Power generation device

Abstract

A power generation device (100) comprises: a floating body (1); a connection shaft (2) which is disposed on a first axial center (X1) along the horizontal direction; a pair of rotation bodies (3) which are disposed separately on both sides of the floating body (1) in the axial direction (L) along the first axial center (X1), and which are supported rotatably about the first axial center (X1) with respect to the floating body (1); and a power generation unit which is provided with an input member disposed on the first axial center (X1), and which performs power generation by using a rotation driving force of the input member. Each of the pair of rotation bodies (3) is configured to rotate by receiving the flow of a fluid along the direction orthogonal to the first axial center (X1). The power generation unit is disposed inside the floating body (1). The connection shaft (2) is disposed to penetrate the floating body (1) in the axial direction (L), and connects the pair of rotation bodies (3) and the input member so as to integrally rotate the same.

Description

power generation equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a power generation device that generates power using fluid energy.

[0002] An example of such a power generating device is disclosed in the following Patent Document 1. In the following description of the background art, the reference numerals in Patent Document 1 will be cited in parentheses.

[0003] The power generation device of Patent Document 1 comprises a float (6) floating on the sea surface, a pair of rotating bodies (1) supported rotatably on the float and rotating in response to the flow of fluid, and a power generation unit (7) that generates electricity by transmitting the rotation of the pair of rotating bodies.

[0004] One of the pair of rotating bodies (1) is disposed above the floating body (6) so as to receive the flow of wind as a fluid, and the other of the pair of rotating bodies (1) is disposed below the floating body (6) so as to receive the flow of water (tidal current) as a fluid.

[0005] JP 2015-48843 A

[0006] In the power generation device of Patent Document 1, each of the pair of rotors (1) is arranged to rotate around a rotation axis along the vertical direction. In this configuration, a pressure difference of the fluid in the rotors (1) occurs in the horizontal direction. As described above, the pair of rotors (1) are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is difficult to stabilize the posture of the floating body (6) supporting the pair of rotors (1).

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to realize a power generation device that can easily stabilize the attitude of the floating body.

[0008] In view of the above, the characteristic configuration of the power generation device is a power generation device that generates power using fluid energy, comprising: a float; a connecting shaft arranged on a first axis along a horizontal direction; a pair of rotors arranged separately on the axial first side and the axial second side relative to the float, with the direction along the first axis being the axial direction, one side in the axial direction being the axial first side, and the other side in the axial direction being the axial second side, and supported on the float so as to be rotatable around the first axis; and a power generation unit having an input member arranged on the first axis and generating power by the rotational driving force of the input member, wherein each of the pair of rotors is configured to rotate in response to a flow of fluid along a direction perpendicular to the first axis, the power generation unit being arranged inside the float, and the connecting shaft being arranged to penetrate the float in the axial direction and connecting the pair of rotors and the input member so as to rotate integrally.

[0009] According to this characteristic configuration, a pair of rotors that rotate around a first axis along the horizontal direction are rotatably supported on both axial sides of the float. This results in a configuration in which the pair of rotors are subjected to fluid pressure on both sides of the float, making it easy to stabilize the attitude of the float against the flow of fluid. Furthermore, according to this characteristic configuration, a power generation unit including an input member is disposed using the internal space of the float. Then, a connecting shaft that penetrates the float in the axial direction connects the pair of rotors and the input member so that they rotate integrally. This makes it easy to miniaturize the power generation device.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a power generating device according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a rotor of the power generating device according to an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the revolution phase and rotation phase of the blade body; and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a power generating unit of the power generating device according to an embodiment and its surrounding configuration.

[0011] A power generation device 100 according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The power generation device 100 is a device that generates power using the energy of a fluid F (see FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the fluid F is seawater, and the power generation device 100 is used for tidal power generation.

[0012] 1 , the power generation device 100 includes a floating body 1, a connecting shaft 2, and a pair of rotors 3. In this embodiment, the power generation device 100 further includes a pair of cylindrical bodies 4.

[0013] The float 1 is a hollow member configured to float on the fluid F. In this embodiment, the float 1 is configured to generate buoyancy that supports the entire power generation device 100 and float on the sea surface. The float 1 is moored by mooring lines 11 fixed to the seabed.

[0014] The connecting shaft 2 is a shaft member that connects the pair of rotating bodies 3. The connecting shaft 2 is disposed on a first axis X1 that is aligned with the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the first axis X1 is disposed parallel to the horizontal direction. Note that the first axis X1 may be slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0015] In the following description, the direction along the first axis X1 is referred to as the "axial direction L." One side of the axial direction L is referred to as the "first axial side L1," and the other side of the axial direction L is referred to as the "second axial side L2." Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the first axis X1 is referred to as the "radial direction R."

