A water current power generation buoy
By using an active water pump to drive the water turbine rotation and a split-shell design, the problems of starting up and debris blockage in complex water flow environments for hydroelectric buoys have been solved, achieving efficient power generation and stable positioning, and simplifying the maintenance process.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521933913.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-09-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing hydroelectric buoys cannot start rotating in complex water flow environments due to the unbalanced forces on the blades, and are easily clogged by debris. The anchor chain is also prone to getting tangled in debris, resulting in unstable positioning and difficult maintenance.
The water turbine is driven by an active water pump. Combined with a split shell and multi-layer protective structure, the number of anchor chains is reduced, and a water flow guide ring and blades are added to cut debris, so as to achieve continuous rotation and self-cleaning of the water turbine.
It improves power generation efficiency, reduces the risk of waste accumulation, simplifies the anchoring system, and ensures stable operation and ease of maintenance of the buoy in complex water flow environments.
Smart Images

Figure CN224676346U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of buoys, and more particularly to a water flow power generation buoy. Background Technology
[0002] A buoy is a structure that floats on the water's surface. The most common type of buoy is a navigational aid, an important facility for ensuring the safe and economical navigation of ships, and plays a vital role in the development of maritime transportation, marine resource development, fishing, and national defense. Navigational aids generally have four functions: positioning, hazard warning, confirmation, and traffic guidance. Other buoys may have functions such as measurement and signal transmission / reception.
[0003] The energy source for buoys is primarily electricity, which can be divided into two main categories: conventional electricity and renewable electricity. Conventional electricity typically uses batteries, which require periodic battery replacements. Another option is to power the buoy with shore-based electricity via underwater cables, which necessitates laying these cables. Renewable electricity, on the other hand, refers to electricity generated from renewable natural energy sources. Its advantages include on-site energy generation, avoiding battery replacements or underwater cable laying. It is clean and pollution-free, abundant in reserves, sustainable, has a long maintenance cycle, and is easy to use, making it a product with enormous development potential.
[0004] Solar-powered buoys utilize solar cells to convert solar energy into electrical energy, which is stored in batteries to power the buoy. Currently, solar cells are widely used in buoys, with advantages including: renewable, noiseless, and pollution-free operation; simple equipment with no moving parts; long lifespan and easy maintenance; and relatively stable output power. However, their disadvantages include: solar panels are susceptible to damage and contamination from external factors. Their surface is easily covered by salt spray, gradually forming a salt layer that affects sunlight exposure, reduces power generation efficiency, and in severe cases, completely stops generating electricity, requiring manual washing to restore power; cloudy days reduce solar cell performance, and they cannot work at night; solar panels are easily damaged in extreme sea conditions; and in high-latitude regions, there are issues such as small incident angles.
[0005] Wave energy buoys generate electricity using the waves around them, continuously supplying power to their batteries. Wave energy is a abundant, high-quality, clean, and all-weather renewable energy source. Meanwhile, buoys, primarily floating devices used at sea or in rivers, utilize wave energy to achieve energy self-sufficiency, offering convenience, feasibility, and operability. Wave energy generation devices utilize the motion of the device under the influence of waves to drive a generator, converting the kinetic and potential energy of the waves into electrical energy. Wave energy generation devices come in various forms, including pendulum-type and oscillating buoy-type devices. However, wave energy generation devices are generally suitable for marine environments and are less compatible with riverine and other similar scenarios, limiting the availability of usable wave energy.
[0006] Power-generating buoys in rivers typically generate electricity by rotating blades driven by water flow, similar to the principle of hydroelectric power generation. However, during the experimental simulation phase, the inventors discovered that this type of rotating power generation device sometimes malfunctions. This is because the water flow velocity is uneven and complex at different points in the water. In some cases, the blades are in a state of equilibrium under the force, thus remaining stationary in the flowing water and unable to generate electricity.
[0007] Since garbage is inevitable in rivers, it usually appears in the upper layer of water. The buoy floats on the surface of the water, while the power generation device is located below the surface. Garbage can clog the blades, causing them to be unable to rotate properly or to reduce their rotation speed, thus affecting the buoy's power generation function.
[0008] Since buoys typically need to be positioned in a relatively fixed location, river buoys usually use anchoring systems to maintain their position. Existing catenary anchoring generally uses at least three anchor chains to keep the buoy in a relatively fixed position. Although this provides good resistance to wind, waves, and currents, it also presents the problem that the anchor chains cannot be reused. When a buoy malfunctions and needs to be disassembled for repair or replacement, the multiple anchor chains in existing technologies are difficult to apply to a new buoy after disassembly. Therefore, existing technologies generally involve directly cutting the anchor chains and then re-fixing the new buoy.
[0009] Anchor chains also bring another problem. Since there is inevitably garbage in the river, which usually appears in the upper water, three anchor chains will greatly increase the probability of trapping garbage. That is, the garbage will be blocked by the anchor chains and become entangled on them. As the garbage accumulates on the anchor chains and increases in volume, it will further increase the probability of trapping garbage, forming a vicious cycle. The garbage will cause the anchor chains to sink, causing the buoy to tilt, which is not conducive to the normal operation of the buoy. Utility Model Content
[0010] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, this utility model provides a water flow power generation buoy.
