TWI875236B - Series power generation equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a series power generation equipment that is used to generate electricity and store electricity by utilizing ocean currents. It includes: a carrier platform for displaying on the ocean surface; and an ocean current power generation module that is sunk into the sea surface. Below and connected to the carrier, the ocean current power generation module includes a plurality of ocean current generator sets. The ocean current generator set is installed in a fixture and has the freedom to rotate around a vertical axis. With the help of the guide fins of the generator set, the blades can be The head-on surface is perpendicular to the direction of the ocean current, which improves power generation efficiency; two adjacent fixtures are connected by a connector, so that each ocean current generator unit forms a series connection and is suspended under the sea surface, depending on the depth of the seabed and the design of the platform. Carrying capacity, the number (length) of series connection of ocean current generator sets can be adjusted arbitrarily, so that the placement of generator sets in the sea can be transformed from a plane to a three-dimensional one, greatly increasing the number of generators that each platform can carry, thereby reducing the cost of power generation.

Description

Series-connected power generation equipment

The present invention relates to a device for generating power from ocean currents, and in particular to a series-connected power generation device.

Electricity is one of the indispensable daily necessities in today's society. Everything in life is closely related to electricity. As the national economy grows annually, the annual electricity consumption will inevitably grow accordingly. Even in countries with slow economic growth, electricity consumption will still be positively correlated with economic growth. Therefore, how to obtain electricity has always been a topic of continuous concern for those with general knowledge in this field. Since traditional electricity supply mainly relies on fossil fuels, and due to the limited availability of fossil fuels and their adverse effects on the environment, people have become increasingly interested in the development of renewable energy and methods of generating electricity from nature in recent years. For example, using marine resources to generate electricity has become a key development project because it complies with environmental protection. Power generation methods such as kite power, tides, and deep-sea currents, among which ocean currents have stable supply characteristics and huge energy potential, becoming an important research topic.

In addition, the depth of the seabed varies from shallow offshore to several thousand meters deep. Excluding offshore low-water deep-sea current power generation, deep-sea power generation is mainly divided into two types: one is to sink the generator set to the seabed, because the seabed in the sea area with stable currents is very deep, resulting in high installation and maintenance costs. The other is to place the generator set on (hang) an offshore platform, but the generator sets must be kept at a proper distance, otherwise they will interfere with each other and affect the power generation efficiency. Therefore, the number of generator sets that can be placed on an offshore platform is extremely limited; in addition, the cost of a powered platform is high, which greatly increases the cost of power generation; current (especially ocean current) power generation is more stable than wind power generation, but the cost of various current power generation is much higher than wind power generation, lacking competitiveness.

The main purpose of this invention is to provide a series-connected power generation equipment that can increase the number of installed power generation units by several times, and install and maintain the power generation equipment on a horizontal plane, thereby significantly reducing the cost of power generation and providing high energy conversion efficiency.

To achieve the above-mentioned invention purpose, the serial power generation equipment provided by the present invention is used to generate and store electricity by means of ocean currents, and includes: a carrier for being placed on the surface of the ocean; a current power generation module, which is sunk under the sea surface and connected to the carrier, and the current power generation module includes a plurality of current generator sets, which are installed in a fixture, and two adjacent fixtures are connected by a connector, so that each current generator set is suspended in series under the sea surface.

In one embodiment, it further includes an energy storage unit, which is disposed on the carrier and electrically connected to each of the ocean current generator sets, for receiving and storing the electric energy generated and outputted from each of the ocean current generator sets.

In one embodiment, the ocean current generator set includes a rotating module connected to a power generation module, and one end of the connector is coupled to the clamp.

In one embodiment, the rotating module includes a blade unit, a rotating shaft and at least one gear; the blade unit has a plurality of blades, one end of the rotating shaft is pivoted to the blade unit, and the other end is pivoted to the gear; the power generation module includes a generator, the generator has a spindle, and the gear is connected to the spindle of the generator. The ocean current drives the plurality of blades of the blade unit to rotate, thereby driving the rotating shaft, the gear, and the spindle to rotate, so that the generator generates electricity.

In one embodiment, it further includes a plurality of auxiliary rotating modules, each of which is connected to two adjacent clamps by two connecting parts. The auxiliary rotating module includes a blade unit, a shaft, and at least one gear. The blade unit has a plurality of blades. One end of the shaft is pivoted to the blade unit and the other end is pivoted to the gear. The blades are pushed by the ocean current to drive the shaft and the gear to rotate. The auxiliary rotating module is connected to the two rotating modules of the ocean current generator set by two transmission components.

In one embodiment, the transmission assembly includes two gears and a transmission rod, the two gears are connected to the transmission rod and are respectively engaged with the gears of the two rotating modules.

