Magnetic pendulum wave energy generator

By using a magnetic pendulum wave energy generation device, and employing a fully enclosed structure and electromagnetic direct drive technology, the problems of corrosion and low reliability of power conversion components in oscillating float wave energy generation devices have been solved, achieving efficient, stable, and low-cost wave energy conversion.

CN122304901APending Publication Date: 2026-06-30CHINA PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL CORP +1

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CHINA PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL CORP
Filing Date
2024-12-27
Publication Date
2026-06-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing oscillating float wave energy generation technology, key power conversion components are susceptible to seawater corrosion, the energy conversion system is complex, costly, and has low reliability, and is easily damaged in harsh sea conditions.

Method used

The magnetic pendulum wave energy generation device uses a fully enclosed watertight structure to house the energy conversion components inside the float. The wave energy is directly converted into electrical energy through the magnetic pendulum energy conversion mechanism, avoiding mechanical or hydraulic intermediate links. It adopts an electromagnetic direct drive method, using the relative rotational motion of the pendulum system and the vertical column to cut magnetic induction lines and generate electrical energy.

Benefits of technology

It effectively prevents seawater corrosion, reduces energy loss, extends service life, improves the stability and reliability of the device under harsh sea conditions, and reduces manufacturing costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention relates to the field of marine wave energy generation technology, and proposes a magnetic pendulum wave energy generation device, including a wave-absorbing float. The wave-absorbing float contains a ballast tank and an equipment tank. A pendulum-type power generation mechanism is installed within the ballast tank and equipment tank, mounted inside the wave-absorbing float. This mechanism converts the mechanical energy of the wave-absorbing float as it oscillates with the waves into electrical energy. The invention employs a fully enclosed design, placing the energy conversion components inside the float to prevent corrosion from seawater and salt spray, extending the lifespan of the magnetic pendulum energy conversion components, improving the reliability and safety of the device, eliminating intermediate conversion steps, reducing energy loss, and lowering manufacturing costs. This device utilizes the relative rotational motion of the pendulum ball and the float column to avoid the limitations of traditional oscillating floats in large waves, enhancing stability under harsh sea conditions.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ocean wave energy power generation technology, and proposes a magnetic pendulum wave energy power generation device. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous exploitation and utilization of traditional fossil fuel resources, energy shortages and environmental pollution caused by fossil fuel use are becoming increasingly serious. The traditional energy utilization structure, which is mainly based on fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas, is unsustainable, and it is imperative to vigorously develop renewable energy. Ocean wave energy, as a type of marine renewable energy, has advantages such as large reserves and wide distribution. Developing and utilizing wave energy is of great significance for transforming the energy structure and improving environmental pollution control.

[0003] Wave motion in the ocean is characterized by low frequency, randomness, and high instantaneous force. The low frequency of wave motion causes a frequency mismatch in the conversion of wave energy into electrical energy, thus limiting the efficiency of wave-to-electricity conversion. The high force output of wave motion is mainly manifested in extreme sea conditions such as typhoons, where ocean structures such as wave energy devices bear enormous wave forces. Typical oscillating float-type wave energy devices utilize the relative motion between objects to perform work. When the incoming wave power is high, causing the relative motion between the two objects to exceed the travel limit of the energy conversion mechanism, it can lead to damage to the energy conversion mechanism. This is one of the important reasons why wave energy devices are easily damaged in the ocean.

[0004] To ensure the efficient and reliable operation of wave energy devices, various wave energy technologies have been developed. Currently, there are over 1,000 patents for wave energy devices, with numerous device types. Based on the power generation principle, wave energy can be divided into three main categories: oscillating float type, oscillating water column type, and overtaking type. Among these, the oscillating float type has become one of the most widely used technologies in wave energy power generation devices due to its high energy capture efficiency and simple structure.

