An omnidirectional self-powered buoy device and method

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of marine buoy technology and discloses an omnidirectional self-powered buoy device and method. It captures omnidirectional fluid kinetic energy through a radial array of hydrofoils arranged around a vertical axis. The water flow drives the hydrofoils to rotate the vertical axis, which in turn drives a power generation component to generate electricity. Simultaneously, the vibration of the hydrofoils is transmitted to piezoelectric elements through connecting rods and angle steel, causing them to deform and converting the mechanical energy of the vibration into electrical energy based on the piezoelectric effect. This device achieves efficient and stable energy capture under wide flow velocity ranges and different water depths, overcoming the shortcomings of traditional buoy power supply methods, such as environmental constraints, single energy sources, and narrow flow velocity adaptability. It significantly improves the reliability of long-term self-powered buoy operation, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances its survivability and equipment integration potential in complex sea conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of marine buoy technology, and particularly relates to an omnidirectional self-powered buoy device and method. Background Technology

[0002] As a core infrastructure in marine environmental monitoring and navigation safety assurance systems, ocean buoys are widely used in hydrological monitoring, meteorological observation, navigation marking, and marine environmental sensing. Their long-term, stable, and autonomous operation capabilities highly depend on a continuous and reliable energy supply system. Currently, the mainstream power supply methods for ocean buoys include disposable battery power, solar power, wind power, and ocean current power. Among these, ocean current energy, as the most widely distributed and highest energy density clean energy source in the ocean, possesses the outstanding advantages of being pollution-free, having large reserves, and being renewable, making it a marine energy form with significant development value. In recent years, with the rapid development of flow-induced vibration energy harvesting technology, the technical path of converting fluid kinetic energy into electrical energy by utilizing the vibration generated by fluid flowing through a structure has gradually become a research hotspot in the field of marine environmental energy capture, providing a new technological direction for ocean buoys to achieve long-term self-powering.

[0003] Existing buoy power supply systems and flow-induced vibration energy harvesting devices still have many shortcomings and deficiencies: First, all kinds of traditional power supply methods have obvious application limitations. Disposable batteries need to be replaced regularly, resulting in high operation and maintenance costs and poor long-term continuous operation capability. Solar power supply is significantly affected by sunlight conditions, and the stability of power supply in low light environment, at night, rainy weather, and high-latitude sea areas is difficult to guarantee. Wind power supply cannot output electricity stably in low wind speed and still water environment, and the supporting mechanical structure is complex and the installation and deployment requirements are high. Multi-energy complementary buoys need to integrate a variety of energy conversion components and complex mechanical structures, which greatly increases the system manufacturing cost and maintenance difficulty, and is not suitable for long-term unattended operation scenarios. Secondly, existing flow-induced vibration energy harvesting devices generally suffer from a single energy harvesting direction and vibration mode, resulting in low energy utilization in complex flow fields. Furthermore, they can only maintain high energy conversion efficiency within a narrow, specific flow velocity range. When the flow velocity is low or fluctuates significantly, the structural vibration amplitude and output power decrease substantially, failing to provide a continuous and stable power supply for the buoy. For example, the airfoil flutter piezoelectric-electromagnetic composite energy harvester disclosed in Chinese patent application CN118041126A relies solely on bending-torsional coupled flutter for energy harvesting, making it difficult to adapt to complex and variable flow field environments and insufficiently capable of capturing fluid kinetic energy, resulting in low overall energy conversion efficiency. In addition, conventional marine monitoring buoys are generally characterized by small size and simple structural design, limiting their overall power supply capacity and equipment carrying capacity. Their survivability and operational reliability under extreme sea conditions are insufficient, severely restricting the applicable scenarios and application scope of the buoys.

