Marine oscillating float wave energy converter

Abstract

The application provides a ship oscillating float type wave energy power generation device, which comprises a connecting piece, a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic motor and a generator; the connecting piece is installed on a ship body; the hydraulic cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a main shaft; the cylinder body is rotationally connected with the connecting piece; one end of the main shaft is provided with a piston, and the other end of the main shaft is provided with an oscillating float; the piston can reciprocate in the cylinder body; the hydraulic motor is connected with the cylinder body through a hydraulic pipeline; and the generator is connected with the hydraulic motor. In the application, the oscillating float moves up and down with waves, so that wave energy is converted into mechanical energy, the hydraulic cylinder is used to transmit the mechanical energy to the hydraulic motor, the generator is driven to generate electricity, hydraulic energy is converted into electric energy, and efficient energy conversion is realized; the application has a simple structure, the cylinder body is rotationally connected with the connecting piece, the cylinder body is vertically placed when the power generation device is used, and the cylinder body is horizontally placed when the power generation device is not used, so that the space occupation is effectively reduced, and the installation and storage on the ship, the berthing and the high-speed sailing of the ship are facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of wave energy power generation technology, and more specifically, it relates to a marine oscillating float type wave energy power generation device, which can be installed on both sides of medium and large ocean-going cargo ships, such as Panamax dry bulk carriers. Background Technology

[0002] In the marine environment, traditional ship energy supply methods often rely on fossil fuels, which are not only costly but also have a significant environmental impact. With the continuous development of renewable energy technologies and increasingly stringent environmental regulations, utilizing wave energy to generate electricity on ships has become a highly promising solution.

[0003] In the field of renewable energy technology, especially in the marine environment, wave energy has significant advantages over wind and solar energy, such as the ability to supply energy 24 hours a day and high power generation capacity.

[0004] However, existing wave energy generation devices are rarely used on ships and still face many problems. For example, installing spring oscillators inside the hull to absorb wave energy not only occupies a large amount of space but also presents significant modification challenges. Arranging guide rail sliders inside the hull or on the deck for energy absorption restricts their freedom of movement, relying solely on their own inertia to generate power, resulting in low output. While rocker-arm float structures offer some effectiveness, their complex design, large size, and inconvenient storage limit their use. These issues collectively hinder the widespread adoption and application of wave energy generation devices in the marine industry.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a marine oscillating float-type wave energy generation device to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a marine oscillating float-type wave energy generator to solve the technical problems of difficult modification, low power, complex structure and inconvenient storage of existing wave energy generators.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: A marine oscillating float-type wave energy generator is provided, comprising a connector, a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic motor, and a generator; the connector is mounted on the hull; the hydraulic cylinder includes a cylinder body and a main shaft; the cylinder body is rotatably connected to the connector; a piston is provided at one end of the main shaft, and an oscillating float is provided at the other end of the main shaft; the piston can reciprocate within the cylinder body; the hydraulic motor is connected to the cylinder body via a hydraulic pipeline; and the generator is connected to the hydraulic motor.

[0008] Furthermore, the oscillating float is hinged or fixedly connected to the main shaft.

[0009] Furthermore, the marine oscillating float wave energy generator also includes an energy storage element, which is connected to the generator.

[0010] Furthermore, the marine oscillating float wave energy generation device also includes an inverter, and the energy storage element is connected to the ship's main power grid or other power grid systems through the inverter.

[0011] Furthermore, the marine oscillating float wave energy generator also includes a rotating mechanism, which is mounted on the connector and connected to the cylinder body. The rotating mechanism is used to drive the cylinder body to rotate.

[0012] Furthermore, the rotating mechanism includes a rotary drive and a reduction gearbox, the input end of the reduction gearbox is connected to the output shaft of the rotary drive, and the output end of the reduction gearbox is connected to the cylinder body.

[0013] Furthermore, the marine oscillating float wave energy generator also includes a limiting member, which is installed on the connector or the hull and is used to limit the rotation angle of the cylinder.

[0014] Furthermore, the marine oscillating float wave energy generator also includes a buffer structure, which is disposed at the open end of the cylinder. The buffer structure is used to reduce the impact on the piston and prevent the piston from sliding out of the cylinder.

