WO2007126232A1 - Easily operated tidal current power plant - Google Patents

Easily operated tidal current power plant Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2007126232A1
WO2007126232A1 PCT/KR2007/001941 KR2007001941W WO2007126232A1 WO 2007126232 A1 WO2007126232 A1 WO 2007126232A1 KR 2007001941 W KR2007001941 W KR 2007001941W WO 2007126232 A1 WO2007126232 A1 WO 2007126232A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
transverse beam
power generation
tidal
current power
generator assembly
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2007/001941
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jong Seon Park
Rudolf Bergermann
Original Assignee
Renetec Co., Ltd.
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 Renetec Co., Ltd. filed Critical Renetec Co., Ltd.
Publication of WO2007126232A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007126232A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • F03B13/26—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 tide energy
    • F03B13/264—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 tide energy using the horizontal flow of water resulting from tide movement
    • 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
    • F03B11/00—Parts or details not provided for in, or of interest apart from, the preceding groups, e.g. wear-protection couplings, between turbine and generator
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2220/00—Application
    • F05B2220/70—Application in combination with
    • F05B2220/706—Application in combination with an electrical generator
    • 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
    • F05B2230/80—Repairing, retrofitting or upgrading methods
    • 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
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/40—Use of a multiplicity of similar components
    • 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
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
    • F05B2240/91—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a stationary structure
    • F05B2240/912—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a stationary structure on a tower
    • 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
    • F05B2260/00—Function
    • F05B2260/40—Transmission of power
    • 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
    • F05B2260/00—Function
    • F05B2260/50—Kinematic linkage, i.e. transmission of position
    • F05B2260/505—Kinematic linkage, i.e. transmission of position using chains and sprockets; using toothed belts
    • 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
    • Y02E10/20—Hydro energy
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a tidal current power generation system, and more particularly, to a tidal current power generation system in which a generator assembly for generating electricity by using tidal currents is stably and smoothly moved up or down so that it is easy to repair and replace the tidal current power generation system, and when the flow of tides changes, the generator assembly is smoothly rotated according to the flow of tidal currents so that it is possible to continuously generate electricity.
  • power generation systems include a thermal power generation system using coals or oil, a nuclear power generation system using uranium, and a water power generation system, and others.
  • the ocean power generation systems are divided into a tidal power generation system to produce electricity by using rising and falling motion of the surface of the seawater with high and low tides as a power source; an ocean thermal energy conversion system to generate electricity by converting thermal energy into mechanical energy by using the temperature difference between warm water in the seawater surface layer and cold water in deep sea; and a tidal current power generation system to generate electricity by using kinetic energy of the seawater by installing a water turbine generator in the place where the flow of the seawater is fast.
  • a conventional tidal current power generation system generates electricity from the flow of the seawater, by securing a single pillar to the bottom of the sea and fixedly installing a generator on the pillar. That is, a propeller positioned at one side of the generator is rotated by the flow of the seawater, so that electricity is generated.
  • the present invention is directed to provide a tidal current power generation system in which a generator assembly for generating electricity from tidal currents is stably and smoothly moved up or down by a number of driving motors and balance weights, to easily repair and replace the tidal current power generation system, and when the flow of tidal currents changes, the generator assembly is smoothly rotated according to the flow of tidal currents, to enable continuous power generation.
