Patent Description:
In particular, the electricity generating device according to the invention finds a vast field of application in the nautical sector.

In fact, the need is strongly felt for electricity sources which are able to produce energy in order to power electronic devices on board a boat or a craft of various types and/or in order to introduce the energy into the grid in such a way that it can be used elsewhere.

For this reason, a multitude of devices designed for supplying electricity to a floating element, whether it is a boat or a simple buoy, have been developed.

These devices have particular characteristics and differ on the basis of the energy source used to obtain electricity.

In order to guarantee the power supply to the electronic devices on board boats, electricity generators are available on the market which use the combustion of a fossil fuel, for example petrol or diesel.

Disadvantageously, these generators need a constant supply of fuel which must therefore be stored and transported in a sufficient quantity to satisfy the possible requirements.

Moreover, very disadvantageously, these generators have a high environmental impact and, during operation, produce annoying acoustic emissions both for man and for the sea life.

Moreover, solar energy devices have been developed which allow electricity to be generated both for the purpose of powering devices on board the boat and for the purpose of producing electricity to be introduced into the grid.

Disadvantageously, the operation of these devices is constrained to the presence of sunlight. For this reason, the effectiveness of such devices is reduced during the days in which the sun is covered by clouds. Moreover, during the night-time hours, the production of electricity of these devices is substantially reduced to zero.

Moreover, disadvantageously the efficiency of the photovoltaic panels drops over the years, causing a constant decrease in the energy production.

In order to overcome these drawbacks, devices have been developed for generating electricity which use the movement induced by the mass of water on which they float and, more precisely, the wave motion.

An example of a device generating electricity from wave motion is shown for example in <CIT>.

These devices comprise a cable wound on a free wheel coupled to the generating shaft of an electricity generator.

Moreover, the cable has one end connected to an anchoring body, for example an anchor designed to constrain the device to the sea bed.

In particular, the wave motion determines a cyclical approach (lowering step) and moving away (lifting step) of the device relative to the anchoring point, for example a portion of the sea bed.

The above-mentioned moving away motion causes a rotation of the free wheel induced by the force which constrains the cable to the sea bed which determines a rotation of the generating shaft (which is kinematically coupled with respect to that direction of rotation) and, therefore, the generation of electricity.

During the subsequent approach step the cable is slack and, therefore, does not cause the rotation of the generating shaft.

In effect, during this step, the cable is rewound on the free wheel, promoting a free rotation of the wheel in the opposite direction of rotation. In this direction of rotation the free wheel does not transmit the motion to the rotation shaft in such a way as not to obstruct the rotation of the generating shaft.

In other words, the approach step is merely aimed at the rewinding of the cable in view of the subsequent step of moving away and, therefore, very disadvantageously no electricity is produced during this step.

In particular, the device comprises rewinding means, for example a rotational spring and/or an electric motor, configured to rewind the cable on the free wheel.

Disadvantageously, the rewinding means have a limited life due to the continuous winding cycles to which they are subjected, which, due to fatigue, lead to inevitable breakages and/or malfunctions and, therefore, the need for frequent maintenance.

Moreover, the use of motor-driven rewinding means causes a waste of electricity and, therefore, a reduction in the overall efficiency of the device.

In this context, the technical purpose which forms the basis of the invention is to propose a electricity generating device which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

In particular, the aim of the invention is to provide an electricity generating device which guarantees a greater efficiency than the prior art devices.

A further aim of the invention is to provide an electricity generating device having a high level of operational flexibility.

A further aim of the invention is to provide an electricity generating device having a reduced environmental impact.

The technical purpose indicated and the aims specified are substantially achieved by an electricity generating device comprising the technical features described in one or more of the appended claims.

The dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the invention.

Further features and advantages of the invention are more apparent in the non-limiting description which follows of a preferred non-limiting embodiment of an electricity generating device illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral <NUM> denotes in its entirety an electricity generating device which will hereinafter be referred to as the device <NUM>.

The device <NUM> comprises an electricity generator <NUM> having a rotatable generating shaft <NUM> for generating electricity and a floating frame <NUM> designed to at least partly support the electricity generator <NUM>.

Preferably, the device <NUM> comprises a flywheel <NUM> connected to the generating shaft <NUM> and configured to promote a substantially constant rotation of the generating shaft <NUM> during a plurality of different operating conditions of the device <NUM>.

Advantageously, the device <NUM> may comprise a storage and/or exchange unit (not illustrated in the accompanying drawings) operatively connected to the electricity generator <NUM> for storing a quantity of energy produced by the electricity generator <NUM> and/or to make the energy available to a plurality of external user devices.

