Dam with convex front

Abstract

A dam system is described, comprising the following interconnected components: at least two floating caissons (1) weighted with ballast (11) to maintain the required level of buoyancy, each caisson equipped with vertical chevron fins (2) placed along its sides to maintain horizontal stability, and fins (2) placed at the bottom or keel of each caisson (1); central crossbeams (6) for connecting the boxes (1); crossbeams (8) supporting convex fronts (4) that facilitate the transmission of incident waves in the gaps (13) between the caissons (1), the convex fronts (4) allowing the use of potential and kinetic waves for subsequent conversion into electrical energy; and a plurality of Torricelli columns (3) placed integrally with the caissons (1).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to dams having a protruding front portion.

[0002] Current dam technology utilizes ocean currents on the seabed, where energy transfer is extremely low. On the sea surface, it utilizes the rise and fall of waves and tides, but due to the discontinuity of wave motion, very low yields are achieved.

[0003] Documents US-A1-2020 / 123724 and JP-A-H08226112 describe existing dams.

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the aforementioned problems of the prior art by providing a dam with a convex front that allows the capture of all the energy of the incident water under any sea conditions, converting it into a continuous flow. Therefore, this dam can maximize the utilization of the energy of ocean currents, which is concentrated in a "dynamic layer" originating at sea level and located at a depth of approximately 8 meters, and is effectively depleted below this depth.

[0005] The "convex front" of the dam of the present invention allows for better utilization of the potential and kinetic energy of waves, which can then be converted into electrical energy.

[0006] The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention, as will become apparent from the following description, are achieved by a dam having a protruding front portion as described in claim 1. Preferred embodiments and important variations of the invention constitute the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] It should be understood that all appended claims form part of this specification.

[0008] The present invention will be better described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of some preferred embodiments, wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the basic module of a preferred embodiment of a dam according to the present invention, but is not limited thereto;

[0010] Figure 2 It is similar to Figure 1 The diagram shows the direction of the wave motion;

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view of the dam; and

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the dam as a whole.

[0013] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent that numerous variations and modifications can be made to the described contents (e.g., relating to shape, size, various colors, and components with equivalent functions) without departing from the scope of the invention as shown in the appended claims.

[0014] The convex dam system of the present invention is based on the front of at least two caissons 1, which are parallel to each other and interconnected, preferably in a rhomboid shape, and can be connected to the dam's crossbeams 6 and 8 via a rotating bracket 5, such as... Figure 1 As shown, rotation is allowed so that the caisson 1 can be orthogonal to the incident wavefront.

[0015] The two caissons 1 are connected together in the center by the crossbeam 6, and the orientation of the two caissons 1 is adjusted as a whole along the wave direction.

[0016] A basic module consisting of at least two caissons 1 (such as...) Figure 1 (As shown) Supporting beam 8, the protruding part 4, which is hinged to roller bracket 5, is hinged to beam 8 (see... Figure 3 The final dimensions of the dam and platform can be obtained as the sum of several side-by-side modules connected in series or parallel (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0017] At the terminal gap 13 of each module, any water turbine (not shown) can be placed, thanks to the appropriate product whose opening is located by the sea to obtain the maximum electrical potential through the Venturi effect.

[0018] Each caisson 1 is equipped with special vertical fins 2 arranged in a V-shape on its side. These fins are broken by the bow of the caisson 1 and the waves transported by the front part 4 are transformed into counter-pressure relative to the incident waves. The counter-pressure contrasts with the thrust of the waves themselves. Together with the fins set on the keel, they contribute to the horizontal stability of the dam and the suction effect of the water entering the pressure pipe represented by the gap 13. This is due to the depression created by the expansion stage of the inverted funnel mouth generated by the water outlet of the gap 13 and the inverted funnel mouth generated by the stern of the two adjacent caissons.

[0019] Any other fins 2, in a herringbone shape and of suitable size and shape, can be positioned along the keel of caisson 1 to help counteract the potential deep impact of waves and generate counter-stabilizing forces in the horizontal and vertical directions of the dam.

