Wave power generation apparatus and wave power generation system

Abstract

This improves the weight balance of the wave power generation device, which tends to be biased towards the fluid side, thereby enabling stable installation of the wave power generation device. [Solution] A wave power generation device 1 comprising a floating body 2 that floats on a fluid surface S, a weight 3, a connecting part 5 that connects the floating body and the weight so that they move in conjunction with each other, with the weight of the weight 2 being added in a direction that compensates for the buoyancy of the floating body, a support part 6 that supports the connecting part so that the floating body can move up and down due to the displacement of the fluid surface, and a power generation unit 4 that generates electricity in conjunction with the up and down movement of the floating body, wherein the support part has an installation part 6a that is installed on an external base 80 and an extension part 6b that extends upward from the installation part toward the fluid surface, the weight suspension part 5b of the connecting part that suspends the weight is supported by the installation part, and the floating body suspension part 5a of the connecting part that suspends the floating body is supported by the extension part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wave power generation device and a wave power generation system that generate electricity by utilizing the power of waves (or ocean waves) in seawater or fresh water.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a wave power generation device is known that connects a floating body part floating on a fluid surface such as a water surface or a sea surface and a counterweight (weight part) so as to be interlocked with each other, and generates electricity in conjunction with the vertical movement of the floating body part due to the displacement of the fluid surface. For example, in Patent Document 1, a float (floating body part) floating on the water surface and a counterweight are connected by a wire, and a driving pulley around which the wire is wound rotates in conjunction with the vertical movement of the float, so that a generator connected to the driving pulley generates electricity. A wave energy conversion device (wave power generation device) is known. In this device, the wire is wound around a driving roller disposed above the water surface, and both the weight part and the floating body part are located on the water surface.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a conventional wave power generation device, since the driving pulley disposed above the water surface supports the weights of both the floating body part and the weight part, when the driving pulley is supported by a support mechanism installed on the ground, the weight balance of the device is biased toward the water surface side rather than the ground side, making it difficult to install the device stably.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a wave power generation device comprising: a floating body portion that floats on a fluid surface; a weight portion; a connecting portion that connects the floating body portion and the weight portion so that they interlock with each other, with the weight of the weight portion being added in a direction that compensates for the buoyancy of the floating body portion; a support portion that supports the connecting portion so that the floating body portion can move up and down due to the displacement of the fluid surface; and a power generation unit that generates electricity in conjunction with the up and down movement of the floating body portion, wherein the support portion has an installation portion that is installed on an external base and an extension portion that extends upward from the installation portion toward the fluid surface, the weight portion suspension portion of the connecting portion that suspends the weight portion is supported by the installation portion, and the floating body suspension portion of the connecting portion that suspends the floating body portion is supported by the extension portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, the weight balance of the wave power generation device is improved, preventing it from being biased towards the fluid surface, thereby enabling stable installation of the wave power generation device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing the wave power generation device in the embodiment installed on the coast (seawall) of the sea. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the wave power generation device. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the wave power generation device from a different direction than shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the floating section that makes up the wave power generation device. [Figure 5] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a comparative example in which the lower ends of the floating body side wires, each independent and of the same length, are fixed to a plurality of connection points on the floating body, thereby suspending the floating body from the device frame. (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment in which a plurality of connection points on the floating body are configured to be able to move relative to each other along the floating body side wires by second fixed pulleys provided at each of the connection points. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the power generation section connected to the power generation pulley in the wave power generation device of the embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the power generation unit. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a movement conversion unit that ensures the amount of movement of the counterweight is less than the amount of vertical movement of the floating body 2. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing a wire tensioner in a wave power generation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a wave power generation system in which multiple wave power generation devices 1 are installed in a row on the coast (seawall) 80. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which a wire member is wound up to return the floating body to a predetermined set range T when the floating body drifts out of that range. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of a ship with multiple wave power generation devices installed on its hull. [Figure 13] These are a top view plan and a side cross view of a floating wave power generation device that performs wave power generation on the water. [Figure 14] These are a top view plan and a side cross view of a floating wave power generation device that performs wave power generation on the water. [Figure 15] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a technique for fixing the position of a floating wave power generation device on the water by mooring it to a mooring means. This device may include a hemispherical floating wave power generation device as shown in Figure 13, a spherical floating wave power generation device as shown in Figure 14, or other floating wave power generation devices that have a power generation device built into a floating body on the water and generate electricity using wave power. [Figure 16] This is an explanatory diagram showing a floating wave power generation device moored to a movable water anchor. [Figure 17] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the concept of constructing a floating power station by arranging multiple floating wave power generation devices over a wide area of ​​the ocean or outside of harbors. [Figure 18] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the control system installed inside a wave power generator or a floating wave power generator. [Figure 19]It is a side sectional view of an offshore platform for wave power generation devices where multiple wave power generation devices having a floating body part and a wire member are installed. [Figure 20] It is a power system diagram of various power generation devices, an EV charger, and a fishing port office. [Figure 21] It is an explanatory diagram illustrating a virtual power plant and a fishing port ecological system. [Figure 22] It is an explanatory diagram showing the time variation of power consumption in Tanoura Fishing Port published by the Fisheries Agency and the time variation of the power generation amount of solar power generation.

Embodiment for Implementing the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the wave power generation device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a case where the wave power generation device is installed and used on the waterfront land (for example, the coast of the sea, the quay walls and revetments in ports, fishing ports, and bays) will be described as an example. However, as long as it is a place where fluid waves or ocean waves occur (a place where displacement (vertical movement) of the fluid surface occurs), for example, on the waterfront land such as a river or a lake, on an artificial object where fluid is stored in an artificial object such as a pool, or on a hull floating on the fluid surface such as the open sea (offshore), the wave power generation device may be installed and used. Also, one or more predetermined numbers of the wave power generation devices can be installed on an offshore platform with legs fixed to the seabed.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a state where the wave power generation device in this embodiment is installed on the coast (revetment) of the sea. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the wave power generation device of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the wave power generation device of this embodiment as viewed from a different direction from FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the floating body part constituting the wave power generation device of this embodiment.

[0010] The wave power generation device 1 of this embodiment mainly consists of a floating body 2, a counterweight 3 as a weight, a power generation unit 4, a wire member 5 as a connecting part, and a device frame 6 as a support part. In the wave power generation device 1 of this embodiment, the counterweight 3 and the floating body 2 are connected by the wire member 5, and the power generation unit 4 generates electricity in conjunction with the vertical movement of the floating body 2 due to the vertical movement of the sea surface S caused by the force of waves or waves.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the device frame 6 has a main frame section 6a, which is an installation part that is installed on a part of the coast (seawall) 80 on land, which is an external base, and an arm section 6b, which is an extension part that extends from the main frame section 6a upwards to the sea surface S. The device frame 6 supports the floating body side wire sections 5a, 5a (floating body suspension sections) of the wire member 5 that suspends the floating body 2 with two first fixed pulleys 51, 51 provided at the tip of the arm section 6b. The device frame 6 also supports the weight side wire section 5b (weight suspension section) of the wire member 5 that suspends the counterweight 3 with a plurality of second fixed pulleys 52 provided on the main frame section 6a.

[0012] The material constituting the device frame 6 is preferably a metal material with rust-preventive properties. Specifically, it is desirable that the device frame 6 be made of stainless steel. 18-8 (SUS-304) is 18-10 stainless steel with 18% or more chromium and 8% or more nickel added to steel. It is desirable to construct the device frame 6 with a material that has higher rust-preventive properties than SUS-304. Furthermore, it is even more desirable to construct it with a metal containing molybdenum, such as molybdenum steel (SUS-440) which has 18% or more chromium, 14% or more nickel, and 3% or more molybdenum added.

[0013] Furthermore, to enhance rust prevention, it is desirable to apply rust-preventive paint to the device frame 6. Since oil-based paints and synthetic resin-based paints have high durability, it is desirable to paint the device frame 6 with oil-based paints or synthetic resin-based paints. For synthetic resin-based paints, a one-component type consisting only of the main material is acceptable, but it is desirable to apply rust-preventive paint to the device frame 6 with a two-component synthetic resin-based paint that is used by mixing the main material and a hardener. In addition, when painting the device frame 6 with oil-based rust-preventive paint, it is desirable to use a rust inhibitor that uses a strong solvent.

[0014] Furthermore, it is desirable to cover the device frame 6 with a cover to protect the interior. The cover should preferably cover six surfaces of the device frame 6: the bottom, top, both sides, rear, and front. The cover may cover each single surface of the device frame 6 with a single cover plate, or it may cover multiple surfaces of the device frame 6 with a single cover member. For example, a single cover material may cover four surfaces of the device frame 6: the rear, both sides, and top. Alternatively, a single cover material may cover three surfaces of the device frame 6: both sides and the top. It is desirable to provide drainage holes or openings in the bottom cover that covers the bottom surface of the device frame 6.

[0015] The cover can be made of a rust-resistant resin, or of the aforementioned rust-resistant stainless steel or molybdenum steel. It is also desirable to apply rust-preventive coating to the cover using one of the aforementioned rust-preventive paints.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, the device frame 6 has four legs 6e, each leg 6e having a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height and a fixing part for stably fixing it to a seawall or the like. The fixing part is detachably fixed to the seawall or the like with anchor bolts or driven anchors.

[0017] The wire member 5 connects the floating body 2 and the counterweight 3 in such a way that the weight of the counterweight 3 is added in a direction that compensates for the buoyancy of the floating body 2, so that they move in conjunction with each other. As a result, when the floating body 2 moves up and down due to the displacement (vertical movement) of the sea surface S, the wire member 5 can move in the axial direction of the wire member 5 while remaining taut and not loose at all times.

[0018] The weight of the floating body 2 is, for example, about 100 kg to 150 kg. The floating body 2 can be constructed by filling a poly tank with a predetermined weight of seawater, or by placing concrete blocks or metal blocks of a predetermined weight inside a case. On the other hand, the counterweight 3 has a concrete block built into the case of the counterweight 3. Instead of a concrete block, a metal block such as an iron block or lead block of a predetermined weight may be used.

[0019] The wire member 5 can be made of, for example, stainless steel wire coated with PVC (polyvinyl chloride). This reduces slip loss in the pulley and simultaneously provides a wire member with high corrosion resistance and weather resistance. For example, the wire member 5 can be ESCO model numbers EA628SN-33 or EA628SN-61. EA628SN-33 has a wire diameter of 3 mm, an outer diameter of 5 mm, and a breaking load of 650 kg. EA628SN-61 has a wire diameter of 6 mm, an outer diameter of 8 mm, and a breaking load of 2370 kg. The wire structure of the wire member 5 is 7x7, consisting of 7 strands of 7 individual wires twisted together. The material of the wire member 5 is SUS304. The wire member 5 is also PVC coated. It is desirable that the breaking load of the wire member 5 be at least twice the weight of the floating body 2. It is even more desirable that it be at least four times the weight.

[0020] As shown in Figure 4, the floating body 2 has a configuration in which a roughly rectangular float 21 is supported inside a roughly rectangular floating frame 22. The floating body 2 floats on the sea surface S by the buoyancy of the float 21. The internal space of the float 21 is sealed to prevent seawater from entering. There are no particular restrictions on the shape of the float 21; it does not have to be roughly rectangular, but may be spherical, cylindrical, egg-shaped, or other shapes.

[0021] The floating frame 22 has floating-side wire portions 5a, 5a connected to the respective connection points (where the second fixed pulleys 23, 23 are attached) of two opposing upper frame portions, respectively, which are lowered from the first fixed pulleys 51, 51 of the arm portion 6b of the device frame 6. Thus, the floating portion 2 in this embodiment is suspended from the arm portion 6b of the device frame 6 by two floating-side wire portions 5a, 5a of the wire member 5 at multiple (two in this embodiment) different connection points.

[0022] The floating body 2 may be suspended from the arm portion 6b of the device frame 6 by only one wire member connected to one connection point on the floating body 2. However, in this configuration, the floating body 2 may rotate around the wire axis of the wire member due to the influence of waves, which can cause the wire member to twist and lead to problems such as wire damage. In this embodiment, the floating body 2 is suspended from the arm portion 6b of the device frame 6 by multiple floating body-side wire portions 5a, 5a connected to multiple connection points on the floating body 2, making it difficult for the floating body 2 to rotate around the wire axis of the wire member 5, thereby suppressing twisting of the wire member 5.

[0023] Alternatively, the floating body 2 may be suspended from the device frame 6 by fixing the lower ends of the floating body side wire sections 5a, 5a, which are independent of each other and of the same length, to multiple connection points on the floating body 2. However, in this configuration, as shown in Figure 5(a), if the posture of the floating body 2 changes due to the influence of waves (swells) so that the multiple connection points are at different heights, loosening will occur in one of the floating body side wire sections 5a'. When such loosening occurs, for example, the counterweight 3 connected to the wire member 5 may become tilted or sway, which may make the installation of the device frame 6 unstable. In addition, when loosening occurs in the floating body side wire section 5a', an impact occurs when the wire section is subsequently taut, which may cause problems such as damage to the wire member.

[0024] In contrast, in this embodiment, the connection points on the floating body 2 are each provided with second fixed pulleys 23, 23, which allow the connection points to move relative to each other along the floating body side wire portions 5a, 5a of the wire member 5. Moreover, the two floating body side wire portions 5a, 5a connected to the multiple connection points (two second fixed pulleys 23, 23) on the floating body 2 are connected to each other, as shown in Figure 4. That is, one wire member 5 is passed through the two second fixed pulleys 23, 23, each provided at the multiple connection points on the floating body 2, and the floating body 2 is suspended from the arm portion 6b of the device frame 6.

[0025] With this configuration, even if the orientation of the floating body 2 changes due to the influence of waves (waves) so that the multiple connection points (the two second fixed pulleys 23, 23) are at different heights, as shown in Figure 5(b), the loosening of the floating body side wire portions 5a, 5a is eliminated as the multiple connection points move relative to each other along the wire member 5. Therefore, loosening of the floating body side wire portions 5a, 5a is less likely to occur, preventing the counterweight 3 from tilting or swaying and causing instability in the installation of the device frame 6, and also suppressing problems such as damage to the wire member 5.

[0026] In addition, the floating body 2 of this embodiment is provided with cushioning rollers 24a and cushioning material 24b as cushioning members to buffer collisions and abrasions with the coast (seawall) due to the effects of waves (waves).

[0027] In this embodiment, the wire member 5 is connected from the floating body side wire portion 5a, 5a connected to the floating body portion 2, through the intermediate wire portion 5c, 5c which is wrapped around the fixed pulleys of the device frame 6, including the first fixed pulleys 51, 51 of the arm portion 6b of the device frame 6, to the weight side wire portion 5b, 5b connected to the counterweight 3. The power generation unit 4 is connected to the power generation fixed pulleys 53, 53, which are among the fixed pulleys around which the intermediate wire portion 5c, 5c is wrapped. The power generation unit 4 generates electricity when the wire member 5 moves along the wire axis in conjunction with the vertical movement of the floating body portion 2, which follows the vertical movement of the sea surface S due to the force of waves, and as a result the power generation fixed pulley 53 rotates, the power generation unit 4 generates electricity.

[0028] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the power generation unit 4 connected to the power generation fixed pulley 53. Each of the power generation fixed pulleys 53, 53 around which each intermediate wire portion 5c, 5c of the wire member 5 is wrapped are provided at each end of the pulley shaft 54, and a pulley 55a is provided in the central part of the pulley shaft 54. A timing belt 55c is stretched between this pulley 55a and the input pulley 55b of the power generation unit 4. When the wire member 5 reciprocates along the wire shaft due to the up and down movement of the floating body 2, and the power generation fixed pulley 53 rotates, the input pulley 55b of the power generation unit 4 rotates via the pulley 55a and timing belt 55c provided on the pulley shaft 54. Normally, the floating body 2 repeatedly moves up and down due to the force of the waves, so the input pulley 55b of the power generation unit 4 repeatedly rotates in forward and reverse directions, and this forward and reverse rotational force is input to the power generation unit 4.

