DE102008050238A1 - Wave power plant for transforming energy contained in undulation of water, has floating chambers moving relative to each other and follow undulating water surface - Google Patents

Abstract

The wave power plant (1) has floating chambers (2) moving relative to each other and follow the undulating water surface (8). A bar element (6) and a kinetic energy receiving energy transformation unit (4) are provided between floating chambers, over which two joint connections (12,14) are fixed to the floating chambers in a rotating manner.

Description

The The invention relates to a wave power plant for the conversion of in the Wave motion of water contained energy according to the Preamble of claim 1.

at The undulations of water are deflections of the water Surface of a body of water, which by wind, by a confluence of currents with different temperature or by the gravitation of the moon and sun in the form of tidal waves be caused.

Out the prior art devices are known which the in The wave motion of water contained energy into electrical Convert energy. For example, for the supply of light buoys using electrical engineering a technique also known as the technique of oscillating water column is. The Leuchtboje includes this purpose a float, in which a vertically oriented hollow profile is provided, the lower opening below the water surface and its upper opening are arranged above the water surface. The lower opening flows into a layer of water that is no longer from the waves is moved. Inside the hollow section is a water column included, which do not follow the buoy or wave motion can and thus against the buoy or wave movement oscillates. To generate electrical energy is in the field of upper opening of the hollow profile arranged an air turbine, which is driven by an alternating air flow, which from the up and down movement of the water column within of the hollow profile results. Although this type of transformation of Wave energy in electric energy at Leuchtbojen as very reliable has proven, the performance of such is Restricted device with an oscillating water column.

Another device for converting wave energy into electrical energy is from WO 2003/058055 A1 known. The wave energy unit described here comprises a floating on the water surface buoyancy body, which is connected via a traction means with a arranged at the bottom of the water body rotor of a linear generator. The linear generator in this case comprises a stator, in which the rotor is guided, and a return spring which holds the traction means under tension and the rotor of the linear generator after a deflection in the vertical direction returns to the starting position. As a result of the arrangement of the generator in the water a complex sealing of the electrical components of the linear generator is required in such a system, which also results from the arrangement of the linear generator at the bottom of the water the problem that the traction means of the linear generator is claimed with high tensile forces, when the water level rises.

Accordingly It is an object of the present invention to provide a powerful Device to provide that one opposite one changing water level insensitive construction and reliably in the wave motion converts energy contained in water into another form of energy.

These Task is according to the invention by the features from claim 1 and claim 14 solved.

Further Features of the invention are contained in the subclaims.

The Wave power plant according to the invention, which for Transformation of that contained in the wave motion of water Energy into another form of energy, includes at least two floats, which are arranged at a distance from each other. The least two floats are in this case movable relative to each other and float on the water surface, leaving them can follow the wave motion of the water. According to the Invention are between the floats each one Bar element and at least one energy conversion unit provided rotatably attached to a respective float are. For the rotatable attachment are the rod element or the at least one energy conversion unit via in each case a joint connection and a further joint connection with the float connected to the respective Assigned to the end of the rod element or the energy conversion unit is. The rod connection associated with the articulated joint and the Energy conversion unit assigned further hinge connection have Here at the respective float a vertical distance to each other. The energy conversion unit is to a device which the kinetic energy, preferably to a change in the length of the energy conversion unit leads, transforms into another form of energy.

The rod element is used according to the invention to produce a distance between the provided at the ends of the rod elements articulated joints and thus between the floating body itself. After the distance between the provided at the ends of the rod element axes of rotation of the joints is not changeable, rotate the float in a wave motion accordingly to the connection points of the rod element at the respective swimming body. The determined by the length of the rod member distance between the axes of rotation, which connect the rod member with the respective floating body, in this case preferably has a size, so that the float can not touch each other at a relative rotation. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the rod element has a shorter length, so that the floating bodies mutually block each other in their rotation at a relative rotation, whereby the maximum angle of rotation of the floating body is limited.

As a result the vertical distance between the rod element assigned Rotary axis of the articulated connection and of the energy conversion unit associated further axis of rotation of the other joint connection a respective float move at a relative rotation the float the other joints, which the energy conversion unit are assigned to each other or away from each other. As a result, a compressive or tensile force acts on the energy conversion unit a, which the energy conversion unit, for example by a Change of their length into another form of energy transforms.

After this the energy contained in the wave motion of water on open Lake of an ocean is practically unlimited, the inventive Wave power plant thus almost uninterrupted environmentally friendly and Provide cost-effective energy. The wave power plant is on every body of water with wave motion can be used, whereby by the buoyancy of the wave power plant its transport by sea easily in the whole World is feasible.

