JP5376326B2 - Fluid power generation apparatus and power generation method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a hydrodynamic power generation device, and more particularly, to a hydrodynamic power generation device that generates power by tidal current.

Conventionally, as power generation using natural energy, particularly ocean energy, wind power generation using ocean wind power and wave power generation using waves are known. In addition to these power generations, research and development of power generation using the sea surface tide level and power generation using the temperature difference of seawater as power generation using the ocean has been promoted, and its practical application is progressing. As one of such techniques, a method is known in which a structure is placed in an ocean flow, that is, a fluid flow, and power is generated by utilizing the vibration of the structure caused by the fluid flow. . This method will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the amplitude of vibration of the structure (for example, a cylinder or a group of cylinders) and the flow velocity of the fluid when the structure is arranged in the fluid flow. In FIG. 17, the horizontal axis represents the fluid flow velocity, and the vertical axis represents the vibration amplitude of the structure.
As shown in FIG. 17, the amplitude of the vibration performed by the structure that receives the fluid flow increases as the fluid flow rate increases, and the amplitude of the vibration reaches a peak at a certain flow rate (A in FIG. 17). This vibration peak is caused by a resonance phenomenon called vortex vibration (Karman vortex). Further, when the flow velocity of the fluid is further increased, the amplitude of the vibration of the structure is once reduced, and thereafter, the amplitude is gradually increased. That is, the structure once shows a weak vibration, and thereafter, as the fluid flow rate increases, a strong vibration called a self-excited vibration (a vibration with a large amplitude) comes to be performed. Thus, when a structure (for example, a group of cylinders) is arranged in a fluid flow, the structures vibrate relative to each other and move relative to each other (for example, see Non-Patent Documents 1 to 3). Electric power can be generated by converting this relative motion into electrical energy.
Various power generation methods and devices using a resonance phenomenon called vortex vibration among the relative motions have been proposed. For example, as a method of extracting energy from a flowing fluid, a row of foils is placed in the fluid flow, the foils are placed on a support structure with at least two degrees of freedom, and the foils are fluttered. Methods are known that include passing the fluid stream through the foil to oscillate and providing inertia to the row of foils to stabilize and maintain the flutter vibration (see, for example, US Pat.

“Studies in Mechanical Series, Vibration Problems in Mechanical Engineering,” published by Yokendo, 1977, pages 780-786 “Studies in Mechanical Series: Vibration Problems in Mechanical Engineering”, published by Yokendo, 1978, pages 886-892 “Studies on Machines Series: Vibration Problems in Mechanical Engineering” published by Yokendo, 1979, pages 1009–1014

Japanese Patent No. 4187268

  However, since the power generation device using the resonance phenomenon called vortex vibration uses the peak of the amplitude of the vortex vibration as described above, the flow velocity of the fluid needs to be in a specific range. For this reason, power generation is easily affected by fluctuations in the flow velocity of the fluid. Moreover, since the power generation method and apparatus described in the above-mentioned patent documents use flat blades (foils), the direction of the blades and the direction in which the fluid flows are limited. For this reason, power generation is easily affected by the direction of fluid flow. For example, when these devices are used in tidal currents, it is difficult to cope with changes in tidal currents.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is a fluid force that is less susceptible to fluctuations in fluid flow velocity and fluid flow, and that efficiently and stably converts fluid energy into electrical energy. A power generation apparatus is provided.

The inventor of the present invention has devised and studied diligently to use self-excited vibration generated when a structure is placed in a fluid flow for power generation. As a result, when a cylindrical body is used for the structure, it has been found that power generation is less affected by fluctuations in the flow velocity of the fluid, and that power generation is less affected by the direction in which the fluid flows, and the present invention has been completed.
According to the present invention, at least two cylindrical bodies that can float in a fluid, a support body that supports each cylindrical body in a swingable manner, and a converter that can convert the swing of each cylindrical body into a linear reciprocating motion. And an electrical energy conversion unit that converts the converted reciprocating motion into electrical energy.

The hydrodynamic power generation device of the present invention includes at least two or more cylindrical bodies, a support body that supports each cylindrical body so as to be swingable, a conversion unit that can convert the swinging of each cylindrical body into a linear reciprocating motion, and a conversion An electrical energy conversion unit that converts the linear reciprocating motion into electrical energy. Therefore, it is possible to provide a hydrodynamic power generation device that is less susceptible to changes in fluid flow velocity and fluid flow. For this reason, the fluid power generator which converts the energy of fluid into electric energy efficiently and stably can be provided. For example, this fluid power generation device can generate power stably without being deformed by the flow of the fluid even if the fluid is seawater or lake water.
In addition, since the structure that receives the fluid is a cylinder, it is possible to provide a fluid power generation device that has sufficient mechanical strength and is easy to design and manufacture even in the case of intense vibration such as self-excited vibration.