[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the main technical solutions adopted by this utility model include:
[0012] A water flow power generation buoy has the following technical solution: it includes a shell; an energy storage unit is provided inside the shell; the energy storage unit is electrically connected to a generator; the generator is located at the bottom of the shell; the generator includes an outer rotor and an inner stator; a water wheel is fixedly connected to the outer rotor; one end of the inner stator is fixedly connected to the shell; the water flow power generation buoy also includes a water pump that can drive the water wheel to rotate.
[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes an upper shell and a lower shell that are fixedly connected; the energy storage part is disposed inside the lower shell; a lower convex ring extending toward the middle of the water wheel is provided on the outer periphery of the side of the housing near the water wheel; the lower convex ring surrounds the outer side of one end of the water wheel.
[0014] In one embodiment of this utility model, the housing is connected to several drive units for moving the buoy in the water.
[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first accommodating cavity for cooperating with a generator is formed in the middle of the water turbine; the water turbine also includes two clamping plates arranged opposite to each other; a plurality of blades are spaced apart between the two clamping plates.
[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, a generator ring for fixed connection with the outer rotor is provided in the first accommodating cavity.
[0017] In one embodiment of this utility model, the first accommodating cavity extends through the water wheel; a bottom shell is provided on the side of the water wheel away from the housing; the bottom shell is fixedly connected to the inner stator.
[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom shell is provided with an upper protruding ring extending toward the middle of the water wheel on the outer periphery of the side near the water wheel; the upper protruding ring surrounds the outer side of one end of the water wheel.
[0019] In one embodiment of this utility model, the bottom shell is fixedly connected to the inner stator via a connecting plate; the middle part of the connecting plate is fixedly connected to the inner stator; the connecting plate is fixedly connected to the bottom shell; the connecting plate is provided with several through holes in its circumference; the through holes are connected to the gaps between adjacent blades.
[0020] In one embodiment of this utility model, the bottom shell is provided with a water-permeable hole corresponding to the through hole; a second receiving cavity is formed on the side of the bottom shell away from the water wheel; a clearance hole is formed in the middle of the bottom shell; the connecting plate is at least partially disposed in the first receiving cavity; a connecting shell is formed on the side of the connecting plate away from the water wheel; the connecting shell extends into the second receiving cavity through the clearance hole; a third receiving cavity for installing a water pump is provided in the connecting shell; the outlet of the water pump is connected to the water-permeable hole.
[0021] In one embodiment of this utility model, the connecting shell is provided with an anchor chain connecting part; the anchor chain connecting part is connected to an anchor chain.
[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the outer side of the clamping plate is provided with an indentation formed towards the center of the clamping plate; a blade is fixedly connected to the clamping plate; the blade extends into the indentation and forms a working part for cutting.
[0023] In one embodiment of this utility model, the water pump is installed on the side of the housing near the water wheel; the outlet of the water pump is arranged opposite to the concave portion.
[0024] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: the structural design of generating electricity by driving the water turbine to rotate through a water pump, combined with a single anchor chain connection and a water flow guiding ring, effectively avoids the problem of blade stoppage caused by force imbalance, while reducing the risk of garbage accumulation. It has the advantages of improving power generation efficiency, extending maintenance cycle and simplifying the anchoring system. Attached Figure Description
[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0026] Figure 1 This utility model is a structural explosion Figure 1 ;
[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of section A in the middle;
[0028] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the utility model;
[0029] Figure 4 This utility model is a structural explosion Figure 2 .
[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100, shell; 110, upper shell; 120, lower shell; 121, lower convex ring; 130, energy storage unit; 140, drive unit; 150, water pump; 151, water outlet; 200, generator; 210, outer rotor; 220, inner stator; 300, water turbine; 310, clamping plate; 311, inner recess; 312, blade; 313, working part; 320, blade; 330, first accommodating cavity; 340, generator ring; 400, connecting plate; 410, through hole; 420, connecting shell; 430, anchor chain connection part; 440, third accommodating cavity; 500, bottom shell; 510, upper convex ring; 520, water permeable hole; 530, second accommodating cavity; 540, clearance hole. Detailed Implementation
[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this utility model provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed utility model, but merely represents selected embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0032] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "both ends," "one end," and "the other end," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0033] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "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 utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0034] Examples, such as Figure 1-4 As shown:
[0035] In existing technologies, buoys, as floating devices on water surfaces, are widely used in navigation marking, environmental monitoring, and other fields. Their energy supply mostly relies on batteries or solar power systems. Traditional hydroelectric buoys utilize the kinetic energy of the river to drive the rotation of blades 320 to generate electricity, but this method has significant drawbacks in practical applications: uneven distribution of natural water flow velocity prevents blades 320 from starting to rotate when the force is balanced; floating debris easily entangles blades 320, causing blockages and further exacerbating the problem of power generation stagnation. Such passive power generation devices lack active adjustment mechanisms, resulting in insufficient reliability under complex hydrological conditions and affecting the equipment's continuous power supply capability.
