Buoy power generation device

Abstract

To provide a buoy power generation device that can be reduced in size, is less susceptible to environmental influence, and has high power generation efficiency.SOLUTION: A buoy power generation device 100 comprises a floating body part 10, and a magnetostrictive power generation part 20. The floating body part 10 has a sealed space 17. The floating body part 10 can float on water. The magnetostrictive power generation part 20 is provided in the sealed space 17. The magnetostrictive power generation part 20 has a magnetostrictive element 27 that generates power with the movement of the floating body part 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a buoy power generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Power generation systems that generate electricity using tidal currents have been proposed. The power generation system described in Patent Document 1 includes a power generation device with a turbine. The wave power generation device described in Patent Document 2 includes an oscillator and a generator that generates electricity by the oscillation of the oscillator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-94901 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-164013 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The power generation system described in Patent Document 1 is large overall due to the use of a turbine. This power generation system is easily affected by the surrounding environment, as the function of the power generation device may be reduced if the turbine takes in foreign matter (such as algae) in the water environment. This power generation system is prone to low power generation efficiency because the direction of the power generation device needs to be aligned with the tidal current. The wave power generation device described in Patent Document 2 has a complex structure, making it difficult to miniaturize.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a buoy power generation device that can be made compact, is less susceptible to environmental influences, and has high power generation efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] [1] A buoy power generation device comprising: a floating body section having an enclosed space and capable of floating on water; and a magnetostrictive power generation section provided in the enclosed space, the magnetostrictive power generation section having a magnetostrictive element that generates power through the movement of the floating body section.

[0007] The buoy power generation device has a simple structure, allowing for miniaturization. The buoy power generation device can generate power regardless of the direction of water flow, thereby increasing power generation efficiency. The buoy power generation device is less susceptible to environmental influences because the magnetostrictive power generation unit is installed in an enclosed space in the floating body unit. This allows the magnetostrictive power generation unit to maintain high functionality.

[0008] [2] The buoy power generation device according to [1], wherein the magnetostrictive power generation unit further comprises a frame that vibrates due to the movement of the floating body unit, and the magnetostrictive element generates power by the vibration of the frame.

[0009] According to the buoy power generation device, power is generated by vibration of the frame, so that the motion of the floating body can be efficiently utilized and power generation efficiency can be improved.

[0010] [3] The buoy power generation apparatus according to [2], further comprising an eccentric portion for eccentrically shifting the center of gravity of the floating body portion, wherein the frame extends in a direction intersecting the direction of the eccentricity.

[0011] According to the buoy power generation device, the up and down motion of the floating body can be efficiently converted into vibration of the frame, thereby improving the power generation efficiency.

[0012] [4] The buoy power generation apparatus according to [2], further comprising an eccentric portion for eccentrically shifting the center of gravity of the floating body portion, wherein the frame extends along the direction of the eccentricity.

[0013] According to the buoy power generation device, when the floating body moves in a direction intersecting the eccentric direction (for example, horizontally), this movement can be efficiently converted into vibration of the frame, thereby improving power generation efficiency.

[0014] [5] The buoy power generation device according to [2], wherein a plurality of the magnetostrictive power generation units are provided, and the plurality of magnetostrictive power generation units generate power in response to a plurality of different directions of motion of the floating body unit, respectively.

[0015] According to the buoy power generation device, the power generation efficiency of the magnetostrictive power generation section can be improved.

[0016] [6] A buoy power generation device as described in [5], further comprising an eccentric part for eccentricating the center of gravity of the floating body part, wherein the plurality of magnetostrictive power generation parts include a first magnetostrictive power generation part and a second magnetostrictive power generation part, the frame of the first magnetostrictive power generation part extending in a direction intersecting the direction of the eccentricity, and the frame of the second magnetostrictive power generation part extending along the direction of the eccentricity.

[0017] According to the buoy power generation device, the power generation efficiency of the magnetostrictive power generation section can be improved.