[0015] Furthermore, the hydraulic cylinder is a single hydraulic cylinder, or multiple hydraulic cylinders connected in series and / or in parallel, or a multi-stage hydraulic cylinder.

[0016] Furthermore, the marine oscillating buoy wave energy generators are arranged in pairs, with each pair of marine oscillating buoy wave energy generators symmetrically arranged on both sides of the hull.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the marine oscillating float wave energy generator provided in this application are as follows: Compared with the prior art, in this application, the oscillating float moves up and down with the waves, converting wave energy into mechanical energy, which is then transmitted to the hydraulic motor through the hydraulic cylinder, converting the mechanical energy into hydraulic energy, and finally driving the generator to generate electricity, converting the hydraulic energy into electrical energy, thus achieving efficient energy conversion; the structure of this application is simple and compact, with the cylinder body and connecting parts rotatably connected. When the generator is in use, the cylinder body is placed vertically, and when the generator is not in use, the cylinder body is rotated to be placed horizontally, thereby effectively reducing space occupation and facilitating installation and storage on ships. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the 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.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a marine oscillating float-type wave energy generation device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the hydraulic cylinder in the retracted state in the marine oscillating float wave energy generation device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the hydraulic cylinder in the working state of the marine oscillating float wave energy generator provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Side view;

[0023] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the marine oscillating float wave energy generation device provided in the embodiments of this application at different drafts;

[0024] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the marine oscillating float wave energy generation device provided in the embodiments of this application, installed on the hull;

[0025] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Top view.

[0026] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:

[0027] 10 - Marine oscillating float wave energy generator; 20 - Hull;

[0028] 100 - Connector;

[0029] 201-Cylinder block; 202-Main shaft; 203-Piston; 204-Oscillating float; 205-Buffer structure;

[0030] 300-Hydraulic motor;

[0031] 400-generator;

[0032] 500 - Hydraulic piping;

[0033] 600 - Energy storage element;

[0034] 700-Inverter;

[0035] 801 - Main electrical network of the ship; 802 - Other electrical network systems of the ship;

[0036] 900 - Rotation mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0038] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0039] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0040] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0041] Please see Figure 1 The marine oscillating float wave energy generator 10 provided in this application embodiment will now be described. The marine oscillating float wave energy generator 10 includes a connector 100, a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic motor 300, and a generator 400. The connector 100 is mounted on the hull 20. The hydraulic cylinder includes a cylinder body 201 and a main shaft 202. The cylinder body 201 is rotatably connected to the connector 100. One end of the main shaft 202 is provided with a piston 203, and the other end of the main shaft 202 is provided with an oscillating float 204. The piston 203 can reciprocate within the cylinder body 201. The hydraulic motor 300 is connected to the cylinder body 201 via a hydraulic pipe 500. The generator 400 is connected to the hydraulic motor 300.

[0042] The marine oscillating float wave energy generator 10 provided in this application embodiment, compared with the prior art, converts wave energy into mechanical energy by the oscillating float 204 moving up and down with the waves, and then transmits it to the hydraulic motor 300 through the hydraulic cylinder, converting the mechanical energy into hydraulic energy, and finally driving the generator 400 to generate electricity, thus converting the hydraulic energy into electrical energy, achieving efficient energy conversion; the structure of this application is simple and compact, with the cylinder body 201 rotatably connected to the connecting member 100. When the generator is in use, the cylinder body 201 is placed vertically, such as... Figure 3 As shown; when the power generation device is not in use, the cylinder 201 is rotated to place it horizontally, as shown. Figure 2 As shown, this effectively reduces space occupation and facilitates installation and storage on ships.

[0043] In one embodiment of this application, the oscillating float 204 is hinged or fixedly connected to the main shaft 202.

[0044] In this embodiment, the connection method between the oscillating float 204 and the main shaft 202 can be selected according to actual needs. If a hinged connection is used, the oscillating float 204 can have greater freedom under wave action, thus better adapting to the complex motion of waves and improving energy capture efficiency. A fixed connection, on the other hand, enhances the overall stability of the structure, making it particularly suitable for scenarios with harsh sea conditions or requiring long-term stable operation. Regardless of the connection method used, the strength and corrosion resistance of the connection parts must be ensured to cope with the high salinity and humidity conditions of the marine environment, guaranteeing the reliability and service life of the device.