Moreover, the device <NUM> may comprise means for introducing electricity into the grid (not illustrated in the accompanying drawings) designed to allow an introduction of a quantity of electricity into an external electricity network.

Preferably, the floating frame <NUM> defines a containment space "V" designed to house at least partly the electricity generator <NUM> and/or the generating shaft <NUM> and/or the flywheel <NUM> and/or the storage unit.

Advantageously, the floating frame <NUM> may have a shape designed to limit, preferably prevent, an entrance of water into the containment space "V" at least in an operating configuration.

In this way, the floating frame <NUM> preserves the above-mentioned components positioned inside the containment space "V" limiting, preferably preventing, the triggering of galvanic corrosion phenomena which can lead to a reduction in the working life of the device <NUM>.

The device <NUM> also comprises a first roller portion <NUM> wound around a respective first winding body <NUM> and a second roller portion <NUM> wound around a respective second winding body <NUM>.

In particular, the first roller portion <NUM> has an end connected to a sea bed or to a fixed structure, for example by means of an anchoring body <NUM>, and the second roller portion has an end connected to a counterweight <NUM>.

The first roller portion <NUM> and the second roller portion <NUM> may be at least partly housed inside the containment space "V".

Advantageously, the device <NUM> may comprise sliding means <NUM> acting at least between the first roller portion <NUM> and the floating frame <NUM> configured to allow a relative movement, preferably an at least partial sliding, between the first roller portion <NUM> and the floating frame <NUM> in such a way as to prevent the entry of impurities inside the containment space "V".

The first roller portion <NUM> and the second roller portion <NUM> are configured to rotate the respective winding bodies <NUM>, <NUM>.

According to a possible embodiment and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the first winding body <NUM> and the second winding body <NUM> may be mounted on the floating frame <NUM>.

Preferably, the first winding body <NUM> and the second winding body <NUM> are positioned inside the containment space "V".

Advantageously, the first winding body <NUM> and the second winding body <NUM> are supported, respectively, by a first portion of shaft <NUM> and by a second portion of shaft <NUM>.

In other words, each winding body <NUM>, <NUM> is supported by a respective portion of shaft <NUM>, <NUM>.

In this way, each winding body <NUM>, <NUM> is rotatable about an axis of rotation "X1", "X2".

In particular, the first winding body <NUM> and the second winding body <NUM> may be rotatable, respectively, about a first axis of rotation "X1" and a second axis of rotation "X2".

According to a possible embodiment and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the first axis of rotation "X1" and the second axis of rotation "X2" may be parallel to each other.

Moreover, the first axis of rotation "X1" and the second axis of rotation "X2" may be coincident, giving a high level of stability to the device <NUM> due at least partly to an increased gyroscopic rigidity.

According to a further possible embodiment not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the first axis of rotation "X1" and the second axis of rotation "X2" may be mutually transversal, for example perpendicular, without altering the inventive concept which forms the basis of the invention.

The portions of shaft <NUM>, <NUM> are mechanically connected to the generating shaft <NUM> for transmitting mechanical power to them.

According to a possible embodiment and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the portions of shaft <NUM>, <NUM> can be made in one piece with the generating shaft <NUM> guaranteeing a high degree of rigidity and durability to the device <NUM>. In particular, the first axis of rotation "X1" and the second axis of rotation "X2" may coincide with the axis of rotation "X" of the generating shaft <NUM>. Advantageously, each of the winding bodies <NUM>, <NUM> is connected to the respective portion of shaft <NUM>, <NUM> by one or more free wheels <NUM> which allow a torque to be transmitted between the winding body <NUM>, <NUM> and the corresponding portion of shaft <NUM>, <NUM> in one direction of rotation and allow a free rotation of the winding body <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the respective portion of shaft <NUM>, <NUM> in the other direction.

Moreover, the winding bodies <NUM>, <NUM> are connected to the respective portion of shaft <NUM>, <NUM> in such a way that when the first winding body <NUM> transmits a torque to the respective portion of shaft (the first portion of shaft <NUM>), the second winding body <NUM>, kinematically coupled to the first winding body <NUM>, is freely rotatable on the second portion of shaft <NUM>, and vice versa.

With reference in particular to the embodiment wherein the portions of shaft <NUM>, <NUM> are made in one piece with the generating shaft <NUM> but without limiting the application to different embodiments of the invention, the winding bodies <NUM>, <NUM> may be connected in such a way that the rotation of one of the winding bodies <NUM>, <NUM> in a direction of rotation causes the rotation of the other winding body in the opposite direction of rotation and vice versa.