[0036] To address these issues, researchers observed that the existing water turbine 300 might be in a state of static equilibrium under certain flow velocity conditions, at which point natural water flow could not drive its rotation. They also discovered a positive feedback loop between debris accumulation and the stationary state of the blades 320; stationary blades 320 were more likely to trap debris, while the accumulated debris increased rotational resistance. Based on this, the design approach shifted to introducing an active drive device to break the equilibrium state. A short-term external force was used to initiate the rotation of the water turbine 300, utilizing the centrifugal force generated by the rotation to remove the deposits, thus creating a virtuous cycle.
[0037] Therefore, this application proposes a water-powered buoy including a casing 100, with an energy storage unit 130 disposed inside the casing 100, and the energy storage unit 130 electrically connected to a generator 200 mounted at the bottom. The generator 200 adopts an outer rotor 210 and an inner stator 220 structure, with the outer rotor 210 fixedly connected to a water turbine 300, and the inner stator 220 connected to the casing 100. A water pump 150 is added to drive the water turbine 300 to rotate.
[0038] The casing 100 is a sealed structure that supports the internal components, and can be implemented using a split plastic or metal casing, providing waterproof protection and structural support for the internal components. The energy storage unit 130 is an electrical energy storage device, which can be implemented using a lithium battery pack or a supercapacitor, used to store the electrical energy output from the generator 200. The outer rotor 210 is the rotating magnetic field component in the generator 200, which can be implemented using a permanent magnet ring array structure, rigidly connected to the water turbine 300 to achieve power transmission. The inner stator 220 is the fixed winding component in the generator 200, which can be implemented using a silicon steel sheet laminated winding structure, ensuring electromagnetic field stability through a fixed connection. The water turbine 300 is an energy conversion device, which can be implemented using an axial flow impeller structure, converting the kinetic energy of water into mechanical energy. The water pump 150 is a fluid drive device, which can be implemented using a micro centrifugal pump, providing auxiliary driving force to break the stationary state of the water turbine 300.
[0039] Specifically, when the water turbine 300 is stationary due to uneven water flow velocity, the water pump 150 starts, generating a directional water flow that impacts the blades 320, forcing the water turbine 300 to begin rotating. The outer rotor 210, rotating with the water turbine 300, cuts the magnetic field of the inner stator 220, generating current, which is stored in the energy storage unit 130. The centrifugal force generated by the continuous rotation of the water turbine 300 throws nearby debris away, preventing blockages. Once the natural water flow is sufficient to maintain the operation of the water turbine 300, the water pump 150 stops working, and the system switches to pure water-driven mode. The rigid connection between the inner stator 220 and the housing 100 ensures the electromagnetic components are fixed in position, preventing water flow impact from causing internal structural displacement and affecting power generation efficiency.
[0040] Traditional solutions rely entirely on natural water flow, failing to address the coupling issue between the stationary state of the impeller (320) and waste accumulation. This solution addresses this by adding a controllable water pump (150) to provide startup power at critical points, breaking the static mechanical equilibrium of the turbine (300). This proactive intervention mechanism not only ensures reliable startup of the power generation system but also creates a self-cleaning effect by maintaining continuous impeller rotation, fundamentally reducing the probability of waste blockage. Through this technical solution, this application effectively solves the startup failure problem of water-flow power generation buoys under complex hydrological conditions, significantly improving the operational stability of the power generation system. The combination of active drive and passive power generation maintains the efficiency of natural energy utilization while ensuring continuous equipment operation through short-term energy input, reducing maintenance requirements. The continuous centrifugal force generated by the rotating impeller creates a dynamic cleaning effect, reducing the impact of waste accumulation on power generation efficiency.
[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing 100 includes an upper housing 110 and a lower housing 120 that are fixedly connected. The energy storage part 130 is disposed inside the lower housing 120. The housing 100 is provided with a lower convex ring 121 extending toward the middle of the water turbine 300 on the outer periphery of the side near the water turbine 300. The lower convex ring 121 surrounds the outer side of one end of the water turbine 300.
[0042] The upper shell 110 and lower shell 120 refer to the shell 100 formed by a split structure, which can be achieved by bolt connection or snap-fit connection. The split structure facilitates the installation and maintenance of internal components. The internal space of the lower shell 120 refers to the area used to accommodate the energy storage unit 130, which can be achieved by a sealed cavity structure. This area is protected from the impact of external water flow by the rigid support of the lower shell 120. The lower bulge 121 refers to the annular protrusion extending from the bottom edge of the shell 100 towards the turbine 300. It can be achieved by an annular baffle integrally formed with the shell 100. This structure forms a physical barrier around the end of the turbine 300.