A series-connected power generation device is used to generate and store electricity by means of ocean currents, and comprises: a carrier for being placed on the surface of the ocean; a current power generation module which is sunk below the surface of the ocean and connected to the carrier, and the current power generation module comprises a plurality of current power generation units, and two adjacent current power generation units are connected by a connector, so that each current power generation unit is suspended in series below the surface of the ocean.

In one embodiment, the ocean current generator set includes a rotating module connected to a power generation module.

In one embodiment, the rotating module includes a blade unit, a rotating shaft and at least one gear; the blade unit has a plurality of blades, one end of the rotating shaft is pivoted to the blade unit, and the other end is pivoted to the gear; the power generation module includes a generator, the generator has a spindle, and the gear is connected to the spindle of the generator. The ocean current drives the plurality of blades of the blade unit to rotate, thereby driving the rotating shaft, the gear, and the spindle to rotate, so that the generator generates electricity.

In one embodiment, it further includes a plurality of auxiliary rotating modules, each of which is connected to two adjacent ocean current generator sets by two connecting members. The auxiliary rotating module includes an auxiliary blade unit, an auxiliary shaft, and at least one auxiliary gear. The auxiliary blade unit has a plurality of blades. One end of the auxiliary shaft is pivotally connected to the auxiliary blade unit, and the other end is pivotally connected to the auxiliary gear. The plurality of blades are pushed by the ocean current to drive the auxiliary shaft and the auxiliary gear to rotate. The auxiliary rotating module is connected to the two rotating modules of the two ocean current generator sets by two transmission components.

In one embodiment, the transmission assembly includes two gears and a transmission rod, the two gears are connected to the transmission rod and are respectively engaged with the gears of the two rotating modules.

In one embodiment, it further includes an energy storage unit electrically connected to each of the ocean current generator sets for receiving and storing the electrical energy generated and outputted from each of the ocean current generator sets.

In one embodiment, it further includes a sail mounted on the carrier.

In one embodiment, it further includes at least one kite tied to the carrier.

The following is a list of preferred embodiments based on the purpose, efficacy and structural configuration disclosed by the present invention, and is described in detail with accompanying drawings.

1: Carrier

2: Sail

3: Kite

301: Cable

302: Cable reel

100: Ocean current power generation module

10: Ocean current generator set

11: Rotation module

111: Blade unit

112: Rotating axis

113: Gear

12: Power generation module

121: Generator

122: Axis

123: Wires

20: Clamp

21: Open mouth

22: Storage space

23: Buckle

24: Pivot element

30: Connectors

31:Hook

200: Energy storage unit

40: Auxiliary rotation module

41: Auxiliary blade unit

42: Auxiliary shaft

43: Secondary gear

44: Transmission gear assembly

441:Drive rod

442, 423: Gear

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a series-connected power generation device in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the ocean current power generation device of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is a series-connected power generation device.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a series-connected power generation device.

Please refer to Figures 1 to 3, the series-connected power generation equipment provided by a preferred embodiment of the present invention is used to generate and store electricity by means of ocean currents, and mainly includes: a carrier 1, a sail 2, at least one kite 3, a current power generation module 100, and an energy storage unit 200.

The carrier 1 is in the shape of a ship, floating on the surface of the ocean, and can also be a device equivalent to a ship, with a power source, and the power source can drive the carrier 1 to sail, or drive other devices on the carrier 1.

The sail 2 is arranged on the platform 1, and the sail 2 is suitable for bearing wind force to assist in controlling the moving direction of the platform 1 or increasing the relative speed between the ocean current and the ocean current generator set 10.

The kite 3 is tied to the platform 1. In this embodiment, the kite 3 is connected to a take-up device 302 on the platform 1 via a cable 301, and the cable 301 has a certain length, which allows the kite 3 to float to a corresponding height in the sky to absorb high-altitude wind (the higher the height, the stronger the wind), which helps to increase the relative speed of the ocean current and the ocean current generator set 10 or reduce the drift of the platform 1.

The ocean current power generation module 100 is sunk under the sea surface and connected to the carrier 1. The ocean current power generation module 100 includes a plurality of ocean current generator sets 10, a plurality of clamps 20, and a plurality of connectors 30, all of which are sunk under the sea surface and form an upper and lower partition form, and the clamp 20 closest to the carrier 1 is connected to the carrier 1. The clamp 20 is generally C-shaped, with an opening 21 and a receiving space 22. A buckle 23 is respectively provided on the outer side of the two ends of the clamp 20, and the inner side of the two ends of the clamp 20 is respectively connected to the ocean current generator set 10 by a pivot element 24, so that the blades of the ocean current generator set 10 can rotate smoothly along the flow of the ocean current.

