DE102015217550A1 - HUBER ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

Floating support structure with a support frame and a plurality of floating bodies, which can move vertically oscillating on a liquid surface by means of substantially vertically aligned to the support structure tethered linear guides independently of each other relative to the support frame. At least a subset of the floats can be acted upon by a support system attached to the support structure with a supporting force directed towards the liquid surface so that the sum of the support forces on the subset of the floats holds the support frame of the support structure at a constant mean distance above the liquid surface.

Description

The invention relates to a buoyant support structure according to the preamble of patent claim 1, which, for example, in DE 10 2008 048 730 B1 is shown.

Floating support structures are known from the prior art, in particular as pontoon-like support structures, which are firmly connected to the shore of a body of water and serve, for example, water level-independent mooring possibility for ships. However, pontoons are also used as buoyant work platforms and consist essentially of a flat platform under which, for generating the buoyancy of the platform, floating bodies are arranged. These floats are usually rigidly connected to the platform, so that the platform fluctuates in waves.

In the above-identified patent DE 10 2008 048 730 B1 the support structure is supported by elastic elements on floats in a kind of strut suspension. Thus, not only the vertical movement of the floating body is damped in waves, but also the fluctuations that the support structure undergoes when swell. Due to the elastic mounting of the support structure or the support frame, however, the elastic force increases with increasing compression or stretching of the elastic elements, whereby a correspondingly higher vertical force is transmitted to the support structure. Thus, a decoupling of the support structure of the swell is only partially possible because the individual vertical forces that is transmitted to the support structure of the plurality of elastically mounted floating body, depending on the compression state of the floating body is different.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a buoyant support structure, with a largely decoupled from the swell support of a support frame can be provided, wherein the average distance of the support frame preferably remains constant over a liquid surface with swell. In addition, a device is to be provided which makes it possible to adjust the distance level of the support frame of a buoyant support structure above the water surface. Next, this distance should be dynamically adaptable to the particular load on the support frame and / or the swell. Moreover, the device should be simple, robust, low-maintenance and inexpensive to manufacture.

The object is achieved with a buoyant support structure according to claim 1, wherein the dependent claims of claim 1 are directed to preferred embodiments.

The buoyant support structure according to the invention comprises a support frame, which is suitable, for example, for receiving power-generating devices or for supporting a platform, for example for mounting solar panels. The support frame has a plurality of substantially vertically aligned linear guides, each guide is associated with a floating body, which is mounted vertically oscillating in the guide direction by the linear guide. The arranged on the support frame vertical linear guides can be, for example, guides in which guide rods, which are fixedly connected to the floats, linearly in the vertical direction are movable up and down. On the other hand, the vertically arranged guides may be fixedly connected to the support structure, in the floating state of the support structure according to the invention vertically aligned guide rails on which the floats are linearly movable up and down. For the inventive concept, it is irrelevant which of the two embodiments is used.

According to the float with a constant force from the support frame in the direction of the liquid surface pushed away, the force according to the invention over the entire stroke or range of motion of the floating body should be constant or nearly constant. The force with which the individual floats are pushed away from the support frame is so high that the sum of all forces acting on the float forces is equal to the weight of the complete support structure minus the float, but possibly with on or on the Support structure arranged further devices. Since the floats are supported on the liquid surface due to the Archimedean buoyancy principle, the support frame of the support structure according to the invention is kept at a distance from the liquid surface by the sum of the vertical forces due to the interaction principle (Actio equals Reactio).

For the realization of the inventive concept, it is irrelevant whether all floats are pressed with an equal force from the support frame in the direction of the liquid surface or whether these forces are different. It is also encompassed by the idea of the invention that only a subset of the floating bodies is subjected to a vertical force and the subset of force-loaded floating bodies holds the supporting structure above the liquid surface. However, a uniform force distribution is preferred on all floats, so that all vertical forces alike contribute to the support of the support frame over the liquid surface.

According to the invention, the force acting on the individual floats is generated by a Huberhaltungssystem which is fixed to the support frame, and preferably distributed evenly on the floating body so that the support frame is held at a constant distance above the liquid surface. Supported by the floating body and the individual load-bearing forces of the support frame is thereby preferably further horizontally by the carrying forces, d. H. essentially level. This is best achieved if all load-bearing forces, ie the forces exerted by the Huberhaltungssystem on the floats forces for all floats, regardless of their distance from the support frame, are the same. Assuming, for example, a number n of floats, it is preferred that the carrying capacity to be exerted by the Huberhaltungssystem on each float, equal to the nth part of the weight of the entire supporting structure according to the invention minus the weight of the float.