It is a perspective view of the fluid power generator concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a front view of the fluid power generator concerning a 1st embodiment. A side view of the hydrodynamic power generation device according to the first embodiment is provided. It is a perspective view of the fluid power generator concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a front view of the fluid power generator concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a side view of the fluid power generator concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a perspective view of the fluid power generator concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a front view of the fluid power generator concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a side view of the fluid power generator concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a perspective view of the fluid power generator concerning a 4th embodiment. It is a front view of the fluid power generator concerning a 4th embodiment. It is a side view of the fluid power generator concerning a 4th embodiment. It is a perspective view of the fluid power generator concerning a 5th embodiment. It is a front view of the fluid power generator concerning a 5th embodiment. It is a side view of the fluid power generator concerning a 5th embodiment. It is a side view of the fluid power generator concerning a 6th embodiment. It is a graph for demonstrating self-excited vibration.

The hydrodynamic power generation device of the present invention is converted to at least two cylindrical bodies, a support body that supports each cylindrical body so as to be swingable, and a conversion unit that can convert the swinging of each cylindrical body into a linear reciprocating motion. And an electrical energy conversion unit that converts the linear reciprocating motion into electrical energy.
In the hydrodynamic power generation device of the present invention, the structure that receives the fluid is a cylindrical body, so that sufficient strength can be maintained even with a relatively strong fluid flow. For this reason, a relatively strong fluid flow that generates self-excited vibration is suitable. Therefore, in the hydrodynamic power generation device of the present invention, it is preferable that the columnar body is self-excited vibration generated by fluid. Further, if at least two cylindrical bodies are arranged at substantially the same interval as the radius of the cylindrical body, strong self-excited vibration is likely to occur. Therefore, in the hydrodynamic power generation device of the present invention, the support body has a radius of the cylindrical body. It is preferable to support at least two cylindrical bodies at substantially the same interval. The interval between the plurality of cylinders is H / D = 1.3-1, where D is the diameter of the cylinder and H is the distance from the center of the cylinder (the center of the cross-sectional circle) to the center of the adjacent cylinder. Since it is said that strong self-excited vibration is likely to be generated at 5, the interval substantially the same as the radius of the cylinder means an interval having a size 0.6 times the radius to 1.0 times the radius.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical body may be hollow. According to this embodiment, since the cylindrical body is hollow, when the fluid is a liquid, the fluid power generator can be used by floating in the liquid by the buoyancy of the hollow cylindrical body. Therefore, for example, the hydroelectric power generation device can be easily installed in the ocean or lake.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the support body may support the cylinder body such that the axis of each cylindrical body can swing on the same plane. According to this embodiment, since the support body supports the same plane as the plane including the axis of each columnar body so as to be able to swing, the self-excited vibration of each column caused by the fluid is caused to occur in each column on the plane. Can be converted into a reciprocating arc motion. Thereby, even if the flow of a fluid changes, it can convert into the kinetic energy of a specific direction, and can generate electric power.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the conversion unit may convert the linear reciprocating motion into a motion on a plane different from the swing plane of the axis of the cylindrical body. According to this embodiment, since the linear reciprocating motion is converted into a motion on a plane different from the swing plane of the cylinder, the arrangement of the electric energy conversion unit is not limited to the swing plane of the cylinder. That is, since the electrical energy conversion unit can be provided on a different plane, the degree of freedom in designing the hydrodynamic power generation device can be increased. For example, the conversion unit may be a four-bar link device. For example, if the four-link device has four links having the same length, it can be converted into a reciprocating motion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the reciprocating arc motion. For this reason, as described above, the degree of freedom in designing the hydrodynamic power generator can be increased. An example is a pantograph-like structure.
The conversion unit may convert the linear reciprocating motion into a motion on the same plane as the swing plane of the axis of the cylindrical body. For example, the conversion unit may be a connection mechanism that mechanically connects the cylindrical body and the electric energy conversion unit. The coupling mechanism includes a coupling node, for example, a coupling rod or a slider. Further, the cylindrical body and the electric energy conversion unit may be connected by a connecting rod through a column extending in the column direction of the cylinder. When the column includes a column extending in the column direction of the column, the support may support each column so as to be swingable via the column.
In addition, when the conversion unit (for example, a connecting node) and the support are connected to each column via the support column, the conversion unit and the electrical energy conversion unit are installed and the column body because the support unit is connected to the column. The degree of freedom in design can be increased. By changing the position of the conversion unit and the support unit and the length of the support column, a hydrodynamic power generation device that converts the amplitude to a desired size can be designed regardless of the diameter and length of the cylindrical body.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the conversion unit includes a first conversion unit that converts the linear reciprocating motion into a motion on a plane different from the oscillation plane of the axis of the cylindrical body, and the linear reciprocating motion of the cylindrical body. A second conversion unit that converts the movement into a movement on the same plane as the oscillation plane of the axis. For example, the conversion unit may include a four-bar link device and a connecting rod. In addition, the first conversion unit and the second conversion unit may be connected to the first and second electric energy conversion units corresponding to the first conversion unit and the second conversion unit, respectively. According to these embodiments, the vibration of the cylindrical body is converted into motion in a plurality of planes, so that the kinetic energy of the self-excited vibration of the column can be converted into electrical energy without waste.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the electrical energy conversion unit may be configured by a magnet connected to the conversion unit and a coil disposed around the magnet. For example, the electric energy conversion unit may be configured by a magnet connected to the conversion unit via a slider and a coil disposed around the magnet, and the slider may be a part of a slider crank device. And a generator that converts the movement of the slider into a rotary movement by a slider crank device and converts the rotary movement into electric energy by a magnet and its surrounding coils.
Further, the electric energy conversion unit may be constituted by a connecting rod connected to the converting unit, and a piezoelectric element in contact with or close to the tip of the connecting rod. Also in this case, the connecting rod may be connected to the conversion unit via a slider.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the support may be a hydrodynamic power generation device including a floating structure floating in a fluid. According to this embodiment, since the floating body structure that is fixed to the support body and floats on the fluid is further provided, the convenience of the hydrodynamic power generation apparatus can be improved. For example, when this hydroelectric power generation device is used in the sea or lake, it is assumed that waves are applied to the electric energy conversion unit. According to this embodiment, the electric energy conversion unit is placed on the sea or lake. It is possible to increase the stability of the hydroelectric power generation device.

