Tidal Power Generation Seawall Device

Abstract

This invention relates to a seawall device for tidal power generation, primarily providing tidal power generation to address the problem of low efficiency in existing tidal power generation systems. It comprises: a base installed on the seabed; and a seawall pivotally connected to the base and exposed above the sea surface. Several hydraulic power generation units are arranged between the back of the seawall and a supporting frame. The seawall is periodically propelled and swayed by tidal waves, which in turn drives the hydraulic rods in each of the hydraulic power generation units to press hydraulic oil into their respective external hydraulic pipes. This hydraulic oil then drives at least one turbine generator to generate electricity. This invention provides both improved power generation efficiency and coastal protection. In other words, this device not only enhances the utilization rate of tidal energy but also effectively reduces environmental erosion in coastal areas, thus having a positive effect on ecological conservation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of marine power generation, and more particularly to the category of a seawall device for tidal power generation. Prior Technology

[0002] Note: As climate warming and energy shortages become increasingly severe, countries around the world are vigorously developing renewable energy. Ocean energy is an important type of renewable energy, which mainly includes wave energy, tidal energy, offshore wind energy, ocean current energy, and marine chemical energy. Among them, offshore wind energy and wave energy are among the most abundant ocean energy sources with the greatest development potential and research value. Countries around the world have focused on researching the development and utilization of these two types of ocean energy.

[0003] However, most current wave and tidal energy generation devices fail to achieve efficient kinetic energy conversion. For example, the buoy structure in Chinese invention patent CN110285008A primarily absorbs the vertical potential energy of waves but cannot capture horizontal impact kinetic energy, resulting in limited power generation efficiency. Furthermore, its structure lacks coastal protection capabilities and is ill-suited to address coastal environmental erosion issues. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, considering the problems of low power generation efficiency and lack of coastal protection function of conventional wave power generation devices, the inventors have devoted themselves to developing the tidal power generation seawall device of this invention. Thus, the primary objective of this invention is to provide a tidal power generation seawall device that combines power generation and coastal protection. The secondary objective of this invention is to provide a tidal power generation seawall device with better power generation efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the tidal power generation seawall device of the present invention employs the following technical means, comprising: a base, disposed on the seabed, with a pivot seat attached to the top of the base; a seawall, pivotally connected to the pivot seat and exposed above the tidal sea level, with several connectors arranged on the back of the seawall; a support frame, mounted on the base and located on the back of the seawall; and several hydraulic power generation units, each comprising an equal number of hydraulic inner rods and hydraulic outer pipes, with the hydraulic inner rods fitted into their corresponding hydraulic outer pipes, one end of each hydraulic inner rod connected to its corresponding connector, and the hydraulic outer pipes mounted on the support frame; the seawall is periodically pushed by tidal waves, which in turn causes the hydraulic inner rods to press hydraulic oil within the hydraulic outer pipes, thereby driving at least one turbine generator to generate electricity.

[0006] The pivot base consists of several columns, each with a first pivot hole extending horizontally through it. The seawall has several grooves corresponding to these columns, each with a second pivot hole extending horizontally through it. After aligning the first and second pivot holes, a shaft is inserted, and the seawall is then pivotally connected to the pivot base so that it can swing with the tides and waves.

[0007] The base is equipped with an integrated automatic cleaning device for cleaning marine debris from the shaft, the first pivot hole, and the second pivot hole. The integrated automatic cleaning device also includes an environmental sensing unit, a high-pressure water jet unit, and a remote control unit to improve cleaning efficiency and system durability.

[0008] The seawall is 15 meters wide and is equipped with 50 connectors and 50 hydraulic power generation units.

[0009] The 50 hydraulic power generation units are arranged in a five-layer configuration, with 10 units on each layer.

[0010] The base extends at least 2 meters into the seabed.

[0011] The maximum angle of the seawall's forward tilt is set at 45 degrees, while the maximum angle of the seawall's sway due to tidal waves is set at 40 degrees.

[0012] The top of the sea wall has a curved section that extends forward by 2 meters.

[0013] The back of the seawall is provided with several guide grooves, and several connectors are provided on the guide grooves; the guide grooves are all T-shaped grooves, and the bottom of the connectors is all T-shaped blocks, so that the T-shaped grooves of the connectors can be embedded in the guide grooves provided on the back of the seawall.

[0014] The front of the seawall is smooth, while the back is a grid structure; a hydraulic device for rebounding to the sea surface is provided between the top of the back of the seawall and the top of the front of the support frame.

