WO2020089776A1

WO2020089776A1 - System for transmitting wave energy absorbed by one or more floating bodies to an energy conversion system located on the coast, and method for transmitting energy

Info

Publication number: WO2020089776A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/059233
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sebastian Camilo FIGUEROA VALLE; Carlos Patricio Lehuede Rau; Pedro Alejandro Riquelme Medina
Original assignee: Maestranza Diésel S.A.
Priority date: 2018-10-29
Filing date: 2019-10-28
Publication date: 2020-05-07
Also published as: CO2020012873A2; PE20210068Z; CL2018003077A1; CL2020002661U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and system for transmitting the wave energy absorbed by one or more floating bodies, which are subjected to the movement of the waves of the sea, to an energy conversion system installed on the coast. The system is characterised in that it incorporates an arm-type structure installed above sea level, similar to tower-type cranes used in building construction. The arm-type structure contains and channels one or more flexible elements, wherein each connects and transmits energy from a floating body to the energy conversion system installed on the coast at a height above sea level. In this way, energy performance is improved, given that the flexible element is channeled or directed, protected and located above sea level, thereby preventing loss of energy as a result of stretching and the catenary phenomenon caused by its own weight. The system does not require submerged elements, thereby achieving a low environmental impact and managing to lower the installation and maintenance costs, the entire system being installed on land. The structure allows the floating body or buoy to be moved towards and away from the coast, in order to protect the floating body in the event of a storm, or simply to carry out maintenance.

Description

SYSTEM THAT TRANSMITS UNDIMOTRIZ ENERGY ABSORBED BY ONE MORE FLOATING BODIES UP TO AN ENERGY CONVERTER SYSTEM LOCATED ON THE COASTAL EDGE, AND ENERGY TRANSMISSION METHOD.

DESCRIPTIVE MEMORY

The present patent application refers to a method and system that transmits the wave energy absorbed by one or more floating bodies, subject to the movement of the waves of the sea, to an energy converter system installed on the shore of the coast. The system is characterized by incorporating an arm-type structure installed above sea level, similar to tower-type cranes for building construction.

The arm type structure contains and channels one or more flexible elements, where each one connects and transmits the energy from a floating body to the energy converter system installed on the shore, at a height above sea level. This improves energy performance, since the flexible element is channeled or routed, protected and above sea level, thus avoiding energy losses due to stretching and the catenary phenomenon, produced by its own weight.

The system does not require submerged elements, achieving a low environmental impact, and achieving lower installation and maintenance costs, considering the installation of the entire system on land.

The structure provides the possibility of bringing the floating body or buoy closer and further away from the shoreline, in order to protect the floating body against a storm, or simply to carry out maintenance.

Currently the world's energy needs have had and have an increasing demand, which has been supplied in recent years with unconventional renewable energy, a percentage that has been increasing due to national, international policies and trends scientific, thanks to the benefits they bring. Sea energy is an option that has been considered since the 18th century, when the first patents for machines capable of harnessing wave energy were published. However, its development compared to other renewable energies has had a much slower progress, mainly due to the large amount of energy that the teams must face and the difficulty of taking and transforming this type of energy within a safe operating environment, especially when there are extreme conditions of waves or storms. With this patent application an alternative is presented to problems related to extreme operating conditions, protecting the device that is 100% anchored on the shoreline, benefiting from facilities and costs of installation, operation and maintenance.

January of the waves

Wave energy or wave-motor energy is defined as that mechanical energy generated by the movement of the waves. The waves are generated as a result of the incident solar radiation on the earth's surface, where a fraction is invested in uneven heating of the same, which causes high and low pressure zones in the atmosphere, generating displacements of air masses (wind ) of greater or less intensity. The swell is a consequence of the friction of the air on the surface of the sea and, therefore, acts as an energy accumulator.

The waves of the oceans are caused by various causes, among these we can point out the wind, the gravitational pull forces that the Moon and the Sun exert on the ocean masses, the tidal waves, the storms, etc. However, the wind is the agent that generates the most common waves and with the highest energy density.

Regarding the use and transformation of wave energy, it is one of the most studied types of renewable energy currently, and has enormous advantages over other types, such as:

• Possibility of predicting optimal conditions through monitoring, allowing greater efficiency in your processes

• Energy resource available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of environmental conditions, there is always waves.

• Energy resources are found in isolated coastal areas, where access to electricity is limited and expensive.

• Present an enormous energy potential worldwide, since they are estimated from 20kW to 40 kW per meter of wavefront width, and offshore it is possible to reach 100 kW per meter of wavefront width.

