WO2010042069A2 - Offshore wind and water turbine generator system for electrical power - Google Patents

Offshore wind and water turbine generator system for electrical power Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010042069A2
WO2010042069A2 PCT/SG2009/000364 SG2009000364W WO2010042069A2 WO 2010042069 A2 WO2010042069 A2 WO 2010042069A2 SG 2009000364 W SG2009000364 W SG 2009000364W WO 2010042069 A2 WO2010042069 A2 WO 2010042069A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
support
water
water turbine
turbine generator
platform
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SG2009/000364
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2010042069A3 (en
Inventor
Srikanth Narasimalu
Matthew Low
Tian Lim
Original Assignee
Vestas Wind Systems A/S
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 Vestas Wind Systems A/S filed Critical Vestas Wind Systems A/S
Publication of WO2010042069A2 publication Critical patent/WO2010042069A2/en
Publication of WO2010042069A3 publication Critical patent/WO2010042069A3/en

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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
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D9/00—Adaptations of wind motors for special use; Combinations of wind motors with apparatus driven thereby; Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
    • F03D9/008—Adaptations of wind motors for special use; Combinations of wind motors with apparatus driven thereby; Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations the wind motor being combined with water energy converters, e.g. a water turbine
    • 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
    • F03B17/00—Other machines or engines
    • F03B17/06—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head"
    • F03B17/061—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" with rotation axis substantially in flow direction
    • 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
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D13/00—Assembly, mounting or commissioning of wind motors; Arrangements specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
    • F03D13/20—Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motors; Masts or towers for wind motors
    • F03D13/25—Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motors; Masts or towers for wind motors specially adapted for offshore installation
    • 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
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D9/00—Adaptations of wind motors for special use; Combinations of wind motors with apparatus driven thereby; Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
    • F03D9/20—Wind motors characterised by the driven apparatus
    • F03D9/25—Wind motors characterised by the driven apparatus the apparatus being 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
    • F05B2210/00—Working fluid
    • F05B2210/18—Air and water being simultaneously used as working fluid
    • 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
    • F05B2240/95—Mounting on supporting structures or systems offshore
    • 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
    • F05B2240/97—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a submerged structure
    • 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
    • F05B2260/70—Adjusting of angle of incidence or attack of rotating blades
    • F05B2260/74—Adjusting of angle of incidence or attack of rotating blades by turning around an axis perpendicular the rotor centre line
    • 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
    • F05B2260/70—Adjusting of angle of incidence or attack of rotating blades
    • F05B2260/76—Adjusting of angle of incidence or attack of rotating blades the adjusting mechanism using auxiliary power sources
    • 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
    • Y02E10/70—Wind energy
    • Y02E10/72—Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction
    • 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
    • Y02E10/70—Wind energy
    • Y02E10/727—Offshore wind turbines

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the generation of electrical power from renewable energy sources. More particularly, this invention relates to generating electrical power using wind and water turbines on an offshore platform. Still more particularly, this invention relates to a structure that has a conventional wind turbine generator on top of the structure and water current turbines connected to a bottom of the structure that are movable to adjust to changes in the water current.
  • wind turbine generators are installed in areas of that have prevalent wind to take advantage of the environment conditions in the area.
  • One common area for wind turbine installation is coastal areas. Coastal areas typically have a strong wind pattern blowing towards the shore. The strongest winds are typically at or near the shoreline. Thus, it is common to install wind turbine generator offshore to capture the prevalent winds.
  • a first advantage of system in accordance with this invention is that electrical power may be supplied from multiple sources to reduce disruption of delivery of electrical power.
  • a second advantage of this invention is that a water turbine in the system is moveable to allow the turbine to be in fluidic contact with stronger currents to assure production of electrical power.
  • an offshore wind and water turbine system has a support with a top end that extends out of a body of water and a bottom end submerged in the body of water.
  • a wind turbine generator system is affixed to the top end of the support.
  • a first water turbine generator system is also connected to the bottom end of the support.
  • the first water turbine generator system is movable along a vertical axis of the support to change a level of submersion of a turbine in the system.
  • the first water turbine system also rotates about the vertical axis to allow the turbine to match direction of a current flow of the body of water.
  • the system also includes a second water turbine generator system.
  • the second water turbine generator system is also connected to the bottom end of the support and is movable along the vertical axis of the support to change a level of submersion of a turbine in the system.