The plurality of connectors 30 are used to respectively connect two adjacent clamps 20 so that the plurality of clamps 20 form a series connection. A hook 31 is provided at each end of the connector 30, and the hook 31 is hooked on the buckle 23 of the clamp 20 to complete the connection. In this embodiment, the connector 30 is a chain.

The plurality of ocean current generator sets 10 are respectively disposed in the plurality of fixtures 20, and are all sunk under the sea surface and formed in an upper and lower interval form. The ocean current generator set 10 includes a rotating module 11 and a power generation module 12. The rotating module 11 includes a blade unit 111, a rotating shaft 112 and at least one gear 113. The blade unit 111 has a plurality of blades, and the rotating shaft 112 has a plurality of gears 113. One end is hinged to the blade unit 111, and the other end is hinged to the gear 113; the power generation module 12 includes a generator 121, the generator 121 has a spindle 122, the gear 113 is connected to the spindle 122, the ocean current drives the blade unit 111 to rotate, and drives the shaft 112, the gear 113, and the spindle 122 to rotate, so that the generator 121 generates electricity. The generator 121 is connected to the power transmission cable or the energy storage unit 200 via an electric wire 123.

The energy storage unit 200 is disposed on the carrier 1. The energy storage unit 200 is used to receive and store the electric energy generated and output from the multiple power generation modules 12 of the multiple ocean current generator sets 10. The energy storage unit 200 can be a battery, a supercapacitor, high-pressure air, or electrolytic hydrogen, etc.

According to the above-mentioned serial power generation equipment of the present invention, the carrier 1 floats on the sea surface and does not need to be anchored to a fixed position. The sail 2 is opened, the kite 3 is released and raised to a high altitude. The kite 3 is affected by the high-altitude wind force and generates tension to pull the carrier 1. The multiple current generator units 10 of the current power generation module 100 are deeply set under the sea surface. Affected by the sea current, the blade unit 111 of the rotating module 11 rotates, pushing the generator 121 of the multiple power generation modules 12 to generate electrical energy, which is received and stored by the power transmission cable or the energy storage unit 200.

In addition, the kite 3 and the sail 2 are used to propel the platform 1. Depending on the wind direction, wind force, and ocean current velocity, the relative speed between the platform 1 and the ocean current can be increased, thereby increasing the rotation speed of the multiple rotation modules 11, or reducing the drift of the platform 1, or assisting the platform 1 to return to the starting point.

The more generator sets the platform carries, the more the overall gravity can reduce the platform drift speed. If the wind power does not help to increase the relative speed between the multiple rotating modules 11 and the ocean current, or if it is difficult to maintain the position of the series-connected power generation equipment by relying on the kite 3, the anchor can be lowered to reduce the drift speed of the series-connected power generation equipment and reduce the impact of drift on power generation efficiency.

Please refer to FIG. 4, another preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the aforementioned preferred embodiment in that: it further includes a plurality of auxiliary rotating modules 40, each of which is connected to the two clamps 20 spaced apart from each other via two connecting members 30, and the auxiliary rotating module 40 includes a pair of blade units 41, a pair of rotating shafts 42, and at least one pair of gears 43, the auxiliary blade unit 41 having a plurality of blades, the auxiliary rotating shaft 42 having one end pivotally connected to the auxiliary blade unit 41, and the other end pivotally connected to the auxiliary blade unit 41. The secondary gear 43 and the secondary blade unit 41 are driven by the ocean current to drive the secondary shaft 42 and the secondary gear 43 to rotate. The secondary gear 43 is connected to the two rotating modules 11 of the two ocean current generator sets 10 through two transmission gear assemblies 44. The transmission gear assembly 44 can be a combination of a transmission rod 441 and two gears 442 and 423. The two gears 442 and 423 are connected to the transmission rod 441 and are respectively engaged and hinged with the gears 113 of the two rotating modules 11.

In summary, each of the ocean current generator sets 10 of the series-connected power generation equipment of the present invention is independent and not affected by the length of the series connection, that is, each of the ocean current generator sets 10 will not be pulled by the gravity of the subsequent series connection structure. Each of the ocean current generator sets 10 can be connected in series before being immersed in the sea. On the contrary, it can be immediately released when it is lifted up and out of the water. The lifting and sinking operations are all performed above the horizontal plane. All power generation and maintenance operations are all performed above the water surface. The installation and operation are convenient, and the present invention The series-connected power generation equipment can effectively utilize the energy of ocean currents, improve the efficiency of energy conversion, and absorb wind power with sails and kites, and is not affected by the depth of the seabed. The series length of the ocean current generator set 10 can be adjusted flexibly, and the series length can be close to the depth of the seabed. The number of ocean current generator sets 10 that can be carried is several times that of the known power generation scheme. Compared with the known power generation scheme, the series-connected power generation equipment of the present invention can effectively and environmentally friendly utilize marine resources to achieve the expected creation purpose.