  • a tidal current power generation system comprising: one or a number of generator assemblies for generating electricity, each generator assembly including a propeller to be rotated by the flow of tidal currents; a transverse beam extended in a transverse direction to a direction of the flow of tidal currents and positioned in one body with the generator assembly; a pair of towers respectively positioned at both ends of the transverse beam and including their respective lower parts as board-shaped pillars to be supported on the bottom surface of the sea; a driving motor positioned on the tower, for moving the generator assembly up or down; and a driving sprocket, a transverse beam sprocket and a chain for transferring a rotation force of the driving motor to move up or down the transverse beam positioned in one body with the generator assembly.
  • Two driving motors and two driving sprockets are positioned on each of the towers respectively positioned at the both sides of the transverse beam, and the chain includes a balance weight at each of its both ends.
  • the towers are pivotably connected to the transverse beam by bearings connected to the outside of the transverse beam sprockets which are respectively formed in one body at the both ends of the transverse beam.
  • the tower has a guiding part for guiding a support bar in a board or rod shape, which is formed in one body with an outer rim of the bearing, to allow smooth up or down movement, so that the generator assembly is stably moved up or down.
  • the generator assembly connected in one body with the transverse beam is rotated by 180 degrees once per six hours according to the flow of tidal currents, to continuously generate electricity.
  • the transverse beam includes a sharp part in a wing shape formed in the direction where tidal currents flow and a round surface in the direction where tidal currents ebb, and the tower is formed in sharp shapes in the directions where the tidal currents flow and ebb, to reduce the flow resistance of tidal currents.
  • the generator assembly for generating electricity from tidal currents is stably and smoothly moved up or down by a number of the driving motors and balance weights positioned on the towers at both sides, to easily repair and replace the tidal current power generation system, and when the flow of tidal currents changes, the generator assembly is smoothly rotated according to the flow of tidal currents, to enable continuous power generation.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic exemplary view of the whole shape of a tidal current power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a driving motor in the tidal current power generation system
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic exemplary view for explaining an operation of the driving motor in the tidal current power generation system
  • FIG. 4 is block diagrams of the driving motor and driving sprocket in the tidal current power generation system
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic exemplary view of the whole shape of a tidal current power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a driving motor in the tidal current power generation system
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic exemplary view for explaining an operation of the driving motor in the tidal current power generation system
  • FIG. 4 is block diagrams of the driving motor and driving sprocket in the tidal current power generation system
  • FIG. 1 is a
  • FIG. 5 is an exemplary view of a connection part of towers and a transverse beam in the tidal current power generation system
  • FIG. 6 is an exemplary view of the shape of a generator assembly in the tidal current power generation system
  • FIG. 7 is an exemplary view of the shape of the tower in the tidal current power generation system.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic exemplary view of the entire shape of a tidal current power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a driving motor in the tidal current power generation system
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic exemplary view for explaining an operation of the driving motor in the tidal current power generation system
  • FIG. 4 is block diagrams of the driving motor and driving sprocket in the tidal current power generation system, in which an upper figure is a plan view and a lower figure is a front view.
  • FIG. 5 is an exemplary view of a connection part of towers and a transverse beam in the tidal current power generation system
  • FIG. 6 is an exemplary view of the shape of a generator assembly in the tidal current power generation system
  • FIG. 7 is an exemplary view of the shape of the tower in the tidal current power generation system.
  • a tidal current power generation system 1 comprises: one or a number of generator assemblies 11 each including a propeller 12 rotated by the flow of tidal currents, for generating electricity; a transverse beam 21 extended in a transverse direction to a direction of the flow of tidal currents and positioned in one body with the generator assembly 11 ; a pair of towers 3 respectively positioned at both ends of the transverse beam 21 and including their respective lower parts as board-shaped pillars to be supported on the bottom surface 2 of the sea; a driving motor 31 positioned on the tower 3, for moving the generator assembly 11 up or down; and a driving sprocket 32, a transverse beam sprocket 22 and a chain 33 for transferring a rotation force of the driving motor 31 to move up or down the transverse beam 21 positioned in one body with the generator assembly 11.