For the realization of the inventive concept, it is also irrelevant how the load-bearing forces are generated by the Huberhaltungssystem and transmitted to the individual floats. This can be done, for example, purely mechanically, electro-mechanically, purely electrically driven, electro-hydraulically or purely hydraulically or pneumatically or in another manner. The type of force generation and power transmission from the Huberhaltungssystem on the individual floats comes to the application / execution, the expert will select depending on the operating and / or operating conditions. For a support structure according to the invention floating on a sea surface, the person skilled in the art will possibly think of a hydraulic or pneumatically driven Huber holding system with a number of floating bodies having a number of fluid-connected piston-cylinder units or a corresponding number of electric motors provided Huberhaltungssystem. A mixed form thereof is just as conceivable as a mechanical system of prestressed ropes and relatively vertically movable pulleys, wherein a part of the number of pulleys stationary with the support frame and the other part of the pulleys fixed with respect to. The float is arranged. Thus, a change in the distance between a first support frame fixed idler pulley and an associated buoyant fixed idler pulley will cause an equal distance change between one or more other pair / pairs of support frame and bucket fixed idlers.

The Huberhaltungssystem thus ensures not only that the bearing force exerted on the float is constant in each position of the float relative to the support frame in amount, but also that a change in distance of a float to the support frame by a gegenleiche change in distance of one or more other Float is compensated for support frame. Thus, the amount of fluid in a hydraulic or pneumatic Huberhaltungssystem during operation of the buoyant support structure according to the invention is constant. For example, reduces a float the fluid volume in its associated piston-cylinder unit, so can increase the fluid volume in one or more other piston-cylinder units via the connecting line, the pressure in the Huberhaltungssystem remains largely constant.

The support structure according to the invention is used in a preferred application example in the aforementioned shaft and pulse power plant, which is compensated by the Huberhaltungssystem the deflection of the floating body by the wave motion. With the simultaneous loading of the floating body with a constant load capacity or supporting force transmitted by the waves on the floating body kinetic energy can be used to a greater extent for energy conversion, as if the support forces of the float with increase or decrease deflection increase, which in the in DE 10 2008 048 730 B1 wave force described by the support with individual, independent, elastic elements is the case. With the support structure according to the invention, which keeps constant the support forces on the individual floating body regardless of the distance of the floating body to the support frame of the support structure, the movement of the floating body is decoupled from the support frame. The holding forces of the supporting frame and thus the support structure floating above the liquid surface are decoupled from the kinetic energy of the floating bodies. The kinetic energy of the floats can be used more fully for energy conversion.

The decoupling of the holding forces for the floating support of the support structure of the invention of the movements of the floating body also allows a stable alignment of the support structure according to the invention over the liquid surface. Because the forces between the floats and the support frame remain constant and do not vary with the distance of the float to the support frame, the support structure according to the invention, in particular the support frame, resting almost unmoving on the Liquid surface. The movements of the floating bodies are balanced in the interaction principle against the same, so that the support frame of the support structure according to the invention experiences substantially no forces from the movement of the float, which deflect it from its position.

In many applications, one will choose a horizontal orientation of the support structure or of the support frame, wherein the inventive idea a preferably adjustable but constant durable skewing is also included. By using a Huberhaltungssystems support structure according to the invention can not only be adapted individually to specific conditions of use, but also be adapted during operation "dynamically changing operating conditions, since the holding or supporting forces are adaptable and this preferably without further adjustments to the Support structure according to the invention. Of course, the inventive concept includes both the adaptation of individual holding forces between one or a group of floats and the support frame, as well as the adjustment of all holding forces in parallel, for example, to adjust the load capacity of the support structure according to the invention surface or selectively.

The support structure according to the invention with a Huberhaltungssystem spanning the support structure for generating constant support or support forces for the support frame relative to the floats has over the use of elastic elements, also has the advantage that the level height can be varied over the liquid surface. This can be achieved in particular when using hydraulic or pneumatic Huberhaltungssystemen example, by the variation of the amount of fluid used. In mechanical systems, such as in the previously explained rope pulley system, this is possible by changing the rope length. Furthermore, it can be achieved in terms of the weight force to be supported on the amount of holding forces so for example by pressure or cable tension increase. Thus, for example, in the case of a working platform with a supporting structure according to the invention, the level of the supporting frame can also be held above the liquid surface if an additional weight bearing on the supporting structure according to the invention is increased or reduced.

