WO2009093920A1

WO2009093920A1 - Apparatus for extracting energy from the movement of structures

Info

Publication number: WO2009093920A1
Application number: PCT/PT2008/000056
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nuno Armando Da Fonseca Teixeira
Original assignee: Sea For Life, Lda
Priority date: 2007-12-27
Filing date: 2008-12-23
Publication date: 2009-07-30
Also published as: PT103911A

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus for extracting energy from the movement of any structure, namely from the movement of waves, which does not require power supplements for its intended performance. The apparatus is comprised of a capsule-type (alveolar) body 1, which is hermetically sealed, hollow and has a cylindrical or spherical geometry, and is part of a structure 2 which will move. Inside this body 1 in agreement with the movement of the structure, there are appropriate fluids (gas and liquid) (4 and 3). Under the action of gravitational forces, the liquid surface will likely be maintained at the horizon line (level line). This inner relative movement, of body I/liquid 3, is harnessed by a platform 5 rotating around an axis 7, which imparts movement to a hydraulic or other system 6. The latter, in its turn, operates the generator for power production.

Description

DESCRIPTION

"APPARATUS FOR EXTRACTING ENERGY FROM THE MOVEMENT OF

STRUCTURES"

Field of the invention

This invention relates to an apparatus which may be part of a moving structure and acts as an energy extraction device towards that movement, with no need to provide power supplements in addition to the power commonly required for the structure's performance. One of the envisaged uses is related to the energy extraction from the sea waves for the production of electrical power.

Previous art

Due to the oil crisis currently affecting societies, there is a growing use of alternative energy sources, namely of energy from the sea and, in particular, of energy from the waves. Many documents can be found on the harnessing of energy from the sea waves, which make use of the conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy.

However, there are fewer documents from the previous art using the energy from the movement of waves in a different manner. Among said documents, reference is made to the patent applications FR 0410927 and WO 02/061277. The patent application FR 0410927 relates to an apparatus which is designed to convert the waves energy into electrical energy, comprising a closed fluctuation element and a mass formation element, the latter being arranged inside the fluctuation element and installed in such a way that it remains mobile towards the fluctuation element, the mass formation element being appropriate to perform a relative movement in respect of the fluctuation element, by the action of waves over the fluctuation element. The invention is characterized in that it also comprises locking means which are intended to block the movement of the mass formation element, and controlling means which are designed to control the locking means so that the mass formation element is selectively blocked or released, in order to amplify the movement of the mass formation element by constant adaptation of the apparatus dynamics to the successive waves. As can be observed, the energy harnessing solution disclosed by this document of the previous art results from the differential in motion between a floating platform and a flywheel system vertically operated with movement in a horizontal axis which is coupled to the floating platform.

The patent application WO 02/061277 relates to the use of energy generated by a pendulum which moves freely in any direction towards a support, said support representing the actual mobile element, which is mounted, for instance, on a floating element that swings due to the water movement, i.e., due to the effect of waves. By means of the relative displacement between the pendulum and the support frame, it will operate a set of power transformers which convert into electrical energy the mechanical energy being generated by the pendulum. In this case, the harnessing of energy results from the differential in motion between a floating platform and a freely moving solid mass pendulum.

None of the aforementioned documents use a fluid mass. Therefore, the strains involved are significantly lower than those caused by solid masses. This fact, the use of fluid masses, provides smoother movements and gives it a greater structural integrity, which will enable the construction of larger devices.

The fluid mass employed in this patent application serves both the wave movement principle and the creation of a suitable environment to its operation and easy handling, said fluid mass being either placed or removed on the site to be set up.

Brief description of the drawings

The following description is based on the enclosed drawings which, without a limiting character, illustrate an embodiment of the invention:

- Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view, wherein the apparatus is in the position of rest. - Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view, wherein the structure 2 moves, so existing a relative movement of body 1 towards the liquid 3.

- Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view, wherein the structure 2 moves and is characterized in that the extracted energy corresponds to the angular amplitude β.

- Figure 4 is an isometric view of the apparatus, wherein the body 1 has a cylindrical shape.

- Figure 5 is an isometric view of the apparatus, wherein the body 1 has a spherical shape.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment, wherein the depicted device is in the position of rest.

- Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the device of the second embodiment, in which there is a variation in volume of fluids within the chambers, having as reference the position of rest.

Detailed description of the invention

This invention relates to an apparatus for extracting energy from the movement of any structure, namely from the movement of waves, which does not require power supplements for its intended performance. From the moment wherein a specific mass and movement are estimated for a structural assembly which is designed in a conventional manner, this design can be adjusted to the structural integration of this apparatus, thus obtaining a structural energy yield.

As can be observed in the figures, the apparatus object of the invention is comprised of one body 1, of the capsule or alveolar type, which is hermetically sealed, hollow and has a cylindrical or spherical geometry, and is part of an outer structure 2 which will be exposed to movement , such as the movement of waves .

On the capsule-type body 1, which is hermetically sealed and hollow, an access opening for maintenance can be provided with a static-type seal (not shown) .

