Rotating vehicle for power generation and power generation device using the same
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHINMEI SANGYOKK
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-03
Smart Images
Figure 0007898781000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
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[0001] The present invention relates to a rotating wheel for power generation that rotates upon receiving the flow of a fluid, and a power generation device using the same.
Background Art
[0002] Attention has been focused on renewable energy that places little burden on the global environment and has no concern about resource depletion. However, geothermal power generation has a problem in that it can only be adopted in some areas where geothermal energy is generated. In addition, wind power generation has extremely poor power generation stability, and there are problems such as the blades breaking in strong winds such as typhoons. Also, solar power generation has problems in that it cannot generate electricity at night and the power generation amount is affected by the weather. Therefore, attention has been newly focused on hydropower generation that can effectively utilize the abundant water resources in the territory of Japan.
[0003] However, in hydropower generation, it is difficult to newly construct a dam, which is a large-scale facility, because the current situation is saturated. Also, in hydropower generation by a dam, water wheels such as Francis turbines and Pelton turbines are often used, but efficient power generation cannot be achieved unless the flow rate of the water flow is large for any of the water wheels. Furthermore, since the water flow used for the rotation of the water wheel has a structure that is immediately drained, there is also a problem that the water flow is wasted.
[0004] Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-058924) discloses disposing a water flow control plate around a Savonius turbine in order to maintain a certain level of power generation efficiency even when the water flow or tidal current changes.
[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-206849) discloses a linear airfoil wind turbine equipped with a two-dimensional airfoil-shaped linear wing arranged parallel to the axis, taking into consideration efficiency, self-starting ability, noise, etc., in which, when a virtual line is drawn perpendicular to the chord line of the linear wing from the axis and the angle at which the linear wing is rotated around the intersection point is defined as the mounting angle, the mounting angle is set in the range of +3° to -2°, and when the ratio of the distance from the leading edge of the linear wing to this intersection point to the chord length is defined as the mounting position, the mounting position is set in the range of 15 to 40%, and when the distance from the axis to the linear wing is the radius R, the chord length of the linear wing is C, and the number of wings is N, the NC / R is set in the range of 0.5 to 2.2, and the ratio of the maximum wing thickness T to the chord length of the linear wing is set in the range of 20 to 25%. The ratio of the maximum wing thickness to the chord length of the support wing is set to 15 to 20%. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]
[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-058924 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-206849 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0007] Even with the water turbines disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 mentioned above, the power generation efficiency is poor unless there is a water flow with a certain velocity. There is a need for water turbines that can generate power efficiently even with slow flow velocities. Furthermore, the issue of wasted water flow after passing through the water turbine remains unresolved even with the water turbines disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 mentioned above.
[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to solve the above problems and to provide a rotating power generation vehicle that can efficiently generate electricity even with a slow fluid flow rate and can effectively utilize the fluid without wasting it, and a power generation device using the same. [Means for solving the problem]
[0009] The present invention relates to a rotating power generator that rotates in response to a fluid, comprising a rotating main shaft having a conical base axis formed thereon, and a plurality of blades arranged around the conical base axis, wherein each blade is curved and attached to the conical base axis so as to form an introduction portion that opens between itself and the outer circumferential surface of the conical base axis toward the upstream side of the fluid to introduce the fluid, and an discharge portion formed that opens between itself and the outer circumferential surface of the conical base axis toward the downstream side of the fluid to discharge the fluid. With this configuration, even if the fluid flow rate is slow, the fluid that passes through the blades does not escape downstream. Instead, all the fluid introduced from the inlet is taken in and discharged from the outlet. This allows for efficient power generation even at slow flow rates, and enables the effective use of the fluid without waste.
[0010] Furthermore, each of the blades is formed such that the contact surface against which the fluid introduced from the introduction section comes into contact is inclined at a predetermined angle toward the upstream side in the direction of fluid flow, and the discharge section is formed so that the fluid that comes into contact with the contact surface and is reflected is discharged from a direction perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow toward the opposite direction of flow, and is mounted on the conical base axis in this curved manner. With this configuration, even if the fluid flow velocity is slow, the fluid that passes through the blades does not escape downstream. Instead, all the fluid introduced from the fluid inlet is taken in, and the fluid comes into contact with the contact area of the cone-based blades in such a way that the contact area increases. As a result, power can be generated efficiently even at slow flow velocities, and the fluid can be used effectively without being wasted.
[0011] Furthermore, the opening surface of the introduction section is characterized by being formed at an angle of 90° to 40° toward the downstream side in the direction of fluid flow. This configuration allows for a sufficient flow rate of fluid to be introduced into the blades for power generation, enabling efficient power generation.
[0012] Furthermore, each blade is roughly triangular in shape with its sides formed by curves, and has a mounting side formed by a curve that curves inward so as to be attached in a curved manner along the outer surface of the cone base axis, and the vertex opposite the mounting side is a mounting portion attached near the vertex of the cone base axis, and the side connecting the upstream end of the mounting side, which is located on the upstream side of the fluid, and the mounting portion is formed by a continuous curve having a portion that curves outward to form the periphery of the introduction portion and a portion that curves inward, and the side connecting the downstream end of the mounting side, which is located on the downstream side of the fluid, and the mounting portion is formed by a curve that curves outward so as to form the periphery of the discharge portion.
