EP4111048A1 - Energy harvesting buoy - Google Patents
Energy harvesting buoyInfo
- Publication number
- EP4111048A1 EP4111048A1 EP21759507.3A EP21759507A EP4111048A1 EP 4111048 A1 EP4111048 A1 EP 4111048A1 EP 21759507 A EP21759507 A EP 21759507A EP 4111048 A1 EP4111048 A1 EP 4111048A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- energy harvesting
- float
- translator
- energy
- piston
- 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.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000003306 harvesting Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 88
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 71
- 238000004146 energy storage Methods 0.000 claims description 16
- 238000005273 aeration Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000306 component Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 241000251468 Actinopterygii Species 0.000 description 4
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
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- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 4
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- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000704 physical effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000008358 core component Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010720 hydraulic oil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001965 increasing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000011160 research Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005355 Hall effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001747 exhibiting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910001172 neodymium magnet Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000010248 power generation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013589 supplement Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- 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
-
- 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"
-
- 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
- F03B13/1845—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 slides relative to the rem
-
- 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"
- F03B13/20—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" wherein both members, i.e. wom and rem are movable relative to the sea bed or shore
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
- H02K35/00—Generators with reciprocating, oscillating or vibrating coil system, magnet, armature or other part of the magnetic circuit
- H02K35/02—Generators with reciprocating, oscillating or vibrating coil system, magnet, armature or other part of the magnetic circuit with moving magnets and stationary coil systems
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
- H02K35/00—Generators with reciprocating, oscillating or vibrating coil system, magnet, armature or other part of the magnetic circuit
- H02K35/04—Generators with reciprocating, oscillating or vibrating coil system, magnet, armature or other part of the magnetic circuit with moving coil systems and stationary magnets
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2220/00—Application
- F05B2220/70—Application in combination with
- F05B2220/706—Application in combination with an electrical generator
- F05B2220/7068—Application in combination with an electrical generator equipped with permanent magnets
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2220/00—Application
- F05B2220/70—Application in combination with
- F05B2220/706—Application in combination with an electrical generator
- F05B2220/707—Application in combination with an electrical generator of the linear type
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2250/00—Geometry
- F05B2250/40—Movement of component
- F05B2250/41—Movement of component with one degree of freedom
- F05B2250/411—Movement of component with one degree of freedom in rotation
-
- 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 is related to an energy harvesting buoy, according to the preamble of claim 1.
- the present invention is especially related to an energy harvesting buoy utilizing a translator in the form of a magnetic lead screw for transferring linear force from a relative movement between the translator and a float into a generator unit for producing electric energy, wherein the translator is retained by a standing water column.
- PV-Voltaic panels One of these new technologies is the idea of having a LED-marking buoy that is self-powered, which should minimize the requirement for servicing.
- the most popular technology for self-powering marking buoys is Photo-Voltaic (PV) panels.
- PV panels one drawback with using PV panels for ocean buoys is problems with salt crystalizing on top of the panels, which decreases the efficiency of the panels dramatically.
- N020170347 Al in the name of the applicants, wherein is disclosed an energy harvesting buoy comprising a float and a wave energy converter, wherein the wave energy converter comprises a translator provided with helically shaped permanent magnets, wherein the translator is arranged movable in a sleeve extending vertically in the float, and a generator unit fixed in the float comprising a rotor assembly enclosing the translator and at least one stator assembly enclosing the rotor assembly, wherein the helically shaped permanent magnets of the translator transfer linear force from a relative linear movement between the float and translator into a torque working on the rotor assembly inducing a current in the stator assembly.
- the translator at lower end is arranged to a submerged drag plate exterior of the float by means of
- US2010109329 Al disclose apparatus, methods, and systems for power generation.
- One power generator embodiment includes a shaft and a buoyant assembly slidably coupled to the shaft.
- a generator is arranged to create electric energy from interaction of a conductor with a number of magnetic elements on the buoyant assembly, in a manner to produce electricity, as the buoyant assembly moves on the shaft.