The connection between the structure 2 and the body 1 can be made in such a way that watertight compartments are provided. The ones located at the upper level will be aimed at accommodating the engine room, and the ones at the lower level will act as ballast reservoirs.

Inside this body 1 there are appropriate fluids intended for the operation and preservation of the system and its components, (gas and liquid, 4 and 3) , which by action of the gravitational forces will tend to remain levelled with the horizon line (level line) . As a consequence, the liquid 3 will tend to keep its stability towards the horizon line when the structure 2 is moving, so that a relative movement is present between the body 1 and the liquid 3.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the above-mentioned relative movement between said body 1 and the liquid 3 contained therein, is harnessed by a device comprising a platform 5 (floating mass) mounted inside said body 1 which, through its movement, will drive the energy collection means 6. In this case, said platform 5 should have a volume mass of 1/2 with respect to the liquid 3 inside said body 1. The platform 5 will tend to be semi- submerged in the liquid 3, the medium line of its thickness being coincident with the level line of the liquid 3. With the loaded apparatus, the available energy corresponds to the angular amplitude β between the level line of the liquid and the thickness medium line of the platform, which is secant from the origin. This results in the sum of the useful Buoyancy from the part of the platform 5, which is immersed in the liquid 3, with the Gravitational Force (Gf) arising from the diametrally opposed part of the platform 5, which is not immersed in the liquid 3.

If the shape of the body 1 is supported on a cylinder, the platform (floating Mass) 5 will rotate around an axis 7, having as degree of freedom the plan perpendicular to the axis of rotation. If its shape is supported on a sphere, the platform (floating Mass) 5, which in that case will be presented in the shape of an oscillating plate, will have infinite degrees of freedom according to plans which are perpendicular to the horizontal line and concentric with the sphere's origin and also concentric with the centre of the sphere, wherein a support joint 15 is provided around which the movement will be performed.

The sizes of the apparatus components will vary according to the allocation availability on the structure, as well as depending on the energy to be extracted.

To the ends of the platform (floating Mass) 5 and to the body 1, energy collection means 6 are connected such as hydraulic or other linear motors, or rotary motors which are concentric with the axis of rotation 7 and will be operated by the relative movement existing between them.

In case a hydraulic system is used, it will be further comprised of a set of parts required for the operation of the power generator (not shown) .

The power transmission system (not shown) comprises the closed-circuit pumping of oil into a high- pressure reservoir which outputs a given pressure and flow rate in a hydraulic motor, which will then drive the generator . In a second embodiment of the invention, depicted in figures 6 and 7, which is based upon the same operating principle as the previously described apparatus, a distinct method of conversion is disclosed. In this case, the device intended to harness the relative movement existing between the body 1 and the liquid 3 is also part of a moving structure 2 and a body 1, further including a liquid 3 and a gas mass 4 inside the body 1, formed by a fixed bulkhead 8 located at the centre of the body 1 and which divides it into two chambers 11 and 12. In the lower area, there is an adjustable hole 13 separating the two chambers 11 and 12, which enables only a controlled passage of the liquid 3 (this being dimensioned in order to prevent the passage of the gas mass 4 from one chamber to the other (chambers 11 and 12) ) , and in the upper area the passage of the gas mass 4 is harnessed by a converter 10.

Due to the movement of the structure 2, and for the same reasons referred to in the description of the first embodiment of the invention, a relative movement is caused between the body 1 and the liquid 3 contained therein. As a result of this fact, the liquid 3 will be moving between both chambers 11 and 12, and the volume occupied by the liquid 3 in each chamber will thus be variable. Consequently, the gas mass 4 will vary in inverse proportion to the amount of liquid 3 between the two chambers . This continuous movement of the gas mass 4 from one chamber to the other will be harnessed by the energy collection means comprised of a converter 10 (turbine or air motor) , which drives a generator for the production of energy (not shown) . The converter device is controlled by- two regulating valves (not shown) which are installed in its passing nozzles of the fluid, between the two chambers 11 and 12, and also by a system 9 which operates a shutter 14 and is aimed at regulating the passage 13 of the fluid between the two chambers .

The general considerations made regarding the former device are similar to the ones regarding the device now presented, in particular the characteristics of the liquid 3 and the gas mass 4.

Characteristics such as antioxidant, anti- freezing, non-perishable and lubricant are, among others, the most suitable characteristics for the fluids 3 and 4.

An automatic control and/or remote control system can be incorporated so that the device is adjusted to the conditions of movement in the structure, in order to optimize the energy production and protect its organic integrity.

Some examples of the application of these apparatus are the harnessing of energy from the sea waves for supplying the network, energetically self-sufficient marine signalling buoys, use in counterweights of load lifting and handling structures, and the like. When compared to the previous art, this device has the following advantages:

The versatility of the apparatus, in respect of the harnessing of energy from the waves, enables it to be installed at any place (onshore, nearshore, offshore or connected to a ship/logistic centre/plant or other) .

It has reduced or almost inexistent environmental impacts, in as much as the outer structure 2 is in contact with the surrounding environment and also because of its protection with a double-hull, the structure 2 and the body 1, in order to avoid accidents susceptible of being harmful to the environment .