To an embodiment of the invention are the rod element and the energy conversion unit on opposite Sides above and below the floats and thus arranged above and below the water surface. hereby There is the advantage that the distance between the the rod element associated joint connection and the energy conversion unit associated further articulated connection to a respective float has a sufficient size to be at a relative rotation of the floating body cheap Leverage for compression or to pull apart the energy conversion unit.

According to the Invention it can be provided that the float each have a rod-shaped connecting element, that is from the buoyancy body of the float extends in the direction of the rod element. The rod element is over here the hinge connection rotatable at that end of the connecting element attached, which faces away from the buoyancy body of the float is. By arranging the rod-shaped connecting element on buoyancy of the float can thus the distance between the axis of rotation of the rod element and the further axis of rotation the energy conversion unit on each float be enlarged without causing a change the geometry of the buoyant body is required.

to rotatable attachment of the rod element and the energy conversion unit on the float, it is according to another invention Embodiment provided that the hinge connection and the other joint connection are designed as a ball joint or universal joint. The ball joints or cardan joints attached to the float are arranged, allow this a free twisting of the rod element and the energy conversion unit by at least an axis of rotation or at least one further axis of rotation opposite the float.

According to one Another embodiment of the invention, the energy conversion unit comprise a cylinder system which determines the compressive and tensile forces, which result from the relative rotation of the floats, into another form of energy, such as a hydraulic one or pneumatic pressure energy, converts. Preferably that is Cylinder system as a double-acting cylinder, in particular a double-acting hydraulic cylinder running at each Twisting the float a pneumatic or hydraulic Pressure generated and via a closed loop circuit with a pneumatically or hydraulically driven generator for Generation of electrical energy is connected. The double-acting Cylinder comprises for this purpose a cylindrical hollow body, in which a piston with two opposite piston surfaces is guided. The piston divides the cavity of the hollow body in a first and second pressure chamber, in which alternately a pressure medium can be acted upon by a pressure is.

For storing the pneumatic or hydraulic pressure energy, it may be provided according to the invention that in the line circuit, a pressure accumulator is integrated, which serves to compensate for pressure differences in the drive of the pneumatically or hydraulically driven generator. The generator here is preferably associated with a turbine, which converts the pneumatic or hydraulic pressure energy for driving the generator into a rotational movement. Preferably, both the generator and the pressure accumulator on or in one of the float arranged.

To an alternative embodiment of the invention, the Energy conversion unit also designed as a linear generator be, at a relative rotation of the float the change in distance between those at the ends of the energy conversion unit arranged further axes of rotation or the other joints directly converted into electrical energy. The energy conversion unit this includes a stator and a rotor relative to each other are movable in a straight line direction. For example, the Stator be designed as a hollow cylinder in which the rotor out is. The hollow cylindrical stator and the guided therein Rotor are in each case one of the other joint connections with one of the floats adjacent to the energy conversion unit connected.

The Stabelement, which is the at least two floats at a distance from each other, according to the Invention comprise a hollow profile, which at a low weight has a high resistance moment. According to the Invention can in the hollow profile technical installation equipment be included in the wave power plant, the hollow profile for this purpose is preferably sealed. At the technical installation facilities For example, it may be an accumulator for storage of pneumatic or hydraulic pressure energy or to act on lines, which is the converted energy from the energy conversion unit continue.

After this the size of the floats and the efficiency the energy conversion units preferably to the prevailing predominantly Wave conditions in an area adapted to the water it is according to another embodiment the invention provides that the wave power plant at the bottom of Water body is anchored. This prevents that the wave power plant that looks like an artificial island floating in the waters, from a current or moved by wind to the shore of the water. The anchorage at the bottom of the water occurs in particular about an anchor and a traction means attached thereto, the length of the Zugmittels with a change in the water level or the Wave height is changeable. This can be done, for example be provided that the wave power plant according to the invention includes a winch device over which the length the traction device is adjustable.

to Providing a large amount of energy can be done according to the Invention be provided that a plurality of floats invention checkered on a water surface of a water body is arranged, the floats each over Bar elements and energy conversion units connected to each other are.

According to one preferred embodiment are in the checkerboard Arrangement of floats used similar components, so that the wave power plant according to the invention Basis of a modular system of floats, energy conversion units and Bar elements can be produced in an economical manner.

