Wave power utilization device

Abstract

In response to diverse energy needs, power generated from wave energy is efficiently supplied to multiple work units. [Solution] The wave power utilization device 1 comprises a power generation unit 3 for generating power from wave power, a power transmission unit 4 for transmitting power from the power generation unit 3, and a plurality of work units 5 to 7 that perform work using power from the power transmission unit 4. The plurality of work units 5 to 7 include at least two of the following: a power generation device 5 that generates electricity using power from the power transmission unit 4, a compression and expansion device 6 that compresses and / or expands a gas using power from the power transmission unit 4, and a crushing device 7 that crushes an object using power from the power transmission unit 4.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a wave power utilization device that performs operations using wave power.

Background Art

[0007] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a wave power utilization device (1, 51, 81, 101) comprising: a power generation unit (3, 103) for generating power from wave power; a power transmission unit (4, 53, 83, 104) for transmitting power from the power generation unit; and a plurality of work units (5-7, 54, 84, 85) that perform work using power from the power transmission unit, wherein the plurality of work units include at least two of the following: a power generation device (5, 84) that generates electricity using power from the power transmission unit; a compression and expansion device (6, 54) that compresses and / or expands a gas using power from the power transmission unit; and a crushing device (7, 85) that crushes an object using power from the power transmission unit.

[0008] According to this embodiment, power generated from wave energy can be efficiently supplied to multiple work units in response to diverse energy demands. Ultimately, this contributes to improving the efficiency of energy utilization.

[0009] In the above embodiment, the power generation unit may have a floating member (9) that performs a reciprocating motion by wave force while floating on the water surface.

[0010] According to this embodiment, reciprocating motion as power can be generated from wave force with a simple configuration.

[0011] In the above embodiment, the power transmission unit may have a switching device (15-17, 61-62, 111-113) that can switch between a transmission-enabled state that allows power to be transmitted to at least one of the plurality of work units and a transmission-blocked state that blocks the transmission of power to at least one of the plurality of work units.

[0012] According to this embodiment, the power supplied to the work unit can be switched according to the energy demand. Therefore, work can be performed in a manner suitable for the energy demand.

[0013] In the above embodiment, the power generation unit generates reciprocating motion as power from wave force, and the power transmission unit may have a power conversion mechanism (12, 57) that converts the reciprocating motion from the power generation unit into rotational motion.

[0014] According to this embodiment, by converting the reciprocating motion from the power generation unit into rotational motion, a variety of operations powered by rotational motion can be performed.

[0015] In the above embodiment, the plurality of working units may include the power generation device, the power generation unit may generate reciprocating motion as power from wave force, and the power generation device may generate electricity by the reciprocating motion transmitted from the power generation unit via the power transmission unit.

[0016] According to this embodiment, since the power is not converted from reciprocating motion to rotational motion, energy loss associated with power conversion can be suppressed. Therefore, power can be generated efficiently by the power generation device. In addition, since a power conversion mechanism that converts power from reciprocating motion to rotational motion is not required, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0017] In the above embodiment, the plurality of working units may include the compression and expansion device, the power generation unit may generate reciprocating motion as power from wave force, and the compression and expansion device may compress and / or expand a gas by the reciprocating motion transmitted from the power generation unit via the power transmission unit.

[0018] According to this embodiment, since the power is not converted from reciprocating motion to rotational motion, energy loss associated with power conversion can be suppressed. Therefore, the compression and / or expansion of gas can be efficiently performed by the compression and expansion device. In addition, since a power conversion mechanism that converts power from reciprocating motion to rotational motion is not required, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0019] In the above aspect, the plurality of working units may include the crushing device, the power generation unit generates a reciprocating motion as power from wave power, and the crushing device may crush an object by the reciprocating motion transmitted from the power generation unit via the power transmission unit.

[0020] According to this aspect, since the power is not converted from a reciprocating motion to a rotational motion, energy loss associated with power conversion can be suppressed. Therefore, an object can be efficiently crushed by the crushing device. In addition, since a power conversion mechanism for converting power from a reciprocating motion to a rotational motion is not required, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0021] In the above aspect, the plurality of working units may include the power generation device and the crushing device, the crushing device may be integrated with the power generation device, and may be arranged coaxially with the power generation device.

[0022] According to this aspect, the power generation device and the crushing device can be compactly arranged as one unit. Therefore, the wave power utilization device can be miniaturized.

[0023] The compression-expansion device may have a heat exchange part (76) for performing heat exchange with water.

[0024] According to this aspect, not only wave power is utilized, but also by performing heat exchange with water, further efficiency improvement of energy utilization can be achieved.

[0025] In the above aspect, the power generation unit may include a main body (107) that defines an air chamber (106) facing the water surface, and a rotating body (108) accommodated in the air chamber. When the water surface rises and falls due to wave power, the pressure in the air chamber fluctuates, and the rotating body may perform a rotational motion.

[0026] According to this aspect, a rotational motion as power can be directly generated from wave power. Therefore, energy loss can be suppressed as compared with the case of converting power from a reciprocating motion to a rotational motion. Further, since a power conversion mechanism for converting power from a reciprocating motion to a rotational motion is not required, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0027] In the above aspect, the plurality of working units may include at least one of the power generation device and the compression-expansion device or the crushing device, and the power transmission unit may include a first switching device (15, 61, 111) capable of switching between a transmissible state allowing transmission of power to the power generation device and a transmission-blocking state blocking transmission of power to the power generation device, and a second switching device (16, 62, 112) capable of switching between a transmissible state allowing transmission of power to at least one of the compression-expansion device or the crushing device and a transmission-blocking state blocking transmission of power to at least one of the compression-expansion device or the crushing device.