[0015] This invention enhances the effectiveness by not only converting the kinetic energy of tidal waves into stable electricity, but also combining coastal protection technology to provide dual protection for coastal disaster prevention and energy supply. The aforementioned effects achieved by this invention are detailed below:

[0016] 1. This invention can reduce the pollution of the Earth's environment caused by traditional coal-fired, oil-fired, and nuclear power plants, and provide a clean, renewable green energy solution. In other words, this invention provides a solution that uses ocean tides and wave energy as a power source, and through an innovatively designed seawall structure and multi-layer hydraulic power generation device, efficiently converts natural kinetic energy into stable electricity, achieving the dual goals of low-carbon power generation and coastal protection.

[0017] 2. The present invention mainly utilizes the impact of tides and waves on several seawalls erected adjacent to the coast or seawall, causing the seawalls to simultaneously undergo periodic and reciprocating swaying motions, thereby triggering several hydraulic power generation units connected to the back of each seawall to generate electricity; furthermore, because the seawalls can absorb a large amount of energy from the tides and waves, the impact force of the tides and waves on the coast is weakened, thus playing a role in protecting the coast. In addition, the present invention adds a self-cleaning design detail: the integrated automatic cleaning device is modularly designed and has a built-in environmental sensing unit, which can automatically start the cleaning mode according to changes in the marine environment, thereby improving the system's durability and stability.

[0018] 3. The seawall of the present invention and the several hydraulic power generation units connected to its back can simultaneously and fully absorb the vertical potential energy and horizontal impact kinetic energy of tidal waves, thereby improving its power generation efficiency of tidal waves.

[0019] 4. The tidal seawall power generation system of the present invention is applicable to coastal areas worldwide, especially those affected by coastal erosion, flood threats, and increasing energy demand. Compared with traditional power generation systems, the device system of the present invention can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate damage to the Earth's ecosystem, providing a feasible and efficient solution for promoting the development of renewable energy and achieving global environmental protection goals. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0020] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of the overall state of the seawall device for tidal power generation of the present invention. [Figure 2] This invention relates to a schematic diagram of the forward tilting state of a seawall when it falls under its own weight. [Figure 3] This invention relates to a schematic diagram of the erected state of a seawall when it is impacted by tidal waves. [Figure 4] This invention relates to a schematic diagram of several connectors arranged on the back of the seawall. [Figure 5] This invention relates to a partial schematic diagram of several hydraulic power generation units connected to the back of the seawall. [Figure 6] This invention relates to a combined cross-sectional schematic diagram of the connection between the seawall and the hydraulic power generation unit. [Figure 7] This invention relates to a schematic diagram of the internal operation of a hydraulic power generation unit. [Figure 8] This invention relates to a schematic diagram of the functional module architecture of an integrated automatic cleaning device. [Figure 9] This invention relates to a schematic diagram of the operation of an integrated automatic cleaning device for cleaning the shaft core. [Figure 10] Another embodiment of the present invention with at least one rebound hydraulic device for sea surface and its operation. Implementation

[0021] This invention relates to a tidal power generation seawall device, as shown in Figures 1 to 4. It is mainly erected on the seabed 7 adjacent to the coast or seawall to provide energy for converting tidal wave energy into hydraulic mechanical energy, and then converting the hydraulic mechanical energy into electrical energy. The tidal power generation seawall device A mainly includes: a base 1, a seawall 2, a support frame 3, and several hydraulic power generation units 4. The above components are described in conjunction with the drawings below.

[0022] The base 1 is located on the seabed 7 and is made of RC concrete. The base 1 extends at least 2 meters into the seabed 7 to secure it to the seabed 7. A pivot 11 is attached to the top of the base 1. The pivot 11 is composed of several columns 111 (in this embodiment, there are 4 columns 111). The columns 111 are horizontally connected by a first pivot hole 112.

