Power generation apparatus

Abstract

To provide an approach for generating power by efficiently rotating a plurality of rotors in water where speeds of a water flow are different depending on a place.SOLUTION: In a power generation apparatus 1 comprising a generator E which converts rotation energy into power energy, first and second rotors which are rotated by receiving kinetic energy of a substance are disposed in parallel. Rotors P1 and P2 are rotated by receiving kinetic energy of an ocean current C. A gear G11 is rotated together with the rotation of the rotor P1. A gear G12 is rotated together with the rotation of the rotor P2. A differential gear DG is engaged with each of the gear G11 and the gear G12 and rotates a gear G13 using rotation energy obtained from at least one of the gear G11 and the gear G12. A transfer unit 11 transfers the rotation energy of the gear G13 to the generator E.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power generation device.

Background Art

[0002] It is said that there is energy of several hundred TWh per year in ocean currents around the world. The density of seawater is much greater than that of the atmosphere, and ocean currents are not affected by weather like sunlight or wind power. Therefore, power generation using ocean currents has attracted attention as a stable power generation method. Furthermore, it is also said that ocean current power generation has an extremely small environmental impact because it does not emit carbon dioxide CO 2 2. Conventionally, there has been a technology for converting the kinetic energy of water flow into electrical energy by rotating a rotating body such as a propeller using the water flow in the sea or river. In such a technology, in order to increase the power generation amount without changing the size of the rotating body, the number of rotating bodies to be arranged may be increased. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for converting the kinetic energy of ocean currents into electrical energy by rotating a plurality of screw bodies using ocean currents. Patent Document 2 discloses a technology for converting the kinetic energy of water flow into electrical energy by rotating a plurality of rotating bodies using the water flow in a river. Patent Document 3 describes a technology for arranging a plurality of underwater rotating bodies in a vertical row on a vertical member fixed to the seabed and transmitting the energy for the ocean current to rotate the underwater rotating bodies to a generator on the sea.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the flow velocity of water in the sea or river varies greatly depending on the location, inevitably, the rotational speeds of the respective plurality of rotors vary. At this time, if a plurality of rotors are arranged in series without play without taking any measures against the difference in the flow velocity of water, a difference in rotational speed occurs between the rotor with a high rotational speed and the rotor with a low rotational speed, and the kinetic energy of the water flow cannot be smoothly transmitted to the generator. In addition, the difference in the rotational speed of each rotor applies stress such as jamming to each part of the power generation device, so there is also a risk of malfunctioning the power generation device. Patent Document 1 describes a method of arranging a plurality of screw bodies that rotate by receiving the tidal current in the upper layer of the sea and a plurality of screw bodies that rotate by receiving the tidal current in the lower layer separately in order to utilize both tidal currents in the upper layer and the lower layer with different flowing directions for power generation. However, Patent Document 1 does not mention or suggest any measures against the difference in water flow velocity for a plurality of rotors arranged in series without play. Patent Document 2 describes a method in which each of a plurality of rotors and each of a plurality of generators are arranged in a one-to-one relationship. Since the rotors and the generators are arranged one-to-one, the difference in the rotational speed of each rotor does not apply stress such as jamming to each part of the power generation equipment. However, since it is necessary to prepare generators as many as the number of rotors, the weight and manufacturing cost of the entire power generation equipment increase. Patent Document 3 describes a method of converting the rotational power of a plurality of underwater rotors into the flow rate of a liquid and transmitting it above the water surface, and converting this flow rate into rotational power above the water surface to operate a generator. That is, even when the velocity of the upper-layer flow and the velocity of the lower-layer flow are different, the driven-side hydraulic pump is rotated by the hydraulic pressure discharged by driving the driving-side hydraulic pump with each underwater rotor, so that the generator can be operated while absorbing the rotational difference of each underwater rotor. That is, the technology of Patent Document 3 does not mechanically transmit the rotational energy of the underwater rotor, but converts it into hydraulic energy, guides it to above the water, and converts it back into rotational energy above the water to rotationally drive the generator. For this reason, it is said that the same generator can be driven using the power obtained from underwater rotors with different rotational speeds. However, in the case of the technology described in Patent Document 3, since the driven-side hydraulic pump is rotated by the hydraulic pressure discharged by driving the driving-side hydraulic pump with each underwater rotor, equipment for circulating the liquid in the driving-side hydraulic pump must be provided separately. Also, when converting the rotational energy of the underwater rotor into hydraulic energy and guiding it from underwater to above the water, if the underwater rotor is separated from the hydraulic pump above the water and is arranged deep from the water surface, the hydraulic pressure itself decreases, so there is also a problem that it operates only within a certain depth range. As described above, since the water flow velocity varies greatly depending on the location in the sea, when generating electricity by rotating a plurality of rotors with the water flow, even in a special environment such as underwater, it is desired to develop a simple method for efficiently rotating a plurality of rotors with different rotational speeds to generate electricity.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to provide a simple method for efficiently rotating a plurality of rotors with different rotational speeds to generate electricity in underwater where the water flow velocity varies depending on the location, even in a special environment such as underwater.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a power generation device according to the present invention is a power generation device having a first rotating body pair and a second rotating body pair arranged in parallel with respect to the vertical direction or the horizontal direction. Each of the first rotating body pair and the second rotating body pair includes a first rotating body that rotates by receiving the kinetic energy of ocean currents, a second rotating body that is arranged in parallel with the first rotating body and rotates by receiving the kinetic energy of ocean currents, a first gear that rotates with the rotation of the first rotating body, a second gear that rotates with the rotation of the second rotating body, and a first differential gear that meshes with each of the first gear and the second gear and rotates a third gear using the rotational energy obtained from at least one of the first gear and the second gear. Further, it includes a second differential gear that meshes with each of the third gear rotated by the first rotating body pair and the third gear rotated by the second rotating body pair and rotates a fifth gear using the rotational energy obtained from at least one of the third gear rotated by the first rotating body pair and the third gear rotated by the second rotating body pair, a fourth gear that meshes with the fifth gear having a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axes of the first rotating body and the second rotating body, a transmission unit that transmits the rotational energy output from the fifth gear, and power generation means on the sea surface that generates electricity using the rotational energy transmitted through the transmission unit.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide twice as many rotating bodies as in the conventional case for one main pole, which can contribute to cost reduction in commercialization and business continuation, such as construction costs and maintenance costs.