To another idea underlying the invention the wave power plant in an alternative embodiment at least two floating bodies spaced from one another arranged and only about at least one eigensteifes Stabelement are interconnected. The at least one between the floats provided rod element is here about a hinge connection rotatably attached to the floats and acts in the region of the articulated connection with a power conversion unit together, which absorbs or converts the kinetic energy, the from the relative rotation of the rod element opposite results in the respective floating body.

There the floats are only buoyant may be, for example, boat or hulls, in particular taken out of service Boat or ship hulls, that act over at least a rotatably mounted rod element spaced from each other are.

By the inventive compound of at least two floats over at least one rotatable attached to the floats rod element results a simple construction that shows the momentum that comes from the rolling motion or the relative movement of the floats resulting in a vertical direction, over a Energy conversion unit converts into another form of energy.

To an advantageous embodiment, the extends Bar element with at least one associated with the end of the rod element Section over the hinge joint away. The least one extending beyond the hinge joint End portion of the rod element is a kind of lever, whose free end acts on the energy conversion unit, when the rod element is arranged around the respective float Twisted joint.

According to another embodiment of the In the invention, the energy conversion unit comprises at least one chain drive with a link chain, in which a tooth-shaped element positively engages, which is arranged at the free end of the end section of the rod element extending over the joint connection. The chain drive here is preferably associated with a generator which is driven via the output gear of the chain drive. Between the output gear and the generator can be arranged a directional clutch, which connects the driven gear operatively only in one direction of rotation with the generator, whereby the generator is driven only in one direction.

to Increasing the effectiveness of the invention Wave power plant can be a variety of floats be provided, which has a variety of rod elements connected to each other. The rod elements are over Articulated connections rotatably attached to the floats and keep the floats at a distance. Every float can be assigned to several rod elements, the in the area of joints with energy conversion units interact.

The The invention will be described below with reference to the drawings of preferred embodiments.

In show the drawings:

1 a schematic representation of a wave power plant in a side view consisting of a number of juxtaposed floats, which are connected to each other via energy conversion units and rod elements;

2 a schematic representation of a wave power plant in a plan view comprising a plurality of checkerboard-like arranged float; such as

3 a simplified schematic representation of another embodiment of a wave power plant according to the invention in a side view consisting of a number of juxtaposed ship hulls, which are connected to one another via rotatably mounted on the hulls rod elements.

In 1 is a wave power plant 1 shown, the several juxtaposed floats 2 that covers the water surface 8th of a body of water. Between the floats 2 are energy conversion units 4 and rod elements 6 arranged the floats 2 connect in a chain. The rod elements 6 are below the water surface 8th and the energy conversion units 4 above the water surface 8th arranged. From the bottom of the floats 2 each extends a connecting element 10 in the direction of the respectively associated rod element 6 , wherein the connection of the rod element 6 with the respective associated connection element 10 a float 2 a joint connection 12 is provided at the end of the connecting element 10 is arranged. The articulation 12 in this case comprises at least one axis of rotation 16 to the the float 2 and those at the joint 12 connected bar elements 6 are rotatable relative to each other.

The above the water surface 8th arranged energy conversion units 4 are variable in length and at the ends of another joint 14 with a respective end associated with the float 2 connected. The energy conversion units 4 are thus relative to the respective associated floats 2 rotatable. The rotation axis 16 to connect a float 2 with the respective bar elements 6 provided joint connection 12 in this case has a vertical distance to the other axis of rotation 18 the other joint 14 on top, above the floats 2 is arranged and the float 2 with the respective assigned energy conversion unit 4 combines.

By the floating up of the wave power plant 1 on the water surface 8th follow the floats 2 the water surface 8th and thus are at different height levels, with the individual floats 2 relative to each other about the axes of rotation 16 the respective joint connections 12 twist. As the distance between the axes of rotation 16 the joints 12 between two adjacent floats 2 through the bar elements 6 is determined move the other joints 14 a respective energy conversion unit 4 between two adjacent floats 2 is arranged, towards or away from each other. This acts on the other joints 14 a pressing force or a tensile force on the energy conversion unit 4 so that it changes in length.

In the energy conversion units 4 are accordingly variable-length devices, the kinetic energy caused by the change in distance between the other axes of rotation 18 the other joints 14 arises, transform into another form of energy. After the presentation in 1 are the energy conversion units 4 as double acting hydraulic cylinder executed. The hydraulic cylinder in this case has a hollow cylindrical body 20 in which a piston comprising two piston surfaces 26 is movable in the axial direction. The piston 26 is via a piston rod 28 with an associated further articulated connection 14 a float 2 connected and divided the cavity of the body 20 in a first and a second pressure chamber 22 . 24 , The pressure chambers 22 . 24 are each about in 1 not shown inlet and outlet valves connected to low pressure and high pressure lines, which preferably lead to a turbine that drives a generator for generating electrical energy. In the pressure chambers 22 . 24 is used as a pressure medium, preferably a hydraulic oil. Alternatively, however, it is also possible that air or water is used as the pressure medium, wherein when using seawater this is only cleaned by special filter devices.

