Wave energy power generation method

Abstract

A wave energy power generation method. A float (1) and a water storage tank (2) are comprised; a diaphragm pump (5) is provided inside the float (1), the diaphragm pump (5) comprising a top plate (11), a bottom plate (13), and deformable flexible walls, wherein the top plate (11), the bottom plate (13) and the flexible walls together enclose a cavity (10), a water inlet pipe (6) with a check valve and an water outlet pipe (7) are provided on the top plate (11), and the bottom plate (13) is connected to a damping disk (16) by means of a connector; a water storage cavity, a hydraulic turbine generator set (3) located at the lower part of the water storage cavity, and an energy storage battery connected to the hydraulic turbine generator set (3) are provided inside the water storage tank (2); the water storage cavity is in communication with the water outlet pipe (7); and the float (1) moves vertically along with waves to drive the flexible walls to deform, such that the volume of the cavity (10) of the diaphragm pump (5) changes, thereby suctioning seawater into the cavity (10) of the diaphragm pump (5) or pumping the seawater in the cavity (10) into the water storage cavity, so as to drive the hydraulic turbine generator set (3) to generate power and store electrical energy in the energy storage battery. By means of the power generation method, the cost of a wave energy power generation device can be reduced, and the service life thereof can be prolonged.

Description

A wave energy power generation method Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wave energy power generation technology, and in particular to a wave energy power generation method. Background Technology

[0002] The ocean covers most of the Earth's surface, providing vast energy potential. Whether it's tidal energy, wave energy, thermal gradient energy, salinity gradient energy, or ocean current energy, they all represent a virtually inexhaustible energy supply. Wave energy generates power through the rising and falling motion of ocean waves. This energy utilizes the wave dynamics created by wind acting on the ocean surface.

[0003] In the prior art, wave energy has been proposed for power generation. For example, Chinese invention patent document with publication number CN106979119A and publication date of April 25, 2017 discloses the following technical solution: a marine dam-type wave energy power generation device and a wave energy power generation method. The power generation device includes: a high-level water storage device, a turbine generator set, a piston pump, a lever, a fulcrum, a power take-off buoy, and a fixed platform; the power take-off buoy is set on the sea surface; the lever has a fulcrum, one end of the lever is fixedly connected to the power take-off buoy, and the other end of the lever is fixedly connected to a piston through a piston rod.

[0004] The above technical solution may encounter the following problems during actual use:

[0005] (1) The power take-off float drives the piston to move up and down through the lever. Both the lever and the piston are prone to wear. The piston has high requirements, which are to prevent water leakage and to allow free sliding to prevent jamming. The entire power generation device is prone to instability and has a short service life.

[0006] (2) The hydro-turbine generator set and the high-level water storage equipment are set up separately and are set on a fixed platform. The fixed platform needs to be fixed on the sea surface. The high-level water storage equipment is in the form of a water tower or a water dam. The design, construction, deployment and maintenance costs are relatively high and it is easy to cause impact on the marine environment. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention proposes a wave energy generation method that effectively solves the issues of high cost and short service life.

[0008] This invention is achieved by adopting the following technical solution:

[0009] A wave energy generation method is based on a float and a water storage tank placed on the sea surface. The float houses a diaphragm pump, which includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and a deformable flexible wall. The top plate, bottom plate, and flexible wall together form a cavity. The top plate has an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, both connected to the cavity and equipped with one-way valves. The bottom plate is connected to a damping disc via a connector to mitigate its movement. The water storage tank contains a water storage chamber, a turbine generator set located below the water storage chamber, and an energy storage battery connected to the turbine generator set. The water storage chamber is connected to the outlet pipe. The float moves up and down with the waves, causing a change in the relative position of the top and bottom plates of the diaphragm pump. This causes deformation of the flexible wall, changing the volume of the diaphragm pump cavity. Seawater is drawn into the diaphragm pump cavity or pumped from the cavity into the water storage chamber, driving the turbine generator set to generate electricity, which is then stored in the energy storage battery.

[0010] The floats and water tanks are arranged in groups, with each group including a water tank and several floats located around the water tank.

[0011] It also includes a connected controller, a liquid level detector, and a control valve; the liquid level detector is installed in the water storage chamber; the water storage tank also includes a turbine generator set placement chamber, and the water storage chamber and the turbine generator set placement chamber are connected by a pipeline with a control valve; the controller sends a corresponding control signal to the control valve according to the liquid level height in the water storage chamber detected by the liquid level detector.