However, it also has its disadvantages compared to other renewable energies, including:

• There are difficulties in controlling the absorption of the energy resource, because the waves are always present. • Current very expensive energy conversion technology, since it is still in the development phase, and requires materials with special treatments, as they have elements that work in contact with the sea.

• Requires special maintenance because it is located at sea or on the coast, which entails high costs due to complex processes under the sea.

Because the use of wave energy is limited to coastal areas or nearby sites, its exploitation is restricted. Various studies have been carried out with the purpose of estimating the global potential, estimating that the world power is approximately 2 TW and the annual energy that can be generated is 17,500 TWh / year. The exploitable limit of this resource is probably in the range of 10% to 25%.

Like most renewable energy sources, wave energy is unevenly distributed across the globe. The areas of the world subject to regular winds are those with the highest energy potentials that can be extracted from the waves. Thus, the wave activity is increased between the latitudes of 30 ° and 60 ° in both hemispheres, induced by the prevailing trade winds that blow in these regions.

What currently supports finding new renewable energy sources, is by international forums due to the cause of climate change and its consequences, such as the Paris Agreement, or environmental policy measures such as Carbon Bond transactions. In addition, the interest of multinational energy companies and the instability in the prices of oil and other fuels are added, as they have manifested themselves in the last decade.

Current Status of Wave Technology in Chile

Wave energy technology is under development at an international level and until now there has been no technological convergence, as for example occurs with wind energy (massification of three-bladed towers). A large number of prototypes have been developed, especially at the mega-watt generation scale, which have been more or less satisfactory.

The fact that marine energy has not yet been commercialized means that among Chilean companies that are developing technology in this area, they have the opportunity to play a relevant role in its development and establish a concept and local manufacturing capacity, which would be difficult to achieve in more established industries, such as wind and solar energy, where the equipment is mainly imported.

In general terms, a study has also been conducted on the trend of decreasing costs of marine energy technology, which means that it will become increasingly competitive in the market, as has happened with emblematic examples such as solar energy .

Among the most important wave development in the country we have:

• Etymol: corresponds to a wave power generation plant, its main strength being underwater and being submerged at a depth of 10 meters. This feature produces a considerable cost savings in structure and hull, since it is not exposed to the elements of waves and wind, compared to traditional wave plants. The difference between the high and low pressure zones generates a flow of seawater within the structure, which reaches speeds of up to 2m / s. Every 60m, inside the structure, are vertical axis turbines, which are in charge of transforming energy into electricity.

• Wilefko: It is made up of oscillating paddle trains with an intermediate stage of compressed air accumulation, it is driven by the force of the breaking waves. It is capable of transforming those thousands of impacts into continuous movement, which can be used to: generate electrical energy, desalination of seawater and supply of compressed air.

• Cifuncho II: It is the second generation of a wave equipment from the Maestranza Ausind Ltda. It occupies a space of 100 m2 at sea, and is designed to produce between 50 kW and 100 kW. This prototype has an architecture that gives it stability in the water. In addition, it does not have any area that is exposed to floods, since it is completely sealed.

• Madiun: It is a Undimotriz team designed and manufactured by Maestranza Diesel SA, it is made up of floating bodies (buoys), in charge of activating a mechanical device on the coast, which transforms the variable energy absorbed by the buoys, into regular energy and constant, to take advantage either mechanically, or transforming it into another type of energy that is required according to use. fichon ion Figure 1 shows a system that transmits the wave energy absorbed by two floating bodies (1).

Figure 2 shows the movement, represented on double dates, of flexible elements (2) connected to the floating bodies (1) of the system that transmits wave energy.

Figure 3 shows the rotation in its horizontal plane of the system that transmits wave energy, until the floating body reaches the shoreline.

Figure 4 shows the rotation in its vertical plane of the system that transmits wave energy, until the floating body (1) reaches the land on the shoreline or is out of the water.

Figure 5 shows one or more vertical structures (9) anchored to the seabed, in order to reinforce the arm type structure (5) of the present system.

Figure 6 shows an energy converter system (4) in a counterweight structure.

(8).

Figure 7 shows an anchoring means (10) to protect the floating body (1) from storms or storm surges.

Figure 8 shows the system operating that transmits the wave energy absorbed by two floating bodies (1), mounted on rolling supports (1 1).

Figure 9 shows the system that transmits the wave energy absorbed by two floating bodies (1), mounted on the rolling supports (1 1), protected to protect the floating bodies (1) from situations of storms or storm surges.