[0028] According to this aspect, the working unit to which power is supplied can be switched according to energy demand. Therefore, an operation suitable for the energy demand can be performed.

[0029] In the above aspect, it may further include a control device (8) for controlling the first switching device and the second switching device, and the control device may estimate the required power of the facility where the wave power utilization device is installed and determine the states of the first switching device and the second switching device based on the required power.

[0030] According to this aspect, the working unit to which power is supplied can be switched according to the required power of the facility. Therefore, an operation suitable for the required power of the facility can be performed.

[0031] In the above aspect, the control device may set the second switching device to the transmission-blocking state when the required power is equal to or greater than a threshold value in a predetermined time period.

[0032] According to this embodiment, when the facility's power demand exceeds a threshold, power can be concentrated on the power generator by stopping the power supply to at least one of the compression / expansion device or the crushing device. Therefore, power shortages can be suppressed.

[0033] In the above embodiment, the control device may set the second switching device to the transmission-enabled state when the demand power is below a threshold during a predetermined time period.

[0034] According to this embodiment, when the facility's power demand is below a threshold, power is supplied to at least one of the compression / expansion device or the crushing device, making it easier to meet diverse energy demands.

[0035] In the above embodiment, the control device may acquire the power generated by the power generator and determine the threshold value based on the power generated by the power generator.

[0036] According to this embodiment, the threshold can be determined to an appropriate value based on the power generated by the power generation device.

[0037] In the above embodiment, the plurality of work units include the power generation device and the compression and expansion device, the compression and expansion device being a compressor (6) that constitutes part of the cooling device (36), the second switching device enabling the transmission of power to the compressor in the transmittable state and blocking the transmission of power to the compressor in the transmission blocked state, the control device setting a first time period and a second time period in which the demand power is greater than that of the first time period, the second switching device being in the transmittable state in the first time period and the first switching device being in the transmittable state in the second time period.

[0038] According to this embodiment, by supplying power to the compressor of the cooling system during the first time period, cooling energy can be stored in preparation for the second time period when power demand is high. Furthermore, by supplying power to the power generation system during the second time period when power demand is high, power shortages can be suppressed.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the plurality of work units include the power generation device and the compression and expansion device, wherein the compression and expansion device is a compressor (6) that constitutes part of the cooling device (36), the second switching device enables the transmission of power to the compressor in the transmittable state and blocks the transmission of power to the compressor in the transmission blocked state, the control device sets a first time period and a second time period in which the demand power is greater than that of the first time period, acquires weather forecast information for the area where the wave power utilization device is installed, predicts the power generated by the power generation device for each time period based on the weather forecast information, and may determine the state of the second switching device in the first time period based on the power generated by the power generation device in the second time period.

[0040] According to this embodiment, the power generated by the power generation equipment in the second time period (the stability of power generation by the power generation equipment) can be accurately predicted based on weather forecast information. Therefore, the state of the second switching device in the first time period can be appropriately determined based on the power generated by the power generation equipment in the second time period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0041] According to the above embodiment, power generated from wave energy can be efficiently supplied to multiple work units in response to diverse energy demands. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] Functional configuration diagram showing a wave power utilization device according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing a power generation unit, power transmission mechanism, and power conversion mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Schematic diagram showing a power split mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 4] A schematic diagram showing a cooling device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Schematic diagram showing a crushing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 6]A graph showing a control example 1 of a switching device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Graph showing control example 2 of a switching device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] A graph showing a control example 3 of a switching device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Functional configuration diagram showing a wave power utilization device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Functional configuration diagram showing a wave power utilization device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Schematic diagram showing a power transmission mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention [Figure 12] A schematic diagram showing a compression and expansion device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Functional configuration diagram showing a wave power utilization device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] A schematic diagram showing a power generation apparatus and a crushing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] Functional configuration diagram showing a wave power utilization device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] Functional configuration diagram showing a wave power utilization device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] Schematic diagram showing a power generation unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] <<First Embodiment>> <Wave power utilization device 1> The wave power utilization device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 8. For example, the wave power utilization device 1 is installed in a fishing port (an example of a facility). The wave power utilization device 1 generates power from wave power and uses the generated power to perform various operations such as power generation, gas compression, and crushing of objects. Here, "power" is a term that encompasses all continuous motions such as rotational motion, reciprocating motion, oscillating motion, and resonant motion.

[0044] Referring to Figure 1, the wave power utilization device 1 comprises a power generation unit 3 for generating power from wave power, a power transmission unit 4 for transmitting power from the power generation unit 3, a plurality of work units 5 to 7 (power generator 5, compressor 6, crushing device 7) that perform work using power from the power transmission unit 4, and a control device 8 for controlling the power transmission unit 4. The compressor 6 is an example of a compression and expansion device.

[0045] <Power generation section 3> Referring to Figure 2, the power generation unit 3 has a floating member 9. The floating member 9 floats on the surface Ws of the seawater W and reciprocates up and down due to wave force (see arrow A in Figure 2). In this way, the power generation unit 3 is configured to generate reciprocating motion as power from wave force.

[0046] <Power transmission section 4> Referring to Figure 1, the power transmission unit 4 includes a power transmission mechanism 11 that transmits reciprocating motion from the power generation unit 3, a power conversion mechanism 12 that converts the reciprocating motion from the power transmission mechanism 11 into rotational motion, a power splitting mechanism 13 that splits the rotational motion from the power conversion mechanism 12, and a plurality of switching devices 15 to 17 (first switching device 15, second switching device 16, third switching device 17) arranged between the power splitting mechanism 13 and a plurality of work units 5 to 7.