[0023] The seawall 2 is pivotally connected to the pivot base 11 and is exposed to the sea surface at tides. The seawall 2 has several grooves 21 corresponding to the columns 111, and a second pivot hole 211 is horizontally passed through each of the grooves 21. After aligning the first pivot hole 112 with the second pivot hole 211, a shaft core 22 is inserted, thereby pivoting the seawall 2 to the pivot base 11, so that the seawall 2 can swing back and forth with the tides and waves. In particular, the base 1 is also equipped with an integrated automatic cleaning device 5, which can be configured as a robot to be placed on the base 1 at low tide. It can be remotely controlled wirelessly or by wire. The integrated automatic cleaning device 5 sprays high-pressure water jets to clean marine debris such as the shaft core 22, the first pivot hole 112, and the second pivot hole 211, thereby ensuring that the swing of the seawall 2 is not hindered. However, the aforementioned cleaning of the shaft core 22 can also be done manually using a handheld high-pressure water jet spray gun. That is, the integrated automatic cleaning device 5 has a built-in environmental sensing unit 51 and a high-pressure water jet spray unit 52, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. Its cleaning process is divided into three stages: a pre-detection stage, a cleaning stage, and a wastewater discharge stage. Its remote control unit 53 supports remote monitoring and can automatically perform cleaning according to the tidal cycle.

[0024] In addition, several connectors 24 are arranged on the back of the sea wall 2, and the width of the sea wall 2 can be set between 5 meters and 20 meters, with a preferred width of 15 meters, so that the back of the sea wall 2 is equipped with 50 connectors 24, that is, a total of 5 layers, and each layer has a total of 10 connectors 24.

[0025] Please refer to Figures 5 and 6 for further details. The back of the seawall 2 is provided with several guide grooves 23, and several connectors 24 are embedded in these guide grooves 23. Each guide groove 23 is a T-shaped groove, and the bottom of each connector 24 is provided with a T-shaped block 241. The T-shaped blocks 241 of the connectors 24 are loosely fitted into the guide grooves 23 of the seawall 2, allowing the T-shaped blocks 241 to move back and forth within their corresponding guide grooves 23 in conjunction with the reciprocating swing of the seawall 2. The top of each connector 24 is provided with a pivot portion 242 to provide a pivot connection to one end of the hydraulic power generation unit 4.

[0026] Furthermore, the top of the seawall 2 is provided with a curved section 25, which extends forward by 2 meters to capture and completely absorb the force of the tidal wave. The curved section 25 is also more conducive to the tidal wave 6 reciprocatingly pushing and swaying the seawall 2. The maximum forward tilt angle of the seawall 2 is set at 45 degrees, and the maximum angle of the seawall 2 swaying under the influence of the tidal wave 6 is set at 40 degrees. That is, when the seawall 2 is pushed upright by the tidal wave 6, it will still maintain a forward tilt of at least 5 degrees, so that the seawall 2 can fall down to a forward tilt of 45 degrees on its own. Furthermore, the front of the seawall 2 is a smooth surface, while the back of the seawall 2 is a hexagonal grid structure. This grid design can more effectively disperse wave force and reduce structural damage.

[0027] The support frame 3 is mounted on the base 1 and located on the back of the sea wall 2.

[0028] As shown in Figure 7, each of the several hydraulic power generation units 4 includes an equal number of hydraulic inner rods 41 and hydraulic outer pipes 42. Each hydraulic inner rod 41 is equipped with a piston 411 that fits into the corresponding hydraulic outer pipe 42. One end of each hydraulic inner rod 41 is connected to a corresponding connector 24, while the hydraulic outer pipes 42 are mounted and fixed on the support frame 3 to remain stationary. There are 50 hydraulic power generation units 4, arranged in 5 layers, with 10 units per layer. The front ends of the 50 hydraulic power generation units 4 are pivotally connected to 50 connectors 24 located on the back of the seawall 2.

[0029] Therefore, the present invention provides a preferred solution for a tidal power generation seawall device A with superior tidal power generation efficiency. This solution primarily utilizes the tidal waves 6 to periodically and reciprocately propel and sway the seawall 2. The seawall 2 then drives the hydraulic inner rods 41 of each hydraulic power generation unit 4 to nearly horizontally press the hydraulic oil 43 within each hydraulic outer pipe 42. In other words, when the seawall 2 reciprocates, the T-shaped blocks 241 of the several connectors 24 located on the back of the seawall 2 reciprocate relative to the several guide grooves 23 on the back of the seawall 2. This allows the several hydraulic inner rods 41 to nearly horizontally press the hydraulic oil 43 within each hydraulic outer pipe 42, which in turn drives at least one turbine generator to generate electricity.

[0030] In particular, compared with wind power generation, the tidal power generation seawall device A of the present invention has the following significant advantages:

[0031] Stability: Wind energy is greatly affected by seasonality, while tidal and wave energy are highly periodic and stable, and can still operate stably even in severe weather.