[0013] Furthermore, each blade is a roughly pentagonal shape formed by curved sides and straight sides, and has a first mounting side formed by a curve that curves inward so as to be attached in a curved manner along the outer circumferential surface of the cone base axis, and a second mounting side that extends inward from one end of the first mounting side, is shorter than the first mounting side and formed by a straight line, and is attached in a continuous manner along the outer circumferential surface of the cone base axis, and the side opposite the first mounting side is formed by a third mounting side that is shorter than the first mounting side and longer than the second mounting side and is attached near the apex of the cone base axis, and the side connecting the upstream end of the second mounting side, which is located on the upstream side of the fluid, and the third mounting side is formed by a continuous curve having a portion that curves outward so as to form the periphery of the introduction section and a portion that curves inward, and the side connecting the downstream end of the first mounting side, which is located on the downstream side of the fluid, and the third mounting side is formed by a curve that curves outward so as to form the periphery of the discharge section.
[0014] Furthermore, the mounting edges of each blade are attached to the conical base axis at equal intervals from each other, when viewed from the front in the direction of fluid flow, so as to form an irregular parabola from the apex of the cone to the outer circumference.
[0015] Furthermore, each of the aforementioned blades is characterized by having a reinforcing member attached to the sides other than the mounting side. This configuration allows for increased strength of each blade, thus preventing damage.
[0016] Furthermore, each of the aforementioned blades The first mounting side, the second mounting side, and the third mounting side The other sides are characterized by having reinforcing members attached. This configuration allows for increased strength of each blade, thus preventing damage.
[0017] Furthermore, each of the aforementioned blades is characterized by being formed by stacking multiple plate-like bodies. This configuration makes it easier to manufacture the shape of the blades compared to when they are made from a single plate-like body.
[0018] According to the power generation device of the present invention, the direction perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow So that it extends in the vertical direction It comprises a main shaft and a cage-like storage section rotatably mounted to the circumferential direction of the axis of the main shaft, and a rudder is provided at the end of the cage-like storage section opposite to the side attached to the main shaft to receive fluid and change the orientation of the cage-like storage section, and inside the cage-like storage section, Claim 1 The described power generation rotating vehicle has one or more rotating main shafts that share a common axis. do The system is characterized by having a generator connected to the rotating main shaft, and by having electric wires for carrying the electricity generated by the generator routed through the main shaft. With this configuration, the cage-like storage section rotates relative to the main shaft so that it always faces upstream of the fluid, enabling efficient power generation.
[0019] According to the power generation device of the present invention, it includes a main shaft arranged to extend in the vertical direction, which is a direction orthogonal to the fluid flow direction, and a cage-shaped storage part rotatably attached to the circumferential direction of the axis of the main shaft. At the end of the cage-shaped storage part opposite to the attachment side to the main shaft, a rudder for receiving fluid and changing the direction of the cage-shaped storage part is provided. Inside the cage-shaped storage part, one or more rotating wheels for power generation described in claim 1 are arranged sharing the same rotating main shaft. The end on the main shaft side is connected to a second rotating shaft arranged parallel to the main shaft via a gear, and the second rotating shaft is connected to a generator. According to this configuration, the rotational force generated by the rotating wheel for power generation housed in the cage-shaped storage part is transmitted to the generator installed outside the cage-shaped storage part, and the cage-shaped storage part rotates with respect to the main shaft so as to always face the upstream side with respect to the fluid, enabling efficient power generation.
[0020] Further, a casing rotatable around the main shaft together with the cage-shaped storage part is provided on the main shaft, an upper cross member connecting the upper end of the cage-shaped storage part and the casing is provided, and a lower cross member connecting the lower end of the cage-shaped storage part and the casing is provided. According to this configuration, the cage-shaped storage part is stably attached to the main shaft without swaying up and down with respect to the fluid.
[0021] Further, the upper cross member and the lower cross member are telescopic dampers. According to this configuration, even when the fluid flow direction fluctuates in the vertical direction, the upper cross member or the lower cross member expands and contracts, enabling the cage-shaped storage part to follow the vertical fluctuation of the fluid and always face the upstream side with respect to the fluid.
[0022] Further, a flywheel is provided on the rotating main shaft. According to this configuration, the change amount of the rotational speed of the rotating main shaft can be moderated.
