A device for converting the kinetic energy of a moving fluid into rotational energy, and a power generating device

Abstract

To provide an energy conversion device capable of suppressing influence on an environment due to installation, having the high installation freedom, and capable of conversion of movement energy of moving fluid into rotation energy or electric energy stably at high efficiency even when the movement direction of the moving fluid changes, and an electric power generation device.SOLUTION: There are provided a fluid energy conversion device and an electric power generation device that can enhance and stabilize conversion efficiency even when a fluid frequently changes in moving direction or moving speed by arranging a conversion part on a border surface of a border part, wherein a rotary body has an internal space sectioned with a rotatable border part provided in a movement passage of the fluid moving an external space, and the conversion part converts movement energy of the fluid into rotation energy in the same rotating direction by effectively generating a lift and drag as the fluid moving in a region to rotate away and a region to rotate to flows in the internal space on a basis of a plane defined with an axis of rotation generated with rotation energy and the moving direction of the fluid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device that converts the movement energy of a fluid that is not constantly moving into rotational energy, and to a power generation device such as a wind turbine or hydroelectric generator that uses the device, and to the shape, arrangement and structure of the vanes or blades that convert the movement energy into rotational energy. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, the kinetic energy of moving fluids such as air and water has been widely converted into rotational energy, and used for, for example, pumping water and generating electricity using wind power, and mechanical power sources and generating electricity using wave and tidal power, etc. In particular, in light of social responses to global warming, various research and development efforts have been made on wind power, wave power, and tidal power, which can generate energy with low environmental impact, and efforts are being made to put them to practical use.

[0003] In addition, wind, wave, and tidal power can be used as energy sources wherever there is wind, waves, or tides, so by distributing power generation facilities adjacent to electricity consumption areas, there is no need to use equipment associated with high-voltage transmission for low-loss long-distance transmission, which reduces equipment costs and suppresses heat loss caused by the electrical resistance of transmission lines.

[0004] Here, wind and tidal currents are natural phenomena, and the speed and direction of movement of the moving fluid are generally not always constant. It is required that a sufficient flow velocity be obtained as required with little flow velocity fluctuation. For example, in the case of a horizontal axis propeller type rotational energy conversion device, there are only a limited number of locations where suitable wind conditions can be obtained, and consideration of the surrounding environment is also an essential issue, so there are often strict restrictions on the installation location.

[0005] In order to deal with the constraints imposed by the fluctuations in the moving speed and direction of the fluid or environmental considerations, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 6-137258, 2015-21491, and US2013 / 0309062A1 disclose vertical axis wind turbines capable of generating rotational force even with winds coming from different directions. Furthermore, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2014-20274 and 2014-20274 disclose vertical axis wind turbines having a configuration in which the moving fluid is guided to the outside of the member generating lift or drag so that the blades for energy conversion can efficiently and stably obtain rotational energy by using lift or drag. Also, some vertical axis wind turbines are considering using a magatama-shaped cross section for the blades (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 6-137258 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication 2014-20274 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication 2012-215148 [Patent Document 4] Patent Publication 2015-21491 [Patent Document 5] US2013 / 0309062A1 [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] Hiroki Ninomiya and Shuya Yoshioka, "Development of Magatama-Shaped Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Blades Using Genetic Algorithms", Experimental Mechanics Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 46-54 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Here, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-137258 discloses a wind power generation device that uses external and internal introduction blades to guide wind so that a rotational force in the same direction is always generated on the rotors even when the wind comes from different directions. However, it does not show how the wind that is introduced and hits the rotors is discharged to the outside of the wind power generation device. For example, there is a high possibility that wind with inconsistent direction will flow out and hit the rotors, canceling out the rotational force. In addition, JP 2015-21491 A discloses a wind power generation device that combines multiple movable blades and multiple fixed blades to always generate a rotational force in the same direction even when the wind comes from different directions. However, the direction in which the blades hit the wind is not limited, making it difficult to achieve high energy conversion efficiency.

[0009] Also, US2013 / 0309062A1 discloses a wind turbine that uses an annular rotor assembly having rotor vanes for generating rotational energy surrounding a central space, and uses an inner guide array and outer guide vanes that can change their angle to guide wind that flows in from the outside in different directions so that it circulates in the same direction within the central space of the annular rotor assembly. However, an extremely complex structure is required to timely adapt the angles of the inner guide array and outer guide vanes to the changing inflow direction of wind.

