Oscillating water column wave energy power generation system with focusing structure at bottom

By installing an adjustable-angle energy-concentrating plate and adjustment mechanism at the bottom of the oscillating water column wave energy power generation device, the problem of low energy capture efficiency of traditional devices under varying sea conditions is solved, gas flow rate matching and equipment protection are achieved, and power generation efficiency and equipment safety are improved.

CN121066756BActive Publication Date: 2026-05-05DALIAN UNIV OF TECH
View PDF 2 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
DALIAN UNIV OF TECH
Filing Date
2025-09-04
Publication Date
2026-05-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional oscillating water column wave power generation devices suffer from low energy capture efficiency due to their fixed installation height and uncontrollable bottom water intake under varying sea conditions. Furthermore, the gas flow rate converted in the gas chamber cannot match the optimal operating frequency of the turbine power generation system, and they are easily damaged in extreme weather conditions.

Method used

An oscillating water column wave energy generation system with a bottom-concentrating structure was designed. By setting an adjustable-angle concentrating plate and adjustment mechanism at the bottom of the air chamber, the gas flow rate in the air chamber is matched and protected. The system includes a transmission mechanism and a screw lift to adjust the height of the air chamber, and uses a radar altimeter and an infrared camera to monitor the sea conditions in real time.

Benefits of technology

It improves the energy conversion efficiency of wave power generation devices, protects turbine power generation systems from overload or surge, reduces the risk of equipment damage, and achieves efficient power generation and equipment protection under different sea conditions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN121066756B_ABST
    Figure CN121066756B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of marine new energy technology utilization, and discloses an oscillating water column wave energy generation system with a bottom-mounted energy-concentrating structure. The system includes a jacket, an air chamber, a turbine power generation system, a radar altimeter, an infrared camera, an airflow velocity sensor, and a control unit. It also includes a bottom energy-concentrating component installed at the lower end of the air chamber and equipped with a transmission mechanism. A horizontal bottom plate and two symmetrically arranged energy-concentrating plates reflect and guide seawater at the bottom of the air chamber, concentrating energy beyond the width of the air chamber. The transmission mechanism synchronously controls the opening and closing of the energy-concentrating plates, changing the amount of seawater entering the air chamber at the inlet. This wave energy generation system can adjust the oscillation intensity of the water column in the air chamber according to changes in sea waves, ensuring that the generated airflow velocity matches the optimal operating frequency of the turbine power generation system, guaranteeing the power generation efficiency of the device. It also protects the oscillating water column wave energy generation device from wave impacts.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine new energy technology utilization technology, specifically to an oscillating water column wave energy power generation system with an energy-concentrating structure at the bottom. Background Technology

[0002] Wave energy generation devices are mainly classified into three types according to their working principle: oscillating water column type, overflying type, and oscillating body type. Among them, the oscillating water column wave energy generation device is widely studied and used because its air turbine does not directly contact seawater, making it less prone to corrosion. It also boasts advantages such as simple structure, high reliability, and excellent adaptability in complex sea conditions. Early oscillating water column wave energy generation devices were mostly shore-based fixed structures. Due to the relatively low wave energy density near the shore, the power generation capacity of these devices was limited, hindering large-scale commercialization. Offshore oscillating water column wave energy generation devices can overcome these problems, enabling the development and utilization of wave energy from the more abundant deep-sea areas. The energy conversion efficiency of oscillating water column wave energy generation devices is relatively high when the wave frequency is close to the device frequency. Currently, combining offshore jacket platforms with oscillating water column wave energy generation devices, with the offshore jacket platform serving as the supporting foundation, significantly reduces the development cost of wave energy generation, improves the overall profitability of wave energy generation, and simultaneously alleviates the energy crisis and environmental pollution problems.

[0003] Currently, the energy conversion efficiency of offshore oscillating water column wave energy devices depends on the vibration intensity of the water column inside. Therefore, under varying sea conditions, traditional devices are limited by the fixed installation height and uncontrollable bottom water intake, causing the speed of the generated airflow to change with the changes in the waves. This results in the gas flow rate in the chamber not being able to match the optimal operating frequency of the turbine power generation system, leading to low power generation efficiency. Furthermore, in extreme weather conditions, the impact of waves on the chamber can damage the oscillating water column wave energy device, rendering it inoperable. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical problems to be solved

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an oscillating water column wave energy generation system with a bottom-concentrating structure. This system solves the problems that traditional devices are limited by fixed installation height and uncontrollable bottom water intake under varying sea conditions, resulting in low energy capture efficiency and the inability to absorb energy beyond the width of the air chamber. Consequently, the gas flow rate converted within the air chamber cannot match the optimal operating frequency of the turbine power generation system.

[0006] Technical solution

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an oscillating water column wave energy generation system with a bottom-concentrating structure, comprising a jacket, a gas chamber, a turbine power generation system, a radar altimeter, an infrared camera, an airflow velocity sensor, and a control host, and further comprising:

[0008] The bottom energy-concentrating component is installed at the lower end of the air chamber and is equipped with a transmission mechanism. Through the horizontal bottom plate and two symmetrically arranged energy-concentrating plates, the seawater is reflected and guided at the bottom of the air chamber to complete the energy collection beyond the width of the air chamber. The transmission mechanism synchronously controls the opening and closing of the energy-concentrating plates to change the amount of seawater flowing into the air chamber at the inlet, so that the gas flow rate converted in the air chamber can match the optimal operating frequency of the turbine power generation system.

[0009] An adjustment mechanism is used to movably install the air chamber on the guide frame. A support frame is fixedly installed on one side of the air chamber. A screw jack is used to adjust the fixed height of the support frame and the air chamber according to the change of sea level, so that the air chamber is kept at a suitable water depth and works with the bottom energy-concentrating component to achieve the best wave energy conversion efficiency.

[0010] As a further description of the above technical solution, the bottom energy-concentrating component consists of a transmission mechanism, a horizontal base plate, and two energy-concentrating plates. The bottom of the air chamber is an open structure with multiple fixing parts at the edge. The horizontal base plate is fixedly installed at the lower end of the multiple fixing parts and is coaxially arranged with the air chamber. The two energy-concentrating plates are rotatably connected between the air chamber and the horizontal base plate through a connecting shaft. The two energy-concentrating plates form an energy-concentrating wall between the air chamber and the horizontal base plate, and a water inlet is formed in front of the energy-concentrating wall. The transmission mechanism is installed on the side wall of the air chamber and is located in the middle of the two energy-concentrating plates to realize synchronous control of the relative opening and closing of the two energy-concentrating plates. The screw jack is located behind a fixing part located in the middle part and adjusts the position of the air chamber and the bottom energy-concentrating component by driving the support frame.

[0011] As a further description of the above technical solution, the energy-concentrating plate has an arc-shaped structure with the center of the arc located on the center line of the gas chamber of the cylindrical structure. The thickness of the energy-concentrating plate is the same as the thickness of the gas chamber, and the outer side is flush with the outer side of the gas chamber. The width of the energy-concentrating plate is the same as the distance between the horizontal base plate and the lower end of the gas chamber.

[0012] As a further description of the above technical solution, a baffle with water-gathering function is fixedly connected to one side of the energy-concentrating plate. The lower end of the baffle is in contact with the upper end of the horizontal base plate. An arc-shaped groove is provided on the upper end of the horizontal base plate with the connecting shaft as the center to limit the opening and closing angle of the energy-concentrating plate. A positioning pin is slidably connected in the arc-shaped groove and the positioning pin is fixed on the baffle.

[0013] As a further description of the above technical solution, the arc-shaped groove and the positioning pin cooperate to restrict the swing of the energy-concentrating plate within the range of 0°-80°. When the two energy-concentrating plates are at their minimum angle under the drive of the transmission mechanism, some seawater can pass through the bottom of the air chamber, and the remaining seawater is discharged to the bottom of the air chamber by the outer side of the two energy-concentrating plates. This allows seawater to enter the air chamber in a minimum amount, avoiding violent water column movement due to large waves or too deep air chamber, reducing the peak airflow velocity, and protecting the turbine from overload or surge. When the two energy-concentrating plates are at their maximum angle under the drive of the transmission mechanism, the inner side of the energy-concentrating plates can guide seawater outside the diameter of the air chamber to the bottom of the air chamber, increasing the oscillation amplitude of the water column inside the air chamber, increasing the airflow velocity, and enabling the turbine power generation system to generate electricity normally.

[0014] As a further description of the above technical solution, the transmission mechanism includes a gearbox and a connecting rod assembly. The gearbox is fixed to the upper end of the support frame and has two drive shafts. Two brackets are fixedly connected to one side of the air chamber. The side walls of both drive shafts are rotatably connected to the side walls of the brackets via bearing seats. Two symmetrically arranged half-shafts are rotatably connected between the two brackets. The connecting rod assembly consists of an arc-shaped rocker arm, a brake rod, and an arc-shaped rod. Two arc-shaped rocker arms are fixedly connected to the shaft walls of the half-shafts. One side of the energy-concentrating plate is fixedly connected to... Two arc-shaped rods, with the same curvature as the energy-concentrating plate, form an arc-shaped slide. A pin is installed inside the arc-shaped slide, fixed to one end of an arc-shaped rocker arm and rotatably connected to a roller on its side wall. A slider is slidably connected to the arc-shaped rocker arm, and a cylinder is fixedly connected to one side of the slider. The side wall of the cylinder is rotatably connected to one end of a brake rod through a sealed bearing. The brake rod is fixed to the shaft wall of the transmission shaft. The gearbox is a reduction gearbox with self-locking characteristics and uses a stepper motor as the driving component to make the two transmission shafts rotate in opposite directions at the same speed.

[0015] As a further description of the above technical solution, the upper end of the gearbox is sealed with a top cover. Two symmetrically arranged gear shafts are rotatably connected between the top cover and the bottom of the gearbox via ball bearings. Gears are meshed on opposite sides of the two gear shafts. The gears are coaxially fixedly connected to the upper end of the transmission shaft. The output end of the stepper motor extends into the gearbox and is fixedly connected to a worm. Two worm wheels mesh on the worm's wall. The two worm wheels are coaxially fixed to the upper ends of the two transmission shafts.

[0016] As a further description of the above technical solution, the adjustment mechanism includes a support frame and two crossbeams. The two crossbeams are arranged in parallel and are fixedly connected to two vertically arranged fixing plates. Both fixing plates are fixedly installed on the guide frame. A guide rail is fixedly connected to one side of each fixing plate. A matching slide block is slidably connected to the guide rail. Multiple support rods are fixedly connected to one side of each slide block, and one end of each support rod is fixedly connected to the side wall of the air chamber. The screw jack consists of a lead screw and a drive motor. A lifting nut is threaded onto the wall of the lead screw. The lifting nut is fixed to one side of the support frame. One side of the lower crossbeam is rotatably connected to the lower end of the lead screw through a bearing seat.

[0017] As a further description of the above technical solution, the turbine power generation system is installed at the upper center of the air chamber via an airflow duct. A frustum-shaped flow guide is installed inside the air chamber. The lower port of the airflow duct of the turbine power generation system is connected to the upper opening of the flow guide. The airflow velocity sensor is installed at the upper opening of the flow guide. The airflow duct, horizontal base plate, air chamber, flow guide, and energy-concentrating plate are all made of high-strength, lightweight materials, preferably widely used martensitic stainless steel. A cover plate is fixedly connected to the upper end of the air chamber. One end of the cover plate is fixed to the upper end of the air chamber, and the other end of the cover plate is fixed to the upper end of the support frame.

[0018] As a further description of the above technical solution, the radar altimeter is installed on the jacket and keeps vertically downward to illuminate the sea surface in the area behind the air chamber, and the infrared camera is installed on the upper end of the leg of the jacket to illuminate the direction of incoming waves at an angle of 30°-50° with the sea surface.

[0019] Beneficial effects

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides an oscillating water column wave energy generation system with an energy-concentrating structure at the bottom, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] 1. This technical solution uses two arc-shaped energy-concentrating plates with adjustable angles at the bottom of the air chamber to enable the oscillating water column wave power generation device to capture waves of a wider frequency range, thereby increasing the oscillation amplitude of the water column in the air chamber. When the waves are small, the air chamber can still generate airflow with sufficient velocity to maintain the power generation efficiency of the oscillating water column wave power generation device. When the waves are large, the closed water-guiding effect of the energy-concentrating plates can allow seawater to be discharged to the bottom of the air chamber, suppressing the violent movement of the water column in the air chamber, reducing the peak velocity of the airflow, and protecting the air turbine of the turbine power generation system from overload or surge.

[0022] 2. In this technical solution, the drive motor drives the lead screw to move the lifting nut. The movement of the lifting nut can drive the support frame to slide the air chamber on the guide rail. In this way, the vibration intensity of the water column generated inside the air chamber can be reduced by raising the height of the air chamber, which can coordinate the peak velocity of the airflow, protect the air turbine from overload or surge, and reduce the impact force of the air chamber on the sea waves, thus protecting the power generation equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an oscillating water column wave energy generation system with a bottom energy-concentrating structure proposed in this invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the air chamber and turbine power generation system in an oscillating water column wave energy power generation system with a bottom energy-concentrating structure proposed in this invention.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the air chamber and the guide shroud in an oscillating water column wave energy generation system with a bottom energy-concentrating structure proposed in this invention.

[0026] Figure 4 This invention presents a schematic diagram of the bottom energy-concentrating component and transmission mechanism in an oscillating water column wave energy generation system with a bottom energy-concentrating structure. Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 5 This invention presents a schematic diagram of the bottom energy-concentrating component and transmission mechanism in an oscillating water column wave energy generation system with a bottom energy-concentrating structure. Figure 2 ;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission mechanism in an oscillating water column wave energy generation system with a bottom energy-concentrating structure proposed in this invention.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom energy-concentrating component in an oscillating water column wave energy generation system with a bottom energy-concentrating structure proposed in this invention.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the effect of adjusting the angle of the bottom energy-concentrating component in an oscillating water column wave energy generation system with a bottom energy-concentrating structure proposed in this invention.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the effect of the bottom energy-concentrating component in an oscillating water column wave power generation system with a bottom energy-concentrating structure proposed in this invention, demonstrating the energy-gathering function of the component.

[0032] In the diagram: 1. Horizontal base plate; 2. Air chamber; 3. Turbine power generation system; 4. Slide; 5. Guide rail; 6. Lead screw; 7. Fixing plate; 8. Guide frame; 9. Drive motor; 10. Energy-concentrating plate; 11. Support rod; 12. Cover plate; 13. Gearbox; 14. Stepper motor; 15. Shield; 16. Worm gear; 17. Worm; 18. Gear; 19. Baffle; 20. Positioning pin; 21. Arc groove; 22. Arc rod; 23. Drive shaft; 24. Support frame; 25. Arc rocker arm; 26. Brake lever; 27. Half shaft; 28. Lifting nut; 29. ​​Gear shaft; 30. Infrared camera; 31. Roller; 32. Slider; 33. Radar altimeter; 34. Airflow velocity sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] See attached document Figure 1-9 This technical solution provides an oscillating water column wave energy generation system with a bottom-concentrating structure. By designing a horizontal base plate 1 and two energy-concentrating plates 10, energy is concentrated when waves are small, and the energy concentration effect is reduced when waves are large. This allows the oscillating water column wave energy generation device to capture a wider range of wave frequencies, ensuring that the gas flow velocity converted within the air chamber 2 matches the optimal operating frequency of the turbine power generation system 3, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the oscillating water column wave energy generation device. The specific technical solution includes a jacket 8, air chamber 2, turbine power generation system 3, radar altimeter 33, infