Tidal current energy collecting device based on cylinder fluid theory

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of ocean power generation, solves the problems of low efficiency and low mechanical power of an ocean tidal current energy collecting device caused by limitation of bottleneck factors such as changeable and unfixed tidal current directions, low tidal current speed and difficulty in starting in the prior art, and discloses a tidal current energy collecting device based on a cylindrical fluid theory. The outer wall of the center column is sleeved with a plurality of first bearings. The outer wall of the first bearing is sleeved with the cylinder, first cavities are formed in the two sides of the cylinder, a second cavity is formed in the upper end of the cylinder, a power generation device is fixedly embedded in the second cavity, and a detachable cover plate is fixed to the upper end of the second cavity; the fixed rudder is arranged in the first cavity, the tidal current energy collector is arranged in the first cavity, a main flow channel is formed in the side, away from the fixed rudder, of the cylinder, branch flow channels are directly formed in the main flow channel and the first cavity, the flow velocity of tidal current needed by starting of the device is low, and the tidal current energy can be collected in all directions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of marine power generation technology, and in particular to a tidal energy harvesting device based on cylindrical fluid theory. 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. Tidal 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, in-depth research and exploration of tidal energy utilization have been conducted around the world. However, these efforts are limited by bottlenecks such as the variable and unpredictable direction of tidal currents and the low speed of tidal currents, which make them difficult to start. Furthermore, there are problems such as low efficiency and low mechanical power of devices for collecting ocean tidal energy. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to overcome the bottlenecks in the existing technology, such as the variable and unpredictable direction of tidal currents and the difficulty in starting tidal currents due to low tidal current speed, which result in low efficiency and low mechanical power of tidal energy harvesting devices. This application provides a tidal energy harvesting device based on cylindrical fluid theory.

[0005] Specifically, the tidal energy harvesting device based on cylindrical fluid theory includes: a central column, the outer wall of which is fitted with several first bearings; a cylindrical body, the cylindrical body being fitted onto the outer wall of the first bearings, the cylindrical body having first cavities on both sides and a second cavity at the upper end, the second cavity having a power generation device fixedly embedded therein, and a detachable cover plate fixed at the upper end of the second cavity; a tidal energy collector, the tidal energy collector including a first rotating shaft, each of the first cavities having a rotatable first rotating shaft installed therein, the outer wall of the first rotating shaft having several blades fixed therein, the first rotating shaft being connected to the power generation device through a transmission device; and a fixed rudder, the fixed rudder being fixedly connected to the outer wall of the cylindrical body, and a main flow channel being opened on the side of the cylindrical body away from the fixed rudder, the main flow channel and the first cavity both having branch flow channels directly connected to each other.

[0006] Furthermore, the transmission device includes a first gear, a second gear, a first pulley, a second pulley, a third pulley, and a fourth pulley. The upper end of the first rotating shaft extends into the second cavity. The first gear is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the upper end of the first rotating shaft on one side of the cylindrical body, and the first pulley is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the upper end of the first rotating shaft on the other side of the cylindrical body. A rotatable second rotating shaft is installed in the second cavity. The second gear and the second pulley are fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the second rotating shaft. The second gear meshes with the first gear. The third pulley and the fourth pulley are fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the input shaft of the power generation device. The first pulley and the third pulley are driven by a V-belt, and the second pulley and the fourth pulley are driven by a V-belt.

[0007] Furthermore, the first gear and the second gear have the same number of teeth, the first pulley and the second pulley have the same diameter, and the third pulley and the fourth pulley have the same diameter.

[0008] Furthermore, a second bearing is fixedly sleeved at the lower end of the second rotating shaft, and the second bearing is embedded in the bottom of the second cavity.

[0009] Furthermore, the cover plate is fixedly connected to the cylindrical body by several bolts, and a sealing gasket is provided between the cover plate and the cylindrical body.

[0010] Furthermore, several guide vanes are provided at the junction of the branch channel and the first cavity.

[0011] Furthermore, a portion of the blades on the outer wall of the first rotating shaft are disposed within the first cavity, while another portion of the blades on the outer wall of the first rotating shaft are disposed outside the first cavity.

[0012] Furthermore, both ends of the first rotating shaft are rotatably connected to the cylindrical body via a third bearing.

[0013] Furthermore, the third bearings located at the upper end are all set as sealed bearings.

[0014] Furthermore, the fixed rudder and the main channel are symmetrically arranged with respect to the central column, and the first cavities on both sides of the cylindrical body are also symmetrically arranged with respect to the central column.

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

[0016] 1. The starting flow rate of this device is low. According to the cylindrical fluid theory, the fluid velocity flowing through both sides of the cylinder is twice that of the incoming flow. That is, the cylinder can achieve the effect of speed increase. Secondly, the tributary channel and the seawater flowing out of the tributary channel can also be used to drive the blades, thereby further increasing the speed of blade rotation. Therefore, it can adapt to starting in low tidal flow environment, making the application field wider.

[0017] 2. This device can collect tidal energy in all directions. By adjusting the direction of the fixed rudder, it can overcome the characteristics of the variable and uncertain tidal direction and ensure that ocean currents can be collected and generated normally under all-round 360-degree changes. Attached Figure Description

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the tidal energy harvesting device based on cylindrical fluid theory according to an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the central column and cylindrical body in the tidal energy harvesting device based on cylindrical fluid theory according to an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a tidal energy harvesting device based on cylindrical fluid theory according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a tidal energy harvesting device based on cylindrical fluid theory according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a vertical cross-sectional view of a tidal energy harvesting device based on cylindrical fluid theory according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the blades, transmission device and power generation device in the tidal energy harvesting device based on cylindrical fluid theory according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission device in the tidal energy harvesting device based on cylindrical fluid theory according to an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second rotating shaft in the tidal energy harvesting device based on cylindrical fluid theory according to an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure label:

[0029] 1. Central column; 2. First bearing; 3. Cylindrical body; 4. First cavity; 5. Second cavity; 6. Power generation device; 7. Cover plate; 8. First shaft; 9. Blade; 10. Fixed rudder; 11. Main channel; 12. Branch channel; 13. First gear; 14. Second gear; 15. First pulley; 16. Second pulley; 17. Third pulley; 18. Fourth pulley; 19. Second shaft; 20. V-belt one; 21. V-belt two; 22. Second bearing; 23. Guide plate; 24. Third bearing. Detailed Implementation

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Please see Figure 1-8 A preferred embodiment of this application discloses a tidal energy harvesting device based on cylindrical fluid theory, comprising:

[0034] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the central column 1 has several first bearings 2 fitted on its outer wall. 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 is no technical difficulty in building a large-diameter central column 1 at sea.

[0035] A cylindrical body 3 is fitted onto the outer wall of the first bearing 2. First cavities 4 are opened on both sides of the cylindrical body 3. The first cavities 4 on both sides of the cylindrical body 3 are also symmetrically arranged with respect to the central column 1. The first cavities 4 are set as semi-circular grooves to accommodate the tidal energy collector. A second cavity 5 is opened at the upper end of the cylindrical body 3. A power generation device 6 is fixedly embedded in the second cavity 5. A detachable cover plate 7 is fixed at the upper end of the second cavity 5. In order to prevent seawater from entering the second cavity 5, the cover plate 7 is fixedly connected to the cylindrical body 3 by several bolts. A sealing gasket is provided between the cover plate 7 and the cylindrical body 3. Of course, the cover plate 7 can also be fixed to the upper end of the second cavity 5 in other ways.

[0036] 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 generation capacity of the power generation device 6, 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 2 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 2 is horizontal and the axis of the bearing coincides with the axis of the central column 1. The cylindrical body 3 is fixed to the outer wall of the bearing. The cylindrical body 3 is a sealed device, and most of its volume is submerged in seawater under normal circumstances.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, several guide plates 23 are provided at the junction of the branch channel 12 and the first cavity 4. The guide plates 23 are horizontally arranged. The guide plates can be fixed, or, to increase flexibility, they can be angle-adjustable. The direction of the guide plates 23 can be adjusted as needed. By adjusting the flow direction of the seawater flowing out of the branch channel 12 through the guide plates 23, the seawater can drive the blades 9 to rotate more efficiently, thereby further improving the power generation efficiency.

