A buoy array and a lever fulcrum adjustable two-way wave energy collection device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of two-way wave energy collection devices of adjustable float array and lever fulcrum, belong to wave power generation technical field.The device includes carrying platform, energy trapping device, lever conversion device and wave energy conversion device.The energy trapping device is hinged with one end of lever conversion device by multidirectional rotating mechanism, it includes float array mounting disc and multiple detachably installed different sites on it gyroscopic float, adjustable array is formed.The lever fulcrum position of lever conversion device is adjustably installed on carrying platform, and its other end is drivingly connected with the pull rod of wave energy conversion device.Wave energy conversion device uses low-friction sliding seal ring and guide ring structure.The present application is adaptively matched different wave conditions by adjustable float array and lever fulcrum, and utilizes lever conversion device and independent hydraulic cylinder driving mechanism, captures longitudinal and transverse wave energy;Through low-friction sealing structure and guide ring, mechanical loss is significantly reduced, and energy conversion efficiency is improved;It is especially suitable for low-energy-density wave environment, and energy capture and conversion efficiency are significantly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of marine renewable energy technology, and in particular to a wave energy conversion device, specifically a bidirectional wave energy harvesting device with an adjustable float array and lever fulcrum. Background Technology

[0002] Wave energy, as a renewable energy source with abundant reserves and wide distribution, is an important energy supplement for achieving the goal of "carbon neutrality". However, wave energy also has the characteristics of low energy density, large fluctuations, and variable directions, which poses a severe challenge to the efficiency, reliability, and adaptability of wave energy capture devices (WEC).

[0003] Existing oscillating float-type wave energy devices primarily respond to vertical wave motion, exhibiting weak capture capability for transverse waves and limited energy capture efficiency. Single-point absorption floats suffer from unstable energy output due to their small capture width. Furthermore, many traditional devices exhibit poor start-up performance at low wave heights, failing to effectively utilize low-energy-density waves. In the energy conversion stage, common sealing structures suffer from significant frictional losses, further reducing overall conversion efficiency.

[0004] "An existing patent discloses a 'lever-type wave energy generation device' (e.g., CN2016102795816), which uses a lever to amplify the motion of the float. However, the float arrangement of this device is simple and cannot be optimized to match the wave conditions, and it lacks an effective transverse wave capture mechanism. Another patent discloses a 'multi-float wave energy conversion system' (e.g., CN2013104105559). Although it uses multiple floats, the float positions are fixed and lack adjustability, and the friction loss of the energy conversion part is still relatively large."

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a novel wave energy conversion device that can adapt to different wave conditions, efficiently capture multi-directional wave energy, and has low internal loss. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a bidirectional wave energy harvesting device with an adjustable float array and lever fulcrum. This device can effectively improve the wave energy capture efficiency and conversion efficiency, and is especially suitable for coastal environments with low wave energy density.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: to provide a bidirectional wave energy harvesting device with adjustable float array and lever fulcrum, including: a mounting platform including a support platform and a height-adjustable columnar support, and a lever conversion device mounting base is provided below the support platform; the columnar support is height-adjusted by a set screw to change the working height of the support platform and the wave energy conversion device.

[0008] The energy harvesting device includes a float array mounting plate and multiple gyro-shaped floats. The mounting plate has multiple float mounting points, and the gyro-shaped floats are detachably mounted at different mounting points to form an adjustable float array. The energy harvesting device is connected to a platform via a multi-directional rotation mechanism for capturing wave energy. By changing the mounting positions of the gyro-shaped floats, the configuration of the float array can be adjusted to adapt to wave energy capture under different wave directions and frequencies.

[0009] The lever conversion device includes a lever and a fulcrum adjustment mechanism. The fulcrum adjustment mechanism includes a sleeve, a locking device, and a rotating shaft. The lever is adjustablely hinged to the lever conversion device mounting base via the fulcrum adjustment mechanism. By changing the position of the fulcrum adjustment mechanism on the lever, the position of the lever fulcrum can be adjusted, thereby changing the lever arm relationship on both sides of the lever. The first end of the lever is connected to the core cross rotating shaft to transmit the motion generated by the energy harvesting device to the lever conversion device.

[0010] The wave energy conversion device, mounted on a platform, includes a cylinder, a pull rod, and sealing components. The second end of the lever is connected to the pull rod for transmission, converting and transmitting the wave motion captured by the energy harvesting device to the wave energy conversion device, causing the pull rod to reciprocate, thereby realizing the conversion and output of wave energy. By adjusting the position of the lever fulcrum, the lever arm relationship on both sides can be changed to adapt to the energy transfer requirements under different wave conditions.

