DE102008029589A1 - Device for converting wave energy into electrical energy, has two partial units of floating body units, which are connected together in hinged manner and generates individual or common energy - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (9) has two partial units (10,19) of floating body units, which are connected together in hinged manner and generate individual or common energy. The former floating body partial unit has two floating bodies and a weight body, which are connected with each other in different form and volume and form a horizontal, indifferently floating, uniform body unit by filling ballast-working liquid (13). The latter floating body partial unit has stable floating characteristics in upper and lower peripherals. The latter floating body partial unit is directed vertically. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a primary floating body partial unit, which comprises a floating body component and a weight body component; and (2) a secondary floating body partial unit for a wave energy converting device.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for converting sea waves and their energy forms, into electrical energy, preferably below the waterline.

ocean waves transport their energy over thousands of kilometers, above and below their water surface, without appreciable larger ones Losses and are permanent throughout the year. Below their surface, takes their motion and gravity energy proportional to their size, acts against it but less destructive than over the waterline completely exposed to wind.

These Regenerative energy is being exploited by the increasing scarcity fossil resources, and increasing energy needs, too to protect our environment more and more necessary.

State of the art

The USP 5,986,349 describes a device for the conversion of wave energy into electrical energy, in which a horizontally overlying Schwimmkörperringvorrichtung, through the center of a central, height-displaceable tubular body unit leads anchored on the seabed and is hinged on all sides with her in the scope. Spent by the action of sea waves in horizontal movements, the resulting torques are transmitted to pressure generating cylinder devices, which are connected to both devices. The overpressure thus generated is delivered to a further operating unit.

The USP 4,196,591 describes a device for the conversion of wave energy into electrical energy, in which mainly a floating on the water surface ship or pontoon body device as a central unit, is centrally movably connected to a pivotable and vertically displaceable, anchored to the seabed tube body device. Exposed to the sea waves, the resulting torques are transmitted to pressure-generating components, which pass their operating pressure for conversion into electrical energy to operating units.

The DE 27 48 977 A1 describes a device for converting wave energy into electrical energy, in which below the waterline, at least two indifferent horizontal floats are connected by a vertical bar connection. An elongate horizontal rod connection, which is rotatably connected at its one end, centered with the vertical float rod connection, and also rotatably supported with its other part end on a foundation and thus constitutes a torque lever. The shorter end of the horizontal lever rod is connected to the piston rod a liquid pressure generating cylinder device. Thus, when shaft movements at the long end of lever rod pressure exerted and transmitted at the short end of the torque thus generated.

Are visible at USP 5,986,349 the low efficiency in the implementation, since in the main the effect of the gravitational pressure of the wave above the waterline, is implemented by lifting and lowering the float, and thereby contrasting forces occur. There is still a structurally cumbersome implementation of kinetic energy in a rotational movement of the float and its decrease. It is also known that such "offshore installations" are subject to the great risk of destruction by storms.

Are visible at USP 4,196,591 also the low efficiency in relation to the large construction costs and thus also the costs.

anchorages cause the floating body by anchor ropes, in addition a loss of efficiency. Also with this plant the risk of destruction by waves can not be ruled out.

It is apparent at DE 27 48 977 A1 a technically outdated and lacking innovative implementation of wave energy

All three arrangements represent embodiments by the cost-performance ratio divided too much, or at risk of destruction is afflicted.

task

It The object of the present invention is a wave energy converter to create, the alternative to the offshore wave transducers, not is destructible and characterized by high efficiency, in which he not only the energies of big waves, but also characterized by flexible adaptation, medium Wavelengths converted with high efficiency become. This object is achieved by a device according to claim 1 solved.

According to the invention, the device, which advantageously moves completely below the water surface, comprises two sub-devices. Consisting of a first and a second swimming device-body unit. It is intended that the first float unit, as a horizontally indifferent in tilt position by controlling their ballast working fluid into a stable floating unit to convert. Divided into three cavities, which are partially or completely filled with ballast working fluid. The Second Float Unit, as vertically standing in the water, different floating unit form. Both are movable on all sides, connected to each other by a ball joint and move towards each other in tilting and shearing movements. The devices are capable of reacting to the primarily acting flow dynamics below the waterline, as well as to the secondarily applied gravitational energy from the above-water-line traveling wave. Together with the potential energy of the integrated ballast working fluid to be displaced in the cavities of the first floating body unit and other resulting forces on the torque, torques thus generated between the two subsystems can be transferred to fluid pressure generating components and thus advantageously hydraulic overpressure generated, stored and converted into electrical energy.

