Energy converter device for a wave power plant and wave power plant

Abstract

An energy converter device (110) for a wave power plant (100) is presented. The wave power plant (100) comprises a pneumatic chamber (102) shaped to guide an air mass flow (104) of air, which is effected by a surface (106) oscillating in the pneumatic chamber (102) depending on a wave motion of water. The energy converter device (110) comprises a turbine (120) which can be set into rotation by the air mass flow (104). The energy converter device (110) includes means (130) for adjusting the air mass flow (104) towards the turbine (120).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy conversion device for a wave power plant and to a wave power plant.

[0002] Wave power plants are designed to convert the kinetic energy of an ocean wave into electrical energy. Pneumatic chamber power plants can use the wave's motion to generate an airflow, which in turn drives a turbine-generator unit, which enables the conversion into electrical energy. Conventional wave power plants based on a pneumatic or hydraulic chamber, for example, can use either a Wells turbine, which can have an efficiency of approximately 40%, or a flow-optimized turbine, which, however, can only utilize one airflow direction, meaning approximately 50% of the usable energy can remain unused.

[0003] Energy converter devices for wave power plants are known, for example, from DE 10 2011 100 756 B3, WO2020 / 111 360 A1, EP 2 542 776 B1, EP 2 217 803 A1 and DE 10 2007 030 268 B9.

[0004] Against this background, the present invention provides an improved energy converter device for a wave power plant, an improved wave power plant, an improved method for operating a wave power plant, a corresponding improved device, and a corresponding improved computer program according to the main claims. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims and the following description.

[0005] According to embodiments, in a wave power plant with a pneumatic chamber, in particular an energy conversion device can be used, which can bring about an advantageous adjustment of the flow to a turbine of the wave power plant by the air mass flow in the pneumatic chamber. For example, an increase in the efficiency of a pneumatic chamber wave power plant can be achieved by a variable, additional or alternatively dynamic rotor blade adjustment. In other words, by using adjustable rotor blades and optimizing the angle of the rotor blade, the energy extraction from the air flow or air mass flow can be maximized. For example, by using a turbine with adjustable rotor blades, significantly more mechanical energy can be extracted from the air flow. This can be based on the use of both operating states, ieAir supply and air removal, as well as operation at the ideal angle to the respective speeds of the air mass flow. Additionally or alternatively, the efficiency of a pneumatic chamber wave power plant can be increased by redesigning the air flow into the turbine, in particular variable valves. By using valves and an arrangement of flow channels, considerably more energy can be extracted from the air flow. By redesigning the air flow into the turbine, the efficiency of the energy conversion system of a wave power plant with a pneumatic chamber can be significantly increased. Both operating states, i.e. air supply and air removal, from which energy can be generated, can be used. Furthermore, a flow-optimized turbine can be used, for example, which only rotates in one direction.In summary, the use of both operating modes in conjunction with a flow-optimized turbine can increase the overall efficiency of the system.

[0006] An energy conversion device for a wave power plant is presented, wherein the wave power plant has a pneumatic chamber which is shaped to guide an air mass flow of air which can be effected by a surface oscillating in the pneumatic chamber depending on a wave movement of water, wherein the energy conversion device has a turbine which can be set into a rotary movement by the air mass flow, wherein the energy conversion device has means for adjusting an inflow to the turbine by the air mass flow.

[0007] The wave power plant can be arranged at least partially onshore. In other words, the wave power plant can be arranged on the shore or on the coast of a body of water, such as a sea or a lake. The wave power plant can also be arranged at least partially on the water side. In this case, the wave power plant can be arranged near the shore or near the coast. The turbine can be arranged or can be arranged in the pneumatic chamber. The pneumatic chamber can be shaped as a shaft or the like. The surface oscillating in the pneumatic chamber can be a water level or water surface or can be a surface of another body moved by the wave motion. The wave power plant can have at least one pneumatic chamber, wherein at least one turbine can be arranged in each pneumatic chamber and / or an energy conversion device can be assigned to each pneumatic chamber.The energy conversion device may also include a generator for generating electrical energy, which may be coupled to the turbine or at least one turbine. In other words, the energy conversion device may include at least one turbine-generator unit comprising a generator and at least one turbine.

[0008] According to the invention, the adjustment means are designed to adapt a rotor blade angle of the turbine's rotor blades to the air mass flow. The turbine can be bidirectionally exposed to the air mass flow. The turbine's rotor blades can be designed to be adjustable. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of maximizing energy extraction from the air flow or air mass flow.

[0009] According to the invention, the adjustment means are designed to adjust the rotor blades by means of a mechanical coupling to a float for absorbing the wave movement. The mechanical coupling can comprise a cable pull, at least one deflection pulley, and elastic means. A gear or lever drive for adjusting the rotor blade angle(s) can be coupled to the float via the mechanical coupling. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the air mass flow approaching the rotor can be optimized in a simple and reliable manner, wherein adjustment of the rotor blades can take place depending on the direction and strength of the air mass flow based on the direction and amplitude of movement of the float caused by the wave movement.

