Fan blade type friction nanometer generator based on seabed ocean current energy

By designing a fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator powered by ocean currents, the problem of low efficiency in low-to-medium speed ocean current environments was solved. Stable operation and efficient energy utilization were achieved in the high-pressure environment of the deep sea, reducing transmission resistance and improving the ease of equipment maintenance.

CN223938172UActive Publication Date: 2026-02-24INNER MONGOLIA UNIV OF TECH
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520870565.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-05-06
Publication Date
2026-02-24
Estimated Expiration
2035-05-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional marine energy conversion devices are inefficient in low-to-medium speed ocean current environments and are difficult to maintain in the seabed environment.

Method used

A fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy was designed. It adopts separate power generation chamber and blade chamber, uses magnetic coupling components for transmission, and combines a flow guide and a flow deflector to improve water flow utilization. It also adopts a flexible triboelectric generator to reduce mechanical losses.

Benefits of technology

It achieves stable operation in the high-pressure environment of the deep sea, improves the utilization rate of ocean current energy, reduces transmission resistance, adapts to medium and low velocity ocean currents, and does not require dynamic sealing structures, thus enhancing the maintainability of the equipment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a fan blade type friction nanometer generator based on seabed ocean current energy, which comprises a shell, fan blades and a friction generator, a power generation cavity and a blade cavity are respectively arranged at two ends in the shell, the power generation cavity and the blade cavity are two mutually independent cavities, the fan blades are rotatably arranged in the blade cavity, the friction generator is arranged in the power generation cavity, and the friction generator is arranged in the friction generator. The fan blades and the friction generator are coaxially arranged and are in transmission connection through the magnetic coupling part; a water flow channel is formed in the shell, a flow guide cover is arranged in front of the fan blades, and water flow enters the water flow channel through the flow guide cover and pushes the fan blades to rotate. By arranging the power generation cavity and the blade cavity which are isolated from each other, the power generation component and the driving component are installed separately, transmission is conducted through the magnetic coupling component, a dynamic sealing structural part does not need to be installed, and the power generation component can be independently installed in the power generation cavity in a sealed mode; and meanwhile, as no dynamic sealing structural member is arranged, the transmission resistance is greatly reduced, and the mechanical loss is reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of submarine ocean current power generation technology. Specifically, it is a fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on submarine ocean current energy. Background Technology

[0002] Ocean current energy, as a widely distributed and renewable clean energy source, has enormous development potential. Undersea currents typically have a velocity of 0.2-2.5 m / s. In low-to-medium speed current environments, traditional ocean energy conversion devices suffer from low efficiency and are difficult to maintain in the seabed environment. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on seabed current energy to improve the utilization rate of ocean currents.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy, comprising a shell, a fan blade, and a triboelectric generator. The shell has a power generation chamber and a blade chamber at both ends, which are two independent chambers. The fan blade is rotatably disposed within the blade chamber, and the triboelectric generator is installed within the power generation chamber. The fan blade and the triboelectric generator are coaxially arranged and connected by a magnetic coupling component. A water flow channel is provided on the shell, and a flow guide is provided in front of the fan blade. Water flows through the flow guide and enters the water flow channel, driving the fan blade to rotate.

[0005] The aforementioned fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy has a water flow channel coaxially positioned at the center of the outer shell, a power generation chamber arranged in an annular sealed chamber around the water flow channel, a flow guide shroud mounted on the front end of the outer shell, and the outlet end of the flow guide shroud facing the fan blade.

[0006] The aforementioned fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy has a bushing coaxially arranged inside the water flow channel. The bushing is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the water flow channel through a support plate, and the central axis of the fan blade is rotatably engaged with the bushing.

[0007] The aforementioned fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy has a fan blade whose edge extends toward the edge of the blade cavity, and one disk of the magnetic coupling component is mounted on the edge of the fan blade; the other disk of the magnetic coupling component is mounted on the triboelectric generator.

[0008] The aforementioned fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy has a support frame detachably connected to its outer shell via connecting components; a flow guide tube is fitted onto the fan blade, and the free end of the fan blade is attached to the inner wall of the flow guide tube.

[0009] The aforementioned fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy has a conical shroud. The large-diameter end of the shroud is positioned away from the fan blade, while the small-diameter end of the shroud faces the fan blade. Furthermore, the end face of the small-diameter end of the shroud is aligned with and close to the front end of the diversion tube.