  • the driving sprocket 32 is operatively
  • the top of the tower 3 includes a platform 4 in a flat surface shape, and the driving motor 31 and the driving sprocket 32 are positioned on the platform 4. Two driving motors 31 and two driving sprockets 32 are positioned on the top of each of the towers 3. Each of both ends of the chain 33 includes a balance weight 34.
  • the driving motors 31 and the platforms 4 are positioned and operated above the surface 5 of the seawater.
  • the generator assembly 11 When the generator assembly 11 generates electricity from tidal currents, it is positioned under the surface 5 of the seawater by the operation of the driving motors 31, for electricity generation from tidal currents.
  • the generator assembly 11 When the generator assembly 11 needs to be repaired or replaced, it is lifted above the surface 5 of the seawater by the operation of the driving motors 31, for repair or replacement.
  • the pair of the towers 3 or one transverse beam 21 may be used for three generator assemblies 11.
  • One or a number of generator assemblies may be used to generate electricity depending on dimensions.
  • the size of the tower 3 is several tens meters and the distance between both towers 3 to be installed is also several tens meters.
  • the generator assembly 11 of several tons is installed, and the propeller 12 is formed to be several meters in size. Therefore, electricity generation is continuously possible with the flow of tidal currents.
  • the balance weights 34 are respectively positioned at both ends of the chain 33, to smoothly transfer the generator assembly 11 by the driving motors 31.
  • Each of the towers 3 is pivotably connected to the transverse beam 21 by bearings
  • the tower 3 has a guiding part 25 for guiding a support bar 24 in a board or rod shape, which is formed in one body with an outer rim of the bearing 23, to be smoothly moved up or down, so that the generator assembly 11 is stably moved up or down.
  • the generator assembly 11 which are connected in one body to the transverse beam 21 and the towers 3, are connected to each other by the bearings 23 so as to pivot. Further, the generator assembly 11 is moved up or down, without shaking, along the guiding parts 25.
  • the tidal current power generation system 2 needs to be stably secured in position against the continuously flowing force of tidal currents.
  • the connection state of the generator assembly 11 and the towers 3 and the installation state of these elements are maintained in the good condition by the members, such as the support bar 24, the bearings 23, the guiding parts 25 and so on.
  • the generator assembly 11 is operated in different ways, by differentiating a method of operating the driving motors 31 on the top of the tower 3. That is, when the driving sprockets 32 at both sides are rotated clockwise, the transverse beam sprocket 22 and the generator assembly 11 are also rotated clockwise. However, when the driving sprockets 32 at both sides are rotated counterclockwise, the transverse beam sprocket 22 and the generator assembly 11 are also rotated counterclockwise.
  • the generator assembly 11 connected to the transverse beam 21 in one body is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise while maintaining the same height.
  • the generator assembly 11 is configured to be rotated by 180 degrees once per six hours according to the flow of tidal currents, thereby continuing generating electricity.
  • the flow of tidal currents changes in an opposite direction once per about six hours even though there is a slight difference in time. Therefore, the generator assembly 11 is configured to be rotated according to the flow direction of tidal currents, by the operation of the driving motors 31. Consequently, even though the flow of tidal currents changes, the generator assembly 11 is able to continuously generate electricity.
  • the transverse beam 21 forms a sharp part of a wing shape
  • the tower 3 is formed in sharp shapes 27 and 28 in the directions where tidal currents flow and ebb, thereby less receiving the flow resistance of tidal currents.
  • the sharp part of the wing shape 26 and both side surfaces, i.e., an upper surface and a lower surface, of the transverse beam 21 are configured to receive the upward and downward pressure of tidal currents in opposite directions to the upper and lower surfaces when tidal currents flow. That is, the transverse beam 21 is continuously maintained in the direction where tidal currents flow.
  • the propeller 12 of the generator assembly 11 formed in one body with the transverse beam 21 continuously receives even uniformed force in the flow direction of tidal currents, so that the propeller 12 is smoothly rotated, without resistance, by the flowing tidal currents, and consequently the electricity generation is smoothly operated.
  • a power generation system is used in a thermal power generation system using coals or oil, a nuclear power generation system using uranium, and a water power generation system, and others.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Oceanography (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)

