JP2018091308A - Submerged float type power generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a submerged float type power generator capable of balancing in the water without providing excess machinery and tools for balance adjustment.SOLUTION: A submerged float type power generator comprises: a power generation turbine; a pod for supporting the power generation turbine on a first end side in a rotation axial direction; a liquid pressure pump provided on the first end side of the pod and connected to a rotation axis for converting the torque into the liquid pressure; a pipeline connected to the liquid pressure pump; a liquid pressure motor connected to the pipeline for converting the fluid pressure generated by the liquid pressure pump into the torque; and a dynamo connected to the liquid pressure motor for performing the power generation using the torque generated by the liquid pressure motor. The liquid pressure motor and the dynamo, each is disposed on a second side of the pod in the rotation axial direction with respect to the position of the center of buoyancy of the submerged float type power generator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an underwater floating power generator.

  In an ocean current power generation device that is a type of underwater floating power generation device, a turbine blade is provided on one end side of a pod. The turbine blade and the generator are connected via a main shaft, and the generator and the main shaft are accommodated in the end of the pod. In the ocean current energy extraction device described in Patent Document 1, a rotor assembly including a rotor blade is connected to a hydraulic pump. Specifically, the drive shaft is an input to the hydraulic pump and drives the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump is operatively connected to at least one constant speed hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor is operably connected to at least one generator. As described in Patent Document 2, a configuration combining a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor is also known in the field of wind power generators.

Special Table 2014-534375 International Publication No.2013 / 128968

  The underwater floating power generation apparatus has a side surface as a floating body that receives buoyancy and a side surface as an object that receives gravity. In order to stabilize the posture of the device in water, the buoyancy of the entire device and the center of gravity of the device must be matched or brought close to each other in the flow direction. In the submerged floating power generation device in which the turbine blade and the generator are connected via the main shaft, it is necessary to provide an extra device for balance adjustment, and there is a problem that the overall weight increases. The increase in the overall weight can lead to an increase in cost when installing the device in the sea area. On the other hand, no examination has been made on how to balance a floating body even in a submerged floating power generation device in which a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor are combined.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an underwater floating power generation device that can balance in water without providing an extra device for balance adjustment.

  One aspect of the present invention is an underwater floating power generation apparatus in which a power generation turbine is provided on a first end side of a pod in a rotation axis direction, the power generation turbine including the rotation shaft, and a first end in the rotation axis direction. And a second end opposite to the first end, the pod supporting the power generation turbine on the first end side, and provided at the first end of the pod and connected to the rotating shaft to transfer the rotational force of the liquid A hydraulic pump for converting pressure, a pipe connected to the hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor connected to the pipe for converting the pressure of the liquid generated by the hydraulic pump into a rotational force, and connected to the hydraulic motor A generator that generates electric power using the rotational force generated by the hydraulic motor, and the buoyancy of the underwater floating generator is located in a region between the first end and the second end in the rotation axis direction The hydraulic motor and the generator are Te are disposed on the second end side of the pod in the direction of the axis of rotation.

  According to this submerged floating power generation device, a hydraulic pump connected to the rotating shaft of the power generation turbine is provided at the first end of the pod. Since the power generation turbine is provided on the first end side of the pod and the hydraulic pump is provided on the first end of the pod, the length of the rotating shaft is shortened. On the other hand, the pressure of the liquid generated by the hydraulic pump is transmitted to the hydraulic motor through the pipe, and power is generated in the generator. A hydraulic pump, piping, and a hydraulic motor increase the degree of freedom in arranging heavy generators. In this underwater floating generator, the hydraulic motor and the generator are disposed on the second end side with respect to the position of the floating core of the underwater floating generator, and are separated from the turbine. In other words, a buoyancy is located between the turbine and the generator. Both the turbine and the generator occupy a relatively large weight among the devices provided in the pod. With the above arrangement in which the generator is separated from the turbine, the buoyancy and the center of gravity of the device can be matched or brought close to each other in the rotation axis direction. As a result, the posture of the apparatus can be stabilized in water. Therefore, it is possible to balance in water without providing extra equipment for balance adjustment.

  In some embodiments, the hydraulic motor and generator are provided at the second end of the pod. In this case, the hydraulic motor and the generator are located farthest from the turbine inside the pod. With this arrangement, the buoyancy and the center of gravity of the device can be easily matched or brought close to each other in the rotation axis direction.