Compared to conventional floating storage, the support structure floating according to the invention has the advantage that, especially at high wavelengths, a Mitbewegung the support frame with the vertical wave motion can be prevented that a downward or upward movement of one or more floats by an upward or downward movement one or more other floats generated by the Huberhaltungssystem in response to a Schwimmkörperauslenkung is compensated.

The above explanations and embodiments of the support structure according to the invention will now be described in more detail by way of example with reference to figures and preferred embodiments, wherein the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the figures. Show it:

1 a flat support structure according to the invention in a perspective view;

2 a schematic elevational view of the support structure according to the invention in a rest position and with a mechanical Huberhaltungssystem;

3 according to the support structure according to the invention 2 on a liquid surface with swell;

4 in the 3 illustrated support structure according to the invention with a hydraulic or pneumatic Huberhaltungssystem;

1 shows as a practical embodiment of the support structure according to the invention 1 the wave and pulse power plant mentioned in the introduction to the description DE 10 2008 048 730 B1 with an electric Huberhaltungssystem 8th according to the invention. A variety of floating bodies 2 with lifting rods arranged thereon 3 can independently oscillate relatively relative to a modular support frame 3 move, with the lifting rods 3 essentially vertically in linear guides 4 are aligned. Preferably, the support structure according to the invention is formed surface and dimensioned in their dimensions so large that it spans at least one wave crest and a wave trough, but preferably several wave crests and troughs. Out 1 It can also be seen that some of the floats can swim at a specific time on a wave crest with other floats in a wave trough. With a (horizontal) progress of the wave, the positions of the respective floats change, so that each float per shaft passage performs a vertical up and down movement in accordance with the wave amplitude. This oscillating movement is repeated for each shaft passage, which, for example, in the case of the above-mentioned wave power plant, an energy production by the relative movement of the floating body to the respective linear guides 4 or to the support frame 6 is possible. In this embodiment, take over in the linear guides 4 integrated electric motors (not shown) the generation of holding forces for the "extension" of the lifting rods 3 with the attached floating bodies 2 , There is every lifting rod 3 associated with an electric motor and generates a towards floating body 2 directed supporting force, which preferably the n-th part of the weight force of the support structure according to the invention 1 is. As in 1 the support frame is shown 6 by the sum of the holding or supporting forces acting on the lifting rods 3 act, at a distance to the floats 2 held parallel to the footprint 10 the float 2 , The weight of the support frame 6 together with the linear guides 4 and the electric motors integrated therein is in balance with the sum of the holding forces on the lifting rods 3 ,

The support structure according to the invention is as already stated, but not limited to wave power plants, but can also for all other applications for buoyant support structures 1 be used in a body of water. In 2 is the basic structure of a support structure according to the invention 1 schematically illustrated, wherein here a preferred embodiment is shown, in which the floats 2 guide rods 3 have, in vertical linear guides 4 of the supporting frame 6 be guided. 2 goes from a theoretically horizontal water surface 10 from, as you can find, for example, on windless days on lakes. Between the floats 2 and the support frame 6 the support structure according to the invention 1 However, there must be a force on the support frame 6 at a distance to the liquid surface 10 and to the floats 2 holds. Such a Huberhaltungssystem is in the embodiment in 2 instead of electrically, as in the embodiment according to FIG 1 shown, mechanically implemented. A rope 16 or a belt 16 is between the outermost linear guides 4 on the support structure according to the invention 6 with his rope or belt ends 18 attached. About first pulleys 12 , which are stationary with the linear guides 4 are connected, and on second pulleys 14 , which are fixed to the lifting rods 3 the float 2 tethered is the rope / belt 16 looped through such that an upward movement of a first float 2 at least one downward movement of a second float 2 causes the rope length remains unchanged. this shows 2 combined with 3 vividly. Are in 2 the respective distances between the floats 2 and the associated linear guides 4 or to the support frame 6 the same size (a = b = c = d), these distances vary in 3 , Starting from 2 from a wave generation, for example, by a ship or by wind, so raise and lower, as in 3 shown the individual floats 2 driven by the wave energy with the wave crest vertically upwards and descend behind the wave into the wave trough again.