At a relative rotation of two adjacent floats 2 in a different angle of rotation or in an opposite direction of rotation, the piston moves 26 within the hollow cylindrical body 20 and compresses it in one of the pressure chambers 22 . 24 existing pressure medium. The hydraulic pressure generated in this way serves to drive the hydraulically driven power generator, wherein the hydraulically driven power generator to protect against the weather, preferably in one of the float 2 is integrated. The power generator, not shown in the figures can be connected to a submarine power cable, which directs the electrical energy generated towards the mainland.

As an alternative to using the in 1 shown hydraulic cylinder, it may be provided according to an embodiment, also not shown, that the individual energy conversion units 4 each having a linear generator. The linear generators in this case comprise a stator and a rotor, which by the relative movement of two adjacent floats 2 be moved in a rectilinear motion relative to each other.

After the floats 2 by the continuous wave motion of the water surface 8th on the open sea constantly change their height level and thus accordingly rotate relative to each other, which convert between the floats 2 arranged energy conversion units 4 The energy contained in the wave motion continuously in a different form of energy, such as hydraulic pressure or electrical energy to.

2 shows a plan view of a section of a wave power plant 1 consisting of a number of checkerboard-like floats 2 with a distance to each other via bar elements 6 and energy conversion units 4 are rotatably connected relative to each other. The floats 2 of the wave power plant 1 form here a kind of artificial island, on one in the 1 and 2 not shown way anchored to the bottom of the water.

As before with the representation of a wave power plant 1 in 1 explained, are the bar elements 6 below and the energy conversion units 4 above the rectangular floating body 2 arranged. The joints 12 which the floats 2 with the bar elements 6 connect, are doing centrally under the respective float 2 arranged.

Except at the edge of the wave power plant 1 arranged floats 2 are at each of the floats 2 eight energy conversion units 4 articulated, with per side of the float 2 two energy conversion units each 4 are provided. For the stimulation of energy conversion units 4 and the conversion of wave energy into another form of energy is thus irrelevant to the direction of wave motion.

3 shows a further embodiment of a wave power plant according to the invention 1 in a schematic side view. The illustrated wave power plant 1 includes a plurality of floating bodies, which are spaced apart side by side. The floats are ship hulls 30 , which in each case at least one energy conversion unit 4 take up. To drive an in 3 not shown generator include the energy conversion units 4 several consecutively arranged chain drives 32 , The individual chain drives 32 each have a link chain 38 on, the one in the hull 30 fixedly arranged lower sprocket 40 and an upper sprocket 42 , which is fixed above the lower sprocket 40 is arranged, encloses. The lower sprocket 40 is on a drive shaft 44 arranged in operative connection with one in the hull 30 provided generator for generating electrical energy is. For illustrative reasons, the storage of the lower sprocket 40 and the upper sprocket 42 as well as the generator does not continue in 3 shown.

Between the hulls 30 are rod elements 6 provided, in each case via a hinge connection 12 rotatable on the hulls 30 are attached. The joints 12 are located above the water surface 8th on the hulls 30 so that also the bar elements 6 accordingly above the water surface 8th are arranged. The rod elements 6 extend with an end portion 34 over the hinge connection 12 away, wherein at the free end of the end portion 34 a tooth-shaped element 36 is provided in the link chain 38 of the chain drive 32 the energy conversion unit 4 intervenes. Each rod element 6 or each end section 34 is on the floats 30 one chain drive each 32 assigned. The individual chain drives 32 and joints 12 the rod elements 6 are in the longitudinal direction of the respective hull 30 arranged in successive planes, the rod elements 6 the back levels in 3 are shown with dashed lines. As a reference axis on a ship's hull 30 provided chain drives 32 here serves the axis of the drive shaft 44 of the generator.

The lower sprockets 40 the chain drive 32 an energy conversion unit 4 are each via a directional clutch 46 , ie an overrunning clutch operatively connected to the drive shaft 44 coupled to the generator, so that the shaft 44 through the individual one behind the other on a ship's hull 30 arranged chain drives 32 is driven only in one direction of rotation. The directional couplings 46 at the lower sprockets 40 hereby prevent the rod elements 6 in their rotation each other via the drive shaft 44 of the generator.