[0038] like Figures 1-6As shown, a tidal energy collector includes a first rotating shaft 8. A rotatable first rotating shaft 8 is installed in each of the first cavities 4. Several blades 9 are fixed on the outer wall of the first rotating shaft 8. The first rotating shaft 8 is connected to the power generation device 6 through a transmission device. Both ends of the first rotating shaft 8 are rotatably connected to the cylindrical body 3 through a third bearing 24. In order to prevent seawater from entering the second cavity 5 along the first rotating shaft 8, the third bearing 24 located at the upper end is set as a sealed bearing.

[0039] A fixed rudder 10 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the cylindrical body 3. A main channel 11 is opened on the side of the cylindrical body 3 away from the fixed rudder 10. A branch channel 12 is opened directly between the main channel 11 and the first cavity 4. In order to ensure that the inlet of the main channel 11 is facing the direction of the tidal current, the fixed rudder 10 and the main channel 11 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the central column 1. During operation, seawater flows from the main channel 11 into the branch channel 12 and finally into the first cavity 4, driving the blade 9 located in the first cavity 4 to rotate. In addition, the main channel 11 and the branch channel 12 are designed as a type that is wider on the outside and narrower on the inside, which can better concentrate the energy of the incoming tidal current.

[0040] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the transmission device includes a first gear 13, a second gear 14, a first pulley 15, a second pulley 16, a third pulley 17, and a fourth pulley 18. The upper end of the first rotating shaft 8 extends into the second cavity 5. The first gear 13 is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the upper end of the first rotating shaft 8 on one side of the cylindrical body 3, and the first pulley 15 is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the upper end of the first rotating shaft 8 on the other side of the cylindrical body 3. A rotatable second rotating shaft 19 is installed in the second cavity 5. The lower end of the second rotating shaft 19 is fixedly sleeved with a second bearing 22. The second bearing 22 is embedded in the bottom of the second cavity 5, allowing the second rotating shaft 19 to be rotatably installed in the second cavity 5. The outer wall of the second rotating shaft 19 is fixedly sleeved with a second gear 14 and a second pulley 16. Wheel 14 meshes with the first gear 13. The outer wall of the input shaft of the power generation device 6 is fixedly fitted with a third pulley 17 and a fourth pulley 18. The first pulley 15 and the third pulley 17 are driven by a V-belt 20, and the second pulley 16 and the fourth pulley 18 are driven by a V-belt 21. During operation, the first shafts 8 on both sides rotate in opposite directions under the driving action of the blades 9. The first shaft 8 on one side first reverses the rotation through the first gear 13 and the second gear 14, and then drives the input shaft of the power generation device 6 to rotate through the second pulley 16, the V-belt 21, and the fourth pulley 18. The first shaft 8 on the other side directly drives the input shaft of the power generation device 6 to rotate through the first pulley 15, the V-belt 20, and the third pulley 17.

[0041] It is worth noting that the first gear 13 and the second gear 14 have the same number of teeth, the first pulley 15 and the second pulley 16 have the same diameter, and the third pulley 17 and the fourth pulley 18 have the same diameter. Generally, although the first rotating shafts 8 on both sides rotate in different directions, their rotational speeds are basically the same. By making the first gear 13 and the second gear 14 have the same number of teeth, the rotational speeds of the second pulley 16, the first rotating shaft 8, and the first pulley 15 are all the same. By making the first pulley 15 and the second pulley 16 have the same diameter, and the third pulley 17 and the fourth pulley 18 have the same diameter, the transmission ratio of the first pulley 15 driving the third pulley 17 is the same as the transmission ratio of the second pulley 16 driving the fourth pulley 18, thereby enabling the generator 6 to generate electricity with the highest efficiency.

[0042] like Figure 3As shown, a portion of the blades 9 on the outer wall of the first rotating shaft 8 are disposed inside the first cavity 4, and another portion of the blades 9 on the outer wall of the first rotating shaft 8 are disposed outside the first cavity 4. On the one hand, after the seawater passes through the cylindrical body 3, the speed is amplified, which drives the blades 9 located outside the first cavity 4 to rotate. On the other hand, under the action of the fixed rudder 10, the cylindrical body 3 always maintains the same direction as the tidal flow. The tidal flow flows from the main channel 11 into the tributary channel 12 and, under the guiding action of the guide plate 23, drives the blades 9 located inside the first cavity 4 to rotate, and the rotation direction is consistent with that of the blades 9 located outside the first cavity 4. Thus, the tidal flow can be used to drive the blades 9 and the first rotating shaft 8 to rotate more efficiently, and drive the power generation device 6 to generate electricity through the transmission device, thereby realizing the low tidal flow velocity start-up of the power generation device 6.

