Archimedes ocean energy harvesting device

Abstract

An Archimedes ocean energy harvesting device, comprising a floating body (1) and a thin-plate contact-separation TENG (2). The floating body (1) is mounted below a water surface and is capable of moving with wave fluctuations, thereby driving the thin-plate contact-separation TENG (2) loaded inside the floating body (1) to generate electricity. The floating body (1) comprises a silo (11), a buoy (12), and an elastic annular waterproof belt (13) connecting the silo (11) and the buoy (12). The silo (11) is inserted upwards into the buoy (12), and the waterproof belt (13) connects the buoy (12) and the silo (11) to form a closed cylindrical chamber. The thin-plate contact-separation TENG (2) is mounted in the cylindrical chamber, and comprises a fixing mechanism (24), a connecting rod (23), a plurality of circular friction discs (21) and a plurality of electrode discs (22), wherein the friction discs (21) and the electrode discs (22) are alternately arranged in parallel along the axial direction of the cylindrical chamber, and the friction discs (21) and the electrode discs (22) are respectively fixed on the buoy (12) and the silo (11).

Description

An Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of new energy power generation, and in particular to an Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device. Background Technology

[0002] Against the backdrop of an increasingly severe energy crisis, traditional energy sources such as oil, coal, and natural gas—high-quality, low-entropy energy—can no longer meet human energy demands. Exploring renewable energy has become a significant challenge for sustainable energy development. Currently, there is an urgent need for alternative energy sources, such as green energy from nature, including wind and ocean energy.

[0003] The seabed contains abundant energy (including potential and kinetic energy). Existing electromagnetic generators have good high-frequency response and are suitable for generating electricity from wave energy in high-velocity regions, but their low-frequency response is poor in low-velocity regions. Based on this, researchers have developed new triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). TENGs are a novel type of generator that generates electricity using the triboelectric effect between materials. These generators can utilize low-frequency wave energy and therefore can be widely used in small devices requiring self-powered operation.

[0004] Considering that generators typically require rotating structures such as impellers and wind cups to drive the friction material to generate electricity, their waterproof and sealing performance is relatively insufficient. Water ingress into the generator can lead to failure. Therefore, existing triboelectric nanogenerators usually need to be deployed above water or in shallow water areas. This limits the application of such generators in specific scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the issue that existing triboelectric nanogenerators are not suitable for applications such as deep water, this invention provides an Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device and a hydrological monitoring station.

[0006] The technical solution provided by this invention includes the following:

[0007] An Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device includes a float and a set of plate-contact-separated TENGs contained therein. The float is installed below the water surface and can move with the waves, thereby driving the plate-contact-separated TENGs loaded inside the float to generate electricity.

[0008] Specifically, the float comprises a silo, a float, and an elastic annular waterproof strip connecting the two. The silo has an upward-opening cylindrical structure and includes a first cavity. The float has an upward-opening cylindrical structure and includes a second cavity. The second cavity is larger than the silo, and the silo is inserted upward into the second cavity within the float. The upper edge of the waterproof strip is sealed to the float, and the lower edge is sealed to the silo, thus forming a closed cylindrical chamber within the float. The cylindrical chamber is pre-pressurized to maintain the initial shape of the float.

[0009] The thin-plate contact separation TENG is installed in a cylindrical chamber and includes a fixing mechanism, a connecting rod, and multiple circular friction discs and electrode discs. The friction discs have a friction layer on their surface, and the electrode discs have an electrode layer on their surface. The friction layer and electrode layer are made of two materials with different electronegativity. The friction discs and electrode discs are arranged alternately and parallel to each other along the axial direction of the cylindrical chamber. In this invention, both the friction discs and electrode discs have a through hole in their center, with one type of disc having a larger through hole than the other. The top end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the top inside the float, and the other end is inserted into the through hole of the friction disc and electrode disc, and fixedly connected to the disc with the smaller through hole. The discs with larger through holes in the friction discs and electrode discs are respectively connected to the silo by the fixing mechanism. In this invention, the outer diameter of the connecting rod is smaller than the diameter of the through hole in the disc with the larger through hole, thereby allowing the corresponding disc to move up and down along the axial direction of the connecting rod.