[0029] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the power generation unit 4. The power generation unit 4 generates electricity from the rotational force input to the power generation input shaft 56 of the input pulley 55b. The power generation unit 4 in this embodiment includes a power generation rotating shaft 41, a large bevel gear 42, two small bevel gears 43A and 43B, one-way clutches 44A and 44B, a first large spur gear 45A, a first small spur gear 45B, a gear shaft 46, a second large spur gear 47, a generator 48, and a flywheel 49.

[0030] The generator rotating shaft 41 is rotatably supported via bearings in the housing of the generator unit 4, which is attached to the device frame 6. The large bevel gear 42 is fixed to the tip of the generator input shaft 56 of the input pulley 55b. Two small bevel gears 43A and 43B are respectively mounted on the generator rotating shaft 41 via one-way clutches 44A and 44B. The two small bevel gears 43A and 43B are arranged to mesh with the large bevel gear 42, which faces them from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the generator rotating shaft 41.

[0031] In this embodiment, the floating body 2 moves up and down due to the force of the waves, and the reciprocating movement of the wire member 5 causes the power generation input shaft 56 to rotate repeatedly in forward and reverse directions via the power generation fixed pulleys 53, 53 and the timing belt 55c. Due to this rotation (oscillation) of the power generation input shaft 56, the large bevel gear 42 fixed to the power generation input shaft 56 also rotates (oscillates) repeatedly in forward and reverse directions.

[0032] In this embodiment, the two bevel gears 43A and 43B that mesh with the large bevel gear 42 are mounted on the power generation rotating shaft 41 via one-way clutches 44A and 44B, which act as one-way rotation transmission units that transmit rotational forces in opposite directions to each other. As a result, the rotational force of the large bevel gear 42 when it is rotating forward causes the first bevel gear 43A to rotate in the forward direction via the first one-way clutch 44A, thereby causing the power generation rotating shaft 41 to rotate in the specified direction. At this time, the second bevel gear 43B also rotates in the forward direction due to the rotational force of the large bevel gear 42 when it is rotating forward, but the forward rotational force of the second bevel gear 43B is not transmitted to the power generation rotating shaft 41 via the second one-way clutch 44B, so the second bevel gear 43B rotates freely.

[0033] On the other hand, the rotational force of the large bevel gear 42 when it is in reverse rotation causes the second small bevel gear 43B to rotate in the reverse direction via the second one-way clutch 44B. As a result, the generator rotating shaft 41 rotates in the same direction as when the large bevel gear 42 is in forward rotation. At this time, the first small bevel gear 43A also rotates in the reverse direction due to the rotational force of the large bevel gear 42 when it is in reverse rotation, but the first one-way clutch 44A prevents the reverse rotational force of the first small bevel gear 43A from being transmitted to the generator rotating shaft 41, so the first small bevel gear 43A spins freely.

[0034] There are no particular restrictions on the tooth ratio (gear ratio) between the large bevel gear 42 and the small bevel gears 43A and 43B. However, by using a large bevel gear on the input side and small bevel gears on the output side, as in this embodiment, the rotational speed of the power generation rotating shaft 41 can be increased, thereby improving power generation efficiency. Furthermore, the unidirectional rotation transmission section may employ a configuration other than a one-way clutch, such as a ratchet mechanism.

[0035] A first large spur gear 45A is fixed to one end of the generator rotating shaft 41, and a first small spur gear 45B is provided to mesh with the first large spur gear 45A. The first small spur gear 45B is fixed to one end of a gear shaft 46, which is rotatably supported by a bearing in the housing of the generator unit 4. A second large spur gear 47 is fixed to the other end of the gear shaft 46. The second large spur gear 47 meshes with an input gear 48a fixed on the input shaft of the generator 48.

[0036] With the above configuration, when the generator rotating shaft 41 rotates in the specified direction, the input shaft of the generator 48 rotates in the specified direction via the first large spur gear 45A, the first small spur gear 45B on the gear shaft 46, and the second large spur gear 47. As a result, the rotor of the generator 48 rotates, generating electricity, and the generator 48 outputs electricity.

[0037] A brushless DC motor (BLDC motor) is used for the generator 48. The wave power generator 1 also incorporates a power conditioner that converts the three-phase AC voltage generated by the power generation unit 4 into a DC voltage for charging the battery. It is desirable that the power conditioner be capable of MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) control. Furthermore, the wave power generator 1 incorporates a battery that stores the electricity generated by the power generation unit 4. The battery may be a lithium-ion battery, or it is preferable that it be a LiFePO4 battery, a type of lithium-ion battery. Details of the LiFePO4 battery will be described later.

[0038] In this embodiment, when a rotational force (oscillating force) that repeatedly rotates in the forward and reverse directions is input to the power generation unit 4, both the rotational force during forward rotation and the rotational force during reverse rotation are input to the generator 48 as a rotational force that rotates the power generation rotating shaft 41 in a constant direction (specified direction). If the power generation input shaft 56 is directly connected to the generator 48, the power generation rotating shaft 41 of the generator 48 will repeatedly rotate in the forward and reverse directions sinusoidally, just like the rotation (oscillation) of the power generation input shaft 56. In such a case, the loss of kinetic energy due to the acceleration and deceleration of the power generation rotating shaft 41 when switching between forward and reverse rotation is large, and the power generation efficiency is greatly reduced. In contrast, as in this embodiment, if the generator rotation shaft 41 of the generator 48 rotates in a constant direction (prescribed direction) regardless of whether a rotational force of forward or reverse rotation (oscillation) of the power generation input shaft 56 is input, there is no switching between forward and reverse rotation of the power generation rotation shaft 41, which avoids the loss of kinetic energy due to acceleration and deceleration during such switching, and significantly improves power generation efficiency.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a flywheel 49 is mounted on the input shaft of the generator 48. By providing the flywheel 49, when the rotational speed of the generator 48 decreases, the kinetic energy stored in the flywheel 49 can keep the generator 48 rotating. This makes it possible to smooth the rotational speed of the generator 48 and improve the power generation efficiency. It is advantageous to install the flywheel 49 closer to the generator 48 on the transmission path of rotational force (oscillating force) in order to reduce the weight of the flywheel 49. The electricity generated by the generator 48 of the power generation unit 4 is output to a battery provided in the wave power generation device 1, or output to the outside of the wave power generation device 1 via power wiring.

[0040] Conventional wave power generation devices installed on land at the water's edge, as in this embodiment, have a configuration in which a floating body is suspended from one end of a wire wrapped around a pulley positioned above the sea surface S, and a counterweight is suspended from the other end. Therefore, the structure supports the weight of both the floating body and the counterweight at the pulley positioned above the sea surface S. Consequently, the weight balance between the land-side portion of the wave power generation device installed on land and the sea-side portion positioned above the sea surface is biased towards the sea-side portion, making it difficult to stably install the wave power generation device on land at the water's edge. One way to improve this weight balance is to attach an additional weight to the land-side portion. However, this method increases the overall weight of the wave power generation device, thus increasing the burden of transporting and installing the device.

[0041] Therefore, in this embodiment, the weight-side wire portion 5b (weight-suspending portion) of the wire member 5 that suspends the counterweight 3 is supported by a plurality of second fixed pulleys 52 provided on the main frame portion 6a, which is the land-side portion of the wave power generation device 1 that is installed on land. As a result, the weight of the counterweight 3, which was conventionally applied to the sea surface side portion of the device frame 6 (arm portion 6b in this embodiment), is transferred to the main frame portion 6a that is installed on land. This improves the weight balance of the wave power generation device 1, which was biased towards the sea surface S side, without adding any new weights. Thus, stable installation of the wave power generation device 1 can be achieved without increasing the workload for transporting and installing the device.

[0042] In general, the height of the sea surface S varies from about 0.1m to 4m depending on the wave height, and also changes by about 2m on the Pacific side due to the tidal range. Therefore, the sea surface S can change by up to about 6m due to such wave height and tidal range. Thus, in order for the floating body 2 to move up and down by about 6m, the length of the floating body side wire portion 5a, 5a of the wire member 5 (the distance from the lowest point of the sea surface S to the first constant pulley 51, 51 of the arm portion 6b) must be set to be sufficiently longer than 6m. In addition, the height difference between the coast (seawall) 80 on which the main frame portion 6a of the device frame 6 is installed and the sea surface S varies greatly depending on the geographical location, and the required length of the floating body side wire portion 5a, 5a will also change according to this height difference.

[0043] In this embodiment, the length of the floating body side wire portions 5a, 5a can be adjusted as needed by using a winch 57, which acts as a winding and unwinding unit that winds up and unwinds both ends of the wire member 5, as shown in Figure 3. Therefore, the length of the floating body side wire portions 5a, 5a can be easily and quickly adjusted to the desired length. For example, the length of the wire member 5 can be adjusted using the winch 57 provided on the wave power generation device 1 so that the floating body 2 is positioned at the reference sea surface. Also, in the event of an emergency when stopping the wave power generation device 1, the winch 57 can be used to raise the floating body 2 to a safe height above the sea surface.

[0044] In this embodiment, the floating body suspension portion of the connecting part that links the floating body 2 and the counterweight 3 in a manner that they interlock is made of wire, so the length of the floating body side wire portion 5a, 5a (floating body suspension portion) can be easily and quickly adjusted to the desired length. However, the floating body suspension portion is not limited to wire. For example, the floating body suspension portion may be a rod-shaped rigid member (support member) with a length of about 6m.

[0045] If the suspension portion of the floating body is a rod-shaped support member, the floating body 2 is fixed to the lower end of this rod-shaped support member. The rod-shaped support member is guided to move vertically within a guide member (for example, a pipe-shaped guide member) fixed to the side of the quay facing the sea surface. When the floating body 2 moves up and down due to the vertical movement of the sea surface, the rod-shaped support member to which the floating body 2 is fixed also moves up and down, as does the rod-shaped support member which is integrated with the floating body 2. If a linear gear is provided on the upper part of the rod-shaped support member, this linear gear also moves up and down in conjunction with the floating body 2. Furthermore, by providing a rotary gear that engages with this linear gear on the power generation input shaft 56 of the power generation unit 4, when the floating body 2 moves up and down due to waves, the linear gear provided on the rod-shaped support member moves up and down, and the power generation input shaft 56, which is equipped with a rotary gear that meshes with the linear gear, rotates. As a result, the power generation unit 4 can generate electricity through the vertical movement of the sea surface.

[0046] However, it is preferable that the floating body suspension portion be made of wire, as this allows for easy and quick adjustment of the length of the wire portion 5a, 5a (the floating body suspension portion) to the desired length. Furthermore, if the floating body suspension portion is a rigid rod-shaped member such as the rod-shaped support member described above, excessive external force is likely to be applied to the arm portion 6b due to the lever principle when the floating body 2 moves irregularly (especially swaying) due to the influence of waves. In contrast, if the floating body suspension portion is made of a relatively flexible material such as wire, the wire will deform even if the floating body 2 moves irregularly, thereby suppressing the application of excessive external force to the arm portion 6b.

[0047] Furthermore, because the length of the floating body side wire sections 5a, 5a can be easily and quickly adjusted, for example, the wire member 5 can be wound up with the winch 57 to lift the floating body section 2 from the sea surface S, making it easy and quick to put the floating body section 2 in a state where it is not affected by waves. This makes it possible to put the floating body section 2 in a state where it is not affected by waves, for example, in emergencies such as rough weather caused by strong waves, thereby suppressing damage and malfunction of the wave power generation device 1.

[0048] In response to such emergencies, it is preferable to use a wire drive system that performs the winding and unwinding of the wire member 5 using driving force from a drive source, rather than a configuration in which the wire member 5 is wound up and unwound by human hands. In this case, by providing the wave power generation device 1 with a control unit that controls the operation of the wire drive system and a communication unit for receiving control commands from an external source, the winding and unwinding of the wire member 5 can be performed remotely from a management center or the like. This makes it possible to wind up the wire member 5 and lift the floating body 2 from the sea surface S without workers having to visit the site of the wave power generation device 1, so that the floating body 2 is not affected by waves. Furthermore, when conditions return to normal, the wire member 5 can be unwound and the floating body 2 can float on the sea surface S, and power generation can be started without workers having to visit the site of the wave power generation device 1. Details of the control unit and communication unit will be described later.

[0049] Furthermore, if the wave power generator 1 is equipped with a detection unit to detect emergencies, even without a communication unit, the control unit may rewind the wire member 5 based on the detection result of the wave power generator 1's detection unit to lift the floating body 2 from the sea surface S, thereby making the floating body 2 unaffected by waves. The detection unit may also detect whether the situation has returned to normal, and based on the detection result of the wave power generator 1's detection unit, the control unit may unwind the wire member 5 to float the floating body 2 on the sea surface S and start generating electricity. Such a detection unit and control unit can, for example, detect that an abnormal situation or emergency has occurred when the amount of electricity generated by the power generation unit 4 reaches an abnormal value that deviates from a predetermined amount of electricity. The control unit may utilize, for example, AI.

[0050] Furthermore, if the movement of the counterweight 3 is linked to the movement of the floating body 2 in a one-to-one ratio, then if the vertical movement range of the floating body 2 is, for example, about 6m, then the counterweight 3 must also be configured to move vertically within a range of about 6m. In this case, the wave power generation device 1 of this embodiment is configured such that the counterweight 3 is suspended by a second fixed pulley 52 of the main frame 6a installed on the coast 80. As a result, the height of the main frame 6a exceeds 6m, making it a very large structure.

[0051] Therefore, in this embodiment, a movement amount conversion unit is provided to ensure that the amount of movement of the counterweight 3 is less than the amount of vertical movement of the floating body 2. Specifically, the movement amount conversion unit in this embodiment includes a movable pulley 58 around which the weight-side wire portion 5b (weight-suspending portion) of the wire member 5 that suspends the counterweight 3 is wrapped. More specifically, the pulley shafts of multiple movable pulleys 58 are rotatably attached to the counterweight 3, and the weight-side wire portion 5b (weight-suspending portion) of the wire member 5 that suspends the counterweight 3 is wrapped around multiple second fixed pulleys 52 provided on the main frame portion 6a and multiple movable pulleys 58 provided on the counterweight 3.

[0052] More specifically, three movable pulleys 58 are attached to each side of the counterweight 3, for a total of six movable pulleys 58. In addition, two second fixed pulleys 52 are attached to the upper frame of the main frame 6a for each movable pulley 58. On each side of the counterweight 3, the weight-side wire portion 5b of the wire member 5 is looped around one of the two second fixed pulleys 52 corresponding to the first movable pulley 58, folded downwards, looped around the same movable pulley 58 and folded upwards, then looped around the other second fixed pulley 52, and finally looped around one of the two second fixed pulleys corresponding to the next movable pulley 58 (the second movable pulley 58). Through this repetition, the end of the weight-side wire portion 5b that is looped around the other second fixed pulley 52 corresponding to the last movable pulley 58 (the third movable pulley 58) is connected to the winch 57.

[0053] With this configuration, each movable pulley 58 can reduce the amount of movement of the counterweight 3 to half the amount of vertical movement of the floating body 2. In this embodiment, the three movable pulleys 58 can reduce the amount of movement of the counterweight 3 to one-sixth the amount of vertical movement of the floating body 2. As a result, even if the vertical movement range of the floating body 2 is, for example, about 6m, the movement range of the counterweight 3 is only about 1m, so the height of the main frame 6a can be reduced. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the required weight of the counterweight 3 can also be reduced to one-sixth by the three movable pulleys 58. As a result, the overall weight of the wave power generation device 1 can be suppressed, and the wave power generation device 1 can be made lighter.

[0054] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, two floating wire sections 5a, 5a (floating section suspension sections) are connected to the floating section 2, and each wire is connected to the counterweight 3 via a movable pulley 58. Therefore, movable pulleys are required in sets. Following this explanation, with one set of movable pulleys, the amount of movement of the counterweight 3 can be reduced to half of the amount of vertical movement of the floating section 2, and the weight of the counterweight 3 can be reduced to half of the required weight. Similarly, if two sets (two stages) of movable pulleys 58 are provided, the amount of movement of the counterweight 3 can be reduced to half of the amount of vertical movement of the floating section 2, and the weight of the counterweight 3 can be reduced to one-quarter of the required weight.