Abstract

There is provided a tidal current power generation system comprising: one or a number of generator assemblies for generating electricity, each generator assembly including a propeller to be rotated by flow of tidal currents; a transverse beam extended in a transverse direction to a direction of the flow of tidal currents and positioned in one body with the generator assembly; a pair of towers respectively positioned at both ends of the transverse beam, each tower including a lower part of a board-shaped pillar to be supported on the bottom surface of the sea; a driving motor positioned on the tower, for moving the generator assembly up or down; and a driving sprocket, a transverse beam sprocket and a chain, for transferring a rotation force of the driving motor to move up or down the transverse beam positioned in one body with the generator assembly, whereby the generator assembly for generating electricity by tidal currents is stably and smoothly moved up or down so that it is convenient to repair and replace the tidal current power generation system, and, even though the flow of tidal currents changes, the generator assembly is smoothly rotated according to the flow of tidal currents so that electricity generation is continued.

Description

Description EASILY OPERATED TIDAL CURRENT POWER PLANT
Technical Field
[1] The present invention relates to a tidal current power generation system, and more particularly, to a tidal current power generation system in which a generator assembly for generating electricity by using tidal currents is stably and smoothly moved up or down so that it is easy to repair and replace the tidal current power generation system, and when the flow of tides changes, the generator assembly is smoothly rotated according to the flow of tidal currents so that it is possible to continuously generate electricity. Background Art
[2] In general, power generation systems include a thermal power generation system using coals or oil, a nuclear power generation system using uranium, and a water power generation system, and others.
[3] Among these power generation systems, there is a system which generates electric energy from natural energy without causing environmental pollution and without requiring any additional source. Examples of this system include a solar power generation system using solar heat, a wind power generation system using wind power, and an ocean power generation system using seawater. Specifically, the ocean power generation systems are divided into a tidal power generation system to produce electricity by using rising and falling motion of the surface of the seawater with high and low tides as a power source; an ocean thermal energy conversion system to generate electricity by converting thermal energy into mechanical energy by using the temperature difference between warm water in the seawater surface layer and cold water in deep sea; and a tidal current power generation system to generate electricity by using kinetic energy of the seawater by installing a water turbine generator in the place where the flow of the seawater is fast.
[4] Among the aforementioned power generation systems, a conventional tidal current power generation system generates electricity from the flow of the seawater, by securing a single pillar to the bottom of the sea and fixedly installing a generator on the pillar. That is, a propeller positioned at one side of the generator is rotated by the flow of the seawater, so that electricity is generated.
[5] However, in a conventional tidal current generator, a generator assembly and a propeller are fixed, in one body, onto the pillar driven into the bottom of the sea. As a result, when a flow direction of the seawater changes, the propeller is irregularly rotated and therefore, the output of the generated electricity becomes unstable. Moreover, when an ocean current power generator needs to be repaired or replaced, a repairman has to dive to work under water or to take out the installed generator from the water for repair or replacement. Disclosure of Invention
Technical Problem
[6] Therefore, the present invention is directed to provide a tidal current power generation system in which a generator assembly for generating electricity from tidal currents is stably and smoothly moved up or down by a number of driving motors and balance weights, to easily repair and replace the tidal current power generation system, and when the flow of tidal currents changes, the generator assembly is smoothly rotated according to the flow of tidal currents, to enable continuous power generation. Technical Solution
[7] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tidal current power generation system comprising: one or a number of generator assemblies for generating electricity, each generator assembly including a propeller to be rotated by the flow of tidal currents; a transverse beam extended in a transverse direction to a direction of the flow of tidal currents and positioned in one body with the generator assembly; a pair of towers respectively positioned at both ends of the transverse beam and including their respective lower parts as board-shaped pillars to be supported on the bottom surface of the sea; a driving motor positioned on the tower, for moving the generator assembly up or down; and a driving sprocket, a transverse beam sprocket and a chain for transferring a rotation force of the driving motor to move up or down the transverse beam positioned in one body with the generator assembly.
[8] Two driving motors and two driving sprockets are positioned on each of the towers respectively positioned at the both sides of the transverse beam, and the chain includes a balance weight at each of its both ends.
[9] The towers are pivotably connected to the transverse beam by bearings connected to the outside of the transverse beam sprockets which are respectively formed in one body at the both ends of the transverse beam. The tower has a guiding part for guiding a support bar in a board or rod shape, which is formed in one body with an outer rim of the bearing, to allow smooth up or down movement, so that the generator assembly is stably moved up or down.
[10] The generator assembly connected in one body with the transverse beam is rotated by 180 degrees once per six hours according to the flow of tidal currents, to continuously generate electricity.
[11] The transverse beam includes a sharp part in a wing shape formed in the direction where tidal currents flow and a round surface in the direction where tidal currents ebb, and the tower is formed in sharp shapes in the directions where the tidal currents flow and ebb, to reduce the flow resistance of tidal currents.
Advantageous Effects
[12] In accordance with the tidal current power generation system described above, the generator assembly for generating electricity from tidal currents is stably and smoothly moved up or down by a number of the driving motors and balance weights positioned on the towers at both sides, to easily repair and replace the tidal current power generation system, and when the flow of tidal currents changes, the generator assembly is smoothly rotated according to the flow of tidal currents, to enable continuous power generation.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[13] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by describing in detail a preferred embodiment thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which: [14] FIG. 1 is a schematic exemplary view of the whole shape of a tidal current power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [15] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a driving motor in the tidal current power generation system; [16] FIG. 3 is a schematic exemplary view for explaining an operation of the driving motor in the tidal current power generation system; [17] FIG. 4 is block diagrams of the driving motor and driving sprocket in the tidal current power generation system; [18] FIG. 5 is an exemplary view of a connection part of towers and a transverse beam in the tidal current power generation system; [19] FIG. 6 is an exemplary view of the shape of a generator assembly in the tidal current power generation system; and [20] FIG. 7 is an exemplary view of the shape of the tower in the tidal current power generation system.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [21] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. [22] FIG. 1 is a schematic exemplary view of the entire shape of a tidal current power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a driving motor in the tidal current power generation system; FIG. 3 is a schematic exemplary view for explaining an operation of the driving motor in the tidal current power generation system; and FIG. 4 is block diagrams of the driving motor and driving sprocket in the tidal current power generation system, in which an upper figure is a plan view and a lower figure is a front view.
[23] FIG. 5 is an exemplary view of a connection part of towers and a transverse beam in the tidal current power generation system; FIG. 6 is an exemplary view of the shape of a generator assembly in the tidal current power generation system; and FIG. 7 is an exemplary view of the shape of the tower in the tidal current power generation system.
[24] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5, a tidal current power generation system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: one or a number of generator assemblies 11 each including a propeller 12 rotated by the flow of tidal currents, for generating electricity; a transverse beam 21 extended in a transverse direction to a direction of the flow of tidal currents and positioned in one body with the generator assembly 11 ; a pair of towers 3 respectively positioned at both ends of the transverse beam 21 and including their respective lower parts as board-shaped pillars to be supported on the bottom surface 2 of the sea; a driving motor 31 positioned on the tower 3, for moving the generator assembly 11 up or down; and a driving sprocket 32, a transverse beam sprocket 22 and a chain 33 for transferring a rotation force of the driving motor 31 to move up or down the transverse beam 21 positioned in one body with the generator assembly 11. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the driving sprocket 32 is operatively connected to the driving motor 31 by a driving shaft 35.
[25] The top of the tower 3 includes a platform 4 in a flat surface shape, and the driving motor 31 and the driving sprocket 32 are positioned on the platform 4. Two driving motors 31 and two driving sprockets 32 are positioned on the top of each of the towers 3. Each of both ends of the chain 33 includes a balance weight 34.
[26] In the tidal current power generation system 1, the driving motors 31 and the platforms 4 are positioned and operated above the surface 5 of the seawater. When the generator assembly 11 generates electricity from tidal currents, it is positioned under the surface 5 of the seawater by the operation of the driving motors 31, for electricity generation from tidal currents. When the generator assembly 11 needs to be repaired or replaced, it is lifted above the surface 5 of the seawater by the operation of the driving motors 31, for repair or replacement.