  In some embodiments, the submerged floating power generation device is disposed apart from the power generation turbine in a direction crossing the rotation axis direction, and includes a second power generation turbine including the second rotation axis, and the second rotation axis direction. A first end and a second end opposite to the first end, a second pod supporting the second power generating turbine on the first end side, a pod and a connecting portion connecting the second pod, A second hydraulic pressure pump provided at the first end of the two pods and connected to the second rotation shaft to convert the rotational force into a liquid pressure; a second pipe connected to the second hydraulic pressure pump; A second hydraulic motor connected to the pipe and converting the pressure of the liquid generated by the second hydraulic pump into a rotational force; and a rotational force connected to the second hydraulic motor and generated by the second hydraulic motor. A second generator for generating electric power, and a second hydraulic mode And the second generator, relative to the position of the center of buoyancy, is arranged on the second end side of the second pod in the second rotational direction. In this case, also in the submerged floating power generator in which the power generating turbine is provided in each of the two pods connected by the connecting portion, the piping, the hydraulic motor, and the generator are individually provided. By arranging these hydraulic motor, second hydraulic motor, generator, and second generator, the buoyancy and the center of gravity of the apparatus can be aligned or brought close to each other in the rotation axis direction. Since the pressure of the liquid is independent in each system, independent rotation control is possible in any power generation turbine.

  In some embodiments, the generator and the second generator are located in plane symmetry with respect to a virtual plane that is parallel to both the rotation axis and the second rotation axis and is equidistant from the rotation axis and the second rotation axis. Is arranged. In this case, since the generator that occupies a relatively large weight and the second generator are arranged symmetrically, it is easy to set the center of gravity at a desired position in the submerged floating power generator provided with two turbines for power generation. .

  In some embodiments, the submerged floating power generation device is disposed apart from the power generation turbine in a direction crossing the rotation axis direction, and includes a second power generation turbine including the second rotation axis, and the second rotation axis direction. A first end and a second end opposite to the first end, a second pod supporting the second power generating turbine on the first end side, a pod and a connecting portion connecting the second pod, A second hydraulic pump provided at the first end of the two pods and connected to the second rotating shaft to convert the rotational force into a liquid pressure; and a second pipe connected to the second hydraulic pump. The hydraulic motor is connected to both the pipe and the second pipe, and the hydraulic motor and the generator are provided in common for the power generation turbine and the second power generation turbine. In this case, the hydraulic motor and the generator are commonly provided in the underwater floating power generator in which the power generation turbine is provided in each of the two pods connected by the connecting portion. With this configuration, the number of hydraulic motors and generators can be reduced.

  In some embodiments, the hydraulic motor and the generator are provided at the connection. In this case, it is easy to adjust the position of the center of gravity in the direction intersecting the rotation axis direction (for example, the left-right direction). For example, it is easy to place the center of gravity at the center in the direction intersecting the rotation axis direction (the center of the underwater floating generator).

  According to some aspects of the present invention, it is possible to balance in water without providing an extra device for balance adjustment.

1 is a diagram showing a water current power generation system to which an underwater floating power generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is the figure which looked at the arrangement | positioning of the apparatus in the pod in 1st Embodiment, the gravity center, and the position of the floating center from the side view. It is the figure which planarly viewed arrangement | positioning of the hydraulic pump, piping, hydraulic motor, and generator in 1st Embodiment. It is the figure which planarly viewed arrangement | positioning of the hydraulic pump, piping, hydraulic motor, and generator in other embodiment. It is the figure which planarly viewed arrangement | positioning of the apparatus in a 1st reference form. It is the figure which planarly viewed arrangement | positioning of the apparatus in a 2nd reference form.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

  In the following description, the terms “upstream” or “downstream” are used with reference to the flow of water. Further, the term “front” means the upstream side of the water flow, and the term “rear” means the downstream side of the water flow. For example, when a downwind type turbine is used, blades (wings) are arranged on the rear side of the pod. The term “left” or “right” means a direction that is perpendicular and horizontal to the flow of water and is used as a reference when viewed from the rear or downstream. The term “pod” may be replaced by the words “pressure shell” or “nacelle”.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the ocean current power generation system S to which the underwater floating power generation device 1 of this embodiment is applied will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the underwater floating power generation apparatus 1 is installed in, for example, seawater and floats, and generates power using an ocean current. The underwater floating power generator 1 includes a right pod 2A and a left pod 2B that are spaced apart from each other on the left and right sides, and a cross beam (connecting portion) 3 that connects the right pod 2A and the left pod 2B. A power generation turbine 4A is provided on the rear end side of the right pod 2A. A power generation turbine 4B is provided on the rear end side of the left pod 2B. In the following description, the underwater floating generator 1 is referred to as the ocean current generator 1. The ocean current power generation apparatus is a kind of water current power generation apparatus. The power generation turbines 4A and 4B are referred to as a right turbine 4A and a left turbine 4B, respectively.

