EP1466091A1 - Device for using wave energy - Google Patents

Device for using wave energy

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Publication number
EP1466091A1
EP1466091A1 EP03717334A EP03717334A EP1466091A1 EP 1466091 A1 EP1466091 A1 EP 1466091A1 EP 03717334 A EP03717334 A EP 03717334A EP 03717334 A EP03717334 A EP 03717334A EP 1466091 A1 EP1466091 A1 EP 1466091A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cylinder
hydraulic
pulley
energy
connecting elements
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP03717334A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Alain Larivain
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1466091A1 publication Critical patent/EP1466091A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
    • F03B13/14—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy
    • F03B13/16—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem"
    • F03B13/18—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem" where the other member, i.e. rem is fixed, at least at one point, with respect to the sea bed or shore
    • F03B13/1885—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem" where the other member, i.e. rem is fixed, at least at one point, with respect to the sea bed or shore and the wom is tied to the rem
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device making it possible to transform the motive energy of the swell usually called vagomotor energy into exploitable energy such as, for example, electrical energy.
  • Electricity is historically and essentially produced from high-fall or low-drop hydraulic dams, fossil-fired thermal power plants, nuclear reactors, tidal power plants, geothermal duplicates, wind or solar systems. These systems, all of which are not efficient or economical when we consider the entire transformation chain leading to the electricity consumer, are in addition for some very polluting or, for others, generate only low quantities of electricity at a high cost. The vast majority of these systems occupy a more or less expensive and scarce land area depending on the location with sometimes industrial risks for the neighborhood.
  • remote sites are currently mainly supplied by diesel-electric power stations which occupy a non-negligible part of the available space, or variable site loads as in the case of "offshore” oil industry.
  • Their fuel supply is all the more expensive and sometimes sensitive to unfavorable weather conditions or to various logistical problems.
  • wave energy which is capable of producing substantial amounts of electricity at a economic cost.
  • the invention therefore more particularly aims to fill this gap by means of a wave energy transformation device implementing a floating device connected to the sea floor by a specific anchor and comprising means for convert the vertical displacements of the device with respect to said bottom into exploitable mechanical and / or hydraulic energy which can, for example, be converted into electrical energy.
  • the conversion means used will be located on the floating support of the device.
  • the anchoring may then comprise, on the one hand, a first flexible connecting element connected by one of its ends to the conversion means and by its other end to a second flexible connecting element such as, for example, a cable , a chain, or even a rigid one such as, for example, a tube or a mixed system, itself anchored to the bottom of the sea and possibly kept in suspension by buoys.
  • These conversion means may consist of a closed-loop hydraulic circuit, integral with the floating support, the circulation of the hydraulic fluid inside this circuit being ensured by means of a pumping mechanism actuated by the above-mentioned connecting elements.
  • this hydraulic circuit will include suitable conversion means, for converting the hydraulic energy of said circuit for example into electrical energy.
  • the device according to the invention makes it possible to produce substantial quantities of electricity without generating pollution or using, for its operation, from non-renewable energy sources: the device essentially recovers the motive energy of a body of water, subject to the effects of swell and waves, known as an oscillating water column, vertically moving the floating support according to a cycle which is a function of the period, the wavelength, the amplitude of the swell and the importance of the dimensioning of the floating support.
  • the hydraulic circuit may successively comprise, in the direction of circulation of the hydraulic fluid: a buffer tank of fluid at low pressure, or even at atmospheric pressure, an intake manifold with an automated non-return valve to the cylinder of a jack, the piston of which is mounted to slide freely inside this cylinder, and which has a supply port and a fluid discharge port, a cylinder fluid discharge pipe with automated valve for non-return valve, a high pressure pneumatic tank, and a fluid evacuation pipe from the tank with an automated non-return valve to a hydraulic motor, a hydraulic motor evacuation pipe with an automated non-return valve to the above buffer tank.
  • a buffer tank of fluid at low pressure, or even at atmospheric pressure an intake manifold with an automated non-return valve to the cylinder of a jack, the piston of which is mounted to slide freely inside this cylinder, and which has a supply port and a fluid discharge port, a cylinder fluid discharge pipe with automated valve for non-return valve, a high pressure pneumatic tank, and a fluid evacuation pipe from the
  • the jack has pulleys at each of its ends allowing the cable to be wound around the jack.
  • the piston At the start of a swell cycle, for example in the low position of the floating support, the piston is in the deployed position and the volume of the cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid.
  • a feature of the device is that when the float moves vertically towards the crest of the swell, the cable, connected to the seabed on the one hand and fixed to the floating support on the other hand, undergoes a tension equivalent to the thrust exerted on the floating support by the oscillating water column. It therefore applies a force to the piston, which causes the expulsion of the fluid from the cylinder to the high pressure pneumatic tank described above.
  • the device During the rising phase of the floating support under the effect of the swell, the device therefore has the effect of transforming the motive energy of the swell into hydraulic energy and of accumulating it in the pneumatic reservoir at high pressure, adjustable according to criteria predefined by the operator, then transform this hydraulic energy into rotary energy by evacuating the fluid from the high pressure tank, to a hydraulic motor.