The fluid power generation device of the present invention is preferably used in the ocean, lakes, and rivers. Especially suitable for use in ocean currents.
In this specification, the fluid is water including, for example, seawater, and includes gas, liquid, and the like.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the embodiments shown in the drawings.

(First embodiment)
1 to 3 show a hydrodynamic power generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the hydrodynamic power generation apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a use state of the hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to the first embodiment in the ocean. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a use state of the hydrodynamic power generation apparatus according to the first embodiment in the ocean.
As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrodynamic power generation device according to this embodiment includes two cylinders 11 and 12, a support 66 that supports each cylinder so as to be swingable, and swinging each cylinder into a linear reciprocating motion. A link mechanism 2 that can be converted, and a generator 5 that converts the converted linear reciprocating motion into electrical energy are provided. Further, the cylinders 11 and 12 are swung in response to the fluid flow.
The cylinders 11 and 12 are constituted by cylinders having a substantially circular cross section. Since the hydrodynamic power generation device according to this embodiment uses self-excited vibration instead of vortex vibration, the structure that vibrates (oscillates) by receiving fluid, that is, the cross-sectional shape of the vibration body is similar to that of an airplane wing. It need not be elongated. If the cross-sectional shape of the vibrating body is a substantially circular shape, self-excited vibration can be generated regardless of the direction of fluid flow. A vibrating body having the shape is preferable. In addition, the circular shape can receive the fluid almost uniformly even if the direction of the fluid flow changes, so that stable self-excited vibration can be generated even if the direction of the fluid flow changes. it can. A vibrating body having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape is preferable from the viewpoint that power can be generated regardless of a change in fluid flow.
Further, the circular shape does not need to be a perfect circle, and a substantially circular shape is sufficient to cause self-excited vibration. Since the cylinders 11 and 12 may be formed in a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, the cylinders 11 and 12 can be easily manufactured and the manufacturing cost can be kept low. Furthermore, since the cross sections of the cylinders 11 and 12 are substantially circular, sufficient strength can be obtained. When the fluid is seawater or lake water, the kinetic energy of the fluid flow is extremely large compared to the gas, so the strength of the hydrodynamic power generation device is required, but the hydrodynamic power generation device according to this embodiment has a vibrating body. Since it is a cylinder, a certain strength can be maintained even in an environment where the direction of fluid flow changes. For this reason, the hydrodynamic power generation device according to this embodiment is suitable for power generation when the fluid is seawater or lake water. In particular, it may be used for hydroelectric power generators in the ocean.
In this embodiment, the cylinders 11 and 12 are formed with the same size (radius). In order to maintain the mechanical strength of the hydroelectric power generator, it is preferable to form the fluid power generators with substantially the same size.