The above embodiments are only for illustrative purposes to illustrate the technology and its effects of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art may modify and change the above embodiments without violating the technical principles and spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be as described below in the scope of the patent application.

1: Carrier

2: Sail

3: Kite

301: Cable

302: Cable reel

100: Ocean current power generation module

10: Ocean current generator set

111: Blade unit

20: Clamp

30: Connectors

Claims (11)

A series-connected power generation device is used to generate and store electricity by using ocean currents, and includes: a carrier for being placed on the surface of the ocean; a current power generation module that is sunk under the sea surface and connected to the carrier, and the current power generation module includes a plurality of current generator sets, and the current generator sets are installed in a fixture, and two adjacent fixtures are connected by a connector so that each current generator set can be connected to the other. The generator set is suspended under the sea in a series connection; the ocean current generator set includes a rotating module connected to a generating module, one end of the connecting piece is coupled to the clamp; and a plurality of auxiliary rotating modules, each of which is connected to two adjacent clamps via two connecting pieces, and each of which is connected to two rotating modules of two ocean current generator sets via two transmission gear assemblies. The series-connected power generation device as described in claim 1, wherein the rotating module includes a blade unit, a rotating shaft and at least one gear; the blade unit has a plurality of blades, one end of the rotating shaft is pivotally connected to the blade unit, and the other end is pivotally connected to the gear; the power generation module includes a generator, the generator has a spindle, the gear is connected to the spindle of the generator, the ocean current drives the plurality of blades of the blade unit to rotate, thereby driving the rotating shaft, the gear, and the spindle to rotate, so that the generator generates electricity. The series-connected power generation device as described in claim 2, wherein the auxiliary rotating module includes an auxiliary blade unit, an auxiliary shaft, and at least one auxiliary gear, the auxiliary blade unit has a plurality of blades, one end of the auxiliary shaft is pivotally connected to the auxiliary blade unit, and the other end is pivotally connected to the auxiliary gear, and the plurality of blades are pushed by the ocean current to drive the auxiliary shaft and the auxiliary gear to rotate. The series-connected power generation device as described in claim 3, wherein the transmission gear assembly includes two gears and a transmission rod, the two gears are connected to the transmission rod and are respectively engaged and pivoted with the gears of the two rotating modules. A series-connected power generation device is used to generate and store electricity by means of ocean currents, and comprises: a carrier for being placed on the surface of the ocean; a current power generation module, which is sunk below the surface of the ocean and connected to the carrier, and the current power generation module comprises a plurality of current power generation units, and two adjacent current power generation units are connected by a connector, so that each current power generation unit is suspended in series below the surface of the ocean; wherein the current power generation unit comprises a rotating module connected to a power generation module; and a plurality of auxiliary rotating modules, each of which is connected to two adjacent current power generation units by two connectors, and each of which is connected to two rotating modules of two current power generation units by two transmission gear assemblies. The series-connected power generation device as described in claim 5, wherein the rotating module includes a blade unit, a rotating shaft and at least one gear; the blade unit has a plurality of blades, one end of the rotating shaft is pivotally connected to the blade unit, and the other end is pivotally connected to the gear; the power generation module includes a generator, the generator has a spindle, the gear is connected to the spindle of the generator, the ocean current drives the plurality of blades of the blade unit to rotate, thereby driving the rotating shaft, the gear, and the spindle to rotate, so that the generator generates electricity. The series-connected power generation device as described in claim 6, wherein the auxiliary rotating module includes an auxiliary blade unit, an auxiliary shaft, and at least one auxiliary gear, the auxiliary blade unit has a plurality of blades, one end of the auxiliary shaft is pivotally connected to the auxiliary blade unit, and the other end is pivotally connected to the auxiliary gear, and the plurality of blades are pushed by the ocean current to drive the auxiliary shaft and the auxiliary gear to rotate. The series-connected power generation device as described in claim 7, wherein the transmission gear assembly includes two gears and a transmission rod, the two gears are connected to the transmission rod and are respectively engaged and pivoted with the gears of the two rotating modules. The series-connected power generation equipment as described in claim 1 or 5 further includes an energy storage unit electrically connected to each of the ocean current generator sets for receiving and storing the electric energy generated and outputted from each of the ocean current generator sets. The series-connected power generation device as described in claim 1 or 5 further comprises a sail mounted on the carrier. The series-connected power generation device as described in claim 1 or 5 further comprises at least one kite tied to the carrier.

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