  In the ocean current power generation apparatus 1 having a twin-engine turbine, one of the right pod 2A and the left pod 2B corresponds to a “pod” described in the claims. The other of the right pod 2A and the left pod 2B corresponds to a “second pod” recited in the claims. One of the right turbine 4A and the left turbine 4B corresponds to a “power generation turbine” recited in the claims. The other of the right turbine 4A and the left turbine 4B corresponds to a “second power generating turbine” recited in the claims. Similarly, with respect to each device described later provided in the right pod 2A and the left pod 2B, “hydraulic pump”, “second hydraulic pump”, “piping”, and “second piping” described in the claims are similarly applied. , “Hydraulic motor”, “second hydraulic motor”, “generator” and “second generator”, respectively.

  The right pod 2A imparts proper buoyancy to the right turbine 4A while rotatably supporting the right turbine 4A. The left pod 2B imparts appropriate buoyancy to the left turbine 4B while rotatably supporting the left turbine 4B. The right pod 2A and the left pod 2B are, for example, cylindrical pressure vessels, and have, for example, the same size and structure.

  Between the right pod 2A and the left pod 2B, a cross beam 3 which is a structure connecting them extends (that is, extends so as to cross). The cross beam 3 has a predetermined length in the front-rear direction and a predetermined thickness. The cross beam 3 has, for example, a blade shape so as not to obstruct the flow with respect to the rotor blades (blades 6A and 6B described later) provided at each end of the right pod 2A and the left pod 2B as much as possible. The left and right ends of the cross beam 3 are fixed to, for example, approximately the center of the body of the right pod 2A and the left pod 2B. The position where the cross beam 3 is fixed is not limited to the above position. The cross beam 3 may be fixed to the upper part or the lower part of the pod, or may be fixed to the front part or the rear part of the pod. The cross beam 3 may have an equal cross-sectional shape in the extending direction (that is, the transverse direction). The cross beam 3 may have a structure that has a cavity inside and generates buoyancy. The cross beam 3 may have a structure that does not have a cavity inside (for example, a truss structure) and does not generate buoyancy.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the rotation axis (first rotation axis) L1 of the right turbine 4A coincides with the axis of the right pod 2A, for example. The direction in which the rotation axis L1 extends coincides with the rotation axis direction of the right turbine 4A. The rotation axis (second rotation axis) L2 of the left turbine 4B coincides with the axis of the left pod 2B, for example. The direction in which the rotation axis L2 extends coincides with the rotation axis direction of the left turbine 4B. The rotation axis L1 and the rotation axis L2 are parallel, for example. The right turbine 4A and the left turbine 4B are separated from each other in a direction (crossing direction) perpendicular to the rotation axis direction, that is, in the left-right direction.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ocean current power generation apparatus 1 is connected via a mooring line 10 to a sinker or anchor 14 (in the illustrated example, a sinker) for fixing to the seabed. The mooring line 10 includes a lower mooring line 11e connected to the sinker 14, and upper mooring lines 11a and 11b branched from the upper end of the mooring line 11e and connected to the right pod 2A and the left pod 2B, respectively. The upper mooring lines 11a and 11b are branched in a Y shape. The form of the mooring line 10 is not limited to this, and the mooring line 10 may be connected to the cross beam 3 at one point, or the two upper mooring lines 11a and 11b may be connected to the cross beam 3. .

