JP2015017550A - Ocean flow power generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ocean flow power generator in which its installation work and maintenance work in sea water can be easily carried out, a construction expenditure and an operation expenditure per output are less-expensive and energies of both normal and reverse ocean flows can be efficiently changed into electrical power.SOLUTION: Each of both ends of a wire 1 is provided with a float 2, respectively. Each of both ends of the wire 1 is provided with at least two connection wires 4A and 4B, respectively. Both ends of the wire 1 are connected to foundations 3 buried at the sea bottom, thereby the wire 1 is tensioned in the sea so as to cross substantially at a right angle with respect to the ocean current. A plurality of power generator units 10 are hung at the wire 1 through their connection parts and arranged there. The power generator units 10 are provided with at least one power generator including rotary blades and a power generator. The power generator units 10 can be oscillated around an axis of the wire by a force of ocean flow in such a way that the front surfaces of the rotary blades may be faced against the ocean flow by the connected portions.

Description

  The present invention relates to an ocean current power generation device, and more particularly to an ocean current power generation device that generates electricity using the energy of an ocean current.

  In recent years, with the rapid increase in energy demand on a global scale, various renewable energy sources that are free from depletion, pollution, and pollution are used as alternative energy sources to fossil fuels and nuclear power. R & D is ongoing. As such renewable natural energy, sunlight and wind power are typical, but both have the disadvantage that they are easily influenced by the weather and seasons. On the other hand, the commercialization of ocean current power generation, which is almost constant regardless of the weather and seasons and obtains power using abundant and high energy density ocean current, is desired. .

JP 2002-257003 A

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view showing an underwater floating-type ocean current power generation device in a research and development stage for practical use. In the ocean current power generation device shown in FIG. 17, an underwater floating body type power generation device 100 is moored from the seabed SB with a single wire 101 so as to float in the sea. The power generation apparatus 100 uses twin-engine turbines 102 and 102 that rotate opposite to each other.
However, the underwater floating-type ocean current power generation device shown in FIG. 17 moores the power generation device 100 with a single wire 101 from a huge weight 103 installed on the seabed, and the power generation device 100 uses a float adjustment function. Therefore, since it is assumed that the float balance is difficult and the float function by electric control is attached, there is a risk of crashing into the seabed or floating on the sea and colliding with a ship in the event of failure. Also, if one of the twin-engine turbines 102, 102 stops, regardless of external or internal factors, there will be no rotational force to cancel out, and it will crash into the seabed like a kite flying in the sky. There is a possibility that. A similar phenomenon can occur when turbulence occurs in the ocean current. Further, since the wire for mooring the power generation device is one long, the huge power generation device may meander significantly due to the influence of slight tide density and speed.

  FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view showing a submarine fixed-type ocean current power generation device in a research and development stage for practical use. The ocean current power generation device shown in FIG. 18 supports the power generation device 110 with support legs 111 fixed to the seabed SB. The power generation device 110 includes one turbine 112. The ocean current power generation device shown in FIG. 18 has a structure in which a huge electric fan is placed on the ocean floor, but the method of fixing the ocean floor becomes a problem with respect to the overturning moment load of the ocean current resistance. Since a huge windmill requires a large amount of foundation work, in the ocean current power generation apparatus shown in FIG. 18, it is assumed that a large-scale foundation work is assumed, difficult construction is expected, and costs are increased. A structure that requires three foundation works for a single power generation device is considered to have a long way to commercialization in terms of both cost and construction difficulty. In addition, the method of installing a huge power generator horizontally on the seabed will need to be fully studied in the future. Further, the ocean current power generation device shown in FIG. 18 has a large scale as in the case of the ocean current power generation device shown in FIG. Moreover, it is not a simple task to lift the entire huge power generation apparatus to the sea during maintenance, such as removal of the anchor portion.

  FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a tidal current power generation apparatus proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-257023. The tidal current power generation device shown in FIG. 19 has a screw blade 125 that rotates by receiving a tidal current in the upper layer in the ocean and a screw blade that rotates by receiving a tidal current in the lower layer on a plurality of hollow support rods 121 installed on the seabed SB. 125 is mounted via a hollow branch 126 that protrudes in the lateral direction, and the rotational force of the screw blade 125 is supported by the support rod 121 and the rotational force transmitting material 130 incorporated in the branch 126. The power is transmitted to a generator 123 installed in a station 122 provided on the sea surface at the upper end.