- a drawback of the prior art solutions is that they require that the translator is arranged to an external stationary structure or means for retaining the translator, adding complexity by requiring interaction of many parts that results in maintenance requirements and is expensive to manufacture. These additional parts, as well as external structure or means, are further exposed to wear and tear by the harsh environment, as well as is exposed to objects in the water that could damage these external components or structures.
- the main object of the present invention is to provide an energy harvesting buoy partly or entirely solving the above-mentioned drawbacks of prior art solutions and mentioned needs.
- An object of the present invention is to provide an energy harvesting buoy that do not require the use of external structures or means for retaining a translator of an energy converter.
- An object of the present invention is to provide an energy harvesting buoy that makes use of a standing water column for retaining the translator.
- An object of the present invention is to provide an energy harvesting buoy enabling easy deployment and retrieval.
- An object of the present invention is to provide an energy harvesting buoy arranged to withstand big waves.
- An object of the present invention is to provide an energy harvesting buoy where there is no contact between force transferring parts. It is an object of the present invention to provide an energy harvesting buoy where there is minimal friction between moving parts.
- An object of the present invention is to provide an energy harvesting buoy, which does not require a connection to the seabed for harvesting energy from a passing wave.
- An object of the present invention is to provide an energy harvesting buoy, which does not include polluting fluids, such as hydraulic oil or similar, which can constitute a risk for the environment at breakdown.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a compact energy harvesting buoy.
- An energy harvesting buoy according to the present invention is defined by the technical features of claim 1. Preferable features of the energy harvesting buoy are described in the dependent claims.
- the present invention provides an energy harvesting buoy comprising a float having positive buoyancy and a wave energy converter which converts linear movement of the buoy due to passing waves into electricity.
- the wave energy converter comprises a translator in the form of a magnetic lead screw and a generator unit enclosing the translator in circumferential direction.
- the energy harvesting buoy according to the present invention further comprises a core component in the form of a water-filled piston assembly arranged at lower part of the float and arranged to the translator, wherein the water-filled piston assembly provides a standing water column retaining the translator linearly when the float moves due to passing waves.
- the wave energy converter is arranged to convert the slow linear movement of the waves into a fast rotating movement of a rotor assembly in the generator unit, which makes it possible to extract energy using a standard rotary generator.
- the translator is arranged movable in a vertically arranged sleeve in the float, which translator is provided with helically shaped and radially magnetized permanent magnets. Accordingly, the translator exhibits a magnetic thread instead of a mechanical thread.
- the generator unit of the energy harvesting buoy according to the present invention is formed by a rotor assembly and a stator assembly accommodated in a housing in a fixed position in the energy converter.
- the rotor assembly is formed by a rotor sleeve enclosing the translator and further arranged rotatably in the housing, which rotor sleeve is provided with at least one set of permanent magnets arranged in circumferential direction thereof. Accordingly, the rotor assembly constitutes a rotor for both the translator and generator unit.
- the stator assembly is formed by at least one stator formed by coils and back iron arranged to enclose the set(s) of permanent magnets of the rotor assembly with a gap therebeteween.
- the water-filled piston assembly is according to one embodiment of the present invention arranged at lower part of the buoy, which water-filled piston assembly is arranged to the translator and provides a standing water column that will retain the translator linearly when the float moves due to passing waves. Accordingly, the water-filled piston assembly acts to keep the translator stationary while the float moves due to an incoming wave. In other words, the water- filled piston assembly provides a counterweight for the translator.
- the water-filled piston assembly is e.g. formed by an elongated piston housing wherein a piston is movably arranged, to which piston is arranged a piston rod, which piston rod extends out of the piston housing through an opening at upper side of the elongated piston housing for connection to lower end of the translator.
- the great advantage with using a water-filled piston assembly for retaining the translator is that there are no requirement of additional external means or arrangement to external structures, such as attachment to seabed or similar, to retain the translator. Further, the water-filled piston assembly will be arranged to the energy harvesting buoy at manufacture and will be filled with water when the buoy is positioned in the water, i.e. semi-submerged. This will save weight enabling the energy harvesting buoy to be easily handable, both at deployment and retrieval. Further, such a solution will not require adjusting for low tide and high tide.