[0047] Referring to Figure 2, the power transmission mechanism 11 includes a support member 19 installed on land L and a swinging arm 20 that is swingably supported by the support member 19. A floating member 9 of the power generation unit 3 is attached to one end of the swinging arm 20 so as to be rotatable relative to it. Therefore, when the floating member 9 moves up and down (see arrow A in Figure 2), the swinging arm 20 swings, and the other end of the swinging arm 20 moves up and down (see arrow B in Figure 2).

[0048] The power conversion mechanism 12 is composed of a crank mechanism. The power conversion mechanism 12 includes a casing 22 installed on land L, a cylinder 23 fixed to the casing 22, a slider 24 supported by the cylinder 23 so as to be able to reciprocate up and down, an output shaft 25 supported by the casing 22 so as to be able to rotate, and a crank arm 26 connecting the slider 24 and the output shaft 25. The slider 24 is connected to the other end of the oscillating arm 20 of the power transmission mechanism 11 via a connecting arm 27. Therefore, when the other end of the oscillating arm 20 reciprocates up and down (see arrow B in Figure 2), the slider 24 also reciprocates up and down, and this reciprocating motion is converted into rotational motion via the crank arm 26, causing the output shaft 25 to rotate (see arrow C in Figure 2).

[0049] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the power split mechanism 13 is composed of a planetary gear mechanism and has the function of splitting rotational motion as well as changing the speed of rotational motion. The power split mechanism 13 includes a sun gear 29 fixed to the output shaft 25 of the power conversion mechanism 12, a plurality of planetary gears 30 that engage with the sun gear 29, a ring gear 31 that engages with the plurality of planetary gears 30, and a planetary carrier 32 that rotatably supports the plurality of planetary gears 30.

[0050] Referring to Figure 1, the multiple switching devices 15 to 17 are each composed of a clutch mechanism such as a meshing clutch or a friction clutch. The first switching device 15 is located in the power transmission path from the sun gear 29 of the power split mechanism 13 to the power generator 5. The state of the first switching device 15 is switchable between a transmission-enabled state that allows the transmission of rotational motion from the power split mechanism 13 to the power generator 5 and a transmission-blocked state that blocks the transmission of rotational motion from the power split mechanism 13 to the power generator 5.

[0051] The second switching device 16 is located in the power transmission path from the ring gear 31 of the power split mechanism 13 to the compressor 6. The state of the second switching device 16 is switchable between a transmission-enabled state, which allows the transmission of rotational motion from the power split mechanism 13 to the compressor 6, and a transmission-blocked state, which blocks the transmission of rotational motion from the power split mechanism 13 to the compressor 6.

[0052] The third switching device 17 is located in the power transmission path from the planetary carrier 32 of the power split mechanism 13 to the crushing device 7. The state of the third switching device 17 is switchable between a transmission-enabled state, which allows the transmission of rotational motion from the power split mechanism 13 to the crushing device 7, and a transmission-blocked state, which blocks the transmission of rotational motion from the power split mechanism 13 to the crushing device 7.

[0053] <Multiple work units 5-7> Referring to Figure 1, the multiple work units 5 to 7 include a power generation device 5 that generates electricity by rotational motion from the power transmission unit 4, a compressor 6 that compresses gas by rotational motion from the power transmission unit 4, and a crushing device 7 that crushes objects by rotational motion from the power transmission unit 4.

[0054] The power generation device 5 is composed of a power generation motor having a coil and a permanent magnet. The power generation device 5 generates an electric current in the coil by electromagnetic induction by rotating either the coil or the permanent magnet relative to the other due to the rotational motion from the power split mechanism 13. A power sensor 34 is connected to the power generation device 5. The power sensor 34 detects the power generated by the power generation device 5 (hereinafter referred to as "generated power").

[0055] Referring to Figure 4, the compressor 6 constitutes part of the cooling system 36 that performs the refrigeration cycle. The cooling system 36 has a refrigerant circuit 37 that circulates the refrigerant in a predetermined direction (see the white arrow in Figure 4), and a compressor 6, condenser 38, expansion valve 39, and evaporator 40 arranged in the refrigerant circuit 37. The compressor 6 operates using rotational motion from the power split mechanism 13 (see Figure 1) as power to compress the gaseous refrigerant. The condenser 38 cools and liquefies the gaseous refrigerant. The condenser 38 is best used to release the heat generated by heat exchange with the refrigerant into the seawater W. The expansion valve 39 reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant. The evaporator 40 cools the surroundings by evaporating the liquid refrigerant and absorbing heat from the surroundings.

[0056] Referring to Figure 5, the crushing device 7 comprises a bottomed cylindrical crushing container 42 and a rotating member 43 housed in the crushing container 42. The rotating member 43 rotates using rotational motion from the power splitting mechanism 13 (see Figure 1) as power, and crushes the material in the crushing container 42. The rotating member 43 comprises a shaft 44 extending in the axial direction and one or more fins 45 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 44. One fin 45 may be arranged in a spiral shape (see Figure 5(a)). Multiple fins 45 may be disc-shaped and spaced apart in the axial direction of the shaft 44 (see Figure 5(b)). Multiple fins 45 may be rod-shaped, spaced apart in the axial direction of the shaft 44, and may also protrude radially from the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 44 (see Figure 5(c)).

[0057] <Control device 8> Referring to Figure 1, the control unit 8 is an electronic control unit (ECU) consisting of a computer configured to perform various processes. The control unit 8 includes an arithmetic processing unit (processor such as CPU or MPU) and a storage device (memory such as ROM or RAM).

