Floating power generation unit

Abstract

To provide a floating power generation unit capable of improving fishing ground by promoting growth of plankton by increasing activity of aerobic organisms by spreading oxygen content into water as fine bubbles while carrying out floating power generation.SOLUTION: A floating power generation unit 1 including a power generator 2, and an oxygen separator 3 for separating oxygen and nitrogen in air by using power supplied by the power generator 2, and a float 4 floating on water is installed with the power generator 2 and the oxygen separator 3 on a top surface of a float 4 includes: a first fine bubbles generation medium 33 for supplying oxygen separated by the oxygen separator 3 as fine bubbles into water; and a second fine bubbles generation medium 34 for supplying nitrogen separated by the oxygen separator 3 as fine bubbles into water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology of an underwater power generation unit installed on a float that floats on the sea or a lake and includes a structure such as a power generation device, and is provided with an oxygen supply device for supplying oxygen into the water around the float.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the development of so-called renewable natural energy that converts natural energy such as wind power, wave power, tidal current / ocean current, and water flow on the water such as the ocean or a lake into electrical energy for power generation has attracted attention.

[0003] As an example of an underwater power generation unit that can obtain renewable natural energy, there is a so-called floating-type underwater wind power generation unit that can convert underwater wind power into electrical energy for power generation, and its practical application is in progress. In addition, there is also an underwater tidal power generation unit that opens a weir at high tide to introduce seawater into the bay, closes the weir at low tide, and introduces seawater into a turbine to convert the kinetic energy of the tidal current (the movement of seawater due to tides) into electric power, and its practical application is being promoted.

[0004] A floating-type underwater wind power generation unit, which is an example of an underwater power generation unit, is configured to rotate a windmill for power generation provided on floating equipment by underwater wind power, convert it into electrical energy, and then transmit the obtained electric power through an underwater cable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the waters near where the floating power generation units were installed, ocean currents and water flow were often obstructed, causing seawater or lake water to stagnate and oxygen to be insufficiently supplied, which sometimes prevented the formation of good fishing grounds. When the supply of oxygen is insufficient, the amount of plankton and other organisms that fish feed on decreases, making it difficult for fish to gather and negatively impacting the growth of fish in the vicinity.

[0007] Furthermore, ocean currents near the floats tended to stagnate, leading to the growth of barnacles and deterioration of the floats due to microorganisms. This deterioration of the floats increased the maintenance costs of the floating power generation units, sometimes undermining the cost-saving advantage of floating power generation units, which is that they do not require land.

[0008] Therefore, in view of these problems, the present invention provides a floating power generation unit that can increase the activity of aerobic organisms and promote the growth of plankton by dispersing oxygen into the water as fine bubbles while generating power on the water, thereby improving fishing grounds. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The problems that this invention aims to solve are as described above, and the means for solving these problems will now be explained.

[0010] In other words, the present invention provides a floating power generation unit comprising a power generation device, an oxygen separation device that separates oxygen and nitrogen from the air using electricity supplied by the power generation device, and a float floating on water, wherein the power generation device and the oxygen separation device are installed on the upper surface of the float, The oxygen separation device is equipped with a first microbubble generating medium that supplies the oxygen separated by the oxygen separation device into water as microbubbles, The system is equipped with a second microbubble generating medium that supplies the nitrogen separated by the oxygen separation device into the water as microbubbles.

[0011] Furthermore, in the present invention, preferably, the first microbubble generating medium and the second microbubble generating medium may be made of a carbon-based porous material.

[0012] Furthermore, in the present invention, preferably, the first microbubble generating medium may be located at a greater depth in the water than the second microbubble generating medium.

[0013] Furthermore, in the present invention, the nitrogen separated by the oxygen separation device may be supplied to the power generation device and the oxygen separation device, and filled inside the power generation device and the oxygen separation device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The present invention provides the following effects:

[0015] In this invention, while generating electricity on the water, the oxygen produced by an oxygen separation device, which separates oxygen and nitrogen from the air using the power generated by the power generation device, can be dispersed into the water as fine bubbles. This increases the activity of aerobic organisms, promotes plankton growth, and improves fishing grounds. Furthermore, by releasing the nitrogen produced by the oxygen separation device near the float, the growth of barnacles and other organisms can be suppressed. In addition, oxidation can be suppressed, preventing deterioration of the float and reducing maintenance costs. Moreover, by adding fine bubbles inside the float to prevent oxidation, the weathering of each component of the water-based power generation unit can be prevented, extending the lifespan of the equipment.

[0016] Furthermore, in this invention, because the microbubble generating medium is formed from a carbon-based porous material, it does not deteriorate even when placed in water for a long period of time, thus improving maintainability.

[0017] Furthermore, in this invention, the oxygen produced by the oxygen separation device can be released into deep water areas where aquatic organisms are abundant. In addition, the nitrogen produced by the oxygen separation device can be released into shallow water areas where the underside of the float is located.

[0018] In the present invention, nitrogen separated by the oxygen separation device is filled into the power generation device and the oxygen separation device, thereby preventing oxidation of each component in the power generation device and the oxygen separation device, suppressing the generation of rust, and preventing deterioration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] Front view showing the overall configuration of the water power generation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Front view showing the configurations of the water power generation unit and the wind power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Front view showing the configuration of the oxygen separation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Front view of the pipe and the fine bubble generation medium according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Next, embodiments of the invention will be described. First, the water power generation unit 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The water power generation unit 1 is installed in a natural water system such as the sea (offshore), a river (river), or a lake (lake), and is a device that converts natural ocean energy such as wind power, wave power, and tidal current / ocean current / water current into electrical energy for power generation.

[0021] The water power generation unit 1 includes a power generation device 2, an oxygen separation device 3 that separates oxygen and nitrogen in the air using the power supplied by the power generation device 2, a float 4 floating on the water, an oxygen discharge pipe 5, a nitrogen discharge pipe 6, and pumps 7A and 7B that supply water flow to the oxygen discharge pipe 5 and the nitrogen discharge pipe 6.

[0022] The power generation device 2 is a device that generates electricity by rotating a generator 17 using natural energy. The generator 17 is rotated by natural ocean energy such as wave power, tidal currents, and ocean currents. On the open sea or on a lake, the turbine is rotated using the force of underwater waves or tidal forces, or the wind power on the water surface, to drive the generator 17.

[0023] As an example of a power generation device that converts natural energy into electrical energy in this embodiment, a wind power generation device 2A that converts wind power into electrical energy to generate electricity will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the wind turbine 2A comprises a rotatable rotor 15 consisting of a hub 13 having a rotating shaft (not shown in the figure) and a plurality of blades 14 attached to the hub 13. The rotor 15 is rotatably supported by a nacelle 16 via a rotating shaft (not shown), and the rotational force of the rotor 15 is transmitted to a generator 17 inside the nacelle 16. In the wind turbine 2A, the rotor 15 rotates when the blades 14 receive wind, and the rotational force of the rotor 15 rotates the generator 17 to generate electricity.

[0024] The power generation device 2 has a main transmission cable 18A for transmitting power to various onshore power transmission facilities not shown in the diagram. The main transmission cable 18A is branched and connected to an oxygen separation device transmission cable 18B that transmits some of the power to the oxygen separation device 3, and a pump transmission cable 18C that transmits power to pumps 7A and 7B.

[0025] The oxygen separation device 3 is a device that separates and discharges oxygen from the air, and discharges the remaining air, from which the oxygen has been removed, as a gas that is mostly nitrogen. Examples of oxygen separation devices 3 include pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen separation devices, membrane separation type oxygen separation devices, cryogenic separation type oxygen separation devices, and vacuum pressure swing adsorption type oxygen separation devices.

[0026] As an example of the oxygen separation apparatus 3 in this embodiment, a pressure fluctuation adsorption type oxygen separation apparatus 3A, which is one of the adsorption separation methods, will be described.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the oxygen separation device 3A separates air using an adsorbent that selectively adsorbs nitrogen. The adsorbent is composed of, for example, zeolite. By utilizing the property that the equilibrium adsorption amounts of nitrogen and oxygen of the adsorbent differ significantly under pressure, oxygen can be efficiently obtained by adsorbing and removing nitrogen from the air under pressure.

