JP6569115B2 - Wave power generation apparatus and wave power generation method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a wave power generation apparatus and a wave power generation method in which a float that is vertically moved by a wave along the column is installed on a column moored underwater in a standing state, and more specifically, a buoyancy generated in the float The present invention relates to a wave power generation device and a wave power generation method that can suppress the influence of the wave.

  Various wave power generators have been proposed in which a float that moves up and down by a wave along the column is installed on a column that is moored underwater in a standing state, and power is generated using the relative motion between the float and the column. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  Patent Document 1 proposes a wave power generation device that adds a predetermined speed to a float by a drive mechanism and tunes the float to a wave. This wave power generator can efficiently extract energy from waves.

  When a predetermined speed is applied to the float by the drive mechanism, the drive mechanism must move the float against the buoyancy of the float. Since a drive mechanism with a large output is required, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost of the wave power generator increases.

  Further, since the buoyancy generated in the float fluctuates with the vertical movement of the float, there is a problem that the output fluctuation of the drive mechanism becomes large and the deterioration of the drive mechanism easily proceeds.

JP2013-18196A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a wave power generation device and a wave power generation method capable of suppressing the influence of buoyancy generated in a float.

In order to achieve the above object, a wave power generator according to the present invention includes a column that is moored underwater in a standing state, a float that moves up and down by waves along the column, and a relative relationship between the float and the column. A wave power generation apparatus having a power generation mechanism that generates electric power using motion, a support shaft extending in a horizontal direction from the support column , and a flat plate that is supported by the support shaft and whose surface direction is orthogonal to the support shaft A tilting plate, a weight fixed at a position spaced upward from the support shaft on the tilting plate, and a transmission mechanism for associating the position of the weight with the position of the float, the transmission mechanism being a rod- like shape The connection bar has one end connected to the tilting plate at a position spaced laterally from the support shaft, and the other end connected to the float. Gravity and buoyancy generated in the float While balancing with When the float is in position, the weight is positioned directly above the support shaft, and when the float is below the neutral position and the buoyancy generated in the float increases, the float In conjunction with the movement, the weight moves from right above the support shaft to one side, and the force by which the weight descends due to gravity generates a downward force on the float via the transmission mechanism. When the float is above the neutral position and the buoyancy generated in the float decreases, the weight is offset from directly above the support shaft to the other side. The force by which the weight moves downward due to gravity generates an upward force on the float via the transmission mechanism, so that at least a reduction in buoyancy generated on the float is reduced. Characterized in that it comprises an arrangement for compensating a part.

In the wave power generation method of the present invention for achieving the above object, a float that moves up and down by a wave along the column is installed on a column that is moored underwater in a standing state, and the float and the column In the wave power generation method for generating electric power using relative motion, a support shaft extending in the horizontal direction from the support column is installed, and a flat tilt plate whose surface direction is perpendicular to the support shaft is pivoted on the support shaft. Installed in a supported state, a weight having a center of gravity at a position spaced upward from the support shaft on the tilt plate is installed on the tilt plate , and the float is moved to move the weight about the support shaft. A transmission mechanism that interlocks the vertical movement of the two, and the transmission mechanism is configured by a bar-shaped connection bar, and one end of the connection bar is connected to the tilting plate at a position spaced laterally from the support shaft. by connecting the other end to the float Te, before When the float is in a neutral position where gravity and buoyancy generated in the float are balanced, the weight is configured to be positioned directly above the support shaft, and the float is below the neutral position and the float When the buoyancy generated in the cylinder increases, the weight is moved from right above the support shaft to one side in conjunction with the movement of the float, and the weight is lowered by gravity, via the transmission mechanism. When a downward force is generated in the float to offset at least a part of the increase in buoyancy generated in the float, and when the float is above the neutral position and the buoyancy generated in the float decreases The weight is moved from right above the support shaft to the other side, and the weight moves up to the float via the transmission mechanism by the force of lowering due to gravity. By generating Kino force, characterized in that to compensate for at least a portion of the decrease in buoyancy generated in the float.

  According to the present invention, when the float is positioned below the neutral position and the buoyancy that raises the float increases, a downward force that offsets at least part of the increased buoyancy acts on the float. Therefore, the buoyancy acting on the float can be apparently reduced. When the float is positioned above the neutral position and the buoyancy that raises the float decreases, an upward force that compensates for at least a part of the decreased buoyancy acts on the float. Therefore, the buoyancy acting on the float can be apparently increased.

  That is, since the direction and magnitude of the force generated from the weight to the float changes according to the increase or decrease of the buoyancy generated in the float, the fluctuation of the buoyancy generated in the float can be apparently reduced. Since the influence of buoyancy that fluctuates when the float moves up and down can be suppressed, the natural period of the float can be adjusted to increase the period.

  Since the float is less susceptible to buoyancy, the speed of the vertical movement of the float can be controlled with a relatively small force when the drive mechanism or the like adds speed to the float and synchronizes with the wave. This is advantageous in realizing downsizing and cost reduction of the drive mechanism and the like.

  The support shaft is installed on the support column, the transmission mechanism is composed of a rod-shaped connection bar, one end of this connection bar is connected to the tilting plate at a position spaced laterally from the support shaft, and the other end is connected to the float Can be. At this time, the tilting plate is formed in a substantially L-shape comprising a first straight portion extending from the support shaft and having a weight fixed to the end portion, and a second straight portion extending from the support shaft and having a connecting bar connected to the end portion. Can be configured.

  The support shaft can be installed on the support column, the tilting plate can be configured by a pinion gear, and the transmission mechanism can be configured by a rack that is erected upward from the upper surface of the float and that corresponds to the pinion gear. Further, the support shaft can be installed on the float, the tilting plate can be configured with a pinion gear, and the transmission mechanism can be configured with a rack corresponding to the pinion gear installed along the vertical direction of the column.

The weight can be configured to move along an upper circular arc including a horizontal line passing through the support shaft on a circumference formed around the support shaft in a vertical plane orthogonal to the support shaft. According to this configuration, it becomes easy to follow the change in the force generated in the vertical direction of the float by the weight due to the change in the force generated in the vertical direction of the float due to the buoyancy fluctuation. Is advantageous.

  It can be set as the structure provided with the resistance member which is installed in a support shaft and gives resistance to tilting of a tilting board. Since resistance by the resistance member is applied to the force generated by the weight in the vertical direction of the float, it is advantageous to make this change in force follow the change in the force generated in the vertical direction of the float due to buoyancy fluctuations.

It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the wave power generator of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the side surface of the wave power generator shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the wave power generator of FIG. 1 by AA arrow. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the state which the float of the wave power generator shown in FIG. 1 fell. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the state which the float of the wave power generator shown in FIG. 4 fell further. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the state which the float of the wave power generator shown in FIG. 1 raised. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the state which the float of the wave power generator shown in FIG. 6 raised further. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the graph of the change of the force generate | occur | produced in a float. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the modification of the wave power generator shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the modification of the transmission mechanism shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the modification of the transmission mechanism shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates another embodiment of the wave power generator of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the modification of the wave power generator shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the side surface of the wave power generator shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, a wave power generation apparatus and a wave power generation method of the present invention will be described based on the embodiments shown in the drawings.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the wave power generation device 1 of the present invention includes a column 2 moored underwater in a standing state, a float 3 that moves up and down by waves along the column 2, and a float 3. A power generation mechanism 4 that generates electric power using relative motion with the support 2 is provided.

  The support column 2 is formed in, for example, a cylindrical shape or a prismatic shape, and is fixed directly to the bottom of the water, or connected to an anchor sinking the bottom of the mooring line connected to the support 2 to the bottom of the water indirectly. It is fixed. The float 3 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, for example, and has a through hole extending in the vertical direction. The support column 2 is arranged in a state of passing through the through hole. The shape of the float 3 is not limited to the above, and can be determined as appropriate, for example, a substantially cubic shape.

  The power generation mechanism 4 includes a motor disposed in a cavity in the float 3, a pinion gear that is indirectly installed on the motor via a speed reducer, and the like, and a vertical direction on the side surface of the column 2 corresponding to the pinion gear. And a rack extending along. When the float 3 moves up and down along the support column 2 by waves, the motor rotates with the pinion gear to generate electricity.

  The support column 2 includes a support shaft 5 that extends in the horizontal direction from the vicinity of the upper end, and a flat plate-like tilting plate 6 that is supported by the support shaft 5. The tilting plate 6 is installed in a state where its surface direction is orthogonal to the support shaft 5 and is rotatable about the support shaft 5. In this embodiment, the tilting plate 6 is formed in a substantially L shape.

  The tilting plate 6 includes a first straight portion 7 extending upward from the support shaft 5 and a second straight portion 8 extending from the support shaft 5 toward the side. In this embodiment, a substantially L-shaped tilting plate 6 is formed with an angle formed by the first straight portion 7 and the second straight portion 8 being 90 ° with the support shaft 5 as the center.

  A cylindrical weight 9 made of, for example, iron is installed at the upper end of the first straight portion 7. The material constituting the weight 9 is not limited to this, and can be made of a metal having a relatively high specific gravity such as other metals or alloys. Moreover, not only a metal but a material with a large specific gravity can be used as the weight 9. The shape of the weight 9 is not limited to the above, and can be formed in an arbitrary shape such as a spherical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

  The weight 9 and the float 3 are connected by a transmission mechanism 10. In this embodiment, the transmission mechanism 10 includes a connecting bar having one end connected to the end of the second linear portion 8 and the other end connected to the float 3. With the connecting bar 10, the position of the weight 9 and the position of the float 3 in the vertical direction are associated with each other. That is, the movement of the weight 9 and the float 3 is interlocked. As illustrated in FIG. 3, an opening 11 is formed in a part of the upper surface of the float 3, and the other end of the connecting bar 10 is inserted into the opening 11 and connected to the float 3. Both ends of the connecting bar 10 are pivotally supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the respective members.

  The float 3 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 is a position where a downward force Fg generated by gravity in the vertical direction and an upward force Fb generated by buoyancy are balanced (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a neutral position P0). It is in. That is, when the wave power generator 1 is installed in still water, the position in the vertical direction of the float 3 with respect to the support column 2 is defined as a neutral position P0. In FIG. 1, the position of the upper end surface of the float 3 is indicated by a broken line as a neutral position P0, and the water level at the time of still water is indicated by an average water level WL.

  When the upper end surface of the float 3 of the wave power generation device 1 installed in the sea is in the neutral position P0, the weight 9 fixed to the tilting plate 6 is adjusted to be positioned directly above the support shaft 5. This adjustment can be realized by adjusting the length of the connecting bar 10. For example, the length of the connecting bar 10 can be adjusted by forming a plurality of bolt holes in the connecting bar 10 and changing the position of the bolt holes when connecting to the float 3 or the tilting plate 6. The connecting bar 10 may be configured to be extendable and the position of the weight 9 may be adjusted by extending and contracting the connecting bar 10.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, when the upper end surface of the float 3 is moved below the neutral position P <b> 0 by waves, the tilting plate 6 connected via the connection bar 10 with the vertical movement of the float 3 is supported by the support shaft 5. Tilt around the center. In this embodiment, since the tilting plate 6 tilts clockwise, the weight 9 moves toward the direction in which the second linear portion 8 is disposed (right side in FIG. 4). In other words, the weight 9 is interlocked with the vertical movement of the float 3 by the connecting bar constituting the transmission mechanism 10, and here the weight 9 moves to the right when the float 3 moves downward.

  As the upper end surface of the float 3 moves downward from the neutral position P0, the underwater portion of the float 3 increases and the buoyancy increases, so the upward force Fb generated in the float 3 increases. In the figure, the average water level WL is indicated by a one-dot chain line.

As the float 3 moves downward, the weight 9 moves along an arc whose radius is the first straight portion 7 with the support shaft 5 as the center. The weight 9 that has moved from right above the support shaft 5 to the right side generates a downward force that tends to drop due to its own weight, so that a rotational force about the support shaft 5 is generated in the tilting plate 6. This rotational force is transmitted to the float 3 via the connecting bar 10. The force with which the weight 9 is about to fall acts as a force F that pushes the float 3 downward. That is, the movement of the float 9 is linked to the movement of the weight 9, and when the weight moves to the right, the float 3 moves downward.

  The further the weight 9 moves to the right from the position just above the support shaft 5, the more the position between the support shaft 5 and the weight 9 in the horizontal direction is increased, and the force with which the weight 9 rotates the tilting plate 6 increases. Along with this, the force F for pushing the float 3 downward by the weight 9 increases.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the force F is maximized when the weight 9 is positioned directly beside the support shaft 5. At this time, it is desirable to design the wave power generation device 1 so that the vertical position of the float 3 is the lowest end. Since the upward force Fb that increases as the float 3 descends is at least partially offset by the force F, the buoyancy generated in the float 3 is apparently reduced.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the upper end surface of the float 3 moves upward from the neutral position P <b> 0 due to the wave, the tilting plate 6 tilts as the float 3 moves. In this embodiment, since the tilting plate 6 tilts counterclockwise, the weight 9 moves in the direction opposite to the direction in which the second linear portion 8 is arranged (left side in FIG. 6). That is, when the float 3 moves upward, the weight 9 moves to the left. As the upper end surface of the float 3 moves upward from the neutral position P0, the portion of the float 3 that becomes underwater decreases, so the upward force Fb generated in the float 3 decreases.

  As the float 3 moves upward, the weight 9 moves along an arc centered on the support shaft 5 and having the first straight portion 7 as a radius. Since a downward force that tends to drop due to its own weight is generated in the weight 9 that has moved from right above the support shaft 5 to the left side, a rotational force about the support shaft 5 is generated in the tilting plate 6. This rotational force acts as a force F that pulls the float 3 upward via the connecting bar 10. That is, when the weight 9 moves to the left, the float 3 moves upward.

The force by which the weight 9 rotates the tilting plate 6 increases as the weight 9 moves to the left from the position directly above the support shaft. Along with this, the force F by which the float 3 is pulled upward by the weight 9 increases.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the force F is maximized when the weight 9 is positioned directly beside the support shaft 5. At this time, it is desirable to design the wave power generator 1 so that the vertical position of the float 3 is at the uppermost end. The upward force Fb that decreases as the float 3 rises is at least partially compensated by the force F. That is, since the reduced upward force Fb is compensated by the force F, the buoyancy generated in the float 3 is apparently increased.

  When the float 3 reciprocates between the uppermost end and the lowermost end shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the weight 6 reciprocates on the upper half of the arc centered on the rotating shaft 5.

  In FIG. 8, the horizontal axis indicates the distance that the upper end surface of the float 3 is separated from the neutral position P0 in the vertical direction. The float 3 is located above the neutral position P0 as it goes to the right, and is located below as it goes to the left. The vertical axis represents the vertical force generated in the float 3. The force acting upward on the float 3 is positive, and the force acting downward is negative.

  Fb−Fg indicates a difference between an upward force Fb generated in the float 3 due to buoyancy and a downward force Fg generated in the float 3 due to its own weight. Since the force Fb and the force Fg are equally balanced at the neutral position P0, Fb−Fg becomes zero.

  The downward force Fg generated in the float 3 due to its own weight is constant, whereas the upward force Fb generated in the float 3 due to buoyancy varies according to the position of the float 3. When the float 3 is below the neutral position P0 (when the position is negative), the buoyancy increases, so Fb-Fg becomes positive. When the position is positive, the buoyancy decreases, so Fb-Fg becomes negative. .

  That is, Fb-Fg generates a larger force in a direction to return the float 3 to the neutral position P0 as the float 3 moves away from the neutral position P0. Therefore, Fb-Fg serves as a centripetal force for maintaining the float 3 at the neutral position P0. Since the slope of the graph showing the centripetal force is proportional to the increase / decrease rate of the buoyancy generated in the float 3, it can be changed by changing the cross-sectional area of the float 3.

On the other hand, F indicates a vertical force generated from the weight 9 to the float 3 via the connecting bar 10 serving as a transmission mechanism. The force F is proportional to the force with which the weight 9 tries to rotate the tilting plate 6 about the support shaft 5. The force that the weight 9 tries to rotate the tilting plate 6 is that the mass of the weight 9 is M (kg), the gravitational acceleration is g (m / s ² ), the length of the first straight portion 7 is L (m), and the weight If the angle 9 is rotated from right above the support shaft 5 is θ (deg), it can be expressed as MgLsin θ. Since the force F is proportional to this MgLsin θ, the graph showing the force F shows a part of a sine curve.

  When the float 3 moves upward or downward from the neutral position P0, the force F is generated in a direction that strengthens the movement. That is, the force F becomes a centrifugal force that generates a force in a direction in which the float 3 is separated from the neutral position P0. The inclination of the graph indicating the centrifugal force is changed by changing the mass M of the weight 9, the length L of the first linear portion 7, and the range of the angle θ that the weight 9 can rotate about the support shaft 5. be able to.

  The broken line illustrated in FIG. 8 shows the direction of the centripetal force Fb-Fg reversed. By appropriately selecting the mass M of the weight 9 and the length L of the first linear portion 7, the centrifugal force changes in a state along the centripetal force, so that most of the centripetal force can be offset by the centrifugal force. Since the sum of the centripetal force and the centrifugal force is almost zero, the float 3 apparently has almost no centripetal force.

  That is, since the float 3 is hardly affected by the buoyancy, for example, even if the entire float 3 is stopped at a position where it is submerged in water, or the entire float 3 is stopped at a position where it has come out of water, the float 3 The forces in the vertical direction generated at the balance are balanced and the float 3 can be stopped at that position. The natural period T of the float 3 can be expressed by T = √ (m / k) where m is the mass of the float 3 and k is the spring constant, and the spring constant k is obtained from the restoring force generated in the float 3. it can. Since the restoring force is represented by Fb−Fg, the natural period T of the float 3 is inversely proportional to the centripetal force generated in the float 3. In this embodiment, the apparent centripetal force generated in the float 3 can be made substantially zero, and as a result, the spring constant k can be made almost zero, so that the natural period T of the float 3 can be made extremely large.

  Regardless of the position in the vertical direction, the float 3 is in a state where the forces generated in the vertical direction are almost balanced. Therefore, when the wave power generator 1 has a configuration in which a predetermined speed is added to the float 3 by the drive mechanism in order to synchronize the vertical movement of the float 3 with the wave, an advantageous effect can be obtained.

  In the present invention, since the drive mechanism does not need to move the float 3 against the force generated due to the buoyancy of the float 3 and fluctuates in the vertical direction, it is necessary to control the float 3 at a predetermined speed. Energy can be suppressed. Since the energy consumed for the speed control of the float 3 can be suppressed, it is advantageous for improving the power generation efficiency.

Since the speed of the float 3 can be controlled with a relatively small output, it becomes possible to employ a drive mechanism with a relatively low output, which is advantageous in suppressing the manufacturing cost of the wave power generation device 1. Since the drive mechanism can control the speed of the float 3 almost without being affected by the change in the buoyancy of the float 3, it is advantageous to realize a longer life of the drive mechanism by reducing the output fluctuation width of the drive mechanism.

  The drive mechanism may be configured by a motor installed in the power generation mechanism 4. That is, the motor of the power generation mechanism 4 may be configured to control the float 3 as a drive mechanism at a predetermined speed and to convert the relative motion of the float 3 with respect to the support column 2 into electricity as the power generation mechanism.

  Further, by adjusting the mass M of the weight 9 and the length L of the first linear portion 7, the centrifugal force generated due to the weight 9 can be adjusted as appropriate. Therefore, the natural period of the float 3 can be arbitrarily set by adjusting the centrifugal force to adjust the apparent centripetal force generated in the float 3. Since the natural period of the float 3 can be set in accordance with the wave period of the sea area installed in the wave power generation device 1, the vertical movement of the float 3 can be synchronized with the period of the wave even in a configuration without a drive mechanism. Therefore, it is advantageous for improving the power generation efficiency.

  In the wave power generation device 1, if the sum of the centrifugal force and the centripetal force acting on the float 3 is reduced, the various effects described above can be obtained. However, it is more effective to reduce the sum of the centrifugal force and the centripetal force to zero. It is desirable because it is obtained. The slope of Fb-Fg illustrated in FIG. 8 changes depending on the shape and mass of the float 3. In general, the shape or the like of the float 3 is determined based on the amount of power generation required for the wave power generator 1, the amplitude and period of the wave, and the centripetal force depends on the shape of the float 3. Therefore, it is desirable to generate a centrifugal force that cancels the centripetal force with respect to the float 3 designed in advance.

  The force F illustrated in FIG. 8 is set by adjusting the mass M of the weight 9, the rotation radius of the weight 9 (the length L of the first linear portion 7), the range of the angle θ of rotation of the weight 9, and the like. Can do. As the mass M and the turning radius of the weight 9 are increased, the slope of the graph indicating the force F becomes steeper.

  In the embodiment in which the tilting plate 6 is formed of a substantially L-shaped plate, the rotation radius of the weight 9 can be adjusted by changing the length of the first straight portion 7. When the weight 9 is made of, for example, iron, the weight 9 has a specific gravity about eight times that of the water floating on the float 3, so that the centripetal force acting on the float 3 can be offset by the relatively small weight 9. .

  The range of the angle θ at which the weight 9 rotates from directly above the support shaft 5 is preferably within ± 90 °. That is, the weight 9 moves on a semicircular arc that is above the horizontal line passing through the support shaft 5. For example, if the angle θ is within ± 90 °, such as ± 30 ° to 80 °, the force F illustrated in FIG. 8 can follow the change of Fb−Fg well, and the sum of centrifugal force and centripetal force can be reduced. It is. If the angle θ exceeds ± 90 °, depending on the structure and connection position of the transmission mechanism 10, the direction of the force applied to the float 3 by the weight 9 may be reversed, and the sum of centrifugal force and centripetal force may increase. .

  The range of the angle θ can be determined by adjusting the lengths of the second linear portion 8 and the connecting bar 10, for example. Further, a stopper for limiting the rotation angle of the tilting plate 6 can be installed on the support column, or a stopper for limiting the rotation angle of the connection bar 10 with respect to the float 3 can be installed on the float 3 or the connection bar 10.

  In order to adjust the angle θ at which the weight 9 rotates, a stopper that limits the range of vertical movement of the float 3 may be installed on the column 2 or the float 3. Further, two or more stoppers selected from a stopper for limiting the tilting of the tilting plate 6 and the connecting bar 10 and a stopper for limiting the vertical movement of the float 3 may be installed. At this time, a sine curve corresponding to the range of the angle θ is a graph representing the force F.

  The wave power generator 1 is tilted if the weight 9 is moved in conjunction with the vertical movement of the float 3 by the transmission mechanism 10 and the weight 9 cancels at least part of the influence of the force that increases or decreases due to buoyancy. The shape of the plate 6 and the connecting position of the connecting bar 10 are not limited to the above.

  You may make it the structure which arrange | positions a resistance member to the support shaft 5. FIG. When the support shaft 5 is fixed to the tilting plate 6 and rotates together with the tilting plate 6, a resistance member is disposed between the support shaft 5 and the support column 2, and the support shaft 5 is fixed to the support column 2 and tilted with respect to the support shaft 5. When the plate 6 rotates, a resistance member is disposed between the support shaft 5 and the tilting plate 6. This resistance member only needs to have a configuration that provides resistance to this operation when the tilting plate 6 tilts due to the weight of the weight 9. For example, the surface of the metal material is roughened to provide a contact surface having a high frictional resistance. It can comprise with a friction member provided with. For example, the friction member can be fixed to the side surface of the support column 2 so that the contact surface can come into contact with the tilting plate 6, or can be formed in a ring shape and disposed between the support shaft 5 and the tilting plate 6.

  While Fb-Fg is a linear function represented by a straight line as illustrated in FIG. 8, the force F is a part of a sine curve, and strictly speaking, the change between the centripetal force and the centrifugal force is completely eliminated. The sum cannot be made zero. However, the configuration in which the resistance member is arranged can absorb the difference in force between the centripetal force and the centrifugal force.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the float 3 is above the neutral position P <b> 0, the force F is larger than Fb−Fg, so the sum of the centripetal force and the centrifugal force is positive, and the float 3 Will continue to generate upward force. However, by disposing the resistance member, the float 3 can be prevented from rising and stopped at that position. That is, the float 3 can be stopped at an arbitrary position in the same manner as when the centripetal force and the centrifugal force are completely canceled and the sum becomes zero.

  When the float 3 has a shape in which the cross-sectional area is not constant in the vertical direction, the Fb-Fg graph indicating the centripetal force is not a straight line. Even in such a case, a part of the centripetal force can be canceled out by the centrifugal force, so that the above-described effect can be obtained. That is, the shape of the float 3 is not limited to the cylindrical shape, and the above-described effects can be obtained even if the cross-sectional area is any shape that changes in the vertical direction. Even in such a case, the difference between the centripetal force, the centrifugal force, and the force can be absorbed by the arrangement of the resistance member.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, the tilt plate 6 may be installed on the lower end side of the support column 2 and at a position below the float 3. The tilting plate 6 and the weight 9 are disposed in the water, and the column 2 is fixed to the bottom of the water by a mooring line. Also in this embodiment, when the float 3 is in the neutral position P0, the weight 9 is adjusted so as to be positioned directly above the support shaft 5.

  The tilting plate 6 is formed in a disk shape, and is configured such that the position where the connecting bar 10 is connected around the support shaft 5 and the position where the weight 9 is installed are 90 °. This angle is not limited to 90 °, and may be smaller than 90 ° or larger than 90 °.

  Since the center of gravity of the wave power generation device 1 can be set to a relatively low position by arranging the tilting plate 6 and the like on the lower end side of the support column 2, it is advantageous for stabilizing the posture of the wave power generation device 1 in water. is there. This is particularly advantageous when the column 2 is fixed with a mooring line.

By adopting the disc-shaped tilting plate 6, for example, when the wave power generator 1 is installed in a predetermined sea area, the position where the connecting bar 10 is connected to the tilting plate 6 can be easily adjusted on site. When the float 3 is in the neutral position P <b> 0, it is advantageous when adjusting so that the weight 9 is positioned directly above the support shaft 5. It is good also as a structure which can change the installation position of the weight 9 on the disk-shaped tilting board 6. FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the tilting plate 6 may be configured by a pinion gear, and the transmission mechanism 10 may be configured by a rack 10 that is erected upward from the upper surface of the float 3 and corresponds to the pinion gear 6. A weight 9 is installed on the pinion gear 6, and the weight 9 is located directly above the rotary shaft 5 when the float 3 is in the neutral position P 0.

  When the float 3 is positioned above the neutral position P0, the weight 9 moves to the right side in FIG. The pinion gear 6 rotates clockwise by the force with which the weight 9 is about to fall. Since the rack 10 is pulled upward by the rotation of the pinion gear 6, an upward force is generated in the float 3.

  When the float 3 is positioned below the neutral position P0, the weight 9 moves to the left side in FIG. The pinion gear 6 rotates counterclockwise by the force with which the weight 9 is about to fall. Due to the rotation of the pinion gear 6, a downward force is generated in the float 3.

  Since the connecting bar that is pivotally supported by the float 3 or the like is not used, it is advantageous to simplify the configuration of the wave power generation device 1. In this embodiment, movement of the weight 9 and vertical movement of the float 3 are interlocked by the rack 10.

  Since the portion that becomes resistance when the float 3 moves up and down is only the contact portion between the pinion gear 6 and the support shaft 5, it is not necessary to consider the influence of other portions. Adjustment becomes easy. That is, it is advantageous to adjust the sum of the centripetal force generated in the float 3 and the centrifugal force to zero by the arrangement of the resistance member.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, the tilting plate 6 may be formed in a disk shape, and the protruding portion 12 and the weight 9 that protrude in the horizontal direction on the surface of the tilting plate 6 may be arranged. In this embodiment, the position where the weight 9 is installed around the support shaft 5 and the position where the projection 12 is installed are configured to be 90 °.

  On the upper surface of the float 3, a pair of column portions 13 projecting upward and a horizontal member 14 connecting the upper ends of the pair of column portions 13 are installed. The horizontal member 14 is formed with a guide groove 15 extending in the horizontal direction. The protrusion 12 is inserted into the guide groove 15 and is configured to be movable along the guide groove 15.

  As the float 3 moves up and down, the protrusion 12 moves in the horizontal direction along the guide groove 15, and the tilting plate 6 rotates as the protrusion 12 moves. When the tilting plate 6 rotates due to the weight of the weight 9, the protrusion 12 moves in the vertical direction by the rotation of the tilting plate 6, and the float 3 moves up and down accordingly.

  When the protrusion 12 reaches the end of the guide groove 15, the movement of the float 3 and the rotation of the tilting plate 6 stop, so that the movement range of the float 3 or the range of the angle θ at which the tilting plate 6 tilts is limited. Is advantageous. That is, the guide groove 15 functions as the stopper described above.

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, a pair of pillar portions 13 may be provided so as to protrude upward from the float 3, and the support shaft 5 may be disposed on the upper portion of the pillar portion 13. That is, the support shaft 5 may be arranged on the float 3 side. Each of the support shafts 5 is provided with a pinion gear 6, and a rack 10 corresponding to the pinion gear 6 is disposed on the side surface along the column 2. In this embodiment, the weight 9 is disposed not on the support column 2 side but on the float 3 side.

  When the pinion gear 6 rotates due to the weight of the weight 9, the float 3 is pushed downward or lifted upward with respect to the column 2 with this rotation. That is, the rack 10 that is the transmission mechanism 10 interlocks the movement of the weight 9 and the vertical movement of the float 3.

  Since the weights 9 can be arranged on the pinion gears 6 respectively, it is advantageous to increase the weight of the weights 9. When the float 3 has a relatively large volume and the buoyancy generated in the float 3 is relatively large, the weight 9 having an increased weight can advantageously cancel or compensate for this large buoyancy.

  Since each weight 9 moves symmetrically with respect to the column 2, no horizontal force is generated in the wave power generation device 1 as the weight 9 moves. That is, the wave power generation device 1 can be prevented from swinging in the horizontal direction, and the posture of the wave power generation device 1 can be easily maintained. Therefore, it becomes easy to move the float 3 up and down smoothly with respect to the support column 2, which is advantageous in improving the power generation efficiency. When the float 3 moves up and down with respect to the inclined column 2, the float 3 repeatedly collides with the column 2, so that the power generation efficiency decreases.

  The number of pinion gears 6 and column portions 13 installed in the float 3 is not limited to the above, and may be one or three or more. When three or more pinion gears 6 are arranged, in order to easily maintain the posture of the wave power generation device 1, the distance between the pinion gears 6 adjacent to each other with the column 2 as a center is equal in plan view. It is desirable to arrange in.

  Similarly to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the pinion gear 6 and the column portion 13 may be arranged on the lower surface side of the float 3.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, two substantially L-shaped tilting plates 6 may be arranged in a state of being sandwiched from both sides around the column 2. A weight 9 is installed on each of the tilting plates 6 and a connecting bar 10 is connected thereto. The other end of the connecting bar 10 is connected to the side surface of the float 3.

  Since the two tilting plates 6 are installed, it is advantageous to increase the weight of the weight 9 as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Moreover, since each weight 9 installed in the tilting plate 6 moves symmetrically around the support column 2, the posture of the wave power generation device 1 can be easily stabilized, which is advantageous for improving the power generation efficiency.

  Since the connecting bar 10 is connected to the side surface of the float 3, it is not necessary to form the opening 11 in the float 3. Since the shape of the float 3 is simplified and easy to manufacture, it is advantageous for suppressing the manufacturing cost of the wave power generation device 1.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Wave power generator 2 Support | pillar 3 Float 4 Power generation mechanism 5 Support shaft 6 Tilt plate (pinion gear)
7 First straight part 8 Second straight part 9 Weight 10 Transmission mechanism (connection bar, rack)
11 Opening 12 Protrusion 13 Column 14 Horizontal Member 15 Guide Groove

Claims (10)

In a wave power generation device having a column moored underwater in a standing state, a float that moves up and down by waves along the column, and a power generation mechanism that generates electric power using relative motion between the float and the column ,
A support shaft extending in a horizontal direction from the support column, a flat plate-shaped tilting plate that is supported by the support shaft and whose surface direction is orthogonal to the support shaft, and spaced upward from the support shaft on the tilting plate A weight fixed in position, and a transmission mechanism for associating the position of the weight with the position of the float;
The transmission mechanism is composed of a rod-shaped connection bar, one end of the connection bar is connected to the tilt plate at a position spaced laterally from the support shaft, and the other end is connected to the float.
When the float is in a neutral position where gravity and buoyancy generated in the float are balanced, the weight is located directly above the support shaft,
When the float is below the neutral position and the buoyancy generated in the float increases, the weight moves to the one side from directly above the support shaft in conjunction with the movement of the float, and the weight The force descending due to gravity generates a downward force on the float via the transmission mechanism to offset at least part of the increase in buoyancy generated on the float,
When the float is above the neutral position and the buoyancy generated in the float decreases, the weight moves from directly above the support shaft to the other side, and the force by which the weight is lowered by gravity is A wave power generation apparatus comprising: a structure for generating an upward force on the float through a transmission mechanism to compensate for at least a part of a decrease in buoyancy generated in the float. The tilting plate includes a first linear portion extending from the support shaft and having the weight fixed to the end portion, and a substantially L portion extending from the support shaft and connected to the connection bar at the end portion. The wave power generation device according to claim 1 which is a character type. In a wave power generation device having a column moored underwater in a standing state, a float that moves up and down by waves along the column, and a power generation mechanism that generates electric power using relative motion between the float and the column ,
A support shaft extending in a horizontal direction from the support column, a flat plate-shaped tilting plate that is supported by the support shaft and whose surface direction is orthogonal to the support shaft, and spaced upward from the support shaft on the tilting plate A weight fixed in position, and a transmission mechanism for associating the position of the weight with the position of the float;
The tilting plate is a pinion gear, and the transmission mechanism is configured by a rack corresponding to the pinion gear that is erected upward from the upper surface of the float,
When the float is in a neutral position where gravity and buoyancy generated in the float are balanced, the weight is located directly above the support shaft,
When the float is below the neutral position and the buoyancy generated in the float increases, the weight moves to the one side from directly above the support shaft in conjunction with the movement of the float, and the weight The force descending due to gravity generates a downward force on the float via the transmission mechanism to offset at least part of the increase in buoyancy generated on the float,
When the float is above the neutral position and the buoyancy generated in the float decreases, the weight moves from directly above the support shaft to the other side, and the force by which the weight is lowered by gravity is A wave power generation apparatus comprising: a structure for generating an upward force on the float through a transmission mechanism to compensate for at least a part of a decrease in buoyancy generated in the float. In a wave power generation device having a column moored underwater in a standing state, a float that moves up and down by waves along the column, and a power generation mechanism that generates electric power using relative motion between the float and the column ,
A support shaft extending horizontally from the float, a flat plate-like tilting plate that is supported by the support shaft and whose surface direction is orthogonal to the support shaft, and spaced upward from the support shaft on the tilting plate A weight fixed in position, and a transmission mechanism for associating the position of the weight with the position of the float;
When the float is in a neutral position where gravity and buoyancy generated in the float are balanced, the weight is located directly above the support shaft,
When the float is below the neutral position and the buoyancy generated in the float increases, the weight moves to the one side from directly above the support shaft in conjunction with the movement of the float, and the weight The force descending due to gravity generates a downward force on the float via the transmission mechanism to offset at least part of the increase in buoyancy generated on the float,
When the float is above the neutral position and the buoyancy generated in the float decreases, the weight moves from directly above the support shaft to the other side, and the force by which the weight is lowered by gravity is A wave power generation apparatus comprising: a structure for generating an upward force on the float through a transmission mechanism to compensate for at least a part of a decrease in buoyancy generated in the float.   The wave power generation device according to claim 4, wherein the tilting plate is a pinion gear, and the transmission mechanism is a rack that extends along the vertical direction of the support column and corresponds to the pinion gear.   6. The weight moves on a circle formed around the support shaft in a vertical plane orthogonal to the support shaft and along an upper arc including a horizontal line passing through the support shaft. Wave power generator in any one of.   The wave power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a resistance member that is installed on the support shaft and provides resistance to tilting of the tilting plate. In the wave power generation method in which a float that moves up and down by a wave along the column is installed on a column that is moored underwater in a standing state, and power is generated using the relative motion between the float and the column,
A flat plate in which a support shaft extending in the horizontal direction from the support column is installed and the surface direction is orthogonal to the support shaft
A tilting plate having a center of gravity at a position spaced upward from the support shaft on the tilting plate is installed on the tilting plate , and the support shaft is mounted on the tilting plate. Install a transmission mechanism that links the vertical movement of the float to the movement of the weight as the center,
The transmission mechanism is composed of a rod-shaped connection bar, one end of the connection bar is connected to the tilt plate at a position spaced laterally from the support shaft, and the other end is connected to the float.
When the float is in a neutral position where gravity and buoyancy generated in the float are balanced, the weight is configured to be positioned directly above the support shaft,
When the float is below the neutral position and the buoyancy generated in the float increases, the weight is moved from just above the support shaft to one side in conjunction with the movement of the float, and the weight By generating a downward force on the float via the transmission mechanism by a force descending due to gravity, at least a part of an increase in buoyancy generated on the float is offset,
When the float is above the neutral position and the buoyancy generated in the float is reduced, the weight is moved from right above the support shaft to the other side, and the weight is lowered by gravity, A wave power generation method, wherein an upward force is generated in the float through a transmission mechanism to compensate for at least a part of a decrease in buoyancy generated in the float.   9. The weight is moved along an upper circular arc including a horizontal line passing through the support shaft on a circumference formed around the support shaft in a vertical plane orthogonal to the support shaft. Wave power generation method.   The wave power generation method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a resistance member is installed on the support shaft, and resistance is given to movement of the weight by the resistance member.

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