[0016] The connecting shaft 2 is arranged to penetrate the floating body 1 in the axial direction L.

[0017] The pair of rotors 3 are arranged separately on a first axial side L1 and a second axial side L2 with respect to the float 1. The pair of rotors 3 are supported rotatably about a first axis X1 with respect to the float 1. Each of the pair of rotors 3 is configured to rotate in response to the flow of fluid F along the radial direction R.

[0018] The pair of rotors 3 have the same configuration and are arranged to be symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first axis X1. Therefore, the following will describe the rotor 3 on the first axial side L1, and will omit a description of the rotor 3 on the second axial side L2.

[0019] Each of the pair of cylindrical bodies 4 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the first axis X1 as its axis. The pair of cylindrical bodies 4 are arranged side by side in the axial direction L. The cylindrical body 4 on the first axial side L1 is arranged so as to protrude from the floating body 1 to the first axial side L1. The cylindrical body 4 on the second axial side L2 is arranged so as to protrude from the floating body 1 to the second axial side L2.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2 , in this embodiment, the rotating body 3 includes a first rotating support member 31, a second rotating support member 32, a connecting member 33, a plurality of blade bodies 34, and an interlocking mechanism 35.

[0021] The first rotation support member 31 is a "rotation support member" supported on the floating body 1 so as to be rotatable around the first axis X1. In this embodiment, the first rotation support member 31 is formed in a plate shape arranged along a plane perpendicular to the first axis X1. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the first rotation support member 31 is formed in a disk shape when viewed in the axial direction L. The first rotation support member 31 may be arranged parallel to the plane perpendicular to the first axis X1, or may be slightly inclined relative to the plane perpendicular to the first axis X1. Furthermore, the first rotation support member 31 may be formed in a polygonal shape, an elliptical shape, or the like when viewed in the axial direction L.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first rotation support member 31 is a hollow member including a first plate portion 311 and a second plate portion 312. The first plate portion 311 and the second plate portion 312 are each formed to extend along the radial direction R. The first plate portion 311 is disposed apart from the second plate portion 312 on the opposite side of the floating body 1 in the axial direction L (here, on the first axial side L1).

[0023] The second rotation support member 32 is supported rotatably around the first axis X1 with respect to the floating body 1. The second rotation support member 32 is arranged at a distance from the first rotation support member 31 on the opposite side of the floating body 1 in the axial direction L (here, on the first axial side L1). In this embodiment, the second rotation support member 32 is formed in a plate shape arranged along a plane perpendicular to the first axis X1.

[0024] The connecting member 33 connects the first rotation support member 31 and the second rotation support member 32 so that they rotate integrally. The connecting member 33 is disposed on the first axis X1. In this embodiment, the connecting member 33 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its axis center coincident with the first axis X1.

[0025] Each of the plurality of vanes 34 rotates due to the pressure of the fluid F. Each of the plurality of vanes 34 is supported by the first rotary support member 31. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of vanes 34 is supported by the first rotary support member 31 so as to be rotatable relative to the first rotary support member 31 around a second axis X2 parallel to the first axis X1. In other words, the plurality of vanes 34 are disposed outside the first axis X1 in the radial direction R and dispersed in the circumferential direction of the first axis X1. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , four vanes 34 are disposed outside the first axis X1 in the radial direction R and at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first axis X1. In other words, in this example, adjacent ones of the four vanes 34 are disposed with a phase difference of 90° in the circumferential direction of the first axis X1.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2 , in this embodiment, each of the plurality of blades 34 includes a pressure-receiving portion 341 and a shaft portion 342 .

[0027] The pressure receiving portion 341 is configured to receive the pressure of the fluid F. The pressure receiving portion 341 is formed in a flat or curved plate shape. The pressure receiving portion 341 is preferably formed in a point-symmetric shape (for example, an I-shaped or S-shaped cross section perpendicular to the second axis X2). In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the pressure receiving portion 341 is formed in a flat plate shape (an I-shaped cross section perpendicular to the second axis X2). If the cross section of the pressure receiving portion 341 perpendicular to the second axis X2 is S-shaped, the resistance on the outer periphery side is higher than the resistance on the inner periphery side during rotation of the blade body 34, which is preferable in that the rotational energy of the blade body 34 can be efficiently utilized.