[0055] The number of movable pulleys 58 and the method of combining the movable pulleys 58 with the second fixed pulley 52 (the method of passing the wire members) can be set as appropriate.

[0056] To reduce the frictional resistance of the wire member 5 generated during the operation of the wave power generation device 1, the pulleys that guide the wire member 5, such as the first constant pulley 51 and the movable pulley 58, have bearings built into their rotating shafts. Furthermore, since the tension of the wire member during operation is approximately 25 kg to 50 kg, it is desirable that the breaking load of the wire member 5 be at least five times that. Moreover, it is desirable to use a wire member 5 with a breaking load of 650 kg, which is approximately 13 times that tension.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the movement conversion unit that ensures the movement amount of the counterweight 3 is less than the vertical movement amount of the floating body 2 utilizes a movable pulley 58, but it is not limited to this configuration. For example, other configurations are also possible, such as the one shown in Figure 8 that utilizes this principle.

[0058] The configuration shown in Figure 8 includes an arm portion 6b' which extends upward from a pivot point 6c' provided on the main frame portion 6a' of the device frame 6' toward the sea surface S, and a second arm portion 6d' which extends from the pivot point 6c' in the opposite direction to the arm portion 6b'. The arm portion 6b' and the second arm portion 6d' are an integrated structure and are configured to rotate around the pivot point 6c'. A winch 57' is provided on the arm portion 6b', and a wire member 5 (floating body side wire portion 5a) is lowered from this winch 57', and the floating body portion 2 is connected to the tip of the floating body side wire portion 5a, thereby suspending the floating body portion 2. On the other hand, the counterweight 3 is provided on the second arm portion 6d'.

[0059] In the configuration shown in Figure 8, the floating body 2 moves up and down in conjunction with the displacement (vertical movement) of the sea surface S, and the arm section 6b' and the second arm section 6d' rotate (oscillate) around the pivot point 6c'. Therefore, the power generation unit 4 is configured to receive the rotational force of the arm section 6b' and the second arm section 6d' around the pivot point 6c' as input to the power generation input shaft 56, thereby generating electricity in conjunction with the vertical movement of the floating body 2.

[0060] In the configuration shown in Figure 8, the length of the arm 6b' that suspends the floating body 2 (the length from the pivot point 6c' to the winch 57') is set to be longer than the length of the second arm 6d' that supports the counterweight 3 (the length from the pivot point 6c' to the support position of the counterweight 3). This allows the amount of movement of the counterweight 3 to be less than the amount of vertical movement of the floating body 2 by an amount corresponding to the ratio of the length of the arm 6b' to the length of the second arm 6d'.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, a wire tensioner 60 is provided so that the wire member 5 can maintain a predetermined tension. This wire tensioner 60 is configured to apply tension to the intermediate wire portions 5c, 5c that are wrapped around the power generation pulley 53.

[0062] Specifically, it consists of a long rotating part 61 that is rotatably attached to both ends of the pulley shaft 54 ​​of the power generation fixed pulley 53, a tension pulley 62 that is rotatably provided at one end of the rotating part 61, and a compression spring 63 that is attached between a boss part 61a provided at the other end of the rotating part 61 and the main frame part 6a of the device frame 6. When the wire member 5 loosens and the tension decreases, the biasing force of the compression spring 63 causes the rotating part 61 to rotate around the pulley shaft 54 ​​in a predetermined direction (clockwise in Figure 9), and the tension pulley 62 provided at one end of the rotating part 61 pushes in the intermediate wire portion 5c, increasing the tension of the intermediate wire portion 5c. On the other hand, when a large tension is generated in the wire member 5, the tension pulley 62 that is pushing the wire member 5 is pushed back, and the rotating part 61 rotates around the pulley shaft 54 ​​in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction (counterclockwise in Figure 9) against the biasing force of the compression spring 63, thereby weakening the tension in the intermediate wire portion 5c. This makes it possible to stabilize the tension in the intermediate wire portion 5c within a certain range.

[0063] In this embodiment, the wave power generation device 1 is preferably installed and used by arranging them at approximately equal intervals on the coast (seawall) 80, for example, as shown in Figure 10. In a wave power generation system consisting of multiple wave power generation devices 1 in this manner, it is preferable to arrange the wave power generation devices 1 as close together as possible in order to obtain a larger amount of power.

[0064] From a safety perspective, it is preferable to ensure that the distance between wave power generator 1 and other adjacent wave power generator 1 is greater than or equal to the width of wave power generator 1 in the direction of spacing. On the other hand, in order to install more wave power generators 1 in a limited space, the aforementioned spacing can be made narrower than the aforementioned width of wave power generator 1. For example, they can be arranged at intervals of about 1 / 4 or 1 / 5 of the width of wave power generator 1. Furthermore, the spacing between wave power generators 1 may be equal or uneven. For example, the spacing between wave power generator 1A and wave power generator 1B may be about 1 / 4 of the width of wave power generator 1, while the spacing between wave power generator 1B and wave power generator 1C may be wider than 1 / 4 of the width of wave power generator 1.

[0065] However, if the wave power generation devices 1 are placed too close together, the floating body 2 may be swept sideways by the force of the waves, potentially causing problems such as the floating body 2 colliding with the floating body 2 of an adjacent wave power generation device 1, or the wire member 5 connected to the floating body 2 becoming entangled with the wire member of an adjacent wave power generation device 1. To suppress these problems, it is preferable to use a wire drive device that performs the winding and unwinding of the wire member 5 using driving force from a drive source, rather than a configuration in which the winding and unwinding of the wire member 5 is performed manually by a human, as described above. In this case, as shown in Figure 11, when the floating body 2 is swept out of a predetermined set range T, the control unit that controls the operation of the wire drive device can wind up the wire member 5 to return the floating body 2 to the predetermined set range.

[0066] [Variation] Next, a modified example of the wave power generation device 1 in the above-described embodiment will be explained. The wave power generation device 1 in the above-described embodiment is installed and used on the coast 80, which is land at the water's edge. However, the wave power generation device 1 in this modified example is installed and used on a ship, which is an external structure that is an external base located on the sea surface S.

[0067] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a ship 90 on which multiple wave power generation devices 1 are installed on a floating hull 91. In this modified example, the wave power generation device 1 has the main frame portion 6a of the device frame 6 installed on the hull 91, and the arm portion 6b extending from the main frame portion 6a is installed so as to be above the sea surface S. Since the wave power generation device 1 of this modified example is installed on the hull 91 of the ship 90, it is preferable that its dimensions and shape match the cargo specifications (e.g., container specifications) of the ship 90.

[0068] As shown in this modified example, by arranging the wave power generator 1 on the ship 90, it is possible to move the wave power generator 1 to the desired location and start generating power immediately, or to generate power with the wave power generator 1 while the ship is moving.

[0069] In this modified example, the wave power generator 1 is installed on a ship floating on the sea surface S. However, it is not limited to this, and one or any number of wave power generators 1 may be installed on a floating body moored by wires or ropes to an external structure located below the sea surface (underwater) (for example, a support member fixed to the seabed). The external structure located below the sea surface (underwater) may be, for example, an underwater structure such as an artificial reef, or an unfixed weight such as an anchor.

[0070] The wave power generation device 1 of this embodiment (including modified versions; the same applies hereinafter) may be equipped with devices, members, etc. other than the components of the wave power generation device 1. For example, the wave power generation device 1 may be equipped with a solar panel as a means of solar power generation. The electricity generated by the solar panel after receiving sunlight may be output from the wave power generation device 1 together with the electricity generated by the wave power generation device 1, or it may be output or used separately from the electricity generated by the wave power generation device 1.

[0071] The wave power generation device 1 of this embodiment is not limited to solar power generation means; devices and components may be appropriately mounted depending on the purpose. For example, various sensors such as a geomagnetic (direction) sensor, acceleration sensor, gyro sensor, GPS, etc., or a communication device may be mounted. Furthermore, by mounting a sensor to detect the state of the wave power generation device 1 (such as an operational abnormality) and transmitting the sensor detection result (such as the operational abnormality detection result) to an external source via communication of the communication device, the state of each wave power generation device 1 can be monitored and managed from a remote location.

[0072] Furthermore, the electricity generated by the wave power generator 1 in this embodiment may be used, for example, to produce next-generation energy such as hydrogen, and then transported to another location in the form of next-generation energy. For example, a hydrogen generation unit (such as an electrolytic cell) that uses the electricity generated by the wave power generator 1 to electrolyze water (seawater) and produce hydrogen may be connected to the output unit of the wave power generator 1. Also, the electricity generated by the wave power generator 1 in this embodiment may be consumed by other equipment without being stored, for example.

[0073] Figure 13 shows a top view and a side cross-sectional view of a floating wave power generation device that performs wave power generation on the water. The floating wave power generator shown in Figure 13 is a hemispherical floating wave power generator in which the floating body housing has a hemispherical shape. The hemispherical floating wave power generator is equipped with three units identical to the wave power generator 1 described in Figures 1 to 3. Each wave power generator 1 has a floating body 2 that floats on the water surface and a wire member 5 that connects this floating body 2 to a counterweight 3. The number of wave power generators 1 to be installed is not limited to three. There may be two or four units. The number of wave power generators to be installed is largely determined by the physical size of the hemispherical floating wave power generator. If the diameter is about 10m, it is possible to install about six to eight units.

[0074] The hemispherical floating wave power generator has a hemispherical base, making it prone to tilting and swaying when subjected to waves and wind. When the left side of the main body tilts downwards, as illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, the distance between the left floating section 2 and the floating wave power generator shortens, causing the counterweight 3 inside the main body of the floating wave power generator to lower. As a result of this movement, the wire member 5 rotates the power generation input shaft 56, generating electricity. Conversely, the distance between the right floating section 2 and the floating wave power generator increases, causing the counterweight 3 inside the main body of the floating wave power generator to rise. In this case, even if there are no waves on the water surface, electricity is generated when the floating wave power generator tilts and sways due to wind or other factors. Of course, electricity is also generated by the up-and-down movement of the floating section 2 caused by waves.

[0075] The electricity generated by the power generation unit 4 is stored in a built-in battery, which is a power storage means located inside the floating wave power generation device. In addition to being stored in the built-in battery, the electricity generated by the power generation unit 4 can also be stored in a large external battery located on land via a power transmission cable. The other end of the power transmission cable, one end of which is connected to the external battery on land, may be directly connected to the power generation unit 4 located inside the wave power generation device, or it may be indirectly connected via a connector. Figure 15 shows an indirect connection via a connector.

[0076] The internal and external batteries are rechargeable batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. For the control rechargeable battery that supplies power to the entire control system, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, LiFePO4 batteries, lead-acid batteries, and NAS batteries can be used. Among these, lithium-ion batteries and LiFePO4 batteries (LiFePO4 batteries), a type of lithium-ion battery, are preferable because they have a fast charging speed and a compact size.

[0077] LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries use lithium iron phosphate as the positive electrode material, graphite as the negative electrode material, and lithium salt as the electrolyte. LiFePO4 batteries are remarkably safe because of the stable PO bonds in their crystalline structure. Unlike lithium cobalt oxide, which decomposes by generating strong oxidizing substances under high temperatures and overcharging conditions, LiFePO4 batteries rarely decompose at high temperatures or spontaneously ignite. They are also less prone to thermal runaway and can maintain a cool temperature even at high room temperatures.

[0078] In addition to safety, LiFePO4 batteries offer a long lifespan; standard certified batteries maintain 80% DOD up to 2000 cycles, and in reality, they can last up to 10,000 cycles. Furthermore, LiFePO4 batteries are lighter and less cumbersome than lead-acid batteries, while still providing more energy. Their discharge and charge efficiency is also improved, exceeding 90%, surpassing Ni-MH and Ni-Cd batteries. Because LiFePO4 batteries do not suffer from the memory effect, they often operate without complete discharge, unlike rechargeable batteries that quickly fall below their rated capacity; they can be used regardless of their condition.

[0079] LiFePO4 batteries have large capacities ranging from 6Ah to 1000Ah per unit. Furthermore, LiFePO4 batteries are environmentally friendly, free from heavy metals and rare metals such as gold, silver, copper, iron, mercury, lead, cadmium, francium, radium, and polonium. They are non-toxic and pollution-free, and are sometimes called green batteries. Thus, LiFePO4 batteries offer excellent reliability and safety as backup power sources during power outages and emergencies, with a long cycle life and the ability to supply power for extended periods.

[0080] The upper surface of the hemispherical floating wave power generator is fitted with lighting equipment, radar equipment, and perovskite-type solar panels. Additionally, a fish finder and sonar are installed in the submerged portion of the hemispherical floating wave power generator.

[0081] Adding collision avoidance measures (reflective materials that reflect light or electromagnetic waves, or light-emitting means such as red or yellow) to wave power generation devices can be highly effective in preventing collisions with other ships or aircraft.

[0082] Reflective materials that reflect light and electromagnetic waves can be used to install collision prevention measures on wave power generators. For example, a belt-shaped fluorescent light-reflecting material with a width of about 50 to 80 cm can be attached to the entire circumference of the wave power generator. If this belt-shaped light-reflecting material is made of metal (zinc, copper, or iron), it will reflect electromagnetic waves, allowing radar on ships and airplanes to detect the presence of the wave power generator. Furthermore, attaching any number of belt-shaped reflective materials at intervals around the outer circumference of the power generator can enhance visibility and electromagnetic wave reflection. The belt-shaped reflective material can also be attached horizontally or at an angle. Applying or painting with high-luminosity phosphorescent material is also effective for safety reasons to improve visibility at night. If a high-luminosity phosphorescent material, such as Night Concierge from humorous Co., Ltd., is applied to the top or main body of the wave power generator, it can store light from sunlight during the day and emit high-luminosity light at night. The luminescence time is approximately 12 hours.

[0083] Figure 14 shows a top view and a side cross view of a floating wave power generator that performs wave power generation on the water. The floating wave power generator in Figure 14 is a spherical floating wave power generator in which the floating housing has a spherical shape. In the spherical floating wave power generator shown in Figure 14, a large portion of the top surface of the wave power generator 1 is covered by a hemispherical cover, thereby enhancing safety. A perovskite type solar panel is attached to the surface of the hemispherical cover. In addition, a fish finder and sonar are installed in the part of the spherical floating wave power generator that is submerged in water.

[0084] Aside from the spherical shape of the floating structure, it has the same configuration as the hemispherical floating wave power generator shown in Figure 13. A key feature of floating wave power generators, compared to land-based wave power generators shown in Figures 1 to 3, is that they are not limited by installation location. In other words, they offer the advantage of being able to install a considerable number of floating wave power generators in large areas such as the sea or lakes.

[0085] Figure 15 illustrates a technique for fixing the position of a floating wave power generator on the water by mooring it to a mooring means. This includes the hemispherical floating wave power generator shown in Figure 13, the spherical floating wave power generator shown in Figure 14, or other floating wave power generators that generate electricity using wave power by incorporating a power generator within a floating body that floats on the water. The mooring means's support column is fixed at one end to the seabed, and the other end protrudes above the water. A buoyant float is movably attached to the support column and moves up and down with the rise and fall of the water surface. A retaining mechanism is provided at the end of the support column that protrudes above the water to mechanically prevent the float from coming off. The floating wave power generator and the mooring means are connected by a mooring rope. One end of the mooring rope is detachably fixed to a part of the floating wave power generator housing, and the other end is detachably fixed to the support column of the mooring means.

[0086] When the electricity generated by the wave power generator 1 mounted on the floating wave power generator is used to charge an external battery installed on land, the floating wave power generator and the external battery are electrically connected by a power transmission cable. The power transmission cable consists of a first power transmission cable, one end of which is connected to the power generation unit 4 located inside the floating wave power generator and the other end of which has a connector that is detachably connected to a power transmission connector, and a second power transmission cable, one end of which is detachably connected to a power transmission connector and the other end of which is detachably connected to an external battery installed on land. The length of the first power transmission cable is approximately the same as the length of the mooring rope, and a portion of it is located above the water. The length of the second power transmission cable is sufficient to match the distance between the mooring means and the location where the external battery is installed, and most of the intermediate portion between the two ends is located underwater.

[0087] Figure 15 illustrates a fixed mooring system in which one end of the mooring means is fixed to the seabed. However, instead of fixing it to the seabed, a semi-fixed mooring system may be used, in which a weight or anchor of sufficient weight is used on the seabed side of the mooring means to partially fix it to the seabed. In the case of a semi-fixed mooring system, the support column can be replaced with a rope, and a rope of sufficient length corresponding to the water depth, with a weight or anchor attached to one end of the rope, can be used to realize this. The aforementioned float can remain afloat on the water surface by inserting the rope into the opening provided in the float. Furthermore, by providing the aforementioned power transmission connector on the float, the floating wave power generation device and an external battery installed on land can be electrically connected with a power transmission cable.

[0088] By using fixed or semi-fixed mooring means to moor floating wave power generators at any position on the water, the constraints on the installation location of wave power generators are reduced, making it possible to install a larger number of wave power generators in a wider range of locations.

[0089] Furthermore, the floating wave power generation device shown in Figure 15 has an illumination means that emits light to illuminate the surroundings, and an antenna for transmitting various data obtained from control means, sensor means, GPS device (Global Positioning System), etc., installed inside the floating wave power generation device to the outside. In addition, the floating wave power generation devices shown in Figures 15 and 16 have a wave power generation device control system shown in Figure 18 inside. The illumination control unit of the wave power generation device control means controls the on / off, illumination intensity, and color change of the illumination means installed in the floating wave power generation device based on time information from the time management unit. For example, it controls the illumination means to be lit from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. the next day, and to increase the illumination intensity and make it blink from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day.

[0090] Furthermore, the wave power generation device control system can transmit internal information and fault diagnosis information managed by the management control unit, environmental information such as seawater temperature, tidal current information (output of tidal current sensor) and wave height information (output of wave height sensor) collected by the environmental observation unit, charge status information of the built-in battery, and location information detected by the GPS terminal to the management base that manages the floating wave power generation devices via the communication control unit and antenna. The management base can grasp the current location information of each floating wave power generation device, the surrounding environmental information of each floating wave power generation device, and internal information including the charge status of the built-in battery, and take necessary actions. For example, if the built-in battery has stored a predetermined amount of power, it can recover the stored power or replace the built-in battery. Also, if a malfunction is detected in the internal equipment of a floating wave power generation device, maintenance vessels and workers can go to the location where the floating wave power generation device is moored based on GPS information to replace or repair the internal equipment. Furthermore, the environmental information collected by each floating wave power generator can be transmitted and shared with fishing vessels at sea and with fisheries cooperatives.

[0091] Figure 16 shows a floating wave power generator moored to a movable water anchor. The floating wave power generator is either the hemispherical floating wave power generator shown in Figure 13, the spherical floating wave power generator shown in Figure 14, or other floating wave power generators that have a power generation device built into a floating body on the water and generate electricity using wave power. The floating wave power generator is moored to a water anchor floating on the water with mooring ropes so that it can be attached and detached, while in a state where it can generate wave power on the water.

[0092] The surface anchor is a self-propelled water robot that has a propulsion system consisting of multiple propellers, a float section for floating on the water, a lighting system for indicating its position to the outside, a control unit installed inside the surface anchor, a built-in battery installed inside the surface anchor, an antenna (not shown), and a GPS device installed inside the surface anchor. A fish finder and sonar are also installed in the submerged part of the surface robot. The surface anchor, being a self-propelled water robot, can move to or stay in any location while recognizing its position with the GPS device, by driving the internal motor with the energy of the internal battery under the control of the internal control unit.

[0093] The control unit drives multiple propellers individually, allowing the self-propelled water robot to move in any direction. For example, even if the floating wave power generator is carried away by wind or waves, the self-propelled robot can automatically return to its original position and stay there. For example, it can stay or move to a mooring location on the water identified by arbitrary latitude and longitude information stored in the control unit. By electrically connecting the self-propelled robot's internal battery to the internal battery of the floating wave power generator with a conductive cable, the self-propelled water robot can move or stay in any location semi-permanently.

[0094] The control system for the self-propelled water robot can be a modified version of the wave power generation device control system shown in Figure 18. Specifically, a propulsion control unit for controlling the propulsion means is attached to a spare unit of the wave power generation device control system shown in Figure 18. In this case, the current location information is obtained from a GPS terminal connected to the communication control unit, and based on the target location information stored in the RAM, which is the memory of the overall control system, the propulsion control unit drives the multiple propellers, which are the propulsion means, to move to or remain at the target location.

[0095] A floating wave power generator, moored to a self-propelled watercraft, generates electricity and charges its built-in battery while remaining stationary inside or outside a harbor. A charge / discharge / power transmission control unit manages the battery's charge status, and upon detecting that a predetermined amount of power has been stored, it can autonomously return to the management base that oversees the floating wave power generator, based on the control of an artificial intelligence control unit. At the management base, the charged battery is removed and replaced with an uncharged battery, or power is extracted from the charged battery and moved to a large battery storage system located at the base. In the event of an emergency, such as an approaching typhoon, the management base can send instructions via an antenna and communication control unit to the self-propelled watercraft, or to the control system built into the floating wave power generator connected to the self-propelled watercraft by a rope, to evacuate to the management base. When the built-in battery of a floating wave power generator becomes uncharged, a self-propelled water robot moves it to a designated charging location, where it remains and generates wave power.

[0096] Figure 17 illustrates an image of a floating power station constructed by arranging multiple floating wave power generators over a wide area of ​​the open sea or outside a harbor. Each floating wave power generator may be a floating wave power generator moored to a mooring means as shown in Figure 15, or a floating wave power generator that is detachably connected by ropes to a self-propelled water robot as shown in Figure 16.

[0097] Furthermore, the floating wave power generation device may be one other than the floating wave power generation device shown in Figures 15 and 16. For example, it may be a pendulum-type wave power generation device in which a weight is arranged to swing like a pendulum inside the main body of the floating wave power generation device, and wave power generation is performed by the swinging force of the weight, or a gyro-type floating wave power generation device. It may also be the two-axis oscillating wave power generation device disclosed in the specification and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-202135 filed by the applicant on November 29, 2023. Furthermore, all the technologies disclosed in the specification and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-202135, as well as connecting means for detachably connecting wave power generation devices, transport ships for carrying and moving multiple wave power generation devices, transport ships for multiple rows of wave power generation device assemblies, land-based management facilities for wave power generation devices, floating power station concepts and their realization technologies, etc., can be combined with all the inventions, technologies, and embodiments disclosed in this specification.

[0098] Furthermore, each floating wave power generation device used to construct the floating power station shown in Figure 17 may be a multi-cylinder type wave power generation device disclosed in the specification and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-005563, filed by the applicant on January 17, 2024. For example, if power cells consisting of a hemispherical floating wave power generation device shown in Figure 13, which has a diameter of approximately 7m, or a spherical buoyancy power generation device shown in Figure 14, are connected at intervals of 10m and deployed in a 10km square area of ​​sea, the amount of electricity generated will be equivalent to that of approximately 10 nuclear power plants. A floating power station is a structure in which numerous power cells that convert wave energy into electricity are deployed on the water, such as this 10km square package.

[0099] There are two types of floating power stations. The first type of floating power station is one in which floating wave power generators are used as individual power cells, and the main power storage device, the main battery, is not built into the housing of the floating wave power generator. The floating wave power generators that make up the first type of floating power station have a built-in control system for controlling the floating wave power generator, and therefore may have a built-in power storage device to supply power to the control system. However, even if a power storage device to supply power to the control system is built-in, most of the electrical energy generated by the power generator is stored in the main battery, which is located outside the housing of the floating wave power generator. In the first type of floating power station, the electrical energy generated by each power module can be stored in a large floating main battery or a floating main battery that uses a liquid battery suitable for large power storage devices as the power storage device, via a power transmission cable.

[0100] The second type of floating power station is a floating wave power station in which each floating wave power generator is a power cell, with the primary energy storage means, a battery, built into the housing of the floating wave power generator. In the second type of floating power station, there is no need to install a large energy storage means to store the electricity generated by multiple power cells, so the overall configuration of the power station can be simplified.

[0101] A floating power station deployed on the sea or offshore is called an offshore power station. Because floating power stations require a certain amount of installation space, it is more practical to install them on the sea or offshore rather than on lakes or rivers. Therefore, in most cases, a floating power station is an offshore power station. Even when the term "floating power station" is used in this specification, it often refers to an offshore power station.

[0102] Each floating wave power generator (power cell) comprises a wave power generation means, a control unit, a power storage means for the control unit, a housing that encloses them, a connector that serves as a connecting means provided on the housing, a waterproof conductive cable that serves as a power extraction means for extracting the power generated by the wave power generation means to the outside of the housing, and a waterproof cable connector connected to this waterproof conductive cable. A portion of the electrical energy generated by the wave power generation means within the floating wave power generator (power cell) is stored in the power storage means for the control unit, but most of the electrical energy generated by the wave power generation means is stored in a power storage means installed outside the housing of the floating wave power generator (power cell) via a waterproof conductive cable. The power generation means built into each individual floating wave power generator is electrically connected to a power storage means provided outside the housing by a detachable waterproof conductive cable in order to store the generated power in the power storage means provided outside the housing.

[0103] Each individual floating wave power generator is detachably connected to other floating wave power generators (power cells) by detachable connecting means (connecting ropes with carabiners at both ends). A gap of approximately 6 meters is maintained between each power cell to prevent collisions between them. This gap also ensures that each power cell has enough space to swing freely without interference from the presence of other power cells.

[0104] Furthermore, to prevent the floating power station from drifting due to currents, the floating wave power generation equipment constituting the floating power station is detachably moored to multiple mooring means, each having one end fixed to the seabed. It is desirable to moor at least all four corners of the floating power station to the mooring means. The floating power station can be moored with just one or two mooring means. However, it is desirable to moor all four corners of the floating power station to the mooring means, and to provide mooring means for each individual floating battery and hydrogen production vessel. While moored to the mooring means, the hydrogen production vessel obtains electrical energy from batteries located outside the vessel and uses that electricity to electrolyze freshwater or seawater to produce hydrogen. In other words, the hydrogen production vessel can continuously and stably produce hydrogen while moored and stationary at sea (without consuming energy for movement), by obtaining electrical energy from batteries that are also moored and stationary at sea.

[0105] Thus, in a floating power station, multiple floating wave power generators, each having a wave power generation device and constituting a power cell, are physically dispersed and detachably connected to a floating battery, which is the main floating energy storage means, by detachable connecting means and detachable waterproof conductive cables. Therefore, in the event of severe weather such as a typhoon, multiple wave power generators can be moved at high speed to a land-based management facility for evacuation by being loaded onto an electric twin-hulled wave power generator mother ship disclosed in the specification and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-202135 or a transport ship with a lifting flap.

[0106] Figure 18 illustrates the control system installed inside wave power generator 1 and floating wave power generator. The control system illustrated in Figure 18 is a general-purpose control system that can be used in various wave power generation devices and the aforementioned self-propelled watercraft, although the details may differ depending on the configuration of the equipment using this control system.

[0107] The control system shown in Figure 18 consists of several control units, which will be explained below.

[0108] The overall control unit includes ROM, a non-volatile memory means for storing and reading programs; a CPU, an arithmetic means for executing programs; and RAM, a volatile memory means for writing and reading data. The CPU of the overall control unit may incorporate a processor having an 8-bit, 16-bit, or 32-bit floating-point arithmetic unit suitable for learning processing. When a processor with a 32-bit floating-point arithmetic unit is incorporated into the control system of the wave power generator 1 or the floating wave power generator, advanced artificial intelligence functions such as natural language speech conversation and natural language text generation can be realized at high speed. On the other hand, when a processor with an 8-bit or 16-bit floating-point arithmetic unit is incorporated into the control system of the floating wave power generator, learning processing and artificial intelligence functions can be provided with low power consumption, making it more suitable as artificial intelligence to be built into the wave power generator 1.

[0109] Even if the overall control unit does not have artificial intelligence capabilities, its CPU incorporates an 8-bit, 16-bit, or 32-bit processor. When a 32-bit processor is incorporated into the overall control unit of a floating wave power generation device, it can execute and process programs written in 32 bits at high speed. On the other hand, when an 8-bit or 16-bit processor is incorporated into the overall control unit, it can execute and process programs with low power consumption and low heat generation, making it more suitable as a processor to be built into a wave power generation device.

[0110] Furthermore, it also incorporates an operating system, which is system software that governs the operation of the computer system, and firmware, which is software for controlling the computer system that is pre-written into integrated circuits such as ROM and built into the device.

[0111] The power supply for this entire control system is provided by a rechargeable battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. Nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, LiFePO4 batteries, lead-acid batteries, and NAS batteries can be used as the control battery supplying power to the entire control system. Among these, lithium-ion batteries and LiFePO4 batteries (a type of lithium-ion battery) are preferred because of their fast charging speed and compact size. Lithium-ion batteries used in automobiles can be repurposed for wave power generation devices. Generally, lithium-ion batteries used in EVs (electric vehicles) degrade with use, and when their charging capacity drops to about 80%, they are replaced with new lithium-ion batteries. The resulting used lithium-ion batteries (with reduced charging capacity) can be used in wave power generation devices or floating energy storage devices, as described later. Furthermore, as shown in the diagram, this overall control system is interconnected with various control blocks such as the communication control unit and the operation control unit via bus lines, allowing for bidirectional transmission of data, instructions, and response signals.

[0112] The artificial intelligence unit can also be stored as a program in a storage device such as ROM or RAM within the overall control unit. Alternatively, it may be built within the overall control system of the power generation device as an artificial intelligence unit having a CPU, ROM, and RAM separate from the overall control unit. When an artificial intelligence unit is installed inside the wave power generation device 1 or the floating wave power generation device, it is desirable to also install machine learning data related to a specific function, multiple machine learning data related to different functions, and one or more trained models that make decisions based on the trained data within the wave power generation device. In this case, the wave power generation device 1 or the floating wave power generation device can autonomously predict danger and stop the operation of the wave power generation device 1 or the floating wave power generation device if, for example, the generated power becomes abnormally large or the floating section 2 is swaying abnormally.

[0113] On the other hand, the artificial intelligence unit can also be installed outside the wave power generator 1 or the floating wave power generator, that is, at a land-based management facility, a shipboard management facility, or on the cloud. In that case, the artificial intelligence unit can communicate with the aforementioned overall control unit installed inside the wave power generator 1 or the floating wave power generator, as well as with the individual control units installed inside the wave power generator 1 or the floating wave power generator, via the communication control unit described later. This allows the artificial intelligence, located far from the wave power generator 1 or the floating wave power generator, to remotely control the wave power generator 1 or the floating wave power generator. In this case, the burden of power consumption by the artificial intelligence, the accumulation of large amounts of machine learning data to enhance the functionality of the artificial intelligence, and the storage of multiple trained models with different functions can be carried out in a remote location outside the wave power generator.

[0114] The artificial intelligence unit may have functions for generating natural language information, decoding natural language information, recognizing images captured by cameras or sent from external sources, and natural language conversation functions for voice generation and voice recognition. In such cases, a monitoring center on land or on a ship can ask the artificial intelligence unit of the wave power generation device on the water about the operating status of the power generation unit 4, the charge status of the built-in secondary battery, etc., using voice and language information, and can also issue operational instructions to the power generation device 1 and various devices connected to the control system of the floating wave power generation device.

[0115] The AI ​​CPU in the artificial intelligence unit incorporates a processor with an 8-bit, 16-bit, or 32-bit floating-point arithmetic unit suitable for learning processing. When a processor with a 32-bit floating-point arithmetic unit is incorporated into the power generation device's control system, advanced AI functions such as natural language speech conversation and conversation using generated text from natural language information can be realized at high speed. On the other hand, when a processor with an 8-bit or 16-bit floating-point arithmetic unit is incorporated into the power generation device's control system, it can provide learning processing and AI functions with low power consumption, making it more suitable as an AI CPU built into the power generation device.

[0116] The artificial intelligence unit enables autonomous control of multiple different functions, such as the autonomous operation of the entire power generation system, autonomous hazard avoidance actions, and autonomous periodic information transmission and reception. To achieve autonomous control of each of these functions, the artificial intelligence unit has machine learning data for each function, and a machine learning model for each function that makes optimal decisions based on past machine learning data and current situation data.

[0117] In the autonomous hazard avoidance actions of a power generation device, for example, if a communication control unit installed on a floating wave power generation device to which a self-propelled watercraft robot is connected by a rope detects the approach of a ship using radar, or if it detects the approach of a typhoon by obtaining various weather information and wave height information from an environmental observation control unit, the system will control the self-propelled watercraft robot to move to a designated location and initiate collision avoidance actions with the ship, typhoon avoidance actions, and notify external parties of the dangerous situation via the communication control unit. The system will autonomously control hazard avoidance actions to ensure safety. It can also emit warning sounds and messages from a speaker to approaching ships, or illuminate and flash red or yellow warning lights to warn approaching ships and aircraft. Furthermore, information about the current dangerous situation (including approaching object images) can be transmitted via a communication control unit to manned control bases on land or control centers on manned vessels. This can also be used to request that the manned control bases on land or the control centers on manned vessels issue warning notifications and request evasive action to approaching ships and aircraft.

[0118] Furthermore, the artificial intelligence unit receives digital data and electrical signals of the actual situation from various sensors installed inside the wave power generator 1 and various devices installed inside and outside the floating wave power generator from the management control unit. Based on the data from the sensors and the digital data and electrical signals from the devices, the unit can predict future failures using a failure prediction trained model, which is based on a vast amount of failure prediction machine learning data from past failures. If a failure is predicted for any of the devices or secondary batteries connected to the control system, the unit will illuminate a warning lamp on the device or secondary battery to warn of the failure, or it will notify the power generation system management center on land or on a ship via the communication control unit described later.

[0119] The communication control unit is connected to various antennas (all or some of the following, including satellite communication antennas, mobile phone base station antennas, 5G communication antennas, 4G communication antennas, short-range communication antennas, Wi-Fi communication antennas, GPS antennas, radar antennas, etc.) installed on wave power generator 1 or floating wave power generator.

[0120] Furthermore, the communication control unit has encryption / decryption means to encrypt and transmit communication information and decrypt received communication information, thereby enhancing the security of communication information. The communication control unit is connected to 5G mobile communication terminals, 4G mobile communication terminals, Wi-Fi communication devices, and satellite communication units.

[0121] The satellite communication unit installed in the communication control unit communicates via satellites in space. Satellites in geostationary orbit 36,000 km above the equator cover all of Japan and its territorial waters. Data is transmitted and received between the antenna (earth station) installed on the floating wave power generator and the satellite. Satellite communication radio waves are known as Ku-band and C-band. The satellite communication band for the vertical-axis wave power generator can be either Ku-band or C-band. The Ku-band (frequency band 10.6~15.7GHz: using the 12.25~12.75GHz frequency band for downlink and the 14.0~14.5GHz frequency band for uplink) has the characteristic of being receivable by small antennas, making it more suitable for satellite communication using a floating wave power generator as a base station.

[0122] The satellite communication unit of a floating wave power generator can transmit and receive voice, images, and digital data to and from satellite communication base stations around the world via multiple communication satellites in space. For example, by connecting to Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX in the United States, satellite internet access becomes possible across almost the entire globe. The main communication base stations that the satellite communication unit of a floating wave power generator, which enables satellite internet access across almost the entire globe, will connect to are communication base stations located at onshore wave power generator management facilities that manage one or more floating wave power generators, communication base stations located on ships, fishing vessels, and military vessels at sea around the world, and any base station located on a floating power generator management vessel at sea that manages one or more floating wave power generators.

[0123] The satellite communication unit of the floating wave power generator can transmit and receive voice, images, and digital data bidirectionally in near real-time with any one or more communication base stations around the world. Specifically, the floating wave power generator can continuously transmit information in near real-time, including weather information such as temperature, weather, and wind direction detected by sensors built into the floating wave power generator, marine information such as wave height, current speed, current direction, and seawater temperature, and position information of ships and aircraft detected by radar installed on the wave power generator, as well as radar images output by the radar.

[0124] If a floating wave power generator is equipped with a fish finder or sonar, it can transmit information about detected fish schools, submarines, and vessels to land-based and ship-based base stations around the world in near real-time.

[0125] When a fish finder is installed on a floating wave power generator or a self-propelled watercraft, it can acquire detection images of nearby fish schools and the seabed and transmit the information to any base station. When sonar is installed on a floating wave power generator or a self-propelled watercraft, it can detect in a 360-degree range, and can freely detect fish schools located to the side or diagonally. It can continuously acquire detection images of fish schools, submarines, and the seabed, not only directly below the generator but also to the side and diagonally, along with time and location information, and transmit the information to any satellite communication base station in near real time. Furthermore, detection information of fish schools and submarines can be recorded in memory means such as RAM of the overall control unit, along with date and time information, location information, water depth information, and fish quantity information. This information can also be learned and analyzed by artificial intelligence to predict encounters with fish schools and submarines, and the results can be transmitted via satellite communication to one or more satellite communication base stations around the world.

[0126] Wave power generation equipment can be equipped with wireless LAN routers (Wi-Fi routers) that connect to satellite communication devices or mobile phone communication devices that can connect to the internet. Wi-Fi stands for "Wireless Fidelity" and is a short-range communication technology that connects devices to the internet. Its characteristic feature is that it connects to the internet wirelessly, and can be used by Wi-Fi-compatible devices and peripherals such as PCs, smartphones (mobile phones), tablets, game consoles, and printers within the range of the radio waves.

[0127] The communication control unit electrically interconnects the internet-connected satellite communication device, internet-connected mobile phone communication device, and wireless LAN router (Wi-Fi router) installed in the wave power generation device, enabling them to communicate with each other. As a result, within an area of ​​several tens of meters centered on the wave power generation device, wireless internet access becomes possible for Wi-Fi-enabled devices and peripherals such as PCs, smartphones (mobile phones), tablets, game consoles, and printers. Furthermore, by arranging multiple wave power generation devices with built-in wireless LAN routers (Wi-Fi routers) at a predetermined distance (a distance at which they can communicate with each other), wireless internet access becomes possible over a wider area.

[0128] The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite positioning system operated by the United States. It uses approximately 30 GPS satellites launched by the United States for military purposes. A GPS antenna and receiver receive signals from several satellites orbiting the Earth, allowing the receiver to determine their current location. By installing this GPS antenna and receiver on a floating wave power generator, the generator can determine its position on Earth in real time with high precision. This GPS receiver is connected to the communication control unit and electrically connected via the control system's internal bus, enabling each control unit constituting the control system to utilize the GPS signal. In particular, the overall control unit, the artificial intelligence unit, the environmental observation control unit, the mobility control unit, and the external option control unit can be interconnected with the GPS receiver, allowing each of these control blocks to utilize the GPS signal in real time.

[0129] A floating wave power generator can be equipped with a radar with an output of approximately 5kW (it may be less than 5kW or more than 5kW), and this radar can be controlled by a communication control unit. Since the communication control unit is electrically connected via the control system's internal bus, each control unit constituting the control system can connect to the radar. Specifically, the overall control unit, artificial intelligence unit, environmental observation control unit, mobility control unit, and external option control unit can utilize the radar, playing an important role in enabling the floating wave power generator to take hazard avoidance actions.

[0130] As explained above, the communication control unit can send and receive data between the wave power generator and any communication equipment worldwide via satellite communication networks and 4G / 5G mobile communication networks. As a result, the wave power generator can be remotely controlled and remotely diagnosed from land-based locations and offshore locations on ships at sea around the world. Firmware and operating system updates located within the overall control unit and artificial intelligence control unit of the wave power generator can be performed remotely. Not only software, but also hardware such as lighting and radar installed on the floating wave power generator can be turned ON / OFF, and digital and image data output by radar and other devices can be accessed from any location in the world.

[0131] Furthermore, the communication control unit can remotely diagnose and predict faults by connecting the floating wave power generator with any communication equipment worldwide via satellite communication networks and 4G / 5G mobile communication networks. Specifically, by sending and receiving digital data and electrical signals from the management control unit, various sensors installed within the wave power generator, various devices installed inside the wave power generator (control system, secondary battery, motor, lighting means, antenna, etc.) and various devices installed outside (lighting means, fish finder, sonar, radar, self-propelled watercraft, solar panels, etc.), it is possible to remotely diagnose faults in various devices and remotely predict future faults based on machine learning of data from past faults.

[0132] Furthermore, the power generation system's control system is equipped not only with a communication control unit but also with a wired communication control unit that performs RS232C serial communication, allowing for wired communication with various devices.

[0133] The charge / discharge / power transmission control unit controls the storage of electrical energy generated by the wave power generator 1 and the floating wave power generator in an internal control secondary battery, and the transmission of the generated electrical energy to a floating energy storage device or an external power grid via power transmission cables connected to the wave power generator 1 and the floating wave power generator. Furthermore, if a solar panel is installed on the floating wave power generator and connected to an external optional control unit, the charge / discharge / power transmission control unit can also charge the control secondary battery or a large-capacity secondary battery built into the wave power generator with a DC voltage using electrical energy converted from solar energy. In other words, the charge / discharge / power transmission control unit also controls the electrical energy generated by the solar panel.

[0134] Furthermore, the charge / discharge / power transmission control unit has an AC / DC converter that converts the alternating current generated by the wave power generator 1 into direct current, and stores electrical energy in a large-capacity secondary battery or a control secondary battery using the direct current. When transmitting the electrical energy generated by the wave power generator to floating energy storage devices outside the generator or to the power grid via a power transmission cable connected to the floating wave power generator, the energy is transmitted in the form of alternating current.

[0135] Wave power generators 1 and floating wave power generators are equipped with control secondary batteries. The large-capacity batteries located outside the enclosure of wave power generators 1 and floating wave power generators are for storing large amounts of electrical energy generated by the power generators, and large-capacity batteries of approximately 15 kWh to 200 kWh are used. The large-capacity secondary batteries are provided in cartridge form, making them replaceable and removable. After being stored to a nearly full capacity, the cartridge-type large-capacity secondary batteries can be removed from the wave power generator and stored on land or on a ship, or the stored electrical energy can be extracted on land or on a ship. The control secondary battery is a secondary battery with the same or smaller capacity as the large-capacity secondary battery. Since high-speed charging and discharging is required, lithium-ion batteries or LiFePO4 batteries, a type of lithium-ion battery, are desirable. The control secondary battery is used to supply electrical energy to the control system of the wave power generation device 1 and to various active means connected to the control system (motor, radar device, fish finder, sonar, camera, satellite communication device, mobile phone base station device, light-emitting device, underwater robot).

[0136] The charge / discharge / power transmission control unit has a charging destination / power transmission destination selection device. Since the wave power generator 1 cannot do anything unless the control system is functioning, the electrical energy generated by the wave power generator 1 is first charged to the control secondary battery by the charging destination / power transmission destination selection device. After that, charging (power transmission) to the large-capacity secondary battery is started via the power transmission cable. Even if the capacity of the control secondary battery falls below a predetermined level, the charging destination / power transmission destination selection device prioritizes charging the control secondary battery over charging (power transmission) to the large-capacity secondary battery. In other words, when the charge of the control secondary battery is above a predetermined level, the charging destination / power transmission destination selection device performs charging (power transmission) to the large-capacity storage battery.

[0137] Since control batteries can also fail or deteriorate, they are cartridge-type and installed in the power generation device for easy replacement. The control batteries and high-capacity batteries are constantly monitored for voltage, insulation status, temperature, and degree of deterioration by the management control unit described later, and replacement is performed as necessary based on the monitoring results. If the management control unit detects an abnormality or failure in the control battery or the high-capacity battery, the use of the battery in question is stopped. For example, if an abnormality or failure is detected in the control battery, the power supply source to the control system of wave power generation device 1 is switched from the control battery to the high-capacity battery, and after the switch, the electrical connection to the control battery is cut off, stopping the use of the control battery. Also, if an abnormality or failure is detected in the high-capacity battery, the storage of electrical energy in the high-capacity battery is stopped as soon as possible.

[0138] Some wave power generation devices do not have a large-capacity secondary battery, and instead transmit the electrical energy generated by the wave power generation device to the onshore power grid via a power transmission cable, or to a large-capacity secondary battery located outside the wave power generation device. In such wave power generation devices, the charge / discharge / power transmission control unit prioritizes charging the control secondary battery over transmitting power to the outside via a power transmission cable.

[0139] The control unit is connected to a keyboard and various switches used by the operator to control the power generation equipment's control system. The keyboard is a device for inputting characters, symbols, and numbers into the overall control unit and the artificial intelligence unit. Conventional keyboards have mechanically operated keycaps, but there is a risk of water seeping into the gaps between the keycaps. It is desirable that the keyboard and various switches inside the wave power generation equipment be waterproof. Therefore, a waterproof touch-panel keyboard is preferable.

[0140] Furthermore, the various switches include a main switch for turning the entire control system of the wave power generator 1 ON / OFF, individual control unit switches for turning individual control units that make up the control system ON / OFF, individual switches for turning the control secondary battery and high-capacity secondary battery ON / OFF individually, and external option switches for turning external options (solar panels, radar devices, fish finders, sonar, cameras, satellite communication devices, mobile phone base station devices, light-emitting devices, underwater robots, weather observation sensors, etc.) connected to the external option control unit ON / OFF. The operator can use these switches to individually reset or disconnect any malfunctioning control units or external option devices. It is desirable that these various switches have a waterproof structure with waterproof gaskets and waterproof seals.

[0141] The spare unit is a spare unit provided in the wave power generation device control system illustrated in Figure 18. Any necessary control units are added here as needed. For example, when using the wave power generation device control system illustrated in Figure 18 with a self-propelled water robot, a propulsion control unit that controls the propulsion means is installed in the spare unit's location.

[0142] The lighting control unit is connected to the lighting means installed in the land-based wave power generation device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 and the floating wave power generation device shown in Figures 15 and 16, as well as to the control secondary batteries installed inside them. The unit performs ON / OFF control of the lighting means, brightness control of the lighting means, control of changes in light color and flashing cycle, etc. Furthermore, the lighting control unit can be connected to satellite communication networks, mobile communication networks, Wi-Fi communication networks, and short-range communication networks via a communication control unit, so that the various lighting devices installed in the wave power generation device 1 and the floating wave power generation device can be remotely controlled and remotely diagnosed from a manned management center located on land or on a ship at sea.Therefore, the various lighting devices installed in the wave power generation device can be illuminated using the electrical energy generated by the wave power generation device, and remote control and remote diagnosis can be performed from a location far from the wave power generation device, without the need for power transmission via power lines from land, or manual ON / OFF control of the lighting means, brightness control, or change of light color control on the water.

[0143] The functions of lighting devices controlled by lighting control means include the following: collision avoidance lighting function, ambient lighting function, fish-attracting lighting function, etc. Each lighting function is achieved by the light emission pattern of the lighting device.

[0144] ·Anti-collision lighting function This lighting function is intended to clearly indicate the presence and location of a floating wave power generator to other vessels, boats, or airplanes, in order to prevent collisions between the wave power generator and other vessels, boats, or airplanes. While white, red, and yellow are effective colors for the lighting, methods that sequentially switch colors or flashing lights are also effective. One lighting device is sufficient, or any number of multiple devices may be installed. If multiple devices are installed, they may be the same color or a combination of different colors. The lighting devices may be installed at a high position on the floating wave power generator, or at any height between the top and the water surface. Installing the lighting near the top (highest point) of the floating wave power generator makes it visible from a distance.

[0145] • Ambient lighting function Similar to streetlights on land, the area around the floating wave power generator can be brightly illuminated. While white, red, and yellow are effective colors for the lighting, methods that sequentially switch colors or flashing lights are also effective. One lighting device is sufficient, or any number of multiple devices can be installed. If multiple devices are installed, they can be the same color or a combination of different colors. The lighting devices can be installed at a high position on the wave power generator, or at any height between the top and the water surface. Installing them near the top (highest point) of the wave power generator allows for illumination of a wide area. To illuminate an even wider area, rod-shaped or platform-shaped supports can be installed near the top of the wave power generator, and the lighting devices can be installed at the higher points of these supports.

[0146] ·Lighting function for attracting fish on water Illuminating the water surface with lighting devices attracts plankton, which in turn attracts small fish that feed on them, and then larger fish and squid that prey on them. Effective lighting colors include white, blue, green, and red. In addition to constant single-color illumination, sequential color switching and flashing modes are also effective. One lighting device is sufficient, or any number of devices can be installed. If multiple devices are used, they can be the same color or a combination of different colors. The lighting devices can be installed at a high position on the wave power generator, or at any height between the top and the water surface. Installing them near the top (highest point) of the floating wave power generator allows for illumination of a wider area. This wider area of ​​illumination attracts more fish and squid.

[0147] The power generation control unit is not used in wave power generation device 1. It is used in wave power generation devices that can change the height of the center of gravity of the power generation device or change the natural frequency of the power generation device in order to optimize the amount of power generated by the wave power generation device.

[0148] The display control unit displays the status of various devices installed within the wave power generation device 1 (power generation device, solar power generation panel, operating means, various devices, control secondary battery, high-capacity secondary battery, display means, communication equipment, GPS terminal, various antennas, various lighting means, radar, fish finder, sonar, imaging camera, etc.) on an internal status display LCD or LED. The display control unit also displays the status of each control unit of the control system installed within the wave power generation device 1 on an internal status display LCD or LED. Furthermore, it displays the failure status and failure diagnosis results of various devices and each control unit on an internal status display LCD or LED. In addition, the display control unit obtains the stored charge amount and charge status of the control secondary battery and high-capacity secondary battery from the charge / discharge control unit and displays them on an internal status display LCD or LED.

[0149] The display control unit can transmit information displayed on its internal status display LCD or LED, as well as information on the charge level and charging status of the control secondary battery and high-capacity secondary battery, to land-based management facilities or shipboard management facilities located outside the wave power generation device 1 via the communication control unit.

[0150] The time management unit incorporates a radio-controlled clock, a battery-powered quartz clock, a programmable timer, a time measuring device, and a date memory device. Since the time management unit is connected to the control system's bus line, it can communicate with all other control units connected to the control system's bus line regarding date, time, and duration information.

[0151] The management control unit manages the operating status and performs fault diagnosis of all control units connected to the control system, as well as various devices connected to each control unit (power generation means, solar panels, operating means, various devices, secondary batteries for control, high-capacity secondary batteries, display means, communication devices, GPS terminals, various antennas, various lighting means, radar, fish finders, sonar, imaging cameras, etc.).

[0152] The management control unit performs fault diagnosis of all control units connected to the control system, as well as the various devices connected to each control unit, during the power-on sequence control that starts when the control system is powered on, or during the reset sequence control when the system is reset. Subsequently, the management control unit monitors the operating status of all control units connected to the control system, as well as the various devices connected to each control unit, at predetermined time intervals.

[0153] The management control unit transmits fault diagnosis results or operating status of all control units connected to the control system, as well as various devices connected to each control unit, to the overall control unit, the artificial intelligence control unit, or the control system of a management center located on land or on a ship. Transmission to the management center control system outside of the wave power generation device 1 is performed via the communication control unit.

[0154] The environmental monitoring and control unit is connected to the internal temperature sensor, pressure sensor, water temperature sensor, illuminance sensor, vibration sensor, sound-collecting microphone, internal water ingress detection sensor, control secondary battery temperature sensor, high-capacity secondary battery temperature sensor, etc., located within the wave power generation device 1, and is capable of communicating with them. The detection information from each sensor to which the environmental monitoring and control unit is connected is shared among the control units that make up the control system via the control system's bus line.

[0155] For example, the overall control unit and the artificial intelligence control unit perform optimal power generation control and fault diagnosis based on detection information from the environmental observation control unit. In addition, the power generation equipment control system at the control center located on land or on a ship can obtain detection information from each sensor connected to the environmental observation control unit of the wave power generation equipment 1 via the communication control unit of the wave power generation equipment 1, satellite communication networks, and mobile communication networks.

[0156] If the high-capacity secondary battery temperature sensor detects an abnormally high temperature, the overall control unit, the artificial intelligence control unit, or the wave power generation device control system at the control center located on land or on a ship will stop charging the high-capacity secondary battery and disconnect the electrical connection between the control system and the high-capacity secondary battery. Furthermore, if the control secondary battery temperature sensor detects an abnormally high temperature, it will stop charging the control secondary battery, disconnect the electrical connection between the control system and the control secondary battery, and switch the power supply to the control system from the control secondary battery to the high-capacity secondary battery.

[0157] The external option control unit is equipped with a predetermined number of external option connection connectors for connecting a predetermined number of external options. These external option connection connectors are connected to various devices located outside the wave power generation device 1 (solar panels, various antennas, surface lighting means, underwater lighting means, radar, fish finders, sonar, underwater cameras, surface cameras, underwater robots, surface drones, underwater temperature sensors, etc.) via waterproof connectors and waterproof electrical connection cables. The external option control unit and the various devices connected to it can communicate bidirectionally with each other.

[0158] The external optional control unit can control various connected devices by sending control instruction information. Conversely, the devices can send response signals to the control instructions, as well as information detected and acquired by their sensors, cameras, etc., to the external optional control unit. The signals and information acquired by the external optional control unit from the devices are shared among the control units constituting the control system via the control system's bus line. Furthermore, response signals to control instructions sent from the devices, and information detected and acquired by their sensors, cameras, etc., can be transmitted to the wave power generation system control system at a management center located on land or on a ship, via the external optional control unit, communication control unit, satellite communication network, or mobile communication network. Conversely, the wave power generation system control system at the management center located on land or on a ship can send control instruction information to various devices via the satellite communication network, mobile communication network, the wave power generation system's communication control unit, or the external optional control unit, enabling remote control of the devices.

[0159] Figure 19 shows a side cross-sectional view of a wave power generation floating platform on which multiple wave power generation devices 1, each having a floating body 2 and a wire member 5, are installed. The floating platform is supported by multiple pillars. One end of each pillar is fixed to the seabed, and the other end is fixed to the floating platform.

[0160] On the floating platform are the aforementioned multiple wave power generation devices 1, a large-capacity energy storage means B, waterproof conductive cables that electrically connect the large-capacity energy storage means B to each wave power generation device 1, antenna means provided on each wave power generation device 1 and the large-capacity energy storage means B for transmitting and receiving data and instruction information, lighting means provided on the upper ends of support columns installed on the platform, and radar means provided near the lighting means (not shown). If the planar shape of the floating platform is a rectangle, such as a square or rectangle, then multiple rows of wave power generation devices 1 can be arranged in a row along each side of the rectangle, thereby realizing a multi-row arrangement of wave power generation devices 1.

[0161] Lighting is also provided near the tip of the arm portion 6b of each wave power generator 1 on the floating platform. By emitting light, this lighting, as well as the lighting provided at the upper end of the support column, can alert ships navigating the water and airplanes flying overhead that the floating platform is on the water, thereby preventing danger. In addition, the lighting provided near the tip of the arm portion 6b of each wave power generator 1 and the lighting provided at the upper end of the support column can also be used as fish-attracting lights. On the water, the electricity generated by the wave power generator 1 can be used to illuminate the water surface for a long time to attract fish, thus creating fishing grounds and places where fish gather, and contributing to an increase in catch. Furthermore, by suspending artificial reefs from the floating platform into the water, or by sinking artificial reefs directly beneath or near the floating platform, the amount of fish attracted and the living environment for marine life can be further increased.

[0162] The electricity generated by each wave power generator 1 is stored in a large-capacity energy storage means B via a waterproof conductive cable. The renewable energy stored in the large-capacity energy storage means B can charge batteries installed on a ship. For example, an electric ship propelled by an electric propulsion means can have its batteries charged from the large-capacity energy storage means B of the wave power generator floating platform shown in Figure 19. Alternatively, the large-capacity energy storage means can be used to charge the large-capacity energy storage means of a power carrier ship, which is either an electric ship or a conventional ship powered by an engine, from the large-capacity energy storage means B of the wave power generator floating platform to the power carrier ship, thereby transferring the electricity generated by the wave power generator 1 on the floating platform to land. Furthermore, by electrically connecting the large-capacity battery means B installed on the floating platform to a large-capacity battery means installed on land or to a power grid with a waterproof conductive cable, the electricity generated by multiple wave power generators 1 on the floating platform can be transmitted to large-capacity energy storage means on land or to power consumption areas.

[0163] Fish finders and sonars are suspended from the floating platform into the water, allowing for the detection of fish movements and presence, as well as the presence of nearby vessels and submarines. Furthermore, various underwater observation sensors are suspended from the floating platform into the water, enabling the detection and collection of underwater environmental information such as water temperature, wave presence and strength, current presence and speed, salinity, underwater illumination, and underwater sound. This detected and collected information can be transmitted via communication means and antennas to surface vessels, fishing boats, and land-based management bases.

[0164] Figure 20 illustrates the power supply system diagram for various power generation devices, EV chargers, and fishing port offices. It shows various types of power generation devices (wind power generators, solar power generators, wave power generators, tidal power generators) that generate electricity using natural energy installed in fishing ports and harbors, as well as EV charging stations located on land in fishing ports and harbor areas, and offices of fisheries cooperatives. Having various types of power generation devices is beneficial in response to changes in weather conditions, but it is not always necessary to have all types of power generation devices. One type of power generation device is sufficient, or any number of any type of power generation device can be combined to form a system.

[0165] One or more wave power generation devices are installed on the quays within fishing ports or harbors.

[0166] The large-capacity energy storage device B can be any rechargeable secondary battery, including lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lead-acid batteries, or NAS batteries. However, these secondary batteries are generally difficult to reduce in cost and increase in size. To achieve high capacity at a relatively low cost, it is desirable to use liquid batteries. Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFs) have already been put into practical use as batteries that store energy in liquid. VRFs have advantages over lithium-ion batteries, such as higher safety and longer lifespan. On the other hand, VRFs have the disadvantage of having only about 1 / 10 the energy density of lithium-ion batteries. However, if there are no constraints on the size of the installation space, a large-capacity VRF tank can be prepared and a large amount of VRFs can be stored in that tank to realize a battery that is stable, has a long lifespan, and can charge and discharge a large amount of energy.

[0167] At the Battery Symposium, a battery technology conference held in Osaka at the end of November 2023, battery startup ARM Technologies announced a new type of flow battery (liquid battery) that can store energy in a liquid fuel that remains liquid at room temperature and pressure, achieving an energy density (300 Wh / L) more than 10 times that of existing VRFs. In this new liquid battery, the positive electrode is oxygen, and the negative electrode and energy storage medium are finely dispersed hydrogen storage alloys (mainly composed of lanthanum and nickel) in water. The hydrogen storage alloys are in powder form with a size of 10 to 20 micrometers (a micrometer is one millionth of a meter). Hydrogen storage alloy liquid batteries are charged and discharged by placing the liquid battery into a device called a "cell" which contains catalysts and other components. Because the main component of the charge is liquid, charged hydrogen storage alloy liquid batteries can be packed into tanks and transported by ship or truck. When filling tanks with charged hydrogen storage alloy liquid batteries, a pump can be used to flow them through pipes or tubes.

[0168] For the large-capacity energy storage means shown in Figure 20, it is desirable to use a liquid battery such as a vanadium redox flow battery (VRF) or the aforementioned hydrogen storage alloy type liquid battery.

[0169] It is desirable to provide a control system including communication means and a communication antenna for the large-capacity battery B. The control system can be the same as the wave power generation device control system shown in Figure 18. It includes an overall control unit, an artificial intelligence unit, a communication control unit, a charge / discharge control unit, a time management unit, a management control unit, an external option control unit, etc., and operates on power supplied from the large-capacity battery B. Sensors that monitor the charge and discharge status of the large-capacity battery B are connected to the control system. The control system can transmit the output of the sensors that monitor the charge and discharge status of the large-capacity battery B to a management facility on land via the communication means.

[0170] The large-capacity battery B is equipped with a power status monitoring means for monitoring the power storage status of the large-capacity battery B, a communication means for wireless or wired communication to transmit the output data of the power status monitoring means (charging voltage on the charging side, output voltage on the output side, power storage amount of the large-capacity battery, fault diagnosis results of the large-capacity battery B, temperature of the large-capacity battery B, ambient temperature around the large-capacity battery B, and degradation status of the large-capacity battery B) to a monitoring center located on land or on water, and an antenna necessary for wireless communication. At the monitoring center, specialist technicians can remotely and continuously monitor the output data of the power status monitoring means (charging voltage on the charging side, output voltage on the output side, power storage amount of the large-capacity battery B, fault diagnosis results of the large-capacity battery B, temperature of the large-capacity battery B, ambient temperature around the large-capacity battery B, and degradation status of the large-capacity battery B), and take appropriate action according to the situation.

[0171] The large-capacity battery B is electrically connected to a solar panel that generates electricity from sunlight, and a wind turbine that rotates using wind power and generates electricity from the rotational force of the turbine. Both the electricity generated by the solar panel and the electricity generated by the wind turbine are stored in the large-capacity battery B installed on land. The output of the large-capacity battery is connected to an EV charger for charging the batteries of EVs (electric vehicles and electric forklifts that have a battery and a motor and use the motor as a driving source) and PHVs (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles). It is desirable to install as many EV chargers as possible, with one or more predetermined numbers.

[0172] Furthermore, EV chargers are connected not only to power from various types of power generation devices that generate electricity from renewable energy sources, but also to 100V or 200V commercial AC power sources in parallel. This is to provide backup in case the power supply from the various types of power generation devices that generate electricity from renewable energy sources is insufficient for any reason, or if the storage capacity of the large-capacity battery B becomes insufficient due to continuous power supply to many EVs. However, for the sake of the global environment, it is desirable to prioritize the use of power supply from various types of power generation devices that generate electricity from renewable energy sources over supply from commercial AC power sources. For example, if the storage capacity of the large-capacity battery B is above a first predetermined value, all EV chargers can perform normal and fast charging using electricity derived from renewable energy sources. After the storage capacity falls below the first predetermined value (a second predetermined value), fast charging can be discontinued, and only normal charging can be performed. Alternatively, instead of discontinuing fast charging, it is also possible to adjust by reducing the number of available EV chargers. Furthermore, if the stored energy falls to a third predetermined value that is lower than the second predetermined value, it is desirable to implement phased restrictions on the use of EV chargers, such as charging from the EV charger using power supplied from the commercial AC power source.

[0173] It is desirable that EV chargers be equipped with indicator lights or text displays so that users can recognize whether the power being used for charging is from renewable energy sources or commercial power sources. Furthermore, it is desirable that the indicator lights or text displays allow users to recognize whether the power being used for charging is from renewable energy sources or commercial power sources when charging an EV. In addition, it is desirable that EV chargers be equipped with a selection mechanism so that users can choose between fast charging and normal charging when charging an EV with power from renewable energy sources.

[0174] Furthermore, it is desirable to establish a management system for EV chargers to record management data on the status of EV charging. Examples of management data that should be recorded and stored for each EV charger include the date and time of charging, the type of charging (fast charging or normal charging), whether the power source is renewable energy or commercial AC power, the charging time, and the fault history. It is also desirable to be able to print this management data on the status of EV charging or transmit it to remote locations via communication means.

[0175] Figure 20 illustrates a power supply system diagram showing how electricity is supplied to an EV charging station from multiple types of power generation equipment. The electricity generated by a wind turbine, which uses wind energy to produce electricity, is supplied via a power transmission cable to a large-capacity battery to charge it. Since the electricity supplied by the wind turbine is alternating current (AC), it needs to be converted to a direct current (DC) voltage (for example, 15V) suitable for charging the large-capacity battery. Therefore, a power conditioner is installed between the wind turbine and the large-capacity battery to convert the AC voltage to DC voltage. There may be one power conditioner, or multiple power conditioners may be arranged in parallel or in series.

[0176] The electricity generated by a solar power generation system, which uses energy from sunlight to generate power, is supplied via a power transmission cable to a large-capacity storage battery to charge it. The power supplied by the solar power generation system is direct current with a predetermined voltage (generally 12V), so it needs to be converted to a DC voltage suitable for charging the large-capacity storage battery (for example, 15V). Therefore, a power conditioner is provided between the solar power generation system and the large-capacity storage battery to convert the DC voltage output by the solar power generation system (generally 12V) to a DC voltage suitable for charging the large-capacity storage battery (for example, 15V). The power conditioner may be a single unit, or multiple units may be arranged in parallel or in series.

[0177] The wave power generator 1, which generates electricity by receiving energy from waves, supplies the generated electricity to a large-capacity storage battery via a power transmission cable to charge the battery. Since the electricity supplied by the wave power generator is three-phase AC, it needs to be converted to a DC voltage (for example, 15V) suitable for charging the large-capacity storage battery. Therefore, a power conditioner is provided between the wave power generator and the large-capacity storage battery to convert the three-phase AC voltage to DC voltage. There may be one power conditioner, or there may be multiple power conditioners arranged in parallel or in series.

[0178] The electricity stored in the large-capacity battery is supplied to the EV charger via the power transmission cable. The EV charger uses this electricity to charge EVs (electric vehicles) and electric forklifts that have electric motors and batteries such as lithium-ion batteries. When the EV charger charges an EV in high-speed mode, it charges with, for example, three-phase AC 200V. In normal charging mode, which charges over a longer period than high-speed mode, it charges with single-phase AC 200V or single-phase AC 100V.

[0179] Therefore, a power conditioner is required to convert the DC output voltage of the large-capacity battery (for example, 15V) to the three-phase AC 200V, single-phase AC 200V, or single-phase AC 100V used by the EV charger for EV charging. The power conditioner for this purpose is installed between the output side of the large-capacity battery and the EV charger. There may be one power conditioner, or multiple power conditioners may be arranged in parallel or in series.

[0180] To prepare for situations where the large-capacity battery's charge level becomes low, or if the large-capacity battery or its output power conditioner malfunctions, EV chargers are connected to either a three-phase commercial AC power supply (200V / 100V) or a single-phase commercial AC power supply (200V / 100V). However, a three-phase or single-phase commercial AC power supply is not essential and can be omitted.

[0181] Although not shown in Figure 20, a charge control means is provided on the input side of the large-capacity battery. The charge control means controls the charging voltage and current depending on the state of the large-capacity battery in order to achieve maximum charging efficiency in the shortest time. Therefore, the charge control means controls the charging of the large-capacity battery using a method called constant current constant voltage (CVCC), which involves three charging stages (bulk charging, absorb charging, and floating charging).

[0182] Bulk charging is the stage where the maximum charging current that the charging device can output is used to charge the battery. At this stage, it is the same as constant current charging (CC), and continues until the maximum charging voltage (e.g., 5V) of the high-capacity battery is reached. If the high-capacity battery is nearly empty, bulk charging will take time. Conversely, if it is nearly fully charged, the maximum voltage will be reached quickly and bulk charging will end. When the high-capacity battery reaches its maximum voltage, the charging control means controls the process so that bulk charging ends and the system switches to absorb charging.

[0183] At the start of absorb charging, the large-capacity battery has reached its maximum voltage due to the previous bulk charging, so maintaining the maximum charging current would result in overcharging. Therefore, the current is gradually reduced. However, reducing the current too quickly would cause the voltage to fall below the maximum, resulting in poor charging efficiency. Therefore, in absorb charging, the charging control means controls the charging to maintain a charging current that is necessary and sufficient to maintain the maximum voltage. This is the same as constant voltage (CV) charging. By the time absorb charging is complete, the battery is in a state where it can maintain the maximum voltage even with a small charging current, and at this point, the battery is fully charged. Once fully charged, it moves to the final floating charging stage.

[0184] Floating charging involves continuous supplemental charging to suppress natural discharge. The charging control means switches the voltage from the maximum voltage up to absorb charging (e.g., 15V) to the float voltage (e.g., 14V). Then, charging is continuously performed with a small current necessary to maintain the float voltage. If a large-capacity battery is under load, the charging side will try to maintain the float voltage by supplying more current. If the load becomes too large and it becomes impossible to maintain a full charge without supplying a current above a certain level, the system controls it to switch back to bulk charging.

[0185] Land-based EV charging stations, which are land-based EV charging bases, charge electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs), which are power-consuming devices, using EV chargers, which are the means of charging. Land-based EV charging stations require electricity to charge power-consuming devices, and it is desirable that this power source be electricity derived from natural energy, such as solar energy, wind energy, and wave energy. Therefore, land-based EV charging stations are equipped with a large-capacity battery B, which is a large-capacity energy storage means for storing electricity derived from natural energy, such as ocean energy including wave energy, or electricity derived from solar energy and wind energy. Electricity derived from natural energy is extracted from the large-capacity energy storage means and supplied to the EV charger, which is the means of charging, to perform optimal charging of the power-consuming device's energy storage means.

[0186] Among renewable energy sources, ocean energy can provide a sufficient and stable supply of energy. Therefore, it is desirable to generate electricity derived from ocean energy by installing one or any number of wave power generation devices or tidal power generation devices that generate electricity using wave power, and to store this electricity in the large-capacity energy storage systems of land-based EV charging stations.

[0187] If power generation methods that utilize ocean energy can be installed on land within fishing ports or harbors, it is advantageous because it allows for shorter power transmission cables.

[0188] Ideally, all electricity for onshore EV charging stations should be supplied from renewable energy sources, but it is also acceptable to have commercial AC power available as a backup power source.

[0189] Between each power generation means, such as solar power generation means, wind power generation means, and wave power generation means, and the large-capacity energy storage means, a power conditioner is provided, which is a power conversion means that converts the output of each power generation means into a power state suitable for charging the large-capacity energy storage means. Furthermore, a power conditioner, which is a power conversion means, is also provided between the large-capacity energy storage means and the EV charger, which is a charging means.

[0190] Each of the land-based EV charging station, the large-capacity energy storage device, and the wave power generation device 1 is equipped with communication means and an antenna, and can transmit information from each to a monitoring center on land or water in real time via the communication means. It is desirable that the transmitted information includes identification information for identifying each device, energy storage information for the large-capacity energy storage device, operational information regarding the operating status of each device, fault diagnosis results for each device, etc.

[0191] Figure 21 illustrates a virtual power plant and a fishing port ecological system. Fishing ports are hubs for the distribution and processing of marine products, and they have a lot of equipment that consumes electricity and fuel, such as ice makers, chilled seawater producers, fish sorting machines, lighting equipment, and forklift charging stations. In addition, fuel is supplied to fishing vessels, resulting in massive energy consumption and large emissions of greenhouse gases. Furthermore, the onshore power supply equipment for fishing vessels, which will be discussed later, also consumes electricity. Expanding the use of renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in fishing ports are urgent issues.

[0192] A key characteristic of electricity consumption at fishing ports is its temporal fluctuation. Figure 22 shows the temporal fluctuations in electricity consumption and solar power generation at Tanoura Fishing Port, as released by the Fisheries Agency. At fishing ports, fishing boats enter one after another in time for the auction (10:00), and the lights on the quays and loading areas are turned on from around 4:00 a.m., when the fishing boats begin to arrive. As a result, electricity consumption at fishing ports increases sharply from around 4:00 a.m., peaks at 10:00 a.m., the start of the auction, then drops sharply, remains almost constant between noon and 6:00 p.m., and then continues to decrease sharply until 4:00 a.m. the following day. The main electricity demand in the afternoon is for the operation of ice-making facilities and chilled seawater production facilities.

[0193] On the other hand, solar power generation used in fishing ports can only generate electricity from 6:00 to 19:00 (peak at 13:00). Solar power generation is unsuitable for supplying power to equipment used at night and in the early morning. Wind power generation can generate electricity 24 hours a day, but the amount of power generated varies depending on the weather, making it impossible to provide a stable power supply. Wind power generation used in fishing ports generates more power when the wind is strong, but generally, windy days are unsuitable for fishing boats to operate, so the amount of electricity used in fishing ports decreases. Also, due to its nature, electricity must be produced and consumed simultaneously. Therefore, fishing ports need technology to offset the mismatch between the amount of electricity used and the amount of electricity generated from natural energy sources such as solar and wind power.

[0194] Therefore, using Figure 21, we will explain a technology to improve the mismatch between the power sources and power supply in fishing ports. First, to improve the mismatch between the power sources and power supply at the fishing port, a virtual power plant (VPP) will be installed within the port. This virtual power plant is a distributed power plant that integrates different types of distributed energy resources (DERs), and has VPP batteries electrically connected to the different types of distributed energy resources, and VPP control means that control the charging and discharging functions of these VPP batteries. The VPP control means has a communication function and can communicate data and information with the power generation system control center. The VPP control means also has IoT (Internet of Things) functionality (where all devices are connected to the internet and provide services using communication). Using the IoT function, the VPP control means can communicate with all DERs described later, acquire data on the power generation status of each DER, and control the power supply from each DER to the VPP batteries installed at the port.

[0195] First, let's explain the different types of distributed energy sources (DERs). The first DER is a solar power generation system consisting of solar panels owned by the fishing port operator, installed on the roofs and rooftops of buildings that house the offices and loading / unloading areas of the fishing cooperative in the fishing port. The electricity generated by the first DER is stored in a VPP battery installed within the fishing port under the control of a VPP control system. All of the batteries described in the large-capacity battery B above can be used for the VPP battery.

[0196] The second DER is a solar power generation system consisting of third-party owned solar panels installed on the roofs or rooftops of buildings outside the fishing port. The fishing port operator purchases the electricity generated by the third-party owned solar power generation system as needed and stores it in a VPP battery installed within the fishing port under the control of the VPP control system.

[0197] The third type of DER is a wind power generation system owned by the fishing port operator, installed on the roof or rooftop of the building housing the fishing cooperative's offices and cargo handling facilities in the fishing port. The electricity generated by the third type of DER is stored in a VPP battery installed within the fishing port, under the control of a VPP control system.

[0198] The fourth DER is a third-party owned wind power generation system located outside the fishing port. The fishing port operator purchases the electricity generated by the third-party owned wind power generation system as needed and stores it in a VPP battery installed within the fishing port under the control of the VPP control system.

[0199] The fifth DER is a wave power generation means owned by the fishing port operator. This wave power generation means may be the wave power generation device 1 described in Figures 1 to 3, or it may be a wave power generation device with a different structure. If the wave power generation means is the wave power generation device 1, one or more predetermined numbers of wave power generation devices 1 are installed on the quay of the fishing port, as shown in Figure 21. The predetermined number of wave power generation devices installed in the fishing port and the VPP battery are electrically connected by conductive cables in order to charge the VPP battery with the generated electricity. These conductive cables are shown as dashed lines in Figure 21. The reason they are shown as dashed lines is to indicate that the conductive cables that electrically connect the predetermined number of wave power generation devices installed in the fishing port and the VPP battery are buried in the ground.

[0200] The reason is that the road surface should be smooth, as many transport trucks and forklifts frequently travel within the fishing port. Since the vehicle pathways within the fishing port are made of concrete, straight grooves for routing conductive cables are formed on the concrete road surface using a concrete cutter, and the conductive cables are buried using these grooves. Afterwards, the grooves are filled with concrete or other materials (asphalt, gravel), or covers are installed over the grooves to prevent any unevenness in the road surface. The electricity generated by the fifth DER is stored in a VPP battery installed within the fishing port under the control of the VPP control means.

[0201] The sixth DER is a wave power generation device owned by a third party other than the fishing port operator. This third-party owned wave power generation device may be the wave power generation device 1 described in Figures 1 to 3, or it may be a wave power generation device with a different structure. The electricity generated by the sixth DER is purchased by the fishing port operator as needed from the electricity generated by the third-party owned wave power generation device, and stored in a VPP battery installed within the fishing port under the control of the VPP control means.

[0202] The seventh DER is the commercial power supply provided by the power company. Typical commercial power supplies include single-phase AC 100V and 200V (single-phase / three-phase). Fishing port operators purchase and use electricity from the power company as needed, or store it in VPP batteries installed within the fishing port under the control of VPP control equipment.

[0203] The eighth DER is a fuel cell installed within or near a fishing port. The fuel cell receives hydrogen gas from a hydrogen gas supply means and generates electricity with high efficiency by chemically reacting the hydrogen gas with oxygen in the air. Since heat is also generated when generating electricity, this thermal energy can be used for heating or producing hot water. It is desirable that the thermal energy for heating and the hot water be supplied to the building where the fishing cooperative office is located.

[0204] The hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell is sourced from a hydrogen production and refueling station located within or near the fishing port. Details of the hydrogen production and refueling station will be described later, but the general outline is as follows.

[0205] The electricity generated from the eight DERs, from the first to the eighth, is stored in the VPP battery of the virtual power plant by the VPP control means. The hydrogen production and refueling station illustrated in Figure 21 receives electricity from the VPP battery of the virtual power plant, for example, at night when electricity demand at the fishing port is low, and uses that electricity to electrolyze water. Wave power generation means can generate a stable amount of electricity even at night, and wind power generation means can generate a large amount of electricity when the wind is strong. In addition, commercial electricity supplied from commercial power sources is cheaper at night. This electricity generated by natural energy at night and cheap electricity are supplied to the hydrogen production and refueling station to produce hydrogen. This power supply is carried out by the VPP control means installed in the virtual power plant. In this way, the hydrogen production and refueling station uses natural energy and cheap commercial power during off-peak hours to electrolyze water. The hydrogen gas produced by the electrolysis of water is temporarily stored in the hydrogen gas tank of the hydrogen production and refueling station. Subsequently, when the electricity demand at a fishing port increases sharply, such as in the early morning hours, the fuel cell generates electricity by obtaining hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas tank at the hydrogen production and refueling station via H2 pipes. The electricity generated by the fuel cell is supplied to the VPP battery of the virtual power plant.

[0206] The power generation system control center at the fishing port uses wired or wireless communication to control the operation and diagnose faults of solar power generation equipment, wind power generation equipment, one or more wave power generation equipment, EV forklift charging stations, hydrogen production and refueling stations, and fuel cells installed at the fishing port. The power generation system control center also coordinates with the virtual power plant (VPP) control system to control the operation of the aforementioned equipment and stations.

[0207] For example, the VPP control means sends signals or information to the power generation control system control center indicating that the wind power generation means or wave power generation means have generated a predetermined amount of electricity or are in a surplus state. Upon receiving these signals or information, the power generation system control center uses the power supply from the VPP energy storage device to have the hydrogen production and refueling station produce hydrogen gas and store it in the hydrogen gas tank. Subsequently, when the electricity usage at the fishing port increases and the storage capacity of the VPP battery becomes strained, the VPP control means sends signals or information to the power generation system control center indicating the strained state. The power generation system control center then sends hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas tank at the hydrogen production and refueling station to the fuel cell and starts power generation in the fuel cell. Finally, the power generation system control center transmits the electricity generated by the fuel cell to the VPP battery of the virtual power plant.

[0208] In other words, the power generation system control center, in coordination with the VPP control system, uses renewable energy-derived electricity and inexpensive commercial electricity to produce hydrogen gas from the time when electricity demand in the fishing port is low (6 p.m. in the fishing port) until it is high (4 a.m. in the case of the fishing cooperative), and stores as much hydrogen gas as possible in hydrogen tanks to prepare for the expected increase in electricity demand.

[0209] In fishing ports where virtual power plants are set up, during periods of increased electricity demand between 4:00 AM and 10:00 AM, one of the following will contribute: the first DER (solar power within the fishing port), the second DER (solar power outside the fishing port), the third DER (wind power within the fishing port), the fourth DER (wind power outside the fishing port), the fifth DER (wave power within the fishing port), the sixth DER (wave power outside the fishing port), and the eighth DER (fuel cell) (multiple DERs may contribute). Any shortfall will be covered by the seventh DER (commercial power source).

[0210] In this way, the virtual power plant established in the fishing port controls the output of each of the eight DERs (DERs) from the first to the eighth, based on the output status of the DERs and the amount of electricity used within the fishing port. This control is performed to minimize the cost of using commercial electricity in the fishing port, and to minimize the use of the seventh DER (commercial power source) (maximizing the use of electricity derived from renewable energy).

[0211] The combination of hydrogen production equipment (including hydrogen gas storage tanks) and fuel cells can enhance the ability of virtual power plants to balance electricity demand.

[0212] Up to this point, we have described fishing ports with virtual power plants, but even without virtual power plants, fishing ports with renewable energy generation capabilities can significantly improve their energy problems. For example, using any one of the first through sixth DERs, or the eighth DER, as a power source can contribute to improving the electricity costs of a fishing port. Furthermore, any combination of the first through eighth DERs can increase the utilization rate of renewable energy in a fishing port.

[0213] Furthermore, installing a combination of a hydrogen production device that produces hydrogen by electrolysis, a hydrogen storage device for storing hydrogen, a fuel cell that generates electricity from hydrogen, and a battery storage device for storing the electricity generated by the fuel cell in a fishing port can greatly improve the power problems of fishing ports. For example, hydrogen can be produced using cheap nighttime electricity and stored in a hydrogen tank, and when there is high demand for electricity, the stored hydrogen can be used to generate electricity with a fuel cell, and the generated electricity can be supplied to the battery storage device or to places where electricity is needed. Instead of cheap nighttime electricity, it is also possible to produce and store hydrogen using electricity generated by wave power generation devices that can generate electricity stably. Alternatively, instead of cheap nighttime electricity, electricity generated by wind power generation devices when the wind is strong can be used. Furthermore, instead of cheap nighttime electricity, electricity generated by solar power generation devices during the day can be used. Up until now, we have described combinations of virtual power plants, hydrogen production equipment that produces hydrogen by electrolysis, hydrogen storage means for storing hydrogen, fuel cells that generate electricity from hydrogen, and battery means for storing the electricity generated by fuel cells, with fishing ports as the target. However, these technologies can be used in places other than fishing ports.

[0214] Next, we will explain technologies that provide onshore power to fishing vessels at fishing ports, thereby reducing the fossil fuel consumption of fishing vessels and suppressing carbon dioxide emissions from them. When fishing boats enter a fishing port, they unload the fish they've caught in the fishing grounds, and before departing, they load bait, water, food, and other supplies to be used in the fishing grounds. During these operations, electricity is needed to power lights, air conditioning, and machinery such as cranes. This electricity is generated by a dynamo using the fishing boat's engine, meaning that fossil fuels are continuously consumed and carbon dioxide is continuously released during this time.

[0215] Therefore, one or any number of onshore power supply devices are installed near the berthing area for fishing boats within the fishing port to supply power to fishing boats. Each onshore power supply device has a power transmission cable that supplies power from the power supply unit of the fishing port to the onshore power supply device, a power transmission cable that reaches from the onshore power supply device to a designated power supply location on the fishing boat to supply power to the fishing boat's battery and transformer, and a cable management system that maintains the power transmission cable in a usable, retrieval-ready state. The power transmission cable that supplies power from the power supply unit of the fishing port to the onshore power supply device is preferably buried underground in the fishing port, similar to the conductive cable that electrically connects the wave power generation device and the VPP battery mentioned above. The most usable power supplied to fishing boats by the onshore power supply device in the fishing port is single-phase AC 100V. This is because many air conditioners used on fishing boats operate on single-phase AC 100V. Therefore, it is desirable that the onshore power supply device in the fishing port can supply power with AC 100V. Of course, it could also be a power supply device that provides power to a ship at 200V (single-phase or three-phase) or 330V (three-phase).

[0216] Figure 21 illustrates a hydrogen production and refueling station that uses electricity to produce hydrogen on land and refuel FCVs (fuel cell vehicles) with it. Figure 21 illustrates the specific configuration of the onshore hydrogen production and refueling station.

[0217] In the hydrogen production and refueling system, tap water is supplied from the public water supply, purified using ion exchange resins, etc., and then electrolyzed in an electrolytic cell using electricity (preferably electricity derived from renewable energy). As a result of the electrolysis of water, hydrogen gas is generated at the cathode, dehumidified, and then compressed in a hydrogen compressor (for example, to 700 atmospheres). The compressed hydrogen gas is stored in a hydrogen storage tank via pipes.

[0218] For hydrogen production equipment, a suitable hydrogen gas production method is, for example, the on-site water electrolysis hydrogen generator "HydroSpring" (registered trademark) manufactured and sold by Hitachi Zosen Corporation.

[0219] When supplying hydrogen to an FCV (fuel cell vehicle), a predetermined amount of hydrogen gas is taken from a hydrogen storage tank, cooled in a precooler (for example, to -40°C), and then the hydrogen gas is filled into the FCV using a hydrogen refueling machine. When supplying hydrogen gas to a fuel cell, a predetermined amount of hydrogen gas is taken from a hydrogen storage tank, cooled in a precooler (for example, to -40°C), and then the hydrogen gas is supplied to the fuel cell.

[0220] The electricity supplied from the virtual power plant's VPP battery is converted by a power conditioner to match the power specifications of the hydrogen production equipment. In the case of Hitachi Zosen Corporation's "HydroSpring" mentioned above, the output from the virtual power plant's VPP battery is converted by the power conditioner to either three-phase AC 200V or three-phase AC 400V.

[0221] All technical features described and disclosed herein can be combined in any way. That is, for example, each of the technical features described with reference to Figures 1 to 12 can be combined in any way with each of the technical features described with reference to Figures 13 to 22. Each of the technical features described with reference to Figures 13 to 22 can be combined in any way. Furthermore, all the technical features described for the wave power generation device control system in Figure 18 can be used in all other large-capacity batteries, power generation means, and control systems.

[0222] The above is just one example; each of the following embodiments produces its own unique effects. [First aspect] The first embodiment is a wave power generation device comprising: a floating body 2 that floats on a fluid surface (e.g., the sea surface S); a weight (e.g., a counterweight 3); a connecting part (e.g., a wire member 5) that connects the floating body and the weight so that they interlock with each other, with the weight of the weight added in a direction that compensates for the buoyancy of the floating body; a support part (e.g., a device frame 6) that supports the connecting part so that the floating body can move up and down due to the displacement of the fluid surface; and a power generation unit 4 that generates electricity in conjunction with the up and down movement of the floating body. 1, wherein the support portion has an installation portion (e.g., main frame portion 6a) installed on an external base (e.g., coast 80) and an extension portion (e.g., arm portion 6b) extending upward from the installation portion toward the fluid surface, wherein the weight portion suspension portion (e.g., weight-side wire portion 5b) of the connecting portion that suspends the weight portion is supported by the installation portion, and the floating portion suspension portion (e.g., floating portion-side wire portion 5a) of the connecting portion that suspends the floating portion is supported by the extension portion. Conventional wave power generators have a structure in which the weight of both the floating body and the counterweight is supported by a drive pulley positioned above the fluid surface via a wire (connecting part). In other words, conventionally, both the part of the wire suspending the counterweight and the part of the wire suspending the floating body are supported by the drive pulley. In such a structure, if the drive pulley positioned above the fluid surface is supported by a support part installed on an external base such as the ground, an extension is made from the installation part installed on the external base upwards towards the fluid surface, and the drive pulley is supported by this extension. In this configuration, the weight balance of the wave power generator is biased towards the fluid surface side rather than the external base side, making it difficult to stably install the wave power generator on the external base. On the other hand, one way to improve this weight balance is to attach a new counterweight to the installation part installed on the ground, thereby improving the bias of the wave power generator's weight balance towards the fluid surface side. However, this method increases the overall weight of the wave power generation system, thus increasing the workload involved in transporting and installing the equipment. In this embodiment, the extension portion of the support section that extends above the fluid surface supports the floating suspension portion of the connecting section, while the installation portion installed on the external base supports the weight suspension portion. This allows the weight of the weight section, which was previously applied to the fluid surface side, to be transferred to the external base side, thereby improving the weight balance of the wave power generation device, which was biased towards the fluid surface side, without adding any new weights. Therefore, stable installation of the wave power generation device can be achieved without increasing the workload for transporting and installing the device.

[0223] [Second aspect] The second embodiment is characterized in that, in the first embodiment, it includes a movement conversion unit (for example, a movable pulley 58) that makes the amount of movement of the weight portion less than the amount of vertical movement of the floating portion. According to this, the amount of movement of the weight suspended from the support unit installed on the external base can be kept to a minimum, and the height of the installation unit can be suppressed, thus enabling miniaturization of the wave power generation device.

[0224] [Third aspect] The third embodiment is characterized in that, in the second embodiment, the connecting portion includes a wire member 5 that connects the floating portion and the weight portion so that they interlock with each other, and the movement amount conversion portion includes a movable pulley 58 around which the wire member is wrapped. This allows for the provision of a smaller wave power generation device. Furthermore, by using the movable pulley 58, the weight required for the counterweight can be reduced, thus enabling a lighter wave power generation device.

[0225] [Fourth aspect] The fourth embodiment is characterized in that, in any of the first to third embodiments, the connecting portion includes a wire member 5 that connects the floating portion and the weight portion so that they interlock with each other, the weight portion is connected to both ends of the wire member, and a plurality of different connection points of the floating portion (for example, two second fixed pulleys 23, 23) are connected to a plurality of points in the intermediate portion of the wire member (for example, intermediate wire portions 5c, 5c) so as to be movable along the wire member. According to this, even if the orientation of the floating body changes due to the influence of waves, causing the multiple connection points to be at different heights, the relative movement of the multiple connection points along the wire member eliminates the loosening of the floating body side wire portion of the wire member. Therefore, loosening of the floating body side wire portion is less likely to occur, preventing the counterweight from tilting or swaying and causing instability in the installation of the device frame, and also suppressing problems such as damage to the wire member.

[0226] [Fifth aspect] The fifth embodiment is characterized in that, in any of the first to fourth embodiments, the connecting portion includes a wire member 5 that connects the floating portion and the weight portion so that they interlock with each other, and at least the portion that suspends the floating portion is the wire member. According to this, even if the floating body floating on the fluid surface moves irregularly due to the influence of waves or the like, the wire members constituting the suspension portion of the floating body that suspends the floating body deform, thereby suppressing the application of excessive external force to the extended portion of the support that supports the suspension portion of the floating body.

[0227] [Sixth aspect] The sixth embodiment is characterized in that, in any of the third to fifth embodiments, it includes a winding and unwinding unit (for example, a winch 57) that winds and unwinds the wire member so as to change the length of the floating portion of the connecting part. According to this, the length of the suspension portion that suspends the floating body can be easily and quickly adjusted to the desired length.

[0228] [Seventh aspect] The seventh embodiment is characterized in that, in any of the sixth embodiments, the winding and unwinding unit performs winding and unwinding operations of the wire member by driving force from a drive source, and includes a control unit that controls the operation of the winding and unwinding unit. This eliminates the need for manual winding and unwinding of the wire components.

[0229] [8th aspect] The eighth embodiment is characterized in that, in any of the first to seventh embodiments, the installation portion of the support is installed on the land (for example, the coast 80) which is the external base. According to this, the wave power generation device can be used in a manner in which it is installed on land near the water's edge to generate electricity.

[0230] [Ninth aspect] The ninth embodiment is characterized in that, in any of the first to seventh embodiments, the installation portion of the support is installed on an external structure (e.g., a ship 90) which is the external base located on or below the fluid surface. According to this, the wave power generation device can be used in a manner in which it is installed above the fluid surface (on the sea, offshore, etc.) to generate electricity.

[0231] [Tenth aspect] The tenth embodiment is a wave power generation system comprising a plurality of wave power generation devices, wherein the plurality of wave power generation devices include a wave power generation device 1 according to any of the first to ninth embodiments. According to this, it will be possible to utilize electricity generated by multiple wave power generation devices.

[0232] Furthermore, this application relates to the results of a project commissioned by the government. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0233] 1: Wave power generation device 2: Floating section 3: Counterweight 4: Power Generation Section 5: Wire component 5a, 5a': Floating body side wire section 5b: Weight-side wire section 5c: Intermediate wire section 6,6': Device frame 6a, 6a': Main frame section 6b, 6b': Arm section 6c': Rotation fulcrum 6d': Second arm section 21: Float 22: Floating Frame 23:Second fixed pulley 24a: Cushioning roller 24b: Cushioning material 41: Power generation rotating shaft 42: Large bevel gear 43A, 43B: Small bevel gear 44A, 44B: One-way clutch 45A: First Large Spur Gear 45B: First Small Spur Gear 46: Gear shaft 47: Second large spur gear 48: Generator 48a: Input gear 49: Flywheel 51: The first constant pulley 52:Second fixed pulley 53: Fixed pulley for power generation 54: Pulley shaft 55a: Pulley 55b: Input pulley 55c: Timing belt 56: Power generation input shaft 57,57': Winch 58: Moving pulley 60: Wire tensioner 61: Rotating part 61a: Boss section 62: Tension pulley 63: Compression spring 80: Coastal 90: Ship 91: Hull S: Sea surface T: Setting range

Claims

1. A floating body that floats on the fluid surface, The weight section, A connecting part that connects the floating part and the weight part so that they move in conjunction with each other, with the weight of the weight part being added in a direction that compensates for the buoyancy of the floating part, A support portion that supports the connecting portion so that the floating portion can move up and down due to the displacement of the fluid surface, A wave power generation device comprising a power generation unit that generates electricity in conjunction with the vertical movement of the floating portion, The support portion has an installation portion that is installed on an external base and an extension portion that extends upward from the installation portion toward the fluid surface. A wave power generation device characterized in that the weight suspension portion of the connecting portion that suspends the weight portion is supported by the installation portion, and the floating portion suspension portion of the connecting portion that suspends the floating portion is supported by the extension portion.

2. In the wave power generation apparatus according to claim 1, A wave power generation device characterized by comprising a movement conversion unit that reduces the amount of movement of the weight portion to less than the amount of vertical movement of the floating portion.

3. In the wave power generation apparatus according to claim 2, The connecting portion includes a wire member that connects the floating portion and the weight portion so that they interlock with each other. The wave power generation device is characterized in that the displacement conversion unit includes a movable pulley around which the wire member is wrapped.

4. In the wave power generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The connecting portion includes a wire member that connects the floating portion and the weight portion so that they interlock with each other. The weights are connected to both ends of the wire member. A wave power generation device characterized in that multiple different connection points of the floating body are connected to multiple points in the intermediate portion of the wire member so as to be able to move relative to the wire member.

5. In the wave power generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The wave power generation device is characterized in that the connecting portion includes a wire member that connects the floating portion and the weight portion so that they interlock with each other, and at least the portion that suspends the floating portion is the wire member.

6. In the wave power generation apparatus according to claim 3, A wave power generation device characterized by comprising a winding and unwinding unit that winds and unwinds the wire member so as to change the length of the floating suspension portion of the connection part.

7. In the wave power generation apparatus according to claim 6, The winding and unwinding unit performs the winding and unwinding operations of the wire member by driving force from the drive source. A wave power generation device characterized by comprising a control unit that controls the operation of the winding and unwinding section.

8. In the wave power generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A wave power generation device characterized in that the installation portion of the support is installed on land which is the external base.

9. In the wave power generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A wave power generation device characterized in that the mounting portion of the support is installed on an external structure which is the external base located on or below the fluid surface.

10. A wave power generation system equipped with multiple wave power generation devices, A wave power generation system characterized in that the plurality of wave power generation devices include a wave power generation device described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

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