[0045] In one embodiment of this application, please refer to Figure 1 The marine oscillating float wave energy generator 10 also includes an energy storage element 600, which is connected to the generator 400.

[0046] In this embodiment, the energy storage element 600 can store the electrical energy generated by the generator 400 for later use. This design can effectively solve the problem of unstable energy output during wave energy generation, ensuring that the device can continue to supply power even when waves are weak or absent. The capacity and performance of the energy storage element 600 can be adjusted according to the actual application scenario. For example, on ships requiring long-term voyages, a high-capacity energy storage element 600 can be configured to improve the practicality and reliability of the overall system.

[0047] Specifically, the energy storage element 600 can be either a supercapacitor or a lithium battery. Each type of energy storage element 600 has its advantages. Supercapacitors feature high power density, long lifespan, and rapid charging and discharging, making them suitable for handling frequent energy fluctuations during wave energy generation. Lithium batteries, on the other hand, are known for their high energy density and stable output performance, making them more suitable for scenarios requiring long-term stable power supply. In practical applications, a single energy storage element 600 or a combination of both can be selected based on the specific needs of the vessel to achieve optimal energy management. Furthermore, the energy storage element 600 is equipped with an intelligent management system that can monitor the power status, temperature, and charging / discharging status in real time, ensuring its operation within safe limits and extending its service life.

[0048] In one embodiment of this application, please refer to Figure 1 The marine oscillating float wave energy generator 10 also includes an inverter 700, and the energy storage element is connected to the ship's main power grid 801 or other power grid systems 802 through the inverter 700.

[0049] In this embodiment, the energy storage element is connected to the ship's main power grid 801 or other ship power grid systems 802 (such as the domestic power grid) via an inverter 700, significantly reducing submarine cable construction and transmission losses. The inverter 700 converts the DC power output from the energy storage element into AC power to meet the ship's power grid needs. This design allows the power generation device to more flexibly adapt to different types of ship power grids, achieving efficient and stable energy transmission for both domestic and propulsion systems. Furthermore, the inverter 700 features overload and short-circuit protection, enabling rapid circuit disconnection in abnormal situations to ensure the safe operation of the entire system. This configuration not only improves the compatibility of the power generation device but also further enhances its adaptability in complex marine environments.

[0050] In one embodiment of this application, please refer to Figure 4 The marine oscillating float wave energy generator 10 also includes a rotating mechanism 900, which is mounted on the connector 100 and connected to the cylinder 201. The rotating mechanism 900 is used to drive the cylinder 201 to rotate.

[0051] In this embodiment, by setting a rotating mechanism 900 to drive the cylinder 201 to rotate, the position of the cylinder 201 can be easily adjusted. When the power generation device is working, the cylinder 201 can be adjusted to a vertical position to ensure that the oscillating float 204 can fully contact the waves and efficiently capture wave energy. When the power generation device stops working, the cylinder 201 can be rotated to a horizontal position, thereby significantly reducing the overall space occupied by the equipment. This design not only improves the ease of operation of the device, but also provides greater flexibility for installation and storage on ships.

[0052] In one embodiment of this application, the rotating mechanism 900 includes a rotating drive and a reduction gearbox. The input end of the reduction gearbox is connected to the output shaft of the rotating drive, and the output end of the reduction gearbox is connected to the cylinder 201.

[0053] In this embodiment, the combined design of a rotary drive and a reduction gearbox effectively improves the control accuracy and stability of the rotating mechanism 900. The rotary drive provides the power source, while the reduction gearbox ensures that the cylinder 201 has sufficient force and precise angle adjustment capability during rotation by reducing the rotational speed and increasing the torque. This structure not only meets the needs under different operating conditions but also significantly enhances the reliability and service life of the device. Simultaneously, the introduction of the reduction gearbox reduces the load pressure on the rotary drive, thereby further optimizing the energy consumption performance of the entire system and providing a solid guarantee for the long-term operation of the power generation device in complex marine environments.