[0010] The aforementioned fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy has a guide plate on the inner wall of the guide shroud. The first end of the guide plate extends toward the large-diameter end of the guide shroud, and the second end of the guide plate extends toward the small-diameter end of the guide shroud. The guide plate gradually tilts toward the rotation direction of the fan blade from the first end to the second end.

[0011] The aforementioned fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy includes an outer shell comprising an annular baffle, an outer cover, and an inner cylinder. The outer cover and the inner cylinder are coaxially arranged, and the annular baffle is fixedly connected between the outer cover and the inner cylinder. A rear end shell is sealed to the rear end of the outer cover. One end of the inner cylinder is flush with the end of the annular baffle, and the other end of the inner cylinder is sealed to the rear end shell. The annular space between the outer cover, the annular baffle, the inner cylinder, and the rear end shell serves as a power generation chamber.

[0012] The aforementioned fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy includes a friction ring, a PVDF fiber membrane, and an electrode ring. The friction ring is rotatably fitted onto the inner cylinder. A limiting ring is attached to the inner cylinder and fits against the annular baffle. The friction ring is in contact with the limiting ring. A magnetic ring of the magnetic coupling component is mounted on the friction ring. The electrode ring is fixed to the inner cylinder. A PVDF fiber membrane is attached between the electrode ring and the friction ring. The PVDF fiber membrane is attached and fixed to the surface of the electrode ring. The friction ring is in contact with the PVDF fiber membrane.

[0013] The aforementioned fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy has a front end shell sealed to the front end of the outer casing, a flow guide is installed on the front end of the front end shell, the space inside the front end shell is a blade cavity, and the water flow channel passes through the blade cavity.

[0014] The technical solution of this utility model has achieved the following beneficial technical effects:

[0015] By setting up mutually isolated generator chambers and blade chambers, the generator and drive components are installed separately and driven by magnetic coupling components. There is no need to install dynamic sealing structures. The generator component can be sealed and installed in the generator chamber alone, completely eliminating the problem of water leakage and achieving stable operation in the 45MPa deep-sea high-pressure environment. At the same time, due to the absence of dynamic sealing structures, the transmission resistance is greatly reduced, reducing mechanical losses. Combined with a triboelectric generator with a flexible friction layer, it is more sensitive to ocean currents with medium and low velocities. In addition, the use of a ring triboelectric generator eliminates the obstruction of the drive generator behind the fan blades, making the water flow smoother and improving the utilization rate of ocean current energy.

[0016] By using a flow guide, water is guided into and impacts the fan blades, gradually increasing the water flow velocity and achieving an acceleration effect, which facilitates the driving of the fan blades. By wrapping a flow guide tube around the fan blades, the water flow is guided to only contact the fan blades, preventing the water flow from dispersing to the surroundings and further improving the energy conversion rate of the ocean current. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 A cross-sectional three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 Three-dimensional assembly drawing of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the fan blade of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the outer cover of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 6 A front view of the structure of the air guide cover of this utility model.

[0023] The reference numerals in the figure are as follows: 1-outer shell; 11-annular baffle; 12-outer cover; 13-rear end shell; 14-support plate; 15-shaft sleeve; 16-inner cylinder; 17-limiting retaining ring; 18-front end shell; 2-generator chamber; 3-blade chamber; 4-fan blade; 41-drainage tube; 5-triboelectric generator; 51-friction ring; 52-PVDF fiber membrane ring; 53-electrode ring; 6-guide shroud; 7-support frame; 8-magnetic coupling component; 9-water flow channel. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy in this embodiment, such as Figure 1-2As shown, the device includes a housing 1, a fan blade 4, and a triboelectric generator 5. The housing 1 has a generator chamber 2 and a blade chamber 3 at its two ends, which are two independent chambers. The fan blade 4 is rotatably mounted within the blade chamber 3, and the triboelectric generator 5 is installed within the generator chamber 2. The fan blade 4 and the triboelectric generator 5 are coaxially arranged and connected via a magnetic coupling component 8. A water flow channel 9 is provided on the housing 1, and a guide shroud 6 is provided in front of the fan blade 4. Water flows through the guide shroud 6 into the water flow channel 9 and drives the fan blade 4 to rotate.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, the outer casing 1 includes an annular baffle 11, an outer cover 12, and an inner cylinder 16. The outer cover 12 and the inner cylinder 16 are coaxially arranged. The annular baffle 11 is fixedly connected between the outer cover 12 and the inner cylinder 16. A rear end shell 13 is sealed to the rear end of the outer cover 12. One end of the inner cylinder 16 is flush with the end of the annular baffle 11, and the other end of the inner cylinder 16 is sealed to the rear end shell 13. The annular space between the outer cover 12, the annular baffle 11, the inner cylinder 16, and the rear end shell 13 is the power generation chamber 2. Water flows through the inner cylinder 16, forming part of the water flow channel 9.

[0026] like Figure 3 As shown, a front end shell 18 is sealed to the front end of the outer cover 12, and a flow guide 6 is installed on the front end of the front end shell 18. The space inside the front end shell 18 is the blade cavity 3, and the water flow channel 9 passes through the blade cavity 3.

[0027] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, the water flow channel 9 is coaxially arranged inside the outer shell 1, and the power generation chamber 2 is arranged around the water flow channel 9 to form an annular sealed chamber; a bushing 15 is coaxially arranged inside the inner cylinder 16, and the bushing 15 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the inner cylinder 16 through the support plate 14; the central axis of the fan blade 4 is rotatably engaged with the bushing 15; a diversion tube 41 is fitted on the fan blade 4, and the free end of the fan blade is in contact with the inner wall of the diversion tube 41.

[0028] like Figure 2-3 As shown, the flow guide 6 is installed on the front end of the front end shell 18, and the outlet end of the flow guide 6 faces the fan blade 4. The flow guide 6 is conical. The large diameter end of the flow guide 6 faces away from the fan blade 4 and towards the water flow, while the small diameter end of the flow guide 6 faces the fan blade 4. The end face of the small diameter end of the flow guide 6 is aligned with the front end of the diversion tube 41 and close to each other. The flow guide 6 and the diversion tube 41 form another part of the water flow channel 9.

[0029] like Figure 2-3As shown, the edge of the fan blade 4 extends toward the edge of the blade cavity 3. One disk of the magnetic coupling component 8 is mounted on the edge of the fan blade 4. The other disk of the magnetic coupling component 8 is mounted on the triboelectric generator 5. When the fan blade 4 rotates, it synchronously drives one disk to rotate. Under the action of magnetic force, one disk drives the other disk to rotate, thereby driving the triboelectric generator 5.

[0030] like Figure 6 As shown, guide plates are provided on the inner wall of the guide shield 6. The first end of the guide plate extends towards the large-diameter end of the guide shield 6, and the second end extends towards the small-diameter end of the guide shield 6. The guide plates gradually tilt towards the rotation direction of the fan blade 4 from the first end to the second end. A portion of the water flow adhering to the surface of the guide shield 6 is guided by the tilted guide plates and flows out through the outlet of the guide shield 6. When it impacts the edge of the fan blade 4, this portion of the water flow has a certain angle, making it more perpendicular to the surface of the fan blade 4, and the thrust is more direct. Furthermore, because the distance between adjacent guide plates gradually decreases, the water flow between the guide plates is accelerated, and the impact is stronger.

[0031] like Figure 2-3 As shown, the triboelectric generator 5 includes a friction ring 51, a PVDF fiber membrane layer 52, and an electrode ring 53. The friction ring 51 is rotatably fitted onto the inner cylinder 16. A limit ring 17 is provided on the inner cylinder 16 in contact with the annular baffle 11. The friction ring 51 is in contact with the limit ring 17. A magnetic ring of the magnetic coupling component 8 is installed on the friction ring 51. The electrode ring 53 is fixed on the inner cylinder 16. A PVDF fiber membrane layer 52 is provided between the electrode ring 53 and the friction ring 51. The PVDF fiber membrane layer 52 is attached and fixed to the surface of the electrode ring 53. There is a gap between the friction ring 51 and the PVDF fiber membrane layer 52. The surface of the friction ring 51 is made of rabbit hair and contacts the PVDF fiber membrane layer 52. Electricity is generated during friction. The friction ring 51 is made of rabbit hair material. The core of the triboelectric generator 5 consists only of the friction layer and electrodes, resulting in a lightweight structure with fewer components. Based on the triboelectric effect, it is sensitive to low-frequency mechanical energy, such as slowly rotating fan blades, and can directly convert micro-mechanical vibrations or low-speed rotations into electrical energy. It can capture energy in multiple directions, making it suitable for the natural characteristics of ocean currents. The electrodes are the core components, mainly undertaking multiple functions of charge collection, transmission, and energy conversion. They are in contact with the rabbit hair [friction ring 51] and are responsible for capturing the static charge generated on the material surface during friction. The potential difference generated when the friction ring 51 separates drives the flow of electrons, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and efficiently conducting it to the external circuit to form a closed loop, realizing the continuous conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy. The surfaces of the friction ring 51 and the electrode ring 53 adopt a fan-blade design, which can improve the charge separation efficiency through a multi-electrode layout. The positive and negative motor materials are arranged alternately and come into contact with rotation. The working principle of this part is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0032] Based on the coupling mechanism of triboelectric effect and mechanical transmission, ocean currents drive the fan blade 4 to rotate, transferring mechanical energy to the internal triboelectric generator 5 via magnetic transmission. The rotational motion causes the two sets of friction materials to periodically contact and separate. Due to frictional charging, the two dielectrics acquire opposite charges upon surface contact. Lateral polarization is generated along the sliding direction, driving the electron flow between the top and bottom electrodes to balance the electric field generated by the triboelectric charge. Alternating current (AC) output is generated from the periodic sliding and closing alternating current. The electrodes capture free electrons during the separation process, and a stable direct current (DC) is output through a rectifier circuit and stored in the energy storage device.

