Energy recovery position variable system

Abstract

To provide an energy recovery position variable system enabling efficient energy recovery from a plurality of electric power generation floating bodies.SOLUTION: An energy recovery position variable system (1) includes: power generation floating bodies (100) configured to be capable of navigating on water surface and using renewable energy for power generation; and a recovery place setting system (200) for providing a recovery place (300) for recovering power generation energy from a group of power generation floating bodies (PG), the power generation floating bodies and the recovery place setting system being capable of data communication with each other. The power generation floating bodies include a power generation storage unit for storing the power generation energy and a navigation unit for navigating base stations. The recovery place setting system includes a place determination unit for determining the recovery place (300P) where the recovery place is provided based on at least one of wind condition and oceanographic condition, a position notification unit for notifying the respective power generation floating bodies of the recovery place, and a setting unit for providing the recovery place to the recovery position. The navigation units of the power generation floating bodies have base stations navigated to the recovery place.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy transfer system for transferring power generated by a power-generating float floating on the water surface. [Background technology]

[0002] When refueling a ship navigating a vast area such as the ocean with fuel (i.e., energy), it is not possible to use an energy transfer pipe connected to an energy base on land. As an energy transfer method for such a case, a method is known in which an energy supply ship and an energy receiving ship are moored together and the manifold pipes of each ship are connected by a hose to transfer energy (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-037360 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above method, if there are multiple energy receiving vessels, the energy supply vessel must visit each energy receiving vessel one by one, which is inefficient. Furthermore, there are various technical problems, such as no mention of setting a meeting point between the energy collecting side and the energy receiving side with consideration for efficiency.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an energy recovery position variable system that enables efficient energy recovery from multiple power-generating floats. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the energy recovery position variable system of the present invention is a power-generating float that is configured to be able to navigate on the water surface and generates electricity using renewable energy, and a recovery station setting system that sets up a recovery station that recovers the generated energy from at least a portion of a group of power-generating floats made up of the power-generating floats, which are arranged so that they can communicate data with each other, and the power-generating float has a power-generating storage unit that stores the generated energy in a predetermined storage manner and a navigation unit that navigates the base to a predetermined destination, and the recovery station setting system has a position determination unit that determines the recovery position where the recovery station will be set up based on at least one of the wind conditions and sea conditions in a predetermined area including the group of power-generating floats, a position notification unit that notifies at least a portion of the group of power-generating floats of position information indicating the determined recovery position, and a setting unit that sets up the recovery station at the determined recovery position, and when the navigation unit of the power-generating float acquires the position information, it navigates the base to the determined recovery position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the variable energy recovery position system of the present invention, when recovering generated energy from multiple power-generating floats, the recovery position is determined based on at least one of the wind conditions and sea conditions at the time of recovery, thereby enabling efficient energy recovery. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an energy recovery position variable system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a power-generating float. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a route of the power-generating float in the first embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the route of the power-generating float in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a collection station. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a collection point setting system. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow in the energy recovery position variable system. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a collection position determination process. [Figure 8] FIG. 3C is a diagram showing an example in which a recovery position is determined on the route shown in FIG. 3B. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a route of a power-generating float in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a collection position determination process in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a route of a power-generating float in the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing details of the straight-line route shown in FIG. 11 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 1. First embodiment A first embodiment of the energy recovery position variable system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. FIG.

[0010] (Variable energy recovery system) First, the components of the energy recovery position variable system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. As shown in FIG. 1, the energy recovery position variable system 1 according to the present invention is configured so that a group of power-generating floats PG and a recovery station setting system 200 can communicate data with each other. The group of power-generating floats PG is made up of a plurality of power-generating floats 100. Each of the plurality of power-generating floats 100 is configured to be capable of navigating as a fleet on the surface of water such as the sea, river, or lake. The configurations of the power-generating floats 100 may be similar. For example, each power-generating float 100 may be assigned a float ID for identifying each power-generating float 100. The energy recovery position variable system 1 may be configured to identify each power-generating float 100 by the float ID. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to identify each power-generating float 100, they will be collectively referred to as the "power-generating float 100."

[0011] The power-generating float 100 in this embodiment may be, for example, a sailing-type float capable of sailing on the sea. The power-generating float 100 may be configured to be capable of sailing on the sea (i.e., sailing) using wind energy received by a sail 121 as a power source. The power-generating float 100 may generate power using renewable energy. As an example, the power-generating float 100 may generate wind power using kites 111 connected to a hull 101 via tethers 112, as shown in FIG. 1 .

[0012] The generated energy obtained by the group of power-generating floats PG at sea may be recovered at a recovery station 300 installed at sea so that it can be recovered at sea. The recovery station 300 may be, for example, an untethered mobile body that can move on or underwater. In this way, the variable energy recovery location system 1 is configured so that the recovery vessel that recovers the generated energy does not need to travel around each power-generating float 100 to recover the energy. The recovery station setting system 200 in the variable energy recovery location system 1 is configured so that the position of the recovery station 300 (hereinafter referred to as the "recovery position") changes taking into account the situation at the time of recovery. FIG. 1 shows the recovery station 300 installed at the recovery position 300P. The configurations of the power-generating float 100, the recovery station 300, and the recovery station setting system 200 will be described below.

[0013] (Configuration of the power generating float) The configuration of the power-generating float 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As described above, each power-generating float 100 may be assigned a float ID for identifying the power-generating float 100. As an example, the power-generating float 100 may include a power generation mechanism 110, a navigation mechanism 120, a power generation storage mechanism 130, a float communication mechanism 140, and a float control device 150, as shown in Fig. 2.

[0014] The power generation mechanism 110 may include multiple elements used for wind power generation. The power generation mechanism 110 may include, for example, the above-mentioned tether 112 and kite 111, as well as a winch 113 and a generator 114. The winch 113 has a rotating shaft 113a as a rotation axis, and the rotating shaft 113a is connected to the rotating shaft of the generator 114. The tether 112 is wound around the rotating shaft 113a. When the kite 111 rises, the tether 112 is unwound from the winch 113 in conjunction with this ascent. This unwinding action of the tether 112 rotates the rotating shaft 113a. The rotating shaft of the generator 114 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the kite 111 as it rises, thereby generating power. Furthermore, when the rotating shaft 113a rotates in a direction in which the tether 112 is reeled in, the tether 112 is retrieved, and the kite 111 descends. When the tether 112 is retrieved, the generator 114 may rotate the rotating shaft 113 a based on a command from the floating body control device 150 .