[0010] Alternatively, the adjustment means can be designed to adjust the rotor blades depending on a sensor signal that represents characteristics detected by at least one sensor and dependent on the wave movement, which include a position and / or movement of the oscillating surface and additionally or alternatively a flow velocity of the air in the pneumatic chamber. This allows electronic adjustment of the rotor blades to be realized. The at least one sensor can be part of the wave power plant or part of the energy conversion device. For this purpose, at least one actuator provided for adjusting the rotor blades can be controlled depending on the sensor signal. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that energy extraction from the air mass flow can be further optimized, whereby an optimal operating point for the actual wave movement can be found.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the adjustment means can be configured to set a unidirectional flow of the air mass flow toward the turbine, regardless of the direction of movement of the oscillating surface. For this purpose, the adjustment means can comprise fluid-mechanical components and optionally additional electronic components. The rotational movement of the turbine can have a single direction of rotation, regardless of the direction in which the oscillating surface moves. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a flow-optimized turbine can be used to maximize the energy extraction from the air mass flow.

[0012] The adjustment means can comprise a valve distribution bridge comprising a turbine channel for accommodating the turbine, two inlet channels for admitting the air mass flow from the pneumatic chamber into a supply end of the turbine channel, two outlet channels for discharging the air mass flow from a discharge end of the turbine channel into the pneumatic chamber, and four valves. One of the valves can be arranged in each of the inlet channels and the outlet channels. A first inlet channel and a second outlet channel can be arranged on a side of the valve distribution bridge facing the oscillating surface. A second inlet channel and a first outlet channel can be arranged on a side of the valve distribution bridge facing away from the oscillating surface. The valves can be designed as one-way valves, check valves, or the like. The valve distribution bridge can be arranged or can be arranged in the pneumatic chamber.Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a bidirectional movement of the air mass flow in the pneumatic chamber caused by the wave movement can be converted into a unidirectional movement of the air mass flow in the turbine channel, which is favorable for the turbine.

[0013] The adjustment means can also be designed to control the valves depending on a sensor signal that represents wave-motion-dependent characteristics detected by at least one sensor, including a position and / or movement of the oscillating surface and, additionally or alternatively, an air pressure in the pneumatic chamber. The at least one sensor can be part of the wave power plant or the energy conversion device. The valves can be designed as active valves, controllable valves, or the like. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a particularly precisely metered flow to the turbine can be achieved through optimized control of the valves.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the energy conversion device can comprise at least one transmission unit having at least one force-absorbing surface for absorbing the wave motion, a lever drive, and a piston coupled to the at least one force-absorbing surface via the lever drive. A side of the piston facing the turbine can have the oscillating surface. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that horizontal wave motion can also be utilized, particularly in coastal or near-shore areas on the water. The transmission unit can be combined with adjustable rotor blades or with a valve distribution bridge.

[0015] The lever drive can have a parallelogram guide. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one force-absorbing surface can be adjustable. Such a design offers the advantage of further optimizing or maximizing energy extraction from the wave motion.

[0016] A wave power plant is also presented, which has the following features: a pneumatic chamber shaped to guide an air mass flow which can be effected by a surface oscillating in the pneumatic chamber in response to a wave motion of water; and an embodiment of the energy conversion device mentioned herein.

[0017] The pneumatic chamber can be shaped as a shaft or the like. The turbine of the energy conversion device can be arranged or can be arranged in the pneumatic chamber. The wave power plant can have at least one pneumatic chamber, wherein at least one turbine can be arranged in each pneumatic chamber and / or an energy conversion device can be assigned to each pneumatic chamber. The wave power plant can be arranged at least partially onshore. In other words, the wave power plant can be arranged on the shore or on the coast of a body of water, such as a sea or a lake. The wave power plant can also be arranged at least partially on the waterside. In this case, the wave power plant can be arranged in an area near the shore or near the coast.

[0018] According to one embodiment, in the operational state of the wave power plant, the rotational axis of the turbine rotor can be oriented horizontally or vertically. Additionally or alternatively, in the operational state of the wave power plant, the pneumatic chamber can be designed as an angled shaft with a vertical section and a horizontal section, as a vertical shaft, or as a horizontal shaft. Thus, an optimal configuration of the wave power plant can be realized depending on the specific conditions prevailing at the site of operation of the wave power plant.

[0019] A method, which is not the subject of the invention, for operating an embodiment of the wave power plant mentioned herein is also presented, the method comprising the following steps:

[0020] Reading in a sensor signal representing wave motion-dependent characteristics detected by at least one sensor; and

[0021] Controlling the means for adjusting depending on the sensor signal in order to adjust the flow of the air mass flow to the turbine.

[0022] By implementing the procedure, the wave power plant can be operated with optimized or maximized energy extraction from the wave motion.

[0023] The approach presented here, which is not the subject of the invention, further provides a device configured to perform, control, or implement the steps of a variant of a method presented here in corresponding devices. This embodiment of the invention in the form of a device also allows the problem underlying the invention to be solved quickly and efficiently. The device can be part of the wave power plant or the energy conversion device. The device can be connected to the adjustment means and to at least one sensor in a signal-transmitting manner.

[0024] A device can be an electrical device that processes electrical signals, for example, sensor signals, and outputs control signals depending on them. The device can have one or more suitable interfaces, which can be implemented in hardware and / or software. In a hardware implementation, the interfaces can, for example, be part of an integrated circuit in which functions of the device are implemented. The interfaces can also be separate integrated circuits or consist at least partially of discrete components. In a software implementation, the interfaces can be software modules that are present, for example, on a microcontroller alongside other software modules.

[0025] Also advantageous is a computer program product with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory or an optical memory and is used to carry out the method according to one of the embodiments described above when the program is executed on a computer or device.

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a wave power plant according to an embodiment; Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an energy converter device for a wave power plant according to an embodiment; Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of an energy converter device for a wave power plant according to an embodiment; Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of an energy converter device for a wave power plant according to an embodiment; Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an energy converter device for a wave power plant according to an embodiment; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a wave power plant according to an embodiment; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a wave power plant according to an embodiment; Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a wave power plant according to an embodiment; Fig. 9 a schematic representation of a wave power plant according to an embodiment; Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a wave power plant according to an embodiment; Fig. 11 is a schematic representation of a wave power plant according to an embodiment; Fig. 12 a schematic representation of a wave power plant according to an embodiment; Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of part of a wave power plant according to an embodiment; Fig. 14 is a schematic representation of a part of a wave power plant according to an embodiment; Fig. 15 is a schematic representation of part of a wave power plant according to an embodiment; Fig. 16 is a schematic representation of a part of a wave power plant according to an embodiment; Fig. 17 is a schematic representation of part of a wave power plant according to an embodiment; Fig. 18 is a schematic representation, not being the subject of the invention, of an embodiment of a device for operating a wave power plant; and Fig. 19 a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method which is not the subject of the invention for operating a wave power plant.

[0027] In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and having a similar effect, whereby a repeated description of these elements is omitted.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a wave power plant 100 according to one exemplary embodiment. The wave power plant 100 is designed to generate electrical energy from the kinetic energy contained in the wave motion of water. The wave power plant 100 is arranged on the shore or on the coast or in an area near the shore or near the coast.

[0029] The wave power plant 100 comprises at least one pneumatic chamber 102. This is designed, for example, as a shaft. The pneumatic chamber 102 is shaped or configured to guide an air mass flow 104. The air mass flow 104 can be effected by a surface 106 that depends on the wave motion of water and oscillates in the pneumatic chamber 102. Since the oscillating surface 106 can move back and forth in the pneumatic chamber 102, the air mass flow 104 that can be effected thereby is also bidirectional at least in a partial section of the pneumatic chamber 102, or periodically changes direction in accordance with a movement of the oscillating surface 106 in at least a partial section of the pneumatic chamber 102.

[0030] The wave power plant 100 also includes at least one energy converter device 110. The energy converter device 110 is assigned to the pneumatic chamber 102. The energy converter device 110 includes a turbine 120 and means for adjusting or adjusting means 130. The turbine 120 can be set in a rotary motion by the air mass flow 104. The turbine 120 is arranged in the pneumatic chamber 102. The adjusting means 130 are designed to adjust the flow of the air mass flow 104 toward the turbine 120. The adjusting means 130 will be discussed in more detail with reference to the figures described below.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an energy converter device 110 for a wave power plant according to an embodiment. The energy converter device 110 corresponds to or is similar to the energy converter device of Fig. 1. The energy converter device 110 is shown in the illustration of Fig. 2, the adjustment means 130, for example, only one rotor blade 222 of a turbine rotor and a rotational axis 225 of the turbine rotor are shown. The rotor blade 222 is shown in section here. Furthermore, the air mass flow 104 is shown for illustration. The turbine can be bidirectionally flown by the air mass flow 104. In the illustration of Fig. 2, the air mass flow 104 runs in a first direction because the oscillating surface moves in a first direction. According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the adjusting means or adjusting means 130 are designed to adapt a rotor blade angle of rotor blades 222 of the turbine to the air mass flow 104, in particular to its direction and / or flow velocity.

[0032] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an energy converter device 110 for a wave power plant according to an embodiment. The energy converter device 110 corresponds to the energy converter device of Fig. 2. The representation in Fig. 3 corresponds to the representation from Fig. 2 except that the air mass flow 104 is in a second direction opposite to the first direction because the oscillating surface is moving in a second direction, and that the rotor blade 222 is adjusted by the adjustment means 130.

[0033] With reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, it can be seen that the adjustment means 130 are designed to adapt the rotor blade angle of rotor blades 222 of the turbine to the air mass flow 104, here, for example, only to the direction of the air mass flow 104. In other words, the adjustment means 130 are designed to effect an adjustment of the rotor blade angle in order to position the rotor blades 222 at a more favorable angle during each stroke.