[0012] The water storage tank also includes an isolation chamber, in which the controller and the energy storage battery are both located.

[0013] The flexible wall is a cylindrical diaphragm, which is composed of several folds connected in series.

[0014] The connecting component is a connecting rod, and the float is also provided with a bearing that matches the connecting rod.

[0015] The water storage tank and the damping disc are both mounted on a fixed frame.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0017] 1. This invention utilizes the deformation of a flexible wall to collect wave energy. Compared with conventional piston pump technology, it is less expensive. At the same time, the diaphragm pump does not have relative sliding between piston components, so there will be no problems such as jamming or wear. In addition, the rubber material is hydrophobic, which can reduce the impact of marine organisms or debris on the components, thereby improving service life.

[0018] Furthermore, in this invention, both the water storage chamber and the turbine generator set are housed within the water storage tank. The water storage tank adopts a floating structure, eliminating the need for an additional offshore platform, significantly reducing costs, and its application is not limited by seawater depth. Moreover, through the structural and dimensional design of this water storage tank, its center of gravity is made more stable, less affected by wave fluctuations, and it can remain stable during wave motion.

[0019] 2. The damping disc design reduces the tendency of the bottom plate to move. When the wave energy drives the float, the top plate reciprocates relative to the bottom plate, and the flexible wall moves back and forth, deforming to draw seawater into the diaphragm pump cavity or pump seawater from the cavity into the storage cavity. The seawater collected in the storage cavity drives the turbine generator to generate electricity, which is stored in the energy storage battery for later use. Due to its simple and reliable float structure, this power generation device has higher reliability than conventional float-type wave energy power generation devices.

[0020] 3. The float and water tank float on the water surface. According to functional requirements, a GPS positioning device and a power source required for navigation can be designed so that the float and water tank can be moved as needed.

[0021] 4. The floats and water storage tanks are arranged in groups. Each group includes a water storage tank and several floats located around the water storage tank. Through the one-to-many structural design, combined with the setting of a high-flow diaphragm pump, the amount of seawater collected in the water storage tank can be guaranteed, the instability of power generation caused by the instability of wave energy can be mitigated, stable power output can be guaranteed, and power quality can be improved.

[0022] 5. In this invention, by setting up a controller, a liquid level detector and a control valve, selective power generation can be performed according to demand or the amount of seawater in the storage chamber, thereby improving the controllability of power generation.

[0023] 6. The controller and energy storage battery are both housed in an isolated chamber to ensure safety during use.

[0024] 7. The flexible wall is a cylindrical diaphragm, which is composed of several pleats connected in series. Compared with conventional thin-film pumps, it can meet the requirements of large flow rate and has a simple structure that is easy to manufacture.

[0025] 8. The cooperation between the bearings and the connecting rods makes the direction of the float's movement more controllable, making it easier to make full use of wave energy. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the float in this invention;

[0029] Marked in the image:

[0030] 1. Float, 2. Water storage tank, 3. Hydro-generator set, 4. Fixing frame, 5. Diaphragm pump, 6. Inlet pipe, 7. Outlet pipe, 8. Inlet check valve, 9. Outlet check valve, 10. Cavity, 11. Top plate, 12. Flexible diaphragm, 13. Bottom plate, 14. Connecting rod, 15. Flexible connecting rope, 16. Damping disc, 18. Bearing. Embodiments of the present invention

[0031] Example 1

[0032] As a basic embodiment of the present invention, the present invention includes a wave energy generation method based on a float 1 and a water storage tank 2 set on the sea surface. In this embodiment, the shape of the float 1 is not limited, as long as it can float at the wave crest and sink at the wave trough. The wave energy collection efficiency can be improved by designing the shape of the float 1, but regardless of the shape adopted, it should be within the scope of protection of this patent.

[0033] A diaphragm pump 5 is installed inside the float 1. The diaphragm pump 5 includes a top plate 11, a bottom plate 13, and a flexible wall that can deform. The top plate 11, bottom plate 13, and flexible wall together form a cavity 10. The top plate 11 is provided with an inlet pipe 6 and an outlet pipe 7 that communicate with the cavity 10. One-way valves are respectively provided on the outlet pipe 7 and the inlet pipe 6, and the outlet pipe 7 and the inlet pipe 6 are respectively connected to the float 1 and extend outward from the float 1. The bottom plate 13 is connected to a damping plate for mitigating the tendency of the bottom plate 13 to move via a connector.