[0004] It is evident that existing buoys cannot achieve omnidirectional fluid energy harvesting or efficiently capture energy across different water depths and wide flow velocity ranges, making it difficult to meet the long-term, stable, and reliable self-powered operation requirements of marine buoys. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an omnidirectional self-powered buoy device and method. Using this buoy device, omnidirectional fluid energy harvesting can be achieved, and energy can be efficiently captured in different water depths and wide flow velocity ranges, thereby meeting the long-term, stable and reliable self-powered operation requirements of marine buoys.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical content: An omnidirectional self-powered buoy device includes a power generation component, a vertical shaft, hydrofoils, a connecting rod, a hinge shaft, a piezoelectric element, and an angle steel. The power generation component is connected to the vertical shaft drive, and an energy consumption unit is provided on the power generation component; an energy supply module is provided in the internal cavity of the power generation component for storing electrical energy and supplying power to the energy consumption unit. One end of the connecting rod is connected to the vertical shaft, and the other end is rotatably connected to the hydrofoil via a hinge shaft. Multiple hydrofoils are arranged in a radial array around a vertical axis in the circumferential direction. The piezoelectric element is fixedly connected to the hydrofoil and connecting rod respectively via angle steel; the piezoelectric element is also electrically connected to the power supply module; The hydrofoil can drive the vertical shaft to rotate under the action of water flow, thereby driving the power generation component to generate electricity; at the same time, it can drive the angle steel to move, so that the piezoelectric sheet will deform, and convert the vibration mechanical energy into electrical energy based on the piezoelectric effect.

[0007] Furthermore, the power generation component includes a buoy housing and a generator; the buoy housing and the generator are fixedly connected to form an integrated, continuous, sealed structure; The generator has a stator and a rotor inside; the stator is fixedly connected to the buoy shell; the rotor is fixedly connected to the vertical shaft coaxially; the power supply module is set in the internal cavity of the buoy shell and includes a rectification and voltage regulation unit, an energy storage unit and a control unit.

[0008] Furthermore, the leading edge of the hydrofoil is provided with a cylindrical shaft hole; the hinge shaft is fixedly installed at the end of the connecting rod; the hydrofoil is rotatably engaged with the hinge shaft through the cylindrical shaft hole, so that the hydrofoil can rotate horizontally around the hinge shaft to adaptively adjust the water-facing angle according to the direction of the incoming flow.

[0009] Furthermore, the angle steel includes two connecting branches, which are fixedly connected to the hydrofoil and the connecting rod respectively; the piezoelectric sheet is clamped between the two oppositely arranged connecting branches and is pressed and fixed by screws to form a swing limiting structure, which is used to limit the swing angle of the hydrofoil to a safe range.

[0010] Furthermore, the vertical shaft is arranged vertically along the center of the device and is coaxially arranged with the power generation component; the bottom end of the power generation component is provided with a bearing seat structure, the vertical shaft passes through the bearing seat and is supported and engaged by the bearing; the vertical shaft is provided with a limiting member, which abuts against the bearing to limit the axial movement of the vertical shaft.

[0011] Furthermore, the connecting rod and the vertical shaft are connected in a fixed or adjustable manner; The fixed connection is formed by integrating the connecting rod and the vertical shaft into one piece; The adjustable connection has multiple mounting positions along the vertical shaft, and the connecting rod is fixedly connected to different mounting positions of the vertical shaft by fasteners to adjust the arrangement height of the hydrofoil.

[0012] Furthermore, the energy-consuming unit includes an antenna and a sensor; the antenna is fixedly installed on the top of the power generation component for wireless signal transmission; the sensor is fixedly installed on the side wall of the power generation component for collecting aquatic environmental parameters and location information.

[0013] Furthermore, the included angle of the angle steel is in the range of 85°~95°; the height of the piezoelectric sheet is 0.15-0.3 times the chord length of the hydrofoil.

[0014] Furthermore, the hydrofoil adopts the NACA series airfoil; the piezoelectric sheet is made of piezoelectric ceramic material.

[0015] A method for operating an omnidirectional self-powered buoy device, based on the aforementioned omnidirectional self-powered buoy device, includes: The water flow generates alternating lift and drag after passing around the surface of the hydrofoil, which drives the hydrofoil to vibrate in a direction perpendicular to the water flow and rotates the vertical shaft, which in turn drives the power generation components to generate electricity, and the energy is stored by the power supply module. At the same time, the hydrofoil drives the angle steel to move, causing the piezoelectric sheet to deform. Based on the piezoelectric effect, the vibration mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy and transmitted to the power supply module.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention provides an omnidirectional self-powered buoy device. It captures omnidirectional fluid kinetic energy through a radial array of hydrofoils arranged around a vertical axis. Water flow drives the hydrofoils to rotate the vertical axis, which in turn drives a power generation component to produce electricity. Simultaneously, the vibration of the hydrofoils is transmitted to piezoelectric elements via connecting rods and angle steel, causing deformation and converting the mechanical energy of the vibration into electrical energy based on the piezoelectric effect. This device combines rotational power generation and piezoelectric power generation. Rotational power generation is suitable for higher flow velocity ranges, while piezoelectric power generation can effectively capture structural vibrations caused by low-speed water flow. The two complement each other, widening the effective operating flow velocity range. The omnidirectional hydrofoil layout adapts to varying flow field directions, enhancing energy capture capabilities in complex environments. This device achieves efficient and stable energy capture over a wide flow velocity range and at different water depths, overcoming the shortcomings of traditional buoy power supply methods, such as environmental constraints, single energy sources, and narrow flow velocity adaptability. It significantly improves the reliability of long-term self-powered buoys, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances their survivability and equipment integration potential in complex sea conditions.

[0017] This invention also provides a method for operating an omnidirectional self-powered buoy device. Based on the aforementioned omnidirectional self-powered buoy device, this method uses water flow to drive omnidirectionally arranged hydrofoils, causing them to vibrate perpendicular to the water flow direction and rotate a vertical shaft. The hydrofoil vibration, transmitted mechanically, deforms a piezoelectric element, efficiently converting low-frequency vibration mechanical energy into electrical energy based on the piezoelectric effect. Simultaneously, the rotational motion of the hydrofoil directly drives an electromagnetic power generation component, converting fluid kinetic energy at higher flow velocities into electrical energy. These two conversion mechanisms work synergistically; piezoelectric power generation effectively compensates for the insufficient power output of rotational power generation at low flow velocities, while rotational power generation provides stable output in higher flow velocity ranges, thus achieving energy capture over a wide flow velocity range. This method effectively overcomes the shortcomings of traditional energy harvesting devices, such as single direction and mode, and narrow flow velocity adaptability. Through multi-modal energy harvesting via vibration and rotation, it significantly improves energy utilization and power supply stability in complex flow field environments, providing a guarantee for the buoy to achieve long-term, reliable self-powered operation under varying sea conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an omnidirectional self-powered buoy device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the hydrofoil provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the piezoelectric component structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 The connection method between the connecting rod and the vertical shaft provided in the embodiment of the present invention; wherein (a) is a fixed connection; and (b) is an adjustable connection; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the buoy device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the working principle of the buoy device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of hydrofoil flow-induced vibration provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 The numerical simulation pressure distribution cloud map provided for the embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] Figure label: 1. Antenna; 2. Power generation assembly; 3. Sensor; 4. Vertical shaft; 5. Hydrofoil; 6. Connecting rod; 7. Hinge shaft; 8. Piezoelectric element; 9. Angle steel; 10. Screw. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects clearer, the following specific embodiments provide a further detailed description of the present invention. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0022] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0023] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0024] In conjunction with what was mentioned in the background technology.

[0025] To address the aforementioned issues, this embodiment provides an omnidirectional self-powered buoy device.

[0026] For example, such as Figure 1As shown, this embodiment provides an omnidirectional self-powered buoy device, including a power generation component 2, a vertical shaft 4, hydrofoils 5, a connecting rod 6, a hinge shaft 7, a piezoelectric element 8, and an angle steel 9. The power generation component 2 is drivenly connected to the vertical shaft 4. An energy-consuming unit is installed on the power generation component 2, and an energy supply module is installed in the internal cavity of the power generation component 2 to store electrical energy and supply power to the energy-consuming unit. One end of the connecting rod 6 is connected to the vertical shaft 4, and the other end is rotatably connected to the hydrofoil 5 via the hinge shaft 7. Multiple hydrofoils 5 are arranged radially around the vertical shaft 4 in a circumferential array. The piezoelectric element 8 is fixedly connected to the hydrofoils 5 and the connecting rod 6 via the angle steel 9, and is also electrically connected to the energy supply module. The hydrofoils 5 can drive the vertical shaft 4 to rotate under the action of water flow, thereby driving the power generation component 2 to generate electricity. Simultaneously, it drives the angle steel 9 to move, causing the piezoelectric element 8 to deform, converting vibrational mechanical energy into electrical energy based on the piezoelectric effect. The hydrofoil 5 is driven by the fluid thrust to rotate the vertical shaft 4, thereby achieving fluid-induced rotational power generation. Simultaneously, the hydrofoil 5 is subjected to vortex-induced vibration, which causes the piezoelectric element 8 to deform, thereby achieving fluid-induced vibrational power generation. Through the above structural design, this embodiment achieves dual-mode coordinated energy capture of fluid-induced rotation and fluid-induced vibration. Under the action of water flow, the hydrofoil 5 simultaneously generates rotational motion and vibrational deformation, which respectively drive the power generation component 2 and the piezoelectric element 8 to perform energy conversion. This significantly broadens the effective operating flow rate range of the device and improves the overall efficiency of fluid energy capture.