One essentially decisive, inventive advantage of the invention lies, in particular, in that of the three over each other lying and firmly connected with each other body parts the first floating device, in a tilting and tilting operation the first with regard to the second floating device or vice versa, by controlled opening of valve and bolt systems, Ballast working fluid at the same time in two out of three Spaces can spread. This creates counteracting Weight and buoyancy forces as torques on both sides the centrally located pivot of the devices Act. Already triggered by a relatively low impact the wave energy. When the tilt angle of the first floating device is equivalent to the tilt angle of the second device, then the first floating device is together with the Ballast fluid again in a horizontal position with the same fluid level and center of gravity.

Especially This system of control and regulation can be advantageous Fluid displacement through valve and latch systems control, including the control of valves of pressure generating components are integrated in this control system. Especially effective in the unilateral ballast working fluid displacement, when different waves alternate. By doing so leaves achieve optimal high efficiency on the torque, if z. Bs. The effect of wave power is large enough to bring the overall device into an inclined position, which corresponds to the limited tilt angle of the first device, but not big enough to torque on pressure generator To be able to implement components that have a predetermined minimum pressure produce. This is made possible with the support the weight and buoyancy and thus contributes to the increase the efficiency at.

One Another major advantage of the invention lies in the form of Design of both sub-devices and thus their function favorably influence. An advantageous embodiment of First float device is a circular bell-shaped, closed at the top and open at the bottom, horizontal stored floating body, which in three closed cavity body is divided. A circular hollow room, in half with a ballast working fluid filled, on its surface a circular disk, central centrally suspended, ball-jointed bearings. This will be the Roof body divided into an air-filled Space and one filled with weight fluid Room. The disc itself is made by permanent magnets and a bolt system held in its horizontal position, but gives one at any time unilaterally experienced weight pressure after. Furthermore consisting of one circular floating body, designed as a hollow, narrow Side wall with fixed connection to the upper and lower, one completely comprehensive ring body, completely filled with ballast working fluid. In the closed connection between side wall and ring body are several two-way valves used to control the propagation of the ballast working fluid of the ring body in the side wall and vice versa. Central centrally located at the bottom of the roof body, is located the ball-joint connection with the Second Float Device.

The advantageous embodiment of the second floating body device consists of an elongated Vertikalrohrköper, which is covered in its upper third of an oval-shaped float, by the memory, drive units and control systems are located for the conversion and generation of electrical energy. Also in the upper third, a plurality of liquid overpressure-producing cylinder components are arranged externally in the circumference, which are firmly connected to the floating body and the underside of the roof body of the first floating body device. Thus, in the scope of the fulcrum, between the first and second float device, an all-round torque transmission to pressure generating units is provided. The lower end of the vertical tubular body is spherical and movable on all sides, hinged in a foundation shell. In the lower third are also in scope, Liquid-pressure generating cylinder components arranged, the movable parts are mounted between a tubular body comprehensive support member and the foundation. This arrangement also contributes to the improvement in efficiency.

One Another additional advantage is the design the lower second pressure-generating cylinder components. It is intended to open cylinder body with one-way pressure to install generating pistons. This allows the cylinder body shorter and larger in volume, without the high predetermined minimum outlet pressure is reduced got to. To increase the efficiency contributing, also the great leverage of the tubular body on the cylinder components. Obvious is the resulting benefit. Beneficial for the safety of the overall device is also the limit of the stroke the device by anchored on the seabed safety cables, without being an efficiency disadvantage.