[27] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the pair of the towers 3 or one transverse beam 21 may be used for three generator assemblies 11. One or a number of generator assemblies may be used to generate electricity depending on dimensions. Generally, the size of the tower 3 is several tens meters and the distance between both towers 3 to be installed is also several tens meters. The generator assembly 11 of several tons is installed, and the propeller 12 is formed to be several meters in size. Therefore, electricity generation is continuously possible with the flow of tidal currents. In operating the members of the tidal current power generation system 1 which is so huge and heavy, it is necessary to stably operate the system at less power consumption. Therefore, the balance weights 34 are respectively positioned at both ends of the chain 33, to smoothly transfer the generator assembly 11 by the driving motors 31.
[28] Each of the towers 3 is pivotably connected to the transverse beam 21 by bearings
23 connected to the outside of each of the transverse beam sprockets 22 formed in one body with and at both side ends of the transverse beam 21. Specifically, the tower 3 has a guiding part 25 for guiding a support bar 24 in a board or rod shape, which is formed in one body with an outer rim of the bearing 23, to be smoothly moved up or down, so that the generator assembly 11 is stably moved up or down.
[29] That is, the generator assembly 11, which are connected in one body to the transverse beam 21 and the towers 3, are connected to each other by the bearings 23 so as to pivot. Further, the generator assembly 11 is moved up or down, without shaking, along the guiding parts 25.
[30] The tidal current power generation system 2 needs to be stably secured in position against the continuously flowing force of tidal currents. In this regard, the connection state of the generator assembly 11 and the towers 3 and the installation state of these elements are maintained in the good condition by the members, such as the support bar 24, the bearings 23, the guiding parts 25 and so on.
[31] In the tidal current power generation system 1 described above, when a pair of driving motors 31 on each tower 3 allow two driving sprockets 32 to rotate outward in opposite directions to each other as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the transverse beam sprocket 22 and the generator assembly 11 are moved up. To the contrary, when the motors 31 allow the two driving sprockets 32 to rotate inward in the opposite directions to each other, the transverse beam sprocket 22 and the generator assembly 11 are moved down.
[32] The generator assembly 11 is operated in different ways, by differentiating a method of operating the driving motors 31 on the top of the tower 3. That is, when the driving sprockets 32 at both sides are rotated clockwise, the transverse beam sprocket 22 and the generator assembly 11 are also rotated clockwise. However, when the driving sprockets 32 at both sides are rotated counterclockwise, the transverse beam sprocket 22 and the generator assembly 11 are also rotated counterclockwise.
[33] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the generator assembly 11 connected to the transverse beam 21 in one body is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise while maintaining the same height. Specifically, the generator assembly 11 is configured to be rotated by 180 degrees once per six hours according to the flow of tidal currents, thereby continuing generating electricity. Generally, the flow of tidal currents changes in an opposite direction once per about six hours even though there is a slight difference in time. Therefore, the generator assembly 11 is configured to be rotated according to the flow direction of tidal currents, by the operation of the driving motors 31. Consequently, even though the flow of tidal currents changes, the generator assembly 11 is able to continuously generate electricity.
[34] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the transverse beam 21 forms a sharp part of a wing shape
26 in the direction where tidal currents flow and a round surface 26 in the direction where tidal currents ebb. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the tower 3 is formed in sharp shapes 27 and 28 in the directions where tidal currents flow and ebb, thereby less receiving the flow resistance of tidal currents. Specifically, the sharp part of the wing shape 26 and both side surfaces, i.e., an upper surface and a lower surface, of the transverse beam 21 are configured to receive the upward and downward pressure of tidal currents in opposite directions to the upper and lower surfaces when tidal currents flow. That is, the transverse beam 21 is continuously maintained in the direction where tidal currents flow. Therefore, the propeller 12 of the generator assembly 11 formed in one body with the transverse beam 21 continuously receives even uniformed force in the flow direction of tidal currents, so that the propeller 12 is smoothly rotated, without resistance, by the flowing tidal currents, and consequently the electricity generation is smoothly operated.
[35] The invention has been described using the preferred embodiment. However, it is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment. On the contrary, the scope of the invention is intended to include various modifications and alternative arrangements within the capabilities of persons skilled in the art using presently known or future technologies and equivalents. The scope of the claims, therefore, should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements. Industrial Applicability
[36] A power generation system is used in a thermal power generation system using coals or oil, a nuclear power generation system using uranium, and a water power generation system, and others.