[0008] Also, the first and second rotating bodies, the first gear that rotates with the rotation of the first rotating body, the second gear that rotates with the rotation of the second rotating body, the differential gear that meshes with each of the first and second gears and rotates a third gear using the rotational energy obtained from at least one of the first gear and the second gear, a transmission unit that transmits the rotational energy of the third gear to the power generation means, are provided.

[0009] According to the present invention, even if the rotational speeds of the first gear and the second gear are different from each other, a differential gear that meshes with the first gear and the second gear and rotates the third gear under the action of the rotation of at least one of the first gear and the second gear functions, so that the rotational speed balance between the first gear and the second gear can be fluidly achieved. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the rattling between the gears that occurs when the first gear and the second gear are arranged in series without play. As a result, it is possible to prevent a failure of the power generation device due to the rattling between the gears. Further, since the rotational energy of the underwater rotating body is not converted into hydraulic energy, it is possible to provide a power generation device that does not cause problems such as the underwater rotating body moving away from the hydraulic pump on the water surface and the hydraulic pressure itself decreasing as the underwater rotating body is arranged deeper from the water surface.

[0010] Also, a plurality of the differential gears can be connected.

[0011] According to the present invention, since a plurality of differential gears are connected, four or more rotating bodies can be rotated to drive one power generation means. As a result, the power generation amount of the power generation means can be increased. Also, even if the rotational speeds of the four or more arranged rotating bodies are different from each other, the rotational speed balance between the gears is fluidly achieved. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the rattling between the gears that occurs when the gears joined to each of the four or more rotating bodies are arranged in series without play. As a result, it is possible to efficiently rotate four or more rotating bodies to generate electricity and prevent a failure of the power generation device due to the rattling between the gears.

[0012] Also, the substance can be seawater in an ocean current.