[0028] The oxygen separation apparatus 3A consists of a compressor 23 that compresses air, a dehumidifier 24 that dehumidifies the air supplied by the compressor 23, and two adsorption towers 25A and 25B.

[0029] The oxygen separation device 3A generates oxygen by repeatedly performing adsorption and desorption processes. First, the compressor 23 takes in raw material air from the atmosphere. The compressed air has its moisture removed by the dehumidifier 24 and is sent to the adsorption towers 25A and 25B. The paths to the two adsorption towers 25A and 25B are switched alternately every few tens of seconds by opening and closing valves in the process shown below.

[0030] By opening the first intake valve 27a, the air introduced into the first adsorption tower 25A is pressurized to the adsorption pressure. Meanwhile, the second nitrogen discharge valve 28b of the second adsorption tower 25B is opened, reducing the pressure to atmospheric pressure and discharging the adsorbed nitrogen gas, etc., into the nitrogen discharge pipe 6.

[0031] Air introduced into the first adsorption tower 25A has nitrogen gas, carbon dioxide gas, moisture, etc., adsorbed onto the adsorbent, and oxygen gas is supplied from the first oxygen discharge valve 27c through the oxygen discharge pipe 5 (adsorption process). Meanwhile, in the second adsorption tower 25B, the adsorbent is regenerated by oxygen gas from the first adsorption tower 25A that has passed through the orifices at the top of the two towers (desorption process).

[0032] Once the adsorption process in the first adsorption tower 25A and the desorption process in the second adsorption tower 25B are completed, the first intake valve 27a, the second nitrogen discharge valve 28b, and the first oxygen discharge valve 27c are closed, and the connecting valves 29 located above and below both towers are opened to equalize the pressure in both towers.

[0033] Next, the second intake valve 28a, the first nitrogen discharge valve 27b, and the second oxygen discharge valve 28c are opened to perform a desorption process in the first adsorption tower 25A and an adsorption process in the second adsorption tower 25B. After the adsorption process in the second adsorption tower 25B and the desorption process in the first adsorption tower 25A are completed, the second intake valve 28a, the first nitrogen discharge valve 27b, and the second oxygen discharge valve 28c are closed, and the connecting valves 29 located above and below both towers are opened to equalize the pressure in both towers. By repeating this process, oxygen is supplied from the oxygen discharge pipe 5 and nitrogen is discharged from the nitrogen discharge pipe 6.

[0034] Float 4 is a base for installing the power generation device 2 and the oxygen separation device 3 on the water. Float 4 is a structure composed of a floating block 4a supported by multiple support columns 4b, and has sufficient buoyancy to hold the power generation device 2 and the oxygen separation device 3 installed on its upper surface on the water. Lake water or seawater can flow into the inside of float 4, and the buoyancy of the float can be adjusted and balanced by the flow of lake water or seawater into the float. Float 4 is fixed to the seabed or lakebed by ropes and stakes (not shown), and is restored to its upright position from a tilted or rotated state by utilizing its moment of inertia.

[0035] The oxygen discharge pipe 5 is a pipe that sends and discharges the oxygen produced in the oxygen separation device 3 into the water. The outlet 5a of the oxygen discharge pipe 5 is below the water surface and is located at a depth where aquatic organisms such as fish and shellfish breed. A microbubble generating medium 33 is provided at the outlet 5a.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the microbubble generating medium 33 is arranged in connection with the outlet 5a. The microbubble generating medium 33 is arranged parallel to the direction in which the water pumped from the pump 7B flows (direction of the black-shaded arrow in Figure 2). In this embodiment, the microbubble generating medium 33 is arranged parallel to the direction in which the water pumped from the pump 7B flows, but it is not limited to this, and the microbubble generating medium 33 may be arranged so that the downstream side is inclined downward with respect to the direction in which the water pumped from the pump 7B flows. The microbubble generating medium 33 is provided with an internal space 33a that is connected to the outlet 5a.