[0023] Furthermore, the cage-like storage section is characterized by being formed by arranging a plurality of rectangular plate-like members that extend from the main shaft side toward the opposite side of the main shaft, with gaps between them. With this configuration, the fluid can flow freely through the gaps between the plate-like members, and foreign objects that flow along with the fluid can be caught and collected by the corners of the plate-like members. [Effects of the Invention]
[0024] According to the present invention, power can be generated efficiently even with a slow fluid flow rate, and the fluid can be used effectively without waste. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0025] [Figure 1] This is a side view of a rotating vehicle used for power generation. [Figure 2] This is a front view of a rotating power generator, seen from the upstream side in the direction of fluid flow. [Figure 3] This is a rear view of a rotating power generator, seen from the downstream side in the direction of fluid flow. [Figure 4] This is a side view illustrating the relationship between the blades and the fluid. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing the shape of a single blade before it is attached to the cone base axis. [Figure 6] This is a side view showing the attachment state of the mounting edge to the base axis of the cone. [Figure 7] This is a front view showing the attachment state of the mounting edge to the base axis of the cone. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram of a wing constructed by stacking multiple plates. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration to increase the strength of the blade introduction and discharge sections. [Figure 10] This is a side view of a rotating power generator using a different blade shape. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram showing the shape of a single blade before it is attached to the conical base axis in the embodiment shown in Figure 10. [Figure 12] This is a side view of the schematic configuration of the first embodiment of the power generation device. [Figure 13]This is a plan view of the cage-like storage section, seen from above. [Figure 14] This is a top-down plan view showing the rectangular plate-like member of the cage-like storage section. [Figure 15] This is a side view of the schematic configuration of the second embodiment of the power generation device. [Figure 16] This is a side view of the schematic configuration of the third embodiment of the power generation device. [Figure 17] This is a side view of the third embodiment in the sea, showing multiple cage-like storage units arranged in the sea. [Figure 18] This is a plan view from above sea level showing multiple cage-like storage units of the third embodiment arranged in the sea. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0026] (Power generator rotating vehicle) The power generation rotating vehicle of this embodiment will be described below based on the drawings. In this embodiment, the power generation rotating vehicle is described as being placed in water, such as in a river or the sea, and operated by the water flow, i.e., applied to hydroelectric power generation. However, the power generation rotating vehicle of the present invention is not limited to being placed in water and applied to hydroelectric power generation, but may also be applied to wind power generation, which uses air as the fluid.
[0027] Figure 1 shows a side view of the power generation rotating vehicle 10, Figure 2 shows a front view of the power generation rotating vehicle 10 as seen from the upstream side in the fluid flow direction, and Figure 3 shows a rear view of the power generation rotating vehicle 10 as seen from the downstream side in the fluid flow direction.
[0028] The power generation rotating wheel 10 is configured to rotate a rotating main shaft 11, and a conical base shaft 12 is provided on the rotating main shaft 11. The conical base shaft 12 is positioned so that the apex of the cone is located at the center of the rotating main shaft 11, and the height direction of the cone coincides with the axial direction of the rotating main shaft 11.
[0029] Multiple blades 20 are attached to the outer surface of the conical base axis 12. In this embodiment, a configuration with three blades 20 is shown as an example, but the number of blades 20 is not limited to three and may be increased.
[0030] In this embodiment, the apex angle of the cone base axis 12 is shown as 45°, but the apex angle of the cone base axis 12 may be increased to more than 45°. Furthermore, by increasing the apex angle of the cone base axis 12 to more than 45° and increasing the number of blades 20 to more than 3, a structure more suitable for wind power generation can be achieved.
[0031] Each blade 20 is mounted on the outer surface of the conical base axis 12 at equal intervals from each other, curved relative to the outer surface. As shown in Figure 2, when viewed from the upstream direction of the fluid, an introduction section 22 for introducing fluid into the curved blade 20 is formed with an opening facing the direction of fluid flow. The opening shape of the introduction section 22 is approximately circular, a shape designed to efficiently take in fluid. Furthermore, a discharge section 24 is formed so that the fluid introduced into the blade 20 is discharged from a direction perpendicular to the fluid flow direction toward the opposite direction of flow. The opening shape of the discharge section 24 is preferably approximately circular.
[0032] As shown in Figure 3, reinforcing members 15 are arranged inside the conical base axis 12 in a cross shape around the main axis of rotation 11 to maintain strength.
[0033] Based on Figure 4, the rotational motion of the rotating main shaft 11 based on the fluid flow relative to the shape of the blade 20 will be explained. The fluid, which has been flowing parallel to the rotating main shaft 11, curves from the introduction section 22 and is introduced into the interior of the blades 20 attached to the conical base shaft 12. The fluid introduced into the blade 20 comes into contact with a contact surface 26 that is formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle toward the upstream side in the fluid flow direction. The fluid flows along the curved contact surface 26 toward the discharge section 24. The fluid flowing along the curve of the contact surface 26 is discharged from the discharge section 24, and the direction of the discharged fluid at this time ranges from a direction perpendicular to the fluid flow direction to a direction opposite to the flow direction.
[0034] In this way, the fluid is introduced from the introduction section 22 and comes into contact with the contact surface 26 inside the curved blade 20, applying a force in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 26 and generating a rotational force on the rotating main shaft 11. The fluid is then received and discharged in directions perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow and in the opposite direction to the direction of flow, so the fluid can continue to press against the blade 20 for a long time inside the blade 20. Furthermore, this fluid movement can further increase the contact force on the blade 20 as the fluid flows outward along the cone of the conical base axis 12. Therefore, by having the shape of the blades 20 and the conical base axis 12 as in this embodiment, the rotating main shaft 11 can be rotated sufficiently to generate electricity even with a small amount of fluid or a slow fluid velocity.
