Ocean current energy collection power generation device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of ocean power generation, and discloses an ocean current energy collection power generation device which solves the problems that in the prior art, an ocean current energy collection device is low in efficiency and low in power generation power, and the ocean current energy collection power generation device comprises a center column and a cylinder rotationally arranged on the outer wall of the center column in a sleeving mode. The cylinder and the first transmission shaft are in transmission through a transmission mechanism, blades are fixed to the ends, extending out of the second cavity, of the transmission shafts, balancers are fixed to the ends, extending into the second cavity, of the transmission shafts, and the balancers are perpendicular to the blades. The balancer is connected with a power mechanism used for driving the balancer and the blades to rotate, the device is low in starting flow speed, ocean current energy can be collected in all directions, and the limitation on power generation power can be broken through.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of marine power generation technology, and in particular to a device for harvesting and generating electricity from ocean currents. Background Technology

[0002] Energy is the lifeblood of a nation. Conventional fossil fuels, as the basic energy source, have driven the progress of human civilization, but they have also caused enormous damage to the natural environment. Global problems such as the greenhouse effect, environmental degradation, and energy shortages are already very serious. Ocean current energy, with its high energy density, strong predictability, abundant reserves, and renewable and pollution-free characteristics, has attracted unprecedented attention from countries around the world.

[0003] To address the current situation of underutilization of the vast energy resources in the ocean, extensive research and exploration of ocean current energy utilization have been conducted worldwide. However, these efforts are hampered by bottlenecks such as the variable and unpredictable direction of tidal currents, the low speed of ocean currents making them difficult to start, and the difficulty in manufacturing large-scale impellers in collection equipment, which limits the power generation capacity (currently, the largest single unit in the world is 1500 kilowatts). Furthermore, there are issues with the low efficiency and low mechanical power of ocean current energy collection devices. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to overcome the problems of low efficiency and low power generation of existing ocean current energy harvesting devices, and to provide an ocean current energy harvesting and power generation device.

[0005] Specifically, the ocean current energy harvesting and power generation device includes: a central column, the upper end of which has a first cavity, a first drive shaft that can rotate freely is installed in the first cavity, and a generator set is connected to the upper end of the first drive shaft; a cylindrical body, the inner wall of which is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the central column through several first bearings, the inner wall of which has a second cavity, and the outer wall of which has several through holes, each of which has a second bearing installed in it, and a second drive shaft is fixed to the inner wall of each of the second bearings, and the cylindrical body and the first drive shaft are transmitted through a transmission mechanism; and blades, one end of the drive shaft extending to the outside of the second cavity is fixed with a blade, and one end of the drive shaft extending to the inside of the second cavity is fixed with a balancer, the balancer being perpendicular to the blade, and the balancer being connected to a power mechanism for driving the balancer and the blade to rotate.

[0006] Furthermore, the power mechanism is electrically connected to a central controller, and the central controller is electrically connected to an ocean current velocity sensor and an ocean current direction sensor.

[0007] Furthermore, the power mechanism includes a first electromagnet, a second electromagnet, and a third electromagnet. The first electromagnet is fixedly connected to one side of the balancer via a first connecting arm. The bottom of the second cavity is fixed with a second electromagnet that matches the first electromagnet. The third electromagnet that matches the first electromagnet is provided on one side of the balancer. The third electromagnet is fixedly connected to the cylindrical body via a second connecting arm. The first electromagnet, the second electromagnet, and the third electromagnet are all electrically connected to the central controller.

[0008] Furthermore, the power mechanism is a stepper motor, and each balancer is connected to a stepper motor with a self-locking function. The rotating shaft of the stepper motor is fixedly connected to the corresponding balancer, and the rotating shaft of the stepper motor is coaxial with the corresponding second transmission shaft. The stepper motor is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the second cavity, and each stepper motor is electrically connected to the central controller.

[0009] Furthermore, the transmission mechanism includes an internal gear ring, an intermediate gear, and a transmission gear. An internal gear ring is fixed to the inner wall of the cylindrical body. A slot is opened on one side of the first cavity, and a freely rotatable intermediate gear is installed in the slot. The transmission gear is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the first transmission shaft. The internal gear ring meshes with the intermediate gear, and the intermediate gear meshes with the transmission gear.

[0010] Furthermore, the number of the first bearings is at least two, and the slot is located between the uppermost and lowermost first bearings, wherein both the uppermost and lowermost first bearings are configured as sealed bearings.