Moreover, the cylinders 11 and 12 are formed of a material having a strength that does not damage the fluid force. Moreover, it is formed in the structure (hollow structure) whose inside is hollow. The material of this cylinder may be steel, aluminum alloy, FRP or stainless steel, and after forming with these materials, the surface is coated according to the environment in which the hydroelectric generator is used. Also good. Moreover, although the cylinders 11 and 12 may be entirely formed of the same material, a part thereof may be formed of another material in consideration of buoyancy. For example, the portion forming the outer shape may be formed of stainless steel, and the inside thereof may be filled with expanded polystyrene. Further, in order to lower the center of gravity, the lower portion of the cylinder may be formed of a metal having a heavy specific gravity. Moreover, when the inside is hollow, liquid etc. may be put into the hollow part and buoyancy may be adjusted according to fluid (for example, seawater, lake water).
Although buoyancy acts on the cylinders 11 and 12, buoyancy acting on the cylinders can be adjusted by forming the cylinders with the hollow structure. For this reason, the cylinder itself can be levitated in the fluid. In consideration of the weight of the hydrodynamic power generation device, the configuration of the support portion 66 (for example, the support portion 66 is fixed to the structure), and the like, the columns 11 and 12 such as hollow structures may be employed.

In addition, the hydrodynamic power generation apparatus according to this embodiment includes two cylinders 11 and 12. Further, these cylinders 11 and 12 are arranged substantially parallel to each other in the column direction (vertical direction). The cylinders 11 and 12 are arranged substantially in parallel with a constant interval. In the embodiment shown in the figure, an interval about the width of the cylinder is provided, but the self-excited vibration caused by a plurality of cylinders occurs when they are arranged at almost the same interval as the radius of the cylinder, so this interval is as large as the radius. It is preferable that the thickness is larger. This interval is determined in consideration of the amplitude of the self-excited vibration and the operating range of the link mechanism connected to the cylinder. For example, when the diameter of the cylinder is D and the distance from the center of the cylinder (the center of the circle of the cross section) to the center of the adjacent cylinder is H, H / D = 1.3 to 1.5 is strong self-excitation. Considering that vibration is likely to occur, this interval may be provided. Considering this, it is preferable that this interval is approximately the size of the radius, that is, the size of 0.6 times the radius to 1.0 times the radius.
In addition, in the hydrodynamic power generation device according to this embodiment, it is configured by two cylinders. However, since self-excited vibration is generated if there are a plurality of structures, it may be configured by at least two cylinders 11 and 12. . For example, the hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to this embodiment may further include another column, a support and a conversion unit connected to the added column, and an electrical energy conversion unit connected to the conversion unit.
Next, the usage method and operation of the cylinder of the hydrodynamic power generation apparatus according to this embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the fluid power generation device according to this embodiment is arranged and used so that the cylinders 11 and 12 receive a fluid flow. That is, in this hydrodynamic power generation apparatus, the cylinders 11 and 12 are used in a form in which all or part of the cylinders 11 and 12 are arranged in the fluid, and the direction in which the cylinders 11 and 12 are arranged is almost perpendicular to the fluid flow. Arranged and used. For example, when the hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to this embodiment is used in the ocean, the hydrodynamic power generation apparatus is arranged and used so that the direction in which the cylinders 11 and 12 are arranged is substantially orthogonal to the direction of the tidal current that flows most frequently in one year. When the cylinders 11 and 12 are arranged in this manner, the cylinders 11 and 12 perform self-excited vibration when the cylinders 11 and 12 receive a fluid flow at a certain flow rate or higher. For this reason, the cylinders 11 and 12 have a role of converting fluid kinetic energy into vibrations of the cylinder.

Here, in order to explain the role of the cylinders 11 and 12, the principle that the cylinders perform self-excited vibration will be described. From the conventional research on vibration, the diameter of the cylinder is D, the mass per unit length is m, the logarithmic damping factor is δ, the natural frequency is f, the fluid flow velocity (for example, tidal flow velocity) is V, and the fluid density ( Assuming that the density of the tidal current is ρ, it has been found that self-excited vibration occurs when the fluid (tidal current) has a flow velocity exceeding the following formula (1). Here, Κ is a constant, and usually Κ is about Κ = 3.
V / fD = Κ√ (mδ / pD ² ) (1)
Therefore, when the cylinders 11 and 12 are designed, the velocity and density of the fluid are examined in advance, and the diameter and the mass per unit length of the cylinder can be determined based on these values. For this reason, when the hydroelectric power generation apparatus of this embodiment is used in, for example, the ocean, the size, mass, etc. of the cylinder satisfying the equation (1) are examined by examining the distribution of ocean currents and the density of seawater in the ocean. Should be selected. Thereby, the cylinder according to the environment using the fluid power generation device of this embodiment can be designed.

