Device for converting migration energy of moving fluid into rotational energy and power generation device

Abstract

To provide an energy conversion device which can inhibit influence of its installation on an environment, has high flexibility in the installation, and can convert migration energy of a moving fluid into rotational energy or electric energy highly efficiently and stably even if a moving direction of the moving fluid changes, and to provide a power generation device.SOLUTION: In a rotating body having an internal space defined by a rotatable border part provided in a moving path of a fluid moving in an external space, a conversion part which generates a lift force and / or a drag or the drag and / or the lift force in response to inflow of the moving fluid into the internal space and outflow to the external space to convert the migration energy of the fluid into rotational energy is disposed on a border surface of the border part. The structure allows a fluid energy conversion device and a power generation device to stabilize conversion efficiency even if a moving direction or a moving speed of the fluid changes frequently. The fluid energy conversion device and the power generation device are realized to achieve the above object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for converting the kinetic energy of a fluid that is not constantly moving into rotational energy, and to a power generating device such as a wind power generator or a hydroelectric power generator that uses the device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, the kinetic energy of moving fluids such as air and water has been widely converted into rotational energy, and used for, for example, pumping water and generating electricity using wind power, and mechanical power sources and generating electricity using wave and tidal power, etc. In particular, in light of social responses to global warming, various research and development efforts have been made on wind power, wave power, and tidal power, which can generate energy with low environmental impact, and efforts are being made to put them to practical use.

[0003] In addition, wind, wave, and tidal power can be used as energy sources wherever there is wind, waves, or tides, so by distributing power generation facilities adjacent to electricity consumption areas, there is no need to use equipment associated with high-voltage transmission for low-loss long-distance transmission, which makes it possible to reduce equipment costs and suppress heat loss associated with electricity transmission.

[0004] Here, wind and tides are natural phenomena, and the speed and direction of movement of the moving fluid are generally not always constant. Therefore, in a rotational energy conversion device that is required to obtain a sufficient required flow velocity with little flow velocity fluctuation, there are often many restrictions on its installation location.

[0005] In order to deal with the constraints imposed by fluctuations in the movement speed and movement direction of this fluid, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-137258, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-21491, and US2013 / 0309062A1 disclose wind turbine generators capable of generating rotational force in response to winds coming from different directions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 6-137258 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication 2015-21491 [Patent Document 3] US2013 / 0309062A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Here, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-137258 discloses a wind power generation device that uses external and internal introduction blades to guide wind so that a rotational force in the same direction is always generated on the rotors even when the wind comes from different directions. However, it does not show how the wind that is introduced and hits the rotors is discharged to the outside of the wind power generation device. For example, there is a high possibility that wind with inconsistent direction will flow out and hit the rotors, canceling out the rotational force.

[0008] In addition, JP 2015-21491 A discloses a wind power generation device that combines multiple movable blades and multiple fixed blades to always generate a rotational force in the same direction even when the wind comes from different directions. However, the direction in which the blades hit the wind is not limited, making it difficult to achieve high energy conversion efficiency.

[0009] Also, US2013 / 0309062A1 discloses a wind turbine that uses an annular rotor assembly having rotor vanes for generating rotational energy surrounding a central space, and uses an inner guide array and outer guide vanes that can change their angle to guide wind that flows in from the outside in different directions so that it circulates in the same direction within the central space of the annular rotor assembly. However, an extremely complex structure is required to timely adapt the angles of the inner guide array and outer guide vanes to the changing inflow direction of wind.

[0010] As described above, in conventional wind power generation devices and the like that convert the movement energy of a fluid into rotational energy and utilize it, the structure makes it difficult to easily, efficiently, and stably generate rotational energy in the same direction when the direction of movement of the fluid changes. In contrast, the present invention aims to provide an energy conversion mechanism and power generation device that can convert the movement energy of a moving fluid into rotational energy with high efficiency and stability even if the movement direction of the moving fluid fluctuates. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to the present invention, in a rotor having an internal space partitioned by a rotatable boundary provided in the movement path of a fluid moving through an external space, a conversion unit having a surface state that generates lift and drag, or drag and lift, in response to the inflow and outflow of the moving fluid into the internal space and the outflow to the external space, and converting the movement energy of the fluid into rotational energy is disposed on the boundary surface of the boundary, thereby easily realizing a fluid energy conversion device that can stabilize the conversion efficiency even when the movement direction or movement speed of the fluid changes frequently and can suppress restrictions on the installation location. In addition, by providing an introduction section so that the inflow of the fluid into the rotational energy conversion unit is stabilized, stable energy conversion and improved efficiency are achieved. Furthermore, by appropriately changing the shape of the rotational energy conversion unit provided at the boundary depending on the inflow amount or inflow speed from the external space or the outflow amount or outflow speed from the internal space of the moving fluid, it is possible to more stably and efficiently convert the movement energy of the fluid into rotational energy. Effect of the Invention