Detailed description of the invention

This new patent application refers to a method and system that transmits the wave energy absorbed by one or more floating bodies (1), subject to wave movement, to an energy converter system (4) installed on the shoreline. .

The system, as shown in Figure 1, comprises one or more arm-type structures (5) installed above sea level, said structure pivots on a steering device (6), where at one end there is a counterweight (8 ) while at the other end and along the arm-like structure (5) one or more guide elements (3) are arranged in connection with a floating body (1) by means of a flexible element (2); which simultaneously reaches the energy converter system (4).

In the case shown in Figure 1, it shows a configuration with 2 arm-type structures (5), with a floating body (1) each and with their respective guide elements (3) and flexible elements (2), simultaneously feeding a energy converter system (4).

The arm type structure (5), similar to tower type cranes for the construction of buildings, whose function in this system, is to contain the guide elements (3) and channel the flexible element (s), which transmit energy wave absorbed by the floating body (1).

The floating body (1) has a considerable weight, since it must generate a tension force in the flexible element (2) when it descends by free fall along with the sea wave.

The flexible element (2) that contains the guide elements (3) in the arm type structure (5), can be some type of special rope or chain, depending on the conditions that warrant it. Its function is to connect and transmit energy from the floating body (1), to an energy converter system (4) installed on the shore, capable of taking advantage of this energy and transforming it into some useful type of energy for consumption. The guide elements (3) are designed according to the characteristics of the flexible element (2) used, since they can be different types of pulleys, rollers or special wheels, depending on the case.

The system works sequentially as follows:

• A floating body (1) of great weight floats on the sea surface.

• The floating body (1) in the upper part is attached to a flexible element (2) that rises up to a guide element (3) mounted on the arm type structure (5), and subsequently transmitted to the next guide element (3 ) which is mounted on the same arm type structure (5), but closer to the coast, finally reaching the energy converter system (4).

• A wave causes the floating body (1) to rise or move upward. Once the wave passes, the floating body (1) descends or is dropped, due to its own weight, and consequently generates tension force to the flexible element (2).

• As the flexible element (2) acquires force and acceleration, it is capable of transmitting and driving the energy converter system (4). • When the floating body (1) rises due to the wave, the flexible element (2) remains with minimal tension and is picked up by some counterweight or prestressed device, which the energy converter system (4) installed on the shore has. This in order to restart the process.

• Finally, the cycle repeats indefinitely, with each successive wave.

The energy converter system (4) installed on the shore, transforms the received mechanical energy into another type, according to need, such as a rotating electric generator, hydraulic pump, among others. Furthermore, it comprises a counterweight or prestressed system, so that the flexible element (2) remains with a minimum tension and does not adversely affect the operation of the system. It also includes an auxiliary lifting system, to lift the floating body (1) from sea level, so that it can later be moved with the help of the arm-like structure (5) to the coastal edge, in order to protect it against a storm, large swells, or simply to carry out maintenance.

To solve the problem of the variation of the energy absorbed by the waves, one or more floating bodies (1) can be installed as shown in Figure 2, mounted on the same arm, each with its respective flexible elements (2) and guide elements (3), with an offset in the distance between them, in order to allow the wave, when advancing, to raise and lower the floating bodies (1) sequentially. For example, if the waves have a period of 10 seconds, when placing 2 floating bodies (1) out of phase, a traction of the flexible element (2) will be obtained every 5 seconds in the energy converter system (4), substantially improving the uniformity of the energy absorbed by the system.

The steering device (6) has two degrees of freedom and is arranged on a base (7) anchored on the shore. In this way, it allows the arm type structure (5) to provide the possibility of moving the floating body (1) away and closer to the shoreline. Figure 3 shows the case of the possibility of rotating in its horizontal plane, up to an angle such that the floating body can reach the terrain of the coastal edge. While in figure 4, the possibility of turning in its vertical plane is shown, varying its inclination, until the floating body can reach the land on the coastal edge or is out of a place of risk. In this way, the new invention ensures the installations of the equipment that are in the sea, so that they do not collapse and are not destroyed under extreme operating conditions, due to strong storms and large swells; being able to remove it from the water when the occasion warrants it.

In this system, the tides (rising water level, which occurs twice daily, caused by lunar and sun gravitation) would not be able to greatly alter its functioning. As the magnitude of the tides is a known datum, it will suffice that there is enough flexible element (2) to pull the floating bodies (1) and regulate the energy converter system (4) installed on the shore, so that it is capable of tolerate any movement differences that may exist on the part of the flexible element (2).