[0013] According to the present invention, even if the rotational speeds of a plurality of rotators are different due to differences in the speed of ocean currents, the differential gear functions, so that the rotational speeds of the gears are fluidly balanced. As a result, it is possible to prevent jamming between the gears that occurs when gears joined to each of the plurality of rotators are arranged in series without play. As a result, in the sea where the water flow speed varies depending on the location, it is possible to efficiently rotate a plurality of rotators to generate electricity, and it is possible to prevent in advance failures of the power generation device due to jamming between the gears.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] The power generation device 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0016] [Basic Configuration] As shown in Fig. 1, the power generation device 1 according to the present invention utilizes the kinetic energy of the ocean current C to rotate two rotors P1 and P2, and transmits the rotational energy of the rotors P1 and P2 to a generator E disposed outside the ocean S, and rotates the generator E using this rotational energy to generate electricity. Specifically, the rotors P1 and P2 that rotate upon receiving the kinetic energy of the ocean current C, a gear G11 that rotates as the rotor P1 rotates, a gear G12 that rotates as the rotor P2 rotates, a differential gear DG that meshes with each of the gears G11 and G12 and rotates the gear G13 using the rotational energy obtained from at least one of the gears G11 and G12, and a transmission unit 11 that transmits the rotational energy obtained from the differential gear DG to the generator E.

[0017] Here, as shown in Fig. 2, assume a case where a pole gear BG1 and a pole gear BG2 are arranged in series without play with respect to a main pole B fixed to the seabed F. In this case, if a difference occurs between the rotational speed of the gear G1 that rotates with the rotor P1 and the rotational speed of the gear G2 that rotates with the rotor P2, jamming occurs between the gears. However, when the power generation device 1 according to the present invention is applied, as shown in Fig. 1, since the differential gear DG functions, even if a difference occurs between the rotational speed of the gear G11 and the rotational speed of the gear G12, the rotational speed balance between the gear G11 and the gear G12 is fluidly maintained. That is, the differential gear DG meshes with the gears G11 and G12, and rotates the gear G13 under the action of the rotation of at least one of the gears G11 and G12. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the jamming between the gears caused by the difference in rotational speed between the gears. As a result, even when the water flow velocity varies depending on the location, it is possible to efficiently rotate a plurality of rotors to generate electricity. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent a failure of the power generation device 1 associated with the jamming between the gears.

[0018] In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, each gear, shaft, etc. are in an exposed state in the ocean S, but this is an image for conceptually explaining the mechanism of the power generation device 1. Therefore, in reality, each gear, shaft, etc. are in a state surrounded by a predetermined case, cover, etc., or are in a state stored in a predetermined case, cover, etc.

[0019] Hereinafter, each component will be described in detail.

[0020] (Rotating body) The rotating body P1 has a plurality of propellers for receiving the kinetic energy of the ocean current C. By receiving the kinetic energy of the ocean current C with this plurality of propellers, it is a rotating body that rotates about the virtual axis L11 as the central axis. At the tip of the rotating body P1, a gear G11, which is a bevel gear, is joined. When the rotating body P1 rotates, the gear G11 also rotates together with it. Also, the rotating body P2 has the same configuration as the rotating body P1 and is a rotating body that rotates about the virtual axis L12 as the central axis. At the tip of the rotating body P2, a gear G12, which is a bevel gear, is joined. When the rotating body P2 rotates, the gear G12 also rotates together with it. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to separately describe the rotating body P1 and the rotating body P2, these are collectively referred to as the "rotating body P".

[0021] The material of the rotating body P is not particularly limited as long as it has at least water resistance, durability, and rust prevention properties. For example, various materials such as resins like FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic) and metals can be used. The shape of the rotating body P is not particularly limited as long as the propeller that rotates the rotating body is easily rotated by receiving the kinetic energy of the ocean current C. However, a streamlined shape that can efficiently receive the water flow is preferred. The size of the rotating body P is not particularly limited. It can be changed to a size suitable for the magnitude of the kinetic energy of the ocean current C, the depth of the sea, etc. For example, in a sea area where the kinetic energy of the ocean current C is large (the flow is fast), by using a rotating body P with a size in meters, the kinetic energy of the ocean current C can be efficiently converted into the rotational energy of the rotating body P. On the other hand, in a sea area where the kinetic energy of the ocean current C is small (the flow is slow), by using a rotating body P with a size in centimeters, the kinetic energy of the ocean current C can be efficiently converted into the rotational energy of the rotating body P.