[0035] Furthermore, Figure 5 shows the shape of a single blade 20 before it is attached to the conical base axis 12. With this blade shape, as shown in Figure 4, the opening surface of the introduction section 22 is at an angle of approximately 45° toward the downstream side in the direction of fluid flow. The blade 20 has a roughly triangular shape with each side formed by a curve. It also has an attachment side 30 that is formed by a curve that curves inward so that it can be attached in a curved manner along the outer surface of the cone base axis 12.
[0036] Figures 6 and 7 show the mounting state of the mounting edge 30. Figure 6 shows a side view of the cone base axis 12. The mounting edge 30 is attached in an arc when viewed from the side, starting from the vertex 12a of the cone base axis 12 toward the base surface 12b of the cone base axis 12. At the base surface 12b of the cone base axis 12, the mounting edge 30 is attached so that it gradually approaches parallelism with the base surface 12b. Furthermore, Figure 7 shows the cone base axis 12 as viewed from the front on the upstream side in the direction of fluid flow. Each mounting edge 30 is attached from the apex 12a of the cone base axis 12 toward the base surface 12b of the cone base axis 12, so as to form a parabola when viewed from the front.
[0037] Returning to the description of the shape of the blade 20 in Figure 5, the vertex of the blade 20 opposite the mounting edge 30 is the mounting portion 32, which is attached to a predetermined location on the cone base axis 12. As shown in Figure 4, the mounting portion 32 is attached near the vertex 12a of the cone base axis 12. The side 34 connecting the upstream end 30a, located on the fluid-upstream side of the mounting side 30, and the mounting portion 32 is formed as a continuous curve having a portion that curves outward to form the periphery of the introduction portion 22 and a portion that curves inward. The side 36 connecting the downstream end 30b, which is located on the downstream side of the fluid, and the mounting portion 32, is formed as a curve that curves outward to form the periphery of the discharge portion 24.
[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the blade 20 may be constructed not from a single piece of material, but by stacking multiple plates 21. Each plate 21 is narrower than the entire blade 20, and by stacking narrow plates 21 to form the entire blade 20, the strength when bending and attaching can be maintained. Also, there may be gaps between the multiple plates 21, rather than them being in close contact.
[0039] As shown in Figure 9, for the edges that make up the blade 20, the edge 34 that forms the periphery of the introduction section 22 and the edge 36 that forms the periphery of the discharge section 24 may be configured to either embed a reinforcing tube 37 along the entire edge or thicken the entire edge with resin. These configurations increase the strength of the introduction section 22 and discharge section 24 of the curved blade 20, preventing damage to the blade 20 and allowing fluid to be drawn into the blade 20 more efficiently.
[0040] (Other embodiments of the wing shape) Figure 10 illustrates the rotational motion of the rotating main shaft 11 based on fluid flow, according to another embodiment of the blade shape. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the opening surface of the introduction section 22 is at a 90° angle with respect to the direction of fluid flow. The flow of fluid introduced into the blade 20 has been explained above and will not be explained here, but by configuring the opening surface of the introduction section 22 to be at a 90° angle with respect to the direction of fluid flow, more fluid can be introduced into the introduction section 22. Furthermore, the angle of the opening surface of the introduction section 22 with respect to the fluid flow direction is not limited to 45° or 90°, but can be appropriately changed depending on the amount and velocity of the fluid, allowing for the setting of an angle suitable for the amount and velocity of the fluid and obtaining efficient rotational force.
[0041] Figure 11 shows the shape of a single blade 20 before attachment to the conical base shaft 12 in the embodiment shown in Figure 10. In this embodiment, the blade 20 has a roughly pentagonal shape formed by curved edges and straight edges. The blade 20 has a first mounting edge 40 which is formed in a curve that curves inward so as to be attached in a curved manner along the outer surface of the cone base axis 12, and a second mounting edge 42 which extends inward from one end side 40a of the first mounting edge 40, is shorter than the first mounting edge 40 and is formed in a straight line, and is attached in a continuous manner along the outer surface of the cone base axis 12 along with the first mounting edge 40.
[0042] Furthermore, the third mounting side 44, located opposite the first mounting side 40, is attached near the vertex 12a of the cone base axis 12, and is formed to be shorter than the first mounting side 40 and longer than the second mounting side 42.
[0043] Furthermore, the side 46 connecting the upstream end 42a of the second mounting side 42, which is located upstream of the fluid, and the third mounting side 44 is formed as a continuous curve having a portion that curves outward to form the periphery of the introduction section 22 and a portion that curves inward. Furthermore, the side 48 connecting the downstream end 40b, located downstream of the fluid on the first mounting side 40, and the third mounting side 44 is formed as a curve that curves outward to form the periphery of the discharge section 24.