[0010] The Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device provided by this invention has its silo fixedly connected to a base below water. In the entire device, the buoyancy of the buoy, connecting rod, and the assembly of friction disk or electrode disk connected to it in the water is greater than its weight. When the buoy moves with the waves in the water, it causes the friction disk and electrode disk in the thin-plate contact separation type TENG to separate, resulting in charge transfer between the electrode layer and the friction layer, thereby generating electrical energy output on the electrode disk.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the annular waterproof tape is made of silicone, rubber, resin or other wear-resistant flexible film materials.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, both the silo and the pontoon are cylindrical, and the first cavity and the second cavity inside are cylindrical.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the bottom of the silo is provided with an annular base whose size is larger than the inner diameter of the second cavity in the float.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, a hat-shaped platform is provided on the top of the pontoon; the outer diameter of the platform is larger than the outer diameter of the pontoon.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the pontoon is made of lightweight material.

[0016] As a further improvement of the invention, the sidewalls and / or the top of the pontoon are provided with air chambers for providing lift underwater.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, each friction disc in the thin-plate contact separation TENG is fixedly connected to the float via a connecting rod, and each electrode disc is fixedly connected to the silo via a fixing mechanism.

[0018] As a further improvement of the present invention, each electrode disk in the thin-plate contact separation TENG is fixedly connected to the float via a connecting rod, and each friction disk is fixedly connected to the silo via a fixing mechanism.

[0019] As a further improvement of the present invention, the friction disks or electrode disks are arranged at equal intervals on the connecting rod; the electrode disks or friction disks are arranged at equal intervals on the fixing mechanism; and the distance between any two adjacent friction disks is equal to the distance between any two adjacent electrode disks.

[0020] As a further improvement of the present invention, a one-way air valve communicating with the internal cylindrical chamber is also provided in the silo or float. The one-way air valve is used to pressurize the cylindrical chamber to pre-adjust the initial positions of each friction disc and adjacent electrode disc in the thin-plate contact separation TENG, so that each friction disc and each electrode disc are close to each other but not in contact in the initial state.

[0021] As a further improvement of the present invention, a friction layer is provided on both the front and back sides of the friction disk, and the friction layer is made of a dielectric material. The dielectric material includes: FEP, PVDF, and PETT.

[0022] As a further improvement of the present invention, electrode layers are provided on both the front and back sides of the electrode disk, and the electrode layers are made of conductive materials. Conductive materials include: gold, silver, copper, iron, aluminum, and any other single metal or alloy material.

[0023] As a further improvement of the present invention, in the thin-plate contact-separated TENG, the electrode layers on the upper surfaces of each electrode layer are electrically connected to each other to form a first electrode, and the electrode layers on the lower surfaces of each electrode layer are electrically connected to each other to form a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode serve as the power output ports of the thin-plate contact-separated TENG.

[0024] As a further improvement of the present invention, the electrode layer comprises a copper thin-film electrode and a nylon layer thereon.

[0025] As a further improvement of the present invention, the copper thin film electrode is also pre-charged with surface charge through high-voltage discharge.

[0026] The present invention also includes a hydrological monitoring station for monitoring hydrological data in water bodies. The hydrological monitoring station includes: an energy storage device, various hydrological monitoring sensors, a communication module, a data processing module, a storage module, and an Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device as described above. The Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device serves two purposes: firstly, as an energy harvesting device, it directly powers the hydrological monitoring sensors, communication module, and data processing module, or indirectly powers the energy storage device by charging it; secondly, as a wave energy state detection mechanism, it records a corresponding state signal when the output of the thin-plate contact-separated TENG exceeds a preset amplitude or frequency threshold; the state signal is used for hydrological analysis.

[0027] The technical solution provided by this invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0028] This invention provides a novel Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device comprising a float and a thin-plate contact-separation TENG (Tension Engine). The float and silo within the float can circulate and move closer together with the rise and fall of waves, thereby driving the thin-plate contact-separation TENG inside the float to generate electricity. Compared to conventional wave energy conversion devices, the product of this invention can be completely submerged in water, providing excellent concealment.

[0029] Furthermore, the ocean energy harvesting device provided by this invention can not only be used to harvest wave energy for power generation, but also as a sensor system for underwater environmental monitoring and data acquisition. It can also be used to design and manufacture special self-powered hydrological monitoring equipment, extending the service life of such equipment and reducing its maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the assembled Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing a half-section along a vertical plane.

[0032] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention after the annular waterproof belt is pulled out.