Further Features, applications and advantages of the invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention shown in the figures of the drawings. The described or illustrated features form for itself or in any combination the subject of the invention, independently from its summary in the claims or their relationship and regardless of theirs Formulation or representation in the description or drawing.

embodiment

It represent:

With the 1 - 4 , A schematic, partially sectioned representations with reference numerals, an underwater device for generating electrical energy from the movement of water.

It shows with the 1 , a float device 9 divided into two floating body sub-devices 10 and 19 made of metal, which is below the waterline 8th articulated on all sides with each other and swing in sinusoidal movements up to 30 ° back and forth.

The first floating body part device 10 mainly consisting of three composite horizontal superimposed, of which two floatable and one non buoyant body member made of metal. The device has a bell-shaped embodiment, side and top closed, open at the bottom.

Composed of a hollow swimming chamber 11 a hollow sidewall body 16 and a ring body 17 , all three body parts are firmly connected to each other.

The second float device 19 stands out of a buoyant, elongated, vertically centered pendulum rod 23 encased in an oval-shaped hollow body component 20 , The shuttle device provides a ball joint between the device 10 and on the seabed 31 installed foundation body 30 represents.

The hollow chamber 11 the first floating body device 10 , is a circular Dachkammerbauteil, mounted on its equatorial line, centrally located, ball-jointed, with a circular all-round movable disc 14 is provided and so the chamber 11 divides into two rooms. Of which the lower half of the chamber with a ballast working fluid 13 and the top half 12 is filled with air or a Gasfluidum. The disc 14 becomes in its horizontal position by permanent magnets 15 held. Experiences the disc in a tilting operation of the device 10 a one-sided gravitational pressure through the ballast working fluid 13 , it gives way to the weight pressure of the liquid and thus there is a one-sided shift in the weight of the liquid, which may be directed to all sides.

The body part 17 is a circular, horizontally arranged hollow ring complete with a ballast working fluid 13 z. Bs. Is filled with water or glycerin. The weight ring 17 is over the vertically oriented, annular, hollow sidewall 16 thus also with the swimming chamber 11 connected. Together, all three components form a unit with different floating properties.

The closed connection between side wall and ring body, is provided by two-way control valves 18 interrupted, so when tilting the device 10 if necessary, the ballast working fluid 13 of the ring body can propagate in the cavity of the side wall. Thus weight shifts with influence on the torque can be brought about and controlled.

Volume and weight of each hollow body 11 . 16 , and 17 , are designed on and to each other in shape and swimming characteristics in the way that they are considered as a unit of the floating body device 10 in vertical and horizontal swimming behavior, more or less floating, unstable can be moved. As a result, the all-round tilting behavior of the device is favored and in the return from the 30 ° tilt position in the vertical starting position, and the resistance to joint 26 and reduced all components affected in the scope.

Experienced the device 10 from any side the action of motive and gravitational energy of the sea waves, it is pushed to a sinusoidal tilting movement up to about 30 °, which can also happen on all sides. Additionally supported by the controlled ballast working fluid shift. Thus arises from the floating unstable swimming behavior of the device 10 , a stable up and down behavior on both sides of their fulcrum 26 , with torques on the circumferentially mounted components 24 and 23 be transmitted.

The tubular component 23 the float device 19 , is a pendulum articulated rod with buoyancy, whose upper and lower end as a ball joint 26 is formed and in its upper third in the perimeter, with a broad-oval floating body 20 provided with buoyancy, at the same time as operating room 21 acts. Circumferentially arranged between the components 11 and 20 are several two-way pressure-generating cylinders with pistons 24 that their working pressure as torque from both devices 10 and 19 with which they are articulated and experience their flow in an internal circuit. The entrance to the operating room 21 happens via an access lock 22 , The lower end of the float device 19 is with the ball joint 26 articulated on all sides in a foundation shell 30 stored. The rash movement of the device 19 and their limitation to a 30 ° angle of inclination is provided by safety ropes 25 hedged. Also as at the top of the shuttle 19 At the lower end in the scope several disposable positive pressure generating piston pumps are arranged. Consisting of open-topped cylinder body 28 with pistons 27 exposed to the hydrostatic pressure and to the closed bottom of the cylinder 28 are ball valves 29 attached, which function with passage to the interior of the cylinder and output to immobile pressure lines, as well as a hinged connection between the foundation and cylinder body. Also conceivable is another embodiment of the pressure-generating cylinder components.