- the energy harvesting buoy according to the present invention is able to produce energy by that the relative movement between float and translator results in rotation of the rotor assembly of the generator unit.
- the permanent magnets of the rotor assembly induce a current in the generator assembly resulting in an AC current, which is feed to a control unit.
- the translator uses helically shaped permanent magnets in order to transfer the linear force of the translator/float into a torque working on the rotor assembly.
- the control unit for an energy harvesting buoy according to the present invention can be arranged for rectifying the generated current by that it is provided with rectifying means, such as an AC frequency converter, and further control the damping profile of the generator assembly.
- the rectified DC current can be transferred to an energy storage arranged in the float or transferred to shore or a user via a cable.
- the generated AC current is transferred to shore or a user via a cable and further processed at shore or user side, such as rectified or powering an AC electric appliance.
- a great advantage with the present invention is that by using permanent magnets to transfer the linear force allows the wave energy converter slip one or more pole pairs if the force applied to the translator exceeds the force the translator is designed for, i.e. the maximum force the translator is capable of transferring. In this way, any big waves will not damage the translator and/or the generator unit of the wave energy converter. Accordingly, the present invention will be capable of withstanding high forces from big waves due to this built-in force protection. Further, the fact that the water-filled piston assembly is integrated, at least partly, this results in that there are no external means or structures that are exposed to damage, that will/could affect the operation of the energy harvesting buoy.
- a further advantage with the present invention is that by using a magnetic lead screw for transferring linear forces to torque on the rotor assembly there are no contact between the force transferring parts, thereby minimizing friction and increasing efficiency of the energy harvesting buoy.
- the energy harvesting buoy according to the present invention does not include polluting fluids, such as hydraulic oil or similar, which can constitute a risk for the environment at breakdown, as it makes use of surrounding water in the water-filled piston assembly.
- the energy harvesting buoy according to the present invention only contains magnets and electronics which do not constitute a danger for the environment.
- Fig. 1 is a principle drawing of an energy harvesting buoy according to the present invention
- Fig. 2 is a principle drawing showing details of translator and generator unit according to prior art.
- Fig. 3 is an exploded principle drawing of a generator unit according to prior art.
- FIG. 1 is a principle drawing of an energy harvesting buoy 10 according to the present invention.
- the energy harvesting buoy 10 is formed by a float 11 having positive buoyancy such that it floats at the water surface, preferably in a semi-submerged position.
- the energy harvesting buoy 10 according to the present invention further includes a wave energy converter 20 that is based on a magnetic lead screw (MLS) as a core component.
- MLS magnetic lead screw
- Suitable wave energy converters 20 for the energy harvesting buoy 10 according to the present invention have been described in prior art, such as e.g. in N020170347 Al, in the name of the applicants.
- a suitable wave energy converter 20 for the present invention comprises a translator 40 in the form of a magnetic lead screw and a generator unit 50, wherein the translator 40 is arranged movable in a sleeve 30 extending vertically in the float 11, and wherein the generator unit 50 is arranged in a fixed position in the sleeve 30.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional principle drawing showing details of the translator 40 and generator unit 50 according to prior art suitable for the energy harvesting buoy 10 according the present invention.
- the translator 40 is e.g. formed by an elongated translator sleeve 41, which at outer surface thereof is provided with helically shaped and radially magnetized permanent magnets 42 which is enclosed by a protective sleeve or coating 43.
- the magnetic orientation is such that there is provided a magnetic north and south pole on the translator sleeve 41.
- the permanent magnets 42 are preferably neodymium magnets, preferably sintered NDFeB magnets. In the shown example there are formed two magnet threads with a lead of e.g.
- the translator 40 is provided with one thread of magnets.
- FIG. 3 shows an exploded principle drawing of a generator unit 50 according to prior art that is suitable for the wave energy converter 20 to be used in the present invention, adapted to be arranged in the float 11.
- the generator unit 50 is formed by a housing 51 accommodating a rotor assembly 60 and a stator assembly 70.