[0033] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the silo and buoy sections in the Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 is a structural assembly diagram of the thin-plate contact separation type TENG in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device using a sleeve as a fixing mechanism in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device using a vertical rod as a fixing mechanism in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device using a bracket as a fixing mechanism in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device with a one-way valve provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0040] The diagram is marked as follows:

[0041] 1. Float; 2. Thin-plate contact separation type TENG; 11. Silo; 12. Float; 13. Annular waterproof belt; 21. Friction disc; 22. Electrode disc; 23. Connecting rod; 24. Fixing mechanism; 111. Annular base; 120. One-way air valve; 121. Floating platform. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "or / and" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0044] Example 1

[0045] This embodiment provides an Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, which includes a float 1 and a set of thin-plate contact-separable TENGs 2 installed inside the float 1. A significant advantage of this Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device is that it is a submersible triboelectric nanogenerator. In application, the float 1 is installed below the water surface and can move with the waves, thereby driving the thin-plate contact-separable TENGs 2 loaded inside the float 1 to generate electricity. Because this generator can be completely hidden underwater, it can be applied to certain special application scenarios.

[0046] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the float 1 provided in this embodiment includes a silo 11, a float 12, and an annular waterproof strip 13 connecting the two. As shown in Figure 4, the silo 11 has an upward-opening cylindrical structure and includes a first cavity. The float 12 has an upward-opening cylindrical structure and includes a second cavity. The second cavity is larger than the silo 11. In this embodiment, the silo 11 is inserted upward into the second cavity of the float 12. The connection between the two is equivalent to inverting a large bucket (float 12) onto a small bucket (silo 11). It should be noted that the solution of the present invention does not limit the shape of the silo 11 and the float 12. In the specific solution of this embodiment, both the silo 11 and the float 12 are cylindrical, and the first and second cavities inside are cylindrical. In other embodiments, the silo 11 and the float 12 can also adopt a square bucket or other cylindrical structure. As long as the two are similar in shape, allowing the silo 11 to be inserted into the float 12 and to move freely up and down, it is acceptable. Furthermore, when the shape of the float 1 changes, the shapes of the electrode disk 22 and friction disk 21 in the thin-plate contact separation TENG 2 installed inside it should also be adjusted accordingly.

[0047] Furthermore, in a more optimized embodiment, the bottom of the silo 11 is provided with an annular base 111, the size of which is larger than the inner diameter of the second cavity in the float 12. The function of the annular base 111 is to act as a counterweight for the silo 11, lowering the center of gravity of the silo 11 and allowing the silo 11 to maintain an upward-facing orientation underwater. The annular base 111 and the main body of the silo 11 can be an integral structure or a detachable separate structure. In actual products, the annular base 111 should be a solid structure made of a relatively high-density material, such as metal or stone.

[0048] In the Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device provided in this embodiment, the silo 11 needs to remain submerged during operation, while the float 12 should remain afloat. Therefore, in a more optimized solution in this embodiment, a hat-shaped platform 121 is provided on the top of the float 12; the outer diameter of the platform 121 is larger than the outer diameter of the float 12. As shown in Figure 4, the platform 121 in this embodiment includes a brim-shaped annular plate and a hemispherical protrusion located on the annular plate. The platform 121 in this embodiment serves two purposes: firstly, it increases the volume of the float 12, thereby increasing the buoyancy of the float 12 and its load underwater. To enhance this effect, the float 12 and platform 121 in this embodiment should be made of lightweight materials, such as balsa wood or various foamed resin materials, etc. In addition, if necessary, hollow air cavities can be provided in the side walls and / or the top platform 121 of the float 12 to further increase the lift of the float 12 underwater. On the other hand, the contact area between the float 12 and the water body in the vertical direction is increased by the annular plate in the float 121, so that the float 12 can absorb the kinetic and potential energy in the water body more effectively and float up and dive down with the water flow.

[0049] The annular waterproof strip 13 in the float 1 provided in this embodiment is made of an elastic, flexible waterproof film, specifically silicone, rubber, resin, or other wear-resistant flexible film materials. Referring to Figure 3, the upper edge of the waterproof strip in the float 1 is sealed to the float 12, and the lower edge is sealed to the silo 11. The annular waterproof strip 13 connects the upper float 12 and the lower silo 11 into a single unit, thus forming a closed cylindrical cavity within the float 1. In this combined state, when the float 12 descends relative to the silo 11, the annular waterproof strip 13 is compressed, folded, and stored in the interlayer space between the float 12 and the silo 11, reducing the volume of the cylindrical cavity within the float 1. Conversely, when the float 12 rises relative to the silo 11, the annular waterproof strip 13 is fully or partially unfolded, increasing the space of the cylindrical cavity. Specifically, in the Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device provided in this embodiment, the cylindrical cavity is pre-pressurized to maintain the initial shape of the float 1.