  • the hydraulic motor drives an electricity generator.
  • the high pressure pneumatic tank can optionally be supplied by several similar cylinders in parallel so as to increase the capacity and the flow rate as a function of the floating support gauge, the energy potential of the site and the capacity of the hydraulic installation.
  • the fluid from the low pressure buffer tank fills the cylinder by gravity or possibly with the help of a small centrifugal pump or a low pressure tank so as to repel the piston in the deployed position.
  • the device is then ready to undergo the action of a new wave cycle.
  • the device also includes ancillary elements such as an automatic valve regulation system operating in phase with the swell cycle and means for anchoring to the seabed such as concrete weights or dark or bored piles depending on the site and the importance of the installation.
  • the floating support can consist of a simple box of modest dimensions, made of steel or concrete, a barge or even a ship of large tonnages depending on the size of the hydraulic system and the importance of electrical production. possible on the chosen site, depending on the swell characteristics of said site.
  • the device according to the invention is particularly intended for the production of electricity from floating mobile units making it possible to supply industrial or hotel installations "offshore” or coastal installations, which would be connected to it by an underwater electric cable , thereby reducing the use of non-renewable energy.
  • the greater or lesser depth of water of a site is not limiting for the device since it allows the floating of the chosen floating support, leaving sufficient free space for the specific anchoring of the device under the hull. In the case of shallow water depths, a rigid variant of the anchoring system can be considered.
  • the single figure is a schematic representation making it possible to illustrate the principle of a device according to the invention.
  • the floating support 1 is shown schematically in solid lines by a sealed box of parallelepipedal shape provided with a vertical central well passing through P.
  • this box performs an up / down movement alternately between the high position (level N ⁇ , indicated in solid lines (the water level N 1 corresponding to the crest of the swell) and a low position (level N 2 ), shown partially in broken lines (the water level N 2 corresponding to the hollows of the swell).
  • This floating support 1 has a size chosen according to the energy potential of the site. It can be maintained in a horizontal position by a conventional catenary anchor, not shown in the drawing if necessary.
  • the device is connected to the bottom of the sea by at least one cable 2 specific to the device, which is connected by one of its ends 3 to a system of chains or tubes 4 anchored on the sea bottom F of adequately.
  • This cable 2 passes through the well P and is fixed by its other end (anchor 5) on the floating support 1, after winding around a deformable assembly comprising a jack 6 whose cylinder 7 is integral with the floating support 1 and whose the piston 8 slides freely inside the cylinder 7.
  • the jack 6 is provided at each of its ends with one or more pulleys G 1? G 2 (respectively mounted on the rod of said piston 8 and on the cylinder 7) having the effect of increasing the force of the cable 2 on the jack 6 in the manner of a hoist and of reducing the necessary stroke of the piston 8 when the floating support 1 moves to its high position (level N]) under the effect of the swell.
  • the single figure comprises a second device, partially shown, comprising a cable 2 ', a pulley G' 2 and the anchor 5 ', a cylinder 6' comprising a cylinder 7 'and a piston 8'.
  • the number of windings of the cable 2 around the pulleys GG 2 is determined as a function of parameters such as the maximum foreseeable swell height, the working pressure of the high pressure tank, the available stroke of the piston 8, the section of the piston 8, the operating voltage of cable 2 and, if applicable, the maximum amplitude of the tide.
  • a mechanical adjustment of the length of the cable 2, using a winch not indicated in the drawing, may be provided at the level of the anchorage 5 of the cable 2 with the floating support 1.
  • this reservoir 14 can receive the flow of several jacks 6 (inputs Ei, E 2 , the input E 2 being connected to the cylinder 6 'by the pipe 13') to supply a hydraulic motor. at high pressure 16, by a pipe 17 provided with an automated non-return valve Vj ⁇ .
  • the leakage flow from the hydraulic motor 16 is evacuated through a pipe 18 provided with an automated non-return valve V ⁇ to a buffer tank 19, at low pressure or at atmospheric pressure.
  • This buffer tank 19 completes the cycle by supplying the cylinder 7 of the cylinder 6 by gravity through a supply pipe 20 provided with an automated non-return valve V n or, alternatively, using a low pressure tank or a small centrifugal pump not shown in the drawing, so as to push the piston 8 into the deployed position (position indicated by the reference 12) during the movement of the floating support 1 towards its low position (level N 2 ) in the hollow of the swell.
  • the piston 8 does not have to compensate for the weight of the specific anchoring system 4 which is taken up by flotation elements not shown in the drawing but, only the mechanical friction, the hydraulic losses and a very short length of the cable 2 between the level of the axis of the pulleys G 2 and the level of the end of the cable 2.
  • the successive movements of the floating support 1 will activate the jack 6 under the action of the cable 2 like a piston pump and maintain the circulation pressure in the high pressure pneumatic tank 14.