[0027] Specifically, the power generation component 2 includes a buoy shell 2-1 and a generator 2-2. The buoy shell 2-1 and the generator 2-2 are fixedly connected to form an integrated continuous sealed structure. The generator 2-2 has a stator and a rotor inside. The stator is fixedly connected to the buoy shell 2-1, and the rotor is coaxially fixedly connected to the vertical shaft 4. The power supply module is set in the internal cavity of the buoy shell 2-1, including a rectification and voltage regulation unit, an energy storage unit, and a control unit. The buoy shell 2-1 and the generator 2-2 can be connected by non-removable methods such as welding or bonding, or by detachable methods such as bolt fastening or threaded connection. In this embodiment, an integrated welded sealed structure is preferred. A continuous metal shell is formed by full annular welding, eliminating the need for additional sealing rings or gaskets. This simplifies the assembly process and fundamentally avoids the risk of leakage caused by the aging of seals, significantly improving the long-term operational reliability of the device in complex aquatic environments.

[0028] As another preferred embodiment, such as Figure 2As shown, the leading edge of the hydrofoil 5 has a cylindrical shaft hole, and the hinge shaft 7 is fixedly installed at the end of the connecting rod 6. The hydrofoil 5 rotates around the hinge shaft 7 through the cylindrical shaft hole, allowing it to adjust its angle of attack according to the direction of the incoming flow. This adaptive directional adjustment structure enables the hydrofoil 5 to automatically adjust to the optimal angle of attack under any incoming flow direction, achieving 360° omnidirectional fluid energy capture without external control. It is particularly suitable for natural water environments such as oceans and rivers with complex and variable flow directions, ensuring the stability of energy harvesting under complex flow field conditions.

[0029] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the angle steel 9 includes two connecting branches, which are fixedly connected to the hydrofoil 5 and the connecting rod 6, respectively. The piezoelectric plate 8 is clamped between the two oppositely arranged connecting branches and tightened by screws 10 to form a swing limiting structure, which is used to limit the swing angle of the hydrofoil 5 to within a safe range. The integrated design of the angle steel 9 and the piezoelectric plate 8 has a dual function. On the one hand, it captures vibration energy through the deformation of the piezoelectric plate 8. On the other hand, it uses the structural stiffness to mechanically limit the swing amplitude of the hydrofoil 5, preventing excessive swing amplitude of the hydrofoil 5 under high flow velocity and causing structural overload damage, thus achieving an organic unity of energy capture and protection.

[0030] Specifically, the vertical shaft 4 is arranged vertically along the center of the device and coaxially with the power generation component 2. The bottom end of the power generation component 2 is equipped with a bearing housing structure, and the vertical shaft 4 passes through the bearing housing and is supported by the bearing. The vertical shaft 4 is equipped with a limiting component, which abuts against the bearing to limit the axial movement of the vertical shaft 4. The coaxial arrangement and axial limiting structure of the vertical shaft 4 ensures high precision and high stability of the rotary transmission, effectively avoids axial movement and radial runout during rotation, reduces mechanical friction loss, and improves energy conversion efficiency and fatigue life of the transmission system.

[0031] As another preferred embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, specifically as follows Figure 4 As shown in (a) and (b), the connecting rod 6 and the vertical shaft 4 are connected by a fixed or adjustable connection. Figure 4 As shown in (a), the fixed connection is formed by integrating the connecting rod 6 and the vertical shaft 4; as Figure 4As shown in (b), the adjustable connection has multiple mounting positions along the axial direction of the vertical shaft 4. The connecting rod 6 is fixedly connected to different mounting positions of the vertical shaft 4 by fasteners. Specifically, an axial groove is provided along the axial direction on the circumferential surface of the vertical shaft 4, and the connecting rod 6 is installed in the middle of the vertical shaft 4, thereby adjusting the arrangement height of the hydrofoil 5. The dual-mode connection design provides a flexible configuration scheme for the device. The fixed connection has extremely high structural rigidity and fatigue resistance, and is suitable for high flow velocity and strong impact environments. The adjustable connection can flexibly adjust the spatial layout of the hydrofoil 5 according to different water depths and flow velocity conditions, realizing the adaptability of the device to various application scenarios.