  However, the tidal current power generation device shown in FIG. 19 has a wide range of structures from the sea floor to the sea, and the support rod is provided with a telescopic function in order to cope with the depth of the sea floor. The resistance also increases, resulting in excessive facilities compared to the power generation device. The station with the generator inside is on the surface of the sea, so it must cope with severe weather conditions at sea. In addition, there is a problem in durability because the power of the ocean current is concentrated in one place by a chain and led to an offshore generator. Therefore, it is considered that the tidal current power generation apparatus proposed in Patent Document 1 has a low possibility of practical use in terms of mechanism and cost.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, has simple facilities, is easy to install and maintain in water, has low construction costs and operating costs per output, and is free from the flow of seawater. An object of the present invention is to provide an ocean current power generation apparatus capable of efficiently converting energy into electric power.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the ocean current power generation device of the present invention is provided with floats at both ends of the wires, and at least two connecting wires at both ends of the wires, respectively. By connecting to the foundation embedded in the sea floor, the wire is stretched in the sea so as to be substantially orthogonal to the ocean current, and a plurality of power generation units are suspended from the wire via a connecting portion and arranged, The power generation unit includes at least one power generation device including a rotor blade and a generator, and the power generation unit is centered on the axis of the wire by the force of the ocean current so that the front surface of the rotor blade is opposed to the ocean current by the connection portion. It can be swung as a feature.

According to the present invention, floats are provided at both ends of the wire, and at least two connection wires are provided at both ends of the wire, and both ends of the wire are connected to a foundation embedded in the seabed. Thus, the wire can be stretched in the sea so as to be substantially orthogonal to the ocean current. Therefore, when stretching the wire in the sea, it is not necessary to use a system that supports both ends of the wire with pillars (stands), and even when the seabed is slanted, the wire can be easily stretched horizontally and installed in the sea. Because a float that is easy to construct is used instead of a column that is difficult to implement, it is easy to put to practical use in terms of both cost and ease of construction. Moreover, even if the water depth is deep, the distance from the sea surface can be kept constant only by adjusting the length of the wire.
According to the present invention, the power generation unit can swing (swing) like a swing in the vertical direction about the axis of the wire by the force of the ocean current. Thereby, the front surface of a rotary blade can be made to oppose an ocean current.
According to the present invention, it is possible to construct an ocean current power generation apparatus having a desired power generation capability by simply stretching a wire in the sea and suspending a plurality of power generation units on the wire via a connecting portion.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the two connecting wires provided at both ends of the wire extend in the direction opposite to the direction of the ocean current and connect the end of the wire to the foundation of the seabed. And a connecting wire that extends in a direction perpendicular to the ocean current and connects the end of the wire to the foundation of the seabed.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the floats provided at both ends of the wire float both ends of the wire in the vertical direction.
In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the foundation is constructed using an excavation robot that is separated from the mother ship and can work in the sea.
According to the present invention, a small separate excavation robot can be lowered from the small work ship serving as a mother ship to the sea floor with a wire or the like, and the seabed excavation can be performed by the separate excavation robot. According to the separate excavation method of the present invention, the mother ship is an auxiliary ship, and the excavation is performed by a separate excavation robot that is structurally separated from the mother ship. Multiple units can be installed.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, a float is attached to both ends of the wire, and then a floatation agent is injected into the float to float the float and the wire.
According to the present invention, after the float is attached to both ends of the wire, the float floats together with the wire by injecting a floatation agent such as foam beads into the float, and the wire can be given tension.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the power generation unit is provided with a float to adjust buoyancy so as to approach the specific gravity of seawater.