[0028] The shaft portion 342 is configured to support the pressure-receiving portion 341. The shaft portion 342 is formed to extend along the axial direction L. The shaft portion 342 is disposed on the second axis X2. In this embodiment, the shaft portion 342 is coupled to the pressure-receiving portion 341 so as to rotate integrally therewith. The shaft portion 342 is supported rotatably with respect to the first rotation support member 31 and the second rotation support member 32. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the shaft portion 342 is disposed between the second plate portion 312 of the first rotation support member 31 and the second rotation support member 32 in the axial direction L so as to penetrate the first plate portion 311 of the first rotation support member 31 in the axial direction L.

[0029] The interlocking mechanism 35 is configured to interlock the rotation of the first rotation support member 31 about the first axis X1 with the rotation of each of the plurality of blade bodies 34 about the second axis X2 relative to the first rotation support member 31. Here, "the rotation of the first rotation support member 31 about the first axis X1 is interlocked with the rotation of each of the plurality of blade bodies 34 about the second axis X2 relative to the first rotation support member 31" means that the relationship between the revolution period and rotation period of each of the plurality of blade bodies 34 is maintained constant.

[0030] In this embodiment, the revolution period and rotation period of each of the plurality of blades 34 are set so that the following formula (1) is satisfied: T2=T1×N (1)

[0031] In the above formula (1), T2 is the rotation period of the blade body 34, and T1 is the revolution period of the blade body 34. Note that N is an arbitrary positive number. In this example, N is 2.

[0032] The interlocking mechanism 35 includes a reaction element E1, a plurality of rotation elements E2, and a plurality of connecting elements E3.

[0033] The reaction element E1 is supported by the cylindrical body 4. Each of the plurality of rotation elements E2 is configured to rotate integrally with the corresponding blade body 34. Each of the plurality of connection elements E3 is configured to drivingly connect the corresponding rotation element E2 and the reaction element E1.

[0034] In this application, the term "driving connection" refers to a state in which two elements are connected so as to be able to transmit a driving force, and includes a state in which the two elements are connected so as to rotate integrally, or a state in which the two elements are connected so as to be able to transmit a driving force via one or more transmission members. Such transmission members include various members that transmit rotation at the same speed or at a variable speed, such as shafts, gear mechanisms, belts, chains, etc. Note that transmission members may also include engagement devices that selectively transmit rotation and driving force, such as friction engagement devices and meshing engagement devices.

[0035] In this embodiment, the reaction element E1 includes a first bevel gear 351. The first bevel gear 351 is a bevel gear arranged on the first axis X1. In this embodiment, the first bevel gear 351 is fixed to the cylindrical body 4. This restricts the first bevel gear 351 from rotating relative to the cylindrical body 4.

[0036] In this embodiment, each of the plurality of rotating elements E2 includes a second bevel gear 352. Each of the plurality of second bevel gears 352 is a bevel gear arranged on the second axis X2. Each of the plurality of second bevel gears 352 is coupled to the shaft portion 342 of the corresponding blade body 34 so as to rotate integrally with the shaft portion 342.

[0037] In this embodiment, each of the multiple connecting elements E3 includes a third bevel gear 353, a fourth bevel gear 354, and a connecting shaft 355. The third bevel gears 353, the fourth bevel gears 354, and the connecting shafts 355 are provided in the same number as the second bevel gears 352 (four in this example).

[0038] Each of the plurality of third bevel gears 353 is a bevel gear that meshes with the first bevel gear 351. Each of the plurality of third bevel gears 353 is arranged to rotate around an axis along the radial direction R.

[0039] Each of the plurality of fourth bevel gears 354 is a bevel gear that meshes with a corresponding one of the plurality of second bevel gears 352. Each of the plurality of fourth bevel gears 354 is paired with a corresponding one of the plurality of third bevel gears 353. Each of the plurality of fourth bevel gears 354 is arranged to rotate around an axis along the radial direction R.

[0040] The connecting shaft 355 is a shaft member that connects the pair of the third bevel gear 353 and the fourth bevel gear 354 so that they rotate integrally with each other. The connecting shaft 355 is disposed to extend along the radial direction R.

[0041] In the following description, the phase of the vane body 34 around the first axis X1 is referred to as the "revolution phase," and the phase of the vane body 34 around the second axis X2 relative to the first rotation support member 31 is referred to as the "rotation phase."

[0042] 3, the interlocking mechanism 35 maintains a constant difference in the rotation phases of adjacent blades 34 about the first axis X1 so as to optimize the angle of attack of each of the plurality of blades 34 with respect to the fluid F (here, the angle formed between the flow direction of the fluid F and the surface of the pressure-receiving portion 341). In the example shown in FIG. 3, the interlocking mechanism 35 is configured so that the difference in the rotation phases of adjacent blades 34 about the first axis X1 is 45°.