The Huberhaltungssystem 8th It can easily be seen here that, overall, the amounts of the upward movements are equal to or must correspond to the amounts of the downward movements, since the rope length of the rope 16 unchanged. The Huberhaltungssystem 8th continues to exercise over the lifting rods 3 one for each float 2 Equally high constant holding force on the individual floats 2 off, however, is the footprint, ie the liquid surface 10 now wavy, so that the individual floats a variable relative position to the support frame 3 taking. The holding forces caused by the Huberhaltungssystem 8th , here by the tension in the rope 16 are generated, push the floats 2 always with the same force on the liquid surface 10 so the floats 2 the vertical movement of the liquid surface 10 can follow. Add up the in 3 shown distances a to d and divides this sum by the number of floating bodies, here 4 in number, so this mean distance is the amount equal to one of the distances a to d 2 ,

How farther 3 clearly recognizable, are the lifting rods 3 according to their assignment to a wave crest or trough different distances over the support frame 6 extended to the top. Leaving the waves in 3 mentally move to the right by half a wavelength, so are the individual floats 2 swap their vertical positions. The floats 2 who previously floated on a wave mountain 2 are then located in a wave trough and those who were previously in a trough are then on a wave mountain. However, one recognizes 3 that the support frame 6 with the linear guides 4 not moved, as a drop in the in 3 floating body shown on the left 2 a lifting of the second floating body shown from the left 2 allows without any height level change of the support frame 6 is required. The same applies to the other two floats 2 , The downward movement of a float 2 is due to the upward movement of another float 2 compensated, without this, a holding force change is required. The expert recognizes that in a variety of floats 2 the movements of the individual floats 2 taking into account the sign adds up to zero or the sum of the individual distances of the floating body 2 to the support frame 6 divided by the number of floats 2 remains constant. If you shorten the thought Rope length of the rope 16 in 2 or 3 , so you realize that the support frame 6 opposite the liquid surface 10 will lift and so the mean distance of the support frame 6 above the liquid surface 10 gets bigger.

In 4 is a further preferred embodiment of the support structure according to the invention 6 with a Huberhaltungssystem 8th shown, wherein the Huberhaltungssystem 8th based on hydraulic or pneumatic forces. In this example, every float is 2 a piston-cylinder unit 26 assigned, with the individual piston-cylinder units 26 are connected together so that the fluid (water, oil, gas, air or the like) takes place on the power generation, at any point in the Huberhaltungssystem 8th the support structure according to the invention 1 has the same pressure value. Thus, the individual piston-cylinder units press 26 the respectively associated float 2 with equal force on the liquid surface 10 , The supporting structure 1 with the support frame 6 is about the sum of the individual hydraulic / pneumatic forces, above the water surface 10 ie the liquid surface 10 held. Assuming the exemplary ideal case, in which the support structure according to the invention 1 is constructed substantially homogeneous, so are the individual hydraulic forces on the respective floats 2 the same height and in total correspond to the weight of the support structure according to the invention 1 ,

In a preferred embodiment, the Huberhaltungssystem 8th the support structure according to the invention 1 according to 4 filled with the liquid on which the support structure according to the invention 1 swims. If the support structure according to the invention 1 For example, when swimming in the sea, then it will fill the Huberhaltungssystems 8th preferably used seawater. In operation, the amount of seawater remains within the Huberhaltungssystems 8th constant, if no leaks occur. How out 4 can be seen causes the movement of the floating body shown on the left 2 a gegengleiche movement second float shown from the left 2 because of the piston-cylinder unit 26 of the first float 2 displaced fluid quantity for downward movement of the second float 2 in the piston-cylinder unit 26 is needed (equal pressure throughout Huberhaltungssystem!). In total, here too the sum of the displacement paths taking into account their signs gives the value 0. About the amount of fluid within the Huberhaltungssystems 8th can the level height of the support structure according to the invention 1 above the liquid surface 10 be adjusted, whereby the support structure according to the invention 1 flexibly adaptable to the respective wave height. The amount of fluid in the hydraulic Huberhaltungssystem 8th according to 4 corresponds to the length of the rope 16 or the belt 16 of the embodiment according to 3 , About the pressure in the hydraulic / pneumatic Huberhaltungssystem 8th according to embodiment of the 4 can the carrying capacity of the support structure according to the invention 1 to adjust. With a suitable design, this can also be carried out in a locally limited manner for a group of floating bodies in order, for example, to avoid an oblique position during one-sided loading.

The in the 1 to 4 However, embodiments shown are only exemplary of the support structure according to the invention 1 in which the on the floats 2 in the direction of the water surface 10 constant held force is generated electrically, mechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically. Needless to say, electric-hydraulic systems or pneumatic-mechanical systems or the like can be used here, which are the force with which the floats 2 from the supporting frame 6 be pushed away, keep constant over the entire possible stroke of the floating body or keep it almost constant, so that on this support forces the weight of the support structure according to the invention 1 floating above a liquid surface 10 can be held. This can also be thought of a mechanical brake / drive system.