[0034] The water storage tank 2 is equipped with a water storage chamber, a water turbine generator set 3, and an energy storage battery. The water turbine generator set 3 can be installed inside the water storage chamber, specifically in the lower part of the chamber. The energy storage battery can be independently installed in one of the chambers of the water storage tank 2 and connected to the water turbine generator set 3 via a cable. When the cable passes through this chamber and connects to the water turbine generator set 3, a sealing element can be installed between the cable and the chamber.

[0035] The water storage chamber is connected to the outlet pipe 7. The float 1 moves up and down with the waves, causing the top plate 11 to move up and down, which in turn causes the flexible wall to deform. This changes the volume of the diaphragm pump 5's chamber 10, drawing seawater into the diaphragm pump 5's chamber 10 or pumping seawater from the chamber 10 into the water storage chamber. The seawater pumped into the water storage chamber flows downwards, driving the turbine generator 3 located below to generate electricity, which is then stored in the energy storage battery.

[0036] Example 2

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the invention includes a wave energy power generation method based on a float 1 and a water storage tank 2 fixed to an electrical power supply facility or other power generation facility. The electrical power supply facility includes, but is not limited to, offshore drilling platforms, floating fish cages, etc., which can be powered by the present invention. The other power generation facility includes, but is not limited to, offshore wind power, etc., which can utilize their transmission lines to transmit the electricity generated by the device of the present invention, thereby reducing transmission costs.

[0038] A diaphragm pump 5 is installed inside the float 1. The diaphragm pump 5 includes a top plate 11, a bottom plate 13, and a flexible wall that can deform. The top plate 11, bottom plate 13, and flexible wall together form a cavity 10. The top plate 11 is provided with an inlet pipe 6 and an outlet pipe 7 that communicate with the cavity 10. One-way valves are respectively provided on the outlet pipe 7 and the inlet pipe 6, and the outlet pipe 7 and the inlet pipe 6 are respectively connected to the float 1 and extend outward from the float 1. The bottom plate 13 is connected to a damping plate for mitigating the tendency of the bottom plate 13 to move via a connector.

[0039] The water storage tank 2 contains a water storage chamber, and a water turbine generator set 3 is located at the bottom of the water storage chamber. The electricity generated by the water turbine generator set 3 can be supplied to power facilities via lead wires or connected to the transmission lines of other power generation equipment.

[0040] Example 3

[0041] In another embodiment of the present invention, a wave energy generation method is provided, based on a float 1 and a water storage tank 2 disposed on the sea surface. A diaphragm pump 5 is installed inside the float 1. The diaphragm pump 5 includes a top plate 11, a bottom plate 13, and a flexible wall that can deform. The flexible wall can be made of an elastic material. The top plate 11, the bottom plate 13, and the flexible wall together form a cavity 10. The top plate 11 is provided with an inlet pipe 6 and an outlet pipe 7, which communicate with the cavity 10 and are respectively equipped with one-way valves. The bottom plate 13 is connected to a damping disc 16 for mitigating the movement tendency of the bottom plate 13 via a connector.

[0042] The water storage tank 2 contains a water storage chamber, a hydro-generator unit 3 located below the water storage chamber, and an energy storage battery connected to the hydro-generator unit 3. The bottom of the water storage chamber has a water outlet channel facing the hydro-generator unit 3. From top to bottom, the water outlet channel can be tapered to increase the flow velocity of seawater within the water storage chamber.

[0043] The water storage chamber is connected to the water outlet pipe 7. The float 1 moves up and down with the waves, causing the flexible wall to deform. The volume of the cavity 10 of the diaphragm pump 5 changes, drawing seawater into the cavity 10 of the diaphragm pump 5 or pumping the seawater in the cavity 10 out to the water storage chamber, driving the water turbine generator set 3 to generate electricity and storing the electrical energy in the energy storage battery.