As in 3 shown changes with a wave motion of the water surface 8th the position of the hulls 30 in the vertical direction, causing the between the hulls 30 arranged rod elements 6 twist relative to these. By the rotation of the rod elements 6 and the engagement of the at the free end of the rod element 6 arranged tooth-shaped element 36 in a respective link chain 38 a respective chain drive 32 becomes the lower and upper sprocket 40 . 42 according to the deflection of the end section 34 of the rod element 6 put in a rotary motion. Through directional couplings 46 In this case, only in the same direction directed rotational movements of the lower sprockets 40 on the drive shaft 44 transfer.

1

Wave power station

2

float

4

Power conversion unit

6

rod element

8th

water surface

10

connecting element

12

articulation

14

Further articulation

16

axis of rotation

18

Further axis of rotation

20

body

22

pressure chamber

24

pressure chamber

26

piston

28

piston rod

30

hull

32

chain drive

34

end

36

tooth-shaped element

38

link chain

40

lower Sprocket

42

upper Sprocket

44

drive shaft

46

direction connected clutch

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2003/058055 A1 [0004]

Claims (17)

Wave power plant for converting energy contained in the wave motion of water comprising at least two floating bodies ( 2 ), the wave motion of the water surface ( 8th ), characterized in that between the floats ( 2 ) each a bar element ( 6 ) and at least one kinetic energy absorbing energy conversion unit ( 4 ) are provided, which via a hinge connections ( 12 ) and another articulated connection ( 14 ) rotatable on the respective floats ( 2 ) are attached, wherein the the rod element ( 6 ) associated joint connection ( 12 ) and the energy conversion unit ( 4 ) associated further joint connection ( 14 ) on the respective float ( 2 ) have a vertical distance from each other. Wave power plant according to claim 1, characterized in that the rod element ( 6 ) and the energy conversion unit ( 4 ) on opposite sides above and below the floats ( 2 ) are arranged. Wave power plant according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the floats ( 2 ) each have a rod-shaped connecting element ( 10 ), at the end of which the rod element ( 6 ) is arranged. Wave power plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rod element ( 6 ) associated joint connection ( 12 ) and the energy conversion unit ( 4 ) associated further joint connection ( 14 ) are designed as a ball joint or universal joint. Wave power plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy conversion unit ( 4 ) comprises a cylinder system, which from the relative rotation of the floating body ( 2 ) converts resulting kinetic energy into a pneumatic or hydraulic pressure energy. Wave power plant according to claim 5, characterized in that that the cylinder system designed as a double-acting cylinder is having a closed circuit using the circuit connected to a pneumatically or hydraulically driven generator is. Wave power plant according to claim 6, characterized that the line circuit a pressure accumulator for the storage of pneumatic or hydraulic energy. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the energy conversion unit ( 4 ) is designed as a linear generator, the relative rotation of the floating body ( 2 ) converts into electrical energy. Wave power plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rod element ( 6 ) comprises a hollow profile with a cavity. Wave power plant according to claim 9, characterized in that in the cavity of the rod element ( 6 ) technical installation facilities are included. Wave power plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, anchoring at the bottom of the water body. Wave power plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of floats ( 2 ) is provided, which are arranged like a checkerboard and spaced from each other. Wave power plant, in particular according to claim 1, comprising at least two spaced floating bodies ( 30 ) between which at least one rod element ( 6 ) is arranged, which via at least one articulated connection ( 12 ) rotatable on a respective float ( 30 ), characterized in that the rod element ( 6 ) in the region of the articulated connection ( 12 ) with an energy conversion unit ( 4 ) cooperating, which from the relative rotation of the rod element ( 6 ) relative to the respective floating body ( 30 ) absorbs the resulting kinetic energy. Wave power plant according to claim 13, characterized in that the rod element ( 6 ) with a the end of the rod element ( 6 ) associated end portion ( 34 ) via the articulated connection ( 12 ) extends. Wave power plant according to claim 14, characterized in that the energy conversion unit ( 4 ) at least one chain drive ( 32 ) with a circumferential link chain ( 38 ) and at least one free end of the end portion ( 34 ) of the rod element ( 6 ) a tooth-shaped element ( 36 ) arranged in the link chain ( 38 ) of the chain drive ( 32 ) engages positively. Wave power plant according to claim 15, characterized in that the chain drive ( 32 ) is assigned a generator. Wave power plant according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that a lot number of floats ( 30 ) is provided, which rotates about a plurality of rotatable on the floats ( 30 ) attached bar elements ( 6 ) are spaced apart.