DE102021130303A1 - ocean current power plant - Google Patents

Abstract

A marine current power plant 1 is disclosed, which comprises an electric generator 22 and a turbine with a stator 30 and a rotor 10 rotatable around the stator for driving the electric generator 22 . The rotor has a plurality of rotor arms 11, each of which has a carrier device 12 and a plurality of rotor blades 14 pivotably mounted on the carrier device.

Description

The present invention relates to a marine current power plant with an electrical generator for generating electrical power and with a turbine, which includes a stator and a rotor, which can be rotated around the stator, for driving the electrical generator.

Various approaches have been and are being pursued and associated technologies (further) developed with the aim of generating electricity as environmentally friendly as possible and at the same time reliably providing it. In addition to the respective energy, for example from the sun, wind, geothermal energy and rivers, the sea movements caused by waves and tides can also be used to generate electricity.

Ocean current power plants, for example, generate electricity using a turbine positioned in the natural ocean current. One of the decisive advantages of such power stations is the fact that ocean currents flow continuously and a respective ocean current power station can accordingly reliably supply electricity. This also allows the quality of a particular location to be assessed well. In addition, marine current power plants only require relatively low flow speeds compared to wind power plants because the density of water is significantly greater than that of air.

In order to prevent the water from being mixed with air, thus preventing the density of the flowing fluid from falling and thus preventing a drop in output, marine current power plants are often installed in such a way that they are completely immersed in the surrounding water; in this way, corrosion-related problems are reduced at the same time.

However, the installation of such systems is complex in terms of water and steel construction, because construction work on the open sea or in estuaries is demanding and the building materials used in each case must be suitable for underwater use and protected against salt attack. In addition, the maintenance of such underwater power plants is expensive due to the difficult accessibility.

Other power plants that convert ocean movements into electrical energy are at least partially arranged on or above the water surface and are set up to utilize wave movements in addition to ocean currents.

For example, from the GB 2 431 437A a device for generating electrical energy from waves and ocean currents known. The device comprises two propeller-like rotors with horizontally running axes of rotation and a buoyancy element.

In addition, in the German patent DE 10 2013 019 229 B4 discloses a floating tide generator for generating electrical energy from wave action and ocean currents.

Further prior art can be found at www.slimlife.eu/wellengenerator.html and from the publication US 2004/0007881 A1 known.

The present invention is based on the object of providing a technique for an alternative marine current power plant which, in particular, enables an increased power range and simplified installation.

The object is achieved by an ocean current power plant according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

A marine current power plant according to the invention has an electric generator and a turbine, which includes a stator and a rotor which can be rotated around the stator.

A central longitudinal axis of the stator preferably forms the axis of rotation of the rotor; In an intended orientation of use of the marine current power plant, the axis of rotation of the rotor preferably has a vertical directional component, in particular it can run vertically or at least approximately vertically (for example vertically +/-15°). The rotor is configured to drive the electric generator, for example by rotating a gear on a drive shaft of the generator, which then converts the rotation of the drive shaft into electrical energy.

The rotor comprises a plurality of rotor arms, each of which has a carrier device and a plurality of rotor blades pivotably mounted on the carrier device (relative to it).

The rotor arms thus serve to generate the thrust that causes the rotor to rotate. The large number of rotor blades makes it possible to absorb a particularly large amount of energy. In particular, the efficiency of the rotor blades can be optimized due to their pivotability through a respective alignment, which also allows the use of particularly long rotor arms. Thus, a marine current power plant according to the invention enables a particularly large power range and can also be used efficiently in areas where the Ocean currents only reach relatively low speeds. The marine current power plant has a simple structure with a relatively small number of components and is therefore particularly easy to install and to maintain.

The rotor arms of an ocean current power plant according to the invention preferably all have the same number of rotor blades, for example at least two, at least three or at least four rotor blades and/or at most six, at most five or at most four rotor blades.

In particular, at least two or even all of the rotor arms of an ocean current power plant according to the invention are preferably designed to be identical to one another (essentially, in particular with regard to their technical aspects).

The carrier device of one, several or all rotor arms can form a frame, for example. Such a frame can at least partially encircle one or more of the rotor blades mounted on it. In order to mount the respective rotor blades, the carrier device can have bearing bushes and/or bearing journals, which are preferably each set up to be operatively connected to the respective bearing journals or bearing bushes on the rotor blades. This enables a particularly simple and solid construction.

For one, several or all of the rotor blades of one, several or all rotor arms, the respective pivot axis (about which the respective rotor blade can be pivoted) can preferably run inclined, in particular orthogonally, to the longitudinal extent of the respective rotor arm; In particular, the rotor can be designed in such a way that the pivot axis(s) of one or more of the rotor blades runs vertically when the marine current power plant is used.

The rotor arms are preferably designed in such a way that their respective carrier device lies essentially horizontally (for example +/- 15 cm or +/- 10 cm) on the water surface when the marine current power plant is used.

According to advantageous embodiments of the present invention, the rotor of a marine current power plant according to the invention comprises, for example, four, five, six, seven or eight rotor arms.

One, several or all of the rotor blades of at least one of the rotor arms preferably has/have an elliptical blade shape, in particular a NACA profile in cross section. Such rotor blades are particularly advantageous with regard to their deflection.

A rotor blade or several rotor blades of at least one of the rotor arms can be at least partially hollow, in particular filled with air or other gas, for example. A ballast weight of the respective rotor blade(s) preferably compensates for its/their buoyancy in the water when the marine current power plant is used. In particular, the rotor blades of at least one rotor arm are preferably held in a balanced manner on the carrier device of the rotor arm without lift.

The pivotability of the rotor blades is preferably limited; Starting from an alignment orthogonal to a longitudinal extent of a respective rotor arm (as a non-pivoted position), pivoting (in both pivoting directions, i.e. to each side) can be limited to a maximum of 45°, a maximum of 40° or a maximum of 30°. The limitation means an advantageous stabilization of a respective rotor blade position in the event of extreme pivoting, and the angles mentioned enable orientations of the rotor blades that are particularly advantageous for the efficiency of the turbine.

According to advantageous embodiments of an ocean current power plant according to the invention, one, several or each of the rotor arms includes/have a pivoting device which is set up to pivot several or all of the rotor blades of the respective rotor arm simultaneously. If several of the rotor arms include a pivoting device, the respective pivoting devices are preferably of identical design. The pivotability of a plurality of rotor blades by a common pivoting device enables a particularly simple construction of the respective rotor arm.

In particular, the respective pivoting device can preferably be designed purely mechanically. It can, for example, comprise at least one push rod, which acts on the respective rotor blades, in particular at least one control pin preferably formed thereon.

Such a pivoting device can preferably be adjustable as a function of a respective current rotational position (relative to the stator) of the respective rotor arm, so that pivotings that are different from one another are set at at least two different rotational positions of the rotor arm; the circulation position can, for example, by a respective angle be given to a fixed starting position of the rotor arm. In this way, the respective rotor blades can be aligned in a particularly suitable manner in relation to the respective direction from which the flowing seawater hits them. Preferably, the marine current power plant comprises at least one swivel adjustment device that is set up to adjust the swivel device(s) accordingly.

In such embodiments, the pivoting device and thus the rotor blades of the associated rotor arm are adjusted according to a (mathematical) function that assigns an angle to each rotational position (as a variable) of the respective rotor arm, by which a respective rotor blade belonging to the rotor arm is set in relation to a Starting position is pivoted. Preferably this function is continuous. According to advantageous embodiments, the function is 2n-periodic (that is to say cyclic) or periodic with a period of 360°, so that recurring rotational positions for the rotor arm always entail the same pivoting position.

In embodiments with a plurality of pivoting devices, these can preferably be adjusted simultaneously by such a common pivoting adjustment device. Preferably, the same rotational positions of the rotor arms result in the same settings of the associated pivoting devices, ie a respective pivoting of the rotor blades is independent of the rotor arm that is in a respective rotational position and to which they belong.

According to advantageous embodiment variants, the at least one pivot adjustment device is purely mechanical; this enables a particularly simple design. The at least one pivot adjustment device can, for example, comprise a rail and/or channel, with which the respective pivot device is operatively connected, in which it can engage, for example. In the following, such a rail is referred to as a "control rail" and such a trough as a "control trough".

In particular, such a control rail or control channel can preferably run around the axis of rotation of the rotor. In this case, it can have a changing distance from the axis of rotation as it rotates, that is to say have points at different distances from one another from the axis of rotation. In this way, particularly advantageous angles of the rotor blade surfaces relative to the direction of flow can be set in a particularly simple and robust manner, depending on the respective current rotational position.

According to advantageous embodiments, an ocean current force value according to the invention includes an adjusting device that is set up to adapt the rotor to flow directions that alternate with a tide change. In corresponding designs with pivot adjustment device(s) as described above, such an adjustment device can be set up in particular to rotate the pivot adjustment device(s) by 180° about the axis of rotation of the rotor every six hours and to lock it there. In this way, the marine current power plant can be optimally adjusted for both incoming and outgoing water.

The adjusting device can be driven electrically, for example by means of an on-board power supply; For this purpose, the marine current power plant can then comprise a battery and/or an accumulator for supplying the adjusting device. In this way, the adjustment can be made with the generator not in operation when the tide changes.

According to advantageous embodiments of a marine current power plant according to the invention, one, several or each of the rotor arms is attached to a central element of the rotor, for example suspended; the central element is also referred to as “rotator” in the following.

The carrier device preferably has at least one of the rotor arms in its longitudinal extension away from the stator.

According to advantageous embodiments, the rotor arms are arranged uniformly around the stator or--in corresponding embodiments--around the rotator, ie the rotor arms are at a uniform distance from one another. In particular, the rotor can be designed in a star shape with rotor arms running radially outwards from the stator or from the rotator; the term "radial" in this document always refers to the intended axis of rotation of the rotor.

Preferably, at least one of the rotor arms can be swiveled out by a (maximum) deflection angle φ in a direction parallel to the intended axis of rotation of the rotor.