[0005] Oscillating float wave energy devices utilize the relative motion between several floats (or between floats and fixed posts) deployed in the sea to drive various conversion systems for power generation. These energy conversion systems are typically hydraulic or mechanical. The energy conversion components of oscillating float wave energy devices (such as hydraulic cylinders, gears, and ratchet wheels) are generally placed in the seawater or sea vapor between the floats (or between the floats and posts), making the main power conversion components highly susceptible to corrosion from seawater or sea vapor, leading to failure. Therefore, developing new wave energy conversion technologies to prevent corrosion of the main power conversion components from seawater or sea vapor and extend their service life is a crucial issue that needs to be addressed in oscillating float wave energy generation technology. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a magnetic pendulum wave energy generation device that solves the following technical problems: overcoming the corrosion of key power conversion components, complex energy conversion system composition, high construction and maintenance costs, and low reliability in existing oscillating float wave energy generation technologies, thereby achieving safe and stable operation of the wave energy generation device.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a magnetic pendulum wave energy generation device, comprising a wave-absorbing float, wherein a ballast tank and an equipment tank are provided inside the wave-absorbing float, and a pendulum-type power generation mechanism is provided inside the ballast tank and the equipment tank. The pendulum-type power generation mechanism is mounted inside the wave-absorbing float and converts the mechanical energy of the wave-absorbing float as it oscillates with the waves into electrical energy.

[0008] Furthermore, the wave-absorbing buoy is generally cylindrical, with a standard cylindrical top and a hemispherical bottom. Under the action of waves, the device undergoes pitching, rolling, and bowing movements.

[0009] Furthermore, the radar-absorbing buoy has two compartments inside: a ballast compartment at the bottom and an equipment compartment at the top. The ballast compartment uses ballast weights or water to allow the radar-absorbing buoy to reach the ideal draft, while the equipment compartment houses a magnetic pendulum energy conversion mechanism, a power conversion system, and a battery.

[0010] Furthermore, the swing-type power generation mechanism is an electromagnetic direct-drive mechanism that directly converts the mechanical energy of the wave-driven floating body into electrical energy.

[0011] Furthermore, the microwave absorbing buoy has a vertical column inside, with the lower end of the column welded to the lower end of the buoy and the upper end welded to the top of the microwave absorbing buoy, making the column and the microwave absorbing buoy a whole.

[0012] Furthermore, the swing-type power generation mechanism includes a pendulum system, which is located on the bottom surface of the equipment compartment. The pendulum system consists of a swing arm, a pendulum ball, and a swing arm hinge ring. One end of the swing arm is connected to the pendulum ball, and the other end is provided with a swing arm hinge ring. A bearing is installed inside the swing arm hinge ring. The outer ring of the bearing is tightly fitted with the swing arm hinge ring, and the inner ring of the bearing is nested and installed on a vertical column.

[0013] Furthermore, a moving coil is set in the middle of the swing arm. The moving coil is placed on the circular permanent magnet track through a slot, so that the moving coil can only move in a circle along the circular permanent magnet track.

[0014] Furthermore, when the wave-absorbing buoy oscillates under the action of waves, the pendulum system moves in a circular motion around the vertical column, which drives the moving coil on the pendulum arm to move in a circular motion. The moving coil cuts the magnetic lines of force to generate an induced electromotive force, which converts the kinetic energy of the pendulum motion into electrical energy.

[0015] Furthermore, when the wave height is large, the amplitude of the swaying motion of the wave-absorbing buoy increases, the angle of the pendulum's reciprocating motion increases, and the pendulum's circular motion has no travel limit, thus improving the reliability of the magnetic pendulum energy conversion mechanism.

[0016] Furthermore, the device is cylindrical in shape with a hemispherical bottom. An anchor point is set at the center of the bottom of the hemispherical bottom. Under wave drive, the device has large amplitudes of pitching, rolling, and yaw motion, which increases the swing amplitude of the pendulum system, increases the speed of the moving coil, and improves the power generation.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. The wave energy device adopts a fully enclosed watertight structure design, ensuring that all energy conversion components are located inside the float, effectively preventing seawater or salt spray from corroding mechanical and electrical components, significantly extending the service life of the magnetic pendulum energy conversion components, and improving the reliability and safety of the wave energy device.