According to further possible embodiments, the above-mentioned first axis of rotation "X1" and second axis of rotation "X2" may be parallel and not coincident and the roller portions <NUM>, <NUM> can determine a movement with the same direction of rotation of the winding bodies <NUM>, <NUM> without altering the inventive concept which forms the basis of the invention.

The winding bodies <NUM>, <NUM> are mechanically and/or kinematically connected in such a way that when said floating frame <NUM> is lifted, with the end of the first roller portion fixed to the sea bed or to the fixed structure, a corresponding lifting of the counterweight <NUM> follows and a lowering of the floating frame <NUM> is followed by a corresponding lowering of the counterweight <NUM>.

In particular, the wave motion may cause a movement of the device <NUM> away from, or lifting, and towards, or lowering, with respect to the sea bed or to the fixed structure to which it is connected by means of the end of the first roller portion <NUM>.

The first roller portion <NUM>, connected to the sea bed or to the fixed structure, and the second roller portion <NUM>, connected to the counterweight <NUM>, cause a rotation of the respective winding bodies <NUM>, <NUM> and, therefore, of the generating shaft <NUM>.

The winding bodies <NUM>, <NUM> may be connected in such a way that a movement of the device <NUM> away causes a lifting of the counterweight <NUM> and a movement of the device <NUM> towards causes a corresponding lowering of the counterweight <NUM>.

In other words, the counterweight <NUM> may be reversibly movable between a position of maximum approach to the second winding body <NUM>, for example corresponding to a condition of maximum spacing of the device <NUM> from the sea bed or to the fixed structure, and a position furthest away from the second winding body <NUM>, for example corresponding to a condition of minimum spacing of the device <NUM> from the sea bed or to the fixed structure.

Preferably, each of the winding bodies <NUM>, <NUM> is connected to the respective portion of shaft <NUM>, <NUM> in such a way that during the lifting of the floating frame <NUM>, with the end of the first roller portion fixed to the sea bed or to the fixed structure, the first winding body <NUM> causes a rotation of the generating shaft in a direction of rotation and that during lowering of the floating frame the second winding body <NUM> causes a rotation of the generating shaft in the same direction of rotation.

In this way, the device <NUM> allows a generation of electricity both during an approach movement, preferably lowering, and during a movement away, preferably lifting, guaranteeing an increase in the production of electricity relative to the prior art devices.

Advantageously, the floating frame <NUM> may be configured to allow a reversible movement of the counterweight inside the containment space "V".

In this way, the counterweight <NUM> can slide between the closest position and the position furthest away in a housing substantially without water and, preferably, containing air guaranteeing a fast response to the movements imposed by the wave motion thanks to the substantial absence of water inside the containment space "V" and, therefore, the component of resistance to movement due at least partly to the Archimedes' force induced by the water.

Advantageously, the floating frame may comprise a movement channel <NUM> positioned, preferably, inside the containment space "V" and configured to slidably house the counterweight <NUM> allowing movement between the closest position and the furthest away position.

In particular, the device <NUM> may comprise the counterweight <NUM> connected to the second roller portion to promote a lowering of the floating frame <NUM> and/or the anchoring body <NUM> connected to the first roller portion for fixing the device to a sea bed or to a fixed structure.

According to a possible embodiment and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the device <NUM> may comprise a single roller unit <NUM>, for example a rope or a transmission chain or the like, defining the first roller portion <NUM>, the second roller portion <NUM> and a third roller portion <NUM> interposed between the first roller portion <NUM> and the second roller portion <NUM>.

In particular, the device <NUM> may comprise at least one pulley <NUM> acting on the third roller portion <NUM> for kinematically coupling the above-mentioned winding bodies <NUM>, <NUM>.

Advantageously, the device <NUM> may comprise a plurality of pulleys <NUM> acting at least partly on the third roller portion <NUM> and operatively connected to each other for kinematically coupling the winding bodies <NUM>, <NUM>.

It should be noted that the pulleys <NUM> allow the winding bodies <NUM>, <NUM> to be coupled by a kinematic mechanism irrespective of the relative positioning of the respective axes of rotation, giving high flexibility to the configurations of the device <NUM>.

According to a possible embodiment and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the roller unit <NUM> is made in the form of a rope or cable and the winding bodies <NUM>, <NUM> are made respectively in the form of a first reel and a second reel designed to allow an at least partial winding, preferably a multiple winding, respectively of the first roller portion <NUM> and of the second roller portion <NUM>.

In other words, the first roller portion <NUM> and the second roller portion <NUM> can, advantageously, define a plurality of windings on the first winding body <NUM> and on the second winding body <NUM>, respectively, forming a kinematic coupling with a high efficiency.