[0022] (First gear) The gear G11 as the first gear is a bevel gear joined to the tip of the rotating body P1 and rotates with the rotation of the rotating body P1. The gear G11 meshes with the gear G21 that constitutes the differential gear DG. The gear G21 is coaxial (rotation axis J11) with the first side gear SG1 that constitutes the differential gear DG, and when either one rotates, the other also rotates in the same way. That is, since the gear G21 meshes with the gear G11, the rotational energy of the rotating body P1 is transmitted to the differential gear DG via the gear G11 and the gear G21.

[0023] (Second gear) The gear G12 as the second gear is a bevel gear joined to the tip of the rotating body P2 and rotates with the rotation of the rotating body P2. The gear G12 meshes with the gear G22 that constitutes the differential gear DG. The gear G22 is coaxial (rotation axis J12) with the second side gear SG2 that constitutes the differential gear DG, and when either one rotates, the other rotates as well. That is, since the gear G22 meshes with the gear G12, the rotational energy of the rotating body P2 is transmitted to the differential gear DG via the gear G12 and the gear G22.

[0024] (Differential gear) The differential gear DG includes a gear G21, a ring gear RG, a first side gear SG1, a second side gear SG2, two pinion gears PG, and a gear G22. All of these gears are bevel gears. A frame portion H is provided on the plane of the ring gear RG on the side of the first side gear SG1. The frame portion H rotates with the ring gear RG. Inside the frame portion H, the first side gear SG1, the second side gear SG2, and two pinion gears PG are accommodated. The two pinion gears PG are rotatably fixed at opposite positions inside the frame portion H. The two pinion gears PG mesh with both the first side gear SG1 and the second side gear SG2. The axis of the rotation axis J11, the axis of the ring gear RG, and the axis of the rotation axis J12 are all located on the virtual axis L21. The rotation axis J11 is a rotation axis having the first side gear SG1 and the gear G21 at both ends, and is arranged in a state of passing through the ring gear RG. The rotation axis J12 is a rotation axis having the second side gear SG2 and the gear G22 at both ends, and is arranged in a state of passing through the frame portion H of the ring gear RG. When the gear G21 rotates, the first side gear SG1 rotates with it, rotating the two pinion gears PG. When the two pinion gears PG rotate, the ring gear RG rotates via the frame portion H. Also, when the gear G22 rotates, the second side gear SG2 rotates with it, rotating the two pinion gears PG. When the two pinion gears PG rotate, the ring gear RG rotates via the frame portion H.

[0025] Here, when the gear G21 is fixed (stopped) and the gear G22 is rotated, the second side gear SG2 and the two pinion gears PG rotate in conjunction with each other to rotate the ring gear RG. Also, when the gear G22 is fixed (stopped) and the gear G21 is rotated, the first side gear SG1 and the two pinion gears PG rotate in conjunction with each other to rotate the ring gear RG. In reality, the rotational speeds of the gear G21 and the gear G22 vary steplessly not only when either one of them is zero (i.e., when it is stopped). And the average value of the rotational speeds of the gear G21 and the gear G22 is equal to the rotational speed of the ring gear RG. Thereby, even when the rotational speeds of the gear G21 and the gear G22 are different, the ring gear RG can be smoothly rotated without causing jamming between the gears.

[0026] (Third Gear) The gear G13 as the third gear is a bevel gear meshed with the ring gear RG of the differential gear DG. For this reason, the gear G13 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the ring gear RG. Also, since the gear G13 and the gear G14 are coaxial (rotation axis J13), when the gear G13 rotates, the gear G14 also rotates. The gear G14 is meshed with a pole gear BG disposed on a main pole B described later. For this reason, when the gear G13 rotates, the pole gear BG also rotates via the gear G14. In this way, since the ring gear RG and the gear G13 are meshed, and the gear G14 coaxial (rotation axis J13) with the gear G13 and the pole gear BG are meshed, the rotational energy of the ring gear RG is transmitted to the pole gear BG as the fourth gear via the gear G13 and the gear G14.