[0018] 2. This device innovatively applies a mover coil technology that uses a built-in pendulum to drive an arc-shaped generator. The relative motion between the mover coil and the permanent magnet track cuts magnetic induction lines, directly driving the arc-shaped permanent magnet generator to generate electricity. This design eliminates the intermediate energy conversion links such as mechanical or hydraulic systems commonly found in traditional wave energy devices, effectively reducing energy loss and lowering manufacturing costs.

[0019] 3. This device utilizes the relative rotational circular motion between the pendulum and the vertical column of the float, avoiding the problem of traditional oscillating floats where the relative motion amplitude exceeds the limits of the energy conversion components when encountering large waves. Therefore, its stability in harsh sea conditions is greatly improved. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a side view of the internal structure of a magnetic pendulum wave energy generation device according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a top view of the internal structure of a magnetic pendulum wave energy generation device according to the present invention. Figure 3 This invention comprises a mooring system for a magnetic pendulum wave energy generation device. Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the magnetic pendulum energy conversion component of a magnetic pendulum wave energy power generation device according to the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the movement of the energy conversion component during the oscillating operation of a magnetic pendulum wave energy power generation device according to the present invention; In the diagram: 1. Wave-absorbing float; 2. Ballast tank; 3. Equipment compartment; 4. Top cover; 5. Permanent magnet track; 6. Vertical column; 7. Mover coil; 8. Mover coil slot; 9. Swing arm; 10. Swing arm hinge ring; 11. Bearing; 12. Anchor point; 13. Anchor chain; 14. Anchor; 15. Power conversion system control cabinet; 16. Battery; 17. Sealed manhole cover; 18. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0022] Example 1

[0023] A magnetic pendulum wave energy generation device is ingeniously designed and mainly consists of several key components, including a wave-absorbing float 1, a ballast tank 2, an equipment compartment 3, a top sealing plate 4, a permanent magnet track 5, a vertical column 6, a mover coil 7, a mover coil slot 8, a pendulum arm 9, a pendulum ball 10, a pendulum arm hinge ring 11, a bearing 12, an anchor point 13, an anchor chain 14, an anchor 15, a power conversion system control cabinet 16, a battery 17, and a sealed manhole cover 18. This device is designed to efficiently utilize wave energy and convert it into electrical energy.

[0024] Specifically, the core component of this magnetic pendulum wave energy generation device is a cylindrical wave-absorbing buoy. A specially designed anchor point 13 is located at the bottom center of this buoy. This anchor point connects one end of an anchor chain 14, while the other end of the anchor chain is connected to an anchor 15. This design ensures the stability of the device on the sea surface, and the anchor chain and anchor also help to secure the device under adverse weather conditions.

[0025] The wave-absorbing buoy is designed in a cylindrical shape, with a sealing plate 4 at the top for enclosure. A watertight door is installed on the sealing plate, allowing access to the buoy's interior for maintenance and inspection. The lower layer of the cylindrical wave-absorbing buoy contains a ballast tank 2. By adjusting the ballast water or ballast weights, the buoy can achieve a set draft, ensuring its stability on the sea surface and optimal wave-absorbing performance.

[0026] Above the cylindrical wave-absorbing buoy, there is an equipment compartment 3, used to install the energy conversion mechanism of the wave energy device, as well as various electrical control and energy storage equipment. The energy conversion mechanism of the wave energy device mainly consists of a vertical column 6, a pendulum system, an arc-shaped permanent magnet generator, a power conversion system, and a battery. The vertical column is fixed in the middle of the compartment, with its two ends fixed to the top sealing plate and the bottom center of the wave-absorbing buoy, respectively, and moves synchronously with the movement of the wave-absorbing buoy.

[0027] The pendulum system consists of a pendulum arm 9 and a pendulum ball 10. One end of the pendulum arm is connected to a solid sphere, i.e., the pendulum ball, while the other end is fitted with a bearing 12, which is hinged to the vertical column 6. This design allows the pendulum ball to rotate around the vertical column, thereby effectively capturing the energy of the waves. The middle part of the pendulum arm is fixed to the arc-shaped permanent magnet generator mover coil 7. When the pendulum arm swings, it drives the arc-shaped permanent magnet generator mover coil to rotate.