[0011] A transverse wave energy capture unit, used to capture the oscillating energy generated by an energy-capturing device under the action of transverse waves, includes a hydraulic cylinder and a hydraulic cylinder drive mechanism. The cylinder body of the hydraulic cylinder is hinged to a lever, and its piston rod is hinged to a connecting plate; the connecting plate is hinged to a drive plate, and the drive plate is connected to the energy-capturing device. The drive plate is used to receive and transmit the oscillation generated by the energy-capturing device under the action of transverse waves, and the connecting plate is used to transmit motion between the drive plate and the hydraulic cylinder and adapt to the relative motion between the two, thereby driving the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder to reciprocate, so that the oscillating mechanical energy caused by the transverse waves is converted into hydraulic energy.

[0012] Furthermore, the fulcrum adjustment mechanism includes a groove on the lever, a sleeve that can slide along the groove, a locking device, and a rotating shaft. A row of equally spaced through holes is provided on both sides of the groove. The locking device can selectively pass through the through holes and lock the sleeve at a selected position on the lever. The locking device includes two cylindrical trapezoidal platforms with through holes, a long shaft, and a spring fitted outside the long shaft. The long shaft passes through the two cylindrical trapezoidal platforms. In the uncompressed state, the spring causes the two cylindrical trapezoidal platforms to extend outward and insert into the through holes on the lever to achieve locking. When the cylindrical trapezoidal platforms are compressed, the spring is compressed, and the cylindrical trapezoidal platforms disengage from the through holes to achieve unlocking. By changing the selected position of the sleeve in the lever groove, the fulcrum position of the lever can be changed, thereby adjusting the lever arm ratio and the force and displacement transmission relationship on both sides of the lever.

[0013] Furthermore, the sealing components of the wave energy conversion device include an inner sliding seal ring, an outer sliding seal ring, and a sliding seal ring mounting plate, and are axially constrained by a baffle. The top cover of the wave energy conversion device is provided with a guide ring, through which the pull rod passes; the top cover also has a circular groove with a catch, in which the guide ring is installed and locked by a locking ring that matches the shape of the catch. The sliding seal structure is used to reduce frictional resistance during movement, and the guide ring is used to guide the reciprocating motion of the pull rod.

[0014] Furthermore, the height of the columnar support is adjustable to adapt to different water depths or installation height conditions.

[0015] The advantages of this invention compared to existing technologies are as follows: First, it offers highly efficient bidirectional energy capture: longitudinal wave energy is captured through the main lever mechanism, while lateral wave energy is captured through an independent hydraulic cylinder unit, significantly improving the energy capture range and efficiency. Second, it boasts strong adaptability: the adjustable float array position and lever fulcrum position allow the device to flexibly adapt to different wave conditions (wave height, wave direction, period), always maintaining a near-optimal working state, especially advantageous in low energy density environments. Simultaneously, it offers high energy conversion efficiency: the wave energy conversion device employs an optimized low-friction sealing and guiding structure, effectively reducing mechanical energy loss and improving the conversion efficiency from mechanical energy to hydraulic energy. Finally, it features a reasonable structure and high reliability: the multi-directional rotation mechanism can offset some of the wave force impacts from non-ideal directions, protecting the device structure and extending its service life. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the platform on which this utility model is mounted.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the lever conversion device, hydraulic cylinder drive mechanism and multi-directional rotation mechanism of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the energy harvesting device and multi-directional rotation mechanism of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the wave energy conversion device of this utility model.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Lever conversion device; 1-1. Lever; 1-2. Hydraulic cylinder connecting ring; 1-3. Hydraulic cylinder; 1-4. Locking device; 1-5. Spring; 2. Hydraulic cylinder drive mechanism; 2-1. Connecting plate; 2-2. Drive plate; 3. Multi-directional rotation mechanism; 3-1. Core cross rotation shaft; 3-2. Rotation mechanism connecting seat; 3-3. Bearing; 4. Energy harvesting device; 4-1. Reinforced support column; 4-2. Float array mounting plate; 4-3. Float mounting point; 4-4. Stud; 4-5. Gyro-type float; 5. Mounting platform; 5-1. Grounding plate; 5-2. Reinforcement 5-3. Rib plate; 5-4. Column support; 5-5. Locking knob; 5-6. Support platform; 5-7. Lever conversion device mounting base; 5-8. Bearing A; 6. Wave energy conversion device; 6-1. Bottom cover; 6-2. Columnar outer wall; 6-3. Pull rod; 6-4. Nut; 6-5. Sliding seal outer ring; 6-6. Sliding seal inner ring; 6-7. Sliding seal mounting plate; 6-8. Baffle; 6-9. Top cover; 6-10. Sealing ring; 6-11. Guide ring; 6-12. Locking ring; 6-13. Connecting rod; 7. L-shaped connecting block; 8. Slider with columnar protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described.