Moreover, the support body 66 is supporting the cylinders 11 and 12 so that rocking | fluctuation is possible. That is, the support body 66 holds the cylinders 11 and 12 at a constant interval, and supports a part of the cylinders 11 and 12 so as to be rotatable in the direction in which the cylinders 11 and 12 are arranged. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the support portion 66 (connecting rod) is disposed between support columns 15 and 16 extending in the column direction of the cylinders 11 and 12, and at fulcrums 61 and 62 at both ends thereof. The support columns 15 and 16 are supported so as to be rotatable in the direction of the plane connecting the cylinder axes (in the direction of the support portion 66). The support columns 15 and 16 are connected to the link mechanism 2 by the support points 31 and 32 via the support points 311 and 321, and the support points 31 and 32 are connected to the support columns 11 and 15. Here, the fulcrum points 31 and 32 are arranged farther from the center of gravity of the cylinders 11 and 12 than the fulcrum points 61 and 62, and the fulcrum points 31 and 32 are provided on the plate-like body, and the column is supported via the plate-like body. 15 and 16 are arranged so as to be interlocked with fulcrums 311 and 321. In addition, at the fulcrums 311, 321, the plate-like bodies are rotatably connected in the same direction as the fulcrums 61, 62.
Since the support 66 rotatably supports the support columns 15 and 16 extending from the cylinders 11 and 12 at the fulcrums 61 and 62, the cylinders 11 and 12 with the support portion 66 (connecting rod) fixed. Oscillate in the vibration directions 91 and 92, the fulcrums 311, 321, 31 and 32 on the other end of the columns 15 and 16 (upper ends of the columns 15 and 16 in FIG. 1) are opposite to the vibrations of the cylinders 11 and 12. It is transmitted as phase vibration. At this time, the vibrations of the cylinders 11 and 12 are transmitted as vibrations having an amplitude corresponding to the positional relationship between the fulcrums 61 and 62 and the fulcrum fulcrums 31 and 32 in the entire cylinder (including the column).
As described above, the mechanism of the support 66 and the fulcrums 61 and 62 converts the vibration of the cylinders 11 and 12 into a reciprocating arc motion centered on the fulcrums 61 and 62.
Since the reciprocating distance of the reciprocating arc motion changes depending on the positional relationship between the fulcrums 61 and 62 and the fulcrums 31 and 32, the position where the support 66 holds the support columns 15 and 16 (the position of the fulcrums 61 and 62 relative to the center of gravity of the cylinder). ) May be provided.

  Further, although not shown, the support portion 66 (connecting rod) is used by being fixed to a structure for fixing the hydrodynamic power generation device according to this embodiment at a certain position. For example, when the hydroelectric power generation device according to this embodiment is used in the ocean, the support 66 may be fixed to a wire and moored on the seabed. Since the hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to this embodiment is used floating on the ocean, mooring to the sea floor is not strictly fixed, and even if it is moored so that its position fluctuates vertically and horizontally around the ocean. Good. Further, for example, the support 66 may be directly fixed to a structure such as a pillar built on the seabed. In this case, in order not to affect the self-excited vibration of the cylinders 11 and 12, it is fixed to a column sufficiently narrower than the cylinders 11 and 12, or a gate shape having a width sufficiently wider than the interval between the cylinders 11 and 12 (reverse U It may be fixed to a (character-shaped) structure. Furthermore, a cylinder for installing the hydrodynamic power generation device at a predetermined position, which is the same size as these cylinders, may be provided between the cylinders 11 and 12, and the support portion 66 may be fixed to the cylinder. In this case, the cylinders 11 and 12 are designed such that the distance between the cylinders 11 and 12 for the installation is such that self-excited vibration is generated. Thereby, while generating electric power by the self-excited vibration which arises between the cylinder for installation, and the cylinders 11 and 12, a hydrodynamic power generator can be installed in a predetermined position.