According to the present invention, the float is formed by a means such as filling the internal space of the cylindrical member installed so as to surround the outer peripheral edge of the rotor blade or the internal space of the pipe connected to the cylindrical member. The buoyancy of the power generation unit is adjusted by the float so that the power generation unit approaches the specific gravity of seawater.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the power generation unit has a specific gravity in seawater of 0.9 to 1.1.
According to the present invention, by setting the specific gravity in the seawater of the power generation unit to be within a range of ± 0.1 with respect to the specific gravity of seawater (≈1), the power generation unit can be quickly and reliably secured by the force of the ocean current. Can be swung.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the connection portion includes a fixed ring fixed to the wire, and a first movable ring that is fitted to the fixed ring and is rotatable with respect to the fixed ring, The power generation unit swings about the axis of the wire as the first movable ring rotates with respect to the fixed ring.
According to the present invention, since the power generation unit is suspended from the wire via the first movable ring that rotates about the axis of the wire, the power generation unit swings in the vertical direction about the axis of the wire by the force of the ocean current. Can be swung as shown in FIG. Thereby, the front surface of a rotary blade can be made to oppose a tidal current with respect to the tidal current which flows bidirectionally.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the connecting portion is connected to the first movable ring and fixed to the fixing pin, and is fixed to the fixing pin and arranged perpendicular to the axis of the wire. A second movable ring that is rotatable relative to the fixed pin, and the second movable ring can be aligned so that the axis of the rotor blade is parallel to the ocean current by rotating relative to the fixed pin. It is characterized by being.
According to the present invention, since the power generation unit is suspended from the wire via the second movable ring that rotates about the axis extending in the vertical direction perpendicular to the wire, the power generation unit is orthogonal to the wire. Thus, it can swing (swing) in the horizontal direction about the axis extending in the vertical direction. As a result, even when the wire is bent due to ocean current resistance, it can be automatically aligned so that the axis of the shaft of the rotor blade is parallel to the ocean current. That is, the power generation unit can always face the flow and the maximum power generation amount can always be obtained.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the connecting portion is fixed to the wire and has a fixed ring whose outer peripheral surface is a spherical surface, and a movable ring which is fitted to the fixed ring and whose inner peripheral surface is a spherical surface. It consists of a spherical bearing provided with a ring.
According to the present invention, the outer peripheral surface of the fixed ring and the inner peripheral surface of the movable ring are formed into a spherical surface centered on a fulcrum at the center of the wire and are in sliding contact with the spherical surface. It can rotate in all directions (360 °) with respect to the fixed ring as a center. Therefore, the power generation unit swings (swings) like a swing in the vertical direction around the fulcrum at the axis of the wire by the force of the ocean current and swings (swings) horizontally around the fulcrum. it can. As a result, the front surface of the rotor blade can be opposed to the tidal current against a tidal current flowing in both directions, and even if the wire is bent due to ocean current resistance, the shaft center of the rotor blade is the ocean current. It can be automatically aligned to be parallel. That is, the power generation unit can always face the flow and the maximum power generation amount can always be obtained.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the power generation unit is capable of swinging 180 ° about the axis of the wire so as to be able to cope with a tidal current flowing in both directions.
In a preferred aspect of the present invention, when the power generation unit is maintained, the power generation unit can be separated at a connection portion with the wire.
According to the present invention, when the power generation unit is maintained, the power generation unit is separated at the connection portion with the wire to perform maintenance work, and after the maintenance work is completed, the power generation unit is connected to the wire through the connection portion. The power generation unit is swung by the force of the ocean current so that the front surface of the rotor blade faces the ocean current.

A preferred aspect of the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of the power generation devices composed of the rotor blades and the generator are connected and integrated into a circular shape or a polygonal shape to form one unit.
According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, there is provided a floating body substation facility that collects the electric power generated by each of the power generation units, and a large amount of power is transmitted to the seafloor to the consumption area via the floating body substation facility. It is characterized by.

The present invention has the following effects.
(1) Underwater by providing floats at both ends of the wire and providing at least two connecting wires at both ends of the wire and connecting the ends of the wires to the foundation embedded in the seabed. The wire can be stretched so as to be substantially orthogonal to the ocean current. Therefore, when stretching the wire in the sea, it is not necessary to use a system that supports both ends of the wire with pillars (stands), and even when the seabed is slanted, the wire can be easily stretched horizontally and installed in the sea. Because a float that is easy to construct is used instead of a column that is difficult to implement, it is easy to put to practical use in terms of both cost and ease of construction. Moreover, even if the water depth is deep, the distance from the sea surface can be kept constant only by adjusting the length of the wire.
(2) Since the power generation unit can swing (swing) like a swing in the vertical direction about the axis of the wire by the force of the ocean current, the front surface of the rotor blade can be opposed to the ocean current. In addition, since the power generation unit can swing (swing) in the horizontal direction around the connection part with the wire due to the force of the ocean current, the shaft of the rotor blade shaft even when the wire is bent due to ocean current resistance It can be automatically aligned so that the mind is parallel to the ocean current. Therefore, the power generation device can always face the flow and the maximum power generation amount can always be obtained.
(3) It is possible to construct an ocean current power generation apparatus by simply laying a wire in the sea so as to be substantially orthogonal to the direction of the ocean current and suspending a plurality of power generation units from the wire via connection portions. Therefore, the equipment is very simple, installation work and maintenance in water are easy, and construction cost and operation cost per output are low.
(4) Despite being a method in which the specific gravity of the power generation unit is approximated to the specific gravity of seawater and the power generation unit is suspended by the force of the ocean current, the power generation unit is suspended from a wire stretched in the sea By simply doing so, the power generation unit is swung by the force of the ocean current so that the front surface of the rotor blade faces the ocean current. Therefore, electrical control such as attitude control of the power generation unit and direction control of the rotor blades is unnecessary.
(5) When maintaining the power generation unit, after the power generation unit is separated at the connection portion with the wire, the power generation unit can be pulled up on the sea surface for maintenance. After maintenance, just sink the power generation unit below the sea surface and connect it at the connection with the wire, and the power generation unit will swing by the force of the ocean current and face the ocean current. Therefore, maintenance work is very easy.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the ocean current power generation device of the present invention, and is a schematic front view of the ocean current power generation device. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the ocean current power generation device of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the ocean current power generation device. FIG. 3 is a view of the power generation unit as viewed from the direction A of the ocean current, and is a front view of the power generation unit. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the ocean current of the power generation unit, and is a cross-sectional view of the power generation unit. FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the power generator. FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the wire connection portion of the wire and the power generation unit, and is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the wire connection portion. FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the wire connection portion between the wire and the power generation unit, and is a perspective view of the wire connection portion. FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the wire connection portion between the wire and the power generation unit, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the wire connection portion. FIG. 9 is a detailed view showing another embodiment of the wire connection portion of the power generation unit, and is a cross-sectional view of the wire connection portion. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing that the posture of the power generation device changes depending on the position of the center of gravity of a plurality of power generation devices that are main components of the power generation unit. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing details when the power generation unit is detached, and is a schematic diagram showing the power generation unit and the seawater work boat when the power generation unit is detached. FIG. 12 is a schematic front view showing a case where many ocean current power generation devices of the present invention are installed in the sea. FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing a case where many ocean current power generation devices of the present invention are installed in the sea. 14 (a) and 14 (b) are diagrams showing an excavation method for installing a foundation on the seabed, and FIG. 14 (a) is a schematic diagram showing a conventional direct excavation method, and FIG. ) Is a schematic view showing a separate excavation method according to the present invention. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a float system for tensioning a wire for supporting the power generation unit. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a current collection / power transmission method in the ocean current power generation apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view showing an underwater floating-type ocean current power generation device in a research and development stage for practical use. FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view showing a submarine fixed-type ocean current power generation device in a research and development stage for practical use. FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a tidal current power generation apparatus proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-257023.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an ocean current power generation apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16. 1 to 16, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.
1 and 2 are diagrams showing a configuration example of the ocean current power generation device of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of the ocean current power generation device, and FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the ocean current power generation device. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a wire 1 is installed in the sea, extending in a substantially horizontal direction and extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction A of the ocean current in the installation sea area. Floats 2 and 2 for floating both ends of the wire 1 in the vertical direction are fixed to both ends of the wire 1. Further, at each end of the wire 1, two connection wires 4 </ b> A and 4 </ b> B for connecting the end of the wire 1 to the foundation 3 embedded in the seabed SB are installed. The connection wire 4A is a wire that pulls the end of the wire 1 in the direction opposite to the direction A of the ocean current, and the connection wire 4B is in a direction orthogonal to the direction A of the ocean current. The wire to be pulled.
That is, the wire 1 is stretched horizontally in seawater by two floats 2 provided at both ends and four connecting wires 4A and 4B, and with respect to the direction A of the ocean current in the installation sea area. It is stretched in a substantially orthogonal direction. A number of power generation units 10 are attached to the wire 1 at a predetermined interval. Since tension is applied to the wire 1 in advance, the wire 1 is not greatly bent due to ocean current resistance, and the power generation unit 10 and the wire 1 do not interfere with each other.

  FIG. 3 is a view of the power generation unit 10 as viewed from the direction A of the ocean current, and is a front view of the power generation unit 10. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the ocean current of the power generation unit 10, and is a cross-sectional view of the power generation unit 10. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the power generation unit 10 is configured by connecting a plurality of power generation devices 13 including rotor blades (propellers) 11 and a generator 12. In other words, the six power generation devices 13 are connected to each other by joints J adjacent to each other. An assembly ring R is provided at the center of the six power generation devices 13. The six power generation devices 13 are arranged around the ring R for assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the power generation unit 10 is configured by connecting six power generation devices 13 in a circular shape and connecting adjacent power generation devices 13. In this way, a plurality of power generators 13 are connected and integrated into a circular shape or a polygonal shape to form one unit. The power generation device 13 is preferably an even number in order to balance the entire power generation unit 10. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the two power generators 13 that are paired on the left and right sides are configured such that the rotor blades 11 rotate in opposite directions to improve the stability by balancing the forces. ing. The power generation unit 10 includes a wire connection portion 20 for connecting to the wire 1 at the center, the wire connection portion 20 is rotatable with respect to the wire 1, and the power generation unit 10 is wired by the wire connection portion 20. 1 is suspended. And the wire connection part 20 and each joint J are connected by the rod-shaped arm 14. FIG.

  By configuring as described above, the power generation unit 10 can swing like a swing in the vertical direction around the wire 1 by the force of the ocean current, as shown by the solid line in FIG. When the direction of the ocean current is the right direction, the front surface 11f of the rotor blade 11 can face the ocean current, and when the direction of the ocean current is the left direction, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 11f can face the ocean current.

  FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the power generation device 13. As shown in FIG. 5, a cylindrical member 15 is installed so as to surround the outer peripheral edge of the rotary blade 11. The outer peripheral side of the cylindrical member 15 has a uniform outer diameter, whereas the inner peripheral side of the cylindrical member 15 gradually decreases in inner diameter from the inlet side toward the intermediate part, and the inner diameter becomes uniform in the intermediate part. The inner diameter gradually increases from the intermediate part toward the outlet side. The cylindrical member 15 configured in this manner allows the ocean current to flow into the rotor blade 11 after being accelerated, so that a large rotational torque can be applied to the rotor blade 11 from the ocean current. The cylindrical member 15 is made of a plated steel plate as a base material, waterproofed with FRP or the like as a surface layer material, and a reinforcing material 15a is provided inside. In addition, a foam material such as urethane foam is injected into the hollow portion of the cylindrical member 15. Thus, the hollow part of the cylindrical member 15 functions as a float for adjusting the buoyancy of the power generation unit 10.

  On the other hand, the shaft 16 that supports the rotor blade 11 is rotatably supported by a fixed ring 17, and a plurality of rod-shaped connecting members 18 are provided between the fixed ring 17 and the cylindrical member 15. A generator 12 is connected to the shaft 16. The plurality of connecting members 18 are disposed immediately upstream of the rotor blade 11.

  6 to 8 are detailed views of the wire connection part 20 of the wire 1 and the power generation unit 10, FIG. 6 is a partial sectional plan view of the wire connection part 20, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the wire connection part 20, and FIG. It is a VIII-VIII arrow directional view of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the wire connecting portion 20 is fixed to the wire 1, and the first is fitted to the fixing ring 21 and is rotatable with respect to the fixing ring 21. A movable ring 22 and a rectangular first plate 23 fixed to the first movable ring 22 by welding or the like are provided. A rectangular second plate 24 is fixed to the first plate 23 by bolts and nuts. Support members 25 and 25 made of a substantially triangular flat plate are erected on both side ends of the rectangular second plate 24, and a fixing pin 26 is provided between the support members 25 and 25. A second movable ring 27 is fitted to the fixed pin 26, and the second movable ring 27 is rotatable with respect to the fixed pin 26. A plurality of rod-shaped arms 14 are fixed to the second movable ring 27, and the power generation device 13 is supported at the tip of each arm 14 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

  By configuring as described above, the six power generators 13 are centered on the axis of the first movable ring 22 that rotates about the axis of the wire 1 and the axis of the fixed pin 26 that is arranged orthogonal to the wire 1. Is suspended from the wire 1 via the second movable ring 27 that rotates. Accordingly, the six power generating devices 13 swing around like a swing in the vertical direction around the axis of the wire 1 by the force of the ocean current, and center on the axis extending perpendicularly to the wire 1 in the vertical direction. Can be swung horizontally. Accordingly, the front surface 11f of the rotor blade 11 can be opposed to the tidal current against the tidal current flowing in both directions, and even when the wire 1 is bent due to ocean current resistance, the shaft 16 of the rotor blade 11 Automatic alignment is possible so that the axis is parallel to the ocean current. That is, the six power generation devices 13 can always be directly opposed to the flow, and the maximum power generation amount can always be obtained.

  FIG. 9 is a detailed view showing another embodiment of the wire connecting portion of the power generation unit, and is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the wire connecting portion. As shown in FIG. 9, the wire connecting portion 20 is fixed to the wire 1 and has a fixed ring 31 whose outer peripheral surface is a spherical surface, and is fitted to the fixed ring 31 and has an inner peripheral surface of a spherical surface. And a spherical bearing provided with a movable ring 32. A plurality of rod-like arms 14 are fixed to the movable ring 32, and the power generation device 13 is supported at the tip of each arm 14 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

  By configuring as shown in FIG. 9, the outer peripheral surface of the fixed ring 31 and the inner peripheral surface of the movable ring 32 are formed into a spherical surface centered on a fulcrum O at the axis of the wire 1, and a spherical sliding contact is formed. The movable ring 32 is rotatable about the fulcrum O in all directions (360 °) with respect to the fixed ring 31. Accordingly, the six power generation devices 13 swing like a swing in the vertical direction about the fulcrum O at the center of the wire 1 by the force of the ocean current and swing in the horizontal direction about the fulcrum O. (Swing) can be. Accordingly, the front surface 11f of the rotor blade 11 can be opposed to the tidal current against the tidal current flowing in both directions, and even when the wire 1 is bent due to ocean current resistance, the shaft 16 of the rotor blade 11 Automatic alignment is possible so that the axis is parallel to the ocean current. That is, the six power generation devices 13 can always be directly opposed to the flow, and the maximum power generation amount can always be obtained.