[0015] The navigation mechanism 120 may include multiple elements for sailing the power-generating float 100 on the sea. The navigation mechanism 120 may be provided with, for example, a sail 121 that enables sailing using wind power, a rudder 122 that determines the direction of the hull 101, and a centerboard 123 that generates lateral force. Furthermore, the power-generating float 100 may include, for example, a propeller 125 and a motor 124 as a power source as the navigation mechanism 120 so that it can move using electricity in addition to movement using wind power. For example, electricity generated by the power generation mechanism 110 may be used to drive the motor 124. Furthermore, the navigation mechanism 120 may include sensors. The sensors may include, for example, a wind direction and speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, and a speed sensor.

[0016] The power generation and storage mechanism 130 may be configured to store the generated energy generated by the power generation mechanism 110 in a predetermined manner. In this embodiment, the power generation and storage mechanism 130 may store the generated energy in the form of a hydrogen storage alloy tank, for example. In this case, the power generation and storage mechanism 130 may be configured to decompose water into hydrogen using the generated energy obtained by the power generation mechanism 110 and absorb the obtained hydrogen in the hydrogen storage alloy tank. The power generation and storage mechanism 130 may store a plurality of hydrogen storage alloy tanks. The power generation and storage mechanism 130 may be configured, for example, to appropriately monitor the amount of generated energy stored in the power generation and storage mechanism 130. The power generation and storage mechanism 130 may be configured, for example, to be able to appropriately calculate the storage rate (the amount already stored relative to the storage capacity of the power generation and storage mechanism 130).

[0017] The float communication mechanism 140 may be configured to enable wireless communication with the outside of the power-generating float 100. For example, the "outside" may refer to either the inside or the outside of the energy recovery position variable system 1. The "outside" may include, for example, other power-generating floats 100, the recovery station configuration system 200, and the recovery station 300. The "outside" may also include sources of various information necessary for various processes in the power-generating float 100. For example, the float communication mechanism 140 may be configured to acquire various position information from a GNN (Global Navigation Satellite System) device or a GPS (Global Positioning System) device to obtain its own position information. The various pieces of information transmitted to the outside via the float communication mechanism 140 may appropriately include the float ID of the power-generating float. For example, the float communication mechanism 140 may transmit its own position information, including the float ID, so that it can be received by other power-generating floats 100.

[0018] The floating body control device 150 controls various processes in the power-generating float 100. The floating body control device 150 may be configured as a control unit including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a storage device and an input / output interface required for the CPU's operation. The storage device may include, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a data storage. The floating body control device 150 may be connected to each of the mechanisms 110, 120, 130, and 140 by a data path, for example, via the input / output interface. The floating body control device 150 may control various operations performed by each of the mechanisms 110, 120, 130, and 140. The ROM may store, for example, the floating body ID of the floating body itself.

[0019] The ROM may store, for example, a computer program for implementing processing in the floating body control device 150. The floating body control device 150 may load a computer program stored in the ROM or a data storage. Alternatively, the floating body control device 150 may acquire (i.e., download) a computer program from a device (not shown) disposed outside the energy recovery position variable system 1 via the float communication mechanism 140, and load the acquired computer program. The floating body control device 150 executes the loaded computer program. As a result, logical function blocks for controlling the operation of the power-generating float 100 are implemented within the floating body control device 150. FIG. 2 shows an example of logical function blocks implemented within the floating body control device 150. In the example shown in FIG. 2, a power generation unit 151 and a navigation unit 152 are implemented within the floating body control device 150.

[0020] The power generation unit 151 controls the operation of each element of the power generation mechanism 110. For example, the power generation unit 151 may control the position of the kite 111 by controlling the power generation mechanism 110. The power generation mechanism 110 may be controlled to alternate between two modes, a power generation mode and a recovery mode, by controlling the position of the kite 111. The power generation mode is a mode in which power is generated. In this embodiment, wind power generation is performed by raising the kite 111 in the power generation mode. For example, in the power generation mode, the power generation mechanism 110 may be controlled to pay out the tether 112 from the winch 113 to raise the kite 111. Then, when the kite 111 reaches a predetermined height, the power generation mechanism 110 may be controlled, for example, so that the kite 111 draws a figure eight. The recovery mode is a mode in which the tether 112 is recovered. In this embodiment, in the recovery mode, the tether 112 is recovered to lower the kite 111. For example, in the recovery mode, the power generation mechanism 110 may be controlled so that the tether 112 is wound onto the winch 113. Note that power generation in the power generation mode and recovery of the tether 112 in the recovery mode may be performed while the power-generating float 100 is sailing in order to increase power generation efficiency, as will be described later.

[0021] The navigation unit 152 automatically controls the movement of the power generating float 100 on the sea (i.e., navigation) by controlling the operation of each element of the navigation mechanism 120. For example, the navigation unit 152 may control the rudder 122 according to the direction of travel and the angle of the sail 121 according to the wind direction based on sensor information from various sensors so that the power generating float 100 moves along a predetermined route. The navigation unit 152 may, for example, receive position information transmitted from other power generating floats 100 and control the distance to the other power generating floats 100. For example, the navigation unit 152 of the parent unit of the power generating float group PG may receive position information of the other power generating floats 100 and control the position of each power generating float 100. Furthermore, the navigation unit 152 may determine the route along which the power generating float 100 will move based on at least one of wind conditions and sea conditions.

[0022] The route of the power-generating float 100 may be set so that the power generation mode PM and the recovery mode WM are alternately repeated within a predetermined region R, as shown in FIG. 3A . In the power generation mode PM, the power-generating float 100 may generate power while moving, for example, while receiving natural wind W from the side of the hull 101. In the recovery mode WM, the power-generating float 100 may recover the tether 112 while moving downwind against the natural wind W. The route of the power-generating float 100 may be set so that the time required for the power generation mode PM is longer than the time required for the recovery mode WM so that the amount of power generated in the power generation mode PM is greater than the amount of power consumed in the recovery mode WM. A route corresponding to the power generation mode PM is called a power generation mode route PMR. The power generation mode route PMR is a route along which the power-generating float 100 moves in the power generation mode PM. A route corresponding to the recovery mode WM is called a recovery mode route WMR. The recovery mode route WMR is a route along which the power-generating float 100 moves in the recovery mode WM.