- the rotor assembly 60 is e.g. formed by a mainly cylinder-shaped rotator sleeve 61 exhibiting an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of an inner sealing tube 90, which is arranged for accommodating the translator 40.
- the rotor sleeve 61 in the shown example is provided with two circumferentially extending sets of permanent magnets 62a-b at an outer surface thereof, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve 61.
- the rotor sleeve 61 can be provided with only one set of permanent magnets.
- the generator unit 50 further comprises a stator assembly 70 formed by two stators 71a-b formed by windings 72 and back iron 73, spaced apart in longitudinal direction of the generator unit 50 by means of a stator distance spacer ring 74, such that the two stators 71a-b are arranged over respective sets of permanent magnets 62a-b of the rotor assembly 60 and enclose these in circumferential direction with a gap therebetween.
- the stator assembly 70 can further comprise upper or lower distance rings 75 for positioning the stator assembly 70 and fixation of the stator assembly 70 in relation to the generator housing 51.
- the stator assembly only includes one stator.
- the rotor assembly 60 is further arranged rotatable in the generator housing 51 by means of ball bearings 80a-b and ball bearing end shields 81a-b arranged at upper and lower side thereof, respectively.
- the generator housing 51 is further provided with sealing means at upper and lower side thereof, e.g. in the form of a sealing plate 91 arranged to the inner sealing tube 90 and a sealing plate 92 arranged to the ball bearing end shield 81a at lower side.
- the generator unit 50 To the upper and lower ends of the generator unit 50 is further arranged linear bearings 100 and linear bearing housing 101, adapted for accommodation of the translator 40. Accordingly, the components of the generator unit 50 are securely encapsulated in the generator housing 51 protecting the components of the generator unit 50 from water.
- the translator 40 is according to the present invention further at the lower end arranged to a shaft 110 extending out of the lower end of the sleeve 30 for connection to the water-filled piston assembly 200 according to the present invention.
- the water- filled piston assembly 200 according to the present invention comprises an elongated piston housing 210 arranged at lower part of the float 11, in alignment with the wave energy converter 20, and fixed to the float 11.
- the elongated piston housing 210 is arranged such that it extends from interior of the float 11 to exterior of the float 11, i.e. with a part of the elongated piston housing 210 interior of the float 11.
- the elongated piston housing 210 is e.g. at lower end, i.e.
- the water-filled piston assembly 200 further comprises a piston 220 having an exterior diameter smaller than interior diameter of the piston housing 210 allowing surrounding water to flow from exterior of the piston housing 210 and into the interior of the piston housing 210, and into a position above the piston 220.
- the piston 220 is arranged to lower end of a piston rod 221 extending from the piston 220 and out of the piston housing 210 via an opening 212 at upper end of the piston housing 210, wherein the interior diameter of the opening 212 is larger than the exterior diameter of the piston rod 221.
- the upper end of the piston rod 221 is arranged to lower end of the shaft 110 via corresponding attachment means 213, such as flanges provided with through holes and bolts. There is preferably arranged a seal between the piston rod 221 and the piston housing 210 in connection with the opening 212 to prevent water from entering the interior of the float 11.
- the length of the part of the elongated piston housing 210 is not limited to the proportions of the Figure 1, as this is only for illustration purposes.
- the length of the housing 210 will at least have to allow movement of the piston 220 corresponding to the stroke length of the translator 40, and further exhibit a size (volume and length) to ensure that a sufficient amount of water is allowed above the piston 220 to provide the required retaining force for the translator 40.
- the retaining force will also be dependent on the length of the piston rod 221 positioning the piston 220 in the length direction of the housing 210, and thus the amount of water above the piston 220.
- the piston 220 is arranged movable in longitudinal direction of the piston rod 221 to allow adjustment of the position of the piston 220 in length direction of the piston rod 221 and thus length direction of the housing 210, enabling adjustment of the physical properties of the water-filled piston assembly 200.