  In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the power transmission cable for transmitting the electric power generated in the turbine part 4 is provided so that the mooring line 10 may be followed. One end of the power transmission cable is connected to the right generator 17A in the right pod 2A and the left generator 17B (see FIG. 3) in the left pod 2B, and the other end of the power transmission cable is provided in the sinker 14, for example. Connected to a repeater (or transformer). Furthermore, a power transmission cable laid on the seabed and extending to the ground is provided. The electric power generated in the right turbine 4A and the left turbine 4B is transmitted to the ground via these power transmission cables.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the right turbine 4A and the left turbine 4B applied to the ocean current power generation apparatus 1 are, for example, downwind type turbines. The right pod 2A and the left pod 2B float in a posture facing the direction of the ocean current. The right turbine 4A is provided on the rear end 21A side (first end side) of the right pod 2A in the rotation axis direction. The left turbine 4B is provided on the rear end 21B side (first end side) of the left pod 2B in the rotation axis direction. When the direction of the ocean current is substantially horizontal, the rotation axes L1 and L2 of the right turbine 4A and the left turbine 4B are maintained substantially horizontal.

  The right turbine 4A and the left turbine 4B may be upwind turbines. In that case, a right turbine and a left turbine are respectively provided on the front end sides of the right pod 2A and the left pod 2B. The front ends 22A and 22B of the right pod 2A and the left pod 2B correspond to “first ends” recited in the claims.

  The right turbine 4A includes, for example, two blades 6A. The left turbine 4B includes, for example, two blades 6B. The blade 6A is disposed on the rear end 21A side of the right pod 2A. The blade 6B is disposed on the rear end 21B side of the left pod 2B. In the ocean current power generation apparatus 1 that employs a downwind turbine, the blade 6A is disposed on the downstream side of the right pod 2A and the blade 6B is disposed on the downstream side of the left pod 2B with reference to the direction of the ocean current. The right turbine 4A and the left turbine 4B have the same size, but the blade pitches of the blades 6A and 6B are reversed. The right turbine 4A and the left turbine 4B rotate in directions opposite to each other in response to the ocean current. Thereby, the rotational torque generated in the right turbine 4A and the left turbine 4B is offset. Note that three or more blades may be provided for one turbine.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the configuration of the devices provided in the right pod 2A and the left pod 2B in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a side view of the arrangement of the devices, the center of gravity G, and the position of the buoyancy center B in the right pod 2A. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the arrangement of devices in the ocean current power generation device 1. In the ocean current power generation device 1, the positions of the center of gravity G and the buoyancy B are located between the right pod 2A and the left pod 2B (see FIG. 3). In FIG. 2, the positions of the center of gravity G and the buoyancy center B are projected and shown in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis direction of the right turbine 4A, that is, in the left-right direction.

  2 and 3, the rear end 21A of the right pod 2A has a rotation shaft 16A connected to a hub 15A rotating together with the blade 6A, and a front end of the rotation shaft 16A. A right hydraulic pump 26A is accommodated. The right hydraulic pump 26A includes a rotating body connected to the rotating shaft 16A, a casing for housing the rotating body, and the like. The right hydraulic pump 26A converts the rotational force of the rotating shaft 16A into a liquid pressure by the rotation of the rotating body. For example, one end of the right pipe 30A is connected to the casing of the right hydraulic pump 26A, and the inside of the casing and the right pipe 30A is filled with a working liquid such as oil so that it can circulate. The right hydraulic pump 26A pumps hydraulic fluid such as oil through the right pipe 30A. A known hydraulic pump can be employed as the right hydraulic pump 26A. The working liquid may be water. The working liquid may be seawater.

  The right pipe 30A is attached to a region from the rear end 21A to the front end 22A inside the right pod 2A. The right pipe 30A is a pipe having a predetermined pressure resistance. The right pipe 30A may be a metal pipe or a resin pipe. The right pipe 30A may be a pressure hose or the like. The right pipe 30A can be designed to minimize the pressure loss of the flowing liquid. The arrangement of the right pipe 30A can be changed as appropriate in consideration of the arrangement of other devices and devices provided in the right pod 2A.

  A right hydraulic motor 27A connected to the other end of the right pipe 30A and a right generator 17A connected to the output shaft 28A of the right hydraulic motor 27A are accommodated in the front end 22A of the right pod 2A. Yes. The right hydraulic motor 27A includes a rotating body connected to the output shaft 28A, a casing for housing the rotating body, and the like. The right hydraulic motor 27A outputs a rotational force at the output shaft 28A by rotating the rotating body with the pressure of the working liquid flowing from the right pipe 30A. That is, the right hydraulic motor 27A converts the pressure of the working liquid generated by the right hydraulic pump 26A into a rotational force. A known hydraulic motor can be employed as the right hydraulic motor 27A.