[0034] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an energy converter device 110 for a wave power plant according to an embodiment. The energy converter device 110 and the representation in Fig. 4 correspond to the energy converter device and the illustration from Fig. 2, except that an embodiment of the adjustment means 130 is shown in more detail. According to the embodiment shown here, the adjustment means 130 are designed to adjust the rotor blades 222 by a mechanical coupling with a float 432 for absorbing the wave movement. The float 432 floats on the oscillating surface 106. According to the embodiment shown here, the mechanical coupling is realized via a cable mechanism with a deflection pulley and springs.

[0035] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of an energy converter device 110 for a wave power plant according to an embodiment. The energy converter device 110 corresponds to the energy converter device of Fig. 4. The representation in Fig. 5 is similar to the illustration in Fig. 3. The representation in Fig. 5 corresponds to the representation from Fig. 4 except that the air mass flow 104 is in the second direction, for example because the oscillating surface is moving in the second direction, and that the rotor blade 222 is adjusted by the adjustment means 130.

[0036] With reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 shows that the adjustment means 130 are designed to effect a mechanical adjustment of the rotor blade angle by measuring the water surface or oscillating surface 106 by means of a mechanical system with a float 432 in order to position the rotor blades 222 at a better angle with each stroke. In an operational state of the wave power plant, the rotational axis 225 of the rotor is oriented horizontally.

[0037] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a wave power plant 100 according to an embodiment. The wave power plant 100 corresponds to or is similar to the wave power plant of Fig. 1. The energy conversion device and the adjustment means 130 of the wave power plant 100 in Fig. 6 are similar to the energy conversion device and the adjustment means from one of the Fig. 2 to 5. Of the wave power plant 100, the illustration of Fig. 6 shows the pneumatic chamber 102 with the oscillating surface 106 and the air mass flow 104, the energy conversion device with the turbine, of which only one rotor blade 222 and the rotational axis 225 of the rotor are shown as an example, and the adjustment means 130. According to the exemplary embodiment shown here, the pneumatic chamber 102 is designed as an angled shaft. In an operational state of the wave power plant 100, the rotational axis 225 of the rotor is oriented horizontally. The pneumatic chamber, designed as an angled shaft, comprises a vertical section and a horizontal section. The turbine is arranged in the horizontal section.

[0038] In the presentation of Fig. 6, the air mass flow 104 runs in the first direction, for example, because the oscillating surface moves in the first direction. The adjustment means 130 comprise a first sensor 631, a second sensor 633, an actuator 635, and an operating device 640 or a control unit.

[0039] According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the adjustment means 130 are also designed to adapt a rotor blade angle of rotor blades 222 of the turbine to the air mass flow 104. Here, the adjustment means 130 are designed to adjust the rotor blades 222 depending on at least one sensor signal representing wave-motion-dependent characteristics detected by at least one sensor 631, 633, which include a position and / or movement of the oscillating surface 106 and / or a flow velocity of the air or the air mass flow 104 in the pneumatic chamber 102.

[0040] The first sensor 631 is configured to detect a distance to the oscillating surface 106. A movement of the oscillating surface 106 can be derived from the distance to the oscillating surface 106. The second sensor 633 is configured to detect the flow velocity of the mass flow 104. The operating device 640 is configured to read in at least one sensor signal from the first sensor 631 and / or the second sensor 633 and, depending thereon, to control the actuator 635 to effect the adjustment of the rotor blades 222. The actuator 635 is configured to adjust the rotor blades 222.

[0041] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a wave power plant 100 according to an embodiment. The wave power plant 100 corresponds to the wave power plant of Fig. 6. The representation in Fig. 7 corresponds to the representation from Fig. 6 except that the air mass flow 104 is in the second direction because the oscillating surface is moving in the second direction, and that the rotor blade 222 is adjusted by the adjustment means 130.

[0042] With reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 it can be seen that the adjustment means 130 are designed to effect an electronic adjustment of the rotor blade angle via the measurement of the surface 106 by means of the first sensor 631 and the determination of the flow velocity of the air mass flow 104 by means of the second sensor 633 in order to set the rotor blades 222 to the optimal angle for each stroke of the oscillating surface 106.

[0043] Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a wave power plant 100 according to an embodiment. The wave power plant 100 is similar to the wave power plant of Fig. 6 and / or Fig. 7. The representation in Fig. 8 corresponds to the representation from Fig. 6, except that the pneumatic chamber 102 is designed as a vertical shaft, two rotor blades 222 of the motor are shown, and the rotational axis 225 of the rotor is vertically oriented. Furthermore, the second sensor of the adjustment means 130 is omitted from the illustration.

[0044] In other words, Fig. 8 shows a wave power plant 100 with a vertical rotor axis or rotation axis 225 and a vertically extending pneumatic chamber 102. This design allows a direct air flow or air mass flow 104 in the upward movement of the oscillating surface 106, while the return flow is specifically redirected to ensure protection against weathering. For simplification, Fig. 8 only one current direction, the first direction corresponding to an upward movement of the oscillating surface 106, is shown.