[0037] Furthermore, the microbubble generating medium 33 is made of a carbon-based porous material and, as shown in Figure 3, has numerous fine pores 33A with diameters ranging from several micrometers to tens of micrometers. In addition, the microbubble generating medium 33 is a conductor, and the bubbles generated from the microbubble generating medium 33 become negatively charged. In other words, as the ultrafine bubbles pass through the conductive microbubble generating medium 33, free electrons are added to them, causing them to become negatively charged. This negative charge prevents the bubbles from repelling each other and merging to form larger bubbles.

[0038] Carbon-based porous materials are inorganic materials consisting of carbon alone or a composite material containing carbon and ceramics. Furthermore, a film several nanometers thick is formed on the surface of the carbon-based porous material. This film is made of an inorganic film containing silicon. Carbon-based porous materials are oxidation-resistant; they do not rust and do not deteriorate due to oxidation even when placed in water for extended periods. Additionally, because the surface is formed of an inorganic film containing silicon, aquatic organisms such as barnacles are less likely to attach to them.

[0039] Oxygen sent from the oxygen discharge pipe 5 into the internal space 33a moves to the surface of the microbubble generating medium 33 through fine pores 33A, which are provided in the microbubble generating medium 33 and have a diameter of several micrometers to tens of micrometers. The oxygen that has moved to the surface of the microbubble generating medium 33 becomes ultrafine bubbles and is released into the water by the force of water pumped from the pump 7B.

[0040] The nitrogen discharge pipe 6 is a pipe that discharges nitrogen generated in the oxygen separation device 3 into the oxygen separation device 3 itself and into the water. The nitrogen discharge pipe 6 is branched, with one branch returning nitrogen to the inside of the oxygen separation device 3. This suppresses oxidation of the various components of the oxygen separation device 3 and prevents rust formation. The other branch of the nitrogen discharge pipe 6 returns nitrogen to the inside of the power generation device 2. This suppresses oxidation of the various components inside the power generation device 2, especially electrodes and contacts, and prevents deterioration.

[0041] Furthermore, the outlet 6a of the nitrogen discharge pipe 6 is located below the water surface and is positioned to recirculate into the interior of the float 4. In other words, the nitrogen discharged from the nitrogen discharge pipe 6 is discharged into the seawater or lake water that enters the interior of the float 4. This makes it easier for the nitrogen-containing seawater or lake water to come into contact with the various components of the float 4, such as the floating block 4a and support columns 4b, thereby suppressing oxidation of these components and preventing rust formation. A microbubble generating medium 34 is provided at the outlet 6a.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the microbubble generating medium 34 is arranged in connection with the outlet 6a. The microbubble generating medium 34 is arranged parallel to the direction in which the water pumped from the pump 7A flows (direction of the black-filled arrow in Figure 2). In this embodiment, the microbubble generating medium 34 is arranged parallel to the direction in which the water pumped from the pump 7A flows, but it is not limited to this, and the microbubble generating medium 34 may be arranged so that the downstream side is inclined downward with respect to the direction in which the water pumped from the pump 7A flows. The microbubble generating medium 34 is provided with an internal space 34a connected to the outlet 6a.

[0043] Pump 7A also acts as a circulation pump to circulate the seawater or lake water inside float 4. The seawater or lake water inside float 4 is circulated and supplied, and nitrogen is repeatedly supplied inside float 4 as microbubbles, thereby increasing the nitrogen concentration in the seawater or lake water inside float 4.

[0044] Furthermore, the microbubble generating medium 34 is made of a carbon-based porous material and, as shown in Figure 3, has numerous fine pores 34A with diameters ranging from several micrometers to tens of micrometers. In addition, the microbubble generating medium 34 is a conductor, and the bubbles generated from the microbubble generating medium 34 are negatively charged. In other words, as the ultrafine bubbles pass through the conductive microbubble generating medium 34, free electrons are added to them, causing them to become negatively charged. This negative charge prevents the bubbles from repelling each other and merging to form larger bubbles. Carbon-based porous materials are inorganic materials consisting solely of carbon or a composite material containing carbon and ceramics. Furthermore, a film several nanometers thick is formed on the surface of the carbon-based porous material. This film is made of an inorganic material containing silicon. Nitrogen sent from the nitrogen discharge pipe 6 into the internal space 34a moves to the surface of the microbubble generating medium 34 through fine pores 34A with a diameter of several micrometers to tens of micrometers provided in the microbubble generating medium 34. The oxygen that moves to the surface of the microbubble generating medium 34 becomes ultrafine bubbles and is released into the water by the force of water pumped from the pump 7A.

[0045] Next, we will explain the process of supplying oxygen and nitrogen as microbubbles in the floating power generation unit 1. In the power generation device 2, the electricity generated drives the oxygen separation device 3. In the oxygen separation device 3, the compressor 23 takes in raw material air from the atmosphere. The compressed air has its moisture removed by the dehumidifier 24 and is sent to the adsorption towers 25A and 25B. Oxygen is generated by repeating the adsorption and desorption process in the two adsorption towers 25A and 25B and is sent to the oxygen discharge pipe 5. The remaining air from which the oxygen has been removed is discharged from the nitrogen discharge pipe 6 as a gas mostly composed of nitrogen.

[0046] Oxygen supplied from the oxygen discharge pipe 5 is sent to the internal space 33a of the microbubble generating medium 33 and discharged as microbubbles from the fine pores 33A. The oxygen generated as microbubbles on the surface of the microbubble generating medium 33 is separated from the surface and released into the water by the force of water pumped from the pump 7B. By discharging oxygen as microbubbles, the activity of aerobic organisms is increased, promoting the growth of plankton and improving fishing grounds. This ensures that abundant marine resources can be secured without disrupting the ecosystem of the fishing grounds near the floating power generation unit 1. In the water area where the floating power generation unit 1 is installed, the water flow was blocked because a structure was built in what was originally a fishing ground. This changed the amount of oxygen supplied, and the living environment for aquatic organisms sometimes deteriorated. However, the floating power generation unit 1 described in the present invention can supply sufficient oxygen to the water area near the floating power generation unit 1. This makes it possible to achieve coexistence of power generation and fishing in the same water area.

[0047] Furthermore, nitrogen supplied from the nitrogen discharge pipe 6 is sent to the internal space 34a of the microbubble generating medium 34 and discharged as microbubbles from the fine pores 34A. The nitrogen generated as microbubbles on the surface of the microbubble generating medium 34 is separated from the surface and released into the water by the force of water pumped from the pump 7A. By discharging nitrogen as microbubbles, oxidation of the nearby float 4 is prevented, thereby suppressing the occurrence of rust. In addition, since the nitrogen produced by the oxygen separation device 3 does not have an oxidizing effect, the deterioration of the float 4 can be suppressed. Thus, the floating power generation unit 1 can improve the environment of the surrounding fishing grounds by using oxygen and nitrogen from the air, and can also prevent the deterioration of the unit and reduce the frequency of maintenance.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, a dehumidifier 11 may be placed inside the power generation device 2 and the oxygen separation device 3 to remove internal moisture. This prevents deterioration due to moisture in the power generation device 2 and the oxygen separation device 3, which are placed in a humid environment above water. Power is supplied to the dehumidifier 11 from the power generation device 2.

[0049] The moisture absorbed by the dehumidifier 11 is stored in liquid form inside the dehumidifier, and after a certain amount has been stored, it is discharged into the seawater or lake water in the float 4. When the floating power generation unit is placed on the sea, the salinity of the seawater in the float 4 can be reduced, thereby preventing deterioration of the float 4 due to salt.

[0050] As described above, the floating power generation unit 1 according to this embodiment comprises a power generation device 2, an oxygen separation device 3 that separates oxygen and nitrogen from the air using electricity supplied by the power generation device 2, and a float 4 floating on the water, wherein the power generation device 2 and the oxygen separation device 3 are installed on the upper surface of the float 4, and further comprises a first microbubble generating medium 33 that supplies the oxygen separated by the oxygen separation device 3 into the water as microbubbles, and a second microbubble generating medium 34 that supplies the nitrogen separated by the oxygen separation device 3 into the water as microbubbles. This configuration allows for floating power generation while simultaneously dispersing the oxygen produced by the oxygen separation device 3, which uses the power from the power generation device 2 to separate oxygen and nitrogen from the air, into the water as fine bubbles. This increases the activity of aerobic organisms, promotes plankton growth, and improves fishing grounds. Furthermore, by releasing the nitrogen produced by the oxygen separation device 3 near the float 4, the growth of barnacles and other organisms can be suppressed. In addition, oxidation is suppressed, preventing deterioration of the float 4 and reducing maintenance costs. Moreover, in the generation method using the fine bubble generation medium 34, the power required to generate the fine bubbles is small, allowing for efficient use of the generated electricity.

[0051] Furthermore, the first microbubble generating medium 33 and the second microbubble generating medium 34 may be made of a carbon-based porous material. By configuring the system in this way, the first microbubble generating medium 33 and the second microbubble generating medium 34, being made of a carbon-based porous material, will not deteriorate even if they are left in water for a long period of time, thus improving maintainability.

[0052] Furthermore, the first microbubble generating medium 33 may be located at a deeper water depth than the second microbubble generating medium 34. This configuration allows the oxygen produced by the oxygen separation device 3 to be released into deeper waters where aquatic organisms are abundant. Furthermore, the nitrogen produced by the oxygen separation device 3 can be released into shallower waters where the underside of the float is located. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1. Floating power generation unit 2. Power generation equipment 2A Wind Turbine 2A 3. Oxygen Separator 3A Oxygen Separator 4 floats 4a Floating block 4b Support column 5. Oxygen outlet tube 5a Outlet 5A hole 6. Nitrogen discharge pipe 6a Outlet 6A hole 7A / 7B Pump 11 Dehumidifier 13 Hubs 14 blades 15 rotors 16 Nacer 17 Generators 18A Main Power Transmission Cable 18B Power transmission cable for oxygen separation equipment 18C Power transmission cable for pumps 23 Compressor 24 Dehumidifier 25A First Adsorption Tower 25B Second Adsorption Tower 27a First intake valve 27b First nitrogen discharge valve 27c First oxygen outlet valve 28a Second intake valve 28b Second nitrogen discharge valve 28c Second oxygen exhaust valve 29. Connecting valve 33 First microbubble generating medium 33a Interior space 33A hole 34 Second microbubble generating medium 34a Interior space 34A hole

Claims

1. A power generation device and the power supplied by the power generation device are used to separate oxygen and nitrogen from the air. The system comprises an oxygen separation device and a float floating on the water, and the upper surface of the float contains the oxygen A floating power generation unit equipped with an electrical device and an oxygen separation device, The oxygen separated by the oxygen separation device is supplied to the water as fine bubbles in the first fine Equipped with a bubble generating medium, The nitrogen separated by the oxygen separation device is supplied to the water as fine bubbles in a second micro... Equipped with a bubble generating medium, The first microbubble generating medium is located at a deeper water depth than the second microbubble generating medium. Placed A floating power generation unit characterized by the following features.

2. A power generation device and the power supplied by the power generation device are used to separate oxygen and nitrogen from the air. The system comprises an oxygen separation device and a float floating on the water, and the upper surface of the float contains the oxygen A floating power generation unit equipped with an electrical device and an oxygen separation device, The oxygen separated by the oxygen separation device is supplied to the water as fine bubbles in the first fine Equipped with a bubble generating medium, The nitrogen separated by the oxygen separation device is supplied to the water as fine bubbles in a second micro... Equipped with a bubble generating medium, The nitrogen separated by the oxygen separation device is supplied to the power generation device and the oxygen separation device. To supply and fill the power generation device and the oxygen separation device, A floating power generation unit characterized by the following features.

3. The first microbubble generating medium and the second microbubble generating medium are made of a carbon-based porous material. Formed, A floating power generation unit according to claim 1 or 2.

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