[0027] (Transmission Section) The transmission section 11 transmits rotational energy to the generator E. The transmission section 11 is composed of the main pole B and the pole gear BG as the fourth gear. The main pole B is a pole rotatably fixed to the seabed F. Since the main pole B is coaxial with the pole gear BG, when the pole gear BG rotates, the main pole B rotates with it. As a result, the rotational energy is transmitted to the generator E. The generator E converts the rotational energy into electrical energy. The pole gear BG is a bevel gear fixed coaxially with the main pole B on a part of the main pole B. When the gear G14 rotates, the main pole B also rotates accordingly. Since the pole gear BG meshes with the gear G14, when the gear G14 rotates, the main pole B rotates via the pole gear BG. Therefore, the rotational energy of the gear G14 is transmitted to the generator E via the pole gear BG and the main pole B.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows an example in which two rotors P (rotors P1 and P2) are arranged in the ocean S by providing one pole gear BG for one main pole B. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the rotational energy obtained by the rotation of each of the rotors P1 and P2 is converted into electrical energy. However, if the number of rotors P can be increased, the power generation amount can be increased. For example, simply by adding one more main pole B to which two rotors P are connected, one unit of the power generation device 1 can be increased. In this case, since the number of rotors P is doubled, the power generation amount is also doubled. However, the costs such as construction costs and maintenance costs will also increase accordingly. Also, a plurality of pole gears BG can be provided on the main pole B at regular intervals. Two rotors P are respectively connected to the tips of the differential gears DG connected to each of the plurality of pole gears BG. Therefore, when a plurality of pole gears BG are provided on the main pole B, the number of rotors P that is twice the number of gears can be arranged in the ocean S. Thereby, the power generation amount can be easily increased. However, even if a plurality of gears having the same function as the pole gear BG are provided in series on the main pole B, these gears have different rotational speeds as in the example shown in FIG. 2, so there is a risk that jamming will occur between the gears and the power generation device 1 will malfunction.

[0029] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of differential gears DG1 to DG3 are connected to the pole gear BG. Thereby, the above problems can be solved. FIG. 3 is an image diagram showing an example of the case where a plurality of differential parts 12 are connected in the ocean.

[0030] In the example shown in FIG. 3, one pole gear BG coaxial with the main pole B is provided on one main pole B, and the differential gear DG1 is connected to this pole gear BG. Then, two differential gears DG2 and DG3 are connected to the differential gear DG1. Two rotators P1 and P2 can be connected to the differential gear DG2. Also, two rotators P3 and P4 can be connected to the differential gear DG3. That is, four rotators P1 to P4 can be connected to one main pole B. When the four rotators P1 to P4 connected in this way are arranged in the ocean S, each of the four rotators P1 to P4 rotates by receiving the flow of the ocean current C, so each of the four rotators P1 to P4 converts the kinetic energy of the ocean current C into rotational energy. Of the rotational energy obtained by the rotation of each of the four rotators P1 to P4, the rotational energy obtained by the rotation of each of the rotators P1 and P2 is transmitted to the differential gear DG1 via the differential gear DG2. Also, the rotational energy obtained by the rotation of each of the rotators P3 and P4 is transmitted to the differential gear DG1 via the differential gear DG3. The differential gear DG1 rotates the main pole B with the rotational energy obtained from the differential gear DG2 and the differential gear DG3. That is, the rotational energy obtained by the rotation of the four rotators P1 to P4 is transmitted to the generator E via the differential gears DG1 to DG3 and the main pole B.

[0031] Specifically, the kinetic energy of the ocean current C is first converted into rotational energy by the rotation of the four rotors P1 to P4. The rotational energy obtained by the rotors P1 and P2 is transmitted to the gear G33 via the differential gear DG2. That is, the differential gear DG2 that rotates the gear G33 by receiving the rotation of at least one of the gear G31 joined to the tip of the rotor P1 and the gear G32 joined to the tip of the rotor P2 functions. For this reason, even if the rotational speed of the gear G31 and the rotational speed of the gear G32 are different, the differential gear DG2 fluidly balances the rotational speeds between the gear G31 and the gear G32. Also, the rotational energy obtained by the rotation of the rotors P3 and P4 is transmitted to the gear G43 via the differential gear DG3. That is, the differential gear DG3 that rotates the gear G43 by receiving the rotation of at least one of the gear G41 joined to the tip of the rotor P3 and the gear G42 joined to the tip of the rotor P4 functions. For this reason, even if the rotational speed of the gear G41 and the rotational speed of the gear G42 are different, the differential gear DG3 fluidly balances the rotational speeds between the gear G41 and the gear G42.