[0054] Specifically, the rotary drive component can be an electric motor. Electric motors, as rotary drive components, feature fast response speed and high control precision, allowing for precise adjustment of the cylinder 201 angle according to actual needs. The reduction gearbox includes a multi-stage gear set, achieving speed reduction and torque increase through gear meshing. This design is not only compact but also effectively distributes the load, preventing excessive pressure on individual components and thus extending the equipment's service life.

[0055] In one embodiment of this application, the marine oscillating float wave energy generator 10 further includes a limiting member, which is installed on the connector 100 or the hull 20 and is used to limit the rotation angle of the cylinder 201.

[0056] In this embodiment, the design of the limiting component effectively prevents damage or failure of the cylinder 201 due to excessive angle during operation. By precisely setting the limiting range, it can be ensured that the cylinder 201 always operates within a safe working range, thereby further improving the stability and safety of the device.

[0057] Specifically, the limiting component can be a mechanical limiting structure or an electronic sensor. Mechanical limiting structures are simple and reliable, directly limiting the rotation range of the cylinder 201 through physical obstruction, suitable for scenarios where high precision is not required. Electronic sensors, on the other hand, provide higher control precision by monitoring the angle of the cylinder 201 in real time and issuing a signal when a preset value is reached, thereby achieving automated angle control. This design not only improves the intelligence level of the device but also effectively avoids safety hazards caused by human error. Furthermore, the limiting component can be used in conjunction with a buffer device to gradually decelerate as the device approaches the limiting point, reducing impact force and further protecting the equipment from damage.

[0058] In one embodiment of this application, please refer to Figure 1 The marine oscillating float wave energy generator 10 also includes a buffer structure 205, which is provided at the open end of the cylinder 201. The buffer structure 205 is used to reduce the impact of the piston 203 and prevent the piston 203 from sliding out of the cylinder 201.

[0059] In this embodiment, the design of the buffer structure 205 significantly improves the operational safety and stability of the device. By providing the buffer structure 205 at the open end of the cylinder 201, the impact force generated by the piston 203 during reciprocating motion can be effectively absorbed, preventing equipment damage or performance degradation due to violent collisions. Simultaneously, the buffer structure 205 also acts as a limiting mechanism, preventing the piston 203 from slipping out of the cylinder 201 in extreme situations, thereby further enhancing the reliability and service life of the device.

[0060] Specifically, the buffer structure 205 can be a combination of springs and dampers. Springs possess excellent elasticity and resilience, effectively absorbing impact energy, while dampers provide additional resistance to further mitigate the impact, ensuring the piston 203 remains stable during movement. This design not only adapts to the operational requirements under varying wave intensities but also significantly reduces noise and vibration during equipment operation, providing a more comfortable environment for use on ships.

[0061] In one embodiment of this application, the hydraulic cylinder is a single hydraulic cylinder, or multiple hydraulic cylinders are arranged in series and / or in parallel, or a multi-stage hydraulic cylinder is used.

[0062] In this embodiment, the various designs of the hydraulic cylinders can meet the energy conversion needs of different scenarios. A single hydraulic cylinder has a simple structure, is suitable for scenarios with lower power requirements, and is easy to install and maintain, effectively reducing overall costs. By arranging multiple hydraulic cylinders in series or parallel, long-distance energy transmission needs can be met, while simultaneously improving the overall efficiency and stability of the power generation device. Figure 5The diagram illustrates the vessel's state at different drafts. The series-connected hydraulic cylinders transfer energy stage by stage, minimizing energy loss during long-distance transmission, making them suitable for scenarios requiring efficient transfer of wave energy from a location 20° away from the hull to the power generation system. The parallel connection enhances system redundancy; even if one hydraulic cylinder fails, the others can continue operating, improving the overall reliability and fault tolerance of the device. Furthermore, the parallel structure allows for flexible adjustment of operating conditions based on actual wave conditions; for example, only some hydraulic cylinders can be activated when waves are weak to optimize energy utilization. The multi-stage hydraulic cylinder design achieves energy transfer in stages, providing a greater stroke range within a limited space, further enhancing the device's adaptability and flexibility. This design not only enhances the adaptability of the power generation device but also provides strong support for stable operation in complex marine environments.

[0063] In one embodiment of this application, please refer to the following: Figure 6 and Figure 7 Marine oscillating float wave energy generators 10 are installed in pairs, with each pair of marine oscillating float wave energy generators 10 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the hull 20.

[0064] In this embodiment, the symmetrical arrangement of power generation devices on both sides of the vessel effectively balances the forces acting on the hull 20, reducing tilting or swaying caused by wave impacts. This layout not only improves the vessel's stability in complex sea conditions but also fully utilizes the wave energy resources on both sides of the vessel, maximizing energy harvesting. Furthermore, the symmetrical design facilitates maintenance and repair, allowing personnel to operate the power generation devices from both sides of the hull 20 without needing to adjust the vessel's position or attitude. This design also reduces the risk of excessive load on one side, further extending the equipment's lifespan and providing continuous and stable energy support for the vessel during long voyages.

[0065] Specifically, during installation, the marine oscillating float wave energy generator 10 can be connected to the connector 100 using a reinforcing steel plate. The reinforcing steel plate significantly enhances the connection strength between the marine oscillating float wave energy generator 10 and the hull 20, ensuring the stability of the device under harsh sea conditions. When the marine oscillating float wave energy generator 10 is in operation, the cylinder 201 is in a vertical position. A rope can be used to fix the position of the cylinder 201, with one end fixed to the cylinder 201 and the other end securely connected to a specific fixed point on the hull 20. This fixing method effectively prevents unnecessary swaying or displacement of the cylinder 201 under wave impact, thereby ensuring that the oscillating float 204 can accurately capture wave energy and efficiently convert it into mechanical energy.

[0066] The marine oscillating float-type wave energy generator 10 provided in this application embodiment can be applied to ocean-going cargo ships. In the application scenario of ocean-going cargo ships, this generator exhibits excellent adaptability and efficiency. Cargo ships often face the problem of abundant wave energy resources but limited energy supply when sailing on the high seas. This device, by fully utilizing wave energy, can provide additional power support for cargo ships, thereby reducing dependence on traditional fuels and lowering operating costs. At the same time, due to its compact structure and flexible storage characteristics, the device can achieve efficient space utilization on cargo ships, avoiding interference with normal ship operations.

[0067] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A marine oscillating float-type wave energy generation device, characterized in that, include: A connector, which is mounted on the hull; A hydraulic cylinder includes a cylinder body and a main shaft; the cylinder body is rotatably connected to the connecting member; a piston is provided at one end of the main shaft, and an oscillating float is provided at the other end of the main shaft; the piston can reciprocate within the cylinder body. A hydraulic motor, wherein the hydraulic motor is connected to the cylinder via a hydraulic pipeline; A generator, which is connected to the hydraulic motor.

2. The marine oscillating float-type wave energy generation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The oscillating float is hinged or fixedly connected to the main shaft.

3. The marine oscillating float-type wave energy generation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The marine oscillating float wave energy generator also includes an energy storage element, which is connected to the generator.

4. The marine oscillating float-type wave energy generation device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The marine oscillating float wave energy generation device also includes an inverter, and the energy storage element is connected to the ship's main power grid or other power grid systems through the inverter.

5. The marine oscillating float-type wave energy generation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The marine oscillating float wave energy generator also includes a rotating mechanism, which is mounted on the connector and connected to the cylinder body. The rotating mechanism is used to drive the cylinder body to rotate.

6. The marine oscillating float-type wave energy generation device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The rotating mechanism includes a rotary drive and a reduction gearbox. The input end of the reduction gearbox is connected to the output shaft of the rotary drive, and the output end of the reduction gearbox is connected to the cylinder body.

7. The marine oscillating float-type wave energy generation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The marine oscillating float wave energy generator also includes a limiting member, which is installed on the connector or the hull and is used to limit the rotation angle of the cylinder.

8. The marine oscillating float-type wave energy generation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The marine oscillating float wave energy generator also includes a buffer structure, which is disposed at the open end of the cylinder. The buffer structure is used to reduce the impact on the piston and prevent the piston from sliding out of the cylinder.

9. The marine oscillating float-type wave energy generation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hydraulic cylinder is a single hydraulic cylinder, or multiple hydraulic cylinders connected in series and / or in parallel, or a multi-stage hydraulic cylinder.

10. The marine oscillating float-type wave energy generation device as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The marine oscillating float wave energy generators are installed in pairs, with each pair symmetrically arranged on both sides of the hull.

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