  The right generator 17A includes a rotation shaft coupled to the output shaft 28A, a rotor including a magnet fixed to the rotation shaft, and a stator including a winding disposed around the rotor. . The right generator 17A generates power using the rotational force generated by the right hydraulic motor 27A. As the right generator 17A, for example, a known generator can be adopted.

  The right hydraulic pump 26A, the right pipe 30A, the right hydraulic motor 27A, and the right generator 17A described above are installed and fixed to the inner wall surface of the right pod 2A via a bracket or a frame, for example. Yes. In addition to the above, various devices and instruments can be provided in the right pod 2A. The right pipe 30A may be provided with a pressure adjustment mechanism including a safety valve. The right pipe 30A may be provided with a line for circulating the working liquid, a tank for storing the working liquid, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the left pod 2B is also provided with devices similar to the devices in the right pod 2A. The rear end 21B of the left pod 2B accommodates a rotary shaft 16B connected to a hub 15B that rotates together with the blade 6B, and a left hydraulic pump 26B connected to the front end of the rotary shaft 16B. . The left hydraulic pump 26B converts the rotational force of the rotating shaft 16B into liquid pressure by the rotation of the rotating body. The left hydraulic pump 26B pumps hydraulic fluid such as oil through the left pipe 30B.

  A left hydraulic motor 27B connected to the other end of the left pipe 30B and a left generator 17B connected to the output shaft 28B of the left hydraulic motor 27B are accommodated in the front end 22B of the left pod 2B. Yes. The left hydraulic motor 27B converts the pressure of the working liquid generated by the left hydraulic pump 26B into a rotational force. The left generator 17B generates power using the rotational force generated by the left hydraulic motor 27B. Each configuration of the left hydraulic pump 26B, the left pipe 30B, the left hydraulic motor 27B, and the left generator 17B is the same as that of the right hydraulic pump 26A, the right pipe 30A, the right hydraulic motor 27A, and the right generator 17A. It may be the same as each configuration.

  Next, the relationship between the center of gravity G and buoyancy B in the ocean current power generation device 1 and the device arrangement will be described. In the ocean current power generation device 1, the position of the buoyancy B is determined by the size, shape, and arrangement of the right turbine 4 </ b> A and the left turbine 4 </ b> B, the right pod 2 </ b> A and the left pod 2 </ b> B, and the cross beam 3. Buoyancy B is the center where buoyancy works. Buoyancy is determined by the volume of water displaced by the ocean current power generation device 1. Therefore, the arrangement of equipment installed (contained) in a space where water does not enter, such as the inside of the right pod 2A and the left pod 2B, affects the position of the buoyancy B. Does not affect. On the other hand, since the gravity center G is the center where gravity works, it is determined by the positions and weights of all the devices and members constituting the ocean current power generation apparatus 1.

  In the ocean current power generation device 1, the right turbine 4A and the left turbine 4B, and the right pod 2A and the left pod 2B are parallel to both the rotation axis L1 and the rotation axis L2, and are equidistant from the rotation axis L1 and the rotation axis L2. A certain first virtual plane P1 is plane symmetric. Therefore, the floating center B of the ocean current power generation device 1 is located on the first virtual plane P1.

  The axial position of the buoyancy center B will be described. In the rotation axis direction of the right turbine 4A (in the direction of the rotation axis L1), the buoyancy center B is located in a region between the rear end 21A and the front end 22A. In other words, the floating core B is located in a region between the rear end 21B and the front end 22B in the rotation axis direction (the rotation axis L2 direction) of the left turbine 4B.

  In the ocean current power generation device 1, the right turbine 4A is provided only on the rear end 21A side of the right pod 2A, and the left turbine 4B is provided only on the rear end 21B side of the left pod 2B. On the other hand, the right hydraulic motor 27A and the right generator 17A are provided at the front end 22A of the right pod 2A. The left hydraulic motor 27B and the left generator 17B are provided at the front end 22B of the left pod 2B. In other words, the right hydraulic motor 27A and the right generator 17A are arranged on the front end 22A side opposite to the rear end 21A with respect to the position of the floating core B. The left hydraulic motor 27B and the left generator 17B are disposed on the front end 22B side opposite to the rear end 21B with respect to the position of the floating core B. In this way, the right generator 17A and the left generator 17B, which are heavy objects, are arranged at positions as far as possible from the right turbine 4A and the left turbine 4B, which are also heavy objects. Thereby, the uneven distribution (unbalance) of the center of gravity G in the rotation axis direction is alleviated.