[0032] Land use efficiency: Wind power systems require a large amount of land or sea space for turbine placement, while this invention only requires a small number of bases along the coast to achieve both power generation and coastal protection.

[0033] Environmentally friendly: Wind power generation may impact migratory birds and the ecological environment, while tidal power installations are located on the seabed and below sea level, causing less disturbance to the surrounding ecosystem and aligning with the concept of sustainable development.

[0034] Performance advantages: Tidal energy has a higher energy density, and tidal energy devices can simultaneously capture the vertical motion potential energy and horizontal impact kinetic energy of waves, achieving a more efficient energy conversion.

[0035] In addition, regarding the design of the "rebound hydraulic device": the present invention can add a rebound hydraulic device 8 between the top back of the sea wall 2 and the top front of the support frame 3. That is, the two ends of the rebound hydraulic device 8 are respectively pivotally connected between the top back of the sea wall 2 and the top front of the support frame 3, as shown in Figure 10. Its design principle is derived from the landing gear hydraulic shock absorption technology during aircraft landing, and it has the functions of buffering impact force and rebound stabilization structure.

[0036] The main components of the sea surface hydraulic device 8:

[0037] Hydraulic cylinder: It contains hydraulic oil and a piston. When subjected to force, it absorbs energy by compressing the hydraulic oil.

[0038] Spring structure: linked with the hydraulic cylinder, it bears and mitigates instantaneous impact forces in the vertical direction.

[0039] Damping valve: controls the flow rate of hydraulic oil and regulates the smoothness of shock absorption and release.

[0040] Its installation location: The device is installed at the contact point between the top of the seawall and the support frame, and can provide effective buffering and stable support under the impact of waves.

[0041] Its working principle:

[0042] Shock absorption: When waves crash against the sea wall 2, the hydraulic cylinder in the rebound hydraulic device 8 is activated, the piston compresses the hydraulic oil, and the pressure is released through the damping valve. At the same time, the spring structure further absorbs energy.

[0043] Rebound effect: After the impact force weakens, the spring releases the stored energy, and the hydraulic cylinder generates a reverse thrust to restore the seawall 2 structure to a stable position.

[0044] Adjustment function: The damping valve automatically adjusts the hydraulic oil flow rate according to the wave intensity to adapt to the rebound requirements under different wave conditions.

[0045] Innovation Points and Advantages

[0046] Dual functions of impact dispersion and stable rebound: This device can not only absorb the impact of instantaneous waves, but also provide stable rebound thrust to ensure the long-term stability of the sea wall 2 and the support frame 3.

[0047] Modular design: The spring-loaded sea surface hydraulic device 8 has a compact structure, is easy to install, disassemble and maintain, and is suitable for multi-level structural applications.

[0048] Adaptable to extreme conditions: Referring to the design concept of aircraft landing gear, the hydraulic device 8 that bounces back to the sea surface has excellent adaptability and reliability under large waves or extreme wave conditions.

[0049] Specific applications: This device is suitable for marine tidal power generation systems, enhancing the system's structural resilience. Furthermore, the spring stiffness and hydraulic cylinder dimensions can be adjusted according to different sea conditions to ensure stable operation in various wave environments.

[0050] Finally, the benefits of the seawall tidal energy system of this invention are compared with those of offshore wind power and solar energy as follows:

[0051] A comprehensive comparison in terms of "stability"

[0052] Tidal wave power systems: Based on the natural characteristic of continuous ocean wave flow, they possess stable all-weather power generation capabilities, independent of weather conditions. Offshore wind power: Power generation depends on wind intensity and is easily affected by seasonal and regional wind condition changes. Solar power: Power generation is only possible during the day and in clear weather; power generation capacity is insufficient at night and on cloudy or rainy days.

[0053] A comprehensive comparison of land use aspects

[0054] Tidal wave power systems utilize ocean space without occupying land resources, making them particularly suitable for coastal areas. Offshore wind power requires large areas of sea for turbine deployment, potentially impacting shipping lanes and fishing activities. Solar power occupies large areas of land or rooftop space, easily competing with agriculture or other land uses.

[0055] Comprehensive comparison of "overall benefits"

[0056] Tidal wave power systems: combine power generation and flood control functions, reducing coastal erosion and providing multiple social and economic benefits. Offshore wind power: single power generation function, requires integration with other facilities to enhance application benefits. Solar energy: easy to install, but recovery efficiency is limited by installation location and environmental conditions.