[0044] The wing 20 shown in Figure 11 may also be constructed by stacking multiple plates 21, rather than being formed from a single piece of material, as shown in Figure 8. Each plate 21 is narrower than the entire wing 20, and by stacking narrow plates 21 to form the entire wing 20, the strength when bending and attaching can be maintained.
[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the blade 20 shown in Figure 11 may also be configured such that, among the edges constituting the blade 20, the edge 46 forming the periphery of the introduction section 22 and the edge 48 forming the periphery of the discharge section 24 have reinforcing tubes 37 embedded along their entire length, or the entire length is thickened with resin. These configurations increase the strength of the introduction section 22 and discharge section 24 of the curved blade 20, preventing damage to the blade 20 and allowing fluid to be drawn into the blade 20 more efficiently.
[0046] Furthermore, the shape of the blades 20 is not limited to the two embodiments described above. When the angle of the opening surface of the introduction section 22 with respect to the fluid flow direction is changed as needed, for example, within the range of 40° to 90°, the blades 20 can be appropriately changed to achieve the desired angle.
[0047] According to the configuration of the power generation rotating vehicle 10 described above, because it takes in fluid and rotates efficiently, it can rotate sufficiently even when the water volume is only about half the vertical length of the power generation rotating vehicle 10, for example, when installed in a river.
[0048] (First embodiment of a power generation device) The following describes a power generation device that uses the power generation rotating vehicle mentioned above. The power generation devices described below are intended to be placed underwater, and are designed to be installed in locations where water flows, such as rivers and the sea. However, the power generation device is not limited to water as the fluid for rotation; it may also be applied to wind power generation using air as the fluid.
[0049] Figure 12 shows a schematic side view of the configuration of the first embodiment of the power generation device. The power generation device 50 comprises a main shaft 52 arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow, and a cage-like storage section 54 that is rotatably mounted with respect to the circumferential direction of the axis of the main shaft 52. Specifically, the main shaft 52 is positioned to extend vertically, and the lower end of the main shaft 52 must be firmly fixed to the riverbed or seabed. The main shaft 52 has a shaft core 53 that is fixed to the riverbed or seabed and does not rotate, and a casing 55 that is arranged on the outer circumference of the shaft core 53 and is rotatable in the circumferential direction relative to the shaft core 53. Since the cage-like storage section 54 is fixed to the casing 55, the cage-like storage section 54 can rotate in the circumferential direction relative to the shaft core 53.
[0050] Inside the cage-like storage section 54, multiple power generation rotating wheels 10, as described above, are arranged with a common rotating shaft 11. However, the number of power generation rotating wheels 10 is not limited to multiple units; a configuration with only one unit is also possible. Furthermore, the rotating main shaft 11 is rotatably supported by bearings 59 within the cage-like storage section 54.
[0051] A flywheel 60, a transmission 61, and a generator 62 are attached to the rotating main shaft 11. The flywheel 60 is of a known structure and is designed to eliminate rotational irregularities and maintain rotational force through inertial force. The transmission 61 has multiple gears inside and calculates the rotational speed of the rotating main shaft 11 based on the rotational resistance value of the generator 62, and converts the rotational speed of the rotating main shaft 11 to achieve a higher rotational speed. The transmission 61 can be of a known structure.
[0052] The generator 62 can have any configuration as long as it generates electricity using the rotational force of the rotating main shaft 11, and a known configuration can be adopted. In this embodiment, the flywheel 60, transmission 61, and generator 62 are placed underwater, so it is necessary to make each mechanism waterproof to prevent water from entering. In particular, the connection points between the rotating main shaft 11 and the flywheel 60, transmission 61, and generator 62 must be sealed to prevent water from entering the interior of each component.
[0053] A rudder 63 is provided at the end of the cage-shaped storage section 54 opposite to the side attached to the main shaft 52, for receiving fluid and changing the orientation of the cage-shaped storage section 54. The rudder 63 has plate-shaped members positioned on the left and right sides to swing the cage-shaped storage section 54 from side to side. When the fluid strikes the left side of the rudder 63, the tip of the cage-shaped storage section 54 points to the left, and when the fluid strikes the right side of the rudder 63, the tip of the cage-shaped storage section 54 points to the right. As a result, the cage-shaped storage section 54 can always be positioned to face the upstream direction of the fluid, allowing the fluid to be efficiently directed towards the power generation rotating wheel 10. Furthermore, as described above, since the cage-shaped storage section 54 is attached to the casing 55, the cage-shaped storage section 54 can rotate relative to the circumferential direction of the axis of the main shaft 52, and can always be positioned to face the upstream direction of the fluid.
[0054] The cage-like storage section 54 is provided with an upper brace 64 that connects the upper end of the middle section of the cage-like storage section 54 to the casing 55, and a lower brace 65 that connects the lower end of the middle section of the cage-like storage section 54 to the casing 55. In this way, the upper and lower parts of the cage-shaped storage section 54 are attached by upper braces 64 and lower braces 65, respectively, so that the cage-shaped storage section 54 can rotate stably together with the casing 55 without wobbling up and down in relation to the fluid.