[0043] It should be noted that the variability of ocean currents is a major challenge and pain point in tidal energy harvesting applications. The application of the fixed rudder 10 perfectly solves this problem, and ensures that the entire tidal energy power generation device 6 maintains the same direction as the incoming current without relying on external forces. The fixed rudder 10 actually acts as a balancer in terms of mechanics. The tidal currents flowing through both sides of the cylindrical body 3 should have the same energy characteristics. Once the direction of the incoming current changes, the energy of the tidal currents flowing through both sides of the cylindrical body 3 becomes different, and the energy of the seawater acting on both sides of the fixed rudder 10 also becomes different. The balance of the fixed rudder 10 is disrupted, and the fixed rudder 10 will immediately and automatically adjust to be consistent with the direction of the incoming current, thereby enabling omnidirectional tidal energy harvesting.

[0044] 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 tidal current energy harvesting device based on the theory of cylindrical flow, characterized in that, include: A central column, the outer wall of which is fitted with a plurality of first bearings; A cylindrical body is sleeved on the outer wall of the first bearing. The cylindrical body has first cavities on both sides and a second cavity at the upper end. A power generation device is fixedly embedded in the second cavity, and a detachable cover plate is fixed at the upper end of the second cavity. A tidal energy collector, the tidal energy collector including a first rotating shaft, a rotatable first rotating shaft installed in each of the first cavities, a plurality of blades fixed on the outer wall of the first rotating shaft, and the first rotating shaft connected to a power generation device through a transmission device. A fixed rudder is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the cylindrical body, and a main flow channel is opened on the side of the cylindrical body away from the fixed rudder. A branch flow channel is opened directly between the main flow channel and the first cavity.

2. The tidal energy harvesting device based on cylindrical fluid theory according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission device includes a first gear, a second gear, a first pulley, a second pulley, a third pulley, and a fourth pulley. The upper end of the first rotating shaft extends into the second cavity. The first gear is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the upper end of the first rotating shaft on one side of the cylindrical body, and the first pulley is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the upper end of the first rotating shaft on the other side of the cylindrical body. A rotatable second rotating shaft is installed in the second cavity. The second gear and the second pulley are fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the second rotating shaft. The second gear meshes with the first gear. The third pulley and the fourth pulley are fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the input shaft of the power generation device. The first pulley and the third pulley are driven by a V-belt, and the second pulley and the fourth pulley are driven by a V-belt.

3. A cylindrical fluid theory based tidal current energy harvesting device according to claim 2, characterised in that, The first gear and the second gear have the same number of teeth, the first pulley and the second pulley have the same diameter, and the third pulley and the fourth pulley have the same diameter.

4. The cylindrical fluid theory based tidal current energy harvesting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lower end of the second shaft is fixedly fitted with a second bearing, which is embedded in the bottom of the second cavity.

5. The cylindrical fluid theory based tidal current energy harvesting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover plate is fixedly connected to the cylindrical body by several bolts, and a sealing gasket is provided between the cover plate and the cylindrical body.

6. The cylindrical fluid theory based tidal current energy harvesting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Several guide vanes are provided at the junction of the branch channel and the first cavity.

7. The tidal energy harvesting device based on cylindrical fluid theory according to claim 1, characterized in that, A portion of the blades on the outer wall of the first rotating shaft are disposed within the first cavity, while the other portion of the blades on the outer wall of the first rotating shaft are disposed outside the first cavity.

8. The cylindrical fluid theory based tidal current energy harvesting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both ends of the first rotating shaft are rotatably connected to the cylindrical body via a third bearing.

9. A cylindrical fluid theory based tidal current energy harvesting device according to claim 8, characterised in that, The third bearing at the top is a sealed bearing.

10. The cylindrical fluid theory based tidal current energy harvesting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed rudder and the main channel are symmetrically arranged with respect to the central column, and the first cavities on both sides of the cylindrical body are also symmetrically arranged with respect to the central column.

Images