  Here, “a device is disposed on the front end side (second end side) in the rotation axis direction with respect to the position of the buoyancy B” means that the device passes through the buoyancy B and is orthogonal to the rotation axis direction. This means that it is arranged at least on the front end side (second end side) from the second virtual plane P2.

  The right power generator 17A and the left power generator 17B are, for example, arranged in plane-symmetric positions with respect to the first virtual plane P1. Note that the right hydraulic motor 27A and the left hydraulic motor 27B may be arranged in plane symmetry with respect to the first virtual plane P1, but may not be arranged in plane symmetry.

  In the ocean current power generation device 1, the arrangement of the devices accommodated in the right pod 2 </ b> A and the arrangement of the devices accommodated in the left pod 2 </ b> B are considered as described above. As a result, the center of gravity G of the ocean current power generation device 1 is located on the first virtual plane P1. The center of gravity G substantially coincides with the floating center B in the direction of the rotation axis of the right turbine 4A (that is, the direction of the rotation axis of the left turbine 4B). The position of the center of gravity G in the direction of the rotation axis may slightly deviate from the position of the buoyancy center B in the direction of the rotation axis. The ocean current power generation apparatus 1 that employs a downwind turbine can receive tension from the mooring cable 10 from the front and downward oblique directions. Considering this, the center of gravity G can be positioned slightly rearward of the buoyancy B in the direction of the rotation axis (see FIGS. 2 and 3). In consideration of the stability of the ocean current power generation device 1 as a floating body, the center of gravity G may be located below the floating core B (see FIG. 2).

  According to the ocean current power generation device 1 of the first embodiment, the hydraulic pump connected to the rotating shaft of the power generation turbine is provided at the rear end of the pod. Since the power generation turbine is provided at the rear end side of the pod and the hydraulic pump is provided at the rear end of the pod, the length of the rotating shaft is shortened. On the other hand, the pressure of the working liquid generated by the hydraulic pump is transmitted to the hydraulic motor through the pipe, and power is generated in the generator. A hydraulic pump, piping, and a hydraulic motor increase the degree of freedom in arranging heavy generators. In the ocean current power generation device 1, the hydraulic motor and the generator are disposed on the front end side with respect to the position of the buoyancy B and are separated from the turbine. In other words, the buoyancy B is located between the turbine and the generator. Both the turbine and the generator occupy a relatively large weight among the devices provided in the pod. With the above arrangement in which the generator is separated from the turbine, the buoyancy B and the center of gravity G of the apparatus can be matched or brought close to each other in the rotation axis direction. As a result, the posture of the apparatus can be stabilized in water. Therefore, it is possible to balance in water without providing extra equipment for balance adjustment.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the ocean current power generation devices 100A and 100B in which the generators 107A and 107B are directly connected to the rotation shafts of the turbines 4A and 4B, the turbines 4A and 4B are arranged in order to shorten the rotation shaft. The generators 107A and 107B are often installed as close as possible. For this reason, the center of gravity G tends to be closer to the turbines 4A and 4B. On the other hand, the buoyancy B is often located near the center of the apparatus. If the buoyancy B and the center of gravity G are separated in the direction of the rotation axis, the buoyancy B is naturally positioned vertically above the center of gravity G in water, making it difficult to keep the rotation axis substantially horizontal. Therefore, in order to match or bring the buoyancy center B and the center of gravity G of the apparatus together, it is necessary to devise a technique for bringing the buoyancy center B toward the turbines 4A and 4B and a technique for separating the center of gravity G from the turbines 4A and 4B. For example, like the ocean current power generation device 100A shown in FIG. 5, a buoyancy body 40 extending behind the cross beam 3 is provided for the cross beam 3, or the turbines 4A and 4B are provided behind the turbines 4A and 4B. It was necessary to provide the buoyancy bodies 41, 41 extending in the direction of. Thereby, as shown by the arrow in the figure, the buoyancy center B moves backward and can approach the center of gravity G. Further, like the ocean current power generation device 100B shown in FIG. 6, it is necessary to mount the right counterweight 50A inside the front end of the pod 2A and the left counterweight 50B inside the front end of the left pod 2B. . As a result, the center of gravity G can move forward and approach the buoyancy B as indicated by the arrows in the figure. However, when buoyancy is provided on the side close to the turbines 4A and 4B, there are places where the strength becomes structurally severe, and the overall weight is increased for the reinforcement. Further, when the counterweights 50A and 50B are installed on the side away from the turbines 4A and 4B, the overall weight is increased by placing the counterweights 50A and 50B. The increase in the overall weight required excessive equipment (for example, preparation of an installation ship having a larger lifting capacity) when installing the apparatus in the sea area, which led to an increase in cost.