[0010] Furthermore, JP 2014-20274 A discloses a wind power generation device that improves the efficiency of wind energy conversion by using a blade guide passage to allow multiple rotating blades provided in a wind rotation mechanism to collect wind force from all directions. However, the installation of the blade guide passage increases the overall external dimensions of the device and also lengthens the path to the rotating blades, which is likely to reduce the efficiency of conversion to rotational energy. Furthermore, JP 2012-215148 A discloses a lift-type vertical axis wind turbine configured to obtain high rotational torque by arranging wind shields at equal intervals along a circumference larger than the outer circumference of the blades that rotate integrally with the rotating shaft, but the arrangement of the wind shields increases the overall external dimensions of the device, and in addition, the arrangement of the wind shields blocks part of the airflow, so there is a high possibility that the efficiency of conversion to rotational energy will decrease.

[0011] As described above, in the wind power generation devices and the like disclosed in the past that convert the movement energy of a fluid into rotational energy and utilize it, the structure makes it difficult to easily, efficiently, and stably generate rotational energy in the same direction when the direction or speed of the fluid's movement changes. In contrast, the present invention aims to provide an energy conversion device that can convert fluid movement energy into rotational energy with high efficiency and stability even when the direction or speed of the moving fluid fluctuates, as well as the shape, arrangement, and structure of vanes or blades used in power generation devices to convert movement energy into rotational energy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] According to the present invention, in a rotor having an internal space partitioned by a rotatable boundary provided in the moving path of a fluid moving through an external space, a plane defined by the rotation axis of the boundary, which rotates with the rotational energy converted from the moving energy of the fluid, and the moving direction of the fluid is set as a reference plane, and a conversion unit is provided on the boundary surface of the boundary, which generates drag in the region where the moving fluid rotates from the reference plane of the boundary where the moving fluid flows into the internal space, and generates lift in the region where the moving fluid rotates toward the reference plane of the boundary, thereby converting the moving energy of the fluid into rotational energy in the same rotation direction, thereby realizing a fluid energy conversion device and a power generation device that can increase and stabilize the conversion efficiency even when the moving direction or moving speed of the fluid changes frequently. In addition, by appropriately changing the surface shape or angle of the rotational energy conversion unit provided on the boundary according to the inflow amount or inflow speed of the moving fluid from the external space, it is possible to more stably and efficiently convert the moving energy of the fluid into rotational energy. Furthermore, a power generation device is realized in which the angle of the rotational energy conversion unit with respect to the boundary is changed to suppress the inflow of the fluid from the external space into the internal space when the moving speed of the moving fluid exceeds a preset value. Effect of the Invention