An associated pivot axis is preferably located at a radially inner end of the respective rotor arm. In the case of the installed marine current power plant, in which the intended axis of rotation preferably runs vertically, the rotor arms can then be swung out upwards/downwards. The ability to swing out can be limited, for example by means of at least one hydraulic damper. It allows the rotor to movements. As a result, utilization of the rotor can be improved and occurring loads can be reduced. In addition, it can be ensured, particularly when the rotor is floating on the water surface, that the rotor arm can be identified at least approximately permanently from above the water surface, which makes it easier to avoid collisions with watercraft.

In particular, for the maximum possible deflection angle φ, preferably φ≧arcsin(2/A) or φ≧arcsin(3/A) or even φ≧arcsin(5/A); where A is the absolute length of the at least one rotor arm in meters. Such angles enable waves with wave heights of 2m, 3m or 5m to be recorded.

An ocean current power plant of such an embodiment can comprise at least one wave generator in the form of a hydraulic system, which is set up to be pressed by respective swinging out of the rotor arm(s) and thus to convert a respective wave energy into electrical energy. In this way, the performance efficiency of the marine current power plant can be additionally increased.

A marine current power plant according to the invention can comprise one or more buoyancy bodies which are/are set up to keep one or more elements of the marine current power plant floating on a water surface. In particular, in this way a respective position of the rotor can be automatically adjusted to the water level changing with the tide. In this way, on the one hand, optimal efficiency of the marine current power plant can always be guaranteed, and on the other hand, swimming enables the marine current power plant to be constantly visible from above the water surface and thus increased safety with regard to shipping. In particular, the buoyancy body can be set up, for example, to immerse at most 80%, at most 65% or at most 50% of its volume in the water on the installed marine current power plant when the rotor is in the rest position. For example, it can be designed as a hollow body that is at least partially made of shipbuilding steel.

In such embodiments, the stator preferably acts as a guide for the floating rotor, ie the rotor that rises or sinks as the water level changes.

The buoyancy body or - in the case that the marine current power plant comprises several buoyancy bodies - at least one of the buoyancy bodies can preferably be formed as part of the rotor, so be set up to rotate around the stator. In particular, it can be designed in the shape of a ring around the stator. In corresponding embodiments with a rotator (as mentioned above), such a buoyant body can be fixed in particular on the rotator.

Alternatively or additionally, the buoyancy body or at least one such buoyancy body can be fixed to a support device of one (respective) of the rotor arms and/or to at least one of the rotor blades, in particular represent a component of the rotor arm. In embodiments in which at least one of the rotor arms (as described above) is attached to a rotator (as a central element) of the rotor so that it can swing out in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor, the buoyant body can cause or at least support the swinging out. In such embodiment variants, the respective buoyant body is preferably arranged at least partially on a radially outer end of the associated rotor arm. In particular, this allows this end to be seen from above the water level and thus allows the dimensions of the ocean current power plant to be fully ascertained. In particular, a buoyancy body specifically associated with it can preferably be fixed to each of the rotor arms.

Embodiments of an ocean current power plant according to the invention are particularly advantageous in which at least one buoyancy body is fixed to each rotor arm and to a rotator to which the rotor arms are attached. This ensures that these components can float, even if their connection to one another should become detached.

The stator of an ocean current power plant according to the invention can comprise a (single-piece or multi-piece, preferably at least partially hollow and/or at least partially solid) mast. Such a mast can be rigid; alternatively, it may have one, two or more joints. Joints of this type allow an advantageous absorption of a tilting moment, which can result from the kinetic energy of the inflow surface lying on the system, particularly in the case of high water.

According to advantageous embodiments, such a mast consists at least partially of shipbuilding steel. At least in one area, the stator can preferably have a gear wheel structure on its peripheral surface; In particular in embodiments with an adjustment device (as described above), the stator can thus serve as an abutment for at least one gear wheel that preferably belongs to the adjustment device.

The stator preferably includes a foot for anchoring to the seabed or to a foundation installed or to be installed there (for example at least partially made of reinforced concrete), which can also belong to the stator. Such a foot can, for example, be star-shaped and/or designed as a flange (for example of a mast as mentioned above). If the stator comprises a mast with one or more joints (as mentioned above), such a joint can be mounted on the foundation and/or such a joint (possibly another) can be mounted on a side of the central unit facing the foundation.

1. a) von meteorologischen Daten (wie z.B. einer jeweils aktuellen Windstärke, Windrichtung, Lufttemperatur, Wassertemperatur, Wellenhöhe und/oder Wellenrichtung),
2. b) von Schiffssicherheitsdaten (z.B. einer GPS-Position, einer jeweils aktuellen Wasserstandshöhe (entspricht einer Neigung der Tragarme), Lagerichtung (Kompass), eines jeweils aktuellen Krängungswinkels (entspricht einer Querneigung) und/oder von Daten einer Wassereinbruchssensorik),
3. c) von Leistungsdaten des elektrischen Generators (z.B. eines jeweils aktuellen Drehmoments pro Rotor, und/oder einer jeweils aktuellen Drehzahl pro Rotor, einer errechneten mechanischen Leistung pro Rotor und/oder einer elektrischen Leistung pro Rotor),
4. d) von Strömungsdaten (wie Anströmungsdaten und/oder Anströmungsstärke) und/oder
5. e) - in entsprechenden Ausführungsformen mit mindestens einem Wellengenerator wie oben erwähnt - von Leistungsdaten des Wellengenerators (wie z.B. umgesetzter Kraft pro Wellengenerator, elektrischer Leistung pro Wellengenerator und/oder umgesetzter Kraft pro ggf. umfasstem hydraulischem Dämpfer).