  • the hydraulic motor 16 can thus drive an electric generator 21 permanently under the effect of the swell.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a device comprising means for converting the vertical movements of a floating apparatus connected to the seabed, into exploitable energy. Said device comprises a first flexible linking element (2) acting on a hydraulic cylinder (7) mounted in a hydraulic circuit including a high pressure tank (14) and a hydraulic motor (16), and a second linking element (4) enabling said apparatus to be anchored. The vertical movements of the floating apparatus generate in a hydraulic circuit a rate flow and/or pressure variation enabling said hydraulic motor (16) to be driven in rotation.

Description

DISPOSITIF POUR L'EXPLOITATION DE LΕNERGIE MOTRICE DE LA HOULE.DEVICE FOR THE EXPLOITATION OF DRIVE ENERGY.
La présente invention concerne un dispositif permettant de transformer l'énergie motrice de la houle habituellement appelée énergie vagomotrice en une énergie exploitable telle que, par exemple, l'énergie électrique.The present invention relates to a device making it possible to transform the motive energy of the swell usually called vagomotor energy into exploitable energy such as, for example, electrical energy.
L'électricité est historiquement et essentiellement produite à partir de barrages hydrauliques de haute chute ou de basse chute, de centrales thermiques à énergie fossile, de réacteurs nucléaires, d'usines marémotrices, de doublons géothermiques, de systèmes éoliens ou solaires. Ces systèmes dont tous ne sont pas performants ou économiques lorsque l'on considère l'ensemble de la chaîne de transformation aboutissant au consommateur d'électricité, sont en plus pour certains très polluants ou, pour d'autres, n'engendrent que de faibles quantités d'électricité à un coût élevé. La grande majorité de ces systèmes occupe une surface foncière plus ou moins coûteuse et rare selon le lieu avec parfois des risques industriels pour le voisinage. De plus, certains sites éloignés (îles, champs pétroliers "offshore") sont actuellement principalement alimentés par des centrales diesel-électriques qui occupent une part non négligeable de l'espace disponible, ou des charges variables du site comme dans le cas de l'industrie pétrolière "offshore". Leur approvisionnement en fuel est d'autant plus coûteux et parfois sensible à des conditions météorologiques défavorables ou à des problèmes divers de logistique. Bien que quelques systèmes permettant de récupérer l'énergie des océans soient actuellement en cours d'étude ou de développement technologique, il n'existe aucun système utilisant l'énergie de la houle qui soit capable de produire des quantités substantielles d'électricité à un coût économique.Electricity is historically and essentially produced from high-fall or low-drop hydraulic dams, fossil-fired thermal power plants, nuclear reactors, tidal power plants, geothermal duplicates, wind or solar systems. These systems, all of which are not efficient or economical when we consider the entire transformation chain leading to the electricity consumer, are in addition for some very polluting or, for others, generate only low quantities of electricity at a high cost. The vast majority of these systems occupy a more or less expensive and scarce land area depending on the location with sometimes industrial risks for the neighborhood. In addition, some remote sites (islands, "offshore" oil fields) are currently mainly supplied by diesel-electric power stations which occupy a non-negligible part of the available space, or variable site loads as in the case of "offshore" oil industry. Their fuel supply is all the more expensive and sometimes sensitive to unfavorable weather conditions or to various logistical problems. Although some systems for recovering energy from the oceans are currently under study or technological development, there is no system using wave energy which is capable of producing substantial amounts of electricity at a economic cost.
L'invention a donc plus particulièrement pour but de combler cette lacune au moyen d'un dispositif de transformation de l'énergie de la houle mettant en œuvre un appareil flottant relié au fond de la mer par un ancrage spécifique et comportant des moyens permettant de convertir les déplacements verticaux de l'appareil par rapport audit fond en une énergie mécanique et/ou hydraulique exploitable pouvant par exemple être convertie en une énergie électrique.The invention therefore more particularly aims to fill this gap by means of a wave energy transformation device implementing a floating device connected to the sea floor by a specific anchor and comprising means for convert the vertical displacements of the device with respect to said bottom into exploitable mechanical and / or hydraulic energy which can, for example, be converted into electrical energy.
Avantageusement, les moyens de conversion utilisés seront situés sur le support flottant de l'appareil. L'ancrage pourra alors comprendre, d'une part, un premier élément de liaison souple relié par l'une de ses extrémités aux moyens de conversion et par son autre extrémité à un second élément de liaison souple tel que, par exemple, un câble, une chaîne, voire même rigide tel que, par exemple, un tube ou un système mixte, lui-même ancré au fond de la mer et éventuellement maintenu en suspension par des bouées de flottaison.Advantageously, the conversion means used will be located on the floating support of the device. The anchoring may then comprise, on the one hand, a first flexible connecting element connected by one of its ends to the conversion means and by its other end to a second flexible connecting element such as, for example, a cable , a chain, or even a rigid one such as, for example, a tube or a mixed system, itself anchored to the bottom of the sea and possibly kept in suspension by buoys.