Overall, with the support structure according to the invention 1 provided a system in which the forces for maintaining the floating support of the support structure 1 at a defined distance above a water surface 10 are decoupled from the relative movement of the floating body 2 to their respective guides 4 or to the support frame 6 the supporting structure 1 , allowing a more agile vertical motion tracking of the float 2 To a shaft passage is made possible, so dead times, during which the floating body 2 from the water surface 10 take off or dive too deep into the water, be largely avoided.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

supporting structure

2

float

3

lifting rod

4

linear guide

5

brace

6

supporting frame

8th

Huber entertainment system

10

liquid surface

12

first pulleys

14

second pulleys

16

Rope / belt

18

End of the rope / strap

22

cylinder

24

piston

26

Piston-cylinder unit

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102008048730 B1 [0001, 0003, 0012, 0022]

Claims (12)

Floating support structure ( 1 ) with a support frame ( 6 ) and a plurality of floats ( 2 ), which are located on a liquid surface ( 10 ) floating by means of substantially vertically aligned and to the supporting structure ( 1 ) connected linear guides ( 4 ) independently relative to the support frame ( 6 ) oscillate vertically, each float ( 2 ) of at least a subset of the plurality of floats ( 2 ) from one to the support structure ( 1 ) mounted Huberhaltungssystem ( 8th ) with one on the liquid surface ( 10 ) directed supporting force can be acted upon, that the sum of the supporting forces on the floats ( 2 ) the supporting frame ( 6 ) of the supporting structure ( 1 ) at a constant mean distance above the liquid surface ( 10 ) and an upward movement of one or more floats ( 2 ) by a Huberhaltungssystem ( 8th ) generated downward movement of one or more other floats ( 2 ) is compensatable and vice versa. Support structure ( 1 ) according to claim 1, in which the sum of the vertical forces is the support frame ( 6 ) substantially horizontally above the liquid surface ( 10 ). Support structure ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the floats ( 2 ) of the subset of floats ( 2 ) via a common system of 8th ) are coupled. Support structure ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the floats ( 2 ) Have lifting rods which by means of vertical linear guides ( 4 ) on the support frame ( 6 ). Support structure ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which by means of the Huberhaltungssystems on each float ( 2 ) An amount equal vertical support force is exercisable. Support structure ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the height of the vertical supporting force which the Huberhaltungssystem ( 8th ) on each individual float ( 2 ), the height is adjustable. Support structure ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the height of the average distance of the support frame ( 6 ) to the liquid surface ( 10 ) is adjustable by means of the Huberhaltungssystems. Support structure ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the Huberhaltungssystem ( 8th ) has a plurality of piston-cylinder units, each float ( 2 ) is associated with a piston-cylinder unit, wherein the piston with the floats ( 2 ) are connected to each other and the cylinder in fluid communication with the support frame ( 6 ) are connected. Support structure ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the Huberhaltungssystem ( 8th ) a plurality of first pulleys ( 12 ) and second pulleys ( 14 ), wherein the first deflection rollers ( 12 ) fixed to the support frame ( 6 ) and the second pulleys ( 14 ) fixed to the floats ( 2 ) are connected so that the vertical distance of the respective first pulleys ( 12 ) and second pulleys ( 14 ) during the movement of the floats ( 2 ), whereby a rope / belt ( 16 ), whose ends ( 18 ) fixed to the supporting structure ( 1 ) are connected by the pulleys ( 12 ; 14 ) is looped through in such a way that the upward movement of one or more floats ( 2 ) by a downward movement of one or more floats ( 2 ) is compensatable and vice versa. Method for the floating storage of a supporting structure ( 1 ) on a liquid surface, the support structure ( 1 ) a supporting frame ( 6 ), to which by means of substantially vertically oriented linear guides ( 4 ) Floats ( 2 ) independently relative to the support frame ( 6 ) can move vertically oscillating, wherein a holding the support frame ( 6 ) at a constant mean distance above the liquid surface ( 10 ) is achieved in that a Huberhaltungssystem ( 8th ) every single float ( 2 ) with a to the liquid surface ( 10 ) directed supporting force and the sum of the supporting forces on all floating bodies of the weight of the support structure ( 1 ) minus the weight forces of the floats ( 2 ), and the Huberhaltungssystem ( 8th ) an upward movement of one or more floats ( 2 ) by a downward movement of one or more other floats ( 2 ) compensated and vice versa. The method of claim 10, wherein each of the floats ( 2 ) is subjected to an equally high support force. Method according to claim 10 or 11, in which the height of the 8th ) is variably and dynamically adjusted to the average distance of the support frame ( 6 ) s above the liquid surface ( 10 ) or the load on the support frame ( 6 ).

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