According to advantageous embodiments, an ocean current power plant according to the invention comprises at least one sensor device for detection

1. a) meteorological data (such as current wind strength, wind direction, air temperature, water temperature, wave height and/or wave direction),
2. b) ship safety data (e.g. a GPS position, a current water level (corresponds to an inclination of the support arms), position direction (compass), a current heeling angle (corresponds to a transverse inclination) and/or data from a water inrush sensor system),
3. c) performance data of the electrical generator (e.g. a current torque per rotor and/or a current speed per rotor, a calculated mechanical power per rotor and/or an electrical power per rotor),
4. d) flow data (such as flow data and/or flow strength) and/or
5. e) - in corresponding embodiments with at least one shaft generator as mentioned above - from performance data of the shaft generator (such as converted force per shaft generator, electrical power per shaft generator and/or converted force per optionally included hydraulic damper).

The marine current power plant preferably includes control electronics with at least one on-board computer and at least one transmitter for transmitting data from the on-board computer to at least one receiving station on land. In corresponding embodiments, data to be transmitted in this way can in particular include, for example, respectively detected values of the at least one sensor device, which can also belong to the control electronics.

According to advantageous embodiments, a marine current power plant according to the present invention comprises an electric line with submarine cable connection; The electric power generated by the marine current power plant can be fed into a grid on land via a sea cable to be connected with it. The electrical line can be routed along the outside of the stator and/or through an interior of the stator; preferably it passes through a/the foundation of the stator.

The stator can in particular be part of a central unit of the marine current power plant, which also has electronics and - each in corresponding embodiments - the above-mentioned swivel adjustment device (for adjusting the swivel device/s), the above-mentioned rotator (to which at least one of the rotor arms can be attached) and/or the adjusting device (for adapting the marine current power plant to alternating directions of flow), in particular a preferably associated adjusting motor and an internal power supply system with a battery/accumulator for supplying it. In such embodiments, the electronics include, for example, the electrical generator (preferably with an associated step-up and/or step-down); In addition, the electronics in corresponding embodiments can preferably include the above-mentioned control electronics and/or the above-mentioned submarine cable connection, in each case at least in part.

In such embodiments, the central unit preferably comprises a housing which preferably completely surrounds the electronics. The housing preferably ensures that the electronics are watertight.

The housing is preferably set up to at least partially protrude from the water surface. In embodiments with one or more buoyancy bodies, at least one such buoyancy body can be arranged in a space surrounded by the housing.

According to advantageous embodiments, the central unit is designed to be able to float. It then has its own buoyancy and an intended waterline. The waterline provided is preferably such that the mechanically rotating parts, in particular the rotator, remain on the same level just below the waterline.

In particular, in corresponding embodiments, it can be firmly connected to the pivot adjustment device, to which at least one floating body is preferably attached. In embodiments with both an adjustment device and an electrical line having a submarine cable connection, the electrical line preferably has a cable in the housing Coiled cable, which is designed for mutual adjustments by 180 °.

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings. It goes without saying that individual elements and components can also be combined differently than shown. Reference symbols for elements that correspond to one another are used throughout the figures and may not be described anew for each figure.

• 1: eine exemplarische Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Meeresströmungskraftwerks in einer Schnittansicht von einer Seite;
• 2: eine Zentraleinheit eines exemplarischen erfindungsgemäßen Meeresströmungskraftwerks aus einer Richtung senkrecht zur Rotationsachse.
• 3: eine Zentraleinheit eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Meeresströmungskraftwerks im Bereich des Rotators in einer Schnittdarstellung orthogonal zur Rotationsachse des Rotors;
• 4: einen Rotorarm eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Meeresströmungskraftwerks mit einer Schwenkeinrichtung;
• 5: ein Rotorblatt eines exemplarischen erfindungsgemäßen Meeresströmungskraftwerks mit Rotorblattaufhängung an einem Rotorarm;
• 6a: den Rotor eines exemplarischen erfindungsgemäßen Meeresströmungskraftwerks mit Blickrichtung entlang der Rotationsachse;
• 6b: eine Illustration der Funktionsweise einer Schwenkeinstellungseinrichtung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Meeresströmungskraftwerks; und
• 7: einen Teil eines exemplarischen erfindungsgemäßen Meeresströmungskraftwerks mit Wellengenerator.

They show schematically:

• 1 : an exemplary embodiment of a marine current power plant according to the invention in a sectional view from one side;
• 2 : a central unit of an exemplary marine current power plant according to the invention from a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
• 3 1: a central unit of an exemplary embodiment of a marine current power plant according to the invention in the area of the rotator in a sectional view orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the rotor;
• 4 : a rotor arm of an embodiment of a marine current power plant according to the invention with a pivoting device;
• 5 : a rotor blade of an exemplary ocean current power plant according to the invention with a rotor blade suspension on a rotor arm;
• 6a : the rotor of an exemplary marine current power plant according to the invention viewed along the axis of rotation;
• 6b : an illustration of the functioning of a swivel adjustment device of an embodiment of a marine current power plant according to the invention; and
• 7 : part of an exemplary marine current power plant according to the invention with a shaft generator.

In 1 an exemplary embodiment of an ocean current power plant 1 according to the invention is shown in a sectional view from a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation X, which is vertically oriented in the present case, and standing on the seabed G in an intended use orientation. In the present case, an inflow direction S runs horizontally and thus in particular perpendicularly to the axis of rotation X.

The marine current power plant 1 comprises an electric generator, which is presently arranged in a housing 21 of a central unit 100 and in which 1 is not visible. In addition, the marine current power plant 1 includes a turbine with a rotor 10 and an immovable stator 30, which is presently designed as a rigid mast 30a with a flange as a foot 30b for anchoring on a foundation 30c.

The mast 30a preferably has a toothed wheel structure at least in regions on its peripheral surface, ie it is designed there as a toothed shaft (not visible in the figure).

In a mounted marine current power plant 1, a length of the mast 30a (measured in the direction of the axis of rotation X) is preferably adapted to the laying point, in particular to a water depth there at sea chart zero, a tidal range occurring there, a predetermined safety factor. These parameters also determine a required length of the mast 30a compared to a height of the housing 21.

In particular, a length of the mast 30a can be at least 7 m, at least 8 m or at least 9 m and/or at most 15 m, at most 13 m or at most 11 m. In this way, an assembly at various suitable laying points can advantageously be made possible. A diameter of the mast 30a orthogonal to the longitudinal axis can preferably be at least 30 cm or at least 40 cm and/or at most 70 cm or at most 60 cm.

The mast 30a can in particular be made of shipbuilding steel. The foundation 30c is preferably formed at least partially from reinforced concrete. On the seabed G, it preferably has a diameter of 4m to 8m, in particular 5m to 7m. A submarine cable connection can be embedded in it.

The rotor 10 of the marine current power plant 1 comprises a plurality of rotor arms 11, for example four, five, six, seven or eight rotor arms. In the 1 two rotor arms 11 are visible.

The rotor arms 11 each comprise a support device 12 which, in the present case, points away from the stator 30 in its longitudinal extension; in particular, their longitudinal extension runs radially in the case shown (relative to the intended axis of rotation X of the rotor 10). A buoyancy body 13 is fixed to the carrier device 12, which floats on the water surface W when the marine current power plant 1 is used, so that the respective rotor arm 10 remains at a constant water depth and is particularly visible to shipping. The buoyancy bodies 13 are each movably attached to the central unit 100, for example suspended.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the buoyancy bodies 13 each extend over the length of the respective rotor arm 10 to a radially outer area and thus indicate an expansion of the marine current power plant 1 . For better visibility, at least one of the buoyancy bodies 13 can be marked in color, for example by means of a (e.g. yellow) marking. According to advantageous embodiments, at least one of the buoyancy bodies is designed as a closed shipbuilding body. It can be made, for example, from a conical flat oval tube. For connection to the carrier device 12, it can have at least one fastening flange (not shown in the figure).

The carrier devices 12 of the rotor arms 11 are each designed as a frame that runs around the several (preferably at least three and/or at most eight or at most six) rotor blades 14 that also belong to the respective rotor arm 11; in the exemplary embodiment shown, each rotor arm 11 has four rotor blades 14 .

The rotor blades 14 can each be pivoted about a respective pivot axis, which runs in the longitudinal direction of the respective rotor blade. In order to stabilize the blade bearings, the support devices 12 of each rotor arm 10 have connecting struts 12a next to each rotor blade 14 .

The carrier device 12, the lifting body 13 and/or the rotor blades 14 preferably consist at least partially of shipbuilding steel. The bearings for the rotor blades 14 are preferably at least partially made of stainless steel.

the 2 shows a central unit 100 of an exemplary marine current power plant according to the invention from a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation X and provides an insight into the housing 21, which in particular surrounds an electric generator 22 of the marine current power plant. According to advantageous embodiments, the housing has a round (circular) cross-section (perpendicular to the axis of rotation X). Other preferably included electronic elements, such as control electronics with an on-board computer, a transmitter for data transmission and/or at least one sensor device, can also be arranged at least partially inside the housing 21 (not shown).

The electrical generator 22 converts the rotation of a drive shaft 22a, which is driven via a gear wheel 23 by a rotator 16 as the central element of the rotor, into electrical energy, which is then preferably generated by means of an electrical line (not shown) with a submarine cable connection and a connected submarine cable into a mains can be fed. The rotator 16 is thereby through in the 2 rotor arms, not shown, rotated; the rotor arms are attached to the rotator 16, for example suspended, and are in turn moved by a respective ocean current. According to advantageous embodiments of an ocean current power plant according to the invention, the rotator 16 is driven at a rotational speed of 50% to 90%, more preferably at 60% to 80%, with an inflow speed of 1 m/s to 2 m/s.