[0013] By using the fluid energy converter of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. Even if the direction of movement of the fluid flowing from the external region to the internal region changes, it is possible to always convert it into rotational energy in the same direction with high efficiency and stability. Furthermore, since there is always a surface of the energy conversion section which mainly generates lift against the movement of the fluid and a surface of the energy conversion section which mainly generates drag, stable energy conversion can be achieved against changes in the flow rate of the moving fluid. Furthermore, since there is no need for a member for introducing the moving fluid to the outside of the boundary part where the energy conversion part is arranged, it is possible to prevent the external dimensions of the device from becoming large, and a high degree of freedom is obtained in terms of the location where the device is installed. Furthermore, since there are few restrictions on the shape of the device in relation to the change in the direction of movement or the flow rate of the moving fluid, there is a high degree of freedom in terms of the installation location, installation intervals, and surrounding environment of the energy conversion equipment. Furthermore, by appropriately setting the surface roughness of the surface of the energy conversion section that mainly generates lift and the surface that mainly generates drag, it is possible to easily achieve further improvements in efficiency and stable operation. Furthermore, if the speed of the moving fluid exceeds a preset value, the angle of the rotational energy conversion unit relative to the boundary portion can be set to prevent the flow of fluid from the external space into the internal space, thereby quickly preventing damage to the device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid energy converter according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a fluid energy conversion device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an energy conversion unit according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 5] State and action of moving fluid flowing into the energy conversion unit according to the first embodiment [Figure 6] Operation of the fluid energy converter using the energy converter of the first embodiment [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of a fluid energy converter according to a second embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an energy conversion unit according to a second embodiment; [Figure 9] State and action of moving fluid flowing into the energy conversion unit according to the second embodiment [Figure 10] Operation of the fluid energy converter using the energy converter of the second embodiment [Figure 11] Operation example of a fluid energy converter using the energy converter of the first embodiment [Figure 12]Modification of the fluid energy converter using the energy converter of the first embodiment [Figure 13] Operation of the energy conversion unit of the first embodiment when the fluid movement speed becomes excessive [Figure 14] Operation of the energy conversion unit of the second embodiment when the fluid movement speed becomes excessive [Figure 15] A practical example in which multiple wind turbines according to the present invention are closely arranged on land such as a coast or lakeside [Figure 16] Examples of practical applications of the wind power generation device according to the present invention, installed in valleys and on bridge piers [Figure 17] An example of practical application of the wind power generation device according to the present invention, which is installed on top of a conventional structure [Figure 18] Practical application example of the wind power generation device according to the present invention, which is installed on a water structure or a ship [Figure 19] An example of practical application of the wind power generation device according to the present invention as a rotation source for a rotor sail for a ship DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The present invention is a fluid energy conversion device that converts the kinetic energy of a spatially moving fluid into rotational energy, the fluid energy conversion device comprising: a rotation axis provided at least in the path along which the fluid moves, which is approximately perpendicular to at least one component of the direction in which the fluid moves; a boundary portion that rotates around the rotation axis and forms an internal space into which the moving fluid flows in from an external space and then flows out again to the external space; a rotor having at least one or more energy conversion portions that convert the kinetic energy of the moving fluid into rotational energy about the rotation axis of the boundary portion by generating lift and / or drag when the moving fluid flows from the external space into the internal space at the boundary portion; and a surface state configured such that the energy conversion portion generates rotational energy in approximately the same rotational direction as the rotor when the moving fluid flows from the external space into the internal space, thereby converting the kinetic energy of the moving fluid into rotational energy in the same rotational direction as the rotor.

[0016] The surface condition of the energy conversion unit set in the boundary portion has a surface shape that generates mainly resistance when the moving fluid flows from the external space into the internal space in the rotating region of the boundary portion based on the movement direction of the moving fluid, and mainly generates lift when the moving fluid flows from the external space into the internal space in the rotating region of the boundary portion, and multiple energy conversion units can be arranged, for example, in rotational symmetry on the rotating boundary portion.

[0017] The surface generating lift and the surface generating drag of the energy conversion section can be configured so that their attachment angle with respect to the boundary and / or their surface area change according to the inflow amount or inflow speed of the moving fluid from the external space.

[0018] On the lift generating surface and drag generating surface of the energy conversion section, rotational energy in the same rotational direction can be generated even when the moving fluid flows from the internal space of the fluid energy conversion device to the external space.

[0019] The moving fluid is gas and / or liquid, and the rotational energy converted from the energy of the moving fluid can be converted into rotational force or electrical energy. EXAMPLES

[0020] The configuration and operation of an embodiment of an energy conversion device and a power generation device according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. Fig. 1 is a perspective external view of an example according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which is configured to include a fluid energy converter that generates rotational energy using, for example, the movement energy of air, i.e., wind energy, and a generator that converts the rotational energy into electrical energy. In Fig. 1, 1 is a fluid energy converter that generates rotational energy from the movement energy of a moving fluid 4 that flows from an external space 2 into an internal space 3, 11 is an energy conversion unit that converts the movement energy of the moving fluid 4 into rotational energy, 8 is an end plate on which the energy conversion unit is disposed, and 6 is a generator that converts the rotational energy into electrical energy.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the fluid energy converter 1 of Fig. 1, in which a plurality of energy conversion units 11 are arranged to form an internal space 3 together with an end plate 8 attached to a rotating shaft 9 connected to a generator 6 and supported by bearings 10. Note that the end plate 8 is not limited in terms of whether it is breathable or not, as long as the rotating shaft 9 and the plurality of energy conversion units 11 can be fixed to each other; however, it is necessary to sufficiently suppress the adverse effect on the rotational energy of the inflow or outflow of the moving fluid between the external space 2 and the internal space 3.

