Wave energy induction heating device

Abstract

The invention discloses a wave energy induction heating device, and belongs to the technical field of ocean renewable energy utilization and energy conversion. Comprising a seabed fixed base and a sealing cavity, a fixing shaft extending in the vertical direction is fixed to the upper end of the seabed fixing base, the top end of the fixing shaft extends into the sealing cavity and is fixed, the fixing shaft is sleeved with a main transmission shaft, a floater assembly is fixed to the lower end of the main transmission shaft, and under the action of sea waves, the floater assembly drives the main transmission shaft to do lifting and rotating composite motion; an induction heating assembly is arranged in a sealed inner cavity of the sealed cavity and comprises a permanent magnet assembly and a copper sleeve; the copper sleeve is fixed in the sealed inner cavity; the permanent magnet assembly is fixed to the upper end of the main transmission shaft and located on the inner side of the copper sleeve, and a gap exists between the permanent magnet assembly and the copper sleeve. When the permanent magnet assembly performs lifting and rotating compound motion along with the main transmission shaft, eddy current is formed in the copper sleeve to heat the copper sleeve, and then pure water in contact with the copper sleeve in the sealed inner cavity is heated. The device is simple in structure and suitable for converting wave energy into heat energy in the marine environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of marine renewable energy utilization and energy conversion technology, specifically relating to a wave energy induction heating device. Background Technology

[0002] Wave energy, as an important component of marine renewable energy, is characterized by high energy density, wide distribution, and strong sustainability. Existing wave energy utilization technologies mostly aim at electrical output, typically using waves to drive mechanical structures, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, and requiring the installation of power conversion and grid connection systems. This type of technology has a complex system structure, high requirements for device operational stability and grid connection conditions, and can easily affect the stable operation of the power grid under conditions of large wave energy fluctuations.

[0003] In practical engineering applications, some marine equipment and facilities require energy not primarily in the form of electricity, but rather in the form of heat. Examples include seawater heating, offshore platform heating, marine energy storage, and related heat utilization systems. Furthermore, in applications aimed at power generation, directly converting wave energy into electricity is prone to power fluctuations due to wave instability, which is detrimental to the stable utilization of subsequent electrical energy.

[0004] Permanent magnet eddy current heating technology can directly generate eddy currents and release heat in a conductor through changes in the magnetic field, thereby directly converting mechanical motion into thermal energy. This provides a feasible approach for the direct thermal utilization of wave energy and the intermediate stabilization of energy forms. By first converting wave energy into thermal energy and then storing or regulating it, a more stable energy input can be provided for subsequent energy utilization processes.

[0005] However, when applying permanent magnet eddy current heating structures to wave energy devices, several technical problems still exist: First, the motion of the device under wave action is complex, usually including axial reciprocating motion and rotational motion at the same time. How to effectively transfer this composite motion to the permanent magnet still needs to be rationally designed. Second, the equipment needs to operate for a long time in the marine environment, which places high demands on the structural sealing and the reliability of moving parts.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to propose an induction heating wave energy thermal energy conversion device with a reasonable structure, clear motion relationship, and suitability for marine environments, so as to realize the direct conversion of wave energy into thermal energy. The generated thermal energy can be utilized by subsequent energy conversion devices for power generation or other applications. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a wave energy induction heating device that solves the problems in the prior art.

[0008] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions: A wave energy induction heating device includes: a seabed fixed base, a vertically extending fixed shaft fixed at the upper end of the seabed fixed base, a sealed cavity fixed at the top end of the fixed shaft, and a main drive shaft coaxially mounted on the outside of the fixed shaft; the lower end of the main drive shaft is connected to a float assembly, and under the action of waves, the float assembly drives the main drive shaft to rotate and move up and down. An induction heating assembly, including a permanent magnet assembly and a copper sleeve, is installed inside the sealed cavity. The copper sleeve is fixed inside the sealed cavity. The permanent magnet assembly and the copper sleeve are coaxially arranged, and there is an air gap between them. When the permanent magnet assembly rotates and moves up and down with the main drive shaft, eddy currents are induced in the copper sleeve. The eddy currents generate Joule heat in the copper sleeve, thereby heating the water or heat-conducting medium in the sealed cavity.

[0009] Furthermore, the float assembly includes a float connecting flange fixed to the lower end of the fixed shaft, and multiple floats are evenly arranged circumferentially on the float connecting flange. The floats are fixed to the float connecting flange by corresponding float connecting arms.