[0028] To ensure the stability of the moving coil 7 during movement, a slot 8 is provided at its bottom, which engages with the stator permanent magnet track 5. The moving coil can slide on the permanent magnet track through the slot, avoiding the risk of the moving coil derailing. The permanent magnet track is circular and is located on the floor of the equipment compartment, providing a stable track for the movement of the moving coil.

[0029] The moving coil 7 is connected to the power conversion system control cabinet 16 via a cable. Through the rectifier and other modules of the power conversion system, the current direction of the arc-shaped generator is controlled, and the electrical energy generated by the arc-shaped permanent magnet generator is ultimately input into the storage battery 17 for storage. This design not only improves the efficiency of energy conversion but also ensures the effective storage of electrical energy, providing a guarantee for subsequent use of electrical energy.

[0030] Example 2

[0031] A magnetic pendulum wave energy generation device is uniquely designed and powerfully functional, comprising several key components such as a wave-absorbing float 1, a ballast tank 2, an equipment compartment 3, a left track 4, a permanent magnet track 5, a vertical column 6, a mover coil 7, a mover coil slot 8, a pendulum arm 9, a pendulum ball 10, a pendulum arm hinge ring 11, a bearing 12, an anchor point 13, an anchor chain 14, an anchor 15, a power conversion system control cabinet 16, a storage battery 17, and a sealed manhole cover 18.

[0032] First, let's examine the core component of this device in detail—the wave-absorbing buoy. It has an overall cylindrical shape, with a standard cylindrical upper section and a hemispherical lower section. This design allows the device to perform various movements such as pitching, rolling, and bowing under the influence of waves. The wave-absorbing buoy cleverly incorporates two compartments. The lower compartment, ballast tank 2, allows adjustment of the buoy's draft by adding ballast weights or water to achieve optimal wave energy absorption. The upper compartment, equipment tank 3, houses key equipment such as the magnetic pendulum energy conversion mechanism, power conversion system, and batteries.

[0033] This device employs electromagnetic direct drive to directly convert the mechanical energy of wave-driven buoy movement into electrical energy. To ensure successful power generation, the designers meticulously crafted a magnetic pendulum energy conversion principle. Inside the wave-absorbing buoy, a vertical column 6 is installed, its lower end welded to the lower end of the buoy, and its upper end welded to the top of the wave-absorbing buoy, ensuring that the column and the wave-absorbing buoy are integrated, avoiding relative motion. On the ground of the equipment compartment, a pendulum system is cleverly placed, consisting of a pendulum arm 9, a pendulum ball 10, and a pendulum arm hinge ring 11. One end of the pendulum arm is connected to the pendulum ball, and the other end is fitted with the pendulum arm hinge ring, inside which a bearing 12 is installed. The outer ring of the bearing fits tightly with the pendulum arm hinge ring, while the inner ring of the bearing is nested on the vertical column, ensuring a tight fit with the column. In the middle of the pendulum arm, a mover coil 7 is installed, positioned on a circular permanent magnet track 5 via a slot 8, allowing the mover coil to move only in a circular motion along the annular permanent magnet track.

[0034] When the device oscillates under the influence of waves, the pendulum system inside the wave-absorbing float will, due to gravity and inertia, perform circular motion around the vertical column on the equipment compartment floor, thereby driving the mover coil mounted on the pendulum arm to perform circular motion. As the mover coil moves along the track of the ring-shaped permanent magnet, it directly cuts the magnetic lines of force, generating an induced electromotive force due to electromagnetic induction. This directly converts the kinetic energy of the pendulum's motion into electrical energy, which is then input into the power conversion system via cables. Due to the reciprocating nature of the waves, the pendulum system also oscillates back and forth inside the wave-absorbing float, causing the direction of the current generated by the magnetic pendulum system to change accordingly. The power conversion system rectifies these currents and ultimately inputs the electrical energy into battery 17 for storage.