[0043] Specifically, the upper shell 110 and the lower shell 120 are connected separately to form a sealed space. The energy storage unit 130 is fixed in the sealed cavity of the lower shell 120, thereby lowering the overall center of gravity of the buoy and improving its anti-capsulation capability. The lower bulge 121 extends from the bottom edge of the shell 100 towards the middle of the turbine 300. Its annular structure surrounds the outer end of the turbine 300. When water flows through the lower bulge 121, it is guided to the turbine blade 320 area, while floating objects are blocked on the outside, preventing them from entering the rotation area of the turbine 300. A gap is maintained between the turbine 300 and the lower bulge 121 to ensure that the turbine 300 can rotate freely while limiting the intrusion of external interference.
[0044] The traditional buoy shell 100 uses a one-piece structure, which makes the installation of internal components difficult and results in an uneven distribution of the center of gravity. The energy storage unit 130 is directly exposed to the impact area of the water flow and is easily damaged. This solution optimizes the structural maintainability by using a split shell 100. The sealed cavity of the lower shell 120 isolates the energy storage unit 130 from the direct impact of the water flow, and the lower bulge ring 121 physically isolates and blocks floating objects, solving the problem of the turbine 300's operation interruption caused by debris entanglement. Through the above technical solution, this application improves the stability of the shell structure, optimizes the protection performance of the energy storage unit 130, and ensures the continuous and stable operation of the turbine 300 in complex water flow environments through the dual effects of water flow guidance and physical isolation, effectively reducing the impact of external floating objects on power generation efficiency.
[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of drive units 140 for moving the buoy in water are connected to the housing 100.
[0046] The drive unit 140 refers to the power unit that provides propulsion for the buoy. It can be implemented using a propeller, waterjet propulsion, or ducted propulsion. It generates thrust through electrical energy to change the buoy's position in the water. Multiple drive units 140 refer to at least two independently controlled propulsion units. They can be symmetrically distributed on both sides of the hull 100 or evenly arranged circumferentially. By coordinating the thrust direction and output power of different drive units 140, the buoy gains multi-degree-of-freedom motion capabilities.
[0047] Specifically, the rigid connection between the drive unit 140 and the housing 100 ensures efficient power transmission. The energy storage unit 130 provides electrical energy to the drive unit 140. By controlling the start / stop and output power of the drive unit 140, the buoy can actively adjust its position. When maintenance is required, the drive unit 140 can push the buoy along a predetermined path to the retrieval point, completing the buoy retrieval without cutting the anchor chain. At this time, the anchor chain can move synchronously with the buoy and remain intact. Under normal operating conditions, the buoy's range of motion is limited by a single anchor chain. The drive unit 140 is only activated when the water flow velocity is insufficient or when precise positioning is required, thereby reducing energy consumption.
[0048] Traditional buoys rely on three anchor chains for fixed positioning, which increases the probability of debris entanglement and necessitates chain cutting during maintenance. This solution, through a drive unit 140, endows the buoy with autonomous movement, reducing the number of anchor chains to a single chain, significantly lowering the risk of debris entanglement, and allowing the anchor chain to be recovered and reused along with the buoy. Through these technical solutions, this application resolves the problem of debris accumulation caused by anchor chain fixation, avoiding a vicious cycle of debris entanglement; achieves complete recovery and reuse of the anchor chain during buoy maintenance; and reduces power consumption while maintaining positioning capability through a single anchor chain working in conjunction with the drive unit 140.
[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first accommodating cavity 330 is formed in the middle of the water turbine 300 to cooperate with the generator 200. The water turbine 300 also includes two clamping plates 310 arranged opposite to each other, and a plurality of blades 320 are spaced apart between the two clamping plates 310.
[0050] The first accommodating cavity 330 refers to the axially penetrating space formed in the middle of the turbine 300, which can be implemented using an annular groove structure. It accommodates the outer rotor 210 assembly of the generator 200, creating an axially nested structure between the generator 200 and the turbine 300, thus reducing the overall volume of the device. The clamping plate 310 refers to a parallel-arranged plate-like support structure, which can be made of circular metal plates, plastic, or carbon fiber. Two clamping plates 310 are circumferentially connected to form a rigid frame, used to fix the blades 320 and withstand the water flow impact load. The blades 320 refer to flow guiding components distributed circumferentially along the clamping plate 310, which can be made of arc-shaped or flat sheet-like aluminum alloy plates, plastic, or carbon fiber. Multiple blades 320 are evenly distributed at a predetermined spacing.
[0051] Specifically, the axially through design of the first accommodating cavity 330 allows the outer rotor 210 of the generator 200 to be embedded inside the water turbine 300, achieving a straightened power transmission path and avoiding energy loss caused by traditional lateral transmission. The two clamping plates 310 are bolted together to form a closed support structure, preventing structural deformation through symmetrical force distribution when subjected to water flow impact. Multiple blades 320 are installed between the clamping plates 310 at 15-30 degree angles to improve energy conversion efficiency. The spacing between adjacent blades 320 is controlled within 5-10 centimeters, ensuring smooth water flow while preventing common floating objects such as branches from entering the gaps.
[0052] Traditional turbines 300 use a single-layer disc structure to directly mount the blades 320. This makes the blades 320 prone to breakage in complex water flow, and excessive gaps between the blades 320 can cause debris to get stuck. This solution uses a double-clamping plate 310 structure to form a double-layer support, creating two fixing points between the blade root and the clamping plate 310, significantly improving impact resistance. Through this technical solution, this application solves the problem of power generation interruption caused by blade 320 breakage. The double-clamping plate 310 structure allows the turbine 300 to maintain stable operation even at a flow velocity of 2.5 m / s.
[0053] In one embodiment of this utility model, a recessed portion 311 is provided on the outer side of the clamping plate 310, recessed towards the center of the clamping plate 310; a blade 312 is fixedly connected to the clamping plate 310; the blade 312 partially extends into the recessed portion 311 and forms a working part 313 for cutting; the working part 313 can be used to cut easily tangled lines or debris, effectively reducing the risk of the water turbine 300 being entangled by debris, especially the impact caused by linear debris; in one embodiment, the recessed portion 311 is preferably provided between each adjacent blade 320, thereby ensuring the weight balance of the clamping plate 310. The water turbine 300 has better dynamic balance performance. In one embodiment, one or more blades 312 can be provided. They can be provided on only one clamping plate 310 or on both clamping plates 310. It is preferred to provide one blade 312, which can reduce costs and facilitate installation. In one embodiment, the blade 312 is provided close to the blade 320, and the working part 313 on the blade 312 is provided away from the blade 320 that the blade 312 is close to. This allows the blade 320 to act as an abutment structure on one side of the blade 312, and the force of the blade 312 during operation can be transmitted to the blade 320, resulting in better fixing effect of the blade 312.
[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, a generator ring 340 for fixed connection with the outer rotor 210 is provided in the first accommodating cavity 330.
[0055] The first accommodating cavity 330 refers to the installation space formed in the middle of the turbine 300 to accommodate the outer rotor 210 of the generator 200. Specifically, it can be implemented using an annular groove structure, with its inner wall fitting with the outer surface of the outer rotor 210. The generator ring 340 refers to the annular connecting component fixedly installed in the first accommodating cavity 330. Specifically, it can be implemented using a metal ring or a composite material ring, with its inner diameter matching the outer diameter of the outer rotor 210 and fixedly connected by welding, bolts, or interference fit.
[0056] Specifically, the generator ring 340 is installed inside the first accommodating cavity 330 of the turbine 300, and its annular structure is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the outer rotor 210. When the turbine 300 rotates under the impact of water flow, the generator ring 340 evenly transmits the rotational torque to the outer rotor 210, avoiding connection failure caused by local stress concentration.
[0057] In existing technologies, the turbine 300 and the outer rotor 210 are typically connected at points or partially fixed, which can easily lead to loosening or breakage due to stress concentration in complex water flow environments. This solution achieves a full circumferential connection through a ring-shaped enclosure structure, enhancing torsional strength and improving the uniformity of torque transmission. Simultaneously, the enclosure's sealing effect reduces the risk of impurity intrusion. Through this technical solution, this application addresses the problem of loosening or failure of the connection structure between the turbine 300 and the generator 200's outer rotor 210 in complex water flow environments, ensuring that the turbine 300 can stably drive the outer rotor 210, thereby improving power generation efficiency and equipment reliability.
[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first accommodating cavity 330 passes through the water wheel 300, and a bottom shell 500 is provided on the side of the water wheel 300 away from the housing 100, and the bottom shell 500 is fixedly connected to the inner stator 220.
[0059] The first accommodating cavity 330 penetrating the turbine 300 refers to the formation of a through-hole 410 structure inside the turbine 300. This can be achieved using a cylindrical cavity open at both ends, forming a continuous water flow channel. The bottom shell 500 refers to the protective component covering the outer side of the bottom of the turbine 300. It can be a disc-shaped shell 100 made of metal or engineering plastic, with its edges extending to form an annular baffle structure. The fixed connection between the bottom shell 500 and the inner stator 220 means that the center of the bottom shell 500 is rigidly connected to the inner stator 220 of the generator 200, which can be achieved using bolts or welding.
[0060] Specifically, the bottom shell 500 covers the outer side of the bottom of the turbine 300, forming a physical barrier to prevent floating debris from entering the first accommodating cavity 330. Simultaneously, its annular baffle wall cooperates with the lower convex ring 121 of the casing 100 to form a double protective structure. The rigid connection between the center of the bottom shell 500 and the inner stator 220 establishes an axial positioning reference, ensuring stable engagement between the generator 200 stator and the casing 100, while also resisting water flow impact loads through the structural strength of the bottom shell 500 itself.
[0061] Through the above technical solutions, this application effectively prevents floating objects from entering the turbine 300 and causing blockages, ensuring that the blades 320 rotate continuously and stably under complex water flow conditions. The rigid connection between the bottom protective shell 100 and the stator of the generator 200 enhances the overall structural stability, reduces maintenance requirements, and improves the operational reliability of the buoy in water containing impurities.
[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom shell 500 is provided with an upper protruding ring 510 extending toward the middle of the water wheel 300 on the outer periphery of the side near the water wheel 300, and the upper protruding ring 510 surrounds the outer side of one end of the water wheel 300.
[0063] The bottom shell 500 refers to a rigid shell structure covering the bottom area of the turbine 300. It can be made of stamped metal or injection-molded engineering plastic and is fixedly connected to the inner stator 220 to form a support frame. The upper raised ring 510 is an annular protrusion extending from the edge of the bottom shell 500 towards the axis of the turbine 300. It can be an arc-shaped baffle integrally formed with the bottom shell 500, and its extension height can be 5%-15% of the length of the turbine 300, forming a physical isolation zone in the circumference. The outer side surrounding one end of the turbine 300 refers to the upper raised ring 510 surrounding the outer circumferential area of the turbine blades 320's rotation path. This can be achieved by adjusting the gap between the inner diameter of the ring and the outer diameter of the turbine 300, with a gap range of 2-5 mm, allowing water flow while preventing floating debris from entering.
[0064] Specifically, when the buoy is in a flowing water environment, the upper convex ring 510 forms a continuous shielding surface around the rotating plane of the turbine 300 through its annular extension structure. This shielding surface, together with the lower convex ring 121, constitutes a double-layer protection system, with the upper convex ring 510 primarily blocking floating debris from the area below the turbine 300. As the water flows through the gaps in the rings, it creates an acceleration effect, propelling the blades 320 to rotate while simultaneously blocking any debris carried by the water that is larger than the gap size. The centrifugal force generated during the rotation of the turbine 300 further flings small debris near the blades 320 outwards, discharging it through the gaps in the rings into the working area.
[0065] Traditional buoy-based power generation devices lack a three-dimensional protective structure in the turbine 300 area, relying solely on the shape of the blades 320 to block debris, leading to fibrous waste easily becoming entangled in the gaps between the blades 320. This solution constructs a dual axial and radial isolation space by setting an upper convex ring 510 with a specific extension direction, guiding floating debris to the periphery of the device before it contacts the turbine 300. Compared to a single-layer protective structure, this design moves the debris interception point to a non-working area, preventing debris accumulation from affecting water flow drive efficiency. Through the above technical solution, this application effectively prevents floating debris from entering the gaps between the turbine blades 320, eliminating shutdowns caused by debris entanglement. The water flow drive area remains unobstructed, ensuring continuous and stable operation of the power generation device. The protective structure maintains normal water flow channels while intercepting debris, avoiding a decrease in power generation efficiency due to the addition of protective devices. This solution significantly reduces maintenance and cleaning frequency, improving the buoy's operational reliability in complex aquatic environments.
[0066] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom shell 500 is fixedly connected to the inner stator 220 via a connecting plate 400. The middle part of the connecting plate 400 is fixedly connected to the inner stator 220, and the connecting plate 400 is fixedly connected to the bottom shell 500. The connecting plate 400 is provided with a plurality of through holes 410 in the circumferential direction, and the through holes 410 are connected to the gap between adjacent blades 320.
[0067] The bottom shell 500 refers to the shell structure covering the bottom of the water impeller 300 and fixed to the connecting plate 400. It can be made of metal or high-strength plastic material and serves to seal the bottom of the water impeller 300 and provide installation space for the water pump 150. The connecting plate 400 is a plate-like structure connecting the bottom shell 500 and the inner stator 220. It can be made of an annular metal plate with circumferential through holes 410 forming water flow channels. A central fixing point ensures a rigid connection between the inner stator 220 and the shell 100. The through holes 410 are uniformly distributed through holes along the circumference of the connecting plate 400. They can be circular or rectangular and their positions are aligned with the gaps between the blades 320 to guide water flow to scour the surface of the blades 320.
[0068] Specifically, the connecting plate 400 is fixed between the inner stator 220 and the bottom shell 500, forming a support structure and a water flow channel. After the through hole 410 connects with the gap between the blades 320, water can enter the gap area between the blades 320 through the through hole 410, flushing away any debris that may be attached to the surface of the blades 320. When the water pump 150 starts, water flows into the through hole 410 through the water permeable hole 520, impacting the water flow in the gap between the blades 320 and actively driving the water turbine 300 to rotate. This design breaks the static equilibrium state of the water turbine 300 in natural water flow by forcing water flow circulation, avoiding power generation interruption due to uneven water flow velocity.
[0069] Traditional buoy power generation devices rely on natural water flow to drive the blades 320, which are prone to stalling in complex water flow environments. This solution, through the synergistic effect of the connecting plate 400 through-hole 410 and the water pump 150, forms an active drive mechanism, enabling the water turbine 300 to maintain rotation and generate electricity even in low flow rates or balanced conditions. Through this technical solution, this application achieves the effect of the water pump 150 driving the water turbine's rotation, automatically flushing away debris from the gaps between the blades 320 to prevent blockages caused by debris accumulation. Simultaneously, the active water flow impact ensures the continuous operation of the water turbine 300, guaranteeing the stability of the power generation device in complex water flow environments.