[0010] Furthermore, the main drive shaft is a hollow shaft structure. The main drive shaft forms a sliding and rotational fit with the fixed shaft through a first oil-free bushing disposed between it and the fixed shaft, so that the main drive shaft can move up and down in the vertical direction relative to the fixed shaft and rotate around the fixed shaft.

[0011] Furthermore, a limiting ring is provided on the main drive shaft, which is located below the permanent magnet assembly and is used to support and limit the permanent magnet assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, the side wall of the sealed cavity is provided with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe that communicate with the internal sealed cavity.

[0013] Furthermore, an end cap is provided at the bottom of the sealing cavity, and a bushing mounting seat hole is provided on the end cap. A second oil-free bushing and an axial rotation sealing ring are installed in the bushing mounting seat hole. The second oil-free bushing is a cylindrical sliding bushing, with its outer circle fixedly connected to the bushing mounting seat hole and its inner circle slidingly engaged with the outer circle surface of the main drive shaft; The axial rotation seal ring is installed in the annular groove on the inner wall of the bushing mounting seat hole, and its inner side is in contact with the main drive shaft to provide a rotational seal for the heating cavity.

[0014] Furthermore, the end cap and the sealing cavity are bolted together and sealed with a sealing gasket, thus forming a sealed shell structure between the end cap and the sealing cavity.

[0015] Furthermore, the permanent magnet assembly includes a permanent magnet, a magnetic yoke, and a non-magnetic separator. The permanent magnet has a segmented multi-pole structure in the circumferential direction and is arranged in a Halbach configuration according to the magnetization method. The permanent magnet has a layered structure in the axial direction, separated by non-magnetic separators, and the magnetization directions of adjacent permanent magnet layers are opposite. The permanent magnet assembly is coaxially fixed to the top of the main drive shaft and moves up, down and rotates with the main drive shaft; the copper sleeve has a cylindrical structure, coaxially covers the outside of the permanent magnet assembly, and forms an air gap with the permanent magnet assembly.

[0016] Furthermore, the sealed cavity, main drive shaft, fixed shaft, and seabed fixed base are made of corrosion-resistant metal materials; the copper sleeve is made of copper or copper alloy; the permanent magnet is made of high-temperature resistant neodymium iron boron material; the magnetic yoke is made of high-permeability steel material; and the non-magnetic partition is made of non-magnetic stainless steel material.

[0017] The above-mentioned wave energy induction heating device is used in the thermal conversion of ocean wave energy.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. This invention employs a main drive shaft to drive a permanent magnet in a reciprocating and rotating motion relative to a fixed copper sleeve. A segmented, ring-shaped, multi-pole permanent magnet structure is used to increase the frequency of magnetic field changes at low speeds. Eddy currents are directly generated in the copper sleeve using the principle of electromagnetic induction, releasing heat. This eliminates the need for heat exchangers, power converters, and electric heating devices required in the mechanical-to-thermal energy conversion process, achieving a one-step direct conversion of wave energy to thermal energy. This significantly simplifies the system structure and improves energy efficiency for thermal energy utilization scenarios.

[0019] 2. This invention rigidly connects the float to the main drive shaft via a float connecting arm and a float connecting flange. Combined with the assembly structure where the main drive shaft is sleeved on the outside of a fixed shaft, this allows the main drive shaft to possess dual degrees of freedom: vertical movement and rotation around the shaft. It can simultaneously transmit the irregular up-and-down motion of the float under wave action, as well as the rotational tendency caused by the uneven action of the waves, to the permanent magnet. Compared to devices that only utilize heave motion, this invention effectively utilizes the rotational component of the waves, improving the integrity and conversion efficiency of energy capture.

[0020] 3. This invention incorporates a fixed shaft that penetrates the sealed cavity and the seabed mounting base, creating a rigid system that is stationary relative to the seabed, comprising the sealed cavity, the fixed shaft, and the copper sleeve. This internally fixed and externally moving structural design, on the one hand, utilizes the fixed shaft as a load-bearing framework to ensure the overall stability of the device under wave impact; on the other hand, because the sealed cavity is relatively stationary, the internal induction heating components and high-purity water medium are situated within a stable, sealed, and insulated cavity, reducing the difficulty of dynamic sealing and improving the reliability of the device in deep-sea environments.

[0021] 4. This invention provides a first oil-free bushing between the main drive shaft and the fixed shaft, and a second oil-free bushing at the end cover of the sealed cavity, with the bushings made of a self-lubricating material. This ensures the smoothness of the main drive shaft during long-term reciprocating and rotating motion in underwater and humid environments, while effectively constraining the radial offset of the main drive shaft, ensuring uniform air gap between the permanent magnet and the copper bushing, and avoiding mechanical failures caused by seawater corrosion or lubrication failure. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the induction heating wave energy thermal energy conversion device of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the main drive shaft and the float connecting flange of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the oil-free bushing mounting hole structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the induction heating component structure of the present invention; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the circumferential arrangement of permanent magnets; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the axial arrangement of permanent magnets.