[0044] Example 4

[0045] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention includes a wave energy generation method based on a float 1 and a water storage tank 2 disposed on the sea surface. A diaphragm pump 5 is installed inside the float 1, the diaphragm pump 5 including a top plate 11, a bottom plate 13, and a flexible wall capable of deformation. The top plate 11, the bottom plate 13, and the flexible wall together form a cavity 10. The top plate 11 is provided with an inlet pipe 6 and an outlet pipe 7 communicating with the cavity 10. One-way valves are respectively provided on the outlet pipe 7 and the inlet pipe 6, and the outlet pipe 7 and the inlet pipe 6 extend outward from the float 1. The bottom plate 13 is connected to a damping disc 16 for mitigating the movement tendency of the bottom plate 13 via a connector.

[0046] The water storage tank 2 is equipped with a water storage chamber, a turbine generator set placement chamber, and an isolation chamber. The turbine generator set placement chamber can be located below the water storage chamber, and the water storage chamber and the turbine generator set placement chamber can be connected by a pipeline with a control valve. The turbine generator set 3 is placed inside the turbine generator set placement chamber. The upper end of the turbine generator set placement chamber, i.e., the end connected to the pipeline, is tapered towards the turbine generator set 3 to facilitate increasing the seawater flow velocity entering the turbine generator set 3.

[0047] Furthermore, the isolation chamber is also equipped with an energy storage battery and a controller. The water storage chamber is also equipped with a liquid level detector. The controller is connected to the liquid level detector and a control valve, and is used to send a corresponding control signal to the control valve based on the liquid level height detected by the liquid level detector in the water storage chamber. The energy storage battery is connected to the hydro-generator set 3 and is used to store the electrical energy generated by the hydro-generator set 3. The stored electrical energy can be used to charge military or civilian underwater vehicles.

[0048] Example 5

[0049] As the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention includes a wave energy generation method, which is based on a fixed frame 4 and floats 1 and a water storage tank 2 located on the fixed frame 4. Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the specification, the floats 1 and the water storage tanks 2 are arranged in groups, each group including a water storage tank 2 and several floats 1 respectively located around the water storage tank 2. The floats 1 can be shaped with a larger top and a smaller bottom to improve the efficiency of the floats 1 in collecting wave energy.

[0050] Each float 1 is equipped with a diaphragm pump 5. The diaphragm pump 5 includes a top plate 11, a bottom plate 13, an inlet pipe 6, an outlet pipe 7, and a flexible wall that can deform. The flexible wall is a cylindrical diaphragm. The top plate 11 and the bottom plate 13 are parallel to each other, and the cylindrical diaphragm is located between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 13. The top plate 11, the bottom plate 13, and the diaphragm together enclose a cavity 10. The diaphragm is composed of several pleats connected in series, and the pleats are parallel to the bottom plate 13.

[0051] One end of the outlet pipe 7 and the inlet pipe 6 are respectively mounted on the top plate 11 and connected to the cavity 10. The other end extends outward to the float 1. Furthermore, the inlet of the inlet pipe 6 is downward, i.e., facing the seabed. The outlet of the outlet pipe 7 can be directly connected to the water storage tank 2 or connected to the water storage tank 2 through a pipe. The outlet pipe 7 is equipped with an outlet check valve 9, and the inlet pipe 6 is equipped with an inlet check valve 8.

[0052] The base plate 13 is connected to a damping disc 16 via a connecting member, which can be a connecting rod 14. The damping disc 16 is used to reduce the movement tendency of the base plate 13. The damping disc is connected to the fixing frame 4 via a flexible connecting rope 15. Furthermore, the float 1 is also equipped with a bearing 18 that matches the connecting rod 14, and a special structure is used to seal the bearing 18. Specifically, a diaphragm can be set on the outside of the connecting rod 14 and the bearing 18 to isolate them from seawater.

[0053] The bottom of the water storage tank 2 is connected to the fixing frame 4. The water storage tank 2 contains a water storage chamber, a turbine generator set placement chamber, and an isolation chamber. The turbine generator set placement chamber can be located below the water storage chamber, and the isolation chamber is located around the turbine generator set placement chamber. The water storage chamber and the turbine generator set placement chamber can be connected or disconnected via a control valve. The turbine generator set 3 is placed inside the turbine generator set placement chamber.

[0054] Furthermore, the isolation chamber also houses an energy storage battery and a controller. The water storage chamber also contains a level detector. The controller can be connected to the level detector and the control valve via cable or wireless communication, respectively, to send corresponding control signals to the control valve based on the liquid level detected by the level detector. Specifically, the control valve opens only when the liquid level in the water storage chamber reaches the required level, connecting the water storage chamber to the turbine generator set's placement chamber for power generation. The energy storage battery can be connected to the turbine generator set 3 via cable to store the electrical energy generated by the turbine generator set 3. The stored electrical energy can be used to charge military or civilian underwater vehicles. When cables pass through the isolation chamber, a seal can be installed between the cables and the isolation chamber to achieve a seal. A removable cover plate is also provided on the water storage tank 2 corresponding to the isolation chamber, allowing the isolation chamber to be connected to or closed to the outside. A seal plate is also provided between the removable cover plate and the water storage tank 2 to ensure the safety of all components within the isolation chamber during use.

[0055] Furthermore, the float and water tank can float on the water surface. According to functional requirements, a GPS positioning device and a power source required for navigation can be designed so that the float and water tank can be moved as needed.

[0056] As the wave transitions from a trough to a crest, float 1 rises, causing inlet pipe 6, outlet pipe 7, and top plate 11 to move upwards. This stretches the flexible wall, increasing the volume of cavity 10 and drawing seawater into it. Conversely, as the wave transitions from a crest to a trough, float 1 falls, causing inlet pipe 6, outlet pipe 7, and top plate 11 to move downwards. This compresses the flexible wall, reducing the volume of cavity 10 and pumping seawater into the storage chamber of the power generation unit's storage tank 2. When the water level in the storage chamber reaches the required level, the control valve opens, and the collected seawater flows downwards into the turbine generator set's placement chamber, impacting turbine generator set 3. Turbine generator set 3 generates electricity, which is stored in the adjacent energy storage battery. The stored energy can be used for charging military or civilian underwater vehicles.

[0057] In summary, any other corresponding modifications made by those skilled in the art after reading this invention document, without requiring creative mental effort, based on the technical solutions and concepts of this invention, are all within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A wave energy generation method, characterized in that: It is based on a float (1) and a water storage tank (2) set on the sea surface; the float (1) is equipped with a diaphragm pump (5), the diaphragm pump (5) includes a top plate (11), a bottom plate (13) and a flexible wall that can be deformed, the top plate (11), the bottom plate (13) and the flexible wall together form a cavity (10), the top plate (11) is provided with an inlet pipe (6) and an outlet pipe (7) that are connected to the cavity (10) and are respectively equipped with one-way valves, the bottom plate (13) is connected to a damping disc (16) for slowing down the movement of the bottom plate (13) through a connector; the water storage tank (2) It is equipped with a water storage chamber, a water turbine generator set (3) located at the bottom of the water storage chamber, and an energy storage battery connected to the water turbine generator set (3); the water storage chamber is connected to the water outlet pipe (7); the float (1) moves up and down with the waves, causing the relative position of the top plate (11) and bottom plate (13) of the diaphragm pump (5) to change, causing the flexible wall to deform, and the volume of the cavity (10) of the diaphragm pump (5) to change, sucking seawater into the cavity (10) of the diaphragm pump (5) or pumping the seawater in the cavity (10) into the water storage chamber, driving the water turbine generator set (3) to generate electricity and storing the electrical energy in the energy storage battery.

2. The wave energy generation method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The floats (1) and the water tanks (2) are arranged in groups, each group including a water tank (2) and several floats (1) located around the water tanks (2).

3. A wave energy generation method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It also includes a connected controller, a liquid level detector, and a control valve; the liquid level detector is installed in the water storage chamber; the water storage tank (2) also includes a water turbine generator set placement chamber, and the water storage chamber and the water turbine generator set placement chamber are connected by a pipeline with a control valve; the controller sends a corresponding control signal to the control valve according to the liquid level height detected by the liquid level detector in the water storage chamber.

4. A wave energy generation method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The water storage tank (2) also includes an isolation chamber, in which the controller and the energy storage battery are both located.

5. A wave energy generation method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible wall is a cylindrical diaphragm, which is composed of several folds connected in series.

6. A wave energy generation method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting member is a connecting rod (14), and the float (1) is also provided with a bearing (18) that matches the connecting rod (14).

7. A wave energy generation method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The water storage tank (2) and the damping disc (16) are respectively mounted on the fixed frame (4).

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