Another problem is the magnitude of the waves. Hydrographic charts are currently available showing the distribution and frequency of waves, almost anywhere on the shoreline. The study of wave characteristics is done using statistical methods. Using the data from these studies, the wave energy extraction device can be sized to capture as much of the wave energy as possible.

Another mode of operation of the system is shown in figure 5, when it additionally incorporates one or more vertical structures (9) anchored to the seabed, in order to reinforce the arm-like structure (5), to increase its length or to increase its ability to support floating bodies (1) with a greater amount of mass. The vertical structures (9) can be located at one end, or along the arm type structure (5).

The system has the capacity to contain the energy converter system (4) in the counterweight structure (8) of the arm type structure (5), as shown in Figure 6, to take advantage of the same weight of the converter system of energy (4) and thus reduce the counterweight mass necessary to balance the arm type structure (5), along with the associated costs.

The system may be accompanied by a structure installed on the shoreline, which can contain the floating body (1) when it is extracted from the sea. The floating body (1) comprises anchoring means (10) to protect itself from storm or storm surge situations, where once the arm-like structure (5) removes the floating body (1), it remains secure and cannot be moved or dragged by a wave, as shown in figure 7.

In another preferred embodiment and as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the base (7) is mounted on the rolling supports (1 1), to move said system so that the floating bodies (1) are on land or in the water, where the system is operating when the floating bodies (1) are in the water or in shelter, when the floating bodies (1) are ashore, to protect from situations of storms or storm surges or in case of repairs or holding. Objectives of the invention:

• Contribute to the generation of electrical energy using a natural and renewable energy source, such as energy from sea waves.

• Provide an extremely simple device, with minimal maintenance, very cheap to build and install, to generate electricity from this renewable source of energy.

• Device can be installed entirely on a coastal edge, without the need for divers or underwater engineering.

• Does not constitute an obstacle to navigation, water sports and has a minimal visual impact on the environment.

• Do not affect marine flora and fish and other marine organisms.

• Safe and resistant device, with the ease of removing the buoys or floating bodies from the sea, when there are extreme operating conditions.

• Allow more than one time to harness the energy of a wavefront.

Claims

1. A system that transmits the wave energy absorbed by one or more floating bodies (1), subjected to the movement of the waves, to an energy converter system (4) installed on the shore, CHARACTERIZED because it comprises one or more arm type structures (5) installed above sea level, said structure pivots on a steering device (6), where at one end there is a counterweight (8) while at the other end and along the arm type structure (5) one or more guide elements (3) are arranged in connection with a floating body (1) by means of a flexible element (2); which simultaneously reaches the energy converter system (4).

2. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the steering device (6) has two degrees of freedom and is arranged on a base (7) anchored on the coast.

3. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the flexible element (2) that contains the guide elements (3) in the arm-type structure (5), can be some type of special rope or chain, depending on the conditions that they deserve it.

4. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the floating body (1) has a considerable weight, since it must generate a tension force in the flexible element (2) when it descends by free fall together with the wave from sea.

5. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED because the guide elements (3) are designed according to the characteristics of the flexible element

(2) used, since they can be different types of pulleys, rollers or special wheels depending on the case.

6. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the energy converter system (4) comprises a counterweight or prestressed system, so that the flexible element (2) remains with a minimum tension and does not adversely affect the operation of the system.

7. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED because the energy converter system (4) comprises an auxiliary lifting system, to lift the floating body (1) from sea level, so that it can later be moved with the help from the arm type structure (5) to the shoreline, in order to protect it against a storm, large swells, or simply to carry out maintenance.

8. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED because it additionally incorporates one or more vertical structures (9) anchored to the seabed, in order to reinforce the arm-like structure (5), to increase its length or to increase its ability to support floating bodies (1) with a greater amount of mass. The vertical structures (9) can be located at one end, or along the arm type structure (5).

9. System according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the floating body (1) comprises anchoring means (10) to protect itself from storm or storm surge situations, where once the arm-like structure (5) removes the body floating (1), be secure and cannot be moved or dragged by a wave.

10. System according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED because the base (7) is mounted on the rolling supports (1 1), to move said system so that the floating bodies (1) are on land or in the water .

eleven . Method for transmitting wave energy absorbed by one or more floating bodies (1) subjected to wave movement, to an energy converter system (4) installed on the shore, using the system of claim 1, CHARACTERIZED because it comprises transmitting a tension force from the floating body (1) in descent to the energy converter system (4) by means of the flexible element (2).