[0058] The control device 8 is configured to communicate with an external device 47, such as a server device. The control device 8 receives power demand information and weather forecast information from the external device 47 through communication with the external device 47. The power demand information is information regarding the power demand for each time period at the fishing port where the wave power utilization device 1 is installed. The weather forecast information is information regarding the weather forecast for each time period in the area where the wave power utilization device 1 is installed.

[0059] The control device 8 is connected to a plurality of switching devices 15-17 (hereinafter simply referred to as "switching devices 15-17") of the power transmission unit 4, and controls the switching devices 15-17. Below, an example of control of switching devices 15-17 by the control device 8 will be described in detail.

[0060] <Control example 1 for switching devices 15-17> Referring to Figure 6, the control device 8 estimates the power demand for each time period at the fishing port where the wave power utilization device 1 is installed, based on the power demand information received from the external device 47. Note that in an actual fishing port, there is no time period when the power demand is zero, but in the example in Figure 6, for the sake of simplicity, the power demand from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. is assumed to be zero.

[0061] The control device 8 sets multiple time zones based on the estimated power demand. For example, the control device 8 sets a nighttime period from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. (an example of the first time zone), a daytime period from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. (an example of the second time zone), and an evening period from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The power demand during the daytime period is greater than the power demand during the nighttime and evening periods.

[0062] During nighttime hours, the control device 8 sets the state of the first switching device 15 to a transmission-blocked state, the state of the second switching device 16 to a transmission-enabled state, and the state of the third switching device 17 to a transmission-blocked state. Consequently, rotational motion is transmitted from the power transmission unit 4 to the compressor 6 of the cooling device 36, causing the cooling device 36 to operate and generate cooling energy. The cooling energy generated by the cooling device 36 is used for ice making, freezing of seafood, refrigeration of seafood, etc.

[0063] During daytime hours, the control device 8 sets the state of the first switching device 15 to a transmission-enabled state, the state of the second switching device 16 to a transmission-blocked state, and the state of the third switching device 17 to a transmission-blocked state. Consequently, rotational motion is transmitted from the power transmission unit 4 to the power generator 5, causing the power generator 5 to operate and generate electricity. The electricity generated by the power generator 5 is used for lighting the fishing port, handling cargo, processing seafood, etc. Any power shortage (i.e., the difference between the power demanded and the power generated by the power generator 5) is supplied to the fishing port from the grid power supply.

[0064] During the evening hours, the control device 8 sets the state of the first switching device 15 to a transmission-blocked state, the state of the second switching device 16 to a transmission-blocked state, and the state of the third switching device 17 to a transmission-enabled state. Accordingly, rotational motion is transmitted from the power transmission unit 4 to the crushing device 7, and the crushing device 7 operates to crush materials generated during the daytime (for example, waste and processing residues).

[0065] Storing the electrical energy generated by the power generator 5 would require expensive storage methods such as batteries, which could lead to increased costs. In contrast, the cooling energy generated by the cooling device 36 can be easily stored as cold air or ice in the cold storage facilities within the fishing port. In other words, the fishing port has a cooling energy storage function. Focusing on this point, in control example 1 of the switching devices 15-17, power is supplied to the cooling device 36 during nighttime hours when electricity demand is low, and the cooling device 36 stores cooling energy. By using this cooling energy stored during nighttime hours during daytime hours, power can be concentrated on the power generator 5 during daytime hours when electricity demand is high, thereby suppressing power shortages.

[0066] <Control example 2 for switching devices 15-17> Referring to Figure 7, the control device 8 estimates the power demand for each time period at the fishing port where the wave power utilization device 1 is installed, based on the power demand information received from the external device 47, similar to control example 1 of the switching devices 15-17.

[0067] The control device 8 acquires the power generated by the power generator 5 from the power sensor 34 and determines a threshold value for power demand (hereinafter simply referred to as the "threshold") based on the acquired power generated. For example, the control device 8 sets the power generated itself as the threshold value. In other embodiments, the control device 8 may set a value different from the power generated (for example, a value lower than the power generated) as the threshold value.

[0068] The control device 8 determines the state of the switching devices 15 to 17 based on the power demand and threshold. For example, in time period A in Figure 7, the power demand is above the threshold. In this case, the control device 8 sets the state of the first switching device 15 to a transmission-enabled state, the state of the second switching device 16 to a transmission-blocked state, and the state of the third switching device 17 to a transmission-blocked state. Consequently, rotational motion is transmitted from the power transmission unit 4 to the power generator 5, and the power generator 5 starts operating. On the other hand, the transmission of rotational motion from the power transmission unit 4 to the compressor 6 and crushing device 7 of the cooling device 36 is blocked, and the operation of the cooling device 36 and crushing device 7 stops.

[0069] In time period B of Figure 7, the power demand is below the threshold. In this case, the control device 8 sets the state of the first switching device 15 to a transmittable state, the state of the second switching device 16 to a transmittable state, and the state of the third switching device 17 to a transmittable state. Accordingly, rotational motion is transmitted from the power transmission unit 4 to the power generator 5, the compressor 6 of the cooling device 36, and the crushing device 7, and the power generator 5, the cooling device 36, and the crushing device 7 start operating. Note that in time period B, if the power demand is sufficiently small below the threshold, the control device 8 may stop the operation of the power generator 5 by setting the state of the first switching device 15 to a transmission-blocked state. Alternatively, in time period B, the control device 8 may operate only one of either the cooling device 36 or the crushing device 7 by setting the state of the first switching device 15 or the second switching device 16 to a transmission-blocked state.