[0045] With reference to the Fig. In summary, and in other words, from Figures 2 to 8, it should be noted again that the wave power plant 100 has a turbine with adjustable rotor blades 222 or rotor vanes. Furthermore, an operating device 640 or a control unit is provided to optimally control the same, depending on the speed and mass movement of the air flow or air mass flow 104. By adjusting the rotor blades 222, the maximum energy can always be extracted from the air mass flow 104. Several control variants are conceivable for this purpose, depending on the desired accuracy and tolerance to control errors (mechanical, hydraulic, electrical). Especially when using a digital control system, optimizing algorithms can be implemented that always find and adjust the optimum operating point.By using different sensors 631, 633 and optimization algorithms, such as Model Predictive Control (MPC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), variants can be created. Furthermore, the system is scalable, allowing the wave power plant 100 to be expanded into larger systems.

[0046] Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of a wave power plant 100 according to an embodiment. The wave power plant 100 corresponds to or is similar to the wave power plant of Fig. 1. Of the wave power plant 100, the illustration of Fig. 9 shows the pneumatic chamber 102, with the air mass flow 104 and the oscillating surface 106, and the energy conversion device 110 with the adjustment means 130. According to the exemplary embodiment shown here, the pneumatic chamber 102 is designed as an angled shaft. The pneumatic chamber 102, designed as an angled shaft, comprises a vertical section and a horizontal section. The turbine of the energy conversion device 110 is arranged in the horizontal section. According to the exemplary embodiment shown here, the adjustment means 130 are designed to set a unidirectional flow of the air mass flow 104 to the turbine, regardless of the direction of movement of the oscillating surface 106.

[0047] For this purpose, the adjustment means 130 according to the embodiment shown here comprise a valve distribution bridge 950. The valve distribution bridge 950 is arranged in the pneumatic chamber 102. The valve distribution bridge 950 comprises a turbine channel 951 for receiving the turbine, two inlet channels 955, 956 for admitting the air mass flow 104 from the pneumatic chamber 102 into a supply end 952 of the turbine channel 951, two outlet channels 957, 958 for discharging the air mass flow 104 from a discharge end 953 of the turbine channel 951 into the pneumatic chamber 102, and four valves 954. The turbine channel 951 is arranged and shaped to receive the turbine such that, in an operational state of the wave power plant 100, a rotational axis of a rotor of the turbine is oriented vertically.

[0048] One of the valves 954 is arranged in each inlet channel 955 and 956 and in each outlet channel 957 and 958. Each of the valves 954 is designed to open or close the respective one of the channels 955, 956, 957, 958 in which it is arranged for the air mass flow 104. A first inlet channel 955 and a second outlet channel 958 are arranged on a side of the valve distributor bridge 950 facing the oscillating surface 106. A second inlet channel 956 and a first outlet channel 957 are arranged on a side of the valve distributor bridge 950 facing away from the oscillating surface 106.

[0049] In the presentation of Fig. 9, the air mass flow 104 runs in a second direction because the oscillating surface is moving in a second direction. Air flows on the side of the valve distributor bridge 950 facing away from the oscillating surface 106 through the second inlet channel 956 via the supply end 952 of the turbine channel 951, through the turbine channel 951 to its discharge end 953, and through the second outlet channel 958 onto the side of the valve distributor bridge 950 facing the oscillating surface 106. Thus, the first inlet channel 955 and the first outlet channel 957 are closed by their valves 954, while the second inlet channel 956 and the second outlet channel 958 are opened by their valves 954.

[0050] Fig. Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of a wave power plant 100 according to an embodiment. The wave power plant 100 corresponds to the wave power plant of Fig. 9, except that the air mass flow 104 runs in a first direction opposite to the second direction because the oscillating surface moves in a first direction. Air flows on the side of the valve distributor bridge 950 facing the oscillating surface 106 through the first inlet channel 955 via the supply end 952 of the turbine channel 951, through the turbine channel 951 to its discharge end 953, and through the first outlet channel 957 onto the side of the valve distributor bridge 950 facing away from the oscillating surface 106. Thus, the first inlet channel 955 and the first outlet channel 957 are opened by their valves 954, while the second inlet channel 956 and the second outlet channel 958 are closed by their valves 954.

[0051] Fig. Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of a wave power plant 100 according to an embodiment. The wave power plant 100 corresponds to the wave power plant of Fig. 9 and / or Fig. 10, where Fig. 11, the air mass flow is omitted and the energy conversion device 110 and in particular the adjustment means 130 are shown in more detail. The adjustment means 130 comprise at least one sensor 1131 and an operating device 1140 or a control unit. The adjustment means 130 are designed to control the valves 954 of the valve distribution bridge 950 depending on a sensor signal. The sensor signal represents wave-motion-dependent characteristics detected by the at least one sensor 1131, which include a position and / or movement of the oscillating surface 106 and / or an air pressure in the pneumatic chamber 102.

[0052] The Fig. The sensor 1131 shown in Figure 11 is configured, for example, to detect a distance to the oscillating surface 106. A movement of the oscillating surface 106 can be derived from the distance to the oscillating surface 106. The operating device 1140 is configured to read the sensor signal from the sensor 1131 and, depending on the signal, to control the valves 954 of the valve distribution bridge 950.