The cylinder pistons 27 are with the pendulum rod 23 and the cylinder body 28 with the foundation 30 articulated firmly connected. Their generated volume flow can be supplied to both the internal and an external operating system.

By targeted opening and closing of the cylinder and the ballast valve / latch devices via Wegeiteitsysteme, triggered by stop or position of the floating body devices, Both the upper and lower piston pumps are supported the ballast fluid shift as well as the hydrostatic Controlled by pressure. This makes it possible the different Energy potential of ocean waves in their various forms to convert into a high base storage pressure, which is the foundation forms for a constant flow to the Storage and drive units. Before Allendingen becomes thereby also a differentiated and extensive decrease of experienced Wave energy and its transformation and thus a high efficiency reached.

It shows with the 2 ., the float control device 10 in a 30 ° swing tilt position with closed valves 18 and one-sided ballast working fluid displacement 13 in the hollow chamber 11 , as well as a pressure piston displacement in the cylinders 24 , Starting from the horizontal starting position of the device 10 and the vertical position of the device 19 ,

Experienced the device 10 the horizontal, lateral action of the kinetic energy, as well as the vertical gravity energy of the sea wave below the waterline 8th , it reacts immediately with a sinusoidal swing-tilting movement that can take place on all sides. Made possible by the central central ball bearing 26 and supported by the buoyancy and weight of the ballast working fluid 13 in the hollow body 11 ,

Contrary acting are weight of the ring body 17 and the buoyancy of the sidewall 16 , Since the counteracting force of the lower weight, after deduction of the shaft, is greater than the other forces, the device oscillates with the assistance of the passing force of gravity of the shaft and by opening the check valves between the opposing cylinder pairs 24 create a cycle, back to their original horizontal position.

The size of the shaft and thus its energy consumption determine the type of valve control and thus the generation pressure in the joint circumference 26 Paired pressure cylinders 24 . 28 , With appropriate energy, can then also in the return of the cylinder piston 24 also an overpressure are generated.

It shows with the 3 , the wave converter with its devices 10 and 19 in its maximum 30 ° Ausschlagsposition. The device 10 is returned to a horizontal position from its 30 ° tilt position of the vertical starting position in a scissor forceps movement of the devices to each other and by the sinusoidal tilting movement of the overall device.

Because the scissor forceps movement, both between the devices 10 and 19 occur as well as between the components 23 and 30 the Vorrich tung 19 , And while torques arise with different lever lengths, the transmission is carried out on different overpressure generating components 24 and 28 with appropriate design. This leads to a dual dual-circuit conversion system in that, on the one hand, lower liquid volume can be stored at high pressure and, on the other hand, large volume of liquid can be stored at lower pressure. But it is also controllable that only one system works at the same time, depending on the requirement of the wave situation.

With the dual system of double transmission and conversion, There are several options for conversion into electrical energy. It can be done in a single internal or external cycle, or in a separate internal and external circuit, respectively own operating systems that generate electrical energy.

The return of the entire device in the vertical starting position after the shaft has passed the converter, is done solely by the buoyancy of the floating shuttle 19 By changing the water displacement of the tubular body 23 and the float 20 , Is designed so that the return of the entire device can be done in the vertical starting position, taking into account the flow resistance, within the wave periods.

It shows with the 4 , the sub-device 10 in a stable lateral position of 30 °, arising from the fact that even a relatively small effect of the wave force is sufficient to tilt the indifferent float. By opening the valves 18 , the lower weight liquid spreads from the ring body 17 in the hollow body 16 out. In the upper roof body 11 the weight fluid also shifts unilaterally. In a pendulum swing of the overall device 9 , z. Bs. 30 ° flies back the weight fluid, since the device 10 is aligned horizontally. When swinging back in the vertical, the valves 18 closed to allow the indifferent swimming device 10 does not prematurely tip over. Thus, the process can be repeated and so the secondary acting buoyancy and weight directly translates into a torque.