[0012] By using the fluid energy converter of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. Even if the direction of movement of the fluid flowing in from the external region changes, the movement energy of the fluid can always be converted into rotational energy in the same direction when it flows into the internal region and when it flows out to the external region with high efficiency. Furthermore, by making the surfaces facing the external and internal regions of the energy conversion unit have approximately the same surface roughness, it becomes easier to suppress unnecessary turbulence generated in the energy conversion unit, and costs in manufacturing the energy conversion unit can be reduced. Furthermore, if the roughness of the surfaces facing the external and internal regions of the energy conversion unit changes over time due to the movement of fluid, a stable energy conversion efficiency can be achieved by a configuration that restores the surface roughness to approximately the same value at a predetermined value. Furthermore, by appropriately arranging the introduction portion, it becomes easy to further improve and stabilize the energy conversion efficiency. Furthermore, by detecting the changing direction and flow rate of the moving fluid and actively changing the surface condition of the energy conversion section, it becomes easy to further improve and stabilize the energy conversion efficiency. Furthermore, since it is possible to change the flow rate or direction of the moving fluid with a passive structure and there is no need to use active components, it is possible to realize inexpensive and highly reliable energy conversion equipment. Furthermore, since there are few restrictions on the shape of the device in relation to the change in the direction of movement or the flow rate of the moving fluid, a high degree of freedom is available in terms of the installation location, installation intervals, and installation direction of the energy conversion equipment. Furthermore, since it is possible to design the rotating energy conversion unit so that it is not directly exposed to the environment, it is easy to maintain the surrounding environment and scenery, and adverse effects on the habitat of surrounding plants and animals can be suppressed. Furthermore, by arranging the boundary part of the fluid energy conversion part approximately perpendicular to the rotation axis, it is possible to increase the distance between the boundary part and the center of rotation, so that even with a relatively simple low-rise structure device, the movement energy of the moving fluid can be converted into rotational energy with large torque. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] A perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partially sectional perspective view of the fluid energy converter shown in FIG. 1; [Diagram 3]Partial cross-sectional view of Fig. 1 [Figure 4] A-A' cross section of Figure 3 [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an energy conversion unit according to a first embodiment; [Figure 6] Operation of the fluid energy converter using the energy converter of the first embodiment [Figure 7] In Figure 6, the state of the energy conversion section when a moving fluid flows from the external space to the internal space. [Figure 8] In Figure 6, the state of the energy conversion section when the moving fluid flows from the internal space to the external space. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an energy conversion unit according to a second embodiment; [Figure 10] Operation of the fluid energy converter using the energy converter of the second embodiment [Figure 11] In Figure 10, the state of the energy conversion section when a moving fluid flows from the external space to the internal space. [Figure 12] In Figure 10, the state of the energy conversion section when the moving fluid flows from the internal space to the external space. [Figure 13] Change in surface shape of the energy conversion unit of the third embodiment [Figure 14] Changes in surface shape and attachment angle in the energy conversion unit of the fourth embodiment [Figure 15] Surface condition of the energy conversion unit of the fifth embodiment [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 17 is a partially separated perspective sectional view of FIG. 16; [Figure 18] 17 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an energy conversion unit according to a sixth embodiment used in the second embodiment; [Figure 20] Operation of the fluid energy converter using the energy converter of the sixth embodiment [Figure 21] In Figure 20, the state of the energy conversion section when a moving fluid flows from the external space to the internal space. [Figure 22]In Figure 20, the state of the energy conversion section when the moving fluid flows from the internal space to the external space. [Diagram 23] A practical example in which multiple wind turbines according to the present invention are closely arranged on land such as a coast. [Figure 24] Examples of practical applications of the wind power generation device according to the present invention, installed in valleys and on bridge piers [Diagram 25] An example of practical application of the wind power generation device according to the present invention, which is installed on top of a conventional structure [Figure 26] Practical application examples of the wind power generation device according to the present invention, which is installed on an offshore structure or ship DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The present invention is a fluid energy conversion device that converts the kinetic energy of a spatially moving fluid into rotational energy, comprising: a rotation axis provided at least in the path along which the fluid moves, which is approximately perpendicular to at least one component of the direction in which the fluid moves; a boundary portion that forms an internal space into which the moving fluid rotates around the rotation axis and into which the moving fluid flows in from an external space and then flows out again to the external space; a rotor having at least one or more energy conversion units that convert the kinetic energy of the moving fluid into rotational energy about the rotation axis of the boundary portion by generating lift or drag, or drag or lift, as the fluid moving at the boundary portion flows from the external space into the internal space and flows out of the internal space; and a fluid energy conversion device that configures a surface state so that the energy conversion units generate rotational energy in approximately the same rotational direction as the rotor when the moving fluid flows from the external space into and / or flows out of the internal space., thereby converting the kinetic energy of the moving fluid into rotational energy in the same rotational direction as the rotor.