The fluid mass 3 it contains has the advantage of being easily handled (placed inside the apparatus) , thus extending the size limits.

Due to the use of fluid masses 3, the strains involved are significantly lower than those caused by solid masses used in the processes of the previous state of the art, also providing smoother movements and giving it an enhanced structural integrity.

The apparatus intended for the harnessing of energy, which is the object of the invention and has been herein described, can be employed in a structure 2 that moves with the energy from the sea waves (for the generation of electrical power to feed the network, autonomous buoys or other) , or in counterweight systems, or other systems having motion characteristics which are susceptible of being harnessed by the disclosed apparatus.

Claims

1. An apparatus intended to harness the energy from the movement of any structure, the former being an integral part of the latter, and which, considering the volume mass of the assembly and its movement, does not interfere with the forces required to make said structure move, characterized in that it comprises: one body 1, of the capsule-type, which is connected to an outer structure 2 that is exposed to movement ; the body 1 being hermetically sealed and hollow, in order to create the most suitable environment to the operation of the remaining components; fluids, liquid 3 and gas 4, being arranged inside the body 1 ; a device 5 and 8 intended for the harnessing of the relative movement existing between the body 1 and the liquid 3; energy collection means 6, 10; an automatic and/or remote control system, so that the device is adjusted to the conditions of movement in the structure, in order to optimize the energy production and protect its organic integrity.

2. An apparatus intended to harness energy according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the inner shape of the body 1 is based in a cylindrical or spherical geometry/ depending on the degrees of freedom existing in the movement of the structure 2 and on the ones to be harnessed, the dimensions of said body varying with the allocation availability on the structure as well as with the energy to be extracted.

3. An apparatus intended to harness energy according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid 3 tends to maintain its stability towards the horizon line when the structure 2 is moving, so that a relative movement between the body 1 and the liquid 3 occurs.

4. An apparatus intended to harness energy according to claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the relative movement between the liquid 3 and the body 1 is harnessed by the device 5 comprising a platform 5 in said liquid 3 and being installed inside the body 1, which, through its movement, will drive the energy collection means 6.

5. An apparatus intended to harness energy according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, in case the shape of the body 1 is supported on a cylinder, the platform 5 will rotate around an axis 7, having as degree of freedom the plan perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

6. An apparatus intended to harness energy according to claim 4, characterized in that, in case the shape of the body is supported on. a sphere, the platform 5, being comprised of an oscillating plate, has infinite degrees of freedom according to plans which are perpendicular to the horizontal line and concentric with the sphere's origin, wherein a support joint 15 is provided around which the movement will be performed.

7. An apparatus intended to harness energy according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the platform 5 has a pre-set volume mass, preferably of 1/2, with respect to the liquid 3 contained in the body 1, which is the reason why, whenever the apparatus is in idle run with zero demand, the platform will tend to be half- submerged in the liquid 3, and its thickness medium line 5 will be coincident with the level line of the liquid 3.

8. An apparatus intended to harness energy according to claims 1, 3, 4, 5 characterized in that the extracted energy corresponds to the angular amplitude β between the level line of the liquid and the medium line of the platform's thickness, passing by the rotation point. This results in the useful Buoyancy from the part of the platform 5, which is immersed in the liquid 3, being added to the Gravitational Force (Gf) arising from the diametrally opposed part of the platform 5 which is not immersed in the liquid 3, between the level line of the liquid and the thickness medium line of the platform.

9. An apparatus intended to harness energy according to claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the platform 5 and the body 1 are connected to the ends of the energy collection means 6, which will be driven by the relative movement between them.

10. An apparatus intended to harness energy according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy collection means are further comprised of a set of components required for the operation of the power generator.

11. An apparatus intended to harness energy according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the power transmission system is the closed-circuit pumping of oil into a high-pressure reservoir which outputs a given pressure and flow rate in a hydraulic motor, which will then drive said generator.

12. An apparatus intended to harness energy according to claim 1, characterized in that the device intended to harness the energy comprises a fixed bulkhead 8 located at the centre of the body 1 dividing it into two chambers 11, 12, said bulkhead clearing a lower passage 13 connecting both chambers 11, 12, which enables only a controlled passage of the liquid 3 from one chamber to the other .

13. An apparatus intended to harness energy according to claims 1 and 12, characterized in that a passage is provided at the energy collection means, these being comprised of a converter 10, which causes the gas mass 4 to pass from one chamber to another and said passage being harnessed by the same.

14. An apparatus intended to harness energy- according to claims 1 and 12 to 14, characterized in that the converter 10 is regulated by two valves mounted in the passing nozzles of the fluid and also by a hydraulic system which operates a shutter 14 aimed at regulating the passage of the fluid between the two chambers.

15. An apparatus intended to harness energy according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy collection means 6, 10 are comprised of a hydraulic system, a turbine or an air motor.

16. An apparatus intended to harness energy according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluids inside the body 1, liquid 3 and gas 4, are antioxidant, anti-freezing, lubricant and non-perishable.