  • the second water turbine system may also rotate about the vertical axis to allow the turbine to match direction of a current flow of the body of water.
  • the system includes a platform connected to the bottom end of the support. The platform connects the first and second water turbine systems to the support. In one particular embodiment, platform is connected to the support in the following manner.
  • a lead screw is connected to a gearbox and motor at one end and extends through an opening in the platform having threading mated to threading on the lead screw and an opening through the platform allows the support to extend through the platform.
  • the lead screw is by the gearbox and motor to move the first and second water turbine systems along the vertical axis.
  • a second embodiment includes a ballast system connected to the platform to move the first and second water turbine systems along the vertical axis.
  • This ballast system may include a first ballast tank connected to the first water turbine system and a second ballast tank connected to the second water turbine system.
  • the support may include a plurality of spline-like edges around the bottom end of the support. The support extends through an opening in the platform that is mated to the spline-like edges to allow the platform to be rotated about the vertical axis of the support. Further, this embodiment may teeth on teeth spline-like edges and teeth around the opening of the platform that are mated.
  • FIG. 1 illustrating a first embodiment of a wind and water turbine system in accordance with this invention
  • FIG. 2 illustrating a second embodiment of a wind and water turbine in accordance with this invention
  • Figure 3 illustrating a cross-section view of a collar and support structure of the second embodiment in accordance with this invention
  • Figure 4 illustrating a block diagram of electrical system of a wind and water turbine in accordance with this invention.
  • This invention relates to the generation of electrical power from renewable energy sources.
  • this invention relates to generating electrical power using wind and water turbines on an offshore platform. Still more particularly, this invention relates to a structure that has a conventional wind turbine generator on top of the structure and water current turbines connected to a bottom of the structure that are movable to adjust to changes in the water current.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment, offshore wind and water turbine generator system 100, in accordance with this invention.
  • Offshore wind and water turbine generator system 100 includes a support 105.
  • Support 105 is a pole, beam or other structure for supporting wind and water turbines in accordance with this invention.
  • support 105 is a cylindrical pole.
  • those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of supports may be used.
  • Support 105 has a top end 110 that is extends out of the surface of water 140 and a bottom end 115 that is submerged in the water. Although not shown, the bottom end 115 of support 105 may be anchored in place in the body of water preferably by securing bottom end 115 to the surface under the body of water. Although those skilled in the art will recognize that support 105 may be secured in place in other ways and the exact connection is left out for brevity of this description.
  • Wind turbine generator 120 is connected to top end 110 of support 105.
  • Wind turbine generator is a conventional wind turbine having a propeller that is rotated by wind currents and the associated components that translate the mechanical energy into electrical energy.
  • a complete description of the components of wind turbine generator 120 is omitted for brevity as the components are not essential to this embodiment of the invention.
  • Water current turbines 130,135 are conventional water current turbines having propellers rotated by a flowing current of water and the associated components needed to translate the mechanical energy of the rotating propeller into electrical energy.
  • water turbines 130,135 are pivotally mounted to a bottom surface of platform 125 via brackets 140 and 145 respectively.
  • the pivotally mounted turbines 130 and 135 rotate about a vertical axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal, or vertical, axis of support 105 to allow the turbines to be turned to be substantially in-line with the current. It is also foreseeable that the turbines may fixedly set in place and rotation about a vertical axis is accomplished by rotating support 105.
  • Platform 125 is beam or other base having a top and bottom surface that is affixed to bottom end 115 of support 105. The top and bottom surfaces are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of support 105 and form horizontal surfaces.
  • platform 125 is connected to threaded screws 155 and 160 that are mated to threaded openings through platform 125.
  • Support 105 also passes through an opening in platform 125.
  • Platform 125 may be moved upward and downward vertically to place water turbines 130 and 135 in communication with the strongest currents under surface 140 of the body of water.
  • Screws 155, 160 are turned by gear box and motor 150 that are connected to the screws near top end 110 of support 105.
  • the motor is an electrical motor that is powered by electrical energy generated by system 100.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment, offshore wind and water turbine generator system 200, in accordance with this invention.
  • Offshore wind and water turbine generator system 200 includes a support 105.
  • Support 105 is a pole, beam or other structure for supporting wind and water turbines in accordance with this invention.
  • support 105 is a cylindrical pole.
  • those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of supports may be used.
  • Support 105 has a top end 110 that is extends out of the surface of water 140 and a bottom end 115 that is submerged in the water. Although not shown, the bottom end 115 of may be anchored in place in the body of water preferably by securing bottom end 115 to the surface under the body of water. Although those skilled in the art will recognize that support 105 may be secured in place in other ways and the exact connection is left out for brevity of this description.
  • Conventional wind turbine generator 120 is connected to top end 110 of support 105. Wind turbine generator is a conventional wind turbine having a propeller that is rotated by wind currents and the associated components that translate the mechanical energy into electrical energy. A complete description of the components of wind turbine generator 120 is omitted for brevity as the components are not essential to this embodiment of the invention.
  • Water current turbines 130,135 are conventional water current turbines having propellers rotated by a flowing current of water and the associated components needed to translate the mechanical energy of the rotating propeller into electrical energy.
  • water turbines 130,135 are mounted on opposing ends of mounting collar 225.
  • Mounting collar 225 is mated to spline-like grooves 250 around the bottom end of support 105 to allow mounting collar 225 to be rotated around the vertical axis of support 105 to move turbines 130,135 to be parallel to the flow of the current.
  • Ballast tanks 245 affixed to the sides of turbines 130, 135 are conventional ballast tanks that are used to adjust the level of the turbines under surface 140 of the body of water.
  • Figure 3 is a view of the connection between collar 225 and spline-like grooves 250.
  • the inside surface of the opening through collar 225 includes teeth 305 the mate with teeth 310 inside the spline-like grooves.
  • Gearing inside support 105 rotates the interlocked teeth via an electric motor to effect rotation of collar 225 about the vertical axis of support 105 to rotate water turbines 230,235.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of the components of an offshore wind and water turbine generator system 400 in accordance with this invention.
  • System 400 includes wind turbine generator system 405, control system 410, auxiliary systems 415, grid delivery system 420, and water turbine generator systems 430,435.
  • Wind turbine generator system 405 includes a wind turbine and all of the components necessary to convert the mechanical wind driven rotation of a propeller into electrical energy.
  • Wind turbine generator system 405 has electrical conducting and control lines connected to control system 410, auxiliary systems 415, and grid delivery system 420. These conducting and control lines may be internal and/or external to the structure of system 400.
  • Control system 410 includes monitoring and control systems that regulate the operations of wind turbine generator system 405 and water current turbines systems 430 and 435.
  • control systems will also involve in the wise usage of the common systems that will be useful to both wind turbine and water turbine.
  • Auxiliary systems 415 include the mechanical components and systems for changing the positions of the wind and water turbines.
  • the auxiliary systems may be controlled by the control system and receive electrical power from wind turbine generator system 405 and/or water current turbine generator systems 430,435.
  • Water turbine generator 430, 435 each includes a water current turbine and all of the components necessary to convert the mechanical water current driven rotation of a propeller into electrical energy.
  • Each water turbine generator system 430, 435 has electrical conducting and control lines connected to control system 410, auxiliary systems 415, and grid delivery system 420.
  • control system 410, auxiliary systems 415, and grid delivery system 420 Preferably these iines are external to the system so as not to interfere with the rotation and elevation adjustments of the wind turbines systems as described above. However, it is envisioned that the lines may be internal to a housing of the system in some embodiments.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Oceanography (AREA)
  • Wind Motors (AREA)

Abstract

An offshore wind and water turbine system for generating electrical power. The system includes a support with a top end extending out of a body of water and a submerged bottom end. A wind turbine is affixed to the top end of the support and a water turbine is affixed to the bottom end. The water turbine is movable along a vertical axis of the support to change the level of submersion of the water turbine.

Description

Offshore Wind and Water Turbine Generator System for Electrical Power
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the generation of electrical power from renewable energy sources. More particularly, this invention relates to generating electrical power using wind and water turbines on an offshore platform. Still more particularly, this invention relates to a structure that has a conventional wind turbine generator on top of the structure and water current turbines connected to a bottom of the structure that are movable to adjust to changes in the water current.
Summary of the Prior Art
Today's society is constantly striving to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. One of the means for reducing dependence on fossil fuels is the use of renewable resources such wind, water, and solar power to generate electricity. To this end, great advances have been made in wind turbine generator technology. In fact, wind turbine generator technology has become largely deployed throughout the world.
Typically, wind turbine generators are installed in areas of that have prevalent wind to take advantage of the environment conditions in the area. One common area for wind turbine installation is coastal areas. Coastal areas typically have a strong wind pattern blowing towards the shore. The strongest winds are typically at or near the shoreline. Thus, it is common to install wind turbine generator offshore to capture the prevalent winds.
As it has become common to install wind turbine generators offshore, those skilled in the art have strived to also produce electrical energy from wave and/or current energy of the body of water to augment the electricity supplied by wind turbine generator system. One manner of producing electricity from both wind and water current turbines is described in US Patent Publication 2005/0124050 A1 in the name of Sails Jr. In the publication, a system has a wind turbine on a platform and a water current turbine connected to a submerged surface of the platform between the supports for the platform. However, this system has a problem in that it must be configured in the direction of the prevailing current to allow current turbine to capture the current energy. It is a problem that the current may change due to weather factors such as temperature, wind, etc. Therefore, those skilled in the art are constantly striving to find a way to maintain the amount of electricity generated by a weather turbine in such a system when the current changes do to these weather factors.
Summary of the Invention
The above and other problems are solved and an advance in the art is made by an offshore wind and water turbine generator system in accordance with this invention. A first advantage of system in accordance with this invention is that electrical power may be supplied from multiple sources to reduce disruption of delivery of electrical power. A second advantage of this invention is that a water turbine in the system is moveable to allow the turbine to be in fluidic contact with stronger currents to assure production of electrical power.
The above and other advantages are provided by an offshore wind and water generator system configured in the following manner. In accordance with this invention, an offshore wind and water turbine system has a support with a top end that extends out of a body of water and a bottom end submerged in the body of water. A wind turbine generator system is affixed to the top end of the support. A first water turbine generator system is also connected to the bottom end of the support. The first water turbine generator system is movable along a vertical axis of the support to change a level of submersion of a turbine in the system. In some embodiments, the first water turbine system also rotates about the vertical axis to allow the turbine to match direction of a current flow of the body of water.
In a preferred embodiment, the system also includes a second water turbine generator system. The second water turbine generator system is also connected to the bottom end of the support and is movable along the vertical axis of the support to change a level of submersion of a turbine in the system. The second water turbine system may also rotate about the vertical axis to allow the turbine to match direction of a current flow of the body of water. In one exemplary embodiment, the system includes a platform connected to the bottom end of the support. The platform connects the first and second water turbine systems to the support. In one particular embodiment, platform is connected to the support in the following manner. A lead screw is connected to a gearbox and motor at one end and extends through an opening in the platform having threading mated to threading on the lead screw and an opening through the platform allows the support to extend through the platform. The lead screw is by the gearbox and motor to move the first and second water turbine systems along the vertical axis.
A second embodiment includes a ballast system connected to the platform to move the first and second water turbine systems along the vertical axis. This ballast system may include a first ballast tank connected to the first water turbine system and a second ballast tank connected to the second water turbine system. In this embodiment, the support may include a plurality of spline-like edges around the bottom end of the support. The support extends through an opening in the platform that is mated to the spline-like edges to allow the platform to be rotated about the vertical axis of the support. Further, this embodiment may teeth on teeth spline-like edges and teeth around the opening of the platform that are mated.
Brief Description of the Drawings The above and other features and advantages in accordance with this invention are described in the following description and are shown in the following drawings:
Figure 1 illustrating a first embodiment of a wind and water turbine system in accordance with this invention;
Figure 2 illustrating a second embodiment of a wind and water turbine in accordance with this invention;
Figure 3 illustrating a cross-section view of a collar and support structure of the second embodiment in accordance with this invention; and Figure 4 illustrating a block diagram of electrical system of a wind and water turbine in accordance with this invention.
Detailed Description This invention relates to the generation of electrical power from renewable energy sources.
More particularly, this invention relates to generating electrical power using wind and water turbines on an offshore platform. Still more particularly, this invention relates to a structure that has a conventional wind turbine generator on top of the structure and water current turbines connected to a bottom of the structure that are movable to adjust to changes in the water current.
Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment, offshore wind and water turbine generator system 100, in accordance with this invention. Offshore wind and water turbine generator system 100 includes a support 105. Support 105 is a pole, beam or other structure for supporting wind and water turbines in accordance with this invention. In this embodiment, support 105 is a cylindrical pole. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of supports may be used.