[0043] In this embodiment, the interlocking mechanism 35 is configured so that the revolution direction (the rotation direction about the first axis X1) and the rotation direction (the rotation direction about the second axis X2) of each of the plurality of blade bodies 34 are opposite to each other. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the revolution direction of the blade body 34 is counterclockwise, and the rotation direction of the blade body 34 is clockwise.

[0044] Here, an example of the revolution phase and rotation phase of the blade body 34 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. In the following description with reference to Fig. 3, "upper", "lower", "left", and "right" refer to the upper, lower, left, and right directions on the paper surface of Fig. 3.

[0045] 3, the fluid F flows from left to right. If the revolution phase and rotation phase of the vane 34 located on the revolution trajectory are each set to 0°, the process by which the vane 34 rotates one revolution around the second axis X2, i.e., the process by which the rotation phase of the vane 34 changes from 0° to 360°, is as follows. In this example, the rotation phase is based on the direction along the surface of the pressure-receiving portion 341.

[0046] When the blade body 34 is located at the upper left of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 45°), the rotation phase is 22.5°. When the blade body 34 is located at the left of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 90°), the rotation phase is 45°. When the blade body 34 is located at the lower left of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 135°), the rotation phase is 67.5°. When the blade body 34 is located below the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 180°), the rotation phase is 90°. When the blade body 34 is located at the lower right of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 225°), the rotation phase is 112.5°. When the blade body 34 is located at the right of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 270°), the rotation phase is 135°. When the blade 34 is positioned at the upper right of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 315°), the rotation phase is 157.5°. When the blade 34 is again positioned on the revolution locus, that is, when the blade 34 has made one revolution around the first axis X1 (when the revolution phase is 360°), the rotation phase is 180°.

[0047] Furthermore, when the blade body 34 is located at the upper left of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 405°), the rotation phase is 202.5°. When the blade body 34 is located at the left of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 450°), the rotation phase is 225°. When the blade body 34 is located at the lower left of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 495°), the rotation phase is 247.5°. When the blade body 34 is located below the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 540°), the rotation phase is 270°. When the blade body 34 is located at the lower right of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 585°), the rotation phase is 292.5°. When the blade body 34 is located at the right of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 630°), the rotation phase is 315°. When the blade 34 is positioned at the upper right of the revolution locus (when the revolution phase is 675°), the rotation phase is 337.5°. When the blade 34 is again positioned on the revolution locus, that is, when the blade 34 has made two revolutions around the first axis X1 (when the revolution phase is 720°), the rotation phase is 360°.

[0048] In this way, in this example, the rotation period of the blade body 34 is twice the revolution period of the blade body 34. That is, in this example, N is 2 in the above formula (1).

[0049] 3, "V1" is the velocity vector of the fluid F, and "V2" is the peripheral velocity vector of the blade body 34 (a vector along the tangent to the revolution trajectory of the second axis X2). "V3" is the resultant vector of the velocity vector V1 of the fluid F and the peripheral velocity vector V2 of the blade body 34. "V4" is the vector of lift acting on the blade body 34 in a direction perpendicular to the resultant vector V3 in accordance with the resultant vector V3.

[0050] 3, the pressure-receiving portion 341 has a pressure-receiving surface 34a. The pressure-receiving surface 34a is a surface that receives the pressure of the fluid F. As described above, in this embodiment, the pressure-receiving portion 341 is formed in a flat plate shape, and therefore the pressure-receiving surface 34a is formed in a planar shape.

[0051] In this embodiment, the interlocking mechanism 35 is configured so that the pressure-receiving surface 34a of the blade body 34 located at the lowest point of the rotation locus (revolution locus) around the first axis X1 (in the example shown in Figure 3, the blade body 34 located below the revolution locus) is perpendicular to the flow direction of the fluid F.

[0052] In this embodiment, the surface of the pressure receiving portion 341 that functions as the pressure receiving surface 34a changes depending on the rotation state of the vane body 34. In the example shown in Fig. 3, when the vane body 34 is positioned below the revolution locus, if the revolution phase is 180°, one of the pair of surfaces of the flat plate-shaped pressure receiving portion 341 functions as the pressure receiving surface 34a, and if the revolution phase is 540°, the other of the pair of surfaces of the flat plate-shaped pressure receiving portion 341 functions as the pressure receiving surface 34a.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 4, the power generation device 100 includes a power generation unit 5. The power generation unit 5 is disposed inside the floating body 1. The power generation unit 5 includes an input member 51 disposed on a first axis X1. The power generation unit 5 is configured to generate power using the rotational driving force of the input member 51. The input member 51 is connected to the pair of rotating bodies 3 via the connecting shaft 2 so as to rotate integrally with them. In this embodiment, the input member 51 is a gear connected to the connecting shaft 2 so as to rotate integrally with them.