[0023] 3A, the power generation mode route PMR and the recovery mode route WMR are set so that the power generating float 100 repeatedly draws a figure eight within the region R. The range and position of the region R corresponding to each of the multiple power generating floats 100 may be set appropriately so that, for example, there is sufficient distance between the power generating floats 100 to prevent the tethers 112 of each power generating float 100 from getting tangled. Furthermore, if the range of the region R is sufficiently large, multiple power generating floats 100 may move along the routes PMR and WMR within one region R.

[0024] 3A, the route of the power-generating float 100 may be set so that the power generation mode PM and the recovery mode WM are alternately repeated, for example, as shown in FIG. 3B. In the power generation mode PM, the power-generating float 100 may generate power while moving, for example, while receiving natural wind W from the side of the hull 101. In the recovery mode WM, the power-generating float 100 may recover the tether 112 while moving downwind with respect to the natural wind W. In the route of the power-generating float 100, the time required for the power generation mode PM may be set longer than the time required for the recovery mode WM so that the amount of power generated in the power generation mode PM is greater than the amount of power consumed in the recovery mode WM. Multiple power-generating floats 100 may move on the route lined up in a row at a predetermined interval.

[0025] The example shown in FIG. 3B shows that in an area A where the wind force of natural wind W is suitable for wind power generation (i.e., where strong winds are blowing), a power generation mode route PMR corresponding to the power generation mode PM and a recovery mode route WMR corresponding to the recovery mode WM are repeated. The range of area A may be set as appropriate. For example, the range of area A may be set according to wind conditions. As an example, the range of area A may be set so as not to enter an area where wind force weakens. Alternatively, the range of area A may be changed as appropriate by dynamically determining the distance between each route PMR and WMR.

[0026] (Configuration of collection points) As described above, the recovery site 300 may be a mobile body that can move on the water surface or underwater. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the recovery site 300 may include a recovery site moving mechanism 301 that moves the location of the recovery site 300, a recovery site communication mechanism 302 that enables wireless communication with the outside, and a recovery site storage mechanism 303 that collects and stores the generated energy from the power-generating float 100. The recovery site moving mechanism 301 may include a known propulsion device and a known power source that enable movement on the water surface or underwater. Furthermore, the recovery site moving mechanism 301 may include, for example, various sensors for obtaining information necessary for movement. The "external" with which the recovery site communication mechanism 302 can communicate may include, for example, the power-generating float 100, the recovery site setting system 200, and a recovery ship. The recovery site communication mechanism 302 may be configured to acquire various position information from a GNN device, a GPS device, or the like to obtain its own position information. The recovery station storage mechanism 303 may be configured to acquire and store the generated energy stored in a predetermined manner from the power-generating float 100. The recovery station storage mechanism 303 may have, for example, an acquisition mechanism such as an arm that acquires the generated energy stored in a predetermined manner from the power-generating float 100. The recovery station storage mechanism 303 may be configured, for example, to store the hydrogen storage alloy tank acquired from the power-generating float 100 in or on the sea.

[0027] Furthermore, the collection site 300 may include a collection site control device 304 that controls various operations at the collection site 300. The collection site control device 304 may be configured as a control unit including, for example, a CPU and a memory device and an input / output interface required for its operation. The memory device may include ROM, RAM, data storage, etc. The collection site control device 304 may be connected to each of the above mechanisms 301, 302, and 303 via a data path via the input / output interface. The collection site control device 304 may control various operations by each of the mechanisms 301, 302, and 303, for example, in response to a predetermined human instruction and / or a predetermined trigger. If there are multiple collection sites 300, a collection site ID for identifying each collection site 300 may be stored in the ROM. In this case, the collection site communication mechanism 302 may include its own collection site ID in the various information it transmits.

[0028] The recovery station 300 may be, for example, a recovery ship having the above-mentioned configuration. The recovery ship is an energy transfer ship that recovers generated energy from multiple power-generating floats 100 and transfers it to a predetermined destination (e.g., land). The recovery ship arrives at the recovery position 300P to recover the generated energy from the power-generating floats 100. In other words, the recovery position 300P may be a variable position where the recovery ship arrives. Alternatively, the recovery station 300 may be, for example, a relay station having the above-mentioned configuration. The relay station is a place where generated energy from multiple power-generating floats 100 is collected for the recovery ship. The recovery position 300P may be a variable position where a relay station is installed. The generated energy recovered at the relay station may be recovered as appropriate by a recovery ship that arrives at the relay station.

[0029] (Configuration of collection point setting system) As shown in FIG. 5 , the recovery station setting system 200 includes, for example, a system communication unit 210 and a system control device 220. The recovery station setting system 200 may be provided in any facility. For example, the recovery station setting system 200 may be configured so that any one of a plurality of power-generating floats 100 functions as the recovery station setting system 200. Alternatively, the recovery station setting system 200 may be provided as a cloud computing service. Alternatively, the recovery station setting system 200 may be provided on the recovery station 300 side. Alternatively, the recovery station setting system 200 may be provided in a distributed manner in a plurality of facilities (which may include the power-generating floats 100 and / or the recovery stations 300) that are capable of data communication with each other. For example, a position determination unit 221, which will be described later, may be provided in the float control device 150 of the power-generating float 100 serving as the parent unit.

[0030] The system communication unit 210 enables wireless communication between the recovery station setting system 200 and the outside. The "outside" may be inside or outside the energy recovery position variable system 1. The "outside" may include, for example, the power-generating float 100, the recovery station 300, and sources of various information required for various processes in the recovery station setting system 200. Note that when the recovery station setting system 200 is provided in the recovery station 300, the recovery station setting system 200 and the recovery station 300 may transmit and receive various information via, for example, a data path.

[0031] The system control device 220 controls various processes in the collection station configuration system 200. The system control device 220 may recognize the position of the power-generating float 100, for example, by appropriately acquiring the position of the power-generating float 100 from the power-generating float 100 via the system communication unit 210. The system control device 220 may be configured as a control unit including, for example, a CPU, a storage device and an input / output interface required for the operation of the CPU. The storage device may include, for example, a ROM, a RAM, and a data storage, etc.

[0032] The system control device 220 may load a computer program stored in, for example, a ROM or a data storage. The system control device 220 may acquire (i.e., download) a computer program from a device (not shown) disposed outside the energy recovery location variable system 1 via the system communication unit 210, and load the acquired computer program. The system control device 220 executes the loaded computer program. As a result, logical functional blocks for controlling the recovery station configuration system 200 are implemented within the system control device 220. FIG. 5 shows an example of logical functional blocks implemented within the system control device 220. In the example shown in FIG. 5, a position determination unit 221, a position notification unit 222, and a setting unit 223 are implemented within the system control device 220.

[0033] The position determination unit 221 may be configured, for example, to determine a recovery position 300P where the recovery point 300 should be located. The position notification unit 222 may be configured, for example, to notify at least some of the power-generating floats 100 of the determined recovery position 300P. The position notification unit 222 may, for example, notify the power-generating floats 100 to be recovered of the determined recovery position 300P. The setting unit 223 performs processing to set up the recovery point 300 at the determined recovery position 300P. For example, if the recovery point 300 is movable, the setting unit 223 may perform processing to guide the recovery point 300 to the recovery position 300P. For example, the setting unit 223 may notify the recovery point 300 to move to the recovery position 300P. For example, the setting unit 223 may remotely guide the recovery point 300 to the recovery position 300P.

[0034] For example, the system control device 220 may acquire the position of the power-generating float 100 from the power-generating float 100 as needed. The system control device 220 may appropriately acquire the position of its own base transmitted from the power-generating float 100 via the system communication unit 210, for example.

[0035] (Processing in energy recovery position variable system) The process performed by the energy recovery position variable system 1 to recover the generated energy will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Hereinafter, the form of the generated energy recovered from the power-generating float 100 to the recovery station 300 will be described as a hydrogen storage alloy tank. Also, the recovery station 300 will be described as a recovery ship, and the recovery position 300P will be described as a location where the recovery ship arrives. Note that the various operations of the recovery station setting system 200 are operations controlled by the system control device 220. The various operations of the power-generating float 100 are operations controlled by the float control device 150.

[0036] First, the collection station setting system 200 performs a collection position determination process (step S10). The collection station setting system 200 may perform the collection station position determination process, for example, according to the timing when a collection ship arrives to collect generated energy. Alternatively, the collection station setting system 200 may perform the collection station position determination process at predetermined time intervals. In this embodiment, the collection station 300 is a collection ship, so the collection position determination process of this embodiment may determine a collection position 300P where the collection ship should arrive.

[0037] An example of the process performed in the recovery location determination process will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In the recovery site determination process, the recovery site setting system 200 may, for example, first perform a storage rate determination process (step S11). In the storage rate determination process, the recovery site setting system 200 may acquire the storage rate of each power-generating float 100 from that power-generating float 100. Alternatively, the recovery site setting system 200 may acquire the storage volume from each power-generating float 100 and calculate the storage rate for the acquired storage volume. For example, the recovery site setting system 200 may identify a power-generating float 100 having a storage rate equal to or higher than a predetermined recovery standard as a high-storage-rate float 100. The recovery site setting system 200 may, for example, classify the power-generating float group PG into three or more levels, such as high, medium, and low, based on the storage rate. The recovery standard may, for example, be a standard indicating that the stored generated energy has reached the amount to be recovered. The recovery standard may be set dynamically or fixedly.

[0038] Next, the collection station setting system 200 may perform a wind condition determination process (step S12). In the wind condition determination process, the collection station setting system 200 may, for example, acquire wind condition information for a predetermined range including the group of power-generating floats PG (hereinafter referred to as "around the power-generating floats") from a predetermined source of wind condition information. The "predetermined range" may be set appropriately, for example, to the range within which the group of power-generating floats PG can move. The "wind condition information" may include information on wind conditions. The "wind condition information" may include, for example, information on wind power (including wind speeds and volumes such as average wind speed and instantaneous wind speed) and wind direction. At least a portion of the "wind condition information" may be provided as a wind condition map. The "wind condition information provider" may, for example, include at least one of a government agency, a public institution, and a private institution that provides wind condition information for a fee or free of charge.

[0039] The collection station setting system 200 may, for example, distinguish between favorable wind areas and unfavorable wind areas around the power-generating float based on the acquired wind condition information. A "favorable wind area" is, for example, an area where winds suitable for wind power generation by the power-generating float 100 are blowing. A "favorable wind area" may, for example, be an area where strong winds are blowing with a wind force that allows sufficient power generation energy to be obtained by wind power generation. A "unfavorable wind area" is an area where winds unsuitable for wind power generation by the power-generating float 100 are blowing. A "unfavorable wind area" may, for example, be an area where wind force is less than that blowing in a "favorable wind area."

[0040] Next, the collection station setting system 200 may perform a collection target identification process (step S13). In the collection target identification process, the collection station setting system 200 may identify a power-generating float 100 to be collected from the power-generating float group PG, for example, based on the determination results of the storage rate determination process (step S11) and the determination results of the wind condition determination process (step S12). The collection station setting system 200 may identify, for example, a power-generating float 100 that is located in a good wind area and identified as a high storage rate float as a collection target.

[0041] When the power-generating float 100 to be recovered (hereinafter referred to as the "recovery target float 100") is identified, the recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, perform a position determination process (step S14). In the position determination process, the recovery station setting system 200 may determine the recovery position 300P based on the positions of all the recovery target floats 100. For example, the recovery station setting system 200 may determine the recovery position 300P so that the total distance from all the recovery target floats 100 to the recovery position 300P is minimized. This allows the power-generating floats 100 in the good wind area to empty their stored power generation energy, allowing the power-generating floats 100 to resume power generation as soon as possible. This increases recovery efficiency and prevents the recovery of generated energy from interfering with power generation efficiency.