[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the figure, a bidirectional wave energy harvesting device with an adjustable float array and lever fulcrum according to an embodiment of the present invention mainly includes a mounting platform 5, an energy harvesting device 4, a multi-directional rotation mechanism 3, a lever conversion device 1, a hydraulic cylinder drive mechanism 2, and a wave energy conversion device 6.

[0025] The mounting platform 5 consists of a support platform 5-5, four height-adjustable column supports 5-3, and a locking knob 5-4. Its function is to provide a stable installation foundation for the entire device, adaptable to different water depths. Each column support 5-3 has a grounding plate 5-1 and reinforcing ribs 5-2 at its bottom to increase the ground contact area and strengthen the structure, preventing capsizing in complex sea conditions. Rotating the locking knob 5-4 allows for quick adjustment and locking of the height of the support platform 5-5, achieving convenient adaptation to the optimal height for wave action. A lever conversion device mounting base 5-6 is welded below the support platform 5-5 for precise installation and support of the lever conversion device 1.

[0026] The energy harvesting device 4 includes a float array mounting plate 4-2 and multiple gyro-shaped floats 4-5. Its core function is to efficiently capture wave energy from different directions. The float array mounting plate 4-2 consists of four radially distributed pillars, with arc-shaped hollow tubes and reinforcing support columns 4-1 welded between them. This design reduces the overall weight while ensuring structural strength. Each pillar has multiple float mounting points 4-3. The gyro-shaped floats 4-5 are detachably mounted on any mounting point 4-3 via studs 4-4. This design allows the configuration of the float array (such as weight distribution and energy harvesting area) to be flexibly optimized according to actual wave conditions (such as wave height and wavelength), thereby maximizing energy harvesting efficiency.

[0027] The energy harvesting device 4 is connected to the lever conversion device 1 via a multi-directional rotation mechanism 3. The multi-directional rotation mechanism 3 includes a core cross-shaped rotation shaft 3-1 and two rotation mechanism connecting seats 3-2, which are hinged to the cross-shaped shaft via bearings 3-3. The key function of this mechanism is to provide a multi-degree-of-freedom hinge point, allowing the energy harvesting device 4 to produce slight pitch or deflection when subjected to non-vertical (i.e., lateral) wave impacts, thereby effectively offsetting and releasing some of the impact stress, preventing structural components from being damaged by excessive bending moments, and significantly improving the device's survivability in harsh sea conditions.

[0028] The lever conversion device (1) uses a lever (1-1) as the main transmission component to transmit and convert the wave motion captured by the energy harvesting device (4). The lever arm relationship on both sides of the lever (1-1) can be changed by adjusting the position of the lever fulcrum to adapt to the energy transmission requirements under different wave conditions. A groove extending along its length is provided in the middle of the lever (1-1). A row of through holes with the same spacing is provided on both sides of the groove. The sleeve in the fulcrum adjustment mechanism can slide along the groove and can be locked in a selected position on the lever (1-1) by the locking device (1-4). The locking device (1-4) includes two cylindrical trapezoidal platforms with through holes, a long shaft, and a spring (1-5) sleeved on the outside of the long shaft. The long shaft passes through the two cylindrical trapezoidal platforms. In the uncompressed state, the elastic force of the spring (1-5) causes the two cylindrical trapezoidal platforms to extend outward and insert into the corresponding through holes on both sides of the slide groove, thereby locking the sleeve in the selected position of the lever (1-1). When pressure is applied to the two cylindrical trapezoidal platforms, the spring (1-5) is compressed, causing the two cylindrical trapezoidal platforms to disengage from the corresponding through holes, thereby releasing the lock between the sleeve and the lever (1-1). At this time, the sleeve can move along the slide groove to a new selected position. After the external pressure is removed, the spring (1-5) resets and pushes the two cylindrical trapezoidal platforms to re-insert into the corresponding through holes, thus locking the sleeve again. By changing the locking position of the sleeve on the lever (1-1), the position of the lever fulcrum can be changed accordingly, thereby adjusting the lever arm relationship. The lever (1-1) is hinged to the lever conversion device mounting base (5-6) through a rotating shaft and bearing (5-7) passing through the sleeve. The first end of the lever (1-1) is connected to the core cross-rotation shaft (3-1) of the multi-directional rotation mechanism (3) to receive and transmit the motion generated by the energy harvesting device (4) under the action of waves; the second end of the lever (1-1) is hinged to a slider (8) with a cylindrical protrusion, which slides in cooperation with an L-shaped connecting block (7) fixed on the pull rod (6-3). When the lever (1-1) swings around the fulcrum, the slider (8) with the cylindrical protrusion can slide relative to the L-shaped connecting block (7) to adapt to the motion difference between the circular motion of the lever end and the reciprocating linear motion of the pull rod (6-3), and drive the pull rod (6-3) to reciprocate along its axis, thereby transmitting the swing of the lever (1-1) to the wave energy conversion device (6). In addition, a hydraulic cylinder connecting ring (1-2) is provided on the lever (1-1), and the cylinder body of the hydraulic cylinder (1-3) is hinged to the hydraulic cylinder connecting ring (1-2) by a screw, so that the hydraulic cylinder (1-3) can rotate relative to the lever (1-1) to adapt to the relative movement between the connecting parts during the operation of the transverse wave energy capture unit, and cooperate with the hydraulic cylinder drive mechanism (2) to realize the transmission and energy conversion of transverse wave motion.