[0033] Fan blade 4 uses six blades, each with a 60° angle, a radius of 58cm, and a height of 25cm, making it adaptable to low to medium flow velocities. The surface is covered with a nano-hydrophobic coating to reduce marine organism adhesion.

[0034] Set V ∞ Let V be the velocity of the water flow at infinity, V1 be the axial velocity of the water flow after the impeller's action, and V2 be the velocity of the downstream water flow. According to eddy flow theory, the pressure difference in the liquid flow before and after the impeller's impact on the water flow can be defined as the eddy flow effect. Typically, circumferential and axial guiding factors are introduced into the eddy flow effect to characterize its influence on the water flow. Based on this, an axial induction factor 'a' is introduced to describe the impeller's blocking effect on the water flow, leading to the corresponding formula:

[0035]

[0036] Adding the induction a' describes the specific induction mechanism, and the specific formula is:

[0037]

[0038] Where ω corresponds to the angular velocity of the seawater flow in the plane of impeller rotation, and Ω corresponds to the angular velocity of the impeller during rotation.

[0039] Applying various media to the blade generates a driving torque, which in turn affects the blade's formation response. During blade rotation, the axial and tangential speeds differ at different locations. Therefore, a small ring with a diameter of dr is cut off at radius r for subsequent analysis and calculations.

[0040] After the ocean current passes through the blade, the actual circumferential parameter changes from the initial 0 to 2a'Ωr. According to the relevant theory of the angular momentum theorem, the actual velocity of the medium affects the torque at this location, where the torque is equivalent to the rate of change of the water flow's angular momentum. This relationship can be expressed by the following formula:

[0041] dT=dm×Vt×r=ρ(2πrdr)V×2a′Ωr×r=4πr3ρV∞Ωa′(1-a)dr

[0042] By applying the momentum equation function to the miniature ring, the definition of the axial force is derived as F:

[0043]

[0044] Integrating the torque acting on each element of the blade yields the torque applied to the blade as follows:

[0045]

[0046] The power of a blade is equal to the product of its angular velocity and its torque.

[0047]

[0048] The tip speed ratio λ0 and the speed ratio parameter λ at radial position r are defined as follows:

[0049]

[0050] The energy capture efficiency (CP) is:

[0051]

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, a support frame 7 is detachably connected to the outer casing 1 via a connecting component. Specifically, sleeves are provided on both sides of the outer casing 1, and the ends of the support frame 7 are inserted into the sleeves. The sleeves are equipped with an electrically controlled locking structure for fixing the support frame 7. When maintenance is required, since the generator chamber 2 is hollow, the generator itself can float. The generator can be unlocked by the remote control electrical control structure to float.

[0053] Installation steps: Use sonar to detect the direction and speed of ocean currents, ensuring a current velocity ≥ 0.3 m / s. Adjust the blade tilt angle according to the current velocity; use a larger tilt angle for low-speed environments and a smaller tilt angle for high-speed environments. Secure the equipment with anchor piles, keeping the blades facing the ocean current direction. Check the blade integrity and coating peeling every 3 months. In case of typhoons or large waves, the blades can be remotely unlocked and released via an electronic control mechanism, allowing the blades to float to a safe location.

[0054] After application, it can provide auxiliary power for offshore wind power platforms and oil drilling rigs. It can power hydrological sensors, buoys, and seabed seismometers for extended periods. It supports charging stations for underwater robots (AUV / ROV) and manned submersibles. It provides off-grid power for coral reef monitoring systems and mangrove ecosystem stations. It supplies energy to underwater listening arrays and ocean turbulence research equipment. It can also power electrolytic hydrogen production or reverse osmosis systems on remote islands.