[0050] The thin-plate contact separation type TENG 2 of this embodiment is installed in a cylindrical cavity within the float 1, as shown in Figure 5. The thin-plate contact separation type TENG 2 includes a fixing mechanism 24, a connecting rod 23, and multiple circular friction discs 21 and electrode discs 22. A friction layer is formed on the surface of the friction discs 21, and an electrode layer is formed on the surface of the electrode discs 22. The friction layer and electrode layer are made of two materials with different electronegativity. In this embodiment, the fixing mechanism 24 fixes each friction disc 21 to the silo 11 in the float 1, while the connecting rod 23 fixes the electrode discs 22 to the float cylinder 12 in the float 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each friction disc 21 and electrode disc 22 is alternately arranged parallel to each other along the axial direction of the cylindrical cavity. The structure formed by all the friction discs 21 and electrode discs 22 is referred to as a disc array. Looking along the axial direction of the connecting rod 23, each friction disc 21 and each electrode disc 22 is located at the odd-numbered and even-numbered positions of the disc array, respectively.

[0051] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the friction disk 21 and the electrode disk 22 are respectively connected to different components that can move relative to each other in different floats 1. The purpose is to enable the friction disk 21 and the electrode disk 22 to frequently contact and separate as the float 12 and the silo 11 rise and fall. For this reason, the connection relationship between the friction disk 21 and the electrode disk 22 and the silo 11 and the float 12 is not unique in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the electrode disks 22 can be fixed to the silo 11 in the float 1 by the fixing mechanism 24, and the friction disk 21 can be fixed to the float 12 in the float 1 by the connecting rod 23.

[0052] The Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device in this embodiment is described below, with the friction disc 21 connected to the float 12 via the connecting rod 23, and the electrode disc 22 connected to the silo 11 via the fixing mechanism 24:

[0053] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, in the thin-plate contact separation type TENG 2, the friction disks 21 and electrode disks 22 are coaxially and alternately distributed within the cylindrical cavity of the float 1. In a more optimized scheme, the friction disks 21 are arranged at equal intervals on the connecting rod 23; the electrode disks 22 are arranged at equal intervals on the fixing mechanism 24; and the distance between any two adjacent friction disks 21 is equal to the distance between any two adjacent electrode disks 22. This ensures that when the float 12 moves the friction disks 21 up or down, each friction disk 21 can synchronously contact the lower or upper surface of the adjacent electrode disk 22, avoiding a phase difference in the electrical energy output of each electrode disk 22. Both the friction disks 21 and electrode disks 22 in the disk array have through holes in their centers, and the size of the through holes on each electrode disk 22 is larger than that on the friction disks 21. The top end of the connecting rod 23 is fixedly connected to the top inside the float 12, and the bottom end extends downwards through all the through holes in the friction disks 21 and electrode disks 22.

[0054] In addition, in this embodiment, the outer diameter of the connecting rod 23 matches the size of the through hole in the friction disk 21. The two are assembled through interference fit, welding, or other methods, or fixedly connected using other fasteners. The outer diameter of the connecting rod 23 is smaller than the size of the through hole in the electrode disk 22, thus allowing the electrode disk 22 to move up and down along the connecting rod 23. When the friction disk 21 and the connecting rod 23 are connected using fasteners, one feasible solution is for the designer to provide external threads in the connecting rod 23 corresponding to the installation positions of each friction disk 21, and then fix each friction disk 21 to the connecting rod 23 sequentially using nuts or similar fasteners. During the installation of the friction disk 21, the electrode disk 22 is alternately fitted between adjacent friction disks 21.