- the piston rod 221 is a telescopic piston rod, enabling adjustment of the piston 220 in length direction of the housing 220, enabling adjustment of the physical properties of the water-filled piston assembly 200.
- the shaft 110 of the translator 40 is a telescopic shaft 110 enabling adjustment of the translator 40 in length direction of the sleeve 30 and thus generator assembly 50, as well as position of the piston 220 in length direction of the housing 210, enabling adjustment of the physical properties of the wave energy converter 20 and water-filled piston assembly 200.
- the water-filled piston housing 200 To allow the water-filled piston housing 200 to be filled with water when the energy harvesting buoy 10 according to the present invention is positioned in water it will be required to have aeration to the surroundings (atmosphere) from interior of the piston housing 210 for evacuation of air from the piston housing 210, as well as for supply of air when water is to be removed from the piston housing 210. According to one embodiment of the present invention this may be achieved by arranging an aeration device 300 at upper part of the energy harvesting buoy 10 in communication with the interior of the piston housing 210 via one or more air channels or by using hollow components of the energy converter 20 to provide one or more air channels, extending between the aeration device 300 and the opening 212 of the piston housing 210.
- the aeration device 300 is integrated with the water-filled piston assembly 200 in air communication with the exterior of the float 11 at upper side via one or more air channels or by hollow components of the energy converter 20 providing one or more air channels.
- the aeration device 300 comprises a controllable valve 310.
- a controllable valve 310 By using a controllable valve 310, the operation of filling may be performed in a controlled manner by controlling the opening of the valve 310.
- a controllable valve 310 also opens for locking the filling level of water in the water-filled piston assembly 200 at a desired level as well as dynamic controlling of the filling level in the water-filled piston assembly 200 if desired.
- the use of a controllable valve 310 also opens for supply of air if the energy harvesting buoy 10 is to be retrieved from the sea, as supply of air will drain the water-filled piston assembly 200, removing the weight from the water as the energy harvesting buoy 10 is lifted from the semi- submerged position.
- the energy harvesting buoy 10 is further provided with at least one air compressor 320 which is arranged to provide compressed air to the interior of the piston housing 210 via the one or more air channels to reduce the filling level of water in the piston housing 210.
- the compressor 320 and the controllable valve 310 will enable active controlling of the filling level of water in the piston housing 210.
- the energy harvesting buoy 10 further is provided with sensor means for sensing and/or calculating wave height, the stroke length of the translator 40 may be controlled by positioning of the piston 220 in the piston housing 210 for optimal operation of the translator 40 by controlling the water level in the piston assembly 200.
- the water-filled piston assembly 200 will, when filled with water, provide a counterweight for the translator 40, such that translator 40 is retained linearly in the water when the float 11 moves due to passing waves.
- the energy harvesting buoy 10 can further be provided with an energy storage 400 in the form of one or more batteries and/or be arranged for transferring harvested energy to shore or a user by means of a cable as AC or DC voltage/current.
- the energy harvesting buoy 10 is preferably provided with a control unit 500 arranged to convert the harvested alternating phase current to DC current for storage in the energy storage 400 and/or for transfer to shore or a user via a cable.
- a control unit 500 arranged to convert the harvested alternating phase current to DC current for storage in the energy storage 400 and/or for transfer to shore or a user via a cable.
- the control unit 500 can e.g. be provided with an AC frequency converter.
- the control unit 500 will further typically be provided with means and/or software for controlling the damping profile of the generator assembly 50.
- the control unit 500 will in an embodiment where the energy harvesting buoy 10 is provided with an energy storage 400 preferably be provided with a battery management system for controlling the battery charge current.
- the control unit 500 will further be provided with means and/or software for controlling the water level filling of the water-filled piston assembly 200 by controlling the controllable valve 310 and compressor 320, if present.
- the controlling of the water level may be based on the position of the translator 40 in relation to the generator unit 50 and/or based on a level sensor arranged in the piston housing 210 reading the water level and/or a position sensor reading the position of the piston 220 in the piston housing 210.
- the energy harvesting buoy 10 can be provided with one or more hall effect sensors 501, as shown in Figure 2.