  On the other hand, according to the ocean current power generation device 1, it is not necessary to provide an extra device unlike the ocean current power generation devices 100A and 100B. It is possible to balance in water by devising these arrangements using equipment originally required for power generation.

  In the ocean current power generation device 1, the hydraulic motor and the generator are located farthest from the turbine inside the pod. With this arrangement, the buoyancy B and the center of gravity G of the device can be easily matched or brought close to each other in the rotation axis direction.

  In the ocean current power generation apparatus 1 in which a power generation turbine is provided in each of two pods connected by the cross beam 3, a pipe, a hydraulic motor, and a generator are provided individually (for each pod). With the arrangement of the right hydraulic motor 27A, the left hydraulic motor 27B, the right generator 17A, and the left generator 17B, the buoyancy B and the center of gravity G of the apparatus can be matched or brought close to each other in the rotation axis direction. Since the pressure of the working liquid is independent in each system, independent rotation control is possible in any power generation turbine.

  Since the right generator 17A and the left generator 17B, which occupy a relatively large weight, are arranged symmetrically, it is easy to set the center of gravity G at a desired position in the ocean current power generator 1 provided with two turbines for power generation. It has become.

  With reference to FIG. 4, the ocean current power generator 1A according to the second embodiment will be described. The difference between the ocean current power generation apparatus 1A shown in FIG. 4 and the ocean current power generation apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is that the hydraulic motor and the generator are not provided individually but are provided in common. That is, the ocean current power generation apparatus 1A includes a common hydraulic motor 27C connected to both the right pipe 30A and the left pipe 30B, and a common power generation connected to the output shaft 28C of the hydraulic motor 27C. Machine 17C. The hydraulic motor 27C and the generator 17C are arranged on the front ends 22A and 22B side in the rotation axis direction with respect to the position of the buoyancy B. That is, the hydraulic motor 27C and the generator 17C are arranged on the front end side (second end side) with respect to the second virtual plane P2.

  The hydraulic motor 27C and the generator 17C are provided inside the cross beam 3, for example. In this case, the cross beam 3 can be formed as a pressure vessel having a cavity inside. Note that the cross beam 3 may be provided on the front end side in order to arrange the hydraulic motor 27C and the generator 17C on the front end side as much as possible. In the ocean current power generation apparatus 1A, the pressure of the liquid in the right pipe 30A and the left pipe 30B connected to the hydraulic motor 27C can be equalized.

  According to the ocean current power generation device 1A, the hydraulic motor 27C and the generator 17C are provided in common for the twin-engine turbine. With this configuration, the number of hydraulic motors and generators can be reduced to one by one.

  When the hydraulic motor 27C and the generator 17C are provided in the cross beam 3, it is easy to adjust the position of the center of gravity G in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction (for example, the left-right direction). For example, it is easy to place the center of gravity at the center in the direction intersecting the rotation axis direction (the center of the underwater floating generator). In the ocean current power generation device 1A, the hydraulic motor 27C and the right power generator 17A may be disposed on the first virtual plane P1 (see FIG. 3).

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the arrangement of hydraulic motors and generators in the right pod 2A and the left pod 2B may be different. The hydraulic motor and the generator do not have to be arranged at plane-symmetric positions. In only one of the right pod 2A and the left pod 2B, the hydraulic motor and the generator may be disposed on the front end side (second end side).

  In 2nd Embodiment, a common hydraulic motor and generator are not restricted to the case where it is provided in a connection part. The hydraulic motor and the generator may be mounted inside a floating body different from the power generation pod and the connecting portion. For example, a hydraulic motor and a generator may be mounted on a central pod fixed to either the connecting portion or the two power generation pods. In this case, the central pod is a pressure vessel that mainly shares buoyancy, and may impart buoyancy to the entire ocean current power generation apparatus 1.