[0070] <Control example 3 for switching devices 15-17> Referring to Figure 8, the control device 8 estimates the power demand for each time period at the fishing port where the wave power utilization device 1 is installed, based on the power demand information received from the external device 47, similar to control example 1 of the switching devices 15-17.

[0071] The control device 8 sets multiple time zones based on the estimated power demand. For example, the control device 8 sets a nighttime period (an example of the first time zone) and a daytime period (an example of the second time zone). Power demand during the daytime period is greater than power demand during the nighttime period.

[0072] The control device 8 receives (acquires) weather forecast information from the external device 47 and predicts the power generated by the power generator 5 for each time period based on the received weather forecast information. For example, if the weather forecast information includes information on wave height, the control device 8 predicts that the higher the wave height in a given time period, the higher the power generated by the power generator 5 in that time period will be.

[0073] The control device 8 determines the state of the second switching device 16 during nighttime hours based on the power demand and power generation during daytime hours. For example, if the power demand during daytime hours is greater than or equal to the power generation, the control device 8 extends the time during nighttime hours when the second switching device 16 is in a transmission-ready state compared to when the power demand during daytime hours is less than the power generation. This increases the operating time of the cooling device 36 during nighttime hours, allowing the cooling device 36 to store a large amount of cooling energy during nighttime hours. By transferring this large amount of cooling energy stored during nighttime hours to daytime hours, power can be concentrated on the power generation device 5 during daytime hours when power demand is high, thereby suppressing power shortages.

[0074] <Effects of the First Embodiment> The wave power utilization device 1 is installed in a fishing port. In a fishing port, a large amount of power can be generated by utilizing the wave power of the seawater W near the breakwater. Furthermore, since various types of energy such as electrical energy, cooling energy, and crushing energy are required in a fishing port, the wave power utilization device 1 can be effectively utilized. Thus, a fishing port is a suitable location for installing the wave power utilization device 1.

[0075] In particular, fishing ports consume large amounts of electrical energy during the day for lighting, handling, and processing of seafood. Furthermore, fishing ports consume large amounts of cooling energy day and night for ice making, freezing, and refrigerating seafood. If these large amounts of electrical and cooling energy were to be supplied solely by non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels, it would likely lead to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, the wave power utilization device 1, equipped with a power generator 5 and a compressor 6, can generate electrical and cooling energy using wave power, a renewable energy source. This makes it possible to achieve carbon neutrality in fishing ports.

[0076] Furthermore, since the wave power utilization device 1 has a crushing device 7, it can crush processing residues generated at fishing ports and use them as animal feed. This adds value to processing residues and reduces food waste. In addition, by crushing waste and processing residues, they can be made more compact and easily transported.

[0077] Furthermore, the compressor 6 compresses the gas using power transmitted directly from the power transmission unit 4 without going through the power generator 5 (power before it is converted into electricity by the power generator 5). Similarly, the crushing device 7 crushes the material using power transmitted directly from the power transmission unit 4 without going through the power generator 5. Therefore, energy loss associated with energy conversion between power and electricity can be suppressed, and energy efficiency can be improved.

[0078] <Variation> In the first embodiment described above, the control device 8 estimates the power demand based on power demand information. In other embodiments, the control device 8 may also estimate the power demand based on weather forecast information. For example, if the weather forecast information includes information on temperature, the control device 8 may estimate that the higher the temperature, the higher the power demand.

[0079] In the first embodiment described above, the power generator 5 is connected to the sun gear 29 of the power split mechanism 13 (planetary gear mechanism), the compressor 6 is connected to the ring gear 31 of the power split mechanism 13, and the crushing device 7 is connected to the planetary carrier 32 of the power split mechanism 13. This combination is merely one example. For example, in other embodiments, the power generator 5 may be connected to either the ring gear 31 or the planetary carrier 32 of the power split mechanism 13.

[0080] In the first embodiment described above, the power split mechanism 13 is composed of one planetary gear mechanism. Referring to Figure 9, in other embodiments, the power split mechanism 13 may be composed of two planetary gear mechanisms (a first planetary gear mechanism 48 and a second planetary gear mechanism 49). In this case, the first planetary gear mechanism 48 splits the rotational motion from the power conversion mechanism 12 into two, and the second planetary gear mechanism 49 splits one of the rotational motions from the first planetary gear mechanism 48 into two, and both the other rotational motion from the first planetary gear mechanism 48 and the rotational motion from the second planetary gear mechanism 49 are transmitted to a plurality of work units 5 to 7. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the power split mechanism 13 may be composed of a mechanism other than a planetary gear mechanism (for example, a spur gear mechanism).

[0081] In the first embodiment described above, the plurality of work units 5 to 7 all include the power generator 5, the compressor 6 (an example of a compression and expansion device), and the crushing device 7. In other embodiments, the plurality of work units 5 to 7 may include only two of the power generator 5, the compressor 6, and the crushing device 7. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the plurality of work units 5 to 7 may include at least two of the power generator 5, the compressor 6, and the crushing device 7, in addition to other devices (for example, a transport device for transporting objects).

[0082] In the first embodiment described above, a compressor 6 for compressing a gas is used as an example of a compression-expansion device. In other embodiments, an expansion device for expanding a gas may be used as an example of a compression-expansion device.

[0083] In the first embodiment described above, the wave power utilization device 1 is installed in a fishing port. In other embodiments, the wave power utilization device 1 may be installed in facilities other than fishing ports (for example, commercial facilities or accommodation facilities), or it may be installed in locations other than facilities (for example, the ocean or a river). In other words, the wave power utilization device 1 can be installed in any location where wave power can be utilized.