[0020] Torricelli columns 3 (in) Figure 3 (This is better explained in the text) It contributes to the vertical stability of the structure, reducing the stress released on the anchors to the required level; it also helps to balance the Archimedes principle, reducing the amount of ballast 11 required to sink the structure to the required level.

[0021] The basic module for realizing the basic principle of the present invention consists of two caissons 1, preferably rhomboid in shape, whose bows can break the incident wave, and whose side shapes compete with the bow shapes of the adjacent caissons 1, thus accelerating the speed of the incident wave due to the Venturi effect.

[0022] The caisson 1 is laterally equipped with a series of vertical herringbone fins 2 with appropriate shape, size, profile and angle, with the aim of generating stabilizing forces (salmon effect) in the structure.

[0023] The caisson unit 1 may have one or more pins at the top, and the connecting beams 6 between the caissons and the supporting beams 8 of the dam front protrusion may rotate around the pins.

[0024] Each caisson 1, such as Figure 3 As shown in the cross-section, it is composed of concrete and / or steel structure, with an anchor at the bottom. The anchor consists of a base 9 properly fixed to the seabed and a connecting chain 10 fixed to the caisson itself, as shown. Figure 3 As shown.

[0025] As shown in the figure, the bottom (keel) of the caisson 1 can be equipped with fins 2 of appropriate size, shape and contour in a herringbone pattern, which are suitable for generating a force that contrasts with the force of the incident wave and vertically stabilizes the caisson 1.

[0026] The interior of caisson 1 is ballasted with element 11 to achieve the desired water level of the dam or platform.

[0027] The empty space inside box 1 can be used to store various items and services.

[0028] The upper part of the caisson 1 can be connected to the adjacent caisson 1 via a crossbeam 6. Each crossbeam 6 includes one or more central pins 7 for possible rotation of the caisson 1, with the aim of dynamically positioning it as perpendicular as possible to the incident wave.

[0029] At the top of each caisson 1, the front part 4 is positioned on the crossbeam 8.

[0030] The caisson 1 includes several Torricelli columns 3 with appropriate cross-sections, positioned in a suitable manner to utilize the stabilizing principle generated by the pressure in the columns and to reduce the weight of the ballast 11 and the stress on the anchor chain 10, thereby attributing part of the load to the pressure itself.

[0031] Each component of the system can be made using elements and materials suitable for its intended use.

[0032] The basic working principle of the system and all its components of this invention is to utilize the scientific principles of fluid dynamics (Torricelli effect, Venturi effect, Bernoulli-Coanda effect, Schrauberger effect) to create a force that counteracts the waves impacting a dam or floating platform, so that the free energy of the wave motion and atmospheric pressure are used to generate a stable reaction force.

[0033] The practical implementation of the above basic principle is through the construction of a bow or bridge consisting of caissons 1. Figure 4 It is equipped with fins 2 (with a "salmon" effect) to support the convex breakwater dam, and an innovative floating platform and Torricelli columns 3 to stiffen and stabilize the entire floating structure.

[0034] The horizontal wave force incident on the dam or floating platform contrasts with the shape of the fins 2 vertically fixed to the sides and keel of the caisson 1, which, due to the Bernoulli-Coanda effect, generates a counterforce on the basis of the incident wave.

[0035] The vertically incident wave forces (upward and downward motion) and the thrust that generates an overturning moment on the floating structure (dam or platform) are offset by the Torricelli column 3, because the concave liquid completely fills the column (top sealed) and serves as a solid component of the ocean fluid layer below the submerged end of the column, while the pressure exerted on the structure by the column 3 through the caisson 1 reduces the need for ballast to an equal extent.

[0036] Compared with the horizontal force of the incident wave and the Torricelli column effect, and compared with the vertical force and the overturning moment of the wave, the Bernoulli-Coanda effect significantly reduces the stress that must be shared by the anchor chain 10 and the anchor 9.

[0037] refer to Figure 2 It highlights the basic operating principle of the invention, showing how the incident wave inserts itself between the bows of two adjacent caissons 1, and converts its pressure into velocity due to the Venturi effect, impacting the fins 2 located on both sides of the caisson 1. The part exposed to the wave accelerates and produces a depression inside (Bernoulli-Coenda effect), so that the resulting contrast force is the same as the force that impacts the fins 2.

[0038] The overall stabilizing effect reduces the stress applied to the anchor chain and anchor during supplemental stabilization interventions.

[0039] The incident wavefront causes all the caissons 1 to rotate as a whole (due to pins 7 and crescent shapes 5) so that they meet the incident wavefront as orthogonally as possible.

[0040] Wave impact Figure 4The structure and wave pressure are converted into sliding velocity along the gap 13 formed by the wall of the caisson 1 and the front part 4, wherein the caisson 1 is positioned in a direction perpendicular to and opposite to the wave motion.

[0041] Figure 3 The Torricelli column 3, which is integrated with the caisson 1, is shown (in cross-section) and stabilizes the floating structure in terms of vertical and torsional stress.

[0042] Figure 3 The fin-like structure 2 below the keel of the central caisson 1 is also quite prominent. Its function is to generate a reaction force that is formed by the vertical and horizontal thrust of the wave motion.

[0043] The bow and stern of the caisson are connected to the anchor base 9 by anchor chains 10, which are properly positioned to minimize the traction force and overturning moment acting on the floating structure.

[0044] Therefore, as described above, the uniqueness of the dam system of the present invention lies in maximizing the use of the energy of ocean motion, which is concentrated in a "dynamic layer" that originates from the sea surface and is about 8 meters deep, and is actually exhausted below this height.

[0045] The bulge at the front of the dam is an ingenious design that maximizes the use of the potential and kinetic energy of the waves so that it can be subsequently converted into electrical energy.

[0046] The front of the rhomboid caisson 1 is a technical solution. On the one hand, it accelerates the inflow of water to achieve maximum efficiency in energy conversion. On the other hand, since the expansion stage is at the outlet, it can reduce speed and wave height, helping to protect the currently endangered port environment and coastal areas.

Claims

1. A dam system comprising the following interconnected components: At least two floating caissons (1) having a rhomboid cross section are weighted with ballast (11) to maintain the required buoyancy level. Each caisson (1) is equipped with vertical herringbone fins (2) placed along its side to maintain horizontal stability. The fins (2) are placed at the bottom or keel of each caisson (1) to contribute to both vertical and horizontal stability. The central crossbeam (6) is used to connect the caisson (1); The crossbeam (8) supporting the front portion (4) helps to transmit incident waves in the gap (13) between the caissons (1), and the front portion (4) allows the use of the potential and kinetic energy of the waves for subsequent conversion into electrical energy; the front portion (4) is supported by the crossbeam (8) hinged to the roller stabilizer (5). as well as Multiple Torricelli columns (3) are placed integrally with the caisson (1). The stability principle generated by the pressure in the column (3) is utilized, and the weight of the ballast (11) is reduced, so that part of the load is attributed to the pressure itself. Its task is to compare the Archimedes thrust generated by the main body of the immersion system. An anchor base (9) with a corresponding anchor chain (10) is used to further ensure the stability of the floating structure of the system, and the front part (4) is designed to minimize the stress on the anchor base (9) and the anchor chain (10); The incident wave enters the dam and inserts between the bows of two adjacent caissons. The wave pressure is converted into sliding velocity along the gap formed by the walls and the front of the caissons. It impacts the fins located on both sides of the caissons, accelerates in the part exposed to the wave, and produces a depression in the expansion stage of the water inlet of the gap and the inverted funnel mouth formed by the stern of the two adjacent caissons, forming the Bernoulli-Coanda effect.

2. The dam system according to claim 1, characterized in that, In order to minimize the cost of applying Torricelli's principle, based on the calculation results that ensure Archimedes' thrust is equal to the counter-thrust of Torricelli's principle, one foot of each Torricelli column (3) is appropriately widened and sealed.

3. The dam system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, It also includes at least one pin (7) positioned on the upper part of the caisson (1) so that the caisson (1) can rotate orthogonally relative to the incident wave surface as much as possible.

4. The dam system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It is suitable for building floating platforms or docks.

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