[0029] In this embodiment, as Figure 4As shown, the transverse wave energy capture unit includes a hydraulic cylinder 1-3 and a hydraulic cylinder drive mechanism 2, used to capture the oscillating energy generated by the energy capture device 4 under the action of transverse waves. The piston rod end of the hydraulic cylinder 1-3 is hinged to the connecting plate 2-1, and the connecting plate 2-1 is hinged to the drive plate 2-2. A keyway is symmetrically provided on the longer shaft of the core cross rotating shaft 3-1. The drive plate 2-2 is mounted on this longer shaft via a key and forms a transmission connection with the energy capture device 4 through the core cross rotating shaft 3-1. When the transverse wave acts on the energy capture device 4 and causes it to oscillate, this oscillation is transmitted through the core cross rotating shaft 3-1, the drive plate 2-2, and the connecting plate 2-1 to the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder 1-3, causing the piston rod to reciprocate, thereby realizing the conversion of transverse oscillating mechanical energy into hydraulic energy.

[0030] In this embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, the wave energy conversion device (6) consists of a bottom cover (6-1), a cylindrical outer wall (6-2), and a top cover (6-9), which are fastened together by a connecting rod (6-13) and a nut to form a sealing pressure cylinder, used to convert the reciprocating mechanical motion of the pull rod (6-3) into hydraulic energy and output it. The sealing component includes an inner ring (6-6) of a sliding sealing ring, an outer ring (6-5) of a sliding sealing ring, and a sliding sealing ring mounting plate (6-7), and is axially constrained by a baffle (6-8). The pull rod (6-3) is fixedly connected to the sealing component and drives it to reciprocate along the axial direction of the cylindrical outer wall (6-2). The sliding sealing ring structure can reduce motion resistance and mechanical loss while ensuring sealing performance. A sealing ring (6-10) and a guide ring (6-11) are provided at the center hole of the top cover (6-9), and a circular groove with a catch is also provided on the top cover (6-9), in which the guide ring (6-11) is installed. The locking ring (6-12) matches the shape of the catch and locks the guide ring (6-11) in place by rotation. The guide ring (6-11) guides the reciprocating motion of the pull rod (6-3), reduces its lateral offset, thereby reducing the possibility of uneven wear and seal failure, and improving the stability and sealing reliability of the device operation.

[0031] Working principle: Vertical wave action causes float 4-5 to move up and down. This motion is transmitted through lever 1-1, and the lever arm relationship changes according to the position of the lever fulcrum, driving the pull rod 6-3 to reciprocate. This causes pressure changes in the fluid within the wave energy conversion device 6, realizing the conversion of mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. Lateral wave action causes the energy harvesting device 4 to oscillate. This oscillation is transmitted to hydraulic cylinder 1-3 through the hydraulic cylinder drive mechanism 2, causing its piston rod to reciprocate, realizing the conversion of lateral oscillation mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. By adjusting the float array configuration and the lever fulcrum position, the device's adaptability to different wave conditions can be improved.