[0084] <<Second Embodiment>> <Wave power utilization device 51> The wave power utilization device 51 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Note that components other than the power transmission unit 53 and the compression / expansion device 54 are the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0085] <Power transmission section 53> Referring to Figure 10, the power transmission unit 53 includes a power transmission mechanism 56 that transmits reciprocating motion from the power generation unit 3, a power conversion mechanism 57 that converts the reciprocating motion from the power transmission mechanism 56 into rotational motion, a power splitting mechanism 58 that splits the rotational motion from the power conversion mechanism 57, and a plurality of switching devices 61, 62 (first switching device 61, second switching device 62) arranged between the power splitting mechanism 58 and the power generator 5 and the crushing device 7. The power conversion mechanism 57 and the power splitting mechanism 58 are the same as the power conversion mechanism 12 and the power splitting mechanism 13 according to the first embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0086] Referring to Figure 11, the power transmission mechanism 56 includes a support member 64 installed on land L, a first swing arm 65 swingably supported by the support member 64, and a second swing arm 66 swingably supported by the support member 64.

[0087] A floating member 9 of the power generation unit 3 is attached to one end of the first and second swinging arms 65 and 66 so as to be rotatable relative to them. Therefore, when the floating member 9 moves up and down (see arrow A in Figure 11), the first and second swinging arms 65 and 66 swing, and the other ends of the first and second swinging arms 65 and 66 move up and down (see arrow B in Figure 11).

[0088] The other end of the first swing arm 65 is connected to the power conversion mechanism 57. A first clutch 68 is provided at the pivot point of the first swing arm 65. The state of the first clutch 68 is switchable between a transmission-enabled state, which allows the transmission of reciprocating motion from the power transmission mechanism 56 to the power conversion mechanism 57, and a transmission-blocked state, which blocks the transmission of reciprocating motion from the power transmission mechanism 56 to the power conversion mechanism 57.

[0089] The other end of the second swing arm 66 is connected to the compression and expansion device 54 (details will be described later). A second clutch 69 is provided at the pivot point of the second swing arm 66. The state of the second clutch 69 is switchable between a transmission-enabled state, which allows the transmission of reciprocating motion from the power transmission mechanism 56 to the compression and expansion device 54, and a transmission-blocked state, which blocks the transmission of reciprocating motion from the power transmission mechanism 56 to the compression and expansion device 54.

[0090] Referring to Figure 10, the first switching device 61 is located in the power transmission path from the ring gear 31 of the power split mechanism 58 to the power generator 5. The state of the first switching device 61 is switchable between a transmission-enabled state, which allows the transmission of rotational motion from the power split mechanism 58 to the power generator 5, and a transmission-blocked state, which blocks the transmission of rotational motion from the power split mechanism 58 to the power generator 5.

[0091] The second switching device 62 is located in the power transmission path from the planetary carrier 32 of the power split mechanism 58 to the crushing device 7. The state of the second switching device 62 is switchable between a transmission-enabled state, which allows the transmission of rotational motion from the power split mechanism 58 to the crushing device 7, and a transmission-blocked state, which blocks the transmission of rotational motion from the power split mechanism 58 to the crushing device 7.

[0092] <Compression and expansion device 54> Referring to Figure 12, the compression-expansion device 54 is comprised of a Stirling refrigerator that performs a Stirling cycle. The compression-expansion device 54 includes a cylinder 71 installed straddling land L and seawater W, a pair of pistons 72, 73 housed in the cylinder 71 so as to be able to reciprocate vertically, and a regenerator 74 housed in the cylinder 71 between the pair of pistons 72, 73. The cylinder 71 contains working gas between the pair of pistons 72, 73. One piston 72 is connected to the other end of the second oscillating arm 66 of the power transmission mechanism 56 via a connecting arm 75.

[0093] When the floating member 9 of the power generation unit 3 reciprocates up and down (see arrow A in Figure 12), the second swing arm 66 of the power transmission mechanism 56 swings, and the other end of the second swing arm 66 reciprocates up and down (see arrow B in Figure 12). In response, the pair of pistons 72 and 73 reciprocate up and down, and the working gas is repeatedly compressed and expanded inside the cylinder 71. In this way, the compression and expansion device 54 compresses and expands the working gas by the reciprocating motion transmitted from the power generation unit 3 via the power transmission mechanism 56. The cold air generated by the expansion of the working gas cools the surroundings by absorbing heat from the surroundings.

[0094] The compression and expansion device 54 has a heat exchange section 76 for exchanging heat with seawater W. The heat exchange section 76 is located in the part of the compression and expansion device 54 that is in contact with the seawater W. The heat generated by the compression of the working gas is released from the heat exchange section 76 to the seawater W.

[0095] <Effects of the second embodiment> The compression and expansion device 54 (Stirling refrigerator) receives reciprocating motion generated by wave force, and the compression and expansion device 54 compresses and expands the working gas through this reciprocating motion. Therefore, compared to a case where the reciprocating motion generated by wave force is converted into rotational motion and the compression and expansion device 54 compresses and expands the working gas through rotational motion, energy loss associated with the conversion of motion can be suppressed, and energy efficiency can be increased.

[0096] Furthermore, the power transmission mechanism 56 is equipped with a first clutch 68 and a second clutch 69 in addition to the multiple switching devices 61 and 62. Therefore, the working units 5, 7, and 54 to which power is transmitted can be switched according to energy demand, and unnecessary work can be prevented from being performed by the working units 5, 7, and 54.

[0097] <<Third Embodiment>> <Wave power utilization device 81> The wave power utilization device 81 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Note that components other than the power transmission unit 83, the power generation device 84, and the crushing device 85 are the same as in the second embodiment, and therefore will be given the same reference numerals as in the second embodiment, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0098] <Power transmission section 83> Referring to Figure 13, the power transmission unit 83 has only a power transmission mechanism 87 that transmits the reciprocating motion from the power generation unit 3. The power transmission mechanism 87 is the same as the power transmission mechanism 56 according to the second embodiment, so its description is omitted.

[0099] <Power generator 84> Referring to Figure 14, the power generation device 84 is composed of a linear motor for power generation. The power generation device 84 includes a base member 89 installed on land L, a cylinder 90 fixed to the base member 89, a coil 91 arranged on the outer circumference of the cylinder 90, and a permanent magnet 92 housed in the cylinder 90 so as to be able to reciprocate vertically. The permanent magnet 92 is connected to the other end of the first swing arm 65 of the power transmission mechanism 87 via a connecting arm 93.

[0100] When the floating member 9 of the power generation unit 3 reciprocates up and down (see arrow A in Figure 14), the first oscillating arm 65 oscillates, and the other end of the first oscillating arm 65 also reciprocates up and down (see arrow B in Figure 14). Consequently, the permanent magnet 92 reciprocates up and down relative to the coil 91, changing the magnetic flux of the coil 91. This generates an electromotive force in the coil 91. In this way, the power generation device 84 generates electricity through the reciprocating motion transmitted from the power generation unit 3 via the power transmission mechanism 87.

[0101] <Crushing device 85> The crushing device 85 includes a crushing container 95 and a shaft 96 housed within the crushing container 95 so as to be able to reciprocate vertically. The crushing container 95 is integrally formed with the cylinder 90 of the power generation device 84. In other words, the crushing device 85 is integrated with the power generation device 84. The central axis of the shaft 96 coincides with the central axis of the cylinder 90 of the power generation device 84. In other words, the crushing device 85 is coaxially positioned with the power generation device 84. The shaft 96 is fixed to the permanent magnet 92 of the power generation device 84.

[0102] As described above, when the floating member 9 of the power generation unit 3 moves up and down (see arrow A in Figure 14), the first oscillating arm 65 oscillates, and the other end of the first oscillating arm 65 moves up and down (see arrow B in Figure 14). Consequently, the permanent magnet 92 moves up and down, and the shaft 96 fixed to the permanent magnet 92 also moves up and down. As a result, the shaft 96 crushes the object in the crushing container 95. In this way, the crushing device 85 crushes the object by the reciprocating motion transmitted from the power generation unit 3 via the power transmission mechanism 87 and the power generation device 84.

[0103] <Effects of the Third Embodiment> The reciprocating motion generated by wave force is transmitted to the power generator 84 and the crushing device 85, and the power generator 84 and the crushing device 85 perform their work through this reciprocating motion. Therefore, compared to the case where the reciprocating motion generated by wave force is converted into rotational motion and the power generator 84 and the crushing device 85 perform their work through rotational motion, energy loss associated with the conversion of motion can be suppressed, and energy efficiency can be increased.

[0104] Furthermore, all of the multiple work units 54, 84, and 85 perform their work using reciprocating motion generated by wave force. This eliminates the need for a mechanism to convert the reciprocating motion generated by wave force into rotational motion, thus reducing the number of parts in the wave force utilization device 81.

[0105] <Variation> In the third embodiment described above, reciprocating motion is transmitted from the power transmission mechanism 87 to the crushing device 85 via the power generator 84. Referring to Figure 15, in other embodiments, reciprocating motion may be transmitted directly from the power transmission mechanism 87 to the crushing device 85. In other embodiments, reciprocating motion may be transmitted individually from the power transmission mechanism 87 to the compression / expansion device 54, the power generator 84, and the crushing device 85.

[0106] <<Fourth Embodiment>> <Wave power utilization device 101> The wave power utilization device 101 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 16 and 17. Note that components other than the power generation unit 103 and the power transmission unit 104 are the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore will be given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0107] <Power generation section 103> Referring to Figure 17, the power generation unit 103 comprises a main body 107 that defines an air chamber 106 facing the surface Ws of the seawater W, and an air turbine 108 (an example of a rotating body) that is rotatably housed in the air chamber 106. When the surface Ws of the seawater W rises or falls due to wave force, the pressure inside the air chamber 106 fluctuates, and this pressure fluctuation causes the air turbine 108 to rotate. In this way, the power generation unit 103 is configured to generate rotational motion as power from wave force.

[0108] <Power transmission section 104> Referring to Figure 16, the power transmission unit 104 includes a power splitting mechanism 110 that splits the rotational motion from the power generation unit 103, and a plurality of switching devices 111 to 113 (first switching device 111, second switching device 112, third switching device 113) arranged between the power splitting mechanism 110 and a plurality of work units 5 to 7. The power splitting mechanism 110 and the plurality of switching devices 111 to 113 are the same as the power splitting mechanism 13 and the plurality of switching devices 15 to 17 according to the first embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0109] <Effects of the 4th Embodiment> The power generation unit 103 directly generates rotational motion as power from wave force. Therefore, compared to the case where the power generated by the power generation unit 103 is converted from reciprocating motion to rotational motion, energy loss can be suppressed. In addition, since a mechanism to convert power from reciprocating motion to rotational motion is unnecessary, the number of parts in the wave force utilization device 101 can be reduced.

[0110] This concludes the description of specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments or modifications and can be broadly modified and implemented. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] (First Embodiment) 1: Wave power utilization device 3: Power generation section 4: Power transmission section 5: Power generation equipment (an example of a work area) 6: Compressor (Example of a compression / expansion device and working section) 7: Crushing device (an example of the working section) 8: Control device 9: Floating member 12: Power conversion mechanism 15: First switching device (an example of a switching device) 16: Second switching device (an example of a switching device) 17: Third switching device (an example of a switching device) 36: Cooling device (Second Embodiment) 51:Wave power utilization device 53: Power transmission section 54: Compression and expansion device (an example of a working part) 57: Power conversion mechanism 61: First switching device (an example of a switching device) 62: Second switching device (an example of a switching device) 76:Heat exchange section (Third embodiment) 81: Wave power utilization device 83: Power transmission section 84: Power generation equipment (an example of a work unit) 85: Crushing device (an example of a working unit) (Fourth Embodiment) 101: Wave power utilization device 103: Power generation section 104: Power transmission section 106: Air chamber 107: Main unit 108: Air turbine (an example of a rotating body) 111: First switching device (an example of a switching device) 112: Second switching device (an example of a switching device) 113: Third switching device (an example of a switching device)

Claims

1. Wave power utilization device, A power generation unit for generating power from wave power, A power transmission unit that transmits power from the power generation unit, It comprises a plurality of work units that perform operations using power from the aforementioned power transmission unit, The aforementioned multiple work units are, A power generation device that generates electricity using power from the aforementioned power transmission unit, A compression and expansion device that compresses and / or expands a gas by power from the power transmission unit, A wave power utilization device comprising at least two of the following: a crushing device that crushes an object using power from the power transmission unit.

2. The wave power utilization device according to claim 1, wherein the power generation unit has a floating member that performs reciprocating motion by wave force while floating on the water surface.

3. The wave power utilization device according to claim 1, wherein the power transmission unit has a switching device that can switch between a transmission-enabled state that enables the transmission of power to at least one of the plurality of work units and a transmission-blocked state that blocks the transmission of power to at least one of the plurality of work units.

4. The aforementioned power generation unit generates reciprocating motion as power from wave force, The wave power utilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the power transmission unit has a power conversion mechanism that converts reciprocating motion from the power generation unit into rotational motion.

5. The aforementioned plurality of work units include the power generation device, The aforementioned power generation unit generates reciprocating motion as power from wave force, The wave power utilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the power generation device generates electricity by reciprocating motion transmitted from the power generation unit through the power transmission unit.

6. The plurality of work units include the compression and expansion device, The aforementioned power generation unit generates reciprocating motion as power from wave force, The wave power utilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the compression and expansion device compresses and / or expands a gas by reciprocating motion transmitted from the power generation unit through the power transmission unit.

7. The plurality of work units include the crushing device, The aforementioned power generation unit generates reciprocating motion as power from wave force, The wave power utilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the crushing device crushes an object by reciprocating motion transmitted from the power generation unit through the power transmission unit.

8. The plurality of work units include the power generation device and the crushing device, The crushing device is integrated with the power generation device and is arranged coaxially with the power generation device, according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The wave power utilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the compression and expansion device has a heat exchange section for exchanging heat with water.

10. The power generation unit is A main body defining an air chamber facing the water surface, It comprises a rotating body housed in the aforementioned air chamber, The wave power utilization device according to claim 1, wherein when the water level rises or falls due to wave force, the pressure inside the air chamber fluctuates, causing the rotating body to perform rotational motion.

11. The plurality of work units include the power generation device and at least one of the compression / expansion device or the crushing device, The power transmission unit is A first switching device capable of switching between a transmission-enabled state that allows power to be transmitted to the power generation device and a transmission-blocked state that blocks the transmission of power to the power generation device, A wave power utilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a second switching device capable of switching between a transmission-enabled state that enables the transmission of power to at least one of the compression-expansion device or the crushing device, and a transmission-blocking state that blocks the transmission of power to at least one of the compression-expansion device or the crushing device.

12. The system further includes a control device for controlling the first switching device and the second switching device. The control device is The power demand of the facility where the aforementioned wave power utilization device is installed is estimated, The wave power utilization device according to claim 11, which determines the state of the first switching device and the second switching device based on the aforementioned power demand.

13. The wave power utilization device according to claim 12, wherein the control device puts the second switching device into the transmission interruption state when the demand power is above a threshold during a predetermined time period.

14. The wave power utilization device according to claim 12, wherein the control device puts the second switching device into the transmittable state when the demand power is below a threshold during a predetermined time period.

15. The control device is The power generated by the aforementioned power generation device is obtained, The wave power utilization device according to claim 13, wherein the threshold is determined based on the power generated by the power generation device.

16. The plurality of work units include the power generation device and the compression and expansion device, The compression and expansion device is a compressor that constitutes part of the cooling device. The second switching device enables the transmission of power to the compressor in the transmission-enabled state and blocks the transmission of power to the compressor in the transmission-blocked state. The control device is A first time period and a second time period in which the power demand is greater than that of the first time period are set. During the first time period, the second switching device is set to the transmission-enabled state, The wave power utilization device according to claim 12, wherein the first switching device is set to the transmission-enabled state during the second time period.

17. The plurality of work units include the power generation device and the compression and expansion device, The compression and expansion device is a compressor that constitutes part of the cooling device. The second switching device enables the transmission of power to the compressor in the transmission-enabled state and blocks the transmission of power to the compressor in the transmission-blocked state. The control device is A first time period and a second time period in which the power demand is greater than that of the first time period are set. Obtain weather forecast information for the area where the wave power utilization device is installed, Based on the aforementioned weather forecast information, the power generated by the power generation device for each time period is predicted. The wave power utilization device according to claim 12, which determines the state of the second switching device in the first time period based on the power generated by the power generation device in the second time period.

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