8th

waterline

9

contraption

10

partial device (Bell jar)

11

garret

12

empty space

13

Ballast working fluid

14

disc

15

permanent magnet

16

Side wall

17

ring body

18

Two-way valve

19

partial device (Pendulum)

20

float

21

operating room

22

water lock

23

pipe body

24

pressure cylinder

25

safety rope

26

ball joint

27

cylinder piston

28

pressure cylinder

29

Ball valve joint Consisting

30

foundation

31

Seabed

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

• US 5986349 [0004, 0007]
• - US 4196591 [0005, 0008]
• DE 2748977 A1 [0006, 0010]

Claims (20)

Contraption ( 9 ) for converting wave energy into electrical energy, oscillating below the waterline, consisting essentially of at least two subsystems ( 10 . 19 ) of floating body units that are articulated ( 26 ) connected to each other, individually or collectively generate energy, of which the first floating body sub-device ( 10 ) from two buoyancy chambers ( 11 . 16 ) and a weight chamber ( 17 ), which is partly or entirely filled with a ballast working fluid ( 13 ) are filled. The Second Float Parting Device ( 19 ) from a body joint articulated at the beginning and at the end ( 23 ) with at least one buoyant body ( 20 ) equipped with at least three, at different heights, with different volumes and different performance, circumferentially mounted outside, filled with a working fluid working components ( 24 . 28 ), characterized in that the first floating body sub-device ( 10 ), with its two floats ( 11 . 16 ) and the weight body ( 17 ), which are connected in different shapes and volumes with each other, by filling ballast working fluid ( 13 ) a horizontally, indifferently floating, unitary body device ( 10 ). A central center ball joint connection ( 26 ) with the device ( 19 ), permits a tilting from its horizontal indifferent position into a stable inclined position, triggered by controlled valve and bolt systems (even with relatively little effect of the wave energy) ( 18 . 15 ), the displacement or retention of the ballast working fluid ( 13 ) within the device ( 10 ) regulates. The Second Float Parting Device ( 19 ), vertically aligned with stable swimming behavior, in the upper and lower periphery surrounded by a plurality of volume differently sized, pressure generating units ( 24 and 28 ), whose operation via individually controlled two-way valves, the tilting and pivoting behavior, both together ball-jointed on all sides ( 26 ) associated subsystems ( 10 and 19 ) and thus allows a controlled separate or combined conversion of wave energy. Contraption ( 9 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second floating body part device ( 10 ) and ( 19 ) by two joints ( 26 ) on the one hand in a foundation shell ( 30 ) articulated and on the other articulated in tilting and pivoting movements with respect to move to each other and the components ( 11 . 13 . 14 . 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 . 24 . 28 ) are provided, the tilting and pivoting behavior of the two sub-devices ( 10 . 19 ) individually, so that each movement of the devices can be implemented individually or holistically in an energy-generating movement. First floating body part device ( 10 ) of the device ( 9 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the floating body components ( 16 ) and ( 11 ) and the weight body component ( 17 ) are firmly connected with each other and that it is provided that the components ( 11 . 16 ) partially or completely with a ballast working fluid ( 13 ). First floating body part device ( 10 ) of the device ( 9 ) according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when tilting of the device ( 10 ), the pivoting movement of the second floating body part device ( 19 ), or both movements together, is provided that the ballast working fluid ( 13 ) also in the cavities ( 12 . 16 ), by controlling the valve and latch systems ( 18 . 15 ). The spread of the ballast working fluid ( 13 ) and thus their control is determined by the wave volume. First floating body part device ( 10 ) of the device ( 9 ) according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that on the ballast working fluid ( 13 ) of the hollow body component ( 11 ) a disk ( 14 ) centrally ball-jointed and with a control bolt system ( 15 ) is provided. First floating body part device ( 10 ) of the device ( 9 ) according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it is provided the tilt angle of the device ( 10 ) via way valve control of the components ( 24 ) the angle of inclination of the second floating body sub-device ( 19 ) to make in common rash of the devices the same. First floating body part device ( 10 ) of the device ( 9 ) according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that around the central pivot point ( 26 ) at the bottom bottom of the hollow body component ( 11 ) at least three circumferentially arranged, in two directions pressure generating components ( 24 ) hinged to the Second Float Partial Device ( 19 ) are also connected around their circumference, so that any experienced movement with respect to both devices ( 10 . 