[0054] In this embodiment, the power generation unit 5 further includes a generator 52 , a gearbox 53 , and a unit case 54 .

[0055] The generator 52 is configured to generate electricity using the driving force transmitted from the input member 51 and store the generated electricity in a power storage device (not shown). In this embodiment, the generator 52 is a rotating electric machine including a stator 521, a rotor 522, and a housing 523.

[0056] The stator 521 and the rotor 522 are housed in a housing 523. The stator 521 and the rotor 522 are disposed on a third axis X3 that is parallel to the first axis X1.

[0057] In the following description, the direction orthogonal to the rotation axes parallel to the first axis X1, including the third axis X3, will also be referred to as the "radial direction R" based on each rotation axis. When it is not necessary to distinguish which rotation axis is used as the reference or when it is clear which rotation axis is used as the reference, the direction may be simply referred to as the "radial direction R."

[0058] The stator 521 is fixed to the housing 523. The rotor 522 is rotatably supported relative to the stator 521. The rotor 522 rotates in conjunction with the input member 51. In this embodiment, the rotor 522 is disposed on the inside of the stator 521 in the radial direction R. The rotor 522 is also coupled to a rotor shaft 524 so as to rotate integrally therewith. The rotor shaft 524 is formed to extend along the axial direction L. The rotor shaft 524 is disposed on the third axis X3.

[0059] In this embodiment, an engagement device BRK is coupled to the rotor 522. The engagement device BRK is a brake for decelerating the rotation of the rotor 522. In this embodiment, the engagement device BRK is disposed on the second axial side L2 with respect to the generator 52. The engagement device BRK is coupled to the rotor 522 via a rotor shaft 524. In this embodiment, the engagement device BRK is a friction engagement type brake. A friction engagement type brake is configured to be able to control the state of engagement (engaged state / disengaged state) in accordance with the engagement pressure of a pair of friction engagement members.

[0060] In this embodiment, an inverter INV that controls the generator 52 is fixed to the outer periphery of the housing 523 .

[0061] The speed increaser 53 is configured to increase the rotation speed of the input member 51 and transmit the increased rotation speed to the rotor 522. In this embodiment, the speed increaser 53 includes a first speed increase gear 531, a second speed increase gear 532, a third speed increase gear 533, a fourth speed increase gear 534, and a fifth speed increase gear 535.

[0062] The first speed-up gear 531 and the second speed-up gear 532 are disposed on a fourth axis X4 that is parallel to the third axis X3. The first speed-up gear 531 and the second speed-up gear 532 are connected to each other so as to rotate integrally with each other. The first speed-up gear 531 meshes with the input member 51, which is a gear that rotates integrally with the connecting shaft 2. In this embodiment, the second speed-up gear 532 is disposed on the second axial side L2 of the first speed-up gear 531.

[0063] The number of teeth of the first speed-up gear 531 is smaller than the number of teeth of the input member 51. Therefore, the rotation transmitted to the input member 51 is accelerated between the input member 51 and the first speed-up gear 531.

[0064] The third speed-up gear 533 and the fourth speed-up gear 534 are disposed on a fifth axis X5 that is parallel to the fourth axis X4. The third speed-up gear 533 and the fourth speed-up gear 534 are coupled to each other so as to rotate integrally with each other. The third speed-up gear 533 meshes with the second speed-up gear 532. In this embodiment, the fourth speed-up gear 534 is disposed on the second axial side L2 relative to the third speed-up gear 533.

[0065] The number of teeth of the third speed-up gear 533 is smaller than the number of teeth of the second speed-up gear 532. Therefore, the rotation transmitted to the second speed-up gear 532 is accelerated between the second speed-up gear 532 and the third speed-up gear 533.

[0066] The fifth speed-up gear 535 meshes with the fourth speed-up gear 534. The fifth speed-up gear 535 is connected to the rotor 522 so as to rotate integrally with the rotor 522. In this embodiment, the fifth speed-up gear 535 is disposed on the third axis X3. The fifth speed-up gear 535 is connected to the rotor shaft 524 so as to rotate integrally with the rotor 522.

[0067] The number of teeth of the fifth speed-up gear 535 is smaller than the number of teeth of the fourth speed-up gear 534. Therefore, the rotation transmitted to the fourth speed-up gear 534 is accelerated between the fourth speed-up gear 534 and the fifth speed-up gear 535, and then transmitted to the rotor 522.