[0053] Fig. Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of a wave power plant 100 according to an embodiment. The wave power plant 100 is similar to the wave power plant of Fig. 9, Fig. 10 and / or Fig. 11. The representation in Fig. 12 corresponds to the representation from Fig. 9 and / or Fig. 10 except that the pneumatic chamber 102 is designed as a vertical shaft, the axis of rotation of the rotor is aligned horizontally and of the valve distribution bridge 950 only the turbine channel 951 and the valves 954 are shown.

[0054] In other words, Fig. Figure 12 shows another conceivable design of the wave power plant 100 with optimized air flow. To reduce susceptibility to rain in this design, a rain guard can be provided.

[0055] With reference to the Fig. In summary, and in other words, it should be noted that, for example, four valves 954 and corresponding channels are used to redesign the air flow through the turbine. These valves 954 are opened and closed in a targeted manner, which can be done by digital control via the operating device 1140. This variability allows the maximum energy yield to be achieved using an optimization function within the control system. By redesigning the air supply to the turbine, its operating condition is improved, and the efficiency of the system can be significantly increased when using a flow-optimized turbine. Variants of this system can be created by using different sensors, valve systems, or optimization functions. The system is also scalable to build the wave power plant 100 into larger systems.

[0056] In other words, as in the Fig. As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the pneumatic chamber or pneumatic chamber 102 is expanded by the valve distribution bridge 950. Sensors for measuring the stroke, the distance to surface 106, and the pressure in the pneumatic chamber 102 can be integrated. Individual control via active valves 954 enables greater efficiency and covers special situations, such as opening all valves in an emergency or fault situation. Valve timing can also be precisely adjusted to facilitate the movement of the rotor, taking into account the mass inertia and pumping work of the rotor. For example, a controller with an optimization function is stored on the operating device 1140, which controls the valves 954.

[0057] Fig. Figure 13 shows a schematic representation of a portion of a wave power plant 100 according to an embodiment. The wave power plant 100 is the wave power plant from one of the figures described above or a similar wave power plant. The illustration of Figure 13 shows only a portion of the wave power plant 100. Fig. 13 shows the pneumatic chamber 102 and, by way of example, only one transmission unit 1360 of the energy conversion device. The wave power plant 100 is shown in Fig. 13 is shown in a schematic sectional view. Arrow A indicates a perspective for the representation in Fig. 14 illustrates.

[0058] The transmission unit 1360 comprises at least one force-absorbing surface 1362, a lever drive 1364, a lever drive 1364, and a piston 1366. The at least one force-absorbing surface 1362 is shaped to absorb the wave movement or to be moved by the wave movement. The lever drive 1364 is designed to mechanically couple the at least one force-absorbing surface 1362 and the piston 1366. The piston 1366 is thus mechanically coupled to the at least one force-absorbing surface 1362 via the lever drive 1364. A side of the piston 1366 facing the turbine has or represents the oscillating surface 106. The piston 1366 is arranged in the pneumatic chamber 102. The piston 1366 is slidably received or mounted in the pneumatic chamber 102.

[0059] The transmission unit 1360 enables the use of wave motion or the use of horizontal wave motion. Near the coast, this transmission unit 1360 can additionally or alternatively utilize the horizontal motion component of the wave instead of just the vertical height change of the wave.

[0060] Fig. 14 shows a schematic representation of a part of a wave power plant 100 according to an embodiment. In the representation of Fig. 14 is the wave power plant 100 of Fig. 13 in a schematic side view from the Fig. 13. Of the wave power plant 100, the illustration of Fig. 14 shows the pneumatic chamber 102, the force-absorbing surface 1362, the lever drive 1364 and the piston 1366.

[0061] Fig. 15 shows a schematic representation of a part of a wave power plant 100 according to an embodiment. The wave power plant 100 and the representation in Fig. 15 correspond to the wave power plant and the illustration from Fig. 13, except that the transmission unit 1360 is shown in a first state fully deflected in a first direction. In the first state, the piston 1366 is arranged in its position maximally immersed in the pneumatic chamber 102 by the movement of the force-absorbing surface 1362 and the lever drive 1364.

[0062] Fig. 16 shows a schematic representation of a part of a wave power plant 100 according to an embodiment. The wave power plant 100 and the representation in Fig. 16 correspond to the wave power plant and the illustration from Fig. 13 / or Fig. 15, except that the transmission unit 1360 is shown in a second state fully deflected in a second direction. In the second state, the piston 1366 is positioned in its minimally immersed position in the pneumatic chamber 102 by the movement of the force-absorbing surface 1362 and the lever drive 1364.

[0063] Fig. Figure 17 shows a schematic representation of a part of a wave power plant 100 according to an embodiment. The wave power plant 100 corresponds to the wave power plant from one of the Fig. 13 to 16 with the exception that the lever drive 1364 of the transmission unit 1360 has a parallelogram guide and / or the at least one force absorption surface 1362 is adjustable.

[0064] In other words, a functional extension of the lever drive 1364 can be realized. By using a parallelogram structure or parallelogram guide, the force-absorbing surface 1362 can always be kept vertical. This minimizes losses due to the angle of incidence.

[0065] With reference to the Fig. 13 to 17, embodiments are briefly explained again below in other words and in summary.

[0066] A rotational axis of the motor of the wave power plant 100 can be oriented horizontally or vertically in an operational state of the wave power plant 100. The pneumatic chamber 102 can be designed as an angled shaft with a vertical section and a horizontal section or as a horizontal shaft.

[0067] According to the Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 13 to 17, an energy conversion mechanism for generating wave power near the coast is provided in the form of the transmission unit 1360. This enables efficient conversion of the horizontal motion component of a wave or ocean wave into an air flow that can drive the turbine.

[0068] Known wave power plants use a pneumatic chamber or floating bodies to harness the energy of a wave. According to exemplary embodiments, in contrast to conventional pneumatic chamber power plants, not only the upward movement of a wave can be utilized, but also, additionally or alternatively, the horizontal movement, which contains a lot of energy, especially near the coast. Conventional wave power plants with floating bodies often rely on hydraulic systems. Oil is first pumped into a hydraulic line, which leads to a turbine-generator unit to convert the hydraulic energy into electrical energy. Hydraulic cylinders are usually used for this purpose, which have open piston surfaces in the seawater, requiring special metals. In contrast to such systems, exemplary embodiments can increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

[0069] The wave power plant 100 is designed to convert the kinetic energy of an ocean wave into electrical current. A wave power plant 100 with a turbine-generator unit or energy conversion device and a pneumatic chamber 102 cannot be used at any location in the ocean. Exemplary embodiments allow a turbine-generator unit to be installed near the coast. For this purpose, a significant portion of the horizontal kinetic energy of a wave is converted into the movement of the piston 1366. This piston is designed to be as light as possible to minimize friction and losses. The transmission unit 1360 can be used to replace a pneumatic chamber with an oscillating water level. Piston 1366 is used here to generate the air mass flow that drives the turbine. The piston 1366 is driven by the lever drive 1364, which leads to the force-absorbing surface 1362.By adapting the force-absorbing surface 1362 to local conditions, the air mass flow can be varied. The diameter of the piston 1366 is also a parameter that is important for the characteristics of the air mass flow. Air supply and air removal, from which energy can be extracted, can be used.

[0070] According to one embodiment, an adjustable force-absorbing surface 1362 is provided, which allows for a better angle to be set relative to the shaft. This allows more mechanical energy to be extracted from the shaft. According to one embodiment, the wave power plant 100 is scalable to build larger systems. Multiple piston systems or pistons 1366 can be interconnected to supply a larger turbine, or multiple force-absorbing surfaces 1362 can be connected to the same lever drive 1364 to extract more energy from larger and deeper waves.

[0071] By combining the transmission unit 1360 with the energy conversion device from one of the figures described above or a similar energy conversion device, wherein the adjustment means adapt the control to the movement of the piston 1366 as the oscillating surface 106 and not to a water level in the pneumatic chamber 102, efficiency can be further increased. This allows this turbine system to be used not only with a conventional pneumatic chamber, but also in coastal areas. This allows other energetic components of a wave to be used, which can further increase the system's performance.

[0072] Fig. 18 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device 1840, which is not the subject of the invention, for operating a wave power plant. The device 1840 can also be referred to as an operating device or control device. The device 1840 corresponds to or is similar to the operating device of one of the Fig. 6 to 8 or Fig. 11. The operating device 1840 is designed to operate the wave power plant from one of the figures described above or a similar wave power plant.

[0073] The operating device 1840 comprises a reading device 1844 and a control device 1846. The reading device 1844 is designed to read in a sensor signal 1842, which represents characteristics detected by at least one sensor and dependent on the wave motion. The sensor signal 1842 is provided by one of the sensors from one of the figures described above or a similar sensor. Thus, the reading device 1844 is designed to read in the sensor signal 1842 from such a sensor via an interface. The control device 1846 is designed to control the means for adjusting or adjusting means depending on the sensor signal 1842 in order to adjust the flow of the air mass flow to the turbine. For this purpose, the control device 1846 is designed to generate a control signal 1848 using the sensor signal 1842.The control device 1846 is designed to output the control signal 1848 to one of the actuators from one of the figures described above or a similar actuator.

[0074] Fig. 19 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 1900 for operating a wave power plant, which is not the subject of the invention. The method 1900 for operating can be implemented to operate a wave power plant from one of the figures described above. The method 1900 for operating can be implemented using the device or operating device from one of the figures described above.

[0075] The operating method 1900 comprises a reading step 1944 and a control step 1946. In the reading step 1944, a sensor signal is read that represents wave-motion-dependent characteristics detected by at least one sensor. In the control step 1946, the adjustment means are controlled depending on the sensor signal in order to adjust the air mass flow toward the turbine.

[0076] The exemplary embodiments described and shown in the figures are selected only as examples. Different exemplary embodiments can be combined with each other in their entirety or with regard to individual features. Furthermore, one exemplary embodiment can be supplemented by features of another exemplary embodiment.

[0077] Furthermore, method steps according to the invention can be repeated and carried out in a different order than that described.

[0078] If an embodiment comprises an “and / or” link between a first feature and a second feature, this can be read such that the embodiment according to one embodiment has both the first feature and the second feature and according to another embodiment has either only the first feature or only the second feature. Reference symbol 100 wave power plants 102 Pneumatic chamber 104 Air mass flow 106 oscillating surface 110 Energy converter device 120 turbines 130 means of adjustment 222 rotor blade 225 axis of rotation 432 swimmers 631 first sensor 633 second sensor 635 Actuator 640 Operating device or control unit 950 valve distributor bridge 951 Turbine Canal 952 Feed end 953 discharge end 954 valve 955 first intake port 956 second intake port 957 first exhaust port 958 second exhaust port 1131 Sensor 1140 Operating device or control unit 1360 transmission unit 1362 force absorption area 1364 lever drive 1366 pistons A Arrow 1668 displacement 1840 Device for operating 1842 sensor signal 1844 reading device 1846 control device 1848 control signal 1900 Procedure for operating 1944 Step of reading 1946 Step of approaching

Claims

[1] Energy conversion device (110) for a wave power plant (100), wherein the wave power plant (100) has a pneumatic chamber (102) which is shaped to guide an air mass flow (104) of air which can be effected by a surface (106) oscillating in the pneumatic chamber (102) depending on a wave movement of water, wherein the energy conversion device (110) has a turbine (120) which can be set in a rotary movement by the air mass flow (104), characterized by that the energy converter device (110) has means (130) for adjusting an inflow of the turbine (120) by the air mass flow (104), wherein the adjusting means (130) are designed to adapt a rotor blade angle of rotor blades (222) of the turbine (120) to the air mass flow (104), wherein the turbine (120) can be bidirectionally flown by the air mass flow (104), characterized bythat the means (130) for adjusting are designed to adjust the rotor blades (222) by a mechanical coupling with a float (432) for absorbing the wave movement. [2] Energy converter device (110) according to claim 1, characterized by in that the means (130) for adjusting are designed to adjust the rotor blades (222) depending on a sensor signal (1842) which represents characteristics detected by at least one sensor (631, 633) and dependent on the wave movement, which include a position and / or movement of the oscillating surface (106) and / or a flow velocity of the air in the pneumatic chamber (102). [3] Energy converter device (110) according to claim 1, characterized by that the means (110) for adjusting are designed to adjust a unidirectional flow of the turbine (120) by the air mass flow (104) independently of a direction of movement of the oscillating surface (106). [4] Energy converter device (110) according to claim 3, characterized bythat the means (130) for adjusting comprise a valve distribution bridge (950) which comprises a turbine channel (951) for receiving the turbine (120), two inlet channels (955, 956) for admitting the air mass flow (104) from the pneumatic chamber (102) into a supply end (952) of the turbine channel (951), two outlet channels (957, 958) for discharging the air mass flow (104) from a discharge end (953) of the turbine channel (951) into the pneumatic chamber (102) and four valves (954), wherein in each of the inlet channels (955, 956) and the outlet channels (957, 958) one of the valves (954) is arranged, wherein on a side of the A first inlet channel (955) and a second outlet channel (958) are arranged on the valve distributor bridge (950), wherein a second inlet channel (956) and a first outlet channel (957) are arranged on a side of the valve distributor bridge (950) facing away from the oscillating surface (106). [5] Energy converter device (110) according to claim 4, characterized by in that the means (130) for adjusting are designed to control the valves (954) depending on a sensor signal (1842) which represents characteristics detected by at least one sensor (1131) which are dependent on the wave movement and which include a position and / or movement of the oscillating surface (106) and / or a pressure of the air in the pneumatic chamber (102). [6] Energy converter device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one transmission unit (1360) having at least one force-absorbing surface (1362) for absorbing the wave movement, a lever drive (1364) and a piston (1366) coupled to the at least one force-absorbing surface (1362) via the lever drive (1364), wherein a side of the piston (1366) facing the turbine (120) has the oscillating surface (106). [7] Energy converter device (110) according to claim 6, characterized by that the lever drive (1364) has a parallelogram guide and / or the at least one force-absorbing surface (1362) is adjustable. [8] Wave power plant (100) having the following features: a pneumatic chamber (102) shaped to guide an air mass flow (104) which can be effected by a surface (106) oscillating in the pneumatic chamber (102) depending on a wave movement of water; and an energy conversion device (110) according to one of the preceding claims. [9] Wave power plant (100) according to claim 8, characterized bythat in an operational state of the wave power plant (100) a rotational axis (225) of the rotor is aligned horizontally or vertically and / or the pneumatic chamber (102) is designed as an angled shaft with a vertical section and a horizontal section, as a vertical shaft or as a horizontal shaft.

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