[0022] 3 is a partial perspective view of the fluid energy converter according to the first embodiment, in which a rotatable boundary section 5 substantially composed of a plurality of energy conversion sections 11 is formed on an end plate 8 that can rotate parallel to a rotation axis 9 held by a bearing 10. Specifically, the internal space 3 is formed as a cylindrical internal space by the boundary section 5 composed of a plurality of energy conversion sections 11 and the upper and lower end plates 8.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective explanatory diagram of an individual energy conversion unit 11 according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the cross section of the energy conversion unit 11 in the rotation axis direction is formed into a magatama shape pointed toward the center of rotation, so that the surface shape generates lift and the surface shape generates drag by the flow of the moving fluid 4 (wind in this embodiment). Furthermore, the surface roughness of the lift generating surface 12 and the drag generating surface 13 can be easily set individually or the same, and it is also easy to achieve optimal energy conversion efficiency and stable operating conditions by changing the surface roughness according to, for example, the installation environment of the device and the condition of the moving fluid. In FIG. 4, 12 is the lift generating surface of the energy conversion unit, 13 is the drag generating surface of the energy conversion unit, and 7 is the mounting shaft of the energy conversion unit 11 to the end plate 8. Furthermore, the surface roughness of the lift generating surface 12 and the drag generating surface 13 can be made approximately the same or can be made different in consideration of functionality. If the surface roughness of the energy conversion unit 11 changes over time due to contact with the moving fluid 4 during movement, it may be configured to be actively restored to a predetermined value.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the state and action of the moving fluid 4 flowing into the energy conversion unit 11 according to the first embodiment, and shows an overview of the action of generating a rotational force in the same direction by the moving fluid 4 flowing into some of the boundary parts 5, which generates lift and drag. The generation of lift and drag by the actual moving fluid 4 cannot be generally expressed due to the complex behavior of the fluid, but it is considered that a rotational force in the same direction is generated by the action shown in the figure. In FIG. 5, the surface of the energy conversion unit 11 facing the inflow direction of the inflowing moving fluid 4 has a substantially identical curved shape on the surface that the moving fluid directly hits, so that the movement energy of the moving fluid 4 is averaged on the rotation circumference or is offset as a rotational force, and therefore the direct effect of the moving fluid 4 on the rotational force is considered to be minor.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation of the fluid energy converter using the energy conversion unit 11 of the first embodiment. The operation of generating lift and drag by the inflow of the moving fluid 4 is the same as in FIG. 5, but in particular, FIG. 6 shows that an area where lift is mainly generated and an area where drag is mainly generated are generated depending on the moving direction of the moving fluid 4 and the surface shape and mounting angle of the energy conversion unit 11. That is, the surface state of the energy conversion unit 11 set at the boundary portion 5 has a surface shape that generates mainly drag when the moving fluid 4 flows from the external space 2 into the internal space 3 in the area where the boundary portion 5 rotates with respect to the moving direction of the moving fluid 4, and generates mainly lift when the moving fluid 4 flows from the external space 2 into the internal space 3 in the area where the boundary portion 5 rotates. Here, the energy conversion unit 11 is arranged rotationally symmetrically on the circumference of the boundary portion 5, but the symmetry is not limited. Furthermore, even in the process in which the moving fluid 4 that has flowed from the external space 2 into the internal space 3 flows out into the external space 2 (dotted arrow in Figure 6), the surface shape of any energy conversion section 11 through which the flowing out moving fluid 4 passes is considered to generate rotational energy in roughly the same direction.

[0026] 7 is a partial perspective view of a fluid energy converter according to the second embodiment, in which a rotatable boundary section 5 substantially composed of a plurality of energy conversion sections 14 is formed on a rotatable end plate 8. Specifically, the internal space 3 is formed as a cylindrical internal space by the boundary section 5 composed of a plurality of energy conversion sections 14 and the upper and lower end plates 8.

[0027] 8 is a perspective explanatory diagram of an individual energy conversion section 14 according to the second embodiment, and in this embodiment, the cross section of the energy conversion section 14 in the rotation axis direction is shaped like a magatama pointed toward the outside of the rotation, thereby forming a surface shape that generates lift and a surface shape that generates drag due to the flow of the moving fluid 4 (wind in this embodiment). Furthermore, the surface roughness of the lift generating surface 15 and the drag generating surface 16 can be set arbitrarily, as in the first embodiment.