[0032] Both the gear G33 and the gear G43 are connected to the differential gear DG1. Specifically, the gear G33 is connected to the differential gear DG1 via the coaxial gear G34 and the gear G51. Also, the gear G43 is connected to the differential gear DG1 via the coaxial gear G44 and the gear G52. As a result, the rotational energy transmitted to each of the gears G51 and G52 is transmitted to the gear G53 via the differential gear DG1. Here, the differential gear DG1 that rotates the gear G53 by receiving the rotation of at least one of the gear G51 meshing with the gear G34 and the gear G52 meshing with the gear G44 functions. For this reason, even if the rotational speed of the gear G51 and the rotational speed of the gear G52 are different, the differential gear DG1 fluidly balances the rotational speeds between the gear G51 and the gear G52. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of jamming between the gears that may occur due to the difference in rotational speed between the gear G51 and the gear G52, so that a failure of the power generation device 1 can be prevented in advance.

[0033] The rotational energy transmitted from the differential gears DG2 and DG3 via the differential gear DG1 is transmitted to the generator E by the pole gear BG and the main pole B that constitute the transmission unit 11, similar to the example shown in FIG. 1. In this way, even if there is one pole gear BG joined to the main pole B, by connecting a plurality of differential gears DG to this pole gear BG, a plurality of rotating bodies P can be arranged in the ocean S.

[0034] The rotating body P and the differential gear DG that constitute the power generation device 1 for realizing the above series of power generation methods may each be provided as a single item or as a set. In this way, by making it possible to provide the rotating body P and the differential gear DG in different product forms according to needs, various diverse needs of consumers can be accurately met. For example, when the main pole B has already been installed in the ocean S, the rotating body P and the differential gear DG can be retrofitted, so only a set of the rotating body P and the differential gear DG needs to be procured. Thereby, existing facilities can be effectively utilized.

[0035] Furthermore, although the configuration in which the rotating bodies are arranged vertically has been described, the rotating bodies may be arranged horizontally. When the rotating bodies are arranged in a vertical row, it was necessary to simply prepare two main poles to double the number of rotating bodies in a vertical row. According to this invention, compared with the case of arranging them in a vertical row, it is possible to arrange twice the number of rotating bodies for one main pole. As a result, it is possible to contribute to cost reduction in commercialization and business continuation, such as construction costs and maintenance costs.

[0036] As described above, one embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements, etc. within the range that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention. Also, various changes may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0037] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the provider of the kinetic energy for rotating the rotating body P is the ocean current C, but it is not limited thereto. Any substance that can provide kinetic energy may be used. For example, it may be a water flow such as a river other than the ocean current C, or it may be an air current (air). When the provider of the kinetic energy for rotating the rotating body P is an air current (air), the present invention can be applied to a power generation device in wind power generation.

[0038] Further, in the transmission unit 11 in the above-described embodiment, as a method of transmitting the rotational energy of the pole gear BG to the generator E, it is transmitted as the rotational energy obtained by rotating the main pole B. However, the method by which the transmission unit 11 transmits the rotational energy of the pole gear BG to the generator E is not limited to this, and any energy transmission method can be used. For example, although not shown in the drawings, as in the technique described in Patent Document 3 mentioned above, the rotational energy of the rotating body P is transmitted onto the water while being converted into hydraulic energy, and the hydraulic energy is again converted into rotational energy on the water to rotationally drive the generator E.

[0039] In summary, the power generation device to which the present invention is applied may have the following configuration and can take various embodiments. That is, the power generation device to which the present invention is applied is In a power generation device (for example, the power generation device 1 in FIG. 1) having power generation means (for example, the generator E in FIG. 1) for converting rotational energy into electric energy, The first and second rotating bodies (for example, the rotating bodies P1 and P2 in FIG. 1) that rotate by receiving the kinetic energy of the substance are arranged in parallel. Conventionally, since the rotating bodies were arranged in a vertical row, in order to double the number of rotating bodies in a vertical row, it was necessary to simply prepare two main poles. However, according to this invention, it is possible to arrange twice the number of rotating bodies with respect to one main pole. As a result, it is possible to contribute to cost reduction in commercialization and business continuation, such as construction costs and maintenance costs.