[0018] [7] The buoy power generating apparatus according to any one of [1] to [6], further comprising a circuit for detecting the state of waves occurring in the water.

[0019] The buoy power generating device makes it possible to grasp the state of waves.

[0020] [8] The buoy power generating apparatus according to any one of [1] to [7], further comprising a communication unit capable of transmitting information to an external device.

[0021] According to the buoy power generation device, a signal including information obtained by the magnetostrictive power generation unit and the like can be transmitted to the outside.

[0022] [9] The buoy power generating apparatus according to any one of [1] to [8], further comprising a power supply unit capable of supplying electric power.

[0023] According to the buoy power generation device, since it can receive power from the power supply unit, the communication unit can handle high-speed communication or large-capacity communication which consumes a lot of power. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a buoy power generating device that is highly durable, less susceptible to the influence of the usage environment, and easy to use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a buoy power generating apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a part of a buoy power generation apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a buoy power generating apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a part of a buoy power generating apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a buoy power generating apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a buoy power generating apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a buoy power generating apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] [Buoy power generation device] (first embodiment) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a buoy power generating apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the buoy power generating apparatus 100.

[0028] The attitude of the buoy power generation system 100 will be provisionally defined in accordance with Figure 1. In Figure 1, the floating body section 10 is in an attitude in which the eccentric section 12 is below the water surface 1a. The central axis C of the floating body section 10 is parallel to the up-down direction. The attitude of the buoy power generation system 100 defined here does not limit the attitude of the buoy power generation system 100 during use. A view from a direction parallel to the central axis C is called a plan view.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the buoy power generation device 100 includes a floating body section 10, a magnetostrictive power generation section 20, a communication section 30, a power storage section 40, a sensor section 50, and a control section 60. The floating body 10 includes a housing 11 and an eccentric part 12. The floating body 10 is capable of floating on water 1.

[0030] Housing 11 includes an upper wall portion 14, a peripheral wall portion 15, and a lower wall portion 16. Housing 11 has a hollow structure in which an internal space 17, which is an enclosed space, is formed. Upper wall portion 14 has, for example, a circular shape when viewed from a direction parallel to central axis C. Upper wall portion 14 has a curved shape that is convex upward.

[0031] The peripheral wall portion 15 extends downward from the peripheral edge of the upper wall portion 14. The peripheral wall portion 15 is cylindrical with a central axis C. The lower wall portion 16 is, for example, circular when viewed from a direction parallel to the central axis C. The lower wall portion 16 has a curved shape that is convex downward.

[0032] The upper wall portion 14, the peripheral wall portion 15, and the lower wall portion 16 are, for example, integrally formed. The housing 11 has a sealed structure. The housing 11 has a structure (liquid-tight structure) that can prevent external water 1 (seawater, etc.) from entering the interior.

[0033] The shape of the housing is not particularly limited. The shapes of the upper wall, peripheral wall, and lower wall in a plan view are not limited to a circular shape, but may be an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, or the like. The housing may also be a conical shape, a pyramidal shape, a rectangular cylinder shape, or the like. It is desirable that the housing has an outer surface shape that allows good drainage and prevents foreign matter from adhering.

[0034] The housing is not limited to being formed as an integral unit, and may be configured by combining multiple separate structures. For example, the housing may be configured by combining multiple wall portions (upper wall portion, peripheral wall portion, and lower wall portion) that are separate from one another. Adjacent wall portions are connected to be liquid-tight. The connection points of the wall portions can be made liquid-tight by using, for example, packing. Adjacent wall portions are connected by recess-projection fitting, screw fastening, or the like. In this way, the housing can have a sealed structure even when configured by combining multiple structures.

[0035] The eccentric part 12 (balancer) is provided at the bottom of the floating body part 10. The eccentric part 12 is provided inside the bottom wall part 16. The configuration of the eccentric part 12 is not particularly limited as long as it can decenter the center of gravity of the floating body part 10. The eccentric part 12 is formed from, for example, metal, resin, or the like.