[0035] When the wave height is large, the swaying amplitude of the wave-absorbing buoy will also increase accordingly. At this time, the reciprocating angle of the pendulum inside the equipment compartment will also increase, but since the pendulum is in circular motion, there is no limit to its travel. The problem of device damage caused by the relative motion exceeding the limit travel in traditional oscillating floats will not occur in this device. Therefore, the reliability of this magnetic pendulum energy conversion mechanism will be greatly improved.

[0036] This magnetic pendulum wave energy generator is cylindrical in shape with a hemispherical base. An anchor point 13 is positioned at the center of the hemispherical base, allowing for significant pitch, roll, and yaw amplitudes under wave-driven motion. This design effectively increases the oscillation amplitude of the internal pendulum system, thereby increasing the speed of the mover coil and ultimately boosting power generation. In this way, the device efficiently converts wave energy into electrical energy, providing clean and renewable energy for our lives.

[0037] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A magnetic pendulum wave energy generator, comprising a wave-absorbing float, a ballast cabin and a device cabin are arranged in the wave-absorbing float, characterized in that, The ballast tank and equipment compartment are equipped with a swing-type power generation mechanism, which is mounted on the wave-absorbing buoy and converts the mechanical energy of the wave-absorbing buoy as it moves with the waves into electrical energy.

2. A magnetic pendulum wave energy device according to claim 1, characterised in that, The wave-absorbing buoy is generally cylindrical, with a standard cylindrical top and a hemispherical bottom. Under the action of waves, the device undergoes pitching, rolling, and bowing movements.

3. A magnetic pendulum wave energy device according to claim 2, characterised in that, The radar-absorbing buoy has two compartments inside: a ballast compartment at the bottom and an equipment compartment at the top. The ballast compartment uses ballast weights or water to make the radar-absorbing buoy reach the ideal draft. The equipment compartment is equipped with a magnetic pendulum energy conversion mechanism, a power conversion system, and a battery.

4. A magnetic pendulum wave energy converter according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that The swing-type power generation mechanism is an electromagnetic direct-drive mechanism that directly converts the mechanical energy of the wave-driven floating body into electrical energy.

5. A magnetic pendulum wave energy device according to claim 4, characterised in that, The radar absorber has a vertical column inside. The lower end of the column is welded to the lower end of the float, and the upper end is welded to the top of the radar absorber, so that the column and the radar absorber are integrated into one unit.

6. A magnetic pendulum wave energy device according to claim 5, characterised in that, The swing-type power generation mechanism includes a pendulum system, which is located on the bottom of the equipment compartment. The pendulum system consists of a swing arm, a pendulum ball, and a swing arm hinge ring. One end of the swing arm is connected to the pendulum ball, and the other end is provided with a swing arm hinge ring. A bearing is installed inside the swing arm hinge ring. The outer ring of the bearing is tightly fitted with the swing arm hinge ring, and the inner ring of the bearing is nested and installed on a vertical column.

7. A magnetic pendulum wave energy device according to claim 6, characterised in that, A moving coil is set in the middle of the swing arm. The moving coil is placed on the circular permanent magnet track through a slot, so that the moving coil can only move in a circle along the circular permanent magnet track.

8. A magnetic pendulum wave energy device according to claim 7, characterised in that, When the wave-absorbing buoy oscillates under the action of waves, the pendulum system moves in a circular motion around the vertical column, which drives the moving coil on the pendulum arm to move in a circular motion. The moving coil cuts the magnetic lines of force to generate an induced electromotive force, which converts the kinetic energy of the pendulum motion into electrical energy.

9. A magnetic pendulum wave energy device according to claim 8, characterised in that, When the wave height is large, the swaying amplitude of the wave-absorbing buoy increases, the reciprocating angle of the pendulum increases, and the pendulum has no limit on the stroke of its circular motion, thus improving the reliability of the magnetic pendulum energy conversion mechanism.

10. A magnetic pendulum wave energy device according to any of claims 5-9, characterised in that, The device is cylindrical in shape with a hemispherical bottom. An anchor point is set at the center of the bottom of the hemispherical bottom. Driven by waves, the device has large amplitudes of pitching, rolling, and yaw motion, which increases the swing amplitude of the pendulum system, increases the speed of the moving coil, and improves the power generation.