[0015] The set boundary can be provided substantially parallel or perpendicular to the rotation axis, and a fluid inlet is provided in the external space adjacent to the boundary to guide the moving fluid so that at least a part of the moving fluid flows in substantially perpendicularly to the boundary surface constituting the boundary. This inlet can also be provided so that at least a part of the moving fluid flows in at an angle ranging from 30 degrees to 150 degrees to the boundary surface constituting the boundary.

[0016] The surfaces facing the external and internal regions of the energy conversion unit can have approximately the same surface roughness and can be configured to have a surface state that generates lift in response to the inflow of moving fluid from the external space and generates drag in response to the outflow of moving fluid from the internal space.

[0017] The surfaces facing the external and internal regions of the energy conversion unit can have approximately the same surface roughness and can be configured to have a surface state that generates drag in response to the inflow of moving fluid from the external space and generates lift in response to the outflow of moving fluid from the internal space.

[0018] The surface condition of the energy conversion part can be configured to have a surface shape that generates lift and / or a surface shape that generates drag, and the surface area and / or mounting angle can change depending on the inflow of the moving fluid from the external space or the outflow of the moving fluid from the internal space.

[0019] The moving fluid is gas and / or liquid, and the rotational energy converted from the moving fluid energy can be converted into electrical energy. EXAMPLES

[0020] The configuration of a first embodiment of an energy conversion device and a power generation device according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention, which is configured to include a fluid energy converter that generates rotational energy using, for example, the moving energy of air, i.e., wind energy, and a generator that converts the rotational energy into electrical energy. In Fig. 1, 1 is a fluid energy converter, 6 is a fluid introduction part that introduces the moving fluid, 7 is a fluid introduction plate that is an element of 6, and 28 is a generator that converts the rotational energy into electrical energy.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a partially cut-away perspective view of the fluid energy conversion device 1 of FIG. 1, in which an internal space 3 is formed that is composed of multiple energy conversion parts 5 and separated from an external space 2 by a rotatable boundary part 4.

[0022] 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, in which a rotatable boundary portion 4 made up of a plurality of energy conversion portions 5 is supported so as to be rotatable parallel to a rotation axis 8 held by a bearing 9. The internal space 3 is formed into a cylindrical sealed space by the boundary portion 4 made up of a plurality of energy conversion portions 5 and the upper and lower end plates 20. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the boundary surface of the boundary portion 4 made up of the plurality of energy conversion portions 5 is disposed so as to be substantially parallel to the rotation axis 8 .

[0023] 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A' in FIG. 3, in which the moving fluid 19 (wind in this embodiment) is guided from the external space 2 at a substantially right angle to the boundary surface of the boundary section 4 by a fluid introduction plate 7 provided in the fluid introduction section 6, and flows into the internal space 3 through the energy conversion section 5. Here, the shape of the fluid introduction plate 7 is arbitrary as long as the moving fluid 19 flows at a substantially right angle to the boundary surface of the boundary section 4, and various materials such as plate-like, film-like, and net-like can be used. It is also possible to provide a passive mechanism or active system at the intake of the moving fluid 19 to prevent the intrusion of birds and animals, or to provide a passive mechanism or active system to adjust the flow rate through the intake depending on the movement speed of the moving fluid 19, etc. Furthermore, the moving fluid that flows into the internal space 3 flows out into the external space 2 through an optional energy conversion section 5 .

[0024] 5 is a perspective view of the energy conversion unit 5 according to the first embodiment, in which the surface state facing the external space 2 is a lift generating surface 10 that generates lift, and the surface state facing the internal space 3 is a drag generating surface 11 that generates drag. In this embodiment, the lift generating surface 10 and the drag generating surface 11 have approximately the same surface roughness, and the surface state of the energy conversion unit 5 is configured to generate lift or drag depending on the surface shape. In order to ensure that the lift-generating surface 10 and the drag-generating surface 11 have approximately the same surface roughness, it is possible to use the same surface material having the same surface roughness, or to cover the energy conversion unit 5 with a cover member having the same surface roughness, or to apply to the surface of the energy conversion unit 5 an adhesive material that adheres to the surface and has approximately the same surface roughness due to its inherent surface tension. Furthermore, when the roughness of the surfaces facing the external and internal regions of the energy conversion unit 5 changes over time due to the movement of fluid, possible configurations for restoring the surface roughness to approximately the same value include storing a sheet-like surface material or a cover member having the same surface roughness in a roll inside the energy conversion unit 5 and unrolling and winding it appropriately to restore it to the specified surface roughness, or storing an adhesive material that adheres to the surface and has approximately the same surface roughness due to its inherent surface tension inside the energy conversion unit 5 and cleaning the surface before ejecting and adhering it as appropriate, but these configurations or methods are not limited to these.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the fluid energy conversion device 1 of the first example using the energy conversion unit 5 of the first embodiment, and shows a state in which the energy conversion unit 5 rotates in the same direction due to the moving fluid 19 flowing from the external space 2 to the internal space 3 or the moving fluid flowing from the internal space 3 to the external space 2.