[0057] A comprehensive comparison of "energy predictability"

[0058] Tidal wave power systems: Wave motion is highly predictable, providing stable energy output. Offshore wind power: Wind speed varies greatly, resulting in highly volatile energy output. Solar power: Affected by sunshine conditions, power generation fluctuates significantly.

[0059] In conclusion, this invention relates to a seawall device for tidal power generation, and its structural components have not been seen in any books or publicly used. Therefore, it meets the requirements for an invention patent application. We earnestly request your esteemed authority to grant the patent as soon as possible; your consideration is greatly appreciated.

[0060] It should be noted that the above description is the technical principle used in the specific embodiments of this case. If any changes are made in accordance with the concept of this case, and the resulting functions and effects do not exceed the spirit covered by this specification and drawings, they should be stated within the scope of the patent application of this case.

[0061] A: Tidal Power Generation Seawall Device 1: Base 11: Pivot 111: Column 112: First pivot hole 2: Seawall 21: Groove 211: Second pivot hole 22: Shaft core 23: Guide groove 24: Connectors 241: T-block 242: Pivot section 25: Curved section 3: Support frame 4: Hydraulic generator unit 41: Hydraulic inner rod 42: Hydraulic outer pipe 43: Hydraulic oil 5: Integrated automatic cleaning device 51: Environmental Sensing Unit 52: High-pressure water jet injection unit 53: Remote control unit 6: Tides and Waves 7: Seabed 8: Rebound hydraulic device

Claims

1. A tidal power generation seawall device, comprising: a base disposed on the seabed, with a pivot seat attached to the top of the base; a seawall pivotally connected to the pivot seat and exposed above the tidal sea level, with several connectors arranged on the back of the seawall; a support frame mounted on the base and located on the back of the seawall; and several hydraulic power generation units, each further comprising an equal number of hydraulic inner rods and hydraulic outer pipes, with the hydraulic inner rods fitted into corresponding hydraulic outer pipes, one end of each hydraulic inner rod connected to a corresponding connector, and the hydraulic outer pipes mounted on the support frame; the seawall is periodically pushed by tidal waves, which in turn causes the hydraulic inner rods to press hydraulic oil in each hydraulic outer pipe, thereby driving at least one turbine generator to generate electricity.

2. The tidal power generation seawall device as described in claim 1, wherein the pivot is provided with several columns, and the columns are horizontally and laterally connected by a first pivot hole, and the seawall is provided with several grooves corresponding to the columns, and the grooves are horizontally and laterally connected by a second pivot hole, and after aligning the first pivot hole and the second pivot hole, a shaft is inserted, thereby pivotally connecting the seawall to the pivot, so that the seawall can swing with the tides and waves.

3. The tidal power generation seawall device as described in claim 2, wherein the base is further provided with an integrated automatic cleaning device, and the integrated automatic cleaning device is used to clean marine debris on the shaft, the first pivot hole and the second pivot hole; and the integrated automatic cleaning device further includes an environmental sensing unit, a high-pressure water jet unit and a remote control unit to improve cleaning efficiency and system durability.

4. The tidal power generation seawall device as described in claim 1, wherein the seawall is 15 meters wide and is equipped with 50 connectors and 50 hydraulic power generation units.

5. The tidal power generation seawall device as described in claim 4, wherein the 50 hydraulic power generation units are arranged in 5 layers, with 10 hydraulic power generation units on each layer.

6. The tidal power generation seawall device as described in claim 1, wherein the base extends at least 2 meters into the seabed.

7. The tidal power generation seawall device as described in claim 1, wherein the maximum forward tilt angle of the seawall is set to 45 degrees, and the maximum angle of the seawall's sway due to tidal waves is set to 40 degrees.

8. The tidal power generation seawall device as described in claim 1, wherein the top of the seawall is provided with a curved section, and the curved section extends forward by 2 meters.

9. The tidal power generation seawall device as described in claim 1, wherein a plurality of guide grooves are provided on the back side of the seawall, and a plurality of connectors are provided on the plurality of guide grooves; wherein the plurality of guide grooves are all T-shaped grooves, and the bottom of the plurality of connectors is all T-shaped blocks, so that the T-shaped grooves of the plurality of connectors can be embedded in the plurality of guide grooves provided on the back side of the seawall.

10. The tidal power generation seawall device as described in claim 1, wherein the front of the seawall is a smooth surface and the back of the seawall is a mesh structure; and a bouncing hydraulic device for the sea surface is provided between the top of the back of the seawall and the top of the front of the support frame.