[0036] Since the eccentric portion 12 is provided at the bottom of the floating body portion 10, the center of gravity of the floating body portion 10 is eccentric to a position below the center. The eccentric direction of the center of gravity of the floating body portion 10 (direction of eccentricity) is downward in Figure 1. Therefore, the buoy power generation apparatus 100 floats on the water surface 1a with the upper wall portion 14 facing upward.

[0037] 2, the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 includes a frame 21, a power generation unit 22, and a weight 23. The magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 is provided in the internal space 17 of the floating body unit 10.

[0038] The frame 21 is formed in a rod shape. A cross section of the frame 21 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is, for example, circular, polygonal, or lattice-shaped. The base end 21a of the frame 21 is a fixed end fixed to the peripheral wall portion 15. The frame 21 extends, for example, in the radial direction of the peripheral wall portion 15. The extending direction of the frame 21 is a direction intersecting the eccentric direction (downward) of the floating body portion 10 (more specifically, a direction perpendicular to the eccentric direction).

[0039] The frame 21 has a free end at its tip 21b. The frame 21 is supported by the housing 11 in a form in which its first end (base end 21a) is a fixed end and its second end (tip 21b) is a free end (i.e., in a cantilever form).

[0040] The frame 21 has bending elasticity. The frame 21 can vibrate by elastic bending. The free end (tip 21b) of the frame 21 can move, for example, in the vertical direction.

[0041] The material that constitutes the frame 21 is a material that can impart bending elasticity to the frame 21. The material that constitutes the frame 21 is, for example, metal. The material that constitutes the frame 21 can include, for example, spring steel.

[0042] The power generating section 22 includes a magnetostrictive element 27 , a coil 28 , and a magnet 29 . The magnetostrictor 27 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 21c of the frame 21. The magnetostrictor 27 is formed in the shape of a long plate. The magnetostrictor 27 extends in the length direction of the frame 21. One surface of the magnetostrictor 27 overlaps the outer peripheral surface 21c.

[0043] The magnetostrictive element 27 is made of a magnetostrictive material. Examples of the magnetostrictive material include an iron-gallium alloy and an iron-aluminum alloy. The magnetostrictive element 27 generates power by the movement of the floating body 10. More specifically, power is generated by the vibration of the frame 21 caused by the movement of the floating body 10.

[0044] The coil 28 is made of a conductive wire that wraps around the frame 21 and the magnetostrictive element 27. The coil 28 generates a voltage due to the change over time in the magnetic field lines that pass through the magnetostrictive element 27. The magnetic field lines from the magnet 29 pass through the magnetostrictive element 27.

[0045] When the frame 21 vibrates, the frame 21 alternates between a state in which the free end (tip 21b) is bent upward and a state in which the free end (tip 21b) is bent downward. Tensile stress and compressive stress are alternately applied to the magnetostrictive element 27. This causes the magnetostrictive element 27 to repeatedly expand and contract.

[0046] Due to the vibration of the frame 21, the magnetic lines of force of the magnetostrictor 27 repeatedly increase and decrease due to the inverse magnetostriction effect. The magnetic flux density penetrating the coil 28 also repeatedly increases and decreases. This change in magnetic flux density over time generates an induced voltage in the coil 28.

[0047] The weight 23 is provided at the tip 21b of the frame 21. The weight and attachment position of the weight 23 affect the vibration characteristics of the frame 21. The weight 23 may be detachable from the frame 21.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, the communication unit 30, the power storage unit 40, the sensor unit 50, and the control unit 60 are provided inside the floating body unit .

[0049] The communication unit 30 is electrically connected to the power generation unit 22 via a conductive wire (not shown). The communication unit 30 can transmit signals using power supplied from the power generation unit 22 or the power storage unit 40. The communication unit 30 transmits signals, for example, by wireless communication.