[0055] In this embodiment, various methods are provided for fixing the electrode disk 22 within the silo 11 using the fixing mechanism 24, specifically including:

[0056] Option 1:

[0057] As shown in Figure 7, the dimensions of each electrode disk 22 are appropriately enlarged, making the diameter of the electrode disk 22 larger than the diameter of the friction disk 21. Then, a sleeve with an inner diameter greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the electrode disk 22 and smaller than the inner diameter of the silo 11 is used as a fixing mechanism 24. Each electrode disk 22 and the friction disk 21 are placed inside the sleeve, and each electrode disk 22 and the sleeve are fixed along the outer circumference of the electrode disk 22, ensuring a fixed spacing between each electrode disk 22. In this scheme, the electrode disk 22 and the sleeve can be fixed together by interference fit or welding, or corresponding fasteners can be installed inside the electrode disk 22 and the sleeve for a fixed connection. For example, a technician can drill holes on the edge of the electrode disk 22, and then set outwardly protruding connecting lugs at corresponding positions on the inner wall of the collar, using screws or other similar fasteners to connect the electrode disk 22 to the collar. Finally, the sleeve is fixed in the center of the silo 11.

[0058] Option 2:

[0059] As shown in Figure 8, the electrode disk 22 is a disk with a larger size than the friction disk 21. The electrode disks 22 and the friction disks 21 are arranged alternately and coaxially. Then, two vertical rods connected to the bottom of the silo 11 and extending upward are used as fixing mechanisms 24. The vertical rods pass through each electrode disk 22 along the edge of the electrode disk 22 that extends beyond the friction disk 21, and are fixedly connected to the electrode disk 22.

[0060] Option 3:

[0061] As shown in Figure 9, the electrode disk 22 is a disc of the same size as the friction disk 21. At least one bracket is provided in the edge of each electrode disk 22, and each bracket constitutes a fixing mechanism 24, which fixes each electrode disk 22 to the inner wall of the silo 11.

[0062] In this embodiment, the friction disk 21 includes a substrate and friction layers attached to both sides of the substrate, while the electrode disk 22 includes a substrate and electrode layers attached to both sides of the substrate. The substrates of the friction disk 21 and electrode disk 22 can be made of lightweight and high-strength insulating materials, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PE (polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and PC (polycarbonate) resins. The friction layers are made of dielectric materials with high electronegativity. Commonly used dielectric materials are fluorinated resins, including FEP (fluorinated isopropylene), PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), and PETT (polytetrafluoroethylene), etc.

[0063] Electrode layers are provided on both the front and back sides of electrode disk 22, and the electrode layers are made of conductive materials. In this embodiment, the conductive materials used for the electrode layers include gold, silver, copper, iron, aluminum, and any other single metal or alloy material. In the thin-plate contact-separated TENG 2, the electrode layers on the upper surface of each electrode layer are electrically connected to each other to form a first electrode, and the electrode layers on the lower surface of each electrode layer are electrically connected to each other to form a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode serve as the power output ports of the thin-plate contact-separated TENG 2.

[0064] The silo 11 of the Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device provided in this embodiment is fixedly connected to a base below the water surface. In the entire device, the buoyancy of the pontoon 12, connecting rod 23, and the assembly of the friction disk 21 or electrode disk 22 connected to it in the water is greater than the gravity. Specifically, the working principle of the Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device in this embodiment is as follows:

[0065] The silo 11 within the floating body 1 can be secured to the seabed or other underwater facilities via cables, which restrict the vertical movement of the silo 11. The float 12 is fixedly connected to the silo 11 via an annular waterproof strip 13. This unique connection structure allows the float 12 to move axially relative to the silo 11 within a suitable range. Since the overall buoyancy of the float 12 is greater than its weight, under natural conditions, the float 12 tends to rise and move away from the silo 11. However, when the float 12 is impacted downwards by waves, it will move downwards and closer to the silo 11. Therefore, below the water surface, as long as the water is in a non-statically stable state, the float 12 will rise and fall relative to the silo 11.

[0066] Based on this, considering that in this embodiment of the thin-plate contact-separation TENG 2, the friction disc 21 is fixed on the float 12, while the electrode disc 22 is fixed on the silo 11, the relative movement between the float 12 and the silo 11 will cause the friction disc 21 and the electrode disc 22 in the contact-separation TENG to frequently come into contact and separate. In this embodiment of the thin-plate contact-separation TENG 2, the charge distribution of the first electrode and the second electrode is uniform in the initial state. Assuming that each friction disc moves downward to contact the first electrode of each electrode disc 22 and then separates, a charge transfer will occur between the first electrode and the friction layer on the upper surface of the friction disc 21, which will cause a charge difference between the first electrode and the second electrode and generate electrical energy output. Assuming that each friction disc moves upward to contact the second electrode of each electrode disc 22 and then separates, a charge transfer will also occur between the second electrode and the friction layer on the lower surface of the friction disc 21, which will cause a charge difference between the first electrode and the second electrode and generate electrical energy output. Therefore, as long as the float 12 rises and falls relative to the silo 11 under hydraulic propulsion, the thin-plate contact separation type TENG 2 can generate stable electrical energy output. In particular, in a more optimized scheme of this embodiment, the copper thin-film electrode is also pre-charged with surface charge through high-voltage discharge to improve the output of the thin-plate contact separation type TENG 2 in the initial stage.