Claims

Claims
[1] A tidal current power generation system which is smoothly operable, comprising: one or a number of generator assemblies for generating electricity, each generator assembly including a propeller to be rotated by flow of tidal currents; a transverse beam extended in a transverse direction to a direction of the flow of tidal currents and positioned in one body with the generator assembly; a pair of towers respectively positioned at both ends of the transverse beam, each tower including a lower part of a board-shaped pillar to be supported on the bottom surface of the sea; a driving motor positioned on the tower, for moving the generator assembly up or down; and a driving sprocket, a transverse beam sprocket and a chain, for transferring a rotation force of the driving motor to move up or down the transverse beam positioned in one body with the generator assembly.
[2] The tidal current power generation system of claim 1, wherein two driving motors and two driving sprockets are positioned on each of the towers, and balance weights are respectively positioned at each of both ends of the chain.
[3] The tidal current power generation system of claim 2, wherein the tower is pivotably connected to the transverse beam, by bearings connected to the outside of each of the transverse beam sprockets formed in one body at the both ends of the transverse beam.
[4] The tidal current power generation system of claim 3, wherein the tower has a guiding part for guiding a support bar in a board or rod shape, which is formed in one body with an outer rim of each bearing, to allow smooth up or down movement, so that the generator assembly is stably moved up or down.
[5] The tidal current power generation system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tower is configured to rotate the generator assembly connected to the transverse beam in one body, by 180 degrees, once per six hours according to the flow of tidal currents so as to continuously generate electricity.
[6] The tidal current power generation system of claim 5, wherein the transverse beam has a sharp part of a wing shape in a direction where tidal currents flow and a round surface in a direction where tidal currents ebb.
[7] The tidal current power generation system of claim 5, wherein the tower is formed in sharp shapes in the directions where the tidal currents flow and ebb, to less receive the flow resistance of tidal currents.
PCT/KR2007/001941 2006-05-02 2007-04-20 Easily operated tidal current power plant WO2007126232A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020060039407A KR100720947B1 (en) 2006-05-02 2006-05-02 Easily operated tidal current power plant
KR10-2006-0039407 2006-05-02

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007126232A1 true WO2007126232A1 (en) 2007-11-08

Family

ID=38277952

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/KR2007/001941 WO2007126232A1 (en) 2006-05-02 2007-04-20 Easily operated tidal current power plant

Country Status (2)

Country Link
KR (2) KR200426926Y1 (en)
WO (1) WO2007126232A1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009018946A3 (en) * 2007-08-03 2009-09-03 Voith Patent Gmbh Submerged power generation plant approachable from two directions by a flow
WO2011080551A3 (en) * 2009-12-28 2011-12-08 Hydrogerador Hydroelectric generator
CN108506155A (en) * 2018-05-14 2018-09-07 王爱金 A kind of tidal-energy electric generator set with elevating function
JP2022011129A (en) * 2020-06-29 2022-01-17 敏 岩渕 Water flow power generator