[0068] The unit case 54 houses the speed increaser 53. In the present embodiment, the unit case 54 also houses a part of the connecting shaft 2 and the input member 51, with the connecting shaft 2 passing through the unit case 54 in the axial direction L.

[0069] The unit case 54 supports the generator 52. In this embodiment, a housing 523 of the generator 52 is fixed to the unit case 54 from the second axial side L2.

[0070] In this embodiment, the unit case 54 is integrally connected to the pair of cylindrical bodies 4. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the unit case 54 is formed integrally with the pair of cylindrical bodies 4. Note that the unit case 54 may be formed as a separate member from the pair of cylindrical bodies 4 and fixed to the pair of cylindrical bodies 4.

[0071] 4, the cylindrical body 4 on the first axial side L1 is disposed so as to extend from the unit case 54 toward the first axial side L1. The cylindrical body 4 on the second axial side L2 is disposed so as to extend from the unit case 54 toward the second axial side L2.

[0072] In this embodiment, the cylindrical body 4 on the first axial side L1 is arranged to penetrate the second plate portion 312 of the rotating body 3 on the first axial side L1 in the axial direction L. The rotating body 3 on the first axial side L1 is rotatably supported with respect to the cylindrical body 4 on the first axial side L1 via a first bearing B1 arranged between the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 4 on the first axial side L1 and the inner circumferential surface of the second plate portion 312 of the rotating body 3 on the first axial side L1.

[0073] In addition, in this embodiment, the cylindrical body 4 on the second axial side L2 is arranged to penetrate the second plate portion 312 of the rotating body 3 on the second axial side L2 in the axial direction L. The rotating body 3 on the second axial side L2 is rotatably supported with respect to the cylindrical body 4 on the second axial side L2 via a second bearing B2 arranged between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 4 on the second axial side L2 and the inner peripheral surface of the second plate portion 312 of the rotating body 3 on the second axial side L2.

[0074] In this manner, in this embodiment, the pair of rotating bodies 3 are rotatably supported by a pair of bearings, the first bearing B1 and the second bearing B2, which are supported on the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of cylindrical bodies 4.

[0075] In this embodiment, a first seal member S1 that seals between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 4 on the first axial side L1 and the inner peripheral surface of the second plate portion 312 of the rotating body 3 on the first axial side L1 is arranged on the second axial side L2 with respect to the first bearing B1. Also, a second seal member S2 that seals between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 4 on the second axial side L2 and the inner peripheral surface of the second plate portion 312 of the rotating body 3 on the second axial side L2 is arranged on the first axial side L1 with respect to the second bearing B2.

[0076] In this embodiment, the connecting shaft 2 is disposed so as to penetrate the pair of cylindrical bodies 4 in the axial direction L. The connecting shaft 2 is rotatably supported with respect to the pair of cylindrical bodies 4 via a third bearing B3 disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 4 on the first axial side L1 and the outer peripheral surface of the connecting shaft 2, and a fourth bearing B4 disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 4 on the second axial side L2 and the outer peripheral surface of the connecting shaft 2.

[0077] In this embodiment, at least one of the unit case 54 and the pair of cylindrical bodies 4 is fixed to the floating body 1. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the unit case 54 is fixed to the inner surface of the floating body 1 from the second axial side L2. The pair of cylindrical bodies 4 are fixed to the floating body 1 from the inside in the radial direction R. Note that the pair of cylindrical bodies 4 may be formed integrally with the floating body 1.

[0078] Other Embodiments (1) In the above embodiment, the fluid F is seawater. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the fluid F may be air. In this case, it is preferable to fill the inside of the floating body 1 with a buoyancy gas so that the floating body 1 floats in the air.

[0079] (2) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the pair of rotating bodies 3 are rotatably supported by a pair of cylindrical bodies 4 fixed to the floating body 1, that is, a configuration in which the pair of rotating bodies 3 are supported by the floating body 1 via the pair of cylindrical bodies 4. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the pair of rotating bodies 3 may be rotatably supported by the floating body 1 without being supported by the pair of cylindrical bodies 4.

[0080] (3) In the above embodiment, the power generation unit 5 is described as including a gearbox 53 having a plurality of gears 531 to 535. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the gearbox 53 may include a mechanism including a sprocket and a chain, or a mechanism including a pulley and a belt, in addition to or instead of the plurality of gears. Furthermore, the power generation unit 5 may not include a gearbox 53.

[0081] (4) In the above embodiment, the generator 52 is fixed to the unit case 54 from the second axial side L2. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the generator 52 may be housed in the unit case 54.

[0082] (5) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described as an example in which each of the plurality of blades 34 is supported rotatably around the second axis X2 relative to the first rotation support member 31. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and each of the plurality of blades 34 may be fixed to the first rotation support member 31 so as not to rotate.

[0083] (6) In the above embodiment, the reaction element E1, the rotation element E2, and the connecting element E3 of the interlocking mechanism 35 each include a bevel gear. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the reaction element E1 and the rotation element E2 may each be a sprocket or a pulley, and the connecting element E3 may be a chain or a belt. Alternatively, the interlocking mechanism 35 may be configured as a planetary gear mechanism.

[0084] (7) Note that the configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradictions arise. Regarding other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0085] Summary of the Present Embodiment The following provides an overview of the power generating device (100) described above.

[0086] The power generation device (100) generates power using the energy of a fluid (F), and comprises: a float (1); a connecting shaft (2) arranged on a first axis (X1) along a horizontal direction; a pair of rotors (3) arranged separately on the first axial side (L1) and the second axial side (L2) with respect to the float (1) and rotatably supported around the first axis (X1) with respect to the float (1), where the direction along the first axis (X1) is defined as an axial direction (L), one side of the axial direction (L) is defined as a first axial side (L1), and the other side of the axial direction (L) is defined as a second axial side (L2); and a power generation unit (5) including an input member (51) arranged on the first axis (X1) and generating power by the rotational driving force of the input member (51). Each of the pair of rotating bodies (3) is configured to rotate in response to a flow of a fluid (F) along a direction perpendicular to the first axis (X1), the power generation unit (5) is arranged inside the float (1), and the connecting shaft (2) is arranged to penetrate the float (1) in the axial direction (L) and connects the pair of rotating bodies (3) and the input member (51) so as to rotate integrally.

[0087] According to this configuration, a pair of rotors (3) rotating around a first axis (X1) along the horizontal direction are rotatably supported on both sides of the axial direction (L) relative to the float (1). This results in a configuration in which the pair of rotors (3) receive pressure from the fluid (F) on both sides of the float (1), making it easier to stabilize the attitude of the float (1) against the flow of the fluid (F). Furthermore, according to this configuration, a power generation unit (5) including an input member (51) is disposed using the internal space of the float (1). The pair of rotors (3) and the input member (51) are connected to each other so as to rotate integrally by a connecting shaft (2) that penetrates the float (1) in the axial direction (L). This facilitates miniaturization of the power generation device (100).

[0088] Here, it is preferable that the floating body further comprises a pair of cylindrical bodies (4) each formed in a cylindrical shape with the first axis (X1) as its axis, the cylindrical body (4) on the first axial side (L1) is arranged so as to protrude from the floating body (1) to the first axial side (L1), the cylindrical body (4) on the second axial side (L2) is arranged so as to protrude from the floating body (1) to the second axial side (L2), the connecting shaft (2) is arranged so as to penetrate the pair of cylindrical bodies (4) in the axial direction (L), and the pair of rotating bodies (3) are rotatably supported by a pair of bearings (B1, B2) supported on the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of cylindrical bodies (4).

[0089] This configuration makes it possible to appropriately realize a configuration in which a pair of rotating bodies (3) rotating around a first axis (X1) along the horizontal direction are rotatably supported on both sides of the axial direction (L) relative to the float (1). Furthermore, this configuration makes it easy to attach the pair of rotating bodies (3) to the float (1) and to connect the pair of rotating bodies (3) to each other using the connecting shaft (2).

[0090] In a configuration including a pair of the cylindrical bodies (4), the power generation unit (5) further includes a generator (52) having a rotor (522), a speed-up gear (53) that increases the rotation of the input member (51) and transmits it to the rotor (522), and a unit case (54) that houses the speed-up gear (53) and supports the generator (52), and it is preferable that the unit case (54) and the pair of cylindrical bodies (4) are integrally connected, and at least one of the unit case (54) and the pair of cylindrical bodies (4) is fixed to the floating body (1).

[0091] According to this configuration, the rotation of the pair of rotating bodies (3) can be accelerated by the speed increaser (53) and transmitted to the rotor (522). As a result, it is possible to efficiently generate electricity through the rotation of the pair of rotating bodies (3) while miniaturizing the generator (52). Furthermore, according to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately fix the unit case (54) and the pair of cylindrical bodies (4) to the floating body (1).