[0024] In the diagram: 1-Sealing cavity; 2-Inlet pipe; 3-Outlet pipe; 4-End cap; 5-Float connecting arm; 6-Float; 7-Float connecting flange; 8-Main drive shaft; 9-Bushing mounting hole; 10-Second oil-free bushing; 11-Fixed shaft; 12-Seabed fixed base; 13-Permanent magnet assembly; 131-Permanent magnet; 132-Magnetic yoke; 133-Non-magnetic separator; 14-Copper sleeve; 15-Limiting ring; 16-First oil-free bushing; 17-Axial rotation sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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.

[0026] like Figures 1-4As shown, a wave energy induction heating device includes a sealed cavity 1, an inlet pipe 2, an outlet pipe 3, an end cap 4, a float connecting arm 5, a float 6, a float connecting flange 7, a main drive shaft 8, a bushing mounting hole 9, a first oil-free bushing 16, a fixed shaft 11, a seabed fixed base 12, a permanent magnet 13, a copper sleeve 14, a limiting ring 15, a second oil-free bushing 10, and an axial rotation sealing ring 17.

[0027] The seabed fixing base 12 is fixedly installed on the seabed to provide a stable installation foundation for the entire device. The fixing shaft 11 is arranged vertically, with its lower end fixedly connected to the seabed fixing base 12 and its upper end extending to near the sea surface and fixedly connected to the interior of the sealing cavity 1. Through the above arrangement, the fixing shaft 11 remains stationary during the operation of the device, and the sealing cavity 1 forms a stable fixed structural system with the seabed fixing base 12 through the fixing shaft 11.

[0028] The sealed cavity 1 is located above the sea surface, and its interior forms a sealed, insulated cavity for housing the induction heating component and high-purity water. A copper sleeve 14 is fixed inside the sealed cavity 1 and remains stationary during device operation, serving as a conductor for the induction heating component. An inlet pipe 2 and an outlet pipe 3 are respectively installed on the sealed cavity 1, communicating with the sealed cavity inside to introduce water or other heat-conducting media into the sealed cavity 1 and to remove the media after heat absorption.

[0029] Floats 6 are positioned on the sea surface to generate up-and-down motion under the action of waves. In this embodiment, three floats 6 are provided, and the three floats 6 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the float connecting flange 7. Each float 6 is fixedly connected to the float connecting flange 7 through a corresponding float connecting arm 5. Of course, in other embodiments, the number of floats 6 can be more than three, and they can be evenly distributed along the circumference of the float connecting flange 7.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the float connecting flange 7 is fixedly installed at the lower end of the main drive shaft 8, and the float connecting flange 7 and the main drive shaft 8 are rigidly connected. Through this connection, the up-and-down motion of the float 6 under the action of waves and the rotational tendency caused by the uneven action of waves can be reliably transmitted to the main drive shaft 8, so that the main drive shaft 8 produces up-and-down reciprocating motion and rotates around the fixed shaft 11 (the rotation and oscillation can induce heat).