[0042] When the power-generating float group PG moves along the route shown in Figure 3B, the recovery station setting system 200 may, in the wind condition determination process (step S12), determine, for example, area A including the power generation mode route PMR and the recovery mode route WMR as a favorable wind area, and determine the area outside area A as a poor wind area. In the recovery target identification process (step S13), the recovery station setting system 200 may identify the high storage rate float 100 within area A as the recovery target. In the position determination process (step S14), the recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, determine the recovery position 300P to be close to the recovery mode route WMR that is the shortest distance from the recovery target float 100, as shown in Figure 8 (hereinafter referred to as "near the shortest recovery mode route"). If there is a relative difference in the wind force of the natural wind W within the region A, the recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, determine an area with relatively strong wind force as a favorable wind region in the wind condition determination process (step S12). In the subsequent recovery target identification process (step S13), the recovery station setting system 200 may, as described above, identify a high storage rate float 100 within the favorable wind region as a recovery target. In the position determination process (step S14), the recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, determine a recovery position 300P near the shortest recovery mode route within the favorable wind region.

[0043] When the recovery position determination process is completed (i.e., when the recovery position 300P is determined), the recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, return to FIG. 6 and perform a recovery position notification process (step S20). In the recovery position notification process, the recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, notify the recovery target float 100 of position information indicating the determined recovery position 300P. Subsequently, the recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, perform a recovery station guidance process (step S30). In the recovery station guidance process, the recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, notify the recovery ship of the determined recovery position 300P. The recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, guide the recovery ship so that the recovery ship can arrive at the determined recovery position 300P. The recovery ship that has received the recovery position 300P may, for example, move to the recovery position 300P and wait for the arrival of the power-generating float 100 at the recovery position 300P as the recovery station 300.

[0044] Meanwhile, the power-generating float 100, having received the position information of the recovery position 300P, may move to the recovery position 300P where the recovery ship is waiting (step S40). When moving to the recovery position 300P, the power-generating float 100 may, for example, recover the tether 112. The power-generating float 100 may, for example, use electricity generated by itself to operate the navigation mechanism 120 and move to the recovery position 300P. The power-generating float 100 may move to the recovery position 300P by sailing using the sail 121 depending on wind conditions. The recovery ship may recover the hydrogen storage alloy tank stored in the power-generating storage mechanism 130 from the power-generating float 100 that has reached the recovery ship (step S50). For example, a hydrogen storage alloy tank that stores power generation energy equal to or greater than the recovery standard may be exchanged for a hydrogen storage alloy tank that is empty of power generation energy for the power-generating float 100. The process related to this exchange may, for example, be controlled by a control device of the recovery ship.

[0045] Once the hydrogen storage alloy tank has been recovered by the recovery vessel, the power-generating float 100 may, for example, return to a continuing position to continue wind power generation (step S60). The continuing position may, for example, be the original position before moving to the recovery position 300P. Alternatively, the continuing position may be a position other than the original position. To move to the continuing position, similar to the movement in step S40, the power-generating float 100 may, for example, operate the navigation mechanism 120 using electricity generated on its own base. The power-generating float 100 may move to the continuing position by sailing using the sail 121 depending on wind conditions. At the continuing position, the power-generating float 100 may reel out the tether 112 to resume wind power generation.

[0046] As described above, when the group of power-generating floats PG moves along the route shown in FIG. 3B, the recovery position 300P (FIG. 8) may be determined to be near the shortest recovery mode route. In this case, the power-generating float 100 moving along the recovery mode route WMR may move to a recovery vessel waiting at the recovery position 300P near the shortest recovery mode route (step S40) and perform recovery work (step S50). The power-generating float 100 may then return to a continuing position on the original recovery mode route WMR (step S50) and continue power generation on the subsequent power generation mode route PMR. In the recovery mode route WMR, the tether 112 is in a recovered state, so the power-generating float 100 does not need to recover the tether 112 to move to the recovery position 300P. In this way, by setting the recovery position 300P near the shortest recovery mode route in a favorable wind area, smooth and efficient recovery is possible, and recovery of generated energy can be prevented from interfering with power generation efficiency.

[0047] (Modification of the first embodiment) In step S12 of the recovery position determination process (FIG. 7), the recovery site establishment system 200 may perform a sea condition determination process instead of or in addition to the wind condition determination process. In the sea condition determination process, the recovery site establishment system 200 may, for example, acquire sea condition information around the power generating float from a predetermined sea condition information provider. The "sea condition information" may include information on the state of the sea. The "sea condition information" may include, for example, information on ocean current conditions, wave conditions, etc. At least a portion of the "sea condition information" may be provided as a sea condition map. The "sea condition information provider" may, for example, include at least one of a government agency, a public institution, and a private institution that provides sea condition information for a fee or free of charge. The recovery site establishment system 200 may, for example, identify good wave areas and bad wave areas around the power generating float based on the acquired sea condition information.

[0048] The "good wave region" may be, for example, a region where the wave conditions are such that they do not hinder the movement of the power-generating float 100. The "bad wave region" may be, for example, a region where rough waves occur that hinder the movement of the power-generating float 100. In the recovery target identification process (FIG. 7: step S13), the recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, identify as a recovery target a power-generating float 100 that is located in a good wave region and identified as a high storage rate float. In the recovery target identification process (FIG. 7: step S13), the recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, identify as a recovery target a power-generating float 100 that is located in a good wind region and a good wave region and identified as a high storage rate float.

[0049] Furthermore, in the recovery position determination process (FIG. 7) of the first embodiment including the above-described modified examples, the recovery station setting system 200 does not need to perform the storage rate determination process (step S11). In this case, the recovery station setting system 200 may identify the recovery target float 100 from the power-generating float group PG in the recovery target identification process (step S13) based only on the determination results of the wind condition determination process and / or the determination results of the sea condition determination process. For example, in the recovery target identification process (step S13), the recovery station setting system 200 may identify the power-generating float 100 located in a good wind area and / or a good wave area as the recovery target float 100. In this way, the recovery station setting system 200 may determine the recovery position 300P based on at least one of the wind conditions and sea conditions around the power-generating float, regardless of the storage rate of each power-generating float 100.

[0050] 2. Second embodiment In the description of the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment already described will be mainly described, and descriptions of parts that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, elements that are the same as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. The route of the power-generating float 100 is not limited to the route shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , and any route may be adopted as appropriate. For example, the power-generating float 100 may generate power while moving along a substantially circular route (hereinafter referred to as the "circular route RR") as shown in FIG. 9. A case in which power is generated while moving along the circular route RR shown in FIG. 9 will be described as a second embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , each power-generating float 100 moves at a predetermined interval from each other, repeatedly drawing substantially circular paths within the region B of its own base. For the power-generating float 100 moving along the circular route RR, the power-generating float 100 may switch between a power generation mode PM in which wind power is generated by the kites 111 and a recovery mode WM in which the tether 112 is recovered at an appropriate timing. The route of the power-generating float 100 within the region B may be the figure-eight route shown in FIG. 3A. The configuration of the recovery station setting system 200 and the configuration of the power-generating float 100 may be the same as those of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, in the processing in the energy recovery position variable system 1, the description of the same parts as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0051] The collection position determination process (FIG. 6: step S10) in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10. The storage rate determination process (step S11) may be the same as that in the first embodiment. In the wind condition determination process (step S12a), if the wind force of the natural wind W blowing against the group of power-generating floats PG varies (for example, if the wind force of the natural wind W1 is greater than the wind force of the natural wind W2), the collection station setting system 200 may distinguish between a strong wind region C and a weak wind region D, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0052] In the recovery target identification process (step S13a-1), the recovery station setting system 200 may identify a recovery target float 100 from the power-generating float group PG based on the determination results of the storage rate determination process (step S11) and the determination results of the wind condition determination process (step S12a). The recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, identify a power-generating float 100 that is located within the strong wind area C and identified as a high storage rate float as a recovery target.

[0053] When the float 100 to be recovered is identified, the recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, determine whether or not to adjust the position of the power-generating float 100 (step S13a-2). For example, when the low-storage-rate float 100 is located in the weak wind region D, the recovery station setting system 200 may determine to adjust the position. The low-storage-rate float 100 may, for example, be a power-generating float 100 whose storage rate is below the recovery standard. For example, a power-generating float 100 having a medium storage rate (for example, a storage rate below the recovery standard and above a predetermined minimum standard) may be selected as the low-storage-rate float 100. If a positive determination is made in step S13a-2 (step S13a-2: YES), the recovery station setting system 200 may proceed to the float position adjustment process (step S13a-3). If a negative determination is made in step S13a-2 (step S13a-2: NO), the recovery station setting system 200 may skip the float position adjustment process (step S13a-3) and proceed to the position determination process (step S14a).

[0054] In the floater position adjustment process (step S13a-3), the recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, move the recovery target float 100 in the strong wind region C to the weak wind region D, and move the low storage rate float 100 in the weak wind region D to the strong wind region C. The recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, issue a movement command to the recovery target float 100 to the weak wind region D, and issue a movement command to the low storage rate float 100 in the weak wind region D to the strong wind region C. In the floater position adjustment process, each moving power-generating float 100 may recover the tether 112 as it moves. The movement method of each power-generating float 100 in the floater position adjustment process may be the same as the movement method in step S40 (FIG. 6) described above. The low storage rate floats 100 that have moved to the strong wind region C may, for example, let out the tethers 112 at a predetermined interval from each other and resume wind power generation while moving along the circular route RR. After the floating body position adjustment process, the recovery station setting system 200 may proceed to the position determination process (step S14a).

[0055] In the position determination process (step S14a), the recovery station setting system 200 may determine the recovery position 300P based on the positions of all recovery target floats 100. The recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, determine the recovery position 300P so that the total distance from all recovery target floats 100 to the recovery position 300P is minimized. When the floater position adjustment process (step S13a-3) is executed, the recovery station setting system 200 may determine the recovery position 300P based on the positions of all recovery target floats 100 that have moved to the weak wind region D. The recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, determine the recovery position 300P so that the total distance from all recovery target floats 100 in the weak wind region D to the recovery position 300P is minimized.

[0056] Returning to FIG. 6 , steps S20 to S50 in the second embodiment may be the same as those in the first embodiment. The "continuation position" in step S60 in the second embodiment may be, for example, a position within the weak wind region D. As a result, the power-generating float 100 from which power generation energy has been recovered may return to the weak wind region D and continue wind power generation. In this way, according to the energy recovery position variable system 1 of the second embodiment, the high-storage-rate float 100 in the strong wind region C is targeted for recovery, and the low-storage-rate float 100 in the weak wind region D is moved to the strong wind region C, thereby promoting an increase in the amount of power generation in the low-storage-rate float 100. Therefore, the power-generating float group PG can generate power generation energy by effectively utilizing the wind in the strong wind region C. This prevents the recovery of power generation energy from interfering with power generation efficiency.

[0057] 3. Third embodiment In the description of the third embodiment, differences from the first embodiment already described will be mainly described, and descriptions of parts that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, elements that are the same as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0058] Another example of the route of the power-generating float 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. As shown in FIG. 11, the navigation unit 152 may set the route of the power-generating float 100 so that a straight route LR and a turning route RTR are repeated within a predetermined area E. The power-generating float 100 may navigate within the area E by repeatedly drawing an approximately rectangular shape with the straight route LR as the longitudinal direction and the turning route RTR as the lateral direction. The area E may be determined statically or dynamically, for example, based on natural environmental constraints such as wind conditions or societal constraints such as territorial waters. The straight route LR is a route set so that the power-generating float 100 proceeds basically in a direction perpendicular to the natural wind W (i.e., in an approximately straight line while receiving the natural wind W laterally). The example of FIG. 11 shows a state in which multiple power-generating floats 100 are sailing on the same straight route LR. The power-generating floats 100 on the straight course LR may be steered by the navigation unit 152 so that they navigate while maintaining a sufficient distance from each other so that the upper kites 111 do not get tangled.

[0059] On the straight route LR, the power generation mode route PMR and the recovery mode route WMR may be alternately repeated. The straight route LR may include, for example, a zigzag route LR1 and an abeam route LR2, as shown in FIG. 12 . The zigzag route LR1 may be set so that the power generating float 100 moves while repeating the power generation mode route PMR and the recovery mode route WMR in a zigzag pattern, while receiving the natural wind W from approximately the side. The abeam route LR2 may be set so that the power generating float 100 moves while repeating the power generation mode route PMR and the recovery mode route WMR in an approximately straight line. On the abeam route LR2, the power generating float 100 may proceed while maintaining a so-called abeam (i.e., crosswind sailing) state with respect to the natural wind W.