[0050] Examples of wireless communication formats include BLE communication (BLE: Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) and Wi-Fi communication. The communication unit 30 may be capable of transmitting a signal to an external terminal 70. The communication unit 30 can transmit a signal including information obtained by, for example, the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20, the sensor unit 50, etc. to the outside.

[0051] The power storage unit 40 is, for example, a secondary battery. An example of the power storage unit 40 is a lithium ion battery. The power storage unit 40 is electrically connected to the power generation unit 22 via conductive wires (not shown). The power storage unit 40 accumulates the power obtained by the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20.

[0052] The sensor unit 50 includes, for example, a thermometer that detects the temperature of the water 1, a barometer that detects the atmospheric pressure of the outside air, a GPS (Global Positioning System), and the like.

[0053] The sensor unit 50 may include a circuit 51 that detects the state of waves (wave amplitude, direction of travel, etc.) generated on the water surface 1a. The circuit 51 acquires information about the state of waves (wave amplitude, direction of travel, etc.) based on, for example, an induced voltage generated in the power generation unit 22. The sensor unit 50 may include a sensor (geomagnetic sensor, acceleration sensor, etc.) that detects the state of waves.

[0054] The control unit 60 controls, for example, the operations of the communication unit 30, the power storage unit 40, and the sensor unit 50. The control unit 60 causes the communication unit 30 to transmit a signal including information obtained by, for example, the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20, the sensor unit 50, etc.

[0055] [How to use the buoy power generation device] As shown in Figure 1, the buoy power generation apparatus 100 is used by floating on the water surface 1a of the ocean, river, lake, marsh, etc. When a part of the buoy power generation apparatus 100 is above the water surface 1a, the momentum of the buoy power generation apparatus 100 can be increased.

[0056] The buoy power generation device 100 mainly moves up and down due to waves on the water surface 1a, wind passing near the water surface 1a, and the like. When the floating body 10 moves, the frame 21 vibrates. For example, the frame 21 alternates between being bent upward and being bent downward. Tensile stress and compressive stress are applied alternately to the magnetostrictive element 27. This causes the magnetostrictive element 27 to repeatedly expand and contract. The magnetic flux density penetrating the coil 28 increases and decreases, and power is generated in the power generation unit 22 due to the temporal change in this magnetic flux density.

[0057] The communication unit 30 can transmit a signal to the outside by receiving power from, for example, the power generation unit 22 or the power storage unit 40. The communication unit 30 can transmit a signal to the outside including information obtained by, for example, the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20, the sensor unit 50, etc. The signal is sent to, for example, an external terminal 70.

[0058] [Effects of the buoy power generation device of the embodiment] The buoy power generation system 100 comprises a floating body part 10 that floats on water 1, and a magnetostrictive power generation part 20 provided in an internal space 17. The magnetostrictive power generation part 20 has a magnetostrictive element 27 that generates power through the movement of the floating body part 10. The buoy power generation system 100 has a simple structure and can be made compact.

[0059] The buoy power generation device 100 can generate power regardless of the direction of the tidal current (flow of water 1) because the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 operates due to the movement of the floating body unit 10. Therefore, the buoy power generation device 100 can increase power generation efficiency compared to power generation devices that need to align the direction of the power generation unit with the tidal current.

[0060] In the buoy power generation system 100, the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 is provided in the internal space 17 of the floating body 10, so foreign matter (such as algae) in the water 1 is unlikely to affect the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20. The magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 is unlikely to be affected by weather, temperature, etc. Therefore, the buoy power generation system 100 is unlikely to be affected by the surrounding environment. Therefore, the functionality of the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 can be maintained at a high level.

[0061] The buoy power generation device 100 generates power using the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20. Since the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 does not have a rotation mechanism, maintenance is easier than with a power generation device that uses a rotation mechanism (for example, a turbine).