Support 105 has a top end 110 that is extends out of the surface of water 140 and a bottom end 115 that is submerged in the water. Although not shown, the bottom end 115 of support 105 may be anchored in place in the body of water preferably by securing bottom end 115 to the surface under the body of water. Although those skilled in the art will recognize that support 105 may be secured in place in other ways and the exact connection is left out for brevity of this description.
Conventional wind turbine generator 120 is connected to top end 110 of support 105. Wind turbine generator is a conventional wind turbine having a propeller that is rotated by wind currents and the associated components that translate the mechanical energy into electrical energy. A complete description of the components of wind turbine generator 120 is omitted for brevity as the components are not essential to this embodiment of the invention.
Water current turbines 130,135 are conventional water current turbines having propellers rotated by a flowing current of water and the associated components needed to translate the mechanical energy of the rotating propeller into electrical energy. In this embodiment, water turbines 130,135 are pivotally mounted to a bottom surface of platform 125 via brackets 140 and 145 respectively. The pivotally mounted turbines 130 and 135 rotate about a vertical axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal, or vertical, axis of support 105 to allow the turbines to be turned to be substantially in-line with the current. It is also foreseeable that the turbines may fixedly set in place and rotation about a vertical axis is accomplished by rotating support 105.
Platform 125 is beam or other base having a top and bottom surface that is affixed to bottom end 115 of support 105. The top and bottom surfaces are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of support 105 and form horizontal surfaces. In this embodiment, platform 125 is connected to threaded screws 155 and 160 that are mated to threaded openings through platform 125. Support 105 also passes through an opening in platform 125. Platform 125 may be moved upward and downward vertically to place water turbines 130 and 135 in communication with the strongest currents under surface 140 of the body of water. Screws 155, 160 are turned by gear box and motor 150 that are connected to the screws near top end 110 of support 105. Preferably, the motor is an electrical motor that is powered by electrical energy generated by system 100.
Figure 2 illustrates a second embodiment, offshore wind and water turbine generator system 200, in accordance with this invention. Offshore wind and water turbine generator system 200 includes a support 105. Support 105 is a pole, beam or other structure for supporting wind and water turbines in accordance with this invention. In this embodiment, support 105 is a cylindrical pole. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of supports may be used.
Support 105 has a top end 110 that is extends out of the surface of water 140 and a bottom end 115 that is submerged in the water. Although not shown, the bottom end 115 of may be anchored in place in the body of water preferably by securing bottom end 115 to the surface under the body of water. Although those skilled in the art will recognize that support 105 may be secured in place in other ways and the exact connection is left out for brevity of this description. Conventional wind turbine generator 120 is connected to top end 110 of support 105. Wind turbine generator is a conventional wind turbine having a propeller that is rotated by wind currents and the associated components that translate the mechanical energy into electrical energy. A complete description of the components of wind turbine generator 120 is omitted for brevity as the components are not essential to this embodiment of the invention.
Water current turbines 130,135 are conventional water current turbines having propellers rotated by a flowing current of water and the associated components needed to translate the mechanical energy of the rotating propeller into electrical energy. In this embodiment, water turbines 130,135 are mounted on opposing ends of mounting collar 225. Mounting collar 225 is mated to spline-like grooves 250 around the bottom end of support 105 to allow mounting collar 225 to be rotated around the vertical axis of support 105 to move turbines 130,135 to be parallel to the flow of the current. Ballast tanks 245 affixed to the sides of turbines 130, 135 are conventional ballast tanks that are used to adjust the level of the turbines under surface 140 of the body of water.
Figure 3 is a view of the connection between collar 225 and spline-like grooves 250. As shown in Figure 3, the inside surface of the opening through collar 225 includes teeth 305 the mate with teeth 310 inside the spline-like grooves. Gearing inside support 105 rotates the interlocked teeth via an electric motor to effect rotation of collar 225 about the vertical axis of support 105 to rotate water turbines 230,235.
Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of the components of an offshore wind and water turbine generator system 400 in accordance with this invention. System 400 includes wind turbine generator system 405, control system 410, auxiliary systems 415, grid delivery system 420, and water turbine generator systems 430,435. Wind turbine generator system 405 includes a wind turbine and all of the components necessary to convert the mechanical wind driven rotation of a propeller into electrical energy. Wind turbine generator system 405 has electrical conducting and control lines connected to control system 410, auxiliary systems 415, and grid delivery system 420. These conducting and control lines may be internal and/or external to the structure of system 400. Control system 410 includes monitoring and control systems that regulate the operations of wind turbine generator system 405 and water current turbines systems 430 and 435. The control systems will also involve in the wise usage of the common systems that will be useful to both wind turbine and water turbine. Auxiliary systems 415 include the mechanical components and systems for changing the positions of the wind and water turbines. The auxiliary systems may be controlled by the control system and receive electrical power from wind turbine generator system 405 and/or water current turbine generator systems 430,435.
Water turbine generator 430, 435 each includes a water current turbine and all of the components necessary to convert the mechanical water current driven rotation of a propeller into electrical energy. Each water turbine generator system 430, 435 has electrical conducting and control lines connected to control system 410, auxiliary systems 415, and grid delivery system 420. Preferably these iines are external to the system so as not to interfere with the rotation and elevation adjustments of the wind turbines systems as described above. However, it is envisioned that the lines may be internal to a housing of the system in some embodiments.
The above are description of exemplary embodiments of offshore wind and water turbine system in accordance with this invention. It is envisioned that those skilled in the art can and will design alternative system that infringe on this invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A offshore wind and water turbine system comprising: a support having a top end that extend out of a body of water and a bottom end submerged in said body of water; a wind turbine generator system affixed to said top end of said support; and a first water turbine generator system connected to said bottom end of said support that is movable along a vertical axis of said support to change a level of submersion of a turbine in said system.
2. the system of claim 1 wherein said first water turbine system also rotates about said vertical axis to allow said turbine to match direction of a current flow of said body of water.
3. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a second water turbine generator system connected to said bottom end of said support that is movable along said vertical axis of said support to change a level of submersion of a turbine in said system.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein said second water turbine system also rotates about said vertical axis to allow said turbine to match direction of a current flow of said body of water.
5. The system of claim 3 further comprises: a platform connected to said bottom end of said support and having said first water turbine system and said second water turbine system connected to opposing end of said platform.
6. The system of claim 5 further comprising: a lead screw connected to a gearbox and motor at one end and extending through an opening in said platform having threading mated to threading on said lead screw and opening through said platform through which said support extends wherein said lead screw is turned to move said first and second water turbine systems along said vertical axis.
7. The system of claim 5 further comprising: a ballast system connected to said platform to move said first and second water turbine systems along said vertical axis.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein said ballast system comprises: a first ballast tank connected to said first water turbine generator system; and a second ballast tank connected to said second water turbine generator system.
9. The system of claim 5 further comprising: a plurality of spline-like edges around said bottom surface of said support wherein said support extends through an opening in said platform that is mated to said spline-like edges to allow said platform to be rotated about said vertical axis of said support.
10. The system of claim 9 further comprising: teeth on said spline-like edges; and teeth around said opening of said platform mated to said teeth on said spline-like edges.
11. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of water turbine generator systems including said first water turbine generator system connected to said bottom end of said support wherein each of said plurality of water turbine generator systems is movable in along said vertical axis of said support to change a level of submersion of a turbine in said system.
PCT/SG2009/000364 2008-10-07 2009-10-06 Offshore wind and water turbine generator system for electrical power WO2010042069A2 (en)

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CN108506155A (en) * 2018-05-14 2018-09-07 王爱金 A kind of tidal-energy electric generator set with elevating function
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WO2013030582A3 (en) * 2011-09-02 2014-04-03 Mitchell John Stephen Turbine
US9115685B2 (en) 2011-10-11 2015-08-25 Linell Renewables Limited Tidal stream generator
RU2478826C1 (en) * 2011-11-03 2013-04-10 Алексей Васильевич Иванайский Inshore hydraulic wind-powered plant
CN102900618A (en) * 2012-09-12 2013-01-30 盖争 Wind power and water power complementing hydraulic power source device
CN103644071A (en) * 2013-12-18 2014-03-19 中国科学院电工研究所 Floating type tidal current energy generating device
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CN106351796A (en) * 2016-10-09 2017-01-25 天津大学 Ocean wind energy and tidal current energy united power supply floating lighting device
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