19 ) to each other, converted into an overpressure, the other components for generating electrical energy can be performed. First floating body part device ( 10 ) of the device ( 9 ) according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided, the pressure-generating components ( 24 ) and their working fluid among themselves, if necessary, to switch into an internal circuit. First floating body part device ( 10 ) of the device ( 9 ) according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the disc ( 14 ) in the Hollow body ( 11 ), in their horizontal starting position by permanent magnets ( 15 ) held the heavier one-sided weight pressure of ballast working fluid ( 13 ) gives way. Second floating body part device ( 19 ) of the device ( 9 ) according to claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it is provided, the device in contrast to the sub-device ( 10 ), in a narrow elongated shape with vertical orientation and buoyancy. Second floating body part device ( 19 ) of the device ( 9 ) according to claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the dividing device ( 19 ) as an articulated connection ( 23 ) with buoyancy, between the sub-device ( 10 ) and the foundation component ( 30 ), whose respective end is designed spherical, articulated on all sides by a ball joint ( 26 ) of different size, with the float body component ( 11 ) and the foundation component ( 30 ) is firmly connected. Second floating body part device ( 19 ) of the device ( 9 ) according to claims 1 to 11, characterized in that there is provided the upper smaller joint ball ( 26 ) hollow and the lower larger joint ball ( 26 ) fully train. Second floating body part device ( 19 ) of the device ( 9 ) according to claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it is provided that the device ( 19 ) in their swimming behavior with at least one integrated buoyancy body ( 20 ) so that it is able, with its buoyancy, to position itself and the first floating body sub-device ( 10 ) from their experienced tilt back to the vertical starting position. Second floating body part device ( 19 ) of the device ( 9 ) according to claims 1 to 13, characterized in that in vertical deflections of the sub-device ( 19 ) an all-round stop limit of at least eight anchor ropes ( 25 ) are provided. Second floating body part device ( 19 ) of the device ( 9 ) according to claims 1 to 14, characterized in that in the upper third of the floating body connection ( 23 ) in the periphery of a buoyancy body component ( 20 ) with oval-shaped design, the double function, stop for the sub-device ( 10 ) and as operating room ( 21 ) is provided for memory, rule, drive and electrical systems. Second floating body part device ( 19 ) of the device ( 9 ) according to claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it is provided between floating body component ( 20 ) and the floating body component ( 23 ) an access water lock ( 22 ) to the operating room ( 21 ) to accomplish. Second floating body part device ( 19 ) of the device ( 9 ) according to claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it is provided that in the upper periphery of the device ( 19 ) arranged fluid pressure generating components ( 24 ), which are in movable fixed connection with the buoyant body ( 20 ) and the float ( 11 ) of the device ( 10 ) and also arranged in the lower periphery, with the floating body component ( 23 ) and the foundation component ( 30 ) connected energy generating components ( 28 ), Pairwise arranged so that a shearing movement on the components ( 24 . 28 ) by rotational pressure of the device ( 10 ) and thus also on the device ( 19 ) can not arise. Second floating body part device ( 19 ) of the device ( 9 ) according to claims 1 and 17, characterized in that it is provided that in the lower periphery of the device ( 19 ) arranged fluid pressure generating components ( 28 ), their one-way pressure cylinder pistons ( 27 ) To suspend the hydrostatic pressure, so as to shorter by one side open cylinder components, the length of the cylinder and the piston surface can be made larger. Second floating body part device ( 19 ) of the device ( 9 ) according to claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it is provided that the pressure-generating components ( 28 ) generated fluid pressure via so-called ball valves ( 29 ), both the internal conversion system, as well as externally supplied to a separately stationed operating system. Floating device ( 9 ) according to the preceding claims, characterized in that there is provided the foundation member ( 30 ) in shape and weight, with the support of the hydrostatic pressure, so that an anchorage, except the anchor ropes ( 25 ) becomes redundant.