[0028] 9 is a diagram showing the state and action of moving fluid flowing into the energy conversion unit 14 according to the second embodiment, and shows an overview of the action of generating rotational forces in the same direction by the generation of lift and drag forces due to the moving fluid 4 flowing into some of the boundary parts 5. The generation of lift and drag forces by the actual moving fluid 4 is a complex fluid behavior that cannot be generally expressed, but it is considered that rotational forces in the same direction are generated roughly by the action shown in the figure.

[0029] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation of a fluid energy converter using the energy conversion unit 14 of the second embodiment. The operation of generating lift and drag by the inflow of the moving fluid 4 is the same as in FIG. 9, but in particular, FIG. 10 shows that an area where mainly lift is generated and an area where mainly drag is generated appear depending on the moving direction of the moving fluid 4 and the surface shape and mounting angle of the energy conversion unit 14. That is, the surface state of the energy conversion unit 14 set at the boundary portion 5 has a surface shape that generates mainly drag when the moving fluid 4 flows from the external space 2 into the internal space 3 in the area where the boundary portion 5 rotates with respect to the moving direction of the moving fluid 4, and generates mainly lift when the moving fluid 4 flows from the external space 2 into the internal space 3 in the area where the boundary portion 5 rotates. Here, the energy conversion unit 14 is arranged rotationally symmetrically on the circumference of the boundary portion 5, but the symmetry is not limited. Furthermore, even in the process in which the moving fluid 4 that has flowed from the external space 2 into the internal space 3 flows out into the external space 2 (dotted arrow in Figure 10), the surface shape of any energy conversion section 14 through which the flowing out moving fluid 4 passes is considered to generate rotational energy in roughly the same direction.

[0030] 11 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a fluid energy converter using the energy conversion unit 11 of the first embodiment, and in particular shows that the attachment angle of the energy conversion unit 11 to the boundary unit 5 can be changed. By changing the attachment angle of the energy conversion unit 11 to the boundary unit 5 in accordance with the movement speed or amount of the moving fluid 4 or the air pressure or gas density, stable and highly efficient conversion to rotational energy can be realized.

[0031] Comparing the energy conversion unit 11 of the first embodiment with the energy conversion unit 14 of the second embodiment, it can be said that the energy conversion unit 11 has a large inertial mass and is more efficient when adapted to a relatively high flow velocity under surface conditions suitable for generating lift, whereas the energy conversion unit 14 has a small inertial mass and is more efficient when adapted to a relatively low flow velocity under surface conditions suitable for generating drag.

[0032] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a modified example of a fluid energy converter using the energy converter of the first embodiment, which is considered from the characteristics of each of the energy converters described above, and shows a state in which the energy converter 11 is rotated so that the cross section in the rotation axis direction of the energy converter 11 in Fig. 11 becomes a magatama shape pointed toward the outside of the rotation of the second embodiment, and the energy converter 11 is rotated so that when the average flow speed of the moving fluid 4 changes with time or season, the surface shape of the first embodiment at high flow speed becomes the surface shape of the second embodiment at low flow speed. As shown in Fig. 12, when the energy converter 11 is rotated, rotational energy is generated in the reverse direction, so when transmitting rotational force to the power generator to generate power, it is necessary to respond to the rotation in the reverse direction, but the substantial diameter of the boundary portion becomes large and drag generation becomes dominant, so that a high torque rotational force can be obtained even at low speed.

[0033] Figure 13 is a diagram showing the operation of the energy conversion unit of the first embodiment when the fluid movement speed becomes excessive, in which the attachment angle of the energy conversion unit 11 to the boundary portion 5 is changed so as to prevent the moving fluid 4 from flowing from the external space 2 into the internal space 3 when the movement speed of the moving fluid 4 reaches a predetermined value, in order to prevent damage to the energy conversion device.

[0034] Figure 14 is a diagram showing the operation of the energy conversion unit of the second embodiment when the fluid movement speed becomes excessive, in which the attachment angle of the energy conversion unit 14 to the boundary portion 5 is changed so as to prevent the moving fluid 4 from flowing from the external space 2 into the internal space 3 when the movement speed of the moving fluid 4 reaches a predetermined value, in order to prevent damage to the energy conversion device.

[0035] Although illustrations and detailed explanations are omitted, in each embodiment, the surface area of ​​the lift-generating surface and the drag-generating surface of the energy conversion section can be appropriately changed depending on the speed and amount of movement of the moving fluid or the air pressure and gas density, thereby making it possible to achieve a surface condition that optimizes the efficiency of lift generation or drag generation. [Industrial Applicability]

[0036] The present invention is particularly effective for wind power generation devices in locations where the wind direction changes frequently, since it is possible to perform stable energy conversion even when the moving direction of the moving fluid is different in a device that converts the moving energy of a moving fluid into rotational energy. In addition, when multiple energy conversion devices are installed adjacent to each other, even if the moving direction of the moving fluid changes between the devices, the effect on the energy conversion is suppressed, so that the installation space can be made more efficient. Furthermore, since the energy conversion device can be made into various shapes, it can be installed in areas and locations where it was previously difficult to install.

[0037] For example, as shown in Fig. 15, when multiple wind turbines 17 are closely arranged on the coast or near the shore of the sea, lake or river, there is a problem of changes in wind direction caused by other energy generating devices, but since the operation of the energy conversion device of the present invention does not depend on the wind direction, there is less need to widen the intervals between each energy conversion device, and space efficiency for arranging multiple devices can be improved. Also, although not shown, it is easy to arrange small-scale wind turbines 17 in a forest along the coast to function as a substitute for a windbreak.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 16, the operation of the wind power generation device 18 of the present invention is not dependent on the wind direction, so that it can be operated without restrictions on the installation location, even in places where the wind direction changes frequently, such as mountain gorges, and it is possible to suppress the destruction of the natural environment, deterioration of the scenery, and adverse effects on the surrounding ecology caused by the installation. Furthermore, it is easy to install it in a form integrated with structures such as bridge piers over gorges or straits, which makes it possible to suppress the adverse effects and reduce the installation costs.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 17, even when installing the wind turbine generator 19 of the present invention using an existing building, the change in rotational energy conversion efficiency due to changes in wind direction is suppressed, so there is no need to space the wind turbine generators more than necessary, allowing for efficient installation. When installing on such ground structures, it is preferable to use wind turbine generators that are long in the height direction in structures in urban areas, etc., in which case multiple wind turbine generators may be stacked on top of each other.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 18, when installing the wind power generation device 20 of the present invention on a structure constructed on the sea or on a ship capable of moving on the sea, not only is there no need to increase the spacing between the energy conversion devices more than necessary, but there is also a high degree of freedom in the installation location and direction since changes in the rotational energy conversion efficiency are suppressed in response to changes in wind direction, and in the case of a ship, it is possible to freely set the orientation of the hull when anchored or docked, and the direction of navigation when moving.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19, it can also be used as a rotation source 22 for a ship's rotor sail 21, for example, utilizing the Magnus effect. In particular, by controlling the mounting angle of the blades as an energy conversion section, the rotational force and rotational speed can be controlled, which can contribute to further energy-saving navigation.

[0042] Furthermore, although illustrations and detailed explanations are omitted, it is also possible to install it, for example, as a rotation source at the top of the cylinder to serve as a power source for rotating the vertically arranged cylinder of a vertical axis Magnus wind turbine, which can improve the efficiency of the device and simplify maintenance.

[0043] Although the application to wind power generation using natural wind has been described as an embodiment, it is clear that application to power generation devices that generate electricity by converting the movement energy of a moving liquid whose movement direction is not constant, such as wave power generation or tidal power generation, into rotational energy can be easily realized with a similar configuration, and furthermore, it is possible to directly use the rotational energy converted from the movement energy of a moving fluid, whether gas or liquid, as a power source for a water pump, a propulsion mechanism, or a machine tool or processing machine, etc. For example, one possible use of a moving liquid is to combine it with a wave-breaking block such as Tetrapod (registered trademark) or a floating buoy to generate small-scale electricity for use as an independent light source or equipment power source for lighthouses, navigation lights, etc.

[0044] Furthermore, although illustrations and detailed explanations are omitted, it is possible to realize a variety of forms that can be used as a fluid energy conversion device to suit a variety of applications, such as making the boundary portion of the rotor vertically long to enable operation in strong winds, or making the boundary portion of the rotor flat to generate large torque.

[0045] In addition, because the device has a basically cylindrical exterior with no protrusions, measures can easily be taken to prevent the inflow or intrusion of foreign objects or birds and animals into the internal space through the blades, which are the energy conversion section, by covering the area with protective netting or wire mesh, making it possible to take appropriate measures to preserve the surrounding environment and maintain the scenery.

[0046] As described above, by using the present invention, it is possible to efficiently and stably convert the movement energy of a moving fluid whose movement direction and speed frequently change into rotational energy or electrical energy, making it possible to arrange multiple devices in close proximity for efficient operation and to install them in locations where installation was previously difficult, and further reducing damage to the environment or scenery associated with the installation of the devices and adverse effects on plants and animals in the surrounding area. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1 Fluid energy conversion device according to the first embodiment 2 External space 3 Internal space 4 Moving fluid 5 Boundary 6 Generator 7 Mounting shaft of energy conversion unit 8 End plate 9 Rotating shaft 10 Bearing 11 Energy conversion unit according to the first embodiment 12 Lift generating surface of energy conversion unit according to the first embodiment 13 Drag generating surface of energy conversion unit according to the first embodiment 14 Energy conversion unit according to the second embodiment 15 Lift generating surface of energy conversion unit according to the second embodiment 16 Drag generating surface of energy conversion unit according to the second embodiment 17 Wind power generation device arranged close to a coast or lakeside 18 Wind power generation device arranged in a valley or on a bridge pier 19 Wind power generation device arranged on an existing structure 20 Wind power generation device arranged on an offshore structure or ship 21 Marine rotor sail 22 Fluid energy conversion device operating as a rotation source

Claims

1. In an apparatus for converting kinetic energy of a spatially moving fluid into rotational energy, the apparatus comprises: a rotation axis provided at least in a path along which the fluid moves, the rotation axis being substantially perpendicular to at least one component of the direction in which the fluid moves; a boundary portion that rotates about the rotation axis and forms an internal space into which the moving fluid flows in from an external space and flows out to the external space; the moving fluid flows from the external space into the internal space at the boundary portion to generate lift and / or drag, thereby converting the kinetic energy of the moving fluid into rotational energy at the boundary portion, the moving fluid comprising at least eight or more energy conversion parts each having at least two or more surfaces; When the moving fluid flows from the external space into the internal space, it passes through the surface generating lift of the energy conversion unit, and is then guided toward the surface generating drag of the adjacent energy conversion unit, and after passing through the surface generating drag of the energy conversion unit, it is guided toward the surface generating lift of the adjacent energy conversion unit, A fluid energy conversion device characterized in that the energy conversion unit uses a plane defined by the direction of movement of the moving fluid flowing from the external space into the internal space and the center of rotation of the rotation axis as a reference plane, and in a region where the moving fluid flows into the internal space as the boundary portion rotates due to the converted rotational energy and rotates toward the reference plane, generates a lift force that contributes to the conversion to rotational energy that is greater than the resistance force that contributes to the conversion to rotational energy, thereby converting the kinetic energy of the moving fluid into rotational energy in a rotational direction opposite to the direction of movement of the moving fluid of the rotating body.

2. In claim 1, A fluid energy conversion device characterized in that the surface condition of the energy conversion part is a surface shape that generates lift and / or a surface shape that generates drag when the moving fluid flows from the external space to the internal space at the boundary part.

3. In claim 1 or 2, A fluid energy conversion device characterized in that the surface shape of the energy conversion unit and / or the attachment angle of the energy conversion unit with respect to the boundary unit are configured to change depending on the inflow amount or inflow speed of the moving fluid from the external space.

4. In any one of claims 1 to 3 A fluid energy conversion device characterized in that the energy conversion unit has a structure in which the area of ​​each surface that mainly generates drag or mainly generates lift and / or the angle of each surface relative to the boundary unit change independently or in conjunction with each other.

5. In any one of claims 1 to 4 A fluid energy conversion device, characterized in that the surface condition of the energy conversion part has different surface roughnesses in the surfaces that mainly generate drag and the surfaces that mainly generate lift.

6. 6. A power generating device, comprising: a fluid energy converter according to claim 1, which converts rotational energy converted from the movement energy of the moving fluid into electrical energy.

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