Preferably, also, the first winding body <NUM> and/or the second winding body <NUM> comprise shaped portions <NUM>, for example having dips and/or peaks, in such a way as to increase the surface of contact with the respective roller portions <NUM>, <NUM> in order to make the kinematic coupling more effective.

According to a further possible embodiment not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the roller unit <NUM> is made in the form of a transmission chain, for example a chain with rings or a Galle chain or the like, and the winding bodies <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the pulleys <NUM> may have respective kinematic coupling portions designed to couple them kinematically to the roller unit <NUM>.

Very advantageously, this solution guarantees a high degree of compactness for the winding bodies <NUM>, <NUM> and, therefore, a possible reduction in the overall dimensions inside the containment space "V".

Advantageously, the device <NUM> may comprise a transmission mechanism, preferably comprising at least one gear wheel, acting on the first winding body <NUM> and on the second winding body <NUM> for coupling the movement.

In particular, the transmission mechanism may comprise at least one conical wheel allowing a coupling of the movement between the first winding body <NUM> and the second winding body <NUM> irrespective of the relative positioning of the respective axes of rotation.

According to a possible embodiment not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the transmission mechanism mechanically couples the movement of the winding bodies <NUM>, <NUM> and the device <NUM> comprises a first roller unit and a second roller unit defining, respectively, the first and the second roller portions <NUM>, <NUM>. In particular, the first roller portion <NUM> has a first constraining end, opposite the end connectable to the sea bed or to a fixed structure, connected to the first winding body <NUM>. Moreover, the second roller portion <NUM> has a second constraining end, opposite the end connected or connectable to a counterweight <NUM>, connected to the second winding body <NUM>.

In accordance with another aspect, the invention relates to a buoy <NUM> comprising a device <NUM> for generating electricity as described above.

Advantageously, the buoy <NUM> may comprise a plurality of devices <NUM> in such a way as to guarantee a high production of electricity intended to power a plurality of user devices, for example a plurality of signalling lights, and/or to be introduced into the grid.

Preferably, the buoy <NUM> comprises a fixing system (not illustrated in the accompanying drawings) configured to limit the drifting away of the buoy <NUM>.

Purely by way of a non-limiting example, the fixing system may comprise a plurality of fixing cables, preferably at least partly elastic, designed to connect the buoy <NUM> to the sea bed.

It should be noted, therefore, that the invention achieves the preset aims by providing an electricity generating device which is able to guarantee a greater efficiency compared with the prior art devices thanks to the possibility of generating electricity both during a movement towards, preferably lowering, and during a movement away, preferably lifting, of the device relative to the sea bed.

Claim 1:
A device (<NUM>) for generating electricity comprising:
- an electricity generator (<NUM>) having a rotatable generating shaft (<NUM>) for generating electricity;
- a floating frame (<NUM>) designed to at least partly support said electricity generator (<NUM>);
- a first roller portion (<NUM>) wound around a respective first winding body (<NUM>) and a second roller portion (<NUM>) wound around a respective second winding body (<NUM>), the winding bodies being mounted on the floating frame (<NUM>) and the roller portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) being configured to rotate the respective winding bodies (<NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein each winding body (<NUM>, <NUM>) is supported by a respective portion of the shaft (<NUM>, <NUM>) and is rotatable about an axis of rotation (X1, X2);
wherein said first roller portion (<NUM>) has an end connected to a sea bed or to a fixed structure and said second roller portion (<NUM>) has an end connected to a counterweight (<NUM>);
wherein said winding bodies are mechanically and/or kinematically connected in such a way that when said floating frame (<NUM>) is lifted, with the end of the first roller portion (<NUM>) fixed to the sea bed or to the fixed structure, a corresponding lifting of the counterweight (<NUM>) follows and a lowering of the floating frame (<NUM>) is followed by a corresponding lowering of the counterweight (<NUM>);
wherein said portions of shaft (<NUM>, <NUM>) are mechanically connected to said generating shaft (<NUM>) for transmitting mechanical power to the generating shaft (<NUM>); and wherein each of said winding bodies (<NUM>, <NUM>) is connected to the respective portion of shaft (<NUM>, <NUM>) by at least one free wheel (<NUM>) designed to transmit a torque between the winding body and the corresponding portion of shaft (<NUM>, <NUM>) in a direction of rotation and a free rotation of the winding body relative to the respective portion of shaft (<NUM>, <NUM>) in the other direction, in such a way that when the first winding body (<NUM>) transmits a torque to the respective portion of shaft (<NUM>) the second winding body (<NUM>), kinematically coupled to the first winding body (<NUM>), is freely rotatable on the respective portion of shaft (<NUM>), and vice versa.