[0092] Furthermore, each of the pair of rotating bodies (3) preferably comprises a rotation support member (31) supported on the floating body (1) so as to be rotatable around the first axis (X1), and a plurality of blade bodies (34) supported on the rotation support member (31) so as to rotate by the pressure of the fluid (F), and each of the pair of rotation support members (31) is preferably formed in the shape of a plate arranged along a plane perpendicular to the first axis (X1).

[0093] According to this configuration, each of the pair of rotation support members (31) is formed in a plate shape that follows the flow of the fluid (F). This allows the pair of rotation support members (31) to function as flow straightening plates that straighten the flow of the fluid (F). Furthermore, according to this configuration, it is easy to keep the rotational resistance of the pair of rotors (3) low when they rotate. This makes it easy to efficiently convert the energy of the fluid (F) into rotational energy of the rotors (3).

[0094] Preferably, each of the pair of rotating bodies (3) comprises: a rotation support member (31) supported rotatably around the first axis (X1) relative to the floating body (1); a plurality of vane bodies (34) supported on the rotation support member (31) so as to be rotatable around a second axis (X2) parallel to the first axis (X1) relative to the rotation support member (31) and rotated by the pressure of the fluid (F); and an interlocking mechanism (35) interlocking the rotation of the rotation support member (31) around the first axis (X1) with the rotation of each of the plurality of vane bodies (34) around the second axis (X2) relative to the rotation support member (31).

[0095] According to this configuration, the rotation of the rotation support member (31) and the rotation of each of the plurality of blades (34) relative to the rotation support member (31) can be appropriately linked, and each of the plurality of blades (34) can be oriented in an appropriate direction according to the rotation of the rotation support member (31). This makes it easy to efficiently convert the energy of the fluid (F) into rotational energy of the rotor (3).

[0096] The technology according to the present disclosure can be used in a power generation device that generates power using the energy of a fluid.

[0097] 100: power generation device, 1: floating body, 2: connecting shaft, 3: rotating body, 31: first rotation support member (rotation support member), 34: blade body, 35: interlocking mechanism, 4: cylindrical body, 5: power generation unit, 51: input member, 52: generator, 522: rotor, 53: speed increaser, 54: unit case, B1: first bearing (bearing), B2: second bearing (bearing), F: fluid, X1: first axis, X2: second axis, L: axial direction, L1: first axial side, L2: second axial side

Claims

1. A power generation device that generates electricity using the energy of a fluid, comprising: a float; a connecting shaft arranged on a first axis along a horizontal direction; a pair of rotors arranged separately on the axial first side and the axial second side relative to the float, with the direction along the first axis being the axial direction, one side in the axial direction being the axial first side, and the other side in the axial direction being the axial second side, and supported on the float so as to be rotatable around the first axis; and a power generation unit having an input member arranged on the first axis and generating electricity using the rotational driving force of the input member, wherein each of the pair of rotors is configured to rotate in response to a flow of fluid along a direction perpendicular to the first axis, the power generation unit being arranged inside the float, and the connecting shaft being arranged to penetrate the float in the axial direction, and connecting the pair of rotors and the input member so as to rotate together.

2. A power generation device as described in claim 1, further comprising a pair of cylindrical bodies each formed in a cylindrical shape with the first axis as its axis, wherein the cylindrical body on the first axial side is arranged so as to protrude from the floating body to the first axial side, the cylindrical body on the second axial side is arranged so as to protrude from the floating body to the second axial side, the connecting shaft is arranged so as to pass through the pair of cylindrical bodies in the axial direction, and the pair of rotating bodies are rotatably supported by a pair of bearings supported on the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of cylindrical bodies.

3. The power generation device described in claim 2, wherein the power generation unit further comprises a generator having a rotor, a speed increaser that increases the rotation of the input member and transmits it to the rotor, and a unit case that houses the speed increaser and supports the generator, wherein the unit case and the pair of cylindrical bodies are integrally connected, and at least one of the unit case and the pair of cylindrical bodies is fixed to the floating body.

4. A power generation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the pair of rotating bodies comprises a rotary support member supported on the floating body so as to be rotatable around the first axis, and a plurality of blade bodies supported on the rotary support member so as to rotate due to fluid pressure, and each of the pair of rotary support members is formed in the shape of a plate arranged along a plane perpendicular to the first axis.

5. A power generation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the pair of rotating bodies comprises: a rotary support member supported on the floating body so as to be rotatable about the first axis; a plurality of blade bodies each supported on the rotary support member so as to be rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis relative to the rotary support member and which rotate due to fluid pressure; and a linkage mechanism linking the rotation of the rotary support member about the first axis with the rotation of each of the plurality of blade bodies about the second axis relative to the rotary support member.

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