[0032] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments and application fields described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and instructive, and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms based on the guidance of this specification and without departing from the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention, and all of these are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bidirectional wave energy harvesting device with an adjustable float array and lever fulcrum, characterized in that, include: The platform (5) includes a support platform (5-5) and a height-adjustable columnar support (5-3). A lever conversion device mounting base (5-6) is provided below the support platform (5-5). An energy-harvesting device (4) includes a float array mounting plate (4-2) and a gyro-type float (4-5). The gyro-type float (4-5) is detachably mounted on multiple float mounting points (4-3) on the float array mounting plate (4-2). A multi-directional rotation mechanism (3) includes a core cross rotation shaft (3-1) and a rotation mechanism connecting seat (3-2). The rotation mechanism connecting seat (3-2) is hinged to the core cross rotation shaft (3-1) via a bearing (3-3). A lever conversion device (1) includes a lever (1-1) and a fulcrum adjustment mechanism. The lever... (1-1) The lever (1-1) is hinged to the lever conversion device mounting base (5-6) in an adjustable position via the fulcrum adjustment mechanism. The first end of the lever (1-1) is connected to the core cross rotation shaft (3-1). The wave energy conversion device (6) includes a cylinder, a pull rod (6-3) and a sealing component. The second end of the lever (1-1) is connected to the pull rod (6-3) in a transmission manner. The transverse wave energy capture unit includes a hydraulic cylinder (1-3) and a hydraulic cylinder drive mechanism (2). The cylinder body of the hydraulic cylinder (1-3) is hinged to the lever (1-1). The piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder (1-3) is hinged to a connecting plate (2-1). The connecting plate (2-1) is hinged to a drive plate (2-2). The drive plate (2-2) is connected to the energy capture device (4).

2. The bidirectional wave energy harvesting device with adjustable float array and lever fulcrum according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fulcrum adjustment mechanism includes a groove on the lever (1-1), a sleeve that can slide along the groove, and a locking device (1-4). A row of through holes with the same spacing is provided on both sides of the groove. The locking device (1-4) can selectively pass through the through holes and lock the sleeve at a selected position on the lever (1-1).

3. The bidirectional wave energy harvesting device with adjustable float array and lever fulcrum according to claim 2, characterized in that: The locking device (1-4) includes two cylindrical platforms with through holes, a long shaft, and a spring (1-5) located on the outside of the long shaft. The long shaft passes through the two cylindrical platforms. In the uncompressed state, the spring (1-5) causes the two cylindrical platforms to extend outward and insert into the through holes on the lever (1-1) to achieve locking. When the cylindrical platforms are compressed, the spring (1-5) is compressed, and the cylindrical platforms disengage from the through holes to achieve unlocking.

4. The bidirectional wave energy harvesting device with adjustable float array and lever fulcrum according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second end of the lever (1-1) is hinged to a slider (8) with a cylindrical protrusion. The slider (8) slides in cooperation with the L-shaped connecting block (7) fixed on the pull rod (6-3). The sealing component of the wave energy conversion device (6) includes an inner ring (6-6) of the sliding sealing ring, an outer ring (6-5) of the sliding sealing ring, and a sliding sealing ring mounting plate (6-7), and is axially constrained by a baffle (6-8). The top cover (6-9) of the wave energy conversion device (6) is provided with a guide ring (6-11). The pull rod (6-3) passes through the guide ring (6-11). The top cover (6-9) is provided with a circular groove with a catch. The guide ring (6-11) is installed in the circular groove and is locked by rotating and engaging a locking ring (6-12) that matches the shape of the catch.

5. A bidirectional wave energy harvesting device with an adjustable float array and lever fulcrum according to claim 1, characterized in that: The float array mounting plate (4-2) consists of four radially distributed pillars, with arc-shaped hollow tubes and reinforcing support columns (4-1) welded between the pillars. The float mounting points (4-3) are evenly arranged on the plate. The core cross rotating shaft (3-1) has keyways symmetrically arranged on its longer axis, and the drive plate (2-2) is mounted on the shaft by a key. The column support (5-3) passes through the through-hole boss of the support platform (5-5) and its height is locked by a locking knob (5-4).

6. The bidirectional wave energy harvesting device with adjustable float array and lever fulcrum according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lever (1-1) is provided with a hydraulic cylinder connecting ring (1-2), and the cylinder body of the hydraulic cylinder (1-3) is hinged to the hydraulic cylinder connecting ring (1-2) by a screw.

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