- the energy harvesting buoy 10 can further be provided with an upwards protruding structure 600 or tower provided with one or more LED marking lights 601 powered by the energy storage 400. Marking light 601 will usually be required for buoys 10 arranged in sea.
- the sleeve 30 of the wave energy converter 20 extends out of the float 11 at upper side and wherein the sleeve 30 forms the upwards protruding structure or tower, wherein the LED marking light 601 is arranged.
- the sleeve 30 of the wave energy converter is housing the energy storage 400, control unit 500 and aeration device 300, as well as compressor 320, if present.
- upwards protruding structure 600 or tower is further arranged for housing one or more of the energy storage 400, control unit 500 and aeration device 300, as well as compressor 320, if present.
- both the sleeve 30 and the upwards protruding structure 600 or tower are used for housing one or more of the energy storage 400, control unit 500 and aeration device 300, as well as compressor 320, if present.
- the energy harvesting buoy 10 it is provided with anchoring means 700, such as one or more mooring hooks, enabling the energy harvesting buoy 10 to be held in position in the sea, such as by one or more mooring lines, chains or similar (not shown) fixed to the seabed or by an anchor. Accordingly, the anchoring means 700 does not contribute in the function of the energy harvesting buoy 10, only for holding it at a desired position in the sea.
- anchoring means 700 such as one or more mooring hooks, enabling the energy harvesting buoy 10 to be held in position in the sea, such as by one or more mooring lines, chains or similar (not shown) fixed to the seabed or by an anchor. Accordingly, the anchoring means 700 does not contribute in the function of the energy harvesting buoy 10, only for holding it at a desired position in the sea.
- the energy harvesting buoy 10 it is provided with one or more electrical coupling points 410 enabling connection of a cable for transfer of energy from the energy storage to a user in the vicinity, as DC or AC.
- the structure 600 or tower and/or piston housing 210 may be integrated into the float 11, e.g. by a casting process casting the float 11 and structure 600 or tower and/or piston housing 210 as one unit.
- the structure 600 or tower and/or piston assembly 200 is formed by steel or composite.
- the aeration device 300 is integrated in the structure 600 or tower.
- the energy harvesting buoy 10 it further comprises at least one air turbine generator or pump arranged in connection with the aeration, i.e. the one or more air channels, of the water-filled piston assembly 200, capable of utilizing flowing air in and out from the water-filled piston assembly 200 for producing energy.
- the aeration i.e. the one or more air channels
- the generator or pump may be arranged externally of the air channel and connected to an air turbine in the air channel or as an in-pipe unit. Alternatively, a Venturi solution may be used, which will limit the number of mechanical parts.
- the produced energy may be supplied to the energy storage 400 or a separate energy storage arranged for this.
- this additional energy production means will especially be suitable when the energy harvesting buoy 10 is dynamically controlled as described above.
- the same effect may also be achieved in connection with the energy converter 20 wherein the at least one air turbine generator or pump is utilizing the fact that the generator assembly 50 moves in relation to the translator 40, which will result in that air will be forced in and out of the energy converter 20, which air flow may be used to produce energy, as this will cause an oscillating flow of air.
- the water-filled piston assembly 200 is further provided with an overflow (not shown) in fluid communication with the exterior of the float 11, preferably via a check valve, such that excess water from the piston housing 210 may be evacuated.
- an overflow (not shown) in fluid communication with the exterior of the float 11, preferably via a check valve, such that excess water from the piston housing 210 may be evacuated.
- a typical area of use of the energy harvesting buoy according to the present invention is as an ocean marking light, for either fish farms or normal boat traffic, where the energy harvesting buoy 10 will be self-powered with minimized requirement for servicing.
- the energy harvesting buoy 10 according to the present invention can also be positioned and connected to other buoys, such as research or meteorological (weather data) buoys, for powering them.
- Another typical area of use is using the energy harvesting buoy 10 as energy harvesting units for fish farms or in shore close areas where a number of such energy harvesting buoys 10 can provide a small scale amount of environmentally friendly energy for e.g. charging of electrical vehicles or boats or be a supplement for ordinary energy production.