Ces moyens de conversion pourront consister en un circuit hydraulique en boucle fermée, solidaire du support flottant, la circulation du fluide hydraulique à l'intérieur de ce circuit étant assurée au moyen d'un mécanisme de pompage actionné par les susdits éléments de liaison.These conversion means may consist of a closed-loop hydraulic circuit, integral with the floating support, the circulation of the hydraulic fluid inside this circuit being ensured by means of a pumping mechanism actuated by the above-mentioned connecting elements.
Bien entendu, ce circuit hydraulique comprendra des moyens de conversion appropriés, pour convertir l'énergie hydraulique dudit circuit par exemple en énergie électrique.Of course, this hydraulic circuit will include suitable conversion means, for converting the hydraulic energy of said circuit for example into electrical energy.
Grâce à ces dispositions, le dispositif selon l'invention permet de produire des quantités substantielles d'électricité sans générer de pollution ni utiliser, pour son fonctionnement, de sources d'énergies non renouvelables : le dispositif récupère essentiellement l'énergie motrice d'une masse d'eau, soumise aux effets de la houle et des vagues, dite colonne d'eau oscillante, déplaçant verticalement le support flottant selon un cycle qui est fonction de la période, de la longueur d'onde, de l'amplitude de la houle et de l'importance du dimensionnement du support flottant.Thanks to these arrangements, the device according to the invention makes it possible to produce substantial quantities of electricity without generating pollution or using, for its operation, from non-renewable energy sources: the device essentially recovers the motive energy of a body of water, subject to the effects of swell and waves, known as an oscillating water column, vertically moving the floating support according to a cycle which is a function of the period, the wavelength, the amplitude of the swell and the importance of the dimensioning of the floating support.
D'une façon plus précise, le circuit hydraulique pourra comprendre successivement dans le sens de circulation du fluide hydraulique : un réservoir tampon de fluide à basse pression, voire à pression atmosphérique, une tubulure d'admission avec vanne automatisée de non-retour vers le cylindre d'un vérin, dont le piston monté coulissant librement à l'intérieur de ce cylindre, et qui possède un orifice d'alimentation et un orifice d'évacuation de fluide, une tubulure d'évacuation de fluide du cylindre avec vanne automatisée de non-retour, un réservoir pneumatique haute pression, et une tubulure d'évacuation de fluide du réservoir avec vanne automatisée de non-retour vers un moteur hydraulique, une tubulure d'évacuation du moteur hydraulique avec vanne automatisée de non-retour vers le susdit réservoir tampon.More precisely, the hydraulic circuit may successively comprise, in the direction of circulation of the hydraulic fluid: a buffer tank of fluid at low pressure, or even at atmospheric pressure, an intake manifold with an automated non-return valve to the cylinder of a jack, the piston of which is mounted to slide freely inside this cylinder, and which has a supply port and a fluid discharge port, a cylinder fluid discharge pipe with automated valve for non-return valve, a high pressure pneumatic tank, and a fluid evacuation pipe from the tank with an automated non-return valve to a hydraulic motor, a hydraulic motor evacuation pipe with an automated non-return valve to the above buffer tank.
Le vérin possède à chacune de ses extrémités des poulies permettant l'enroulement du câble autour du vérin. Au début d'un cycle de houle, par exemple en position basse du support flottant, le piston est en position déployée et le volume du cylindre rempli par un fluide hydraulique.The jack has pulleys at each of its ends allowing the cable to be wound around the jack. At the start of a swell cycle, for example in the low position of the floating support, the piston is in the deployed position and the volume of the cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid.
Une caractéristique du dispositif est que lorsque le flotteur se déplace verticalement vers la crête de la houle, le câble, relié au fond de la mer d'une part et fixé au support flottant d'autre part, subit une tension équivalente à la poussée exercée sur le support flottant par la colonne d'eau oscillante. Il applique par conséquent une force sur le piston, lequel entraîne l'expulsion du fluide du cylindre vers le réservoir pneumatique à haute pression décrit ci- dessus. Pendant la phase de montée du support flottant sous l'effet de la houle, le dispositif a donc pour effet de transformer l'énergie motrice de la houle en énergie hydraulique et de l'accumuler dans le réservoir pneumatique à haute pression, réglable selon des critères prédéfinis par l'opérateur, puis de transformer cette énergie hydraulique en énergie rotative par évacuation du fluide du réservoir haute pression, vers un moteur hydraulique. Simultanément, le moteur hydraulique entraîne un générateur d'électricité. Le réservoir pneumatique à haute pression peut éventuellement être alimenté par plusieurs vérins similaires en parallèle de manière à en augmenter la capacité et le débit en fonction de la jauge du support flottant, du potentiel énergétique du site et de la capacité de l'installation hydraulique.A feature of the device is that when the float moves vertically towards the crest of the swell, the cable, connected to the seabed on the one hand and fixed to the floating support on the other hand, undergoes a tension equivalent to the thrust exerted on the floating support by the oscillating water column. It therefore applies a force to the piston, which causes the expulsion of the fluid from the cylinder to the high pressure pneumatic tank described above. During the rising phase of the floating support under the effect of the swell, the device therefore has the effect of transforming the motive energy of the swell into hydraulic energy and of accumulating it in the pneumatic reservoir at high pressure, adjustable according to criteria predefined by the operator, then transform this hydraulic energy into rotary energy by evacuating the fluid from the high pressure tank, to a hydraulic motor. At the same time, the hydraulic motor drives an electricity generator. The high pressure pneumatic tank can optionally be supplied by several similar cylinders in parallel so as to increase the capacity and the flow rate as a function of the floating support gauge, the energy potential of the site and the capacity of the hydraulic installation.
Pendant la phase de descente du support flottant vers le creux de la houle, le fluide du réservoir tampon basse pression remplit le cylindre par gravité ou éventuellement avec l'aide d'une petite pompe centrifuge ou d'un réservoir basse pression de manière à repousser le piston en position déployée. Le dispositif est alors prêt à subir l'action d'un nouveau cycle de houle. Le dispositif comprend également des éléments annexes tels qu'un système de régulation automatique des vannes fonctionnant en phase avec le cycle de la houle et des moyens d'ancrage sur le fond sous-marin tels que des lests en béton ou des pieux foncés ou forés selon le site et l'importance de l'installation.During the descent phase of the floating support towards the hollow of the swell, the fluid from the low pressure buffer tank fills the cylinder by gravity or possibly with the help of a small centrifugal pump or a low pressure tank so as to repel the piston in the deployed position. The device is then ready to undergo the action of a new wave cycle. The device also includes ancillary elements such as an automatic valve regulation system operating in phase with the swell cycle and means for anchoring to the seabed such as concrete weights or dark or bored piles depending on the site and the importance of the installation.
A titre d'exemple, le support flottant peut consister en un simple caisson de dimensions modestes, en acier ou en béton, en une barge voire même en un navire de tonnages importants selon la taille du système hydraulique et l'importance de la production électrique envisageable sur le site choisi, en fonction des caractéristiques de la houle dudit site. Le dispositif selon l'invention est particulièrement destiné à la production d'électricité à partir d'unités mobiles flottantes permettant d'alimenter des installations industrielles ou hôtelières "offshore" ou des installations côtières, qui y seraient connectées par un câble électrique sous-marin, en allégeant d'autant l'utilisation d'énergies non renouvelables.For example, the floating support can consist of a simple box of modest dimensions, made of steel or concrete, a barge or even a ship of large tonnages depending on the size of the hydraulic system and the importance of electrical production. possible on the chosen site, depending on the swell characteristics of said site. The device according to the invention is particularly intended for the production of electricity from floating mobile units making it possible to supply industrial or hotel installations "offshore" or coastal installations, which would be connected to it by an underwater electric cable , thereby reducing the use of non-renewable energy.
La plus ou moins grande profondeur d'eau d'un site n'est pas limitative pour le dispositif dès lors qu'elle permet la flottaison du support flottant choisi en laissant un espace libre suffisant pour l'ancrage spécifique du dispositif sous la coque. Dans le cas de faibles profondeurs d'eau, une variante rigide du système d'ancrage peut être envisagée.The greater or lesser depth of water of a site is not limiting for the device since it allows the floating of the chosen floating support, leaving sufficient free space for the specific anchoring of the device under the hull. In the case of shallow water depths, a rigid variant of the anchoring system can be considered.
Un mode d'exécution de l'invention sera décrit ci-après, à titre d'exemple non limitatif, avec référence au dessin annexé dans lequel :An embodiment of the invention will be described below, by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended drawing in which:
La figure unique est une représentation schématique permettant d'illustrer le principe d'un dispositif selon l'invention.The single figure is a schematic representation making it possible to illustrate the principle of a device according to the invention.
Sur ce dessin, le support flottant 1 est représenté schématiquement en traits pleins par un caisson étanche de forme parallélépipédique muni d'un puits central vertical traversant P.In this drawing, the floating support 1 is shown schematically in solid lines by a sealed box of parallelepipedal shape provided with a vertical central well passing through P.
Sous l'effet de la houle, ce caisson effectue alternativement un mouvement ascendant/descendant entre la position haute (niveau N^, indiquée en traits pleins (le niveau d'eau N1 correspondant à la crête de la houle) et une position basse (niveau N2), représentée partiellement en traits interrompus (le niveau d'eau N2 correspondant aux creux de la houle).Under the effect of the swell, this box performs an up / down movement alternately between the high position (level N ^, indicated in solid lines (the water level N 1 corresponding to the crest of the swell) and a low position (level N 2 ), shown partially in broken lines (the water level N 2 corresponding to the hollows of the swell).
Ce support flottant 1 présente une taille choisie en fonction du potentiel énergétique du site. Il peut être maintenu en position horizontale par un ancrage caténaire classique, non représenté sur le dessin si nécessaire.This floating support 1 has a size chosen according to the energy potential of the site. It can be maintained in a horizontal position by a conventional catenary anchor, not shown in the drawing if necessary.
Par ailleurs, il est relié au fond de la mer par au moins un câble 2 spécifique au dispositif, qui est connecté par l'une de ses extrémités 3 à un système de chaînes ou de tubes 4 ancrés sur le fond de la mer F de manière adéquate. Ce câble 2 passe par le puits P et vient se fixer par son autre extrémité (ancrage 5) sur le support flottant 1, après enroulement autour d'un ensemble déformable comprenant un vérin 6 dont le cylindre 7 est solidaire du support flottant 1 et dont le piston 8 coulisse librement à l'intérieur du cylindre 7.Furthermore, it is connected to the bottom of the sea by at least one cable 2 specific to the device, which is connected by one of its ends 3 to a system of chains or tubes 4 anchored on the sea bottom F of adequately. This cable 2 passes through the well P and is fixed by its other end (anchor 5) on the floating support 1, after winding around a deformable assembly comprising a jack 6 whose cylinder 7 is integral with the floating support 1 and whose the piston 8 slides freely inside the cylinder 7.
Le vérin 6 est muni à chacune de ses extrémités d'une ou plusieurs poulies G1? G2 (respectivement montées sur la tige dudit piston 8 et sur le cylindre 7) ayant pour effet de démultiplier l'effort du câble 2 sur le vérin 6 à la manière d'un palan et de réduire la course nécessaire du piston 8 lorsque le support flottant 1 se déplace vers sa position haute (niveau N]) sous l'effet de la houle.The jack 6 is provided at each of its ends with one or more pulleys G 1? G 2 (respectively mounted on the rod of said piston 8 and on the cylinder 7) having the effect of increasing the force of the cable 2 on the jack 6 in the manner of a hoist and of reducing the necessary stroke of the piston 8 when the floating support 1 moves to its high position (level N]) under the effect of the swell.
Plusieurs de ces dispositifs peuvent être installés en parallèle sur le même support flottant 1 de manière à récupérer une énergie plus importante.Several of these devices can be installed in parallel on the same floating support 1 so as to recover greater energy.
La figure unique comprend un deuxième appareil, partiellement représenté, comprenant un câble 2', une poulie G'2 et l'ancrage 5', un vérin 6' comportant un cylindre 7' et un piston 8'.The single figure comprises a second device, partially shown, comprising a cable 2 ', a pulley G' 2 and the anchor 5 ', a cylinder 6' comprising a cylinder 7 'and a piston 8'.
Le nombre d'enroulements du câble 2 autour des poulies G G2 est déterminé en fonction de paramètres tels que la hauteur maximum de houle prévisible, la pression de service du réservoir haute pression, la course disponible du piston 8, la section du piston 8, la tension de service du câble 2 et le cas échéant, l'amplitude maximum de la marée. Cependant, si cette dernière est très importante un ajustement mécanique de la longueur du câble 2, à l'aide d'un treuil non indiqué sur le dessin, pourra être prévu au niveau de l'ancrage 5 du câble 2 avec le support flottant 1.The number of windings of the cable 2 around the pulleys GG 2 is determined as a function of parameters such as the maximum foreseeable swell height, the working pressure of the high pressure tank, the available stroke of the piston 8, the section of the piston 8, the operating voltage of cable 2 and, if applicable, the maximum amplitude of the tide. However, if the latter is very important, a mechanical adjustment of the length of the cable 2, using a winch not indicated in the drawing, may be provided at the level of the anchorage 5 of the cable 2 with the floating support 1.
Lorsque le support flottant 1 est en position initiale basse (niveau N2) le vérin 6 est complètement déployé (position indiquée par la référence 12). Lorsque le support flottant 1 est soulevé sous l'action de la houle (niveau Ni), vers la crête de cette dernière, le câble 2 se tend pour compenser l'augmentation de la hauteur d'eau entre la position basse de départ (niveau N2) du support flottant et sa position haute (niveau Ni). L'application de la force qui en résulte sur le piston 8 comprime ce dernier en expulsant le fluide hydraulique au travers d'une tubulure d'échappement 13 équipée d'une vanne de non retour Vnι, vers un réservoir pneumatique 14 à haute pression dès que la pression exercée par le piston dépasse la pression de service du réservoir haute pression, jusqu'à ce que le vérin 6 soit en position comprimée (position indiquée par la référence 15).When the floating support 1 is in the initial low position (level N 2 ) the jack 6 is fully deployed (position indicated by the reference 12). When the floating support 1 is lifted under the action of the swell (level Ni), towards the crest of the latter, the cable 2 stretches to compensate for the increase in the water height between the low starting position (level N 2 ) of the floating support and its high position (level Ni). The application of the resulting force on the piston 8 compresses the latter by expelling the hydraulic fluid through an exhaust pipe 13 equipped with a non-return valve V n ι, towards a pneumatic reservoir 14 at high pressure as soon as the pressure exerted by the piston exceeds the operating pressure of the high pressure tank, until the cylinder 6 is in the compressed position (position indicated by the reference 15).