[0011] Furthermore, an inspection port is provided at the upper end of the cylindrical body, and a sealing door panel is installed in the inspection port.

[0012] Furthermore, the lower end of the first drive shaft is rotatably connected to the bottom of the first cavity via a third bearing, and a fourth bearing is fixedly sleeved on the upper outer wall of the first drive shaft. The outer wall of the fourth bearing is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the first cavity via several connecting pieces.

[0013] Furthermore, the density of the balancer is greater than the density of the blade, and the balancer and the corresponding blade are in a balanced state with the second bearing as the fulcrum.

[0014] Furthermore, all of the second bearings are configured as sealed bearings.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following advantages:

[0016] 1. The low starting flow rate allows for adjustment of the blade angle, and the presence of a balancer enables it to adapt to low-flow environments in the ocean, making it suitable for a wider range of applications.

[0017] 2. All-round ocean current energy harvesting: By adjusting the blade angle, the characteristics of the variable and uncertain ocean current direction can be overcome, ensuring that ocean currents can be harvested and generated normally under all-round 360-degree changes.

[0018] 3. Overcoming limitations in power generation: Currently, marine concrete piling technology is widely used. The larger the central column, the larger the blades can be, and the larger the ocean current collection area of ​​the entire device will be, thus increasing the power generation capacity. Therefore, this power generation device can easily achieve a single unit power generation of 10 megawatts, and once the technology matures, it will be fully capable of achieving a single unit power generation of 100 megawatts. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments of this application and their descriptions are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application.

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ocean current energy harvesting and power generation device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an ocean current energy harvesting and power generation device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cylindrical body in the ocean current energy harvesting and power generation device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a partial schematic diagram of the slot at the center column in the ocean current energy harvesting and power generation device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the intermediate gear of the ocean current energy harvesting and power generation device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical body in the ocean current energy harvesting and power generation device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the power mechanism in the ocean current energy harvesting and power generation device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 8This is a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical body in the ocean current energy harvesting and power generation device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical body in the ocean current energy harvesting and power generation device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the power mechanism in the ocean current energy harvesting and power generation device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0031] Figure 11 This is a circuit block diagram of an ocean current energy harvesting and power generation device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure label:

[0033] 1. Central column; 2. First cavity; 3. First drive shaft; 4. Generator set; 5. Cylindrical body; 6. First bearing; 7. Second cavity; 8. Through hole; 9. Second bearing; 10. Second drive shaft; 11. Blade; 12. Balancer; 13. Power mechanism; 14. Central controller; 15. Ocean current velocity sensor; 16. Ocean current direction sensor; 17. First electromagnet; 18. Second electromagnet; 19. Third electromagnet; 20. Stepper motor; 21. Internal gear ring; 22. Intermediate gear; 23. Transmission gear; 24. Inspection port; 25. Sealing door panel; 26. Third bearing; 27. Fourth bearing; 28. Connector; 29. ​​Groove; 30. First connecting arm; 31. Second connecting arm. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "top / bottom," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0036] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "sleeved / connected," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] Please see Figure 1-11 According to a preferred embodiment of this application, an ocean current energy harvesting and power generation device includes:

[0038] like Figure 1-2 The central column 1 shown has a first cavity 2 at its upper end. A first drive shaft 3 that can rotate freely is installed in the first cavity 2. A generator set 4 is connected to the upper end of the first drive shaft 3.

[0039] Specifically, one end of the central column 1 is embedded deep in the seabed, while the other end protrudes above the sea surface. It mainly serves to fix and support the entire device. The central column 1 is generally a reinforced concrete structure with a diameter that can vary. It ensures that the entire device remains unmoved when attacked by external forces such as typhoons at sea. According to the current domestic offshore piling technology, there are no technical difficulties in building a large-diameter central column 1 at sea.