The central unit 100 further includes a pivot adjustment device 24 (present in the form of a control disk) for adjusting respective pivot devices of the rotor arms depending on their respective current rotational position, as is particularly the case with reference to FIG 6a , 6b is explained in more detail below. The rotator 16 can be rotated relative to the pivot setting device 24 (about the axis of rotation X). In the illustrated intended orientation of use of the marine current power plant (or its central unit 100), the swivel adjustment device 24 is arranged below the rotator 16 in the present case.

Also surrounded by the housing 21 is an adjusting motor 25a of an adjusting device 25, which in the present case also includes a shaft 25b and a gear wheel 25c and is set up to set the marine current power plant to flow directions that alternate with tide changes, i.e. to adjust them accordingly. For this purpose, gear wheel 25c, which is brought into rotation by adjusting motor 25a via shaft 25b, engages in a tooth structure in the (radially inner surface of swivel adjustment device 24), with a tooth structure on a radially outer surface of mast 30a of stator 30 serving as an abutment In this way, the swivel adjustment device 24 and with it the rotator 16 fixed thereon are rotated about the stator 30, preferably by 180° 6a , 6b is detailed below, the position of the (non-rotationally symmetrical) pivot adjustment device 24 in relation to the direction of flow that changes with the tide change influences the pivot positions of the respective rotor blades on the rotor arms.

Another gear 27 is idle and is only used to stabilize the pivot adjustment device 24. Similarly, a gear 28 in idling and only serves to stabilize the rotator 16.

In the present case, the central unit 100 further comprises an annular buoyancy body 26 on which the swivel adjustment device 24 is fastened and which is designed to keep it floating on a water surface W. Alternatively or in addition to the ring-shaped buoyancy body 26, a buoyancy body can be arranged in the space surrounded by the housing 21 (not shown).

the 3 shows the ring-shaped rotator 16 from the direction of (in the 2 shown) housing 21 with the underlying swivel adjustment device 24, the mast 30a of the stator 30, the gear wheel 23 connected to the drive shaft of the electric generator, the gear wheel 25c of the adjustment device 25 and the other gear wheels 27 and 28. On its outer circumference, the rotator 16 has here eight stops 16a for anchoring (eg by means of bolts) rotor arms, not shown, by means of which it is made to rotate in the direction of rotation R about the axis of rotation X by an ocean current. Buoyant body on the rotor arms and in the 2 The buoyancy bodies 26 shown are designed to hold the rotator 16 on a water surface, in particular on the water line.

On its edge surface facing the axis of rotation X, the rotator 16 has a tooth structure (not shown in the figure) in the form of a ring gear, which engages in the gear wheel 23 and thus drives the electric generator (not shown) via its drive shaft.

The pivot adjustment device 24 designed as a disc also has a toothed structure (not shown in the figure) in the form of a gear rim on its edge surface facing the axis of rotation X. The gear wheel 25c of the adjusting device 25 engages in this tooth structure and also in a tooth structure on the outer surface of the mast 30a. With a by the adjusting motor 25a (see 2 ) caused rotation of the gear wheel 25c, the pivot adjustment device 24 (and with it preferably the housing 21 and at least some of the components arranged therein) is rotated about the mast 30a or the axis of rotation X. In this way, the marine current power plant can be adapted to flow directions that alternate with tide changes. When the adjusting motor is at a standstill during operation of the marine current power plant, the adjusting device 25 also serves to lock the swivel adjustment device 24.

According to advantageous embodiments, the rotator 16 comprises a forged steel ring. In operation of the marine current power plant, it is preferably by buoyancy body 13 of the rotor arms 11, as in the 1 are shown kept floating on the water surface.

the 4 shows schematically a rotor arm 11 with a carrier device 12, which in the present case has a thickened suspension 12b for connection to a rotator (not shown) by means of two bolts. In the exemplary embodiment shown, four rotor blades 14 are each mounted pivotably about an associated pivot axis V on the carrier device 12; respective bearing journals 14a of the rotor blades 14 each engage in a bearing bush (not shown) in the form of a recess in the carrier device 12 .

The pivoting can be accomplished simultaneously for all rotor blades 14 of the rotor arm 11 by means of a pivoting device 15 embodied here as a push rod, which acts on a respective control pin 14b of each of the rotor blades 14 . By shifting the push rod in the direction of its longitudinal axis, as in the 4 is illustrated by dashed lines, the rotor blades 14 of the rotor arm 11 can be pivoted about their respective pivot axis V simultaneously. A maximum swivel angle γ that can be achieved is preferably limited; compared to a position I, in which the rotor blades are transverse to a longitudinal extension of the rotor arm (unhatched in Fig 4 ) they can preferably be pivoted by +/-45°, at most +/-40° or +/-30°. In 4 a position II after the maximum possible pivoting about the pivoting angle γ of 30° in the present case is represented by shaded rotor blades.