[0032] For example Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the power-consuming unit includes an antenna 1 and a sensor 3. The antenna 1 is fixedly installed on the top of the power generation component 2 for wireless signal transmission, and the sensor 3 is fixedly installed on the side wall of the power generation component 2 for collecting aquatic environmental parameters and location information. The antenna 1's placement on the top of the device ensures the quality of wireless signal transmission, while the sensor 3's integration into the side wall of the power generation component 2 enables in-situ real-time monitoring of aquatic environmental parameters. Both are powered by the device's own captured electrical energy, eliminating the need for an external power source or periodic battery replacements, thus truly achieving long-term unattended operation of the buoy device.

[0033] Specifically, the included angle of angle steel 9 ranges from 85° to 95°, the height of piezoelectric plate 8 is 0.15-0.3 times the chord length of hydrofoil 5, hydrofoil 5 adopts NACA series airfoils, and piezoelectric plate 8 is made of piezoelectric ceramic material. Through optimized matching of structural parameters, the reasonable configuration of the included angle of angle steel 9 and the size of piezoelectric plate 8 ensures that piezoelectric plate 8 produces uniform and effective bending deformation during the vibration of hydrofoil 5. NACA series airfoils provide excellent hydrodynamic performance, piezoelectric ceramic material has high electromechanical conversion efficiency, and multi-parameter collaborative optimization maximizes energy harvesting performance.

[0034] For example, the airfoil 5 has an airfoil chord length of c, and the height h of the piezoelectric element 8 is 0.15~0.3c. In this embodiment, preferably, the angle steel 9 is an equilateral angle steel with θ=90° and h=0.18c.

[0035] Explained further, this embodiment also provides a method for operating an omnidirectional self-powered buoy device. Water flow around the surface of the hydrofoil 5 generates alternating lift and drag, driving the hydrofoil 5 to vibrate perpendicular to the water flow direction and rotating the vertical shaft 4. This drives the power generation component 2 to generate electricity, which is then stored in the power supply module. Simultaneously, the hydrofoil 5 moves the angle steel 9, causing the piezoelectric element 8 to deform. Based on the piezoelectric effect, the vibrational mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy and transmitted to the power supply module. This dual-path energy conversion method achieves synchronous capture of fluid energy at different frequency bands through the synergistic coupling of flow-induced rotation and flow-induced vibration. The generator 2-2 is responsible for low-frequency, high-torque energy conversion, while the piezoelectric element 8 is responsible for high-frequency, micro-vibration energy conversion. The two complement each other, covering a wide flow velocity range and significantly improving the overall energy capture efficiency.

[0036] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, Figure 5 The diagram shows the circumferential radial arrangement of the vertical axis 4, connecting rod 6, and hydrofoil 5, with the incoming flow direction marked. It also demonstrates two core motion modes of the hydrofoil 5: revolution around the vertical axis 4 (fluid-induced rotation) and rotation around the hinge axis (fluid-induced vibration and attitude adaptive adjustment), to illustrate the dual-mode cooperative energy harvesting principle of the device.

[0037] Figure 6 The diagram shows the complete energy conversion process from fluid input, through the vibration of hydrofoil 5 driving the deformation of piezoelectric sheet 8 (fluid-induced vibration energy harvesting) and the rotation of vertical shaft 4 (fluid-induced rotation energy harvesting), ultimately achieving energy harvesting and buoy self-powering.

[0038] Figure 7 The image shows the motion trajectory of the hydrofoil 5 under the impact of the incoming flow, which is reciprocating and oscillating, as well as the vortex structure that is alternately detached in the wake region, in order to explain the hydrodynamic mechanism of flow-induced vibration energy capture.