[0062] In the buoy power generation device 100, the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 generates power by the vibration of the frame 21. Therefore, the motion of the floating body unit 10 can be efficiently utilized, and power generation efficiency can be improved.

[0063] The frame 21 extends in a direction intersecting the eccentric direction (downward) of the floating body section 10 (more specifically, in a direction perpendicular to the eccentric direction), and therefore the up and down movement of the floating body section 10 can be efficiently converted into vibration of the frame 21. This improves power generation efficiency.

[0064] The sensor unit 50 includes a circuit 51 that detects the state (amplitude, direction of travel, etc.) of waves occurring on the water surface 1a, and is therefore able to grasp the state of the waves.

[0065] The buoy power generation device 100 includes the communication unit 30, and therefore can transmit signals including information obtained by the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20, the sensor unit 50, etc. to the outside.

[0066] [Buoy power generation device] (Second embodiment) Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a buoy power generation apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the buoy power generation apparatus 200. The same reference numerals are used for the components common to the buoy power generation apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment (see Fig. 1), and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] 3, the buoy power generation apparatus 200 includes a floating body section 10, a magnetostrictive power generation section 220, a communication section 30, a power storage section 40, a sensor section 50, and a control section 60. The buoy power generation apparatus 200 differs from the buoy power generation apparatus 100 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) in that it includes a magnetostrictive power generation section 220 instead of the magnetostrictive power generation section 20.

[0068] 4, the magnetostrictive power generation unit 220 includes a frame 21, a power generation unit 22, and a weight 23. The magnetostrictive power generation unit 220 is provided in the internal space 17 of the floating body unit 10.

[0069] The base end 21a of the frame 21 is a fixed end fixed to the upper wall portion 14. The frame 21 extends downward. The extending direction of the frame 21 is a direction along the eccentric direction (downward) of the floating body portion 10. The free end (tip 21b) of the frame 21 is movable radially outward.

[0070] [How to use the buoy power generation device] As shown in FIG. 3, the buoy power generation device 200 moves due to waves on the water surface 1a, wind passing near the water surface 1a, and the like. This movement includes movement in a direction intersecting the eccentric direction (downward) of the floating body section 10, for example, horizontal movement. When the floating body section 10 moves, the frame 21 vibrates. In FIG. 4, the frame 21 alternates between a state in which the free end (tip 21b) is bent and deformed so that it moves in one radial direction (e.g., left), and a state in which the free end (tip 21b) is bent and deformed so that it moves in the other radial direction (e.g., right). Tensile stress and compressive stress are applied alternately to the magnetostrictive element 27. The magnetostrictive element 27 repeatedly expands and contracts. This allows the power generation section 22 to generate power.

[0071] [Effects of the buoy power generation device of the embodiment] Like the buoy power generation apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the buoy power generation apparatus 200 has a simple structure and can be made smaller. The buoy power generation apparatus 200 can generate power regardless of the direction of the tidal current, thereby improving power generation efficiency. In the buoy power generation apparatus 200, the magnetostrictive power generation unit 220 is provided in the internal space 17 of the floating body unit 10, and is therefore less susceptible to environmental influences. Therefore, the functionality of the magnetostrictive power generation unit 220 can be maintained at a high level.

[0072] In the buoy power generation device 200, the frame 21 extends in the eccentric direction (downward) of the floating body section 10, so when the floating body section 10 moves in a direction (for example, horizontally) that intersects with the eccentric direction, this movement can be efficiently converted into vibration of the frame 21. This can improve power generation efficiency.

[0073] [Buoy power generation device] (Third embodiment) 5 is a schematic diagram showing a buoy power generating apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment. The same components as those in the buoy power generating apparatuses according to the other embodiments are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] 5, the buoy power generation apparatus 300 includes a floating body section 10, a first magnetostrictive power generation section 20, a second magnetostrictive power generation section 220, a communication section 30, a power storage section 40, a sensor section 50, and a control section 60. The buoy power generation apparatus 300 differs from the buoy power generation apparatus 100 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) in that it includes the second magnetostrictive power generation section 220.