  In the second embodiment, a common hydraulic motor and generator may be mounted on only one pod. In that case, another heavy object may be mounted on the other pod so as to adjust the center of gravity.

  The hydraulic motor and the generator need only be provided on the rear side (first end side) from the floating core B. That is, the hydraulic motor and the generator need only be provided on the side opposite to the turbine with respect to the floating core B. The hydraulic motor and the generator are not limited to being provided at the end of the pod, and may be provided at an intermediate position between the position of the floating core and the end of the pod.

  One aspect of the present invention may be an underwater floating power generation device including a single-shot turbine. In that case, one power generation pod may be provided, and a counter rotating rotor mechanism may be provided at the rear end or front end of the pod.

  One embodiment of the present invention may be an underwater floating power generation device including three or more pods and three or more turbines. In that case, the entire turbine is provided only on the first end side, but in order to adjust the center of gravity, a hydraulic motor and a generator may be provided on the second end side.

1, 1A ocean current power generator (floating water generator)
2A Right pod 2B Left pod 3 Cross beam (connection part)
4A Right turbine 4B Left turbine 16A Rotating shaft 16B Rotating shaft 17A Right generator 17B Left generator 17C Generator 21A Rear end (first end)
21B Rear end (first end)
22A Front end (second end)
22B Front end (second end)
26A Right hydraulic pump 26B Left hydraulic pump 27A Right hydraulic motor 27B Left hydraulic motor 27C Hydraulic motor 30A Right piping 30B Left piping B Floating center G Center of gravity L1, L2 Rotation axis P1 First virtual plane P2 Second virtual plane S ocean current power generation system

Claims (6)

A submerged floating power generator in which a power generation turbine is provided on the first end side of the pod in the rotation axis direction,
The power generating turbine including the rotating shaft;
The pod including the first end in the rotation axis direction and a second end opposite to the first end, and supporting the power generation turbine on the first end side;
A hydraulic pump provided at the first end of the pod and connected to the rotary shaft to convert rotational force into liquid pressure;
Piping connected to the hydraulic pump;
A hydraulic motor connected to the pipe and converting the pressure of the liquid generated by a hydraulic pump into a rotational force;
A generator connected to the hydraulic motor and generating electric power using a rotational force generated by the hydraulic motor,
The floating core of the submerged floating power generator is located in a region between the first end and the second end in the rotation axis direction,
The hydrostatic motor and the power generator are arranged on the second end side of the pod in the direction of the rotation axis with respect to the position of the floating core.   The underwater floating generator according to claim 1, wherein the hydraulic motor and the generator are provided at the second end of the pod. A second power generation turbine that is disposed away from the power generation turbine in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction and includes a second rotation shaft;
A second pod including a first end in the second rotation axis direction and a second end opposite to the first end, and supporting the second power generating turbine on the first end side;
A connecting portion for connecting the pod and the second pod;
A second hydraulic pump provided at the first end of the second pod and connected to the second rotating shaft to convert rotational force into liquid pressure;
A second pipe connected to the second hydraulic pump;
A second hydraulic motor connected to the second pipe for converting the pressure of the liquid generated by a second hydraulic pump into a rotational force;
A second generator connected to the second hydraulic motor and generating electric power using a rotational force generated by the second hydraulic motor;
The second hydraulic motor and the second generator are arranged on the second end side of the second pod in the second rotation axis direction with respect to the position of the floating core. The underwater floating power generator according to 2.   The generator and the second generator are parallel to both the rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft and are in plane symmetry with respect to a virtual plane that is equidistant from the rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft. The underwater floating power generator according to claim 3, which is arranged. A second power generation turbine that is disposed away from the power generation turbine in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction and includes a second rotation shaft;
A second pod including a first end in the second rotation axis direction and a second end opposite to the first end, and supporting the second power generating turbine on the first end side;
A connecting portion for connecting the pod and the second pod;
A second hydraulic pump provided at the first end of the second pod and connected to the second rotating shaft to convert rotational force into liquid pressure;
A second pipe connected to the second hydraulic pump,
The hydraulic motor is connected to both the pipe and the second pipe,
The underwater floating generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hydraulic motor and the generator are provided in common to the power generation turbine and the second power generation turbine.   The underwater floating generator according to claim 5, wherein the hydraulic motor and the generator are provided in the connecting portion.

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