[0040] During the actual construction, a sea area with a large ocean current was selected to carry out offshore piling. The central column 1 of the reinforced concrete structure with a corresponding diameter was poured according to the power output of the generator set 4, so that the underwater part of the central column 1 was in full contact with the seabed. In some geological conditions, it may be necessary to drive the pile to the seabed rock base to ensure that the central column 1 does not deform or shift under strong external forces. After the concrete of the central column 1 is solid, a large steel cylinder cofferdam method is used to fit the steel cylinder around the central column 1. After the seawater inside the steel cylinder is pumped out, the first bearing 6 can be hoisted to the outside of the central column 1 and installed to be firmly fixed to the outside of the central column 1. The installed first bearing 6 is horizontal and the axis of the first bearing 6 coincides with the axis of the central column 1. Then, the cylindrical body 5 is fixed to the outer wall of the first bearing 6. The cylindrical body 5 is a sealed device, and most of its volume is submerged in seawater under normal circumstances.

[0041] like Figure 1-3The cylindrical body 5 shown has its inner wall rotatably connected to the outer wall of the central column 1 via several first bearings 6. A second cavity 7 is provided inside the cylindrical body 5, and several through holes 8 are provided on the outer wall of the cylindrical body 5. A second bearing 9 is installed in each of the through holes 8. The second bearings 9 are all set as sealed bearings. The sealed bearings can prevent seawater from entering the second cavity 7 through the through holes 8 while ensuring that the second drive shaft 10 can rotate freely. The second drive shaft 10 is fixed to the inner wall of each of the second bearings 9. The cylindrical body 5 and the first drive shaft 3 are connected by a transmission mechanism.

[0042] Specifically, the lower end of the first drive shaft 3 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the first cavity 2 via a third bearing 26, and a fourth bearing 27 is fixedly sleeved on the upper outer wall of the first drive shaft 3. The outer wall of the fourth bearing 27 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the first cavity 2 via several connecting pieces 28, so that the first drive shaft 3 can rotate freely in the first cavity 2, thereby driving the generator set 4 to work and generate electricity through the rotation of the cylindrical body 5.

[0043] like Figure 2-5 As shown, the transmission mechanism includes an internal gear ring 21, an intermediate gear 22, and a transmission gear 23. The internal gear ring 21 is fixed to the inner wall of the cylindrical body 5. A slot 29 is opened on one side of the first cavity 2. The intermediate gear 22, which can rotate freely, is installed in the slot 29. The transmission gear 23 is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the first transmission shaft 3. The internal gear ring 21 meshes with the intermediate gear 22, and the intermediate gear 22 meshes with the transmission gear 23. Under the action of ocean current energy, the blades 11 can drive the cylinder to rotate. The internal gear ring 21 rotates synchronously with the cylindrical body 5. The internal gear ring 21 can drive the intermediate gear 22, which meshes with it, to rotate. The intermediate gear 22 can then drive the transmission gear 23, which meshes with it, thereby driving the first transmission shaft 3 to rotate synchronously. In turn, the first transmission shaft 3 drives the generator set 4 to work and generate electricity.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the number of the first bearings 6 is at least two, and the slot 29 is located between the uppermost and lowermost first bearings 6. The uppermost and lowermost first bearings 6 are both set as sealed bearings, thereby preventing seawater from entering the first cavity 2 from the slot 29.

[0045] like Figure 1-2The blades 11 shown are fixed at one end of the drive shaft extending to the outside of the second cavity 7, and at the other end of the drive shaft extending to the inside of the second cavity 7, a balancer 12 is fixed. The balancer 12 is perpendicular to the blades 11. The balancer 12 is connected to a power mechanism 13 for driving the balancer 12 and the blades 11 to rotate. The density of the balancer 12 is greater than that of the blades 11. The balancer 12 and the corresponding blades 11 are in a balanced state with the second bearing 9 as the fulcrum. The balancer 12 is a plate with a density greater than that of the blades 11. The purpose of this arrangement is to minimize the volume of the balancer 12 while ensuring that the balancer 12 and the blades 11 are in a balanced state with gravity with the second bearing 9 as the fulcrum. This also keeps the balancer 12 inside the cylindrical body 5 small and makes it more flexible to operate. This saves space in the second cavity 7 inside the cylindrical body 5, allowing the second cavity 7 to be smaller. Similarly, the volume of the cylindrical body 5 can be made smaller to save material costs.

[0046] It should be noted that, under normal circumstances, the height of the blade 11 is the same as that of the cylindrical body 5. In deep water areas, it can be greater than the height of the cylindrical body 5. The shape of the blade 11 can be rectangular or square. The width is determined according to factors such as the depth and current speed of the local water area. The balancer 12 is placed orthogonally to the blade 11. The balancer 12 is equipped with a power device. The power device drives the lever arm of the balancer 12. With very little energy, the balancer 12 can be flexibly rotated 90 degrees or rotated back 90 degrees, thereby adjusting the blade 11 to a vertical or horizontal state, achieving the effect of saving energy.