[0067] Further analysis of the working principle of the Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device in this embodiment reveals that the frequency and amplitude of the alternating current generated by the device are related to the frequency and amplitude of the impacts experienced by the float 1 underwater. Therefore, the device can also detect hydrological data and monitor the frequency and amplitude of water body fluctuations.

[0068] As described above, in this embodiment, the cylindrical cavity between the silo 11 and the float 12 is pre-pressurized to position the entire float 1. Furthermore, a more optimized solution in this embodiment includes a one-way air valve 120 communicating with the internal cylindrical cavity within the silo 11 or float 12. As shown in Figure 10, the one-way air valve 120 is located at the top of the float 12. Technicians can pressurize the cylindrical cavity through the one-way air valve 120 to pre-adjust the initial positions of the friction discs 21 and adjacent electrode discs 22 in the thin-plate contact separation TENG 2, ensuring that the friction discs 21 and electrode discs 22 are close but not in contact in their initial state. This method can appropriately improve the energy conversion efficiency of the thin-plate contact separation TENG 2, allowing it to generate electrical energy output even with slight fluctuations in the water.

[0069] In this embodiment, the friction layer and electrode layer generate electrical energy output through frequent basic separation. Over long-term use, both the electrode layer and friction layer will wear down. To reduce this wear and improve the device's lifespan, this embodiment adds a nylon layer to the copper thin-film electrode of the electrode layer. The nylon material in the nylon layer directly contacts the FEP material in the friction layer. Both nylon and FEP are highly resilient and flexible materials, allowing for a certain degree of deformation, thus extending the lifespan of both the friction layer and electrode layer.

[0070] Example 2

[0071] Based on the scheme of Embodiment 1, this embodiment further provides a hydrological monitoring station for monitoring hydrological data in water bodies. The hydrological monitoring station includes: an energy storage device, various hydrological monitoring sensors, a communication module, a data processing module, and an Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device as in Embodiment 1. The Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device serves two purposes: firstly, as an energy harvesting device, it directly powers the hydrological monitoring sensors, communication module, and data processing module, or indirectly powers the energy storage device by charging it; secondly, as a wave energy state detection mechanism, it records a corresponding state signal when the output of the thin-plate contact separation type TENG 2 exceeds a preset amplitude or frequency threshold. The data processing model stores the detected state signals in the form of a work log in the storage module and periodically sends them to other devices for relevant personnel to analyze the hydrological conditions of the area where the hydrological monitoring station is installed.

[0072] In the hydrological monitoring station of this embodiment, the float 1 of the Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device is a good waterproof container, so the energy storage device, communication module, data processing module and storage module can be installed inside the float 1.

[0073] Traditional hydrological monitoring stations require batteries to power the equipment. However, these batteries have limited lifespan, necessitating regular battery replacements and resulting in significant maintenance costs. To reduce these costs, technicians have previously installed solar-powered floating structures near the equipment; however, the stability of solar power generation at sea is insufficient. The Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device described in this embodiment is well-suited for this scenario. This device can utilize the fluid energy of ocean waves, tides, and currents to generate a stable power supply, and can also function as a sensor to monitor water fluctuations. It boasts powerful performance and high practicality.