[0039] like Figure 8 As shown, under the condition of an inlet flow velocity of 4 m / s, a distinct positive pressure zone is formed on the upstream side of hydrofoil 5, while a continuous negative pressure zone is formed on the downstream side and near the trailing edge, indicating a significant difference in pressure distribution on both sides of hydrofoil 5. Assuming the density of water ρ = 1000 kg / m³... 3 Calculations show that the dynamic pressure at this flow velocity is approximately 8000 Pa. Considering the typical pressure coefficient difference ΔCp ≈ 2.0-2.5 across hydrofoil 5, the effective pressure difference on the surface of hydrofoil 5 can be estimated to be approximately 1.6 × 10⁻⁶ Pa. 4 -2.0×10 4 Pa. This pressure difference can provide a large driving torque and lateral vibration excitation for the hydrofoil 5. It can be seen that the hydrofoil 5 has obvious flow-induced rotation and flow-induced vibration response at this flow velocity, which is beneficial to improving the energy capture efficiency of the device.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment, the buoy shell 2-1 and the generator 2-2 are connected by welding. The top edge of the generator 2-2 shell abuts against the bottom edge of the buoy shell 2-1, and is rigidly fixed by full annular welding, forming an integrated continuous metal structure. This integrated welding process creates a continuous metal shell with a natural watertight seal, completely eliminating the sealing interface of traditional split assembly structures. This solves the leakage problem of underwater devices from a structural design perspective, providing reliable waterproof protection for internal electronic components.

[0041] In this embodiment, an annular limiting groove is formed on the vertical shaft 4 above the bearing housing, and a shaft elastic retaining ring is installed thereon. The bottom surface of the elastic retaining ring abuts against the top surface of the inner ring of the bearing, axially locking the vertical shaft 4 at a set height to prevent axial movement or detachment during rotation. Using a shaft elastic retaining ring for axial positioning results in a simple and compact structure, convenient installation and maintenance, and effective resistance to axial loads during rotation, ensuring that the vertical shaft 4 maintains a precise axial position throughout long-term reciprocating rotation.

[0042] Specifically, the connecting rods 6 are radially distributed at equal angles around the bottom of the vertical shaft 4. In this embodiment, three rods are used. One end of the connecting rod 6 is connected to the vertical shaft 4, and the other end is connected to the hydrofoil 5. The symmetrical arrangement of the multiple hydrofoils 5 in the circumference forms a balanced force structure, effectively counteracting the overturning moment generated by the fluid force on one side, improving the overall hydrodynamic stability of the device. At the same time, the coordinated operation of the multiple hydrofoils further increases the energy capture area and driving torque.

[0043] Explained in this way, the water flow acts on the hydrofoil 5, causing it to adaptively adjust its attitude. The fluid force is transmitted to the vertical shaft 4 via the connecting rod 6 and the hinge shaft 7, forming a continuous driving torque that drives the vertical shaft 4 to rotate. The vertical shaft 4 drives the rotor of the generator 2-2 to rotate relative to the stator through the coupling, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Simultaneously, the water flow around the surface of the hydrofoil 5 forms periodically alternating vortices in the wake, generating alternating lift and drag, driving the hydrofoil 5 to vibrate in a direction perpendicular to the water flow. The hydrofoil 5 drives the angle steel 9 to move synchronously, causing the piezoelectric sheet 8 to bend and deform repeatedly, using the positive piezoelectric effect to convert the vibrational mechanical energy into electrical energy. By utilizing the vortex-induced vibration mechanism in the flow-induced vibration phenomenon, the alternating fluid load generated by the vortex shedding in the wake of the hydrofoil 5 is converted into useful vibrational energy, realizing the recovery of micro-pulsating energy that cannot be effectively utilized by traditional rotating power generation devices, and further exploring the potential for the utilization of fluid energy.

[0044] In another preferred embodiment, the electrical energy generated by generator 2-2 and piezoelectric element 8 is collected by wires to the power supply module. It is first processed by a rectifier and voltage regulator circuit, then stored in a battery to power antenna 1, sensor 3, and internal circuitry. Antenna 1 enables wireless data transmission, and sensor 3 collects environmental parameters in real time and uploads them to external monitoring equipment for remote monitoring. The unified power management system centrally manages the electrical energy generated through these two energy harvesting paths. Through rectification, voltage regulation, and energy storage control, it ensures the stability and continuity of power supply to the load, achieving a complete closed loop of energy harvesting, storage, and utilization. This enables the buoy device to truly possess the independent operation capability of being fully self-powered.

