Autonomous energy buoy with electromagnetic energy harvesting and adaptive control

Abstract

Autonomous energy buoy for generating electrical energy from water movement, comprising a housing that floats on water or is anchored stationary in the water, a flywheel system with at least one rotor and an antiweight module that is set into rotation or oscillation by wave motion or current, an electromagnetic induction system with at least one magnet and a coil for converting the mechanical motion into electrical energy, an energy storage module for intermediate storage of the generated electrical energy, a light or signal module for supplying lighting devices or navigation systems, wherein the buoy is operated autonomously and independently of the grid.

Description

1. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of decentralized energy generation from natural water movements, in particular from wave motion in the sea or currents in rivers. It comprises an autonomous buoy with an integrated electromagnetic generator for supplying light modules, navigation systems and electrical consumers. 2. State of the art

[0002] Known systems for generating energy from water movement are mostly large-scale wave power plants or stationary turbine installations. Autonomous buoys with integrated energy generation exist, some based on solar energy, but not in combination with mechanical-electromagnetic conversion using flywheels and dynamically controlled rotors. A modular buoy with storage capability and direct application for lighting and navigation is not known in the prior art. 3. Object of the invention

[0003] The aim of the invention is to provide a compact, autonomous buoy that generates and stores electrical energy through water movement and makes it directly usable for lighting, signaling, and powering electrical devices. The buoy is intended to function independently of the power grid and be versatile in its application – both in maritime and inland waterways. 4. Description of the invention

[0004] The buoy according to the invention consists of the following functional units: • Energy harvesting module: A flywheel system (antiweight rotor) that is set in rotation by wave motion or flow. The motion is converted into electrical energy via a magnet-coil system. • Propeller control: At least one propeller that influences the rotational speed of the rotor depending on the water movement, thus optimizing energy yield. • Adaptive oscillator: The rotor contains movable masses or electromagnetically controlled counterweights that automatically adjust to the intensity of the water movement. • Multi-coil system: A concentric coil system with multiple windings for generating multi-phase current at variable rotational speed. • Storage module: An accumulator or capacitor for intermediate storage of the generated energy. • Light and signal module: LED lights for illuminating shore areas, bridges, port facilities or for navigation. • Connection module: Optional connection for external devices such as diving lights, charging cables for electric boats or camping equipment. • Control module: An integrated microcontroller for monitoring voltage, current, movement frequency, and for controlling the light modules as well as for wireless communication. • Hybrid module: Optional flexible solar panel for additional energy generation in calm water. • Flywheel storage: A mechanical energy storage system for stabilizing electricity production during irregular movement. • Housing: Corrosion-resistant, waterproof housing with shock absorption and stabilization.

[0005] The buoy can be operated individually or in groups and is completely autonomous. 5. Advantages of the invention • Autonomy: No external power supply required. • Modularity: Adaptable for various applications. • Sustainability: Utilizing natural water movement without emissions. • Scalability: Can be used as a single buoy or a networked group. • Multifunctionality: Energy generation, storage, lighting, navigation and power supply for external devices. • Intelligent control: Optimized energy efficiency through adaptive components and microcontrollers. • Hybrid capability: Combination of water and solar energy. 6. Areas of application • Lighting of bridges, waterfront areas and port facilities • Navigation aid for boats and ships. • Charging and storage station for electric boats (e.g. overnight) • Supply of diving lights and underwater equipment • Mini generators for campsites by rivers and streams • Stationary micro-dams with antiweight rotor for energy generation • Environmentally friendly infrastructure in remote or ecologically sensitive areas 7. Designs

[0006] The buoy can be manufactured in various sizes and configurations: • Micro buoy for rivers and streams • Standard buoy for ports and coasts • Stable stationary unit for bridge piers or riverbank reinforcements • Interconnected buoy fields for collective energy generation and lighting • Combination with solar modules for hybrid energy supply • Integration into mini-dams with fixed rotors for constant power production Description of Fig. 1 - Autonomous buoy with flywheel and propeller steering

[0007] The in Fig. The depicted buoy represents an autonomous, modular unit for generating energy from water movement, particularly waves in marine environments. The buoy has a vertical cylindrical structure and consists of several functional sections: The upper section features a rounded dome with several vertical connection ports that can be used for attachment, communication, or optional expansion. Below this is a transparent central section that reveals the buoy's internal mechanical components.

[0008] Centrally located within the housing is an electromagnetic system consisting of a stationary coil and a movable magnet. The magnet is connected via an L-shaped arm to a flywheel, which acts as an antiweight. This flywheel reacts to the buoy's wave-induced movement, setting the magnet into an oscillating or rotating motion, thereby inducing electrical energy.

[0009] Several propellers are located in the lower section of the buoy, arranged symmetrically around the base. These propellers are designed to influence the dynamics of the flywheel system depending on the direction and intensity of the buoy's movement. They can accelerate or decelerate the rotor's rotation, thus contributing to optimizing energy yield.

[0010] The entire buoy is designed for autonomous operation and can store electrical energy in an internal battery. The generated energy can be used for lighting, signaling, or external devices. The construction is corrosion-resistant and suitable for continuous use in marine environments. Description of Fig. 2 - Stationary micro-storage unit with flywheel rotor and electromagnetic induction

[0011] The in Fig. The depicted device shows a stationary mini-dam unit for decentralized energy generation from river currents. The structure consists of a fixed component, designed as part of a dam or bank reinforcement, and an integrated mechanical-electromagnetic generator system.

[0012] The central component is a rotor partially submerged in the water, which is set in motion by the natural current of the river. The rotor is connected to a flywheel or counterweight, which acts as an oscillating counterweight and stabilizes the movement. The combination of rotor and counterweight enables a resonant, uniform motion even with varying flow velocities.

[0013] Below the rotor is a stationary coil body integrated into the structure of the storage unit. The movable magnet, coupled to the rotor, moves relative to the coil and generates electrical energy through electromagnetic induction.

[0014] The device is designed for permanent installation in the riverbed without significantly impeding the natural flow. The energy generated can be stored locally or used directly to power lighting, sensors, or other electrical devices.

[0015] The design shown is particularly suitable for: • Lighting of bridges and riverbanks • Supply of navigation or safety systems • Use in ecologically sensitive areas without grid connection • Integration into modular micro-dams for sustainable energy generation Description of Fig. 3 - Multi-coil induction system with central magnetic rotor • Fig.The figure shows an electromagnetic generator system with four stationary coil bodies arranged symmetrically around a central magnetic rotor. The magnet is mounted on a rotating shaft and moves within the openings of the coils, thereby generating electrical energy through electromagnetic induction. The coils are housed in rectangular casings and evenly distributed at 90° angles around the rotor. This arrangement enables multiphase power generation, with each coil inducing a voltage when it passes through the magnet. The generated energy can be used either in combination or separately, depending on the application. • The illustration shows the mechanical relationship between the rotating magnet and the four coil bodies, which can be used as a modular energy core in buoys, micro-dams or mobile generators.

Claims

[1] Autonomous energy buoy for generating electrical energy from water movement, comprising a housing that floats on water or is stationary and anchored in water, a flywheel system with at least one rotor and an antiweight module that is set into rotation or oscillation by wave motion or flow, an electromagnetic induction system with at least one magnet and a coil for converting the mechanical motion into electrical energy, an energy storage module for intermediate storage of the generated electrical energy, a light or signal module for supplying lighting devices or navigation systems, wherein the buoy is operated autonomously and independently of the grid. [2] Buoy according to claim 1, wherein the flywheel system comprises at least one propeller which influences the rotational speed of the rotor depending on the water movement. [3] Buoy according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the antiweight module has an adaptive mass displacement which automatically adjusts to the intensity of the water movement. [4] Buoy according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electromagnetic induction system comprises a concentric multiple coil system for generating multiphase current. [5] Buoy according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the energy storage module is a battery or a capacitor. [6] Buoy according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light module comprises LED lights which are automatically activated in darkness. [7] Buoy according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a connection module is provided which can supply external consumers such as diving lamps, charging cables or camping equipment. [8] Buoy according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a microcontroller is integrated for monitoring and controlling energy generation and use. [9] Buoy according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a flexible solar panel is additionally provided for hybrid energy generation. [10] Buoy according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a mechanical energy storage device (Zamaß storage device) is integrated for stabilizing electricity production. [11] Buoy according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the buoy serves as a charging and storage station for electric boats. [12] Buoy according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the buoy is stationary and mounted under bridges or on shore fortifications and serves to illuminate infrastructure. [13] Buoy according to one of the preceding claims, wherein several buoys are operated as a networked system to enable collective energy generation and lighting. [14] Buoy according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the buoy is integrated into mini-dams and serves as a stationary generator with an antiweight rotor.

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