[0026] Further, the details of how the energy of the movement of the moving fluid 19 is converted into rotational energy by the energy conversion section 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 shows the state of the energy conversion unit 5 when the moving fluid 19 flows from the external space 2 into the internal space 3, and due to the surface shape of the lift generating surface 10, the flow rate and flow velocity of the inflowing moving fluid 19 are greater on the surface facing the external space 2 than on the surface facing the internal space (the back side with respect to the movement of the fluid). As a result, a lift force FL is generated in the energy conversion unit 5, part of which becomes a rotational force FR about the rotation axis 8. At this time, the drag force that the moving fluid 19 exerts on the external space side surface of any energy conversion unit 5 is largely offset by the opposite drag force that is exerted on the internal space side surface of an adjacent energy conversion unit 5 (the back side with respect to the inflow of the fluid) by the moving fluid 19 whose movement direction has been deflected by the energy conversion unit 5, so that most of the rotational force due to the lift force FL is converted into rotational energy.

[0027] 8 shows the state of the energy conversion unit 5 when the moving fluid 19 flows out from the internal space 3 to the external space 2, and since the surface shape of the drag generating surface 11 generates almost no lift due to the outflowing moving fluid 19, a drag FD is generated in the energy conversion unit 5, part of which becomes a rotational force FR relative to the rotation axis 8. At this time, the lift that the moving fluid 19 imparts to the internal space side surface of any energy conversion unit 5 is offset by the drag applied to the internal space side surface of an adjacent energy conversion unit 5 by a portion of the moving fluid 19 whose moving direction has been deflected by the energy conversion unit 5, so that most of the rotational force due to the drag FD is converted into rotational energy. For these reasons, when the moving fluid flows from the external space 2 to the internal space 3 and when it flows from the internal space 3 to the external space 2, a rotational force FR corresponding to the lift force FL and the drag force FD, i.e., rotational energy, is always generated in the same rotational direction, counterclockwise in this embodiment. Furthermore, in the present invention, no matter how the inflow or outflow direction of the moving fluid 19 changes, the direction of the generated rotational energy is always constant, realizing a stable rotational operation.

[0028] 9 is a perspective view of the energy conversion unit 12 according to the second embodiment, in which the surface state facing the external space 2 is a drag generating surface 13 that generates drag, and the surface state facing the internal space 3 is a lift generating surface 14 that generates lift. In this embodiment, the drag generating surface 13 and the lift generating surface 14 have approximately the same surface roughness, and the surface state of the energy conversion unit 12 is configured to generate drag or lift depending on the surface shape. In order to ensure that the drag-generating surface 13 and the lift-generating surface 14 have approximately the same surface roughness, it is possible to use the same surface material having the same surface roughness, or to cover the energy conversion unit 12 with a cover member having the same surface roughness, or to apply an adhesive material to the surface of the energy conversion unit 12 that adheres to the surface and has approximately the same surface roughness due to its inherent surface tension. Furthermore, when the roughness of the surfaces facing the external and internal regions of the energy conversion unit 12 changes over time due to the movement of fluid, possible configurations for restoring the surface roughness to approximately the same value include storing a sheet-like surface material or a cover member having the same surface roughness in a roll inside the energy conversion unit 12 and unrolling and winding it appropriately to restore it to the specified surface roughness, or storing an adhesive material that adheres to the surface and has approximately the same surface roughness due to its inherent surface tension inside the energy conversion unit 12 and cleaning the surface before ejecting and adhering it as appropriate, but these configurations or methods are not limited to these.

[0029] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the fluid energy conversion device 1 of the first example using the energy conversion unit 12 of the second embodiment, and shows a state in which the energy conversion unit 5 rotates in the same direction due to the moving fluid 19 flowing from the external space 2 to the internal space 3 or the moving fluid flowing from the internal space 3 to the external space 2.