On the other hand, the link device 2 is connected to support columns 15 and 16 extending from the plurality of cylinders 11 and 12 via fulcrums 31 and 32 and fulcrums 311 and 321. In this embodiment, the support columns 15 and 16 are connected to the link mechanism 2 via a plate-like body provided on the support column so as to be rotatable (in the direction of a plane connecting the axes of the respective cylinders at the fulcrums 311 and 321). ing. The link mechanism 2 is composed of four links 21, 22, 23, and 24, and these links are rotatably connected to a plane that vibrates at the fulcrums 31, 32 at the fulcrums 31, 32, 33, and 34. Yes. The link mechanism 2 is composed of links 21, 22, 23, and 24 having substantially the same length, and these links are connected in a rhombus (including a square) shape. As described above, when the vibration motion of the cylinders 11 and 12 is converted into the reciprocating arc motion around the fulcrums 61 and 62 and transmitted to the link mechanism 2 as the motion, the fulcrums 31 and 32 become the fulcrums. It vibrates toward a line connecting 31 and the fulcrum 32. As a result, the link mechanism 2 performs a reciprocating linear motion toward a line connecting the fulcrum 33 and the fulcrum 34. The link mechanism 2 converts the vibration of the cylinders 11 and 12 into a reciprocating linear motion, and converts it into a reciprocating linear motion in a direction different from the vibration direction of the vibrations of the cylinders 11 and 12. The link mechanism 2 also converts the magnitude of vibration of the cylinders 11 and 12 according to the angle formed by the four links 21, 22, 23, and 24.
As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, at the fulcrums 311 and 321, the plate-like body is connected to the columns 15 and 16 so as to be rotatable in the direction in which the columns 11 and 12 are arranged (the direction of the support portion 66). This plate-like body is connected to the link device 2 at fulcrums 31 and 32. In this embodiment, the reciprocating arc motion is converted into the reciprocating motion by sliding the plate-like body on a plane (for example, sandwiching the plate-like body between two plates). The conversion mechanism composed of the fulcrums 311 and 321 and the plate-like body may be adopted according to the structure of the link mechanism 2, and the link mechanism 2 is directly connected to the fulcrums 311 and 321 without using the plate-like body. May be.

Moreover, the generator 5 is connected to the link mechanism 2 at the fulcrums 33 and 34, and converts the converted reciprocating motion into electric energy. The link mechanism 2 is rotatably connected to slide bars 41 and 42 at fulcrums 33 and 34, and the slide bars 41 and 42 are connected to the generator 5. The slide bars 41 and 42 are disposed on a line connecting the fulcrum 33 and the fulcrum 34. For this reason, the reciprocating motion of the fulcrums 33 and 34 is transmitted to the generator 5 by the slide bars 41 and 42. The generator 5 converts the reciprocating motion of the fulcrums 33 and 34 (reciprocating motion of the slide bars 41 and 42) into electric energy. Thereby, the reciprocating motion of the fulcrums 31 and 32 can be converted into electric energy via the link mechanism 2. For this generator 5, for example, a generator 5 composed of a magnet arranged so as to be interlocked with the tips of the slide rods 41 and 42 and a coil arranged around the magnet is used. The generator 5 may be a known generator that converts the rotary motion into electric energy by converting the rotary motion into a rotary motion by a reciprocating motion slider crank mechanism of the slide rods 41 and 42.
The generator 5 is connected to a power saving device (not shown, for example, a battery). For this reason, the converted electrical energy is stored in the power storage device. The generator 5 may be directly connected to the power saving device, but may be connected to a power transmission line and transport power by a power transport system.
As described above, the hydrodynamic power generation apparatus according to this embodiment can generate electric power when the cylinders 11 and 12 vibrate in response to the fluid flow.
In this embodiment, the support portion 66 and the link mechanism 2 are connected to the columns 15 and 16 extending from the cylinders 11 and 12, but the support portion 66 and the link mechanism 2 are directly connected to the columns 11 and 12. It may be a configuration.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a fluid power generation apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. The hydroelectric power generation device according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as the hydrodynamic power generation device according to the first embodiment and the components thereof, but the link mechanism 200 is configured by two links. It is different. This difference will be described. 4 to 6 show a hydroelectric power generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the hydrodynamic power generation apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a front view showing a use state of the hydroelectric power generation device according to the second embodiment in the ocean. FIG. 6 is a side view showing a use state of the hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to the second embodiment in the ocean.
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, in the hydrodynamic power generation device according to the second embodiment, the link mechanism 200 includes two links 25 and 26, and the fulcrums 35 and 36 are connected to these links 25 and 26. Has been. Further, the fulcrums 35 and 36 are configured to reciprocate similarly to the first embodiment (same as the fulcrums 31 and 32 of the first embodiment). Further, the links 25 and 26 are arranged so as to be substantially along a line connecting the fulcrum 35 and the fulcrum 36, and one end thereof is connected to the generator (that is, the link mechanism 200 extends from the cylinders 11 and 12). It is comprised as a connection node which connects the support | pillars 15 and 16 and the generator 51 which perform.). For this reason, the vibration motion of the fulcrums 35 and 36 due to the self-excited vibration of the cylinders 11 and 12 is converted into a reciprocating motion substantially along the line connecting the fulcrum 31 and the fulcrum 32. This reciprocating motion is converted into electrical energy by a generator connected to the links 25 and 26. Thereby, it is possible to generate electric power using the self-excited vibration of the cylinder with an easier configuration.
In addition, the structure of the link mechanism 200 is the same as that of the slide rods 41 and 42 and the generator 5 which were demonstrated in 1st Embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a fluid power generation device according to a third embodiment will be described. The fluid power generation device according to the third embodiment includes the link mechanism 2 of the fluid power generation device according to the first embodiment and the link mechanism 200 of the fluid power generation device according to the second embodiment. 7 to 9 show a hydrodynamic power generator according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a hydrodynamic power generation apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a front view showing a use state of the hydroelectric power generation device according to the third embodiment in the ocean. FIG. 9 is a side view showing a use state of the hydroelectric power generation device according to the third embodiment in the ocean.
As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, in the hydrodynamic power generation device according to the third embodiment, the link mechanism 2 is connected to the fulcrums 31 and 32. The link mechanism 2 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and includes four links 21, 22, 23, and 24. These links are connected by fulcrums 31, 32, 33, and 34. . The fulcrums 31, 32, 33, and 34 have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. Further, fulcrums 351 and 361 are provided, and the link mechanism 200 is also connected to these fulcrums 351 and 361. The link mechanism 200 has the same configuration as that of the second embodiment. The link mechanism 200 includes two links 25 and 26, one end of which is connected to the fulcrums 31 and 32, and the other ends of the links 25 and 26 generate power. Connected to the machine. That is, the hydrodynamic power generation device according to the third embodiment includes two generators via the link mechanism 2 and the link mechanism 200. The link mechanism 2 converts the vibration of the fulcrums 31 and 32 into a reciprocating motion in a direction different from the vibration direction of the fulcrums 31 and 32 (a direction substantially orthogonal to the line connecting the fulcrum 31 and the fulcrum 32). This is converted into a reciprocating motion in substantially the same direction as the vibration directions of 31 and 32. Thus, the two generators can convert the reciprocating motion in two directions into electrical energy. Unlike the first embodiment, the hydrodynamic power generation apparatus according to this embodiment can convert fluid flow energy into electrical energy regardless of the deformation direction of the link mechanism 2.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fluid power generation device according to a fourth embodiment will be described. The hydrodynamic power generation device according to the fourth embodiment is substantially the same in structure as the hydrodynamic power generation device according to the first embodiment, but is further different from the first embodiment in that it includes a floating structure. ing. 10 to 12 show a hydrodynamic power generator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a hydrodynamic power generation apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11: is a front view which shows the use condition in the ocean of the hydroelectric power generator which concerns on 4th Embodiment. FIG. 12 is a side view showing a use state of the hydrodynamic power generation device according to the fourth embodiment in the ocean.
As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the hydroelectric power generation device according to the fourth embodiment includes a floating body structure 7 that supports a support portion 66. The floating structure 7 is a structure that floats on a fluid. Specifically, when the hydrodynamic power generation device (for example, the hydrodynamic power generation device according to the first embodiment) is installed in the ocean, the floating structure 7 This is a structure for levitating a physical power generator on the ocean. For example, it is a hollow plate. Since buoyancy acts on the cylinders 11 and 12 used in the present invention, the hydrodynamic power generation device can be levitated to the interface by the cylinders 11 and 12, but by providing this floating body structure 7, more self-excited vibrations can be provided. The cylinders 11 and 12 can be changed to a shape (for example, the diameter of the cylinder) that can be easily changed, or the material (for example, mass per unit length) can be changed. Therefore, the freedom degree of design of the cylinders 11 and 12 increases. Further, it is assumed that a large wave is generated in the ocean or the like where the hydrodynamic power generation device is grounded during a bad weather such as a typhoon, and as a result, a large wave force is applied to the hydrodynamic power generation device. By providing this, the stability of this hydrodynamic power generation device can be further enhanced.
The floating structure 7 is fixed to a structure for fixing the hydroelectric power generation device according to this embodiment at a fixed position, like the support portion 66 (connecting rod) described in the first embodiment. Used (not shown). In order to fix at a fixed position, the floating structure 7 is fixed to a wire and moored on the seabed. In addition, you may fix directly to structures, such as a pillar built in the seabed, and the fixation of the floating body structure 7 should just be achieved by the means similar to the support part 66 of 1st Embodiment.

In the hydrodynamic power generation device according to the fourth embodiment, the floating body structure 7 and the support portion 66 (connecting rod) may be integrally formed. 13 to 15 show a modification of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a modified example according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14: is a front view which shows the use condition in the ocean of the modification concerning 4th Embodiment. FIG. 15: is a side view which shows the use condition in the ocean of the modification concerning 4th Embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, a through-hole is provided in the floating structure 7, and a structure corresponding to the support portion 66 is disposed in the through-hole. That is, the floating structure 7 includes through holes arranged at the same interval as the columns 11 and 12, and the columns 11 and 12 are swingably supported by the side surfaces of the through holes. In order to make the support columns 15 and 16 swingable, the size of the through hole is set in consideration of the range in which the support columns 15 and 16 vibrate. As described above, the floating structure 7 may also be used as the support portion 66.

In the above embodiments, the hydrodynamic power generation apparatus including two cylinders has been described. However, these are used in a connected manner, or a plurality of hydrodynamic power generation apparatuses are electrically connected to each other to increase the power generation capacity. Also good. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, it may be a fluid power generation device including three cylinders and two link mechanisms arranged so as to be orthogonal to the fluid. FIG. 16 is a front view showing a use state of a hydrodynamic power generation device including three cylinders and two link mechanisms in the ocean. In the hydrodynamic power generation device shown in FIG. 16, the cylinder 111 at the center always vibrates in the opposite direction to the adjacent cylinder, so that the cylinder 111 receives the flow of the fluid and is arranged side by side on both sides of the cylinder 111. , 12 and self-excited vibration. In this case, the self-excited vibration between the cylinder 111 and the cylinder 11 or between the cylinder 111 and the cylinder 12 is converted into electric energy. Thus, the fluid power generation device of the present invention is not limited to the case where there are two columns. In other words, the fluid power generation device of the present invention may be provided with at least two columns.
Alternatively, two fluid power generation devices may be arranged in parallel to each other, and a tidal current coming from one direction may be converted into electrical energy by a plurality of fluid power generation devices. Further, for example, a solar power generation unit may be installed in the floating structure 7 and used in combination with wind power generation or solar power generation.

  Various features shown in the above embodiments can be combined with each other. In the case where a plurality of features are included in one embodiment, one or a plurality of features can be appropriately extracted and used alone or in combination in the present invention.

1,11,12 cylinder (cylindrical body or vibrating body)
111 Cylinder 15,16 Post 2 Link mechanism 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Link 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 Support point (first support point)
311, 321, 351, 361 Auxiliary fulcrum 41, 42 Slide bar 5, 51, 52 Generator 61, 62 fulcrum (second fulcrum)
311 and 321 fulcrum (third fulcrum)
66 Support (connecting rod)
7 Floating structure 91, 92 Vibration direction of cylinder 93, 94 Vibration direction of fulcrum 95, 96 Vibration direction of slide rod 99 Flow direction of fluid (seawater) 990 Position of seawater surface

Claims (10)

At least two cylinders;
A support for swingably supporting each cylindrical body;
A conversion unit capable of converting the swing of each cylindrical body into a linear reciprocating motion;
An electrical energy conversion unit that converts the converted linear reciprocating motion into electrical energy;
Equipped with a,
The support is supported so that the axis of each cylindrical body can swing on the same plane,
The said conversion part converts the linear reciprocating motion into the motion on the plane different from the rocking | fluctuation plane of the axis | shaft of a cylindrical body, The fluid power generator characterized by the above-mentioned . The hydrodynamic power generation device according to claim 1 , wherein the conversion unit is a four-bar link device. At least two cylinders;
A support for swingably supporting each cylindrical body;
A conversion unit capable of converting the swing of each cylindrical body into a linear reciprocating motion;
An electrical energy conversion unit that converts the converted linear reciprocating motion into electrical energy;
With
The support is supported so that the axis of each cylindrical body can swing on the same plane,
The conversion unit includes a first conversion unit that converts the linear reciprocating motion into a motion on a plane different from the oscillation plane of the cylinder axis, and the linear reciprocation motion is flush with the oscillation plane of the cylinder axis. A fluid power generation device comprising: a second conversion unit for converting into the above motion. The hydrodynamic power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cylindrical body is self-excited vibration whose oscillation is generated by a fluid. The hydrodynamic power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support supports at least two cylindrical bodies at substantially the same interval as a radius of the cylindrical body. Fluid power generation device according to any one of claims 1-5 wherein the cylindrical body is hollow. The hydroelectric power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the electrical energy conversion unit includes a magnet connected to the conversion unit and a coil disposed around the magnet. The support is a fluid power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 comprising a floating structure floating on the fluid. The cylindrical body, the fluid force generating device according to any one of claims 1-8 which is a cylindrical body which floats in seawater. The hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is installed so that the cylindrical body is disposed in water, and power generation is performed by generating self-excited vibration in the cylindrical body by a water flow. Method.

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