[0047] In a further embodiment, an inspection port 24 is provided at the upper end of the cylindrical body 5. A sealing door plate 25 is installed on the inspection port 24. The sealing door plate 25 can prevent seawater from entering the second cavity 7 through the inspection port 24, ensuring the overall airtightness of the first cavity 2 and the second cavity 7. A personnel access inspection port 24 is provided at the top of the upper part of the cylindrical body 5 to facilitate personnel to enter for maintenance. If seawater floods the entire cylindrical body 5 during a high tide, the sealing door plate 25 located at the upper part of the cylindrical body 5 can be closed.

[0048] like Figure 11As shown, the power mechanism 13 is electrically connected to a central controller 14, which is electrically connected to an ocean current velocity sensor 15 and an ocean current direction sensor 16. The ocean current velocity sensor 15 and the ocean current direction sensor 16 are mounted on a central column, preferably completely submerged in seawater. The ocean current velocity sensor 15 and the ocean current direction sensor 16 can detect the velocity and direction of the ocean current. In order to obtain the directional information of the cylindrical body 5, a directional sensor for real-time direction detection can be installed on the cylindrical body 5. The central controller 14 can control the operation of the power mechanism 13 according to the real-time detected ocean current velocity and direction and the direction of the cylindrical body 5, so that the blades 11 are adjusted to a suitable angle. For example, the blades 11 that rotate to one side of the cylindrical body 5 along the ocean current direction are always in a horizontal state, while the blades 11 that rotate to the other side of the cylindrical body 5 are always in a vertical state, so that the ocean current can always drive the cylindrical body 5 to rotate through the blades 11.

[0049] like Figure 6-7 As shown, in one possible embodiment, the power mechanism 13 includes a first electromagnet 17, a second electromagnet 18, and a third electromagnet 19. One side of the balancer 12 is fixedly connected to a first electromagnet 17 via a first connecting arm 30. The bottom of the second cavity 7 is fixedly fitted with a second electromagnet 18 matching the first electromagnet 17. One side of the balancer 12 is provided with a third electromagnet 19 matching the first electromagnet 17. The third electromagnet 19 is fixedly connected to the cylindrical body 5 via a second connecting arm 31. The first electromagnet 17, the second electromagnet 18, and the third electromagnet 19 are all connected to the first electromagnet 17. Both magnet 18 and the third electromagnet 19 are electrically connected to the central controller 14. When the blade 11 needs to be adjusted to a horizontal state, the magnetic poles of the second electromagnet 18 and the third electromagnet 19 are controlled to make the first electromagnet 17 attract the second electromagnet 18 and the first electromagnet 17 repel the third electromagnet 19. When the blade 11 needs to be adjusted to a vertical state, the magnetic poles of the second electromagnet 18 and the third electromagnet 19 are controlled to make the first electromagnet 17 repel the second electromagnet 18 and the first electromagnet 17 attract the third electromagnet 19.

[0050] like Figure 8-10As shown, in one possible embodiment, the power mechanism 13 is a stepper motor 20, and each balancer 12 is connected to a stepper motor 20 with a self-locking function. The rotating shaft of the stepper motor 20 is fixedly connected to the corresponding balancer 12, and the rotating shaft of the stepper motor 20 is coaxial with the corresponding second transmission shaft 10. The stepper motor 20 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the second cavity 7. Each stepper motor 20 is electrically connected to the central controller 14. By controlling the operation of the stepper motor 20, the blade 11 can be adjusted to a horizontal or vertical state. When the blade 11 is adjusted to a horizontal or vertical state and needs to be fixed, the self-locking function of the stepper motor 20 can be used to lock the rotating shaft of the stepper motor 20, thereby achieving the purpose of fixing the balancer 12 and the blade 11.