[0055] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of the claims of this patent application.

Claims

1. A fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy, characterized in that, The device includes a housing (1), a fan blade (4), and a triboelectric generator (5). The housing (1) has a power generation chamber (2) and a blade chamber (3) at its two ends. The power generation chamber (2) and the blade chamber (3) are two independent chambers. The fan blade (4) is rotatably disposed in the blade chamber (3). The triboelectric generator (5) is installed in the power generation chamber (2). The fan blade (4) and the triboelectric generator (5) are coaxially arranged. The fan blade (4) and the triboelectric generator (5) are connected by a magnetic coupling component (8). The housing (1) has a water flow channel (9). A guide shroud (6) is provided in front of the fan blade (4). Water flows through the guide shroud (6) into the water flow channel (9) and drives the fan blade (4) to rotate.

2. The fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water flow channel (9) is coaxially arranged at the center of the outer shell (1), the power generation chamber (2) is arranged in an annular sealed chamber around the water flow channel (9), the guide shroud (6) is installed on the front end of the outer shell (1), and the outlet end of the guide shroud (6) is directly opposite the fan blade (4).

3. The fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy according to claim 2, characterized in that, A bushing (15) is coaxially arranged inside the water flow channel (9). The bushing (15) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the water flow channel (9) through a support plate (14). The central axis of the fan blade (4) is rotatably engaged with the bushing (15).

4. The fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy according to claim 3, characterized in that, The edge of the fan blade (4) extends toward the edge of the blade cavity (3), and one disk of the magnetic coupling component (8) is mounted on the edge of the fan blade (4); the other disk of the magnetic coupling component (8) is mounted on the triboelectric generator (5).

5. The fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy according to claim 1, characterized in that, A support frame (7) is detachably connected to the outer shell (1) via a connecting component; a flow guide tube (41) is fitted onto the fan blade (4), and the free end of the fan blade is in contact with the inner wall of the flow guide tube (41).

6. The fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy according to claim 5, characterized in that, The flow guide (6) is conical. The large diameter end of the flow guide (6) is set away from the fan blade (4), and the small diameter end of the flow guide (6) is set towards the fan blade (4). The end face of the small diameter end of the flow guide (6) is aligned with the front end of the flow guide tube (41) and close to each other.

7. The fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy according to claim 6, characterized in that, A guide plate is provided on the inner wall surface of the guide shroud (6). The first end of the guide plate extends toward the large diameter end of the guide shroud (6), and the second end of the guide plate extends toward the small diameter end of the guide shroud (6). The guide plate gradually tilts toward the rotation direction of the fan blade (4) from the first end to the second end.

8. The fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer casing (1) includes an annular baffle (11), an outer cover (12), and an inner cylinder (16). The outer cover (12) and the inner cylinder (16) are coaxially arranged. The annular baffle (11) is fixedly connected between the outer cover (12) and the inner cylinder (16). A rear end shell (13) is sealed and fitted on the rear end of the outer cover (12). One end of the inner cylinder (16) is flush with the end of the annular baffle (11). The other end of the inner cylinder (16) is sealed and connected to the rear end shell (13). The annular space between the outer cover (12), the annular baffle (11), the inner cylinder (16), and the rear end shell (13) is a power generation chamber (2).

9. The fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy according to claim 8, characterized in that, The triboelectric generator (5) includes a friction ring (51), a PVDF fiber membrane (52), and an electrode ring (53). The friction ring (51) is rotatably fitted on the inner cylinder (16). A limiting ring (17) is provided on the inner cylinder (16) in contact with the annular baffle (11). The friction ring (51) is in contact with the limiting ring (17). A magnetic ring of the magnetic coupling component (8) is installed on the friction ring (51). The electrode ring (53) is fixed on the inner cylinder (16). A PVDF fiber membrane (52) is provided between the electrode ring (53) and the friction ring (51). The PVDF fiber membrane (52) is attached and fixed to the surface of the electrode ring (53). The friction ring (51) is in contact with the PVDF fiber membrane (52).

10. The fan-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator based on ocean current energy according to claim 8, characterized in that, The front end of the outer cover (12) is sealed with a front end shell (18), the flow guide (6) is installed on the front end of the front end shell (18), the space inside the front end shell (18) is a blade cavity (3), and the water flow channel (9) passes through the blade cavity (3).