The pivoting device 15 is preferably operated via a control head 15a at its end facing the (not shown) rotator, which engages in a rail or channel functioning as a pivoting adjustment device; this is further below based on the 6b explained in more detail.

the 5 shows a rotor arm 11 of an exemplary ocean current power plant according to the invention in a sectional view along a direction of rotation R of the rotor arm 11 (ie perpendicular to its longitudinal alignment). The rotor arm 11 is shown in an intended use orientation, in which the buoyant body 13 is attached to the support device 12 at the top and the rotor blades, in particular the rotor blade 14 shown, preferably run vertically in relation to their longitudinal orientation.

In particular, in the 5 a rotor blade suspension of the rotor blade 14 on the carrier device Device 12 shown: Bearing pins 14a, 14c at opposite ends of the rotor blade 14 each engage in a bearing bushing 12c, 12d of the carrier device 12. The bearings consisting of the bearing journal 14a, 14c and the bearing bush 12c, 12d preferably run free of any lubricant other than water.

A pivoting device 15 present in the form of a perpendicular to the plane of the 5 The push rod running along engages a control pin 14b at the upper end of the rotor blade 14 and can thus effect pivoting about the pivot axis V, as described above.

In the present case, the rotor blade 14 has an advantageous blade shape with a NACA profile. In particular, it has an elliptical cross-section (perpendicular to the longitudinal orientation). Its blade surfaces are preferably designed as surfaces of a hollow shipbuilding welded construction having frames, at the ends of which the bearing journals 14a, 14c are preferably welded.

The blade surfaces have a length L and a width B given by the distance between a leading edge 14d and a trailing edge 14e of the rotor blade 14. The rotor blade also has a (maximum) thickness D measured in the direction perpendicular to the length L and the width B. The blade width B is preferably selected as a function of a respective length of the associated rotor arm, as is the number of rotor blades and the maximum achievable pivoting angle γ; this can for example be at least 8m, at least 10m or at least 12m and/or at most 16m or at most 13m.

In these cases, the width B of the rotor blades 14 can be between 1 m and 3 m, in particular in the range of 1.5 m to 2.5 m, and/or the thickness D in the range of 20 cm to 60 cm, in particular in the range of 30 cm to 50 cm.

The length L of the blade surfaces (and thus the immersion depth) is preferably matched to a usable water depth (at low water) at the (envisaged) laying position; it can, for example, be 1m to 2m less than this water depth. Embodiments in which the length L is in the range from 6 m to 10 m, in particular in the range from 7 m to 9 m, advantageously allow the marine current power plant 1 to be installed at many suitable laying positions.

For a distance B ₁ of the bearing journals 14a, 14c from the trailing edge 14e, 0.2B≦B ₁ ≦0.3B preferably applies. Alternatively or additionally, a distance B ₂ of the control pin 14b from the trailing edge 14e can preferably be 0.6B≦B ₂ ≦0.9B or even 0.7B≦B ₂ ≦0.8B.

the 6a shows the rotor 10 of a marine current power plant according to the invention viewed along the axis of rotation X; the view thus corresponds to a view from above of the installed marine current power plant. It shows that the rotor 10 in the present case has eight rotor arms 11 fastened to the rotator 16, each with four rotor blades 14, and with a left-hand rotating direction of rotation R as the effective range E has a sector of approximately 270°. The representation of 6a shows the rotor in a coordinate system, in which the effective area E is axisymmetric to the x-axis.

means in the 6a not shown pivoting devices of the rotor arms 11 and also in the 6a not shown swivel adjustment device, the rotor blades 14 can be swiveled into a respective alignment, which depends on a respective current rotational position of the respective rotor arm 11 . In the 6a the respective orbital position is characterized by the angle ∝ between the respective rotor arm 11 and the x-axis; For the sake of clarity, the angle is only indicated for one of the rotor arms 11 in the figure. The y-axis runs in the direction of flow S, with its values increasing in the direction of flow S in the opposite direction. In particular, the angle ∝=0 is in the circulation position 0, in which only back pressure has to be overcome, and the angle ∝=90° is in the circulation position facing the inflow direction.

Respective angles β (of which in the 6a also only one is designated) each indicate, starting from an orientation tangential to the direction of rotation, a pivoting of the rotor blades inwards (i.e. towards the axis of rotation X) or outwards (away from the axis of rotation X). In this case, values β are advantageously set as a function of the revolving position and thus of the angle ∝ according to the following table: a β 0° 0° 45° 15° inwards 90° 30° inwards 135° 30° inwards 180° 30° inwards 225° 0° 270° 30° outwards 315° 15° outwards 360°=0° 0°

In the 6b It is illustrated how a swivel adjustment device 24, presently in the form of a control disk, can adjust the swivel devices 15 of the rotor arms depending on a current rotational position of the respective rotor arm:

For this purpose, the swivel adjustment device 24 has a control groove 24a with a rotationally asymmetrical course about the axis of rotation X, from which in FIG 6b only the sections are shown which belong to those in the 6a shown positions of the rotor arms belong and in each case engages a control head 15a at the end of a pivoting device 15 designed as a push rod. When the rotor rotates via the pivot adjustment device 24, the control heads 15a are thus guided along the control channel 24a about the axis of rotation X and assume different distances from the axis of rotation X in the process. As a result, in the present case, the different respective pivotings of the rotor blades are brought about in accordance with the table above. The directional tendency is in the 6b marked by arrows.

the 7 shows a rotor arm 11 suspended on the rotator 16. A control head 15a at the end of the pivoting device 15, which is shown only partially and schematically for reasons of clarity and is designed here as a push rod, engages in the control channel 24a of the pivoting adjustment device 24. Like in the 7 indicated by a double arrow, rotating the rotator 16 about the axis of rotation X changes its distance from the control head 15a and thus causes a respective adjustment of the pivoting device 15 depending on a respective current rotational position of the respective rotor arm 11, which causes a respective pivoting of the rotor blades 14 implies.

In the embodiment shown, the rotor arm 11 can be pivoted by a deflection angle in the direction parallel to the axis of rotation X (up and down in the present case), which is shown in FIG 7 marked by another double arrow. Such pivoting is caused by wave movements and the buoyant body 13 . The pivoting device 15 is therefore also pivoted accordingly, which is in the 7 is indicated schematically by dashed positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivoting device 15 has a joint; this can be designed in particular as a cardan joint. Alternatively or additionally, the pivoting device 15 is preferably in one plane with the carrier device 12.

In the present case, the ability of the rotor arm to swing out is limited by means of a hydraulic system 17 comprising a hydraulic damper, for example in both directions (up and down) to a maximum of 20° or a maximum of 15°. The hydraulic system 17 is depressed by the respective swinging out of the rotor arm 11 and can thus convert any swell into electrical energy.

An ocean current power plant 1 is disclosed, which comprises an electrical generator 22 and a turbine with a stator 30 and a rotor 10 which can be rotated around the stator for driving the electrical generator 22 . The rotor has a plurality of rotor arms 11, each of which has a carrier device 12 and a plurality of rotor blades 14 pivotably mounted on the carrier device.

Reference List

1

ocean current power plant

10

rotor

11

rotor arm

12

carrier device

12a

connecting brace

12b

suspension

12c, 12d

bearing bush

13

buoyancy body

14

rotor blade

14a, 14c

bearing journal

14b

control pivot

14d

leading edge

14e

trailing edge

15

swivel device

15a

control head

16

central element/ rotator

16a

attack

17

hydraulic system

21

Housing

22

electric generator

22a

drive shaft

23

gear

24

swivel adjustment device

25

adjusting device

25a

variable motor

25b

Wave

25c

gear

26

buoyancy body

27, 28

gear

30

stator

30a

mast

30b

Foot

30c

founding

100

central unit

B

blade width

B1

Distance of the bearing journals from the trailing edge

B2

Distance of the control pin from the trailing edge

D

blade thickness

E

area of effect

G

seabed

L

blade length

R

direction of rotation

S

flow direction

V

pivot axis

W

water surface

X

axis of rotation

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was 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.

Patent Literature Cited

• GB 2431437A [0007]
• DE 102013019229 B4 [0008]
• US 2004/0007881 A1 [0009]

Claims (10)

Marine current power plant (1) comprising an electrical generator (22) and a turbine with a stator (30) and a rotor (10) rotatable around the stator for driving the electrical generator (22), the rotor having a plurality of rotor arms ( 11), each of which has a carrier device (12) and a plurality of rotor blades (14) pivotably mounted on the carrier device. Marine current power plant according to claim 1 , wherein one, several or each of the rotor arms (11) comprises a pivoting device (15) which is set up to pivot several or all rotor blades (14) of the respective rotor arm (11) simultaneously. Marine current power plant according to claim 2 , wherein the marine current power plant also comprises a swivel adjustment device (24) which is set up to adjust the swivel device/s (15) depending on a current rotational position of the respective rotor arm (11). Marine current power plant according to one of the preceding claims, which also comprises an adjustment device (25) which is set up to adjust the marine current power plant to flow directions (S) alternating with tide changes. Marine current power plant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one, several or each of the rotor arms (11) is pivotably attached to a central element (16) of the rotor in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation (X) of the rotor (10). Marine current power plant according to claim 5 , which comprises at least one wave generator in the form of a hydraulic system (17), which is set up to be pressed by respective pivoting of the rotor arm / rotor arms (11) and thus to convert a respective wave energy into electrical energy. Ocean current power plant according to one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more buoyancy bodies (13, 26) which is/are set up to keep one or more elements of the ocean current power plant (1) floating on a water surface (W). Marine current power plant according to claim 7 , wherein the one buoyancy body (13) or at least one of the plurality of buoyancy bodies (13) is fixed to the carrier device (12) of a respective one of the rotor arms (11). Marine current power plant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stator (30) is rigid. Marine current power plant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stator (30) comprises a mast (30a) with a base (30b) for anchoring to the seabed (G) or to a foundation (30c).

Images