[0051] In this embodiment, the blade 11 rotates twice within one revolution of the cylindrical body 5. When the blade 11 rotates with the cylindrical body 5 to the tidal inlet, the balancer 12 rotates to change the blade 11 from a horizontal to a vertical position, thus maximizing the area of ​​the blade 11 that receives ocean current energy. When the blade 11 rotates 180 degrees with the cylindrical body 5, changing from a downstream surface to an upstream surface, the balancer 12 continues to rotate to change the blade 11 from a vertical to a horizontal position, minimizing the resistance of the ocean current to the blade 11. That is, the blades 11 are all vertical on the downstream side of the cylindrical body 5, and all horizontal on the upstream side of the cylindrical body 5. For the cylindrical body 5, regardless of the direction of the current flow, its two sides are only divided into downstream and upstream sides. Therefore, the cylindrical design of the cylindrical body 5 greatly solves the problem of the difficulty in capturing the variable direction of the ocean current during ocean current energy harvesting, thus enabling low start-up velocity and all-round ocean current energy harvesting. The design of the flat blade 11 also solves the bottleneck problem of the difficulty in manufacturing large impellers, thus breaking through the limitation on power generation.

[0052] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application; however, the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application, based on the technical solution and its improved concept, should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A current energy harvesting power generation device, characterised in that, include: A central column, the upper end of which has a first cavity, a first drive shaft that can rotate freely is installed in the first cavity, and a generator set is connected to the upper end of the first drive shaft. A cylindrical body, the inner wall of which is rotatably connected to the outer wall of a central column through a plurality of first bearings, a second cavity is provided inside the cylindrical body, and a plurality of through holes are provided on the outer wall of the cylindrical body. A second bearing is installed in each of the through holes, and a second drive shaft is fixed to the inner wall of each of the second bearings. The cylindrical body and the first drive shaft are transmitted through a transmission mechanism. The blades are fixed to one end of the drive shaft extending to the outside of the second cavity, and a balancer is fixed to one end of the drive shaft extending to the inside of the second cavity. The balancer is perpendicular to the blades, and the balancer is connected to a power mechanism for driving the balancer and the blades to rotate.

2. The ocean current energy harvesting power plant according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power mechanism is electrically connected to a central controller, and the central controller is electrically connected to an ocean current velocity sensor and an ocean current direction sensor.

3. The ocean current energy harvesting power plant according to claim 2, characterized in that The power mechanism includes a first electromagnet, a second electromagnet, and a third electromagnet. The first electromagnet is fixedly connected to one side of the balancer via a first connecting arm. The bottom of the second cavity is fixed with a second electromagnet that matches the first electromagnet. The third electromagnet that matches the first electromagnet is provided on one side of the balancer. The third electromagnet is fixedly connected to the cylindrical body via a second connecting arm. The first electromagnet, the second electromagnet, and the third electromagnet are all electrically connected to the central controller.

4. The ocean current energy harvesting power plant of claim 2, wherein, The power mechanism is a stepper motor. Each balancer is connected to a stepper motor with a self-locking function. The shaft of the stepper motor is fixedly connected to the corresponding balancer, and the shaft of the stepper motor is coaxial with the corresponding second transmission shaft. The stepper motor is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the second cavity. Each stepper motor is electrically connected to the central controller.

5. The ocean current energy harvesting power plant of claim 1, wherein, The transmission mechanism includes an internal gear ring, an intermediate gear, and a transmission gear. An internal gear ring is fixed to the inner wall of the cylindrical body. A slot is opened on one side of the first cavity, and a freely rotatable intermediate gear is installed in the slot. The transmission gear is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the first transmission shaft. The internal gear ring meshes with the intermediate gear, and the intermediate gear meshes with the transmission gear.

6. The ocean current energy harvesting power plant of claim 5, wherein, The number of the first bearings is at least two, and the slot is located between the uppermost and lowermost first bearings, wherein both the uppermost and lowermost first bearings are configured as sealed bearings.

7. The ocean current energy harvesting power plant of claim 1, wherein, The upper end of the cylindrical body is provided with an inspection port, and a sealing door panel is installed in the inspection port.

8. The ocean current energy harvesting power plant of claim 1, wherein, The lower end of the first drive shaft is rotatably connected to the bottom of the first cavity through a third bearing, and a fourth bearing is fixedly sleeved on the upper outer wall of the first drive shaft. The outer wall of the fourth bearing is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the first cavity through several connecting parts.

9. The ocean current energy harvesting and power generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The density of the balancer is greater than the density of the blade, and the balancer and the corresponding blade are in a balanced state with the second bearing as the fulcrum.

10. The ocean current energy harvesting power plant of claim 1, wherein, The second bearing is configured as a sealed bearing.

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