[0040] Further, between the first and second rotating bodies, A first gear (e.g., gear G11 in FIG. 1) that rotates with the rotation of the first rotating body, A second gear (e.g., gear G12 in FIG. 1) that rotates with the rotation of the second rotating body, A differential gear (e.g., differential gear DG in FIG. 1) that meshes with each of the first and second gears and rotates a third gear (e.g., gear G13 in FIG. 1) using rotational energy obtained from at least one of the first gear and the second gear, A transmission part (e.g., transmission part 11 in FIG. 1) that transmits the rotational energy of the third gear to the power generation means, is provided. As a result, the differential gear DG that meshes with the gears G11 and G12 and rotates the gear G13 under the action of the rotation of at least one of the gears G11 and G12 functions. Therefore, even if the rotational speeds of the gears G11 and G12 are different from each other, the balance of the rotational speeds between the gears G11 and G12 is fluidly balanced. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the jamming between the gears that occurs when the pole gears BG1 and BG2 are arranged in series without play. As a result, in the sea where the water flow speed varies depending on the location, it is possible to efficiently rotate a plurality of rotating bodies P to generate electricity, and it is possible to prevent the failure of the power generation device 1 due to the jamming between the gears. Furthermore, since the rotational energy of the underwater rotating body is not converted into hydraulic energy, it is possible to provide a power generation device in which problems such as the underwater rotating body being separated from the above-water hydraulic pump and the hydraulic pressure itself decreasing as the underwater rotating body is arranged deeper from the water surface do not occur in the first place.

[0041] Also, a plurality of the differential gears (e.g., differential gears DG1 to DG3 in FIG. 3) can be connected. As a result, since a plurality of differential gears DG1 to DG3 are connected, four or more rotors P can be arranged. Consequently, the power generation amount of the generator E can be increased. Further, even if the rotational speeds of the four or more arranged rotors P are different from each other, the rotational speed balance between the gears is fluidly adjusted. Thereby, it is possible to prevent rattling between the gears that occurs when the gears joined to each of the four or more rotors P are arranged in series without play. As a result, even if the speed of the kinetic energy varies depending on the location, each of the four or more rotors P can be efficiently rotated to generate power, and malfunctions of the power generation device 1 due to rattling between the gears can be prevented in advance.

[0042] Further, the substance can be seawater in an ocean current (for example, the ocean current C in FIG. 1). As a result, since the differential gear DG functions, even if the rotational speeds of the plurality of rotors P are different from each other due to the difference in the speed of the ocean current C, an adjustment for fluidly balancing the rotational speeds between the gears is performed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent rattling between the gears that occurs when a plurality of spur gears BG are arranged in series without play. As a result, in the ocean S where the water flow speed varies depending on the location, the plurality of rotors P can be efficiently rotated to generate power, and malfunctions of the power generation device 1 due to rattling between the gears can be prevented in advance.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0043] 1 ··· Power generation device 11 ··· Transmission unit G1, G2, G11 to G14, G21, G22, G31 to G34, G41 to G44, G51 to G54 ··· Gear DG, DG1 to DG3 ··· Differential gear RG ··· Ring gear SG1, SG2 ··· Side gear PG ··· Pinion gear BG ··· Spur gear E ··· Generator F ··· Seabed P, P1 to P4 ··· Rotor E ··· Generator S ··· Ocean H ··· Frame part C ··· Ocean current L11, L12, L21 ··· Virtual axis J11~J13 ··· Rotation axis

Claims

[Claim 1] A power generating device having a first rotor pair and a second rotor pair arranged in parallel in a vertical direction or a horizontal direction, Each of the first rotating body pair and the second rotating body pair is A first rotor that rotates by receiving kinetic energy of an ocean current; A second rotor arranged in parallel with the first rotor and rotated by receiving the kinetic energy of the ocean current; a first gear that rotates together with the first rotor; a second gear that rotates together with the second rotor; a first differential gear that meshes with the first gear and the second gear and rotates a third gear using rotational energy obtained from at least one of the first gear and the second gear; Including, Furthermore, a second differential gear that meshes with the third gear rotated by the first pair of rotors and the third gear rotated by the second pair of rotors, and rotates a fifth gear using rotational energy obtained from at least one of the third gear rotated by the first pair of rotors and the third gear rotated by the second pair of rotors; a transmission unit including a fourth gear meshing with the fifth gear having a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axes of the first rotor and the second rotor, the transmission unit transmitting rotational energy output from the fifth gear; a power generation means disposed on the transmission section and located on the sea surface for generating power using the rotational energy transmitted through the transmission section; A power generating device having the above structure.

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