wave resistance.

[0038] Working principle: Waves cause vertical oscillations in water particles, which flow through the vane array. Regardless of whether the instantaneous flow direction is upward or downward, all vanes generate tangential forces in the same direction at a fixed angle of attack, driving the impeller to rotate unidirectionally. The two impellers rotate in opposite directions, and their counter-torques cancel each other out. The control system adjusts the float (6) based on sensor data to maintain the center depth of the vane array at the optimal energy layer of approximately 0.3H below the still water surface. The rotational kinetic energy is transferred to the generator (5) for power generation via the ring gear and gearbox.

[0039] Power potential analysis: This device is a floating wave energy conversion device. Its core advantage lies in its enormous internal energy interception interface. The total length of the energy capture profile of a single unit, L_total, reaches 1884 meters, far exceeding that of the Nankun. This design ensures that the device can fully extract wave kinetic energy from the energy-rich layer within its capture width, exceeding the total power of the Nankun.

[0040] Wave kinetic energy is spatially and synchronously converted via a symmetrical wing array, and its hydrodynamic conversion efficiency is expected to be significantly higher than that of traditional time-series conversion devices. Considering both transmission and power generation efficiency, the device in this embodiment has the potential to achieve stable power output at the megawatt level. By proportionally increasing the diameter, optimizing the wing array, and implementing depth adaptive control, this technical solution lays a feasible technical path for achieving megawatt-level single-unit power output.

Claims

1. A self-sustained impeller machine sea wave power generation device based on concentric circular ring skeleton and double floating body anchoring, characterized in that, Comprising: a) a pipe truss support structure system; b) a pair of wave rotor units installed side by side on the support structure system with the same height of the rotation axis, and the rotation directions of the two are opposite; each wave rotor unit comprises two concentric circular ring skeletons, a plurality of energy conversion vanes rigidly fixed along the circumference of the skeleton, and a full circumferential ring tooth arranged outside the outer circular ring skeleton; c) a power generation system connected with the ring tooth through a transmission mechanism comprising a gear box; d) an integrated buoyancy and attitude control system, whose buoyancy control float is integrated inside or outside the pipe truss of the support structure system; e) a plurality of three-direction constraint roller supports distributed along the circumference of each wave rotor unit, providing axial and radial constraints; f) a double float anchoring system interface arranged on the support structure system; Wherein, the energy conversion vanes are symmetrical airfoils with a fixed installation attack angle at a non-zero preset value, so that the array realizes spatial synchronous conversion of wave bidirectional kinetic energy; the pair of oppositely rotating wave rotor units constitute an intrinsic torque self-balancing mechanism; the device realizes overall system mooring stability by connecting an external double float anchoring system through the interface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The outer circular ring skeleton diameter D of the wave rotor unit is greater than three times the common wave length λ of the preset working sea area.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The buoyancy control float is a sealed ballast tank.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The three-direction constraint roller support comprises an upper constraint roller, a lower constraint roller and an outer radial constraint gear.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The double float anchoring system is the anchoring system protected by application number 2026100694157.

6. A method of wave power generation using a device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Comprising steps: S1. Mooring the device in the target sea area through the double float anchoring system; S2. Adjusting the integrated buoyancy system so that the wave rotor unit is in the optimal energy layer of the wave; S3. The wave-driven vane array realizes spatial synchronous conversion to generate a net driving torque; S4. The torque drives the wave rotor to rotate and generates electricity through the transmission system; S5. The counter torques of the pair of wave rotors cancel each other out to maintain system self-sustaining stability.

7. A wave power plant, characterized in that An array of a plurality of devices as claimed in any one of claims 1-5 is arranged.

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