- the energy harvesting buoy 10 according to the present invention will also be usable in remote areas where no infrastructure is built to provide enough energy for a small community, such as island communities. Further, the energy harvesting buoy 10 according to the present invention will also be suitable in polar areas, where the use of solar panels are not suitable for use due to there is no sun over long periods, as well as the solar panels will be covered in ice and snow, making them inefficient as regards producing energy. In the present invention, the water-filled piston assembly will be down in the water, and thus protected from ice. The present invention is further suitable for powering radio beacons, telemetry systems and similar applications.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
- Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NO20200239A NO345533B1 (en) | 2020-02-27 | 2020-02-27 | Energy harvesting buoy |
PCT/NO2021/050045 WO2021172998A1 (en) | 2020-02-27 | 2021-02-22 | Energy harvesting buoy |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP4111048A1 true EP4111048A1 (en) | 2023-01-04 |
EP4111048A4 EP4111048A4 (en) | 2024-04-03 |
Family
ID=75373305
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP21759507.3A Pending EP4111048A4 (en) | 2020-02-27 | 2021-02-22 | Energy harvesting buoy |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP4111048A4 (en) |
NO (1) | NO345533B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2021172998A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3922739A (en) * | 1974-04-18 | 1975-12-02 | Ivan Andreevich Babintsev | Apparatus for converting sea wave energy into electrical energy |
JPS55151175A (en) * | 1979-05-12 | 1980-11-25 | Yasuhiro Manabe | Hydraulic oil lubrication type power plant utilizing vertical movement of wave |
JPS55160967A (en) * | 1979-05-30 | 1980-12-15 | Yasuhiro Manabe | Multimagnet electric generator employing vertical motion of wave |
IT1134214B (en) * | 1980-11-12 | 1986-08-13 | Tecnomare Spa | ELECTRIC DEVICE FOR THE EXPLOITATION OF MECHANICAL ENERGY OF BODIES IN RECTILINEOUS MOVEMENT AT LOW SPEED |
JPH06280733A (en) * | 1993-03-24 | 1994-10-04 | Taiyo Plant Kk | Electromagnetic induction type wave activated power generating set |
US20080309088A1 (en) * | 2005-04-19 | 2008-12-18 | Emmanuel Agamloh | Methods and Apparatus for Power Generation |
NO325962B1 (en) * | 2006-05-31 | 2008-08-25 | Fobox As | Device for converting bulge energy |
GB2461792A (en) * | 2008-07-14 | 2010-01-20 | Marine Power Systems Ltd | Wave generator with optional floating configuration |
US8004103B2 (en) * | 2008-10-30 | 2011-08-23 | Jeremy Brantingham | Power generation |
DE102010013199A1 (en) * | 2010-03-29 | 2011-09-29 | Georg Nicolas Richard Thanos | Power generator powered by wave energy and power generation process by water waves |
SE539972C2 (en) * | 2015-06-08 | 2018-02-13 | W4P Waves4Power Ab | Wave energy converter with differential cylinder |
SE539195C2 (en) * | 2015-08-10 | 2017-05-09 | W4P Waves4Power Ab | Wave energy converter including piston rod with float body |
NO20170347A1 (en) * | 2017-03-09 | 2018-06-18 | Skotte Asbjoern | Energy harvesting buoy |
CN110735758A (en) * | 2019-11-07 | 2020-01-31 | 大连海事大学 | maximum wave energy tracking system based on wave energy floating lamp |
-
2020
- 2020-02-27 NO NO20200239A patent/NO345533B1/en unknown
-
2021
- 2021-02-22 EP EP21759507.3A patent/EP4111048A4/en active Pending
- 2021-02-22 WO PCT/NO2021/050045 patent/WO2021172998A1/en unknown
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
NO20200239A1 (en) | 2021-03-29 |
NO345533B1 (en) | 2021-03-29 |
WO2021172998A1 (en) | 2021-09-02 |
EP4111048A4 (en) | 2024-04-03 |
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