[0030] Further details of how the energy of the moving fluid 19 is converted into rotational energy by the energy conversion section 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 shows the state of the energy conversion unit 12 when the moving fluid 19 flows into the internal space 3 from the external space 2, and since the surface shape of the drag generating surface 13 generates almost no lift from the inflowing moving fluid 19, a drag FD is generated in the energy conversion unit 12, part of which becomes a rotational force FR relative to the rotation axis 8. At this time, the lift that the moving fluid 19 imparts to the external space side surface of any energy conversion unit 12 is offset by the drag applied to the external space side surface of an adjacent energy conversion unit 12 by a portion of the moving fluid 19 whose moving direction has been deflected by the energy conversion unit 12, so that most of the rotational force due to the drag FD is converted into rotational energy.

[0031] 12 shows the state of the energy conversion unit 12 when the moving fluid 19 flows out from the internal space 3 to the external space 2, and the flow rate and flow velocity of the outflowing moving fluid 19 are greater on the surface on the internal space 2 side than on the surface on the external space side (the back side with respect to the movement of the fluid). For this reason, a lift force FL is generated in the energy conversion unit 12, and part of this lift force FL becomes a rotational force FR on the rotating shaft 8. For these reasons, when the moving fluid flows from the external space 2 to the internal space 3 and when it flows from the internal space 3 to the external space 2, a rotational force, i.e., rotational energy, corresponding to the drag or lift is always generated in the same rotational direction, which in this embodiment is a clockwise direction. Furthermore, in the present invention, no matter how the inflow or outflow direction of the moving fluid 19 changes, the direction of the generated rotational energy is always constant, realizing a stable rotational operation.

[0032] FIG. 13 shows the energy conversion unit 15 of the third embodiment, which has a surface that generates lift or drag by the inflow of the moving fluid 19 into the internal space or the outflow of the moving fluid 19 into the external space, as in the energy conversion unit 5 of the first embodiment, but in this embodiment, the surface shape is changeable. For example, when the moving speed or flow rate of the moving fluid changes depending on the season, time, or weather conditions, the shape of the lift generating surface and / or the drag generating surface can be changed so that the lift or drag is appropriate. In this embodiment, the surface shape of the drag generating surface of the energy conversion unit 15 shown in A1 and B1 changes as shown in A2 and B2 to correspond to the change in the moving speed or flow rate of the moving fluid. Note that the shape change of the lift generating surface and / or the drag generating surface can be arbitrarily used by an active method such as a mechanical method or a pressure fluid method using sensors in combination, or a passive method using a flexible member or an elastic member.

[0033] FIG. 14 shows the energy conversion unit 16 of the fourth embodiment, which has a surface that generates lift or drag by the inflow of the moving fluid 19 into the internal space or the outflow of the moving fluid 19 into the external space, as in the energy conversion unit 5 of the first embodiment, but in this embodiment, the surface shape and the mounting angle are changeable. For example, when the moving speed or flow rate of the moving fluid changes depending on the season, time, or weather conditions, the shape and / or mounting angle of the lift generating surface and / or the drag generating surface can be changed so that the lift or drag is appropriate. In this embodiment, the surface shape of the drag generating surface of the energy conversion unit 15 shown in A1 and B1 and the mounting angle of the energy conversion unit 16 change as shown in A2 and B2 to correspond to the change in the moving speed or flow rate of the moving fluid. According to this embodiment, for example, when the change in the moving speed or flow rate of the moving fluid is relatively gradual, the shape of the lift generating surface and / or the drag generating surface is changed, and when the change in the moving speed or flow rate of the moving fluid is relatively rapid, the mounting angle of the energy conversion unit 16 is changed, thereby realizing stable energy conversion. In addition, the shape of the lift generating surface and / or the drag generating surface and the mounting angle of the energy conversion unit 16 can be changed by any active method such as a mechanical method using sensors or a pressurized fluid method, or a passive method using flexible members, stretchable members, or elastic members.

[0034] FIG. 15 shows an energy conversion unit 17 of the fifth embodiment, which has a surface that generates lift or drag by the inflow of the moving fluid 19 into the internal space or outflow to the external space, as in the energy conversion unit 5 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the surface state is configured to have different surface roughness on each surface facing the external space or the internal space. For example, the drag generated by the outflow of the moving fluid 19 into the external space or into the internal space can be increased by increasing or coarsening the surface roughness of the drag generating surface 18 of the energy conversion unit 17. In this case, the surface roughness can be increased or coarsened by applying sand to the drag generating surface 18, providing minute protrusions or minute depressions, or applying a matte paint. Furthermore, when the moving speed or flow rate of the moving fluid changes depending on the season, time, or weather conditions, the roughness of the drag generating surface may be changed so that the drag is appropriate. For example, the roughness can be changed by any of an active method such as a mechanical method or a pressure fluid method using sensors in combination, or a passive method using a flexible surface member or a stretchable surface member.