[0075] The first magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 has the same configuration as the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 in the buoy power generation device 100 (see FIG. 1). The second magnetostrictive power generation unit 220 has the same configuration as the magnetostrictive power generation unit 220 in the buoy power generation device 200 (see FIG. 3).

[0076] [Effects of the buoy power generation device of the embodiment] Like the buoy power generation system 100 according to the first embodiment, the buoy power generation system 300 has a simple structure and can be made smaller. The buoy power generation system 300 can generate power regardless of the direction of the tidal current, thereby improving power generation efficiency. In the buoy power generation system 300, the magnetostrictive power generation units 20, 220 are installed in the internal space 17 of the floating body unit 10, and are therefore less susceptible to environmental influences. This allows the functionality of the magnetostrictive power generation units 20, 220 to be maintained at a high level.

[0077] The buoy power generation device 300 has a first magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 having a frame 21 extending in a direction intersecting the eccentricity direction of the floating body unit 10, and a second magnetostrictive power generation unit 220 having a frame 21 extending in the eccentricity direction. Therefore, for example, the vertical movement of the floating body unit 10 can be converted into vibration of the frame 21 by the first magnetostrictive power generation unit 20, and the horizontal movement of the floating body unit 10 can be converted into vibration of the frame 21 by the second magnetostrictive power generation unit 220. In this way, the buoy power generation device 300 can generate power in response to the movement of the floating body unit 10 in a plurality of different directions. This can improve the power generation efficiency of the magnetostrictive power generation units 20, 220.

[0078] [Buoy power generation device] (fourth embodiment) 6 is a schematic diagram showing a buoy power generating apparatus 400 according to a fourth embodiment. The same components as those in the buoy power generating apparatuses according to the other embodiments are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] 6, the buoy power generation apparatus 400 includes a floating body section 410, a magnetostrictive power generation section 420, a communication section 30, a power storage section 40, a sensor section 50, and a control section 60. The buoy power generation apparatus 400 differs from the buoy power generation apparatus 100 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) in that it includes a floating body section 410 instead of the floating body section 10, and a magnetostrictive power generation section 420 instead of the magnetostrictive power generation section 20.

[0080] The floating body portion 410 includes a housing 411 and an eccentric portion 12. The housing 411 includes an outer shell portion 413, a support wall 414, a restricting wall 415, and a partition wall 416. The outer shell portion 413 includes an upper wall portion 14, a peripheral wall portion 15, and a lower wall portion 16. The outer shell portion 413 has a hollow structure in which an internal space 17, which is an enclosed space, is formed.

[0081] The support wall 414 is formed along a plane perpendicular to the central axis C. An insertion hole 414a, through which the frame 421 is inserted, is formed in the center of the support wall 414. The inner diameter of the insertion hole 414a is larger than the outer diameter of the frame 421.

[0082] The restriction wall 415 is located at a distance downward from the support wall 414. The restriction wall 415 is formed along a plane perpendicular to the central axis C. An insertion hole 415a, through which the frame 421 is inserted, is formed in the center of the restriction wall 415. The inner diameter of the insertion hole 415a is larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 414a.

[0083] The partition wall 416 is formed along a plane perpendicular to the central axis C. The partition wall 416 is provided above the support wall 414. The partition wall 416 divides the internal space 17 into an upper space 17A and a lower space 17B. The communication unit 30, the power storage unit 40, the sensor unit 50, and the control unit 60 are provided in the upper space 17A. The magnetostrictive power generation unit 420 is provided in the lower space 17B.

[0084] The magnetostrictive power generation unit 420 includes a frame 421, a power generation unit 422, and a weight 23. The magnetostrictive power generation unit 420 is provided in the internal space 17 of the floating body unit 410 (the lower space 17B).