[0074] The above-described embodiments are merely one implementation of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the inventive concept, and these all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device, characterized in that, It includes a float and a set of thin-plate contact separation TENGs contained therein; The float comprises a silo, a float, and an elastic annular waterproof band connecting the two. The silo has an upward-opening cylindrical structure and includes a first cavity. The float has an upward-opening cylindrical structure and includes a second cavity. The second cavity is larger than the silo, and the silo is inserted upward into the second cavity of the float. The upper edge of the annular waterproof band is sealed to the float, and the lower edge is sealed to the silo, thereby forming a closed cylindrical chamber within the float. The cylindrical chamber is pre-pressurized to maintain the initial shape of the float. The thin-plate contact separation TENG is installed in the columnar chamber and includes a fixing mechanism, a connecting rod, and multiple friction discs and electrode discs. The friction discs have a friction layer on their surface, and the electrode discs have an electrode layer on their surface. The friction layer and electrode layer are made of two materials with different electronegativity. The friction discs and electrode discs are alternately arranged parallel to each other along the axial direction of the columnar chamber. Each friction disc and electrode disc has a through hole in its center, with one disc having a larger through hole than the other. The top end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the top of the float, and the other end is inserted into the through hole of the friction disc and electrode disc, and fixedly connected to the disc with the smaller through hole. The discs with larger through holes in the friction discs and electrode discs are connected to the silo via the fixing mechanism. The outer diameter of the connecting rod is smaller than the diameter of the through hole in the disc with the larger through hole, thus allowing the corresponding disc to move up and down along the axial direction of the connecting rod. The silo is fixedly connected to a base below the water body. The buoyancy of the float, connecting rod and the friction disk or electrode disk connected thereto in the water body is greater than the gravity. When the float moves with the waves in the water body, it causes the friction disk and electrode disk in the thin plate contact separation type TENG to contact and separate, so that charge transfer occurs between the electrode layer and the friction layer, and electrical energy is generated on the electrode disk.

2. The Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The annular waterproof strip is made of silicone, rubber, resin or other wear-resistant flexible film materials.

3. The Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the silo and the pontoon are cylindrical, with the first and second cavities inside being cylindrical.

4. The Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the silo is provided with an annular base whose size is larger than the inner diameter of the second cavity in the pontoon.

5. The Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the pontoon is provided with a straw hat-shaped platform; the outer diameter of the platform is larger than the outer diameter of the pontoon.

6. The Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pontoon is made of lightweight materials.

7. The Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sidewalls and / or top pontoons of the pontoon are provided with air chambers for providing lift underwater.

8. The Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the thin-plate contact separation TENG, each friction disc is fixedly connected to the float via the connecting rod, and each electrode disc is fixedly connected to the silo via the fixing mechanism.

9. The Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the thin-plate contact separation TENG, each electrode disk is fixedly connected to the float via the connecting rod, and each friction disk is fixedly connected to the silo via the fixing mechanism.

10. The Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The friction disks or electrode disks are arranged at equal intervals on the connecting rod; the electrode disks or friction disks are arranged at equal intervals on the fixing mechanism; and the distance between any two adjacent friction disks is equal to the distance between any two adjacent electrode disks.

11. The Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The silo or float is also provided with a one-way air valve that communicates with the internal cylindrical chamber; the one-way air valve is used to pressurize the cylindrical chamber to pre-adjust the initial position of each friction disc and adjacent electrode disc in the thin plate contact separation TENG, and to make each friction disc and each electrode disc close to each other but not in contact in the initial state.

12. The Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The friction disk has a friction layer on both its front and back sides, and the friction layer is made of dielectric material; the dielectric material includes: FEP, PVDF, and PETT.

13. The Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrode disk has electrode layers on both its front and back sides, and the electrode layers are made of conductive materials. The conductive materials include gold, silver, copper, iron, aluminum, and any other single metal or alloy material.

14. The Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the thin-plate contact-separated TENG, the electrode layers on the upper surface of each electrode layer are electrically connected to each other to form a first electrode, and the electrode layers on the lower surface of each electrode layer are electrically connected to each other to form a second electrode; the first electrode and the second electrode serve as the power output ports of the thin-plate contact-separated TENG.

15. The Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The electrode layer comprises a copper thin-film electrode and a nylon layer thereon.

16. The Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The copper thin-film electrode is also pre-charged with surface charge through high-voltage discharge.

17. A hydrological monitoring station for monitoring hydrological data in a water body, characterized in that: It includes: The device comprises an energy storage unit, various hydrological monitoring sensors, a communication module, a data processing module, a storage module, and an Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device as described in any one of claims 1-16. The Archimedes-style ocean energy harvesting device serves two purposes: firstly, as an energy harvesting device, it directly powers the hydrological monitoring sensors, communication module, and data processing module, or indirectly powers the energy storage unit by charging it; secondly, as a water wave energy state detection mechanism, it records a corresponding state signal when the output of the thin-plate contact-separated TENG exceeds a preset amplitude or frequency threshold; the state signal is used for hydrological analysis.

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