[0070] In one embodiment of this utility model, the bottom shell 500 is provided with a water-permeable hole 520 corresponding to the through hole 410. A second receiving cavity 530 is formed on the side of the bottom shell 500 away from the water wheel 300. A clearance hole 540 is formed in the middle of the bottom shell 500. The connecting plate 400 is at least partially disposed in the first receiving cavity 330. A connecting shell 420 is formed on the side of the connecting plate 400 away from the water wheel 300. The connecting shell 420 extends into the second receiving cavity 530 through the clearance hole 540. A third receiving cavity 440 for installing the water pump 150 is provided in the connecting shell 420. The outlet 151 of the water pump 150 is connected to the water-permeable hole 520. Figure 3 Only the third accommodating cavity 440 is shown in the image. Figure 3 The specific structure of the water pump 150 is not shown in the figure.
[0071] Among them, the water-permeable hole 520 refers to the hole on the bottom shell 500 corresponding to the position of the through hole 410. Specifically, it can be implemented by a circular or rectangular through hole 410 structure, or it can be like... Figure 1 The densely packed, small circular holes form water flow channels, allowing the water output from the pump 150 to directionally scour the blade 320 area. The second accommodating cavity 530 refers to the cavity structure formed on the back of the bottom shell 500, which can be formed by casting or welding processes, and is used to accommodate the connecting shell 420 and reduce the impact of external water flow on the internal structure. The clearance hole 540 refers to the through hole opened in the middle of the bottom shell 500, which can be a stepped hole or a straight hole structure, and is used to allow the connecting shell 420 to pass through the bottom shell 500 and connect to the external structure. The connecting shell 420 refers to the shell structure formed by extending from the back of the connecting plate 400, which can be made of metal or engineering plastic, and is used to fix the pump 150 and form an independent installation space. The third accommodating cavity 440 refers to the sealed cavity formed inside the connecting shell 420, which can be realized by a split or one-piece molding process, and can also be used to isolate the pump 150 from the external environment.
[0072] Specifically, the permeable hole 520 and the through hole 410 form a continuous water flow channel. When the water pump 150 starts, water flows from the third accommodating cavity 440 through the permeable hole 520 into the through hole 410, and then through the gaps between the blades 320. This process actively flushes the surface of the blades 320, removing attached debris and disrupting the force balance of the water turbine 300. The design of the connecting shell 420 extending into the second accommodating cavity 530 through the clearance hole 540 allows the water pump 150 to be installed close to the bottom of the water turbine 300, shortening the water flow path. The structure of the connecting plate 400 partially embedded in the first accommodating cavity 330 enhances the connection stability between the water turbine 300 and the generator 200, preventing structural displacement caused by water flow impact.
[0073] Traditional buoys rely solely on natural water flow to drive the turbine 300, which is prone to stalling under low flow rates or when debris accumulates. This solution incorporates an active pump system, maintaining turbine 300 operation even with insufficient natural water flow. Simultaneously, directional water flow effectively addresses debris clogging by flushing the gaps between blades 320. Existing anchor chain fixing methods are prone to debris entanglement; this solution reduces the risk of debris trapping by decreasing the number of anchor chains and optimizing the structural layout. Through these technical solutions, this application can actively drive turbine 300 to rotate even with insufficient water flow or debris accumulation, ensuring continuous power generation; the directional water flow flushing mechanism prevents debris from clogging the gaps between blades 320; the compact structural layout reduces the number of external anchor chains, lowering the probability of debris entanglement; and the modular design facilitates pump 150 maintenance and replacement, improving equipment maintainability.
[0074] In one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting shell 420 is provided with an anchor chain connecting part 430, which is connected to an anchor chain.
[0075] The connecting shell 420 refers to the housing component that encloses the installation structure of the water pump 150. It can be made of cast metal or injection molded from engineering plastics, forming an internal cavity to accommodate the water pump 150. This structure achieves a compact layout of functional modules by integrating the anchor chain connection part 430 with the installation position of the water pump 150. The anchor chain connection part 430 refers to the mechanical connection structure located on the outer surface of the connecting shell 420. It can be a welded lug or an integrally formed annular protrusion, connected to the end of the anchor chain by bolts or clips. This structure replaces the traditional multi-point anchor chain layout with a single-point anchoring method, reducing the impact of the number of anchor chains on water flow.
[0076] Specifically, when the buoy needs to be secured, a single anchor chain is rigidly connected to the connecting shell 420 via the anchor chain connection 430. The traction force generated by the single anchor chain is evenly transmitted to the buoy body through the connecting shell 420. When maintenance is required, the buoy can be separated simply by disconnecting the single anchor chain connection, maintaining the integrity of the anchor chain for reuse.