Next, buoyancy adjustment of the power generation unit 10 of the present invention will be described. The power generation unit 10 of the present invention performs floatation adjustment by providing a float in order to approximate the specific gravity of seawater. That is, by means such as filling the internal space of the cylindrical member 15 installed so as to surround the outer peripheral edge of the rotor blade 11 or the internal space of the pipe 19 connected to the cylindrical member 15 with a foam material such as urethane foam. By forming a float and adjusting the buoyancy of the power generation unit 10 with the float, the power generation unit 10 is brought close to the specific gravity of seawater.
In the present invention, the specific gravity in seawater of the power generation unit 10 is set to 0.9 to 1.1. In other words, by setting the specific gravity in the seawater of the power generation unit 10 to be within a range of ± 0.1 with respect to the specific gravity of seawater (≈1), the power generation unit 10 is quickly and reliably shaken by the force of the ocean current. It can be moved. The reason why the specific gravity in the seawater of the power generation unit 10 is set to 0.9 to 1.1 is as follows.
Assuming that the aerial weight of one power generation unit is 100 W and that it is an iron lump, the underwater weight is about 78.2 W. In order to make this unit the same as the specific gravity of seawater (≈1), a 78.2 W buoyancy device (float) is required. Depending on the velocity of the ocean current, the force received by one unit is generally subject to the following load for each flow velocity.
20W at 2 knots
45W at 3 knots
4 knots 80W
Here, 1 knot is 0.5144 m / sec.
If the specific gravity of the unit in seawater is 1, the maximum amount of power generation can be obtained, but if the specific gravity of the unit in seawater deviates from 1, the power generation efficiency decreases. Therefore, it is necessary to control the buoyancy within a certain range, and the maximum angle of the unit with respect to the water flow is set within 6 ° in consideration of the power generation efficiency of the tidal current.
When it is set within 6 ° at a flow rate of 2 knots, the buoyancy is 78.2 W ± 2.0 W = 80.2 W or 76.2 W, and the ratio is in the range of 100 ± 2.55%. That is, the specific gravity in seawater is 1 ± 0.025.
If it is set within 6 ° at a flow rate of 3 knots, the buoyancy is 78.2 W ± 4.5 W = 82.7 W or 73.7 W, and the ratio is in the range of 100 ± 5.82%. That is, the specific gravity in seawater is 1 ± 0.058.
When it is set within 6 ° at a flow rate of 4 knots, the buoyancy is 78.2 W ± 8.0 W = 86.2 W or 70.2 W, and the ratio is in the range of 100 ± 10.23%. That is, the specific gravity in seawater is 1 ± 0.102.
From the above, the specific gravity in seawater of the power generation unit is set to 0.9 to 1.1. And according to the speed of an ocean current, you may set the specific gravity in the seawater of a power generation unit to 0.95-1.05 or 0.98-1.02.

In the power generation unit 10 of the present invention, in addition to approximating the specific gravity of the power generation unit 10 to the specific gravity of seawater, the size, shape and position of the float are optimized, so that the main components of the power generation unit 10 The position of the center of gravity of a plurality of (six in this embodiment) power generators 13 is set to an optimum position.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing that the posture of the power generation device 13 changes depending on the position of the center of gravity of the plurality of power generation devices 13 that are main constituent members of the power generation unit 10. 10 shows a case where the position of the center of gravity of the power generation device is close to the wire 1, and the portion far from the wire 1 of the power generation device is lifted as shown in the figure, and the power generation device is inclined with respect to the ocean current. 10 shows a case where the position of the center of gravity of the power generation device is far from the wire 1, and the portion far from the wire 1 of the power generation device sinks and the power generation device is inclined with respect to the ocean current. 10 shows a case where the position of the center of gravity of the power generation device is at an optimum position from the wire 1, and the power generation device faces the ocean current without being inclined as shown in the figure. As described above, in the present invention, by optimizing the size, shape and position of the float, the power generator can maintain a normal posture as shown in the left figure in FIG. Are always facing each other, and the maximum amount of power generation is always obtained.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing details when the power generation unit is detached, and is a schematic diagram showing the power generation unit and the seawater work boat when the power generation unit is detached.
As shown in FIG. 11, at the time of maintenance of the power generation apparatus, the underwater work boat 40 holds the power generation unit 10 while keeping the power generation unit 10 in the power generation state in the direction of the ocean current. In this state, the underwater work boat 40 separates the wire connection portion 20 into the wire connection side and the power generation device side, and lifts the unit on the power generation device side onto the mother ship. And at the time of installation after the maintenance of the power generator unit, the power generator unit is held by the submersible work boat 40 in the power generation state posture, and the submersible work vessel 40 fixes the power generator unit to the wire connection unit, The power generation unit 10 is assembled by integrating the wire connection portion 20. Thereafter, when the power generation unit 10 is released from the underwater work boat 40, the power generation device 13 faces the ocean current.