[0085] The frame 421 is formed in a rod shape. A cross section of the frame 421 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is, for example, circular. A locking portion 430 is formed at the base end (upper end) of the frame 421. The outer diameter of the locking portion 430 is larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 414a. Therefore, the locking portion 430 is locked to the periphery of the insertion hole 414a, and the frame 421 is supported by the support wall 414 in a swingable manner.

[0086] When the frame 421 is not swinging, the extension direction of the frame 421 is the eccentric direction of the floating body part 410 (downward).

[0087] The power generating unit 422 has a plurality of magnetostrictive elements 27, coils 28, and magnets 29. The magnetostrictive elements 27 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the frame 421. The plurality of magnetostrictive elements 27 are provided at different circumferential positions on the outer peripheral surface of the frame 421.

[0088] The magnetostrictor 27 is formed in the shape of a long plate. The magnetostrictor 27 extends in the length direction of the frame 421. One surface of the magnetostrictor 27 is placed on the outer peripheral surface of the frame 421.

[0089] Coil 28 is made up of a conductive wire that wraps around frame 421 and magnetostrictor 27. Coil 28 generates a voltage due to the change over time in the magnetic field lines that pass through magnetostrictor 27. The magnetic field lines from magnet 29 pass through magnetostrictor 27.

[0090] [How to use the buoy power generation device] When the floating body part 410 moves, the frame 421 swings (vibrates) around the locking part 430. The direction in which the frame 421 swings (vibrates) is not particularly limited. The frame 421 can swing (vibrate) in any direction depending on the direction in which the floating body part 410 moves.

[0091] When the inclination of frame 421 increases, frame 421 collides with the periphery of insertion hole 415a of restriction wall 415. This restricts the movement of frame 421, and frame 421 is bent outward in the radial direction due to inertial force. Frame 421 swings (vibrates) in the opposite direction, collides with the periphery of insertion hole 415a, and is bent outward in the radial direction.

[0092] In this way, the frame 421 alternates between a state in which it oscillates (vibrates) in a direction corresponding to the direction of motion of the floating body section 410 and is bent and deformed, and a state in which it oscillates (vibrates) in the opposite direction and is bent and deformed. Tensile stress and compressive stress are alternately applied to the magnetostrictive element 27. The magnetostrictive element 27 alternates between expansion and contraction. This causes the power generation section 422 to generate power.

[0093] [Effects of the buoy power generation device of the embodiment] Like the buoy power generation apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the buoy power generation apparatus 400 has a simple structure and can be made smaller. The buoy power generation apparatus 400 can generate power regardless of the direction of the tidal current, thereby improving power generation efficiency. In the buoy power generation apparatus 400, the magnetostrictive power generation unit 420 is installed in the internal space 17 of the floating body unit 410, so it is less susceptible to environmental influences. Therefore, the functionality of the magnetostrictive power generation unit 420 can be maintained at a high level.

[0094] In the buoy power generation device 400, the frame 421 can swing (vibrate) in any direction. Therefore, power can be generated in response to the movement of the floating body part 410 in a plurality of different directions. This makes it possible to improve power generation efficiency.

[0095] [Buoy power generation device] (fifth embodiment) 7 is a schematic diagram showing a buoy power generating apparatus 500 according to a fifth embodiment. The same components as those in the buoy power generating apparatuses according to the other embodiments are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 7, the buoy power generating apparatus 500 differs from the buoy power generating apparatus 100 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) in that it includes a power supply unit 80. The power supply unit 80 may be, for example, a solar power generation device, a battery, etc. When a solar power generation device is used as the power supply unit 80, it is desirable that the power supply unit 80 be provided on the outer surface of the housing 11 (for example, on the upper surface of the upper wall portion 14). The power supply unit 80 can supply power to the communication unit 30, etc.