[0060] On the other hand, the turnback route RTR may be set at a turnback point RTP where the power-generating float 100 should turn back. The distance and traveling direction of the turnback route RTR may be set so as to ensure a safe distance between the power-generating floats 100 traveling on the straight route LR in the upwind direction of the wind. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the turnback route RTR may include a turnback route RTRa in which the power-generating float 100 travels downwind of the natural wind W and a turnback route RTRb in which the power-generating float 100 travels upwind. Furthermore, the distance of the turnback route RTR may be significantly shorter than the distance of the straight route LR as long as the above-mentioned safe distance is ensured. For example, the straight route LR is about 10 to 80 km, while the turnback route RTR may be about 2 to 3 km. In the turnback route RTR, the power-generating float 100 may, for example, have the tether 112 retrieved. The power-generating float 100 may move along the turnaround route RTR by operating the motor 124, etc., using electricity generated on its own base. On the turnaround route RTR, the power-generating float 100 may sail if sailing is possible depending on wind conditions, etc.

[0061] The operation of the recovery station setting system 200 and the operation of the power-generating float 100 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. First, the recovery position determination process (Figure 6: step S10, Figure 7) performed by the recovery station setting system 200 will be described. In the storage rate determination process (step S11), the recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, determine a high storage rate float 100, as in the first embodiment. In the wind condition determination process (step S12), the recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, determine the wind direction of area E based on wind condition information. In the recovery target identification process (step S13), the recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, set all of the multiple high storage rate floats 100 moving on the same straight route LR as recovery target floats 100. In the position determination process (step S14), the recovery station setting system 200 may determine the turn back point RTP and the turn back route RTR where the recovery target floater 100 on the straight route LR will turn back, for example, based on the wind direction. The recovery station setting system 200 may determine the recovery position 300P so that the power generation energy (i.e., the hydrogen storage alloy tank) is recovered on the turn back route RTR, whose traveling direction is the downwind direction. Figure 11 shows, as an example, a state in which the recovery position 300P is determined near the turn back route RTRa (a position close to the turn back route RTRa), whose traveling direction is the downwind direction.

[0062] Note that the collection station setting system 200 does not need to perform the storage rate determination process (step S11) when collection is performed regardless of the storage rate. Furthermore, instead of the storage rate determination process (step S11), the collection station setting system 200 may determine the wind volume of the area E based on wind condition information in the wind condition information determination process (step S12). For example, if the wind volume of the area E is equal to or greater than the level at which the amount of power generation that satisfies the collection standard can be obtained, the collection station setting system 200 may determine that the area E has a high wind volume. Then, in the collection target identification process (step S13), the collection station setting system 200 may identify the power-generating float 100 in the area E that has been determined to have a high wind volume as the collection target float 100. In the position determination process (step S14), the collection station setting system 200 may determine the turnaround point RTP and turnaround route RTR at which the identified collection target float 100 will turn around, for example, based on the wind direction. The recovery station setting system 200 may determine the recovery position 300P so that the generated energy (i.e., the hydrogen storage alloy tank) is recovered on the turnaround route RTRa, for example, in the downwind direction. As described above, the recovery position 300P may be determined based on the wind direction and wind volume (power generation amount).

[0063] When the recovery position determination process is completed (i.e., when the recovery position 300P is determined), the recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, perform a recovery position notification process (FIG. 6: step S20). In the recovery position notification process, position information indicating the recovery position 300P may be notified to the recovery target float 100. In the recovery station guidance process (FIG. 6: step S30), the recovery station setting system 200 may, for example, notify the recovery ship of the determined recovery position 300P.

[0064] After receiving the position information of the recovery position 300P, the power-generating float 100 may move to the recovery position 300P after entering the turnaround route RTRa (FIG. 6: step S40). The method of moving to the recovery position 300P may be the same as the method of moving on the turnaround route RTRa. In step S50 (FIG. 6), the same recovery process as in the first embodiment may be performed. When the generated energy (e.g., a hydrogen storage alloy tank) is recovered by the recovery ship serving as the recovery station 300, the power-generating float 100 may, for example, return to the continuing position (FIG. 6: step S60). The continuing position may, for example, be any position on the turnaround route RTR. The continuing position may, for example, be the original position of the power-generating float 100 before moving to the recovery position 300P. The continuing position may be the start position of the straight route LR to be followed next. The method of moving to the continuing position may be the same as the method of moving in step S40 (FIG. 6).

[0065] 3. Other embodiments A plurality of recovery positions 300P may be provided in the energy recovery position variable system 1. That is, one recovery position 300P may be associated with each of a predetermined number (or a predetermined range) of power-generating float groups PG. In this case, for example, the above-described processing may be performed for each recovery position 300P.

[0066] The form of the generated energy to be stored is not limited to hydrogen storage alloys. For example, the generated energy may be stored as liquefied hydrogen or compressed hydrogen. Alternatively, the generated energy may be stored in a form converted into a hydrogen-containing substance such as methylcyclohexane (MCH). Furthermore, the generated energy may be stored in a form in which hydrogen is not utilized. For example, the generated energy may be stored in a storage battery. The power-generating float 100 is not limited to a sailing float that uses wind energy. The power-generating float 100 may be configured to move without using wind energy, for example, using an engine that uses gasoline or diesel, or a motor that uses electricity, as a power source.

[0067] The power generation by the power-generating float 100 is not limited to wind power generation. For example, the power generation by the power-generating float 100 may be marine power generation, which generates electricity by utilizing kinetic energy based on tidal or ocean currents. The power-generating float 100 may be configured to include, for example, a propeller that can be rotated by ocean currents, and generate electricity by the rotation of the propeller. The propeller used for power generation may be used, for example, to propel the power-generating float 100. Furthermore, the power generation by the power-generating float 100 may be solar power generation, which generates electricity by utilizing solar energy. The power-generating float 100 may be equipped with, for example, at least one solar panel that generates electricity using solar energy. The power generation using renewable energy by the power-generating float 100 may be performed while the power-generating float 100 is stationary and not moving.