12 and 13 are diagrams showing a case where a large number of ocean current power generation apparatuses of the present invention are installed in the sea. FIG. 12 is a schematic front view, and FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view.
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a large number of wires 1 are stretched in the sea. Floats 2 and 2 are fixed to both ends of each wire 1 and four connection wires 4A and 4B are provided. Each wire 1 is stretched horizontally in seawater and installed in a sea area. It is stretched in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the ocean current. A float 2 and a connecting wire 4 </ b> A are also provided at a predetermined interval at an intermediate portion of each wire 1. A large number of power generation units 10 are attached to each wire 1. Thus, a power plant having a desired power generation capability can be constructed by stretching a large number of wires 1 in multiple rows and attaching a large number of power generation units 10 to the wires 1.

14 (a) and 14 (b) are diagrams showing an excavation method for installing the foundation 3 on the seabed, and FIG. 14 (a) is a schematic diagram showing a conventional direct excavation method. b) is a schematic diagram showing a separate type excavation method according to the present invention.
In the conventional direct excavation method shown in FIG. 14A, the drill pipe 42 is extended from the large work boat 41 </ b> A to the sea floor SB, and the seabed excavation is performed by the drill pipe 42. In the conventional construction method as shown in FIG. 14 (a), the mother ship and the foundation are inefficient because of the one-to-one relationship between the mother ship and the foundation. There were problems such as becoming.
In the separate excavation method according to the present invention shown in FIG. 14B, the small separate excavation robot 43 is lowered to the seabed SB from the small work ship 41B as a mother ship by a wire or the like, and the seabed excavation is performed by the separate excavation robot 43. . In order to position the excavation robot 43 at a predetermined work position on the seabed SB, the excavation robot 43 may be carried by the underwater work boat 40. According to the separate excavation method of the present invention, the mother ship is an auxiliary ship, and the excavation is performed by a separate excavation robot that is structurally cut off from the mother ship, and the excavation robot is applied to one mother ship (small work ship 41B). Multiple units can be installed.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a float system for tensioning the wire 1 for supporting the power generation unit 10.
As shown in FIG. 15A, the float 2 is provided with a fixing wire 5 for fixing the float 2 to the end of the wire 1. The float 2 is held by the underwater work boat 40 and is carried to the seabed SB. At this time, float 2 is deflated and buoyancy does not work. The wire 1 and the wires 4A and 4B are integrated with the seabed SB. The ends of the wires 4A and 4B are fixed to the foundation 3.
As shown in FIG. 15B, the float 2 carried by the underwater work boat 40 is attached to both ends of the wire 1 via the fixing wire 5. After attaching the float 2 to both ends of the wire 1, foam beads are injected into the float 2 from the underwater work boat 40 to float the float 2.
As shown in FIG. 15C, when the foam bead injection into the float 2 is completed, the float 2 floats together with the wire 1, imparts tension to the wire 1 and tensions the wires 4 </ b> A and 4 </ b> B. And the several electric power generation unit 10 is attached to the wire 1 stretched horizontally with the tension | tensile_strength.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a current collection / power transmission method in the ocean current power generation apparatus of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 16, a floating substation (floating substation) 50 is installed on the sea surface in the vicinity of the ocean current power generation device. The electric power generated by each power generation unit 10 is collected by the floating substation 50 via a power transmission line 51 installed along the wire 1. The floating substation 50 is composed of a semi-sub floating structure, and this semi-sub floating structure is not easily affected by weather such as typhoons and is extremely resistant to shaking. Large-capacity electric power collected at the floating substation 50 is transmitted to the consumption area via the submarine transmission line 52.
According to the power collection / transmission method of the present invention, it is easy to collect the generated power without transporting it to the sea floor and transport it to a substation on the sea. Moreover, the power transmission which carries the large capacity | capacitance electric power generated with the floating type substation 50 to a consumption place is easy.

  In order to apply the ocean current power generation apparatus of the present invention to tidal current power generation, two connecting wires 4A are stretched in opposite directions along the tidal current direction at each end of the wire 1. That is, the two connection wires 4A may be arranged so as to face the positions separated from each other by 180 ° with the end portion of the wire 1 as the center. The wire 4B is stretched in a direction orthogonal to the tidal current, as in FIGS.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described so far, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that the present invention may be implemented in various different forms within the scope of the technical idea.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Wire 2 Float 3 Foundation 4A Connection wire 4B Connection wire 5 Fixing wire 10 Power generation unit 11 Rotor blade (propeller)
11f Front surface 12 Generator 13 Power generation device 14 Arm 15 Cylindrical member 15a Reinforcement material 16 Shaft 17 Fixed ring 18 Connecting member 19 Pipe 20 Wire connection portion 21 Fixed ring 22 First movable ring 23 First plate 24 Second plate 25 Support member DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 26 Fixed pin 27 2nd movable ring 31 Fixed ring 32 Movable ring 40 Underwater work ship 41A Large work ship 41B Small work ship 42 Drill pipe 43 Drilling robot 50 Floating-type substation 51 Transmission line 52 Submarine transmission line 100,110 Power generation apparatus 101 Wire 102 Turbine 103 Weight 111 Support leg 112 Turbine 121 Support rod 122 Station 123 Generator 125 Screw blade 126 Branch rod 130 Rotating force transmission material J Joint O Support point R Ring SB Submarine

Claims (14)

By providing floats at both ends of the wire, and by providing at least two connecting wires at both ends of the wire and connecting both ends of the wires to a foundation embedded in the seabed, the wires Is stretched so as to be substantially perpendicular to the ocean current,
A plurality of power generation units are suspended from the wire via the connection portion and arranged.
The power generation unit includes at least one power generation device including a rotor blade and a generator,
The current generator unit is capable of swinging about the axis of the wire by the force of an ocean current so that the front surface of the rotor blade is opposed to the ocean current by the connecting portion.   The two connecting wires provided at both ends of the wire extend in a direction opposite to the direction of the ocean current and connect the end of the wire to the foundation of the seabed, and a direction orthogonal to the ocean current. The ocean current power generation device according to claim 1, further comprising a connection wire extending to the bottom and connecting an end portion of the wire to a foundation of the seabed.   The ocean current power generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the floats respectively provided at both ends of the wire float both ends of the wire in a vertical direction.   The ocean current power generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the foundation is constructed using an excavation robot that is separated from a mother ship and can work in the sea.   The ocean current power generation according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein after the float is attached to both ends of the wire, a floatation agent is injected into the float to float the float and the wire. apparatus.   6. The ocean current power generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power generation unit is provided with a float to adjust buoyancy in order to approach the specific gravity of seawater.   The ocean current power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the power generation unit has a specific gravity in seawater of 0.9 to 1.1.   The connecting portion includes a fixed ring fixed to the wire, and a first movable ring that is fitted to the fixed ring and is rotatable with respect to the fixed ring, wherein the first movable ring is The ocean current power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the power generation unit swings about an axis of the wire by rotating with respect to a fixing ring.   The connecting portion is connected to the first movable ring and is fixed to the fixing pin disposed orthogonal to the wire axis, and is fitted to the fixing pin and is rotatable with respect to the fixing pin. A second movable ring is provided, and the second movable ring rotates with respect to the fixed pin, and can be aligned so that the axis of the rotor blade is parallel to the ocean current. Item 9. The ocean current power generation device according to any one of Items 1 to 8.   The connecting portion is a spherical bearing having a fixed ring fixed to the wire and having a spherical outer peripheral surface, and a movable ring fitted to the fixed ring and having a spherical inner peripheral surface. The ocean current power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by comprising:   The said power generation unit is rockable | swiveled 180 degree | times centering | focusing on the axis line of the said wire so that it can respond to the tidal current which flows bidirectionally. Ocean current power generator.   The ocean current power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein when the power generation unit is maintained, the power generation unit can be separated at a connection portion with the wire.   The unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a plurality of the power generation devices including the rotor blades and the generator are connected and integrated into a circular shape or a polygonal shape to form one unit. The ocean current power generator described.   2. A floating type substation facility that collects the electric power generated by each of the power generation units is provided, and a large amount of electric power is transmitted to a submarine through a floating type substation facility to a consumption area. The ocean current power generation device according to any one of 1 to 13.

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