En fonction de la taille du support flottant 1, ce réservoir 14 peut recevoir le débit de plusieurs vérins 6 (entrées Ei, E2, l'entrée E2 étant raccordée au cylindre 6' par la tubulure 13') pour alimenter un moteur hydraulique à haute pression 16, par une tubulure 17 munie d'une vanne automatisée de non-retour Vjβ. Le débit de fuite du moteur hydraulique 16 est évacué par une tubulure 18 munie d'une vanne automatisée de non-retour V^ vers un réservoir tampon 19, à basse pression ou à pression atmosphérique. Ce réservoir tampon 19 complète le cycle en alimentant le cylindre 7 du vérin 6 par gravité au travers d'une tubulure d'alimentation 20 munie d'une vanne automatisée de non-retour Vn ou, alternativement, à l'aide d'un réservoir basse pression ou d'une petite pompe centrifuge non représentés sur le dessin, de manière à repousser le piston 8 en position déployée (position indiquée par la référence 12) pendant le déplacement du support flottant 1 vers sa position basse (niveau N2) dans le creux de la houle. Il est rappelé que le piston 8 n'a pas à compenser le poids du système spécifique d'ancrage 4 qui est repris par des éléments de flottaison non représentés sur le dessin mais, seulement les frottements mécaniques, les pertes hydrauliques et une très faible longueur du câble 2 comprise entre le niveau de l'axe des poulies G2 et le niveau de l'extrémité du câble 2. Les mouvements successifs du support flottant 1 vont activer le vérin 6 sous l'action du câble 2 comme une pompe à piston et maintenir la pression de circulation dans le réservoir pneumatique haute pression 14. Le moteur hydraulique 16 peut ainsi entraîner un générateur électrique 21 en permanence sous l'effet de la houle. Depending on the size of the floating support 1, this reservoir 14 can receive the flow of several jacks 6 (inputs Ei, E 2 , the input E 2 being connected to the cylinder 6 'by the pipe 13') to supply a hydraulic motor. at high pressure 16, by a pipe 17 provided with an automated non-return valve Vjβ. The leakage flow from the hydraulic motor 16 is evacuated through a pipe 18 provided with an automated non-return valve V ^ to a buffer tank 19, at low pressure or at atmospheric pressure. This buffer tank 19 completes the cycle by supplying the cylinder 7 of the cylinder 6 by gravity through a supply pipe 20 provided with an automated non-return valve V n or, alternatively, using a low pressure tank or a small centrifugal pump not shown in the drawing, so as to push the piston 8 into the deployed position (position indicated by the reference 12) during the movement of the floating support 1 towards its low position (level N 2 ) in the hollow of the swell. It is recalled that the piston 8 does not have to compensate for the weight of the specific anchoring system 4 which is taken up by flotation elements not shown in the drawing but, only the mechanical friction, the hydraulic losses and a very short length of the cable 2 between the level of the axis of the pulleys G 2 and the level of the end of the cable 2. The successive movements of the floating support 1 will activate the jack 6 under the action of the cable 2 like a piston pump and maintain the circulation pressure in the high pressure pneumatic tank 14. The hydraulic motor 16 can thus drive an electric generator 21 permanently under the effect of the swell.

Claims

Revendications claims
1. Dispositif permettant la transformation de l'énergie de la houle au moyen d'un appareil flottant relié au fond de la mer par un ancrage et comportant des moyens permettant de convertir les déplacements verticaux du susdit appareil par rapport audit fond en une énergie exploitable, caractérisé en ce que ledit ancrage comprend au moins une première paire d'éléments de liaison souples (2, 2') agissant sur une paire de vérins hydrauliques (7, 7') montés dans un circuit hydraulique incluant un moteur hydraulique (16) de manière à ce que l'action de l'élément de liaison sur les vérins lors des déplacements verticaux de l'appareil, engendre dans le circuit hydraulique une variation de débit et/ou de pression permettant l'entraînement en rotation dudit moteur hydraulique (16).1. Device allowing the transformation of the energy of the swell by means of a floating device connected to the bottom of the sea by an anchorage and comprising means making it possible to convert the vertical displacements of the above-mentioned device relative to said bottom into exploitable energy , characterized in that said anchor comprises at least a first pair of flexible connecting elements (2, 2 ') acting on a pair of hydraulic cylinders (7, 7') mounted in a hydraulic circuit including a hydraulic motor (16) so that the action of the connecting element on the jacks during vertical movements of the device, generates in the hydraulic circuit a variation in flow and / or pressure allowing the rotary drive of said hydraulic motor ( 16).
2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que les vérins hydrauliques sont munis à chacune de leurs extrémités d'une ou plusieurs poulies (Gi, G2> G'i, G'2) autour desquelles circulent lesdits éléments de liaison (2, 2').2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the hydraulic cylinders are provided at each of their ends with one or more pulleys (Gi, G 2> G'i, G ' 2 ) around which circulate said connecting elements ( 2, 2 ').