[0077] Traditional buoys use three anchor chains forming a triangular anchor point, requiring the cutting of multiple connectors during disassembly, thus preventing reuse. This solution simplifies anchor chain disassembly to a single point while maintaining buoy positioning stability, thanks to the use of a single anchor chain in conjunction with an integrated connecting shell 420. This also avoids the formation of a spatial mesh structure from multiple anchor chains. Through this technical solution, this application achieves complete disassembly and reuse of the anchor chain, solving the problem of destructive removal required for maintenance of traditional multi-anchor chain systems. Furthermore, the single anchor chain structure reduces the number of obstacles in the water, effectively lowering the probability of debris entanglement and preventing buoy tilting malfunctions caused by debris accumulation on multiple interlocking anchor chains.
[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, the water pump 150 is installed on the side of the housing 100 near the water wheel 300; the outlet 151 of the water pump 150 is arranged opposite to the recess 311. At least one water pump 150 may be provided, or... Figure 4Four pumps are evenly distributed in the middle; the water pump 150 is actually installed at the bottom of the housing 100, specifically at the bottom of the lower housing 120; the water outlet 151 is arranged opposite to the concave portion 311, so that the water from the water outlet 151 can pass through the concave portion 311 and impact the blade 320, thereby driving the water wheel 300 to rotate; in one embodiment, the water pump 150 can be inclined, so as to ensure that the water from the water outlet 151 can be ejected at an angle, thereby impacting the blade 320; in another embodiment, the water pump 150 can also be non-inclined, and the water outlet 151 or the outlet guide structure can be inclined to ensure that the water is inclined, thereby better impacting the blade 320.
[0079] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A water-powered buoy, characterized in that: The device includes a housing (100); an energy storage unit (130) is provided inside the housing (100); the energy storage unit (130) is electrically connected to a generator (200); the generator (200) is located at the bottom of the housing (100); the generator (200) includes an outer rotor (210) and an inner stator (220); a water turbine (300) is fixedly connected to the outer rotor (210); one end of the inner stator (220) is fixedly connected to the housing (100); the water flow power generation buoy also includes a water pump (150) that can drive the water turbine (300) to rotate.
2. The hydroelectric buoy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (100) includes an upper shell (110) and a lower shell (120) fixedly connected; the energy storage unit (130) is located inside the lower shell (120); the housing (100) has a lower convex ring (121) extending toward the middle of the water wheel (300) on the outer periphery of the side near the water wheel (300); the lower convex ring (121) surrounds the outer side of one end of the water wheel (300); and several drive units (140) for moving the buoy in the water are connected to the housing (100).
3. The hydroelectric buoy according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water turbine (300) has a first accommodating cavity (330) in the middle that cooperates with the generator (200); the water turbine (300) also includes two opposing clamping plates (310); a plurality of blades (320) are spaced apart between the two clamping plates (310).
4. The hydroelectric buoy according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first accommodating cavity (330) is provided with a generator ring (340) for fixed connection with the outer rotor (210).
5. A hydroelectric buoy according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first accommodating cavity (330) passes through the water wheel (300); a bottom shell (500) is provided on the side of the water wheel (300) away from the housing (100); the bottom shell (500) is fixedly connected to the inner stator (220).
6. A hydroelectric buoy according to claim 5, characterized in that: The bottom shell (500) has an upper convex ring (510) extending toward the middle of the water wheel (300) on the outer periphery of the side near the water wheel (300); the upper convex ring (510) surrounds the outer side of one end of the water wheel (300).
7. A hydroelectric buoy according to claim 5, characterized in that: The bottom shell (500) is fixedly connected to the inner stator (220) via a connecting plate (400); the middle part of the connecting plate (400) is fixedly connected to the inner stator (220); the connecting plate (400) is fixedly connected to the bottom shell (500); the connecting plate (400) is provided with a plurality of through holes (410) in the circumferential direction; the through holes (410) are connected to the gap between adjacent blades (320).
8. A hydroelectric buoy according to claim 7, characterized in that: The bottom shell (500) is provided with a water-permeable hole (520) corresponding to the through hole (410); a second receiving cavity (530) is formed on the side of the bottom shell (500) away from the water impeller (300); a clearance hole (540) is formed in the middle of the bottom shell (500); the connecting plate (400) is at least partially disposed in the first receiving cavity (330); a connecting shell is formed on the side of the connecting plate (400) away from the water impeller (300). (420); The connecting shell (420) extends into the second accommodating cavity (530) through the relief hole (540); The connecting shell (420) is provided with a third accommodating cavity (440) for installing the water pump (150); The outlet (151) of the water pump (150) is connected to the water permeable hole (520); The connecting shell (420) is provided with an anchor chain connecting part (430); The anchor chain connecting part (430) is connected to an anchor chain.
9. A hydroelectric buoy according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer side of the clamp (310) is provided with an inner recess (311) that is recessed toward the center of the clamp (310); a blade (312) is fixedly connected to the clamp (310); the blade (312) extends into the inner recess (311) and forms a working part (313) for cutting.
10. A hydroelectric buoy according to claim 9, characterized in that: The water pump (150) is installed on the side of the housing (100) near the water wheel (300); the outlet (151) of the water pump (150) is arranged opposite to the concave portion (311).