[0055] In this embodiment, the electricity generated by the generator 62 is output through electric wires (not shown) arranged inside the pipes constituting the cage-like storage section 54 or inside the rotating main shaft 11. The electric wires are sent to the ground through the main shaft 52.
[0056] Figure 13 shows a plan view of the cage-like storage section 54 from above. However, the generator 62, flywheel 60, and generator rotating wheel 10 are omitted in Figure 13. Figure 14 is a plan view of the cage-like storage section 54 as seen from above, showing the external configuration in which the rectangular plate-like members 66 constituting the cage-like storage section 54 are provided. The outer circumference of the cage-like storage section 54 is provided with multiple rectangular plate-like members 66 extending from the main shaft 52 side. The gaps between the rectangular plate-like members 66 are sufficiently spaced to allow fluid to flow, and branches, fallen leaves, driftwood, etc. that flow along with the fluid are caught on the corners of the rectangular plate-like members 66, thus preventing them from entering the inside of the cage-like storage section 54.
[0057] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, two upper braces 64 are provided, and the tip of each upper brace 64 is fixed to the casing 55, so that the cage-like storage section 54 is stably mounted to the casing 55 without wobbling up and down while maintaining sufficient strength.
[0058] As described above, by arranging one or more power generation rotating wheels 10 and generators 62 within the cage-shaped storage section 54, the power generation rotating wheels 10 can always be oriented in the direction of the fluid, efficiently drawing the fluid into the blades 20, and tree branches, fallen leaves, driftwood, etc. can be easily removed so as not to interfere with power generation.
[0059] (Second embodiment of the power generation device) Figure 15 shows a schematic side view of the configuration of the second embodiment of the power generation device. Note that components identical to those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions may be omitted. In this embodiment, the configuration in which one or more power generation rotating wheels 10 and generators 62 are arranged inside the cage-shaped storage section 54 is the same as in the first embodiment. However, assuming that the cage-shaped storage section 54 will be mainly placed underwater, it is configured to be rotatable not only in the left-right direction relative to the main shaft 52, but also to be movable in the up-down direction.
[0060] In the second embodiment of the power generation device 70, the upper brace 72 connecting the upper end of the middle section of the cage-shaped storage section 54 to the casing 55 and the lower brace 73 connecting the lower end of the middle section of the cage-shaped storage section 54 to the casing 55 are each composed of expandable and contractible dampers. Furthermore, the mounting portions of the upper brace 72 and lower brace 73 to the casing 55 are connected by flexible connectors 74, and the mounting portions to the cage-like storage section 54 are also connected by flexible connectors 74.
[0061] Furthermore, the rudder 63 is composed of a cross-shaped plate member when viewed from the upstream side in the direction of fluid flow. When the fluid strikes the left side of the rudder 63, the tip of the cage-like storage section 54 points to the left, and when the fluid strikes the right side of the rudder 63, the tip of the cage-like storage section 54 points to the right. Furthermore, when the fluid contacts the upper surface of the rudder 63, the lower brace 73 contracts and the upper brace 73 extends so that the tip of the cage-like storage section 54 points upward. When the fluid contacts the lower surface of the rudder 63, the lower brace 73 extends and the upper brace 73 contracts so that the tip of the cage-like storage section 54 points downward.
[0062] Thus, in the second embodiment, even when the fluid flow changes in the vertical direction, the orientation of the tip of the cage-shaped storage section 54 can be changed to follow the vertical change, so that the power generation rotating wheel 10 can always be oriented in the direction of the fluid and the fluid can be efficiently taken into the blades 20. In other words, the second embodiment is considered to be particularly effective when installed in the sea.
[0063] (Third embodiment of the power generation device) Figure 16 shows a schematic side view of the configuration of the third embodiment of the power generation device. Note that components identical to those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions may be omitted. In this embodiment, the generator 62 is not installed inside the cage-like storage section 54, but is installed on the water (particularly on a river in this embodiment), which is a difference from the embodiments described above.
[0064] One or more power generation rotating wheels 10 are mounted on the rotating main shaft 11 within the cage-like storage section 54. In Figure 16, two power generation rotating wheels 10 are mounted on the rotating main shaft 11. A flywheel 60 is also mounted on the rotating main shaft 11 between the two power generation rotating wheels 10, eliminating rotational irregularities through inertia and maintaining rotational force.
[0065] A bevel gear 78 is provided at the tip of the rotating main shaft 11 on the side facing the main shaft 52. A second rotating shaft 80 is provided, extending vertically parallel to the main shaft 52, and a bevel gear 82 that meshes with the bevel gear 78 of the rotating main shaft 11 is provided at the lower end of the second rotating shaft 80.
[0066] In this way, the rotational force of the main rotating shaft 11 is transmitted to the second rotating shaft 80 by the bevel gears 78 and 82. Furthermore, since the second rotating shaft 80 needs to follow the left-right rotational movement of the cage-like housing 54, it is rotatably mounted on the bearing portion 86 of the bearing portion 84 attached to the casing 55 so as to rotate integrally with the casing 55, and above the casing 55, it is rotatably mounted on the bearing portion 87 of the bearing portion 85 which is rotatably mounted relative to the shaft core portion 53.
[0067] A bevel gear 88 is provided at the upper end of the second rotating shaft 80. The bevel gear 88 meshes with a bevel gear 90 provided at the tip of the rotating shaft 91 of the generator 62. In this way, the rotational force of the rotating main shaft 11 in the water can be transmitted to the generator 62 on land, making it possible to generate electricity with the generator 62 on land without having to install the generator 62 in the water.
[0068] As shown in Figure 16, in this embodiment, a platform 100 is provided on the water, and the generator 62 is placed on this platform 100. By placing the generator 62 on the floating platform 100 in this way, even in cases where the land is too small to construct a power plant, it is possible to develop a power plant in a location with a certain amount of ocean current.
[0069] Furthermore, the connection between the main rotating shaft 11 and the second rotating shaft 80, and between the second rotating shaft 80 and the rotating shaft 91 of the generator 62, is not limited to being achieved by bevel gears, but may be made by gears of other structures such as face gears.
[0070] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 16, an inclined surface 103 is formed on the riverbed. The inclined surface 103 is a slope that descends downstream along the direction of water flow. By forming an inclined surface 103 on the riverbed, the water flow downstream becomes even faster, and it is expected that the power generation efficiency will be increased by arranging the cage-like storage section 54 downstream of the inclined surface 103.
[0071] Figure 17 shows a configuration in which multiple cage-like storage units 54 of this embodiment are arranged in the sea. Here, the structure of the rotating main shaft 11 and the power generation rotating wheel 10 located inside the cage-like storage unit 54, as well as the structure of the upper bracing 64 and lower bracing 65, are omitted. The power generation device is also omitted.
[0072] A base 92, made of concrete, for example, is provided at the lower end of the main shaft 52, and the base 92 is buried in the seabed. However, the main shaft 52 may be fixed by being driven into a hard bedrock layer in the seabed without a base 92.
[0073] As shown in Figure 17, if multiple main shafts 52 are erected on the seabed and each main shaft 52 is provided with a cage-like storage section 54, the cage-like storage section 54 attached to each main shaft 52 may be installed at different height positions for each main shaft 52. In other words, with this configuration, since the strength of ocean currents can vary with depth, it is possible to capture ocean currents at various depths and generate electricity efficiently.
[0074] Figure 18 shows the configuration of the multiple cage-like storage units 54 shown in Figure 17, as viewed from the sea. Here, the cage-like storage units 54 are arranged at the vertices of multiple consecutive rhombuses, spaced equally apart from each other in the lateral direction relative to the ocean current, and positioned at different locations relative to the direction of the ocean current. As a result, the ocean current can be efficiently captured and power generated efficiently.
[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the scaffolding 100 can be any structure that can withstand the weight of people and heavy objects. In addition, it is preferable to provide a hole 102 at a position corresponding to the top of the cage-like storage section 54 so that the cage-like storage section 54 can be easily modified, parts replaced, etc.
[0076] Furthermore, it is preferable to provide rails 104 on the scaffolding 100 for moving a crane on the scaffolding. The rails 104 are positioned midway between a hole 102 located above the cage-like storage section 54 and an adjacent hole 102. By providing rails 104 on the scaffolding 100, the crane can be moved along the rails 104 to lift the cage-like storage section 54 for repairs and maintenance.
[0077] In addition, multiple poles are erected on the side of the scaffolding 100 to form a fence 105 to prevent large objects from entering. In Figure 17, the fence 105 is shown with a dashed line. By installing the large object intrusion prevention fence 105, it is possible to prevent large objects in the sea, such as whales, sharks, large fish, driftwood, and large debris, from entering the area where the cage-like storage section 54 is installed. For this reason, the large object intrusion prevention fence 105 must be installed at least on the upstream side with respect to the direction of water flow. [Explanation of symbols]
[0078] 10. Rotary vehicle for power generation 11 Rotating spindle 12 Conical Base Axes 12a Vertex 12b Bottom 15 Reinforcement members 20 feathers 21 board 22 Introduction 24 Discharge section 26 Contact surface 30 Mounting edge 30a Upstream end 30b Downstream end 32 Mounting part 34 sides 36 sides 37 Reinforcement Tubes 40 First mounting side 40a One end side 40b Downstream end 42 Second mounting side 42a Upstream end 44 Third mounting side 46 sides 48 sides 50 Power generation equipment 52 Spindle 53 Axis center 54 Basket-shaped storage section 55 Casing 59 Bearings 60 Flywheel 61 transmission 62 Generators 63 Rudder 66 Rectangular plate-shaped member 70 Power generation equipment 74 Flexible Connectors 78 Gears 78, 82 Gears 80 Second rotation axis 82 Gears 84 Bearing section 85 Bearing section 86 Bearing section 87 Bearing section 88 Gears 90 gears 91 Rotation axis 100 scaffolding 102 holes 103 Slope 104 rails 105 Large object entry prevention fence
Claims
1. A rotating vehicle for power generation that rotates when subjected to a fluid, A rotational principal axis having a conical base axis, It comprises a plurality of blades arranged around the conical base axis, Each of the aforementioned blades is A rotating vehicle for power generation is characterized by being curved and attached to the conical base shaft so as to form an introduction section that opens between itself and the outer surface of the conical base shaft toward the upstream side of the fluid to introduce the fluid, and an discharge section formed to open between itself and the outer surface of the conical base shaft toward the downstream side of the fluid to discharge the fluid.
2. Each of the aforementioned blades is The rotating vehicle for power generation according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact surface to which the fluid introduced from the introduction part comes into contact is formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle toward the upstream side in the direction of fluid flow, and the discharge part is curved and attached to the conical base axis so that the fluid that comes into contact with the contact surface and is reflected is discharged from a direction perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow toward the opposite direction of flow.
3. The rotating vehicle for power generation according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening surface of the introduction section is formed at an angle of 90° to 40° toward the downstream side in the direction of fluid flow.
4. Each of the aforementioned blades is It is roughly triangular in shape, with each side formed by a curve. The mounting edge has a curved shape that curves inward so as to be attached in a curved manner along the outer surface of the cone base axis, The vertex opposite the mounting edge is a mounting portion attached near the vertex of the cone base axis, The side connecting the upstream end of the mounting side, which is located upstream of the fluid, and the mounting portion is formed by a continuous curve having a portion that curves outward to form the periphery of the introduction portion and a portion that curves inward. The rotating power generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the side connecting the downstream end of the mounting side, which is located downstream of the fluid, and the mounting portion is formed as a curve that curves outward so as to form the periphery of the discharge portion.
5. Each of the aforementioned blades is A roughly pentagonal shape formed by curved sides and straight sides, A first mounting edge is formed by a curve that curves inward so as to be attached in a curved manner along the outer surface of the cone base axis, It has a second mounting side that extends inward from one end of the first mounting side, is shorter and straighter than the first mounting side, and is attached in continuity with the first mounting side along the outer circumferential surface of the cone base axis, The side opposite the first mounting side is formed to be shorter than the first mounting side and longer than the second mounting side, and is a third mounting side attached near the apex of the cone base axis. The edge connecting the upstream end of the second mounting edge, located upstream of the fluid, and the third mounting edge is formed by a continuous curve having a portion that curves outward to form the periphery of the introduction section and a portion that curves inward. The rotating power generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the side connecting the downstream end of the first mounting side, which is located downstream of the fluid, and the third mounting side is formed as a curve that curves outward so as to form the periphery of the discharge section.
6. The rotating vehicle for power generation according to claim 4, characterized in that the mounting edges of each blade are attached to the conical base axis at equal intervals from each other when viewed from the front in the direction of fluid flow of the conical base axis, so as to form an irregular parabola from the apex of the cone to the outer circumference.
7. The rotating vehicle for power generation according to claim 4, characterized in that reinforcing members are attached to sides of each blade other than the mounting side.
8. The rotating vehicle for power generation according to claim 5, characterized in that reinforcing members are attached to sides of each blade other than the first mounting side, the second mounting side, and the third mounting side.
9. The rotating power generator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each of the aforementioned blades is formed by stacking a plurality of plate-like bodies.
10. The main shaft is positioned to extend vertically, which is perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow, It comprises a cage-like storage section that is rotatably mounted with respect to the circumferential direction of the axis of the main shaft, A rudder is provided at the end of the cage-like storage section opposite to the side attached to the main shaft, for receiving fluid and changing the orientation of the cage-like storage section. Inside the cage-like storage section, one or more power generation rotating wheels according to claim 1 are arranged with a common main shaft, and a generator connected to the main shaft is also arranged. A power generation device characterized in that the wires for carrying the electricity generated by the generator are arranged through the main shaft.
11. The main shaft is positioned to extend vertically, which is perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow, It comprises a cage-like storage section that is rotatably mounted with respect to the circumferential direction of the axis of the main shaft, A rudder is provided at the end of the cage-like storage section opposite to the side attached to the main shaft, for receiving fluid and changing the orientation of the cage-like storage section. Inside the cage-like storage section, one or more power-generating rotating wheels according to claim 1 are arranged with a common main rotating shaft. The end of the aforementioned rotating spindle on the spindle side is connected via a gear to a second rotating shaft which is arranged parallel to the spindle. A power generation device characterized in that the second rotating shaft is connected to a generator.
12. The main shaft is provided with a casing that can rotate around the main shaft together with the cage-like storage section. An upper brace is provided that connects the upper end of the cage-like storage section to the casing. The power generation device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a lower brace is provided connecting the lower end of the cage-like storage section and the casing.
13. The power generation device according to claim 12, characterized in that the upper brace and the lower brace are expandable dampers.
14. The power generation device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a flywheel is provided on the rotating main shaft.
15. The aforementioned cage-like storage section is The power generation device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a plurality of rectangular plate-like members extending from the main shaft side toward the opposite side of the main shaft are arranged with gaps between them.