NO346405B1 - Float assembly for wave power conversion system - Google Patents

Float assembly for wave power conversion system Download PDF

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Publication number
NO346405B1
NO346405B1 NO20201000A NO20201000A NO346405B1 NO 346405 B1 NO346405 B1 NO 346405B1 NO 20201000 A NO20201000 A NO 20201000A NO 20201000 A NO20201000 A NO 20201000A NO 346405 B1 NO346405 B1 NO 346405B1
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NO
Norway
Prior art keywords
float
parts
float assembly
assembly
support structures
Prior art date
Application number
NO20201000A
Other languages
Norwegian (no)
Other versions
NO20201000A1 (en
Inventor
Nader Hassavari
Original Assignee
Nader Hassavari
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nader Hassavari filed Critical Nader Hassavari
Priority to NO20201000A priority Critical patent/NO346405B1/en
Priority to PCT/NO2021/050185 priority patent/WO2022055357A1/en
Publication of NO20201000A1 publication Critical patent/NO20201000A1/en
Publication of NO346405B1 publication Critical patent/NO346405B1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
    • B63B35/44—Floating buildings, stores, drilling platforms, or workshops, e.g. carrying water-oil separating devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
    • F03B13/14—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy
    • F03B13/16—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem"
    • F03B13/18—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem" where the other member, i.e. rem is fixed, at least at one point, with respect to the sea bed or shore
    • F03B13/1845—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem" where the other member, i.e. rem is fixed, at least at one point, with respect to the sea bed or shore and the wom slides relative to the rem
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
    • F03B13/14—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy
    • F03B13/16—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem"
    • F03B13/20—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem" wherein both members, i.e. wom and rem are movable relative to the sea bed or shore
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
    • B63B35/44—Floating buildings, stores, drilling platforms, or workshops, e.g. carrying water-oil separating devices
    • B63B2035/4433—Floating structures carrying electric power plants
    • B63B2035/4466—Floating structures carrying electric power plants for converting water energy into electric energy, e.g. from tidal flows, waves or currents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B2241/00—Design characteristics
    • B63B2241/02—Design characterised by particular shapes
    • B63B2241/04—Design characterised by particular shapes by particular cross sections
    • B63B2241/06—Design characterised by particular shapes by particular cross sections circular
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2230/00—Manufacture
    • F05B2230/20—Manufacture essentially without removing material
    • F05B2230/23—Manufacture essentially without removing material by permanently joining parts together
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
  • Devices For Conveying Motion By Means Of Endless Flexible Members (AREA)
  • Complex Calculations (AREA)

Description

Float assembly for wave power conversion system
The present invention is related to a float assembly for use in a wave power conversion system for electrical energy production, according to the preamble of claim 1.
Background
The present invention is especially related to a wave power plant as described in WO201109816 (in the name of the applicant), wherein floats are arranged to move in longitudinal direction of vertically extending rods of the plant. The floats are arranged for driving respective generators, and wherein the movement of the floats up and down on the vertically extending rods due to passing waves results in production of electrical energy by driving the respective generator.
A drawback with the solution of WO201109816 is however that the maintenance of the floats are difficult due to that they are formed as one piece/unit, making the detachment of the float from the vertically extending rod difficult.
In JP2015042860A is disclosed a wave power electricity generation apparatus comprising a float supporting structure with a rod and two floats arranged in the water line affected by wave movements of the sea. The floats are formed by only one part and are arranged to the rod by corresponding sleeve parts.
There exists floats that are formed by several parts, sections or members, such as e.g. described in EP3081806A1, US5359229A, US5167786A, US4206601A, which parts, sections or members are bolted together to form a float.
The latter mentioned floats are however suffering from low structural integrity or low efficiency due to they are spherical or donut-shaped.
A disadvantage with most of the latter mentioned solutions is that they connection means between the parts, sections or members are arranged at exterior side of the float, which will suffer from the harsh environment and will be worn down or damaged, as well as they require additional structure elements for arranging the float movably to the vertically extending rods.
Another disadvantage, especially for US 5359259A is that internal access is required for assembly of the float parts, sections or members, as well as to a central guide sleeve.
It is accordingly a need for a float assembly that provides easy assembling and disassembling to vertically extending rods, as well as for maintenance, and that provides considerably higher efficiency.
It is further a need for a float assembly that provides longer operating time compared to the prior art solutions.
Object
The main object of the present invention is to provide a float assembly for a wave power conversion system partly or entirely solving the drawbacks of prior art.
An object of the present invention is to provide a float assembly that is easily attachable and detachable to a vertically extending rod of a wave power conversion system.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a float assembly that is formed by at least two parts, sections or members arranged together to form a complete float.
An object of the present invention is to provide a float assembly without exposed attachment means for fixation of the at least two parts, sections or members of the float assembly.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a float assembly with higher structural integrity than prior art solutions.
Further objects of the present invention will appear from the following description, claims and attached drawings.
The invention
A float assembly for a wave power conversion system according to the present invention is defined by the technical features of claim 1. Preferable features of the float assembly are described in the dependent claims.
The present invention is related to a float assembly for a wave power conversion system comprising one or more vertically extending rods that the float assembly is movable in longitudinal direction of.
According to the present invention, the float assembly is formed by at least two float parts assembled together by means attachment means to form the float assembly. Accordingly, in the present invention, the at least two float parts are detachably arranged to each other.
The float parts are according to the present invention provided with corresponding sleeve parts that, when the float parts are assembled together, form a centrally vertically extending sleeve adapted for accommodating a vertically extending rod of the wave power conversion system and arranging the float assembly movably in longitudinal direction of the vertically extending rod.
According to a further embodiment of the float assembly according to the present invention, the float parts are provided with at least two interior support structures.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the float parts comprise interior support structures extending in a vertical plane from each side of the sleeve parts, respectively, and to interior wall of the float parts, wherein the vertical plane the interior support structures are extending in coincides with the vertical plane of the connection side of the float parts, respectively, facing the other float part(s).
According to a further embodiment of the float assembly according to the present invention, one or more additional interior support structures is arranged between the support structures, extending from the sleeve parts and to interior wall of the float parts.
According to the present invention, the support structures and additional support structures are adapted the interior shape of the float parts.
In accordance with one embodiment of the float assembly according to the present invention, the interior support structures and additional interior support structures comprises a vertically extending end beam or rod at one side facing the sleeve parts, as well as upper and lower beams or rods extending in longitudinal direction of the support structure from respective upper and lower ends of the vertically extending end beam or rod, which upper and lower beams or rods are extending both in the horizontal plane and vertical plane of the support structures or additional support structures, wherein the shape or curvature of the upper and lower beams or rods are adapted the interior surface of the upper and lower side of the float parts, respectively.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the float assembly according to the present invention, cross beams or rods are arranged at appropriate angles between the respective upper and lower beams or rods, as well as other cross beams or rods.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the float assembly comprises sealing plates arranged to the support structures or additional support structures to form at least one sealed compartment in the float parts.
According to a further embodiment of the float assembly according to the present invention, the centrally vertically extending sleeve has an extension in vertical direction that is longer than the height of the float parts and exhibits a section exterior of the float parts at both upper and lower side, and wherein corresponding sleeve parts are provided with corresponding attachment means at the sections exterior of the float parts.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the float parts are provided with corresponding attachment means at upper surface thereof, arranged close to distal ends of the connection side of the float parts facing each other.
According to one embodiment of the float assembly according to the present invention, the float parts are provided with corresponding attachment means integrated in the connection sides thereof, which attachment means are accessible from a recess or hole at lower surface of the float parts. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the corresponding attachment means comprises a through hole in the support structure and sealing plate, if present, wherein the through hole is connected with the recess or hole via a tube or pipe. This enables a bolt to be inserted from one float part, extending over support structures in both float parts, and wherein a nut can be inserted from the other float part to secure the float parts together.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the float parts are filled with foam, at least partly.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the float assembly is provided with ballast means in the float parts. According to one embodiment, the ballast means comprises at least one ballast tank. According to a further embodiment, the at least one ballast tank is connected to at least one pump, and wherein the at least one pump is in fluid communication with seawater exterior of the float assembly via at least one pipe extending to the exterior of the float part, at lower side thereof, enabling filling and discharge of seawater for controlling the buoyancy of the float assembly.
In a further embodiment of the float assembly according to the present invention, the ballast means comprises multiple ballast tanks and wherein the multiple ballast tanks are distributed in the float parts of the float assembly along a circle with the same centre axis as the float assembly.
Further preferable features and advantageous details of the present invention will appear from the following example description, claims and attached drawings.
Example
The present invention will below be described in further details with references to the attached drawings, where:
Fig.1 is a principle drawing of a wave power conversion system according to prior art that the float assembly according to the present invention is suitable for,
Fig.2 is a principle drawing of a float assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention,
Fig.3 is an exploded principle drawing of the float assembly of Fig.2 according to one embodiment of the present invention,
Fig.4 is a cross-sectional view of the float assembly of Fig.2,
Fig.5 is a principle drawing where the upper surface of the float assembly is removed, revealing interior details of the float assembly,
Fig.6 is a principle drawing of interior attachment means in the float assembly,
Fig.7 is a principle drawing of a further embodiment of the float assembly according to the present invention, and
Fig.8a-b are principle drawings of a further embodiment of the float assembly according to the present invention.
Reference is first made to Figure 1 showing a principle drawing of a wave power conversion system according to prior art, as disclosed in WO2011096816 A1, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The wave power conversion system of WO2011096816 A1 comprises a rig designed to float at the sea having a supporting construction for a number of floats 60 arranged in a ring shape around the rig circumference with spacing between the floats 60. The motion of each of said floats, due to the affection by waves, is used to power generators 40 to produce energy for further exploitation. Each float 60 is adapted move up and down along vertically extending rods extending centrally through the mentioned floats, and wherein the floats are arranged to operate its respective generator via a transmission system 43. Each float 60 comprises a circular disc exhibiting a downward concave curved form 63, 65. The rig is brought to float on the sea surface using a rig or float tank 30 arranged centrally in the supporting construction, and/or that the supporting construction includes beams and rod elements that are waterproof and have a buoyancy that gives the rig necessary buoyancy. The rig is anchored to the seabed via an anchoring cable 80, and a winch system is arranged, which winch system is designed to keep the floats 60 at correct height position in relation to tide level and securing the plant in storm. Said transmission system 43 comprises a tooth belt or wire or rack to rotate to the shaft 41 of the mentioned generator.
The floats 60 are formed by a thick circular disc with an upper upwards convex surface 64 and a lower downwards convex surface that is convex with upper and lower convex parts 63, 65 with different slope degrees. The lower convex portion 63 is to strengthen construction of the float 60 and the upper convex portion 65 to create buoyancy volume for the float 60 and also angle relative to surface of water guiding waves under the float 60 to lift it.
Further, each float 60 includes a through-hole 61 in the middle with wheel bearings 62 adapted for accommodating the vertically extending rod 21 and the float 60 is a hollow/airspace.
Accordingly, the float 60 is designed to be arranged movable in longitudinal direction of the vertically extending rod 21.
A disadvantage with this solution is that the floats are formed as one piece, resulting in that both assembly and disassembly to the vertically extending rods is difficult. It will further be difficult to perform maintenance. Another disadvantage is that, if a part of the float is damaged, the entire float will have to be replaced.
Reference is now made to Figs.2-6 showing principle drawings of a float assembly 100 according to the present invention formed by at least two corresponding float parts 110a-b detachably arranged to each other by corresponding attachment means, which at least two float parts 110a-b, when attached to each other, form a complete float assembly 100.
In the shown example, the float assembly 100 is formed by two corresponding float parts 110a-b, but the number of corresponding parts may be higher than two.
The float assembly 100 is formed as a mainly thick circular disc provided with upwards convex or cone-shaped upper surface 111 and downwards cone-shaped lower surface 112. The cone-shaped lower surface of the float assembly 100 is cone-shaped by upper 113 and lower convex parts 114 with different slope degrees, wherein the upper convex part 113 is connected to lower end of the convex or cone-shaped upper surface 111 and the lower convex part 114 is connected to the lower end of the first convex part 113. The lower convex part 114 is to strengthen construction of the float assembly 100 and upper convex part 113 is designed to create buoyancy volume for the float assembly 100 and also provides an angle relative to surface of water guiding waves under the float assembly 100 to lift it.
The float assembly 100 is e.g. formed by metal or some other material enabling welding of the parts of the float assembly to each other, such as stainless steel or wherein the metal is covered by corrosion protective layer of paint or composite material.
The float assembly 100 further comprises a centrally vertically extending sleeve 120 adapted for accommodation of a vertically extending rod of the wave power conversion system, such as the rods 21 in Fig. 1, with a spacing therebetween, enabling the arrangement of the float assembly 100 movable in longitudinal direction of the vertically extending rod of the wave power conversion system. The vertically extending sleeve 120 has an extension in vertical direction of the float assembly 100 that is longer than the height of the float assembly 100 such that a section thereof is provided exterior of the float assembly 100, at both upper and lower side.
According to the present invention, the vertically extending sleeve 120 is formed by at least two corresponding sleeve parts 121a-b, wherein the number of corresponding sleeve parts 121a-b corresponds to the number of float parts 110a-b. The corresponding sleeve parts 121a-b of the float parts 110a-b are arranged to the respective float parts 110a-b and recessed into connection sides thereof, such that when the float parts 110a-b are arranged to each other to form the float assembly 100, the corresponding sleeve parts 121a-b form the centrally vertically extending sleeve 120.
In the shown embodiment, the vertically extending sleeve 120 has a mainly rectangular or square cross-section adapted a vertically extending rod with a mainly rectangular or square cross-section, wherein the corresponding sleeve parts 121a-b are formed as U-shaped sleeve parts with a mainly rectangular or square cross-section that together form the vertically extending sleeve 120 with a mainly rectangular or square cross-section, when assembled together.
Accordingly, in the shown embodiment the float assembly 100 is formed by two corresponding float half parts 110a-b, laterally reversed semi-circular float parts 110a-b, with corresponding sleeve parts 121a-b at connection sides thereof, that when assembled together form a complete float assembly 100 around a vertically extending rod 21 (as shown in Fig.1) of a wave power conversion system.
According to the present invention the float assembly 100 is further provided with interior support structures 130, 130a, as shown in Figs.3-6, which interior support structures 130, 130a are adapted the interior surface of the float parts assembly 100.
The float parts 110a-b according to the present invention comprises at least two interior support structures 130. According to one embodiment of the present invention, one interior support structure 130 extends in a vertical plane from each side of the sleeve parts 121a-b, respectively, and to the interior wall of the float part 110a-b, respectively, wherein the vertical plane the interior support structure 130 extends in coincides with the vertical plane of the connection side of the float part 110a-b, respectively, facing the other float part(s) 110a-b.
As shown in Figs.3-6, the interior support structures 130, 130a are formed by beams or rods 131-135 extending in vertical and/or horizontal direction in the vertical plane of the interior support structure 130, 130a to form a framework of beams or rods 131-135 that are adapted the interior shape of the float part 110a-b, respectively, at a vertical plane perpendicular to the sleeve parts 121a-b.
In the shown embodiment, the interior support structure 130, 130a comprises a vertically extending end beam or rod 131 at one side facing the sleeve parts 121a-b. The support structure 130 further comprises upper 132 and lower 133 beams or rods extending in longitudinal direction of the support structure 130 from respective upper and lower ends of the vertically extending end beam or rod 131, which upper 132 and lower 133 beams or rods are extending both in the horizontal and vertical plane of the support structure 130, 130a, wherein the shape or curvature of the upper 132 and lower 133 beams or rods are adapted the interior surface of the upper and lower side of the float part 110a-b, respectively.
In addition there are preferably arranged cross beams or rods 135 at appropriate angles between the respective upper 132 and lower 133 beams or rods, as well as other cross beams or rods 135, to form a rigid framework for the interior support structure 130, 130a that is adapted the interior surface of the float assembly 100. The more beams or rods forming triangles, the more rigid and solid the support structure 130, 130a becomes.
Each float part 110a-b of the float assembly 100 comprises at least two such interior support structures 130 extending from each side of the sleeve part 121a-b, i.e. diagonally in the float part 110a-b, coinciding with the vertical plane of the connection side of the float parts 110a-b.
As shown in the figures, each float part 110a-b may further be provided with one or more additional such interior support structures 130a arranged between the support structures 130 arranged coinciding with the connection side and extending in a vertical plane perpendicular to the sleeve part 121a-b.
According to the present invention, sealing plates 140 are arranged to the support structures 130 or additional support structures 130a, at least to the support structures 130 at the connection side of the float part 110a-b, to provide at least one sealed compartment in the float part 110a-b. If further compartments are required, sealing plates 140 may be arranged to the additional interior support structures 130a, which thus in addition to providing support also function as dividing structures to enable the arrangement of several compartments in the float part 110a-b.
Attachment of the float parts 110a-b to each other will now be described. According to one embodiment of the present invention the corresponding sleeve parts 121a-b are provided with corresponding attachment means 122, such as attachment flanges, extending perpendicularly to each side of the sleeve parts 121a-b, at both sides of upper and lower ends thereof, facing corresponding sleeve part 121a-b of the float parts 110a-b, i.e. the parts of the sleeve parts 121a-b extending above and below the float parts 110a-b.
The corresponding attachment flanges 122 of the float parts 110a-b are provided with at least one corresponding through hole for accommodation of fastening means, such as bolts extending through the through holes of the corresponding attachment flanges 122 of the float parts 110a-b and fixed by a nut at the other side, as shown in Fig.3 and 4.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the float parts 110a-b are provided with corresponding attachment means 123, such as attachment flanges, erecting at upper surface of the connection side of the float parts 110a-b, preferably arranged close to distal ends of the connection side of the float parts 110a-b. The corresponding attachment flanges 123 of the float parts 110a-b are provided with at least one corresponding through hole for accommodation of fastening means, such as bolts extending through the through holes of the corresponding attachment flanges 123 of the float parts 110a-b and fixed by a nut at the other side, as shown in Fig.3 and 4.
Accordingly, by means of the mentioned attachment flanges 122-123, the float parts 110a-b are fixed securely to each other at upper side.
To achieve an effective float assembly 100 to be lifted by passing waves erecting elements cannot be present exteriorly at the lower surface of the float assembly 100, as this will result in turbulence that will reduce the lifting force from the passing wave on the lower surface of the float assembly 100.
As the lower side of the float assembly 100 cannot have erecting elements, the float assembly 100 is provided with corresponding attachment means 150 integrated in connection sides of the float parts 110a-b, which attachment means 150 are accessible from a recess or hole 151 at lower surface of the float parts 110a-b. The float parts 110a-b are preferably provided with at least two such attachment means 150, arranged at each side of the sleeve part 121a-b in the float parts 110a-b. In more detail, the attachment means 150 comprises a recess or hole 151 arranged at lower side of the float part 110a-b, arranged at a distance from the vertical plane of the connection side of the float part 110a-b. The attachment means 150 further comprises an interior tube 152 extending horizontally interior in the float part 110a-b, from the recess or hole 151 and to the support structure 130 arranged coinciding with the connection side, such that the interior tube 152 extends with its longitudinal direction perpendicular to the lower 133 beam or rod extending in longitudinal direction of the support structure 130, and wherein the tube 152 is fixed to the recess or hole 151 at one side and to the support structure 130 at the other side. The attachment means 150 further comprises a through hole 153 in the support structure 130, in alignment with the center axis of the mentioned tube 152, and wherein the hole 153 exhibits a smaller interior diameter than the interior diameter of the tube 152.
Accordingly, when the float parts 110a-b are to be arranged to each other, the mentioned attachment means 150 are aligned with each other, and wherein one by means of a specially designed tool may insert fastening means via the mentioned holes 151, 153 and tube 152. The fastening means are e.g. a bolt that is inserted via the hole 151 and tube 152 in one float part 110ab, such that it extends through the support structures 130 of both float parts 110a-b, and wherein a nut by means of a special tool is inserted via the hole 151 and tube 152 of the other float part 110a-b, such that the float parts 110a-b are securely fixed to each other by tightening the nut and bolt, as shown in Fig.6.
The float parts 110a-b are further arranged to each other at lower side by means of the corresponding attachment flanges 122 in connection with the sleeve parts 121a-b, as described above for the upper side.
Accordingly, the float parts 110a-b are fixed to each other at lower side by means of the attachment flanges 122 at lower side of the sleeve parts 121a-b and via the attachment means 150 integrated in the connection sides of the float parts 110a-b.
Reference is now made to Fig.7, which is a principle drawing of a further embodiment of the float assembly 100 according to the present invention, wherein the float assembly 100 is partly or entirely filled with foam 200 or similar material.
Reference is now made to Figures 8a-b, which are principle drawings of a further embodiment of the float assembly 100 according to the present invention, wherein the float parts 110a-b of the float assembly 100 is provided with ballast means 300 for controlling the buoyancy of the float assembly 100. According to the present invention, the ballast means 300 comprises at least one ballast tank 310 connected to at least one pump 320 being in fluid communication with seawater exterior of the float assembly 100 via at least one pipe 330 extending to the exterior of the float assembly 100, at lower side thereof. By means of the at least one pump 320, the at least one ballast tank 310 may be filled with seawater or seawater discharged from the at least one ballast tank 310 via the at least one pipe 330.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ballast means 300 comprises multiple ballast tanks 310, wherein at least one ballast tank 310 is arranged in each section of the float assembly 100, i.e. between the interior support structures 130, 130a in the float parts 110a-b, as shown in Fig. 8a. The ballast tanks 310 have a shape and design adapted the interior of the float parts 110a-b, and at their distal end form a circle with the same centre axis as the float assembly 100, i.e. a circle around the centrally vertically extending sleeve 120.
The ballast tanks 310 are according to a further embodiment provided with interior vertically extending dividing walls 311, shown with dotted lines in Fig.8b. By means of the vertically extending dividing walls 311 the interior of the ballast tank 310 are divided into several sub-tanks that avoids internal displacement of large amounts of water, as the water will have limited space for movement.
Accordingly, the vertically extending dividing walls 311 will prevent water in the ballast tanks from travelling back and forth in the float assembly 100 as the float assembly 100 is affected by exterior waves.
The multiple ballast tanks 310 are either separately provided with at least one pump 320 or connected in series or parallel to a ballast tank 310 provided with at least one pump 320 by pipes arranged at lower part of the ballast tanks 310, both between ballast tanks 310 in sections of a ballast part 110a-b and between ballast tanks 310 in the separate float parts 110a-b.
The ballast means 300 may further comprise one or more controllable valves (not shown) in the connection between the ballast tanks 310 and/or in connection with the pipe 330 associated with the at least one pump 320.
It will further be preferable to provide the float assembly 100 with at least one hatch 340 or similar to allow access to the interior of the ballast tanks 310, at least for the ballast tank 310 provided with at least one pump 320.
By controlling the filling of the ballast tanks 310, the buoyancy of the float assembly 100 may be controlled.
By arranging the at least one pump 320 and mentioned control valves (if present) to a control unit (not shown), the buoyancy of the float assembly 100 may be controlled.
By providing the wave power conversion system with sensors (not shown) for reading wave height, an adaptive/dynamic controlling of the buoyancy of the float assembly 100 is achieved, especially to achieve optimal stroke of the generator.
It will further be preferable to provide the ballast tanks 310 with fluid level meters to read and control the fluid level therein.
It may further be preferable to have one or more controllable valves (not shown) in the inlet pipe 330 to the at least one pump 320 to be able to close the inlet to avoid driving the at least pump 320 continuously.
According to the present invention, the ballast tanks 310 may be controlled separately or as one unit where the multiple ballast tanks 310 are provided with the same settings.
The float assembly 100 may further be provided with aeration means (not shown) arranged in connection with the at least one pump 320 and/or the at least one ballast tank 310 enabling complete drainage of the water in the at least one ballast tank 310 if required, such as in connection with maintenance.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve 120 is interior provided with additional sliding surfaces 400 (se. e.g. Fig. 2-3), such as angle iron of hard metal or Teflon, or a magnetic bearing/sliding system, exchangeably arranged at interior surface of the sleeve 120. This will reduce the wear of the sleeve 120, due to the sleeve 120 and rod of the wave power conversion system will not be in direct contact, and may be exchanged during maintenance of the float assembly 100.

Claims (17)

Claims
1. Float assembly (100) for wave power conversion system, wherein the float assembly (100) is formed by at least two float parts (110a-b) assembled together by means of attachment means (122, 123, 150) to form the float assembly (100), wherein the float parts (110a-b) are provided with corresponding sleeve parts (121a-b), at connection sides of the float parts (110a-b) facing each other, which, when the float parts (110a-b) are assembled together, form a centrally vertically extending sleeve (120) adapted for accommodating a vertically extending rod of the wave power conversion system and arranging the float assembly (100) movably in longitudinal direction of the vertically extending rod.
2. Float assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the float parts (110a-b) are provided with at least two interior support structures (130).
3. Float assembly (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the float parts (110a-b) comprise interior support structures (130) extending in a vertical plane from each side of the sleeve parts (121a-b), respectively, and to interior wall of the float parts (110a-b), wherein the vertical plane the interior support structures (130) are extending in coincides with the vertical plane of the connection side of the float parts (110a-b), respectively, facing the other float part(s) (110a-b).
4. Float assembly (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that one or more additional interior support structures (130a) is arranged between the support structures, extending from the sleeve parts (121a-b) and to interior wall of the float parts (110a-b).
5. Float assembly (100) according to any one of the claims 2-4, characterized in that the support structures (130, 130a) are adapted the interior shape of the float parts (110a-b).
6. Float assembly (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the interior support structures (130, 130a) comprises a vertically extending end beam or rod (131) at one side facing the sleeve parts (121a-b), as well as upper (132) and lower (133) beams or rods extending in longitudinal direction of the support structure (130) from respective upper and lower ends of the vertically extending end beam or rod (131), which upper (132) and lower (133) beams or rods are extending both in the horizontal plane and vertical plane of the support structure (130, 130a), wherein the shape or curvature of the upper (132) and lower (133) beams or rods are adapted the interior surface of the upper and lower side of the float parts (110a-b), respectively.
7. Float assembly (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that cross beams or rods (135) are arranged at appropriate angles between the respective upper (132) and lower (133) beams or rods, as well as other cross beams or rods (135).
8. Float assembly (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that sealing plates (140) are arranged to the support structures (130, 130a) to form at least one sealed compartment in the float parts (110a-b).
9. Float assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sleeve (120) has an extension in vertical direction that is longer than the height of the float parts (110a-b) and exhibits a section exterior of the float parts (110a-b) at both upper and lower side, and wherein corresponding sleeve parts (121a-b) are provided with corresponding attachment means (122) at the sections exterior of the float parts (110a-b).
10. Float assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the float parts (110a-b) are provided with corresponding attachment means (123) at upper surface thereof, arranged close to distal ends of the connection side of the float parts (110a-b) facing each other.
11. Float assembly (100) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the float parts (110a-b) are provided with corresponding attachment means (150) integrated in connection sides thereof, which attachment means (150) are accessible from a recess or hole (151) at lower surface of the float parts (110a-b).
12. Float assembly (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that the corresponding attachment means (150) comprises a through hole (153) in the support structure (130) and sealing plate (140) if present, wherein the through hole (153) is connected with the recess or hole (151) via a tube or pipe (152).
13. Float assembly (100) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the float parts (110a-b) are filled with foam.
14. Float assembly (100) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the float parts (110a-b) are provided with at ballast means (300).
15. Float assembly (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that the ballast means (300) comprises at least one ballast tank (310).
16. Float assembly (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that the at least one ballast tank (310) is connected to at least one pump (320), and wherein the at least one pump (320) is in fluid communication with seawater exterior of the float assembly (100) via at least one pipe (330) extending to the exterior of the float part (110a-b), at lower side thereof.
17. Float assembly (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that the ballast means (300) comprises multiple ballast tanks (310) and wherein the multiple ballast tanks (310) are distributed in the float parts (110a-b) of the float assembly (100) along a circle with the same centre axis as the float assembly (100).
NO20201000A 2020-09-11 2020-09-11 Float assembly for wave power conversion system NO346405B1 (en)

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