[0068] Additional notes The following additional notes are provided regarding the above-described embodiment.

[0069] [Appendix 1] The energy recovery position variable system described in Appendix 1 comprises a power-generating float configured to be able to navigate on the water surface and generate electricity using renewable energy, and a recovery station setting system that sets up a recovery station to recover the generated energy from at least a portion of a group of power-generating floats made up of the power-generating floats, which are arranged so that they can communicate data with each other, the power-generating float having a power-generating storage unit that stores the generated energy in a predetermined storage manner and a navigation unit that navigates the base to a predetermined destination, the recovery station setting system having a position determination unit that determines a recovery position where the recovery station will be set up based on at least one of wind conditions and sea conditions in a predetermined area including the group of power-generating floats, a position notification unit that notifies at least a portion of the group of power-generating floats of position information indicating the determined recovery position, and a setting unit that sets up the recovery station at the determined recovery position, and when the navigation unit of the power-generating float acquires the position information, it navigates the base to the determined recovery position.

[0070] According to the variable energy recovery location system described in Appendix 1, a recovery location is determined for a group of power-generating floats that generate electricity using renewable energy on water, and a recovery station is set at the recovery location. Therefore, a recovery ship that recovers and transports the generated energy can recover the generated energy at the recovery station without visiting each power-generating float. In other words, the recovery ship does not need to visit each power-generating float to recover the generated energy. Therefore, the variable energy recovery location system can provide efficient energy recovery. This is particularly effective when a group of many power-generating floats is formed over a vast area, such as the ocean. Furthermore, the recovery location is determined based on at least one of wind conditions and sea conditions. Wind conditions are wind conditions, such as wind direction and wind speed (wind force). Sea conditions are sea conditions, such as ocean current conditions and wave conditions. Therefore, according to the present invention, the recovery location can be changed to a location favorable for recovery depending on the wind conditions and / or sea conditions at the time of recovery. For example, a recovery location that makes it easy for the power-generating float to move to the recovery station can be set as the recovery location based on wind conditions and / or sea conditions. This allows for more efficient energy recovery.

[0071] [Appendix 2] The variable energy recovery position system described in Appendix 2 is the variable energy recovery position system described in Appendix 1, in which the recovery station setting system is provided on any one of the power-generating floats in the group of power-generating floats.

[0072] According to the variable energy recovery position system described in Appendix 2, one of the power-generating floats in the group can function as the parent unit of the recovery station setting system.

[0073] [Appendix 3] The variable energy recovery position system described in Appendix 3 is the variable energy recovery position system described in Appendix 11 or 2, in which the position determination unit of the recovery station setting system determines the recovery position based on at least one of the wind conditions and the sea conditions and the storage rate of the generated energy in the power generation storage unit of each of the power generation floats.

[0074] According to the variable energy recovery position system described in Supplementary Note 3, the recovery position can be determined taking into consideration not only wind and / or sea conditions but also the storage rate of each power-generating float. For example, when recovering generated energy from a power-generating float with a high storage rate, the amount of recovered generated energy will also be high, making it possible to achieve more efficient energy recovery.

[0075] [Appendix 4] The energy recovery location variable system described in Appendix 4 is the energy recovery location variable system described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 3, wherein the recovery station is configured to be movable and the setting unit guides the recovery station to the recovery position.

[0076] According to the variable energy recovery location system described in Supplementary Note 4, the mobile recovery location can be set as the recovery location by guiding the mobile recovery location to the determined recovery location.

[0077] [Appendix 5] The energy recovery position variable system described in Appendix 5 is an energy recovery position variable system described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 4, wherein the power-generating float has a sail and a kite connected to a tether, the navigation unit of the power-generating float navigates its own base based on wind energy received by the sail, the power-generating float generates electricity using the wind energy received by the kite, and the position determination unit determines a position in the area where wind force is relatively strong as the recovery position.

[0078] According to the variable energy recovery position system described in Supplementary Note 5, when the power-generating float moves and generates power using wind energy, a position where wind force is relatively strong in the area of the group of power-generating floats is determined as the recovery position. In areas with strong wind energy, the movement speed is fast and the amount of power generation is large, so more efficient energy recovery can be achieved.

[0079] The present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims and the entire specification without departing from the gist or concept of the invention, and an energy recovery position variable system involving such modifications is also included in the technical concept of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1. Variable position energy recovery system 100 Power-generating Float 200 Collection point setting system 300 Collection Point 300P Collection location

Claims

1. A power-generating float configured to be navigable on the water surface and generating power using renewable energy, and a collection station setting system that provides a collection station that collects generated energy from at least a portion of a group of power-generating floats configured by the power-generating floats, are provided so that they can communicate data with each other, The power-generating float is a power generation storage unit that stores the generated energy in a predetermined storage mode; a navigation unit that navigates the base to a predetermined destination, The collection point setting system includes: a position determination unit that determines a recovery position where the recovery station will be installed based on at least one of wind conditions and sea conditions in a predetermined area including the group of power-generating floats; a position notification unit that notifies at least a part of the group of power-generating floats of position information indicating the determined recovery position; a setting unit for setting the collection point at the determined collection position, When the navigation unit of the power-generating float acquires the position information, the navigation unit navigates the power-generating float to the determined recovery position. Variable position energy recovery system.

2. The energy recovery position variable system according to claim 1 , wherein the recovery station setting system is provided on any one of the power-generating floats in the group of power-generating floats.

3. 3. The energy recovery position variable system described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the position determination unit of the recovery station setting system determines the recovery position based on at least one of the wind conditions and the sea conditions and the storage rate of the generated energy in the power generation storage unit of each of the power-generating floats.

4. The collection point is configured to be movable; The setting unit guides the collection point to the collection position. The energy recovery system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The power-generating float has a sail and a kite connected to a tether, The navigation unit of the power-generating float navigates its own base based on wind energy received by the sail, The power-generating float generates electricity by utilizing wind energy received by the kite, 5. The energy recovery position variable system according to claim 1, wherein the position determination unit determines a position in the area where wind force is relatively strong as the recovery position.

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