[0097] In the buoy power generation device 500, the power supply unit 80 can be used as the main power supply. The magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 can be used as a sub-power supply. For example, when the power supply unit 80, which is the main power supply, is able to supply power, the power supply unit 80 is used as the power supply. When the output voltage of the power supply unit 80 falls below a predetermined value, the control unit 60 switches the power supply path and uses the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20, which is the sub-power supply.

[0098] When the power supply path is shifted from the main power source (power source unit 80) to the sub-power source (magnetostrictive power generation unit 20), there is a possibility that a problem has occurred in the power supply system. In this case, the control unit 60 can issue an alarm as necessary. Problems that may occur in the power supply system include, for example, a dead battery (a drop in voltage in the power source unit 80). Problems that may occur in the power supply system include the buoy power generation device 500 becoming inverted, which causes problems with power generation. When the power supply path is shifted from the main power source to the sub-power source, it is possible to check whether such problems have occurred.

[0099] [Effects of the buoy power generation device of the embodiment] Like the buoy power generation apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the buoy power generation apparatus 500 has a simple structure and can be made smaller. The buoy power generation apparatus 500 can generate power regardless of the direction of the tidal current, thereby improving power generation efficiency. In the buoy power generation apparatus 500, the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 is installed in the internal space 17 of the floating body unit 10, so it is less susceptible to environmental influences. Therefore, the functionality of the magnetostrictive power generation unit 20 can be maintained at a high level.

[0100] The buoy power generation device 500 can receive power supply from the power supply unit 80, so the communication unit 30 can also handle high-speed communication or large-capacity communication that consumes a lot of power.

[0101] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment described with reference to the drawings, and various modifications are possible within the technical scope. For example, in the buoy power generation system 100 shown in FIG. 1, the frame 21 has a linear shape, but the shape of the frame is not particularly limited. The frame may have any shape that allows the power generation unit to generate power through vibration. For example, the frame may have a shape that is curved at the midpoint in the longitudinal direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 10,410...floating body section, 12...eccentric section, 17...internal space (sealed space), 20,220,420...magnetostrictive power generation section, 20...first magnetostrictive power generation section, 21,421...frame, 27...magnetostrictive element, 30...communication section, 51...circuit, 80...power supply section, 100,200,300,400,500...buoy power generation device, 220...second magnetostrictive power generation section

Claims

1. a floating body portion having an enclosed space and capable of floating on water; a magnetostrictive power generation unit provided in the sealed space, The magnetostrictive power generation unit has a magnetostrictive element that generates power by the movement of the floating body unit. Buoy power generating equipment.

2. the magnetostrictive power generation unit further includes a frame that vibrates due to the movement of the floating body unit, The magnetostrictive element generates electricity by vibration of the frame. The buoy power generation system according to claim 1.

3. Further provided is an eccentric portion for eccentrically shifting the center of gravity of the floating body portion, The frame extends in a direction intersecting the direction of the eccentricity.

3. The buoy power generating system according to claim 2.

4. Further provided is an eccentric portion for eccentrically shifting the center of gravity of the floating body portion, The frame extends along the direction of the eccentricity.

3. The buoy power generating system according to claim 2.

5. A plurality of the magnetostrictive power generation units are provided, The plurality of magnetostrictive power generation units generate power in response to a plurality of different motion directions of the floating body unit, respectively.

3. The buoy power generating system according to claim 2.

6. Further provided is an eccentric portion for eccentrically shifting the center of gravity of the floating body portion, the plurality of magnetostrictive power generation units include a first magnetostrictive power generation unit and a second magnetostrictive power generation unit, the frame of the first magnetostrictive power generation unit extends in a direction intersecting the direction of eccentricity, the frame of the second magnetostrictive power generation unit extends along the direction of the eccentricity; 6. The buoy power generating system according to claim 5.

7. further comprising a circuit for detecting a wave state generated in the water; The buoy power generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Further comprising a communication unit capable of transmitting information to an external device. The buoy power generation system according to claim 1.

9. Further comprising a power supply unit capable of supplying power. The buoy power generation system according to claim 1.

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