[0031] The main drive shaft 8 is a hollow shaft structure, and its inner hole is sleeved on the outside of the fixed shaft 11. A first oil-free bushing 16 is provided between the main drive shaft 8 and the fixed shaft 11. The first oil-free bushing 16 is a cylindrical sliding bushing, and its outer circle is fixedly installed in the inner hole of the main drive shaft (8). The inner circle forms a sliding fit with the outer circle surface of the fixed shaft (11), so that the main drive shaft 8 can move up and down in the vertical direction relative to the fixed shaft 11 and rotate around the fixed shaft 11.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, an end cap 4 is provided at the bottom of the sealing cavity 1, and a bushing mounting seat hole 9 is provided on the end cap 4. The second oil-free bushing 10 is installed in the bushing mounting seat hole 9. An annular groove is provided on the inner wall of the bushing mounting seat hole 9, and the axial rotation sealing ring 17 is installed in the groove. The main drive shaft 8 passes through the axial rotation sealing ring 17 and the second oil-free bushing 10 in sequence, and forms a sealing fit with the inner surface of the axial rotation sealing ring 17. When the main drive shaft 8 generates lifting and rotational movements under the action of waves, the axial rotation sealing ring 17 can maintain close contact with the outer surface of the main drive shaft 8, thereby preventing the leakage of high-purity water medium inside the sealing cavity and realizing a reliable dynamic sealing effect. The second oil-free bushing (10) is a cylindrical sliding bushing. Its outer circle is fixedly connected to the bushing mounting seat hole (9) by an interference fit or a tight fit, and its inner circle forms a sliding fit with the outer circle surface of the main drive shaft (8). The second oil-free bushing (10) provides radial guidance and support only for the main drive shaft (8), which is used to limit the radial displacement and sway of the main drive shaft (8) during the movement, thereby enabling the main drive shaft (8) to maintain a stable motion state during up-and-down movement and rotation. Through the synergistic guiding and supporting effect of the above-mentioned double oil-free bushings, the radial offset of the main drive shaft is effectively limited, so that the permanent magnet always remains coaxial with the outer copper bushing during the movement, ensuring that the air gap between the permanent magnet and the copper bushing is uniformly distributed, which is beneficial to improving the stability and efficiency of the eddy current induction heating process.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the upper end of the main drive shaft 8 is fixedly connected to the permanent magnet assembly 13, so that the permanent magnet assembly 13 rotates synchronously and moves up and down synchronously with the main drive shaft 8. In order to limit the downward movement of the permanent magnet assembly 13 along the direction of the main drive shaft 8, a limiting ring 15 is provided on the main drive shaft 8. The limiting ring 15 is located below the permanent magnet assembly 13 and is used to support and limit the permanent magnet assembly 13 during the operation of the device to prevent the permanent magnet assembly 13 from moving excessively downward under the action of gravity.

[0034] The copper sleeve 14 is fixedly installed inside the sealed cavity 1. The copper sleeve 14 covers the outside of the permanent magnet assembly 13 or is arranged opposite to the permanent magnet assembly 13, so that a certain gap is maintained between the permanent magnet assembly 13 and the copper sleeve 14. When the main drive shaft 8 reciprocates up and down under the action of waves and rotates around the fixed shaft 11, the permanent magnet assembly 13 generates a relative motion of axial and rotational superposition relative to the fixed copper sleeve 14. The permanent magnet assembly 13 includes a permanent magnet 131, a yoke 132, and a non-magnetic separator 133; such as Figure 5 As shown, the permanent magnet 131 has a segmented multi-pole structure in the circumferential direction and is arranged in a Halbach configuration according to the magnetization method. During the rotation of the permanent magnet assembly 13, the magnetic flux density inside the copper sleeve 14 undergoes multiple periodic changes per unit time, thereby creating an enhanced eddy current effect in the copper sleeve 14 and releasing heat, thus directly converting wave energy into thermal energy. Figure 6 As shown, the permanent magnet 131 has a layered structure in the axial direction, separated by a non-magnetic partition 133, and the magnetization directions of adjacent permanent magnet layers are opposite. When the permanent magnet assembly 13 moves up and down, the magnetic flux inside the copper sleeve also undergoes multiple periodic changes, generating eddy currents in the copper sleeve 14 and releasing heat, thereby converting wave energy into thermal energy.

[0035] Furthermore, given that the device of this invention operates in a marine environment for extended periods, the materials of the relevant components are described as follows: The sealing cavity 1, end cap 4, main drive shaft 8, fixed shaft 11, and seabed fixed base 12 are preferably made of seawater-resistant stainless steel or corrosion-resistant alloy materials, such as stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant alloy materials. The copper sleeve 14, as a conductor component of the induction heating assembly, is preferably made of high-purity copper or corrosion-resistant copper alloy materials to balance conductivity and corrosion resistance. The first oil-free bushing 16 and the second oil-free bushing 10 are preferably made of composite materials with self-lubricating, wear-resistant, and corrosion-resistant properties. The axial rotation sealing ring 17 is preferably made of water-resistant and wear-resistant elastic sealing materials such as nitrile rubber or fluororubber. The permanent magnet 131 is made of high-temperature resistant neodymium iron boron material, the magnetic yoke 132 is made of high-permeability steel material, and the non-magnetic partition 133 is made of non-magnetic stainless steel material.

[0036] By selecting the above-mentioned materials, the corrosion resistance and long-term operational stability of the device of the present invention in a marine environment can be effectively improved. Working principle of the invention: Under the influence of waves, floats 6 undergo up-and-down motion. The motions of multiple floats 6 converge at the float connecting flange 7 via the float connecting arm 5, driving the main drive shaft 8 to reciprocate up-and-down relative to the fixed shaft 11, accompanied by rotational motion. The main drive shaft 8 drives the permanent magnet assembly 13 to generate a compound relative motion with respect to the fixed copper sleeve 14, thereby forming eddies in the copper sleeve 14 and converting wave energy into heat energy, realizing the direct conversion of wave energy into heat energy. The generated heat energy can be utilized by subsequent energy conversion devices for heat energy conversion or other heat energy utilization scenarios.