3. Dispositif selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que les éléments de liaison (2, 2') sont fixés par l'une de leurs extrémités à des moyens d'ancrage (5, 5') solidaires de la structure de l'appareil.3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the connecting elements (2, 2 ') are fixed by one of their ends to anchoring means (5, 5') integral with the structure of the apparatus.
4. Dispositif selon la revendication 3 , caractérisé en ce que les susdits moyens d'ancrage (5, 5') comprennent un treuil permettant d'ajuster le système de liaison en fonction de l'amplitude de la marée. 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the above anchoring means (5, 5 ') comprise a winch for adjusting the connection system according to the amplitude of the tide.
5. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que l'autre extrémité des éléments de liaison (2, 2') est reliée à un second élément de liaison souple ou rigide (4) ancré au fond de la mer et éventuellement maintenu par des bouées de flottaison.5. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the other end of the connecting elements (2, 2 ') is connected to a second flexible or rigid connecting element (4) anchored to the sea bottom and possibly maintained by flotation buoys.
6. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le vérin (6) comprend un cylindre (7) solidaire de la structure de l'appareil, au moins une première poulie (G2) solidaire du fond du cylindre (7) et un piston (8) dont la tige porte au moins une deuxième poulie (Gi), l'ensemble constitué par ledit vérin et lesdites poulies constituant un palan autour duquel passe ledit premier élément de liaison (2).6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the jack (6) comprises a cylinder (7) secured to the structure of the device, at least a first pulley (G 2 ) secured to the bottom of the cylinder ( 7) and a piston (8), the rod of which carries at least a second pulley (Gi), the assembly constituted by said cylinder and said pulleys constituting a hoist around which passes said first connecting element (2).
7. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le vérin (6') comprend un cylindre (7') solidaire de la structure de l'appareil, au moins une première poulie (G'2) solidaire du fond du cylindre (7') et un piston (8') dont la tige porte au moins une deuxième poulie (G'i), l'ensemble constitué par ledit vérin et lesdites poulies constituant un palan autour duquel passe ledit premier élément de liaison (2').7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the jack (6 ') comprises a cylinder (7') secured to the structure of the device, at least a first pulley (G ' 2 ) secured to the bottom of the cylinder (7 ') and a piston (8'), the rod of which carries at least a second pulley (G'i), the assembly constituted by said jack and said pulleys constituting a hoist around which passes said first connecting element ( 2 ').
8. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'appareil comprend plusieurs vérins raccordés à un même circuit hydraulique et associés à plusieurs éléments de liaison souples respectifs raccordés à un élément de liaison commun ancré au fond de la mer.8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises several jacks connected to the same hydraulic circuit and associated with several respective flexible connection elements connected to a common connection element anchored to the seabed.
9. Dispositif selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que l'appareil comprend un puits central (P) traversant autour duquel sont disposés les susdits vérins, et en ce que les susdits éléments de liaison souples passent par ledit puits. 9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the device comprises a central well (P) through which are arranged the said cylinders, and in that the said flexible connecting elements pass through said well.
EP03717334A 2002-01-14 2003-01-09 Device for using wave energy Withdrawn EP1466091A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0200447 2002-01-14
FR0200447A FR2834757B1 (en) 2002-01-14 2002-01-14 DEVICE FOR THE EXPLOITATION OF THE SURVEYING POWER
PCT/FR2003/000060 WO2003060318A1 (en) 2002-01-14 2003-01-09 Device for using wave energy

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EP1466091A1 true EP1466091A1 (en) 2004-10-13

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EP (1) EP1466091A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003222322A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2834757B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2003060318A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2153057B1 (en) 2007-05-31 2016-03-09 Bruno Larivain Wave Power Plant
GB2497407B (en) * 2012-11-28 2014-05-14 Peter James Stage Barge generator
KR102027552B1 (en) * 2018-03-09 2019-10-01 주식회사 인진 Wave energy generation system and controlling method for the wave energy generation system
CN113027661B (en) * 2021-04-20 2023-02-07 天津大学前沿技术研究院有限公司 Flow-induced vibration hydraulic power generation equipment

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR692096A (en) * 1929-06-04 1930-10-30 System designed to recover energy from sea movements
US3030893A (en) * 1958-03-21 1962-04-24 Donald U Shaffer Wave motion actuated hydraulic pump
US3918260A (en) * 1974-12-30 1975-11-11 Klaus M Mahneke Waved-powered driving apparatus
FR2477237A1 (en) * 1980-02-29 1981-09-04 Sirvent L Sea wave energy converter - uses valved piston operated by float to pump water to store for discharge through turbine
US4434375A (en) * 1982-06-30 1984-02-28 Taylor Robert N Wave energy converter
DE3419565A1 (en) * 1984-05-25 1985-11-28 Rolf Dr. 5090 Leverkusen Brück Device for generating energy from sea waves

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None *
See also references of WO03060318A1 *

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AU2003222322A1 (en) 2003-07-30
FR2834757B1 (en) 2004-10-22
FR2834757A1 (en) 2003-07-18
WO2003060318A1 (en) 2003-07-24

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