[0035] Fig. 16 is a partially sectional perspective view of the outer appearance of a second embodiment of the present invention, which is provided with a generator that uses, for example, the moving energy of air, i.e., wind energy, to generate rotational energy and further converts the rotational energy into electrical energy. In Fig. 16, 6 is a fluid introduction section that introduces the moving fluid, 7 is a fluid introduction plate that is an element of 6, and 28 is a generator that converts the rotational energy into electrical energy.

[0036] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the second embodiment of FIG. 16 separated therefrom, in which a rotatable boundary portion 4 composed of a plurality of energy conversion portions 22 is formed, and an internal space 3 is separated from an external space 2 by a side wall 26 and a bottom plate 27.

[0037] Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of Fig. 16, in which a rotatable boundary portion 4 composed of a plurality of energy conversion portions 22 is rotatably supported by a rotating shaft 8 held by a bearing 9. The internal space 3 forms a substantially cylindrical sealed space by the boundary portion 4 composed of a plurality of energy conversion portions 22, a side wall 26, and a bottom plate 27. Reference numeral 25 denotes a straightening member for smoothing the movement of fluid in the sealed cylindrical space, and the shape of the internal space 3 can be arbitrarily set to a cylindrical shape or a shape using a part of a sphere or a part of a spheroid. Here, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the boundary portion 4 made up of a plurality of energy conversion portions 22 is disposed so as to be substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis 8 .

[0038] 19 is a perspective view of the energy conversion unit 22 according to the sixth embodiment used in the second example, and like the energy conversion unit 5 according to the first embodiment, it is composed of a lift generating surface 23 whose surface state facing the external space 2 generates lift, and a drag generating surface 24 whose surface state facing the internal space 3 generates drag. The width of the energy conversion unit 22 changes so as to become narrower as it approaches the rotation axis along the radial direction of the boundary surface in order to fit the boundary surface shape of the rotating boundary part 4. In this example, the surface state of the energy conversion unit 22 is configured to generate lift or drag depending on the surface shape.

[0039] Fig. 20 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a fluid energy converter 21 of a second example using an energy converter 22 of the sixth embodiment, and shows a state in which the energy converter 22 rotates in the same direction due to a moving fluid 19 (wind in this example) flowing from the external space 2 into the internal space 3 or a moving fluid flowing from the internal space 3 to the external space 2. The plan view shown in the center of Fig. 20 shows the arrangement of the boundary portion 4 made of the energy converter 22 in Fig. 18 as seen from below, and on the left and right thereof, the arrangement of the energy converter 22 is shown as a view in the direction of an arrow perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0040] Further details of how the movement energy of the moving fluid 19 is converted into rotational energy by the energy conversion section 22 will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 shows the state of the energy conversion unit 22 when the moving fluid 19 flows from the external space 2 into the internal space 3, and due to the surface shape of the lift generating surface 23, the flow rate and flow velocity of the inflowing moving fluid 19 are greater on the surface on the external space 2 side than on the surface on the internal space side (the back side with respect to the movement of the fluid). As a result, lift FL is generated in the energy conversion unit 22, and part of this becomes a rotational force FR with respect to the rotation axis 8. At this time, the drag force that the moving fluid 19 exerts on the external space side surface of any energy conversion unit 22 is largely offset by the opposite drag force that is exerted on the internal space side surface of an adjacent energy conversion unit 22 by the moving fluid 19 whose movement direction has been deflected by the energy conversion unit 22, so that most of the rotational force due to the lift FL is converted into rotational energy.

[0041] 22 shows the state of the energy conversion unit 22 when the moving fluid 19 flows out from the internal space 3 to the external space 2, and since the surface shape of the drag generating surface 24 generates almost no lift due to the outflowing moving fluid 19, a drag FD is generated in the energy conversion unit 22, part of which becomes a rotational force FR relative to the rotation axis 8. At this time, the lift that the moving fluid 19 imparts to the internal space side surface of any energy conversion unit 22 is offset by the drag applied to the internal space side surface of an adjacent energy conversion unit 22 by a portion of the moving fluid 19 whose moving direction has been deflected by the energy conversion unit 22, so that most of the rotational force due to the drag FD is converted into rotational energy. For these reasons, when the moving fluid flows from the external space 2 to the internal space 3 and when it flows from the internal space 3 to the external space 2, a rotational force FR corresponding to the lift force FL and the drag force FD, i.e., rotational energy, is always generated in the same rotational direction, counterclockwise in this embodiment. Furthermore, in the present invention, no matter how the inflow or outflow direction of the moving fluid 19 changes, the direction of the generated rotational energy is always constant, realizing a stable rotational operation.