[0037] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," "specific example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0038] 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 illustrative of the principles of 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 claimed invention.

Claims

1. A wave energy induction heating device, characterized in that, include: A fixed base (12) is located on the seabed. A fixed shaft (11) extending vertically is fixed at the upper end of the fixed base (12). A sealed cavity (1) is fixed at the top of the fixed shaft (11). A main drive shaft (8) is coaxially installed on the outside of the fixed shaft (11). The lower end of the main drive shaft (8) is connected to a float assembly. Under the action of waves, the float assembly drives the main drive shaft (8) to rotate and move up and down. An induction heating assembly is provided inside the sealed cavity (1), including a permanent magnet assembly (13) and a copper sleeve (14); the copper sleeve (14) is fixed inside the sealed cavity; the permanent magnet assembly (13) and the copper sleeve (14) are coaxially arranged, and there is an air gap between them; when the permanent magnet assembly (13) rotates and moves up and down with the main drive shaft (8), eddy currents are generated in the copper sleeve (14), and the eddy currents generate Joule heat in the copper sleeve (14), thereby heating the water or heat-conducting medium in the sealed cavity (1).

2. The wave energy induction heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The float assembly includes a float connecting flange (7) fixed to the lower end of the fixed shaft (11). Multiple floats (6) are evenly arranged around the float connecting flange (7). The floats (6) are fixed to the float connecting flange (7) by corresponding float connecting arms (5).

3. The wave energy induction heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main drive shaft (8) is a hollow shaft structure. The main drive shaft (8) forms a sliding and rotational fit with the fixed shaft (11) through the first oil-free bushing (16) set between it and the fixed shaft (11), so that the main drive shaft (8) can move up and down in the vertical direction relative to the fixed shaft (11) and rotate around the fixed shaft (11).

4. The wave energy induction heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A limiting ring (15) is provided on the main drive shaft (8). The limiting ring (15) is located below the permanent magnet assembly (13) and is used to support and limit the permanent magnet assembly (13).

5. A wave energy induction heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing cavity (1) is provided with an inlet pipe (2) and an outlet pipe (3) that communicate with the inner sealing cavity.

6. A wave energy induction heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the sealing cavity (1) is provided with an end cap (4), and the end cap (4) is provided with a bushing mounting seat hole (9). A second oil-free bushing (10) and an axial rotation sealing ring (17) are installed in the bushing mounting seat hole (9). The second oil-free bushing (10) is a cylindrical sliding bushing, whose outer circle is fixedly connected to the bushing mounting seat hole (9), and whose inner circle is in sliding fit with the outer circle surface of the main drive shaft (8); The axial rotation seal ring (17) is installed in the annular groove on the inner wall of the bushing mounting hole (9), and its inner side is in contact with the main drive shaft (8) for rotating sealing of the heating cavity.

7. A wave energy induction heating device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The end cap (4) and the sealing cavity (1) are bolted together and sealed with a sealing gasket, so that a sealed shell structure is formed between the end cap (4) and the sealing cavity (1).

8. A wave energy induction heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The permanent magnet assembly (13) includes a permanent magnet (131), a magnetic yoke (132), and a non-magnetic partition (133). The permanent magnet (131) has a segmented multi-pole structure in the circumferential direction and is arranged in a Halbach configuration according to the magnetization method. The permanent magnet (131) has a layered structure in the axial direction, separated by the non-magnetic partition (133), and the magnetization directions of adjacent permanent magnet layers are opposite. The permanent magnet assembly (13) is coaxially fixed to the top of the main drive shaft (8) and moves up and down and rotates with the main drive shaft (8); the copper sleeve (14) has a cylindrical structure, coaxially covers the outside of the permanent magnet assembly (13), and forms an air gap with the permanent magnet assembly (13).

9. A wave energy induction heating device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The sealed cavity (1), main drive shaft (8), fixed shaft (11) and seabed fixed base (12) are made of corrosion-resistant metal materials; the copper sleeve (14) is made of copper or copper alloy materials; the permanent magnet (131) is made of high-temperature resistant neodymium iron boron material; the magnetic yoke (132) is made of high-permeability steel material; and the non-magnetic partition (133) is made of non-magnetic stainless steel material.

10. The application of the wave energy induction heating device according to any one of claims 1-9 in wave energy thermal conversion.

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