[0045] In summary, the present invention provides an omnidirectional self-powered buoy device and method, which has the following advantages compared with existing buoy devices: First, it is fully self-powered, enabling long-term unattended operation and significantly reducing maintenance costs. Addressing the shortcomings of traditional buoys that rely on batteries, solar energy, or wind power, resulting in unstable power supply and frequent maintenance, this device directly captures the natural kinetic energy of water flow and converts it into electrical energy. It requires no external power source or periodic battery replacements and can be deployed long-term in various water bodies such as oceans and rivers. Leveraging its purely natural energy source, the device can operate continuously and stably with extremely low maintenance requirements, fundamentally solving the problems of high maintenance costs and the inability to operate unattended for extended periods associated with traditional buoys.

[0046] Second, omnidirectional adaptive energy capture adapts to complex flow fields and has a wider range of applications: To address the shortcomings of existing technologies that can only harvest energy in a single direction or mode and have low capture efficiency in complex flow fields, this invention adopts a circumferential radial hydrofoil array to achieve 360° omnidirectional energy capture. With the help of the hinged shaft rotation structure, the hydrofoil can automatically adjust its water-facing attitude according to the direction and velocity of the incoming flow, maintaining the optimal energy capture state under different flow directions, water depths, and flow velocities, greatly improving energy harvesting efficiency and breaking through the limitations of traditional devices on the direction of the flow field.

[0047] Third, the dual-mode energy harvesting of vibration and rotation enables efficient operation across wide flow rates, solving the problem of low-flow-rate start-up: To address the shortcomings of existing devices that rely solely on flow-induced vibration for energy harvesting, are only highly efficient in narrow flow velocity ranges, and fail to start at low flow velocities, this invention innovatively integrates a dual energy harvesting mechanism of flow-induced rotation and flow-induced vibration: at medium to high flow velocities, flow-induced rotation outputs stable electrical energy, while at low flow velocities or in unsteady flow fields, flow-induced vibration achieves efficient energy harvesting, with the two mechanisms working in synergy and coupling. This design endows the device with excellent low-speed start-up performance, maintains a high energy harvesting coefficient across a wide flow velocity gradient, achieves broadband energy harvesting under all operating conditions, and completely solves the pain point of traditional devices' inability to operate in weak flow fields.

[0048] Fourth, reliable sealing and robust structure significantly improve stability and service life under extreme environments: Addressing the shortcomings of traditional buoys, such as easy seal failure, poor structural impact resistance, and susceptibility to damage in extreme sea conditions, this device adopts an integrated welded sealing structure for the buoy shell and generator, eliminating easily aging seals and ensuring longer-lasting underwater sealing. Simultaneously, a hydrofoil oscillation limiting structure is formed by combining piezoelectric elements and angle steel, precisely limiting the hydrofoil's oscillation range and preventing excessive oscillation from causing structural damage. The device boasts high overall mechanical strength, fatigue resistance, and resistance to water flow impact, enabling long-term stable operation in deep water, high current velocities, and extreme sea conditions, significantly improving its service life and operational reliability.

[0049] Fifth, it integrates energy harvesting and power generation with environmental monitoring, boasting high functional integration and a wider range of application scenarios: Addressing the limitations of traditional buoys in terms of limited functionality and carrying capacity, this device achieves efficient fluid kinetic energy harvesting while incorporating sensors and antenna modules. It can monitor environmental parameters such as water flow, temperature, and water quality in real time, and perform wireless data transmission and remote monitoring. The device deeply integrates self-powered operation with environmental monitoring, enabling long-term water monitoring without additional power. It can be widely applied in various fields such as marine exploration, river monitoring, and environmental protection, significantly expanding the application scope and practical value of buoys.

[0050] The above embodiments are merely one of the implementation methods for achieving the technical solution of the present invention. The scope of protection claimed by the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, but also includes any variations, substitutions and other implementation methods that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention.

Claims

1. An omnidirectional self-powered buoy device, characterized in that, It includes a power generation component (2), a vertical shaft (4), a hydrofoil (5), a connecting rod (6), a hinge shaft (7), a piezoelectric sheet (8), and an angle steel (9); The power generation component (2) is connected to the vertical shaft (4) for transmission, and an energy consumption unit is provided on the power generation component (2); an energy supply module is provided in the internal cavity of the power generation component (2) for storing electrical energy and supplying power to the energy consumption unit; One end of the connecting rod (6) is connected to the vertical shaft (4), and the other end is rotatably connected to the hydrofoil (5) through the hinge shaft (7); Multiple hydrofoils (5) are arranged in a radial array around the vertical axis (4) in the circumferential direction; The piezoelectric sheet (8) is fixedly connected to the hydrofoil (5) and the connecting rod (6) respectively by angle steel (9); the piezoelectric sheet (8) is also electrically connected to the power supply module; The hydrofoil (5) can drive the vertical shaft (4) to rotate under the action of water flow, so as to drive the power generation component (2) to generate electricity; at the same time, it drives the angle steel (9) to move, so that the piezoelectric sheet (8) will deform, and the vibration mechanical energy will be converted into electrical energy based on the piezoelectric effect.

2. The omnidirectional self-powered buoy device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power generation component (2) includes a buoy shell (2-1) and a generator (2-2); the buoy shell (2-1) and the generator (2-2) are fixedly connected to form an integrated continuous sealed structure; The generator (2-2) is equipped with a stator and a rotor inside; the stator is fixedly connected to the buoy shell (2-1); the rotor is fixedly connected to the vertical shaft (4) on the same axis; the power supply module is set in the internal cavity of the buoy shell (2-1) and includes a rectification and voltage regulation unit, an energy storage unit and a control unit.

3. The omnidirectional self-powered buoy device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrofoil (5) has a cylindrical shaft hole at its leading edge; the hinge shaft (7) is fixedly installed at the end of the connecting rod (6); the hydrofoil (5) rotates with the hinge shaft (7) through the cylindrical shaft hole, so that the hydrofoil (5) can rotate horizontally around the hinge shaft (7) to adaptively adjust the water-facing angle according to the direction of the incoming flow.

4. An omnidirectional self-powered buoy device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle steel (9) includes two connecting branches, which are fixedly connected to the hydrofoil (5) and the connecting rod (6) respectively. The piezoelectric sheet (8) is clamped between the two oppositely arranged connecting branches and is pressed and fixed by screws (10) to form a swing limiting structure, which is used to limit the swing angle of the hydrofoil (5) to be within a safe range.

5. An omnidirectional self-powered buoy device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vertical shaft (4) is arranged vertically along the center of the device and is coaxially set with the power generation component (2); the bottom end of the power generation component (2) is provided with a bearing seat structure, the vertical shaft (4) passes through the bearing seat and is supported by the bearing; the vertical shaft (4) is provided with a limiting member, which abuts against the bearing to limit the axial movement of the vertical shaft (4).

6. An omnidirectional self-powered buoy device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting rod (6) and the vertical shaft (4) are connected in a fixed or adjustable manner; The fixed connection is formed by the connecting rod (6) and the vertical shaft (4) as an integral part; The adjustable connection is that the vertical shaft (4) has multiple mounting positions along the axial direction, and the connecting rod (6) is fixedly connected to different mounting positions of the vertical shaft (4) by fasteners to adjust the arrangement height of the hydrofoil (5).

7. An omnidirectional self-powered buoy device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy-consuming unit includes an antenna (1) and a sensor (3); the antenna (1) is fixedly installed on the top of the power generation component (2) for wireless signal transmission; the sensor (3) is fixedly installed on the side wall of the power generation component (2) for collecting aquatic environmental parameters and location information.

8. An omnidirectional self-powered buoy device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The included angle of the angle steel (9) is 85°~95°; the height of the piezoelectric sheet (8) is 0.15-0.3 times the chord length of the hydrofoil (5).

9. An omnidirectional self-powered buoy device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrofoil (5) adopts the NACA series airfoil; the piezoelectric sheet (8) is made of piezoelectric ceramic material.

10. A method for operating an omnidirectional self-powered buoy device, based on the omnidirectional self-powered buoy device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, include: The water flow generates alternating lift and drag after passing around the surface of the hydrofoil (5), which drives the hydrofoil (5) to vibrate in a direction perpendicular to the water flow and drives the vertical shaft (4) to rotate, which drives the power generation component (2) to generate electricity, and the power supply module stores the electrical energy. At the same time, the hydrofoil (5) drives the angle steel (9) to move, causing the piezoelectric sheet (8) to deform. Based on the piezoelectric effect, the vibration mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy and transmitted to the power supply module.

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