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113482857A (en) * 2021-07-29 2021-10-08 李红刚 Household roof transverse power generation device based on wind power generation

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS59215969A (en) * 1983-05-23 1984-12-05 Tsunesaburo Uchida Converting device of energy
JPH07224750A (en) * 1994-02-07 1995-08-22 Isao Kusai Hydraulic power device
WO2005017349A1 (en) * 2003-08-14 2005-02-24 Tidetec As Energy generator powered by tidal currents
KR200386085Y1 (en) * 2005-03-04 2005-06-07 (주)레네테크 Tidal current power plant

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS59215969A (en) * 1983-05-23 1984-12-05 Tsunesaburo Uchida Converting device of energy
JPH07224750A (en) * 1994-02-07 1995-08-22 Isao Kusai Hydraulic power device
WO2005017349A1 (en) * 2003-08-14 2005-02-24 Tidetec As Energy generator powered by tidal currents
KR200386085Y1 (en) * 2005-03-04 2005-06-07 (주)레네테크 Tidal current power plant

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009018946A3 (en) * 2007-08-03 2009-09-03 Voith Patent Gmbh Submerged power generation plant approachable from two directions by a flow
WO2011080551A3 (en) * 2009-12-28 2011-12-08 Hydrogerador Hydroelectric generator
US9664170B2 (en) 2009-12-28 2017-05-30 Hernani Jose NOGUEIRA DIAS DA SILVA Hydroelectric generator
CN108506155A (en) * 2018-05-14 2018-09-07 王爱金 A kind of tidal-energy electric generator set with elevating function
JP2022011129A (en) * 2020-06-29 2022-01-17 敏 岩渕 Water flow power generator
JP7060265B2 (en) 2020-06-29 2022-04-26 敏 岩渕 Running water power generator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR100720947B1 (en) 2007-05-23
KR200426926Y1 (en) 2006-09-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8878381B2 (en) System for conversion of wave energy into electrical energy
US7969034B2 (en) Paddle wheel electric generator
CN100476198C (en) Hydraulic power generating device
US20120187693A1 (en) Hydrokinetic energy transfer device and method
US20060273594A1 (en) Ocean wave generation
JP2011138997A (en) Photovoltaic power generation device
Paquette et al. Innovative offshore vertical-axis wind turbine rotor project.
EP1752657A1 (en) A vertical blade waterwheel power generator and method of waterpower thereof
KR102107839B1 (en) Floating generation system
JP3139609U (en) Water turbine module and power generation underwater water turbine device
CN102261302A (en) Wave energy power generation system based on differential energy extraction of sea wave energy of sea-surface wave layer and deep sea stable region
EP2318699A1 (en) Improvements in ocean wave energy extraction
CN104481780B (en) Shallow submergence floatation type band kuppe trunnion axis ocean current power-generating system
WO2007126232A1 (en) Easily operated tidal current power plant
CN104533699A (en) Vertical shaft tidal current energy power generating device and application thereof
WO2010107316A1 (en) Aquatic turbine apparatus
US10648448B2 (en) Tidal current generator
WO2012131705A2 (en) A device for generating electrical energy using ocean waves
CN105736221A (en) Modularized ocean energy power generation device
CN100538064C (en) Fluid energy converting device
KR102028668B1 (en) Non-resistance wind or hydraulic power unit
CN107448350B (en) Wave floating box type power generation device
CN113236479B (en) New energy hybrid power generation device and use method
US20230383723A1 (en) Hydroelectric energy systems and methods for mechanical power transmission and conversion
KR200359794Y1 (en) A horizontal cylindric water mill with the buoy type height control unit

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
DPE2 Request for preliminary examination filed before expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101)
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 07746103

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 07746103

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1