[0042] Although illustration and detailed description are omitted, the second embodiment can also employ an energy conversion section that operates in the same manner as the second to fifth embodiments of the first embodiment. [Industrial Applicability]

[0043] The present invention is particularly effective for wind power generation devices in locations where the wind direction changes frequently, since it is possible to perform stable energy conversion even when the moving direction of the moving fluid is different in a device that converts the moving energy of a moving fluid into rotational energy. In addition, when multiple energy conversion devices are installed adjacent to each other, even if the moving direction of the moving fluid changes between the devices, the effect on the energy conversion is suppressed, so that the installation space can be made more efficient. Furthermore, since the energy conversion device can be made into various shapes, it can be installed in locations where it was previously difficult to install.

[0044] For example, as shown in Fig. 23, when multiple wind power generation devices 29 are closely arranged on the coast or near the shore of the sea, lake or river, there is a problem of changes in wind direction caused by other energy generation devices, but since the operation of the energy conversion device of the present invention does not depend on the wind direction, there is less need to widen the intervals between each energy conversion device, and space efficiency for arranging multiple devices can be improved. Also, although not shown, it is easy to arrange small-scale wind power generation devices 29 in a forest along the coast to function as a substitute for a windbreak. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 24, the operation of the wind turbine 30 of the present invention is not dependent on the wind direction, even in places where the wind direction changes frequently, such as mountain canyons. This means that the turbine can be operated without restrictions on the installation location. At the same time, it is possible to prevent the destruction of the natural environment, deterioration of the landscape, or adverse effects on the surrounding ecosystem caused by the turbine's installation. Furthermore, it can easily be arranged in a composite form on structures such as bridge piers for bridges spanning canyons or straits, making it possible to suppress the above-mentioned adverse effects and reduce installation costs.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 25, even when installing the wind turbine generator 31 of the present invention using an existing building, the change in rotational energy conversion efficiency due to the change in wind direction is suppressed, so there is no need to space the wind turbine generators more than necessary, and efficient installation is possible. When installing on such ground structures, it is preferable to use wind turbine generators that are long in the height direction in structures in urban areas, etc., and in that case, a structure in which multiple wind turbine generators are stacked may be used. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 26, when installing the wind power generation device 32 of the present invention on a structure constructed on the sea or on a ship capable of moving on the sea, not only is there no need to increase the spacing between the energy conversion devices more than necessary, but there is also a high degree of freedom in the installation location and direction since changes in the rotational energy conversion efficiency due to changes in wind direction are suppressed, and in the case of a ship, it is possible to freely set the orientation of the hull when anchored or docked, and the direction of navigation when moving.

[0046] Although the application to wind power generation has been described as an example, it is clear that application to power generation devices that generate electricity by converting the movement energy of a moving liquid whose movement direction is not constant, such as wave power generation or tidal power generation, into rotational energy can be easily realized with a similar configuration, and furthermore, it is possible to directly use the rotational energy converted from the movement energy of a moving fluid as a power source for, for example, a water pump, a propeller, or a machine tool or processing machine. For example, it is conceivable to combine it with a wave-breaking block such as Tetrapod (registered trademark) to generate small-scale electricity for a lighthouse light source.

[0047] Furthermore, although not shown, in a fluid energy converter in which the boundary of a rotor is provided perpendicular to the axis of rotation, it is also possible to convert the movement energy of the moving fluid into rotational energy with a large torque by increasing the distance between the energy conversion unit constituting the boundary and the center of rotation of the rotor and supporting the outer periphery of the rotor with, for example, rolling elements. In this case, it is also possible to provide the energy conversion unit in any shape and / or position at the boundary between the internal space formed by the surface of the ring-shaped rotor and the external space.

[0048] As described above, by using the present invention, it is possible to efficiently and stably convert the movement energy of a moving fluid whose movement direction and speed frequently change into rotational energy or electrical energy, making it possible to arrange multiple devices in close proximity for efficient operation and to install them in locations where installation was previously difficult, and further reducing damage to the environment or scenery associated with the installation of the devices and adverse effects on plants and animals in the surrounding area. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1 Fluid energy conversion device according to the first embodiment 2. Exterior Space 3. Interior space 4 Boundary 5. Energy conversion unit according to the first embodiment 6 Fluid introduction section 7 Fluid introduction plate 8 Rotation Axis 9. Bearings 10 Lift generating surface of the energy conversion unit according to the first embodiment 11 Drag generating surface of the energy conversion unit according to the first embodiment 12 Energy conversion unit according to the second embodiment 13 Drag generating surface of the energy conversion unit according to the second embodiment 14 Lift generating surface of the energy conversion unit according to the second embodiment 15 Energy conversion unit according to the third embodiment 16 Energy conversion unit according to the fourth embodiment 17 Energy conversion unit according to the fifth embodiment 18 Drag generating surface of the energy conversion unit according to the fifth embodiment 19 Moving Fluids 20 End plate 21 Fluid energy conversion device according to the second embodiment 22 Energy conversion unit according to the sixth embodiment 23 Lift generating surface of the energy conversion unit according to the sixth embodiment 24 Drag generating surface of the energy conversion unit according to the sixth embodiment 25 Straightening members 26 Side wall 27 Bottom plate 28 Generator 29 Wind turbines located close to the coast 30 Wind power generation equipment installed in valleys and on bridge piers 31 Wind turbines installed on existing structures 32 Wind turbines installed on offshore structures and ships FL Lift force generated by fluid moving over the surface of the energy conversion section FD Drag caused by fluid moving over the surface of the energy conversion section FR Rotational force around the axis of rotation that occurs as a component of lift or drag

Claims

1. In an apparatus for converting kinetic energy of a spatially moving fluid into rotational energy, the apparatus comprises: a rotation axis provided at least in a path along which the fluid moves, the rotation axis being substantially perpendicular to at least one component of the direction in which the fluid moves; a boundary portion that rotates about the rotation axis and forms an internal space into which the moving fluid flows in from an external space and flows out to the external space; a rotating body having at least one or more energy conversion parts consisting of at least one or more surfaces that convert the kinetic energy of the moving fluid into rotational energy of the boundary part by generating lift and / or drag at the boundary part when the moving fluid flows from the external space into the internal space and generating drag and / or lift at the boundary part when the moving fluid flows from the internal space to the external space; A fluid energy conversion device characterized in that the surfaces of the energy conversion unit facing the external space and the internal space have approximately the same surface roughness, and the energy conversion unit has a surface state that generates rotational energy in approximately the same rotational direction in the rotating body when the moving fluid flows from the external space to the internal space and / or flows from the internal space to the external space, thereby converting the kinetic energy of the moving fluid into rotational energy in the same rotational direction of the rotating body.

2. In claim 1, A fluid energy conversion device, characterized in that the boundary portion is provided approximately parallel to the rotation axis.

3. In claim 1, A fluid energy conversion device, characterized in that the boundary portion is provided approximately perpendicular to the rotation axis.

4. In any one of claims 1 to 3 A fluid energy conversion device characterized in that a fluid inlet section is provided in the external space adjacent to the boundary section, for guiding the moving fluid so that at least a portion of the moving fluid flows in approximately perpendicular to the boundary surface that constitutes the boundary section.

5. In claim 4 A fluid energy conversion device characterized in that the fluid introduction portion for the moving fluid is arranged so that at least a portion of the moving fluid flows into the boundary surface portion that constitutes the boundary at an angle range of 30 degrees to 150 degrees.

6. In any one of claims 1 to 5 A fluid energy conversion device characterized in that the energy conversion unit has a surface condition that generates lift mainly by the inflow of the moving fluid from the external space to the internal space, and generates drag mainly by the outflow of the moving fluid from the internal space to the external space.

7. In any one of claims 1 to 5 A fluid energy conversion device characterized in that the energy conversion unit has a surface condition that generates mainly drag due to the inflow of the moving fluid from the external space to the internal space, and mainly lift due to the outflow of the moving fluid from the internal space to the external space.

8. In claim 6 or 7 A fluid energy conversion device, characterized in that the surface state of the energy conversion part is a surface shape that generates lift and / or a surface shape that generates drag.

9. In claim 8 A fluid energy conversion device characterized in that the surface shape of the energy conversion part is configured to change depending on the amount or speed of inflow of the moving fluid from the external space, or the amount or speed of outflow of the moving fluid from the internal space.

10. In any one of claims 6 to 9 A fluid energy conversion device characterized in that the energy conversion unit has a structure in which the area and / or mounting angle of each surface facing the external space or the internal space of the energy conversion unit changes independently or in conjunction with each other.

11. In any one of claims 6 to 10 A fluid energy conversion device characterized in that the surface roughness facing the external space or the internal space of the energy conversion part is configured to be a predetermined value and approximately constant in response to changes in the surface roughness facing the external space or the internal space that occur over time due to the inflow of the moving fluid from the external space or the outflow of the moving fluid from the internal space.

12. In any one of claims 1 to 11 A fluid energy conversion device characterized in that the moving fluid is a gas.

13. In any one of claims 1 to 11 A fluid energy conversion device characterized in that the moving fluid is a liquid.

14. A power generating device, characterized in that rotational energy converted from the moving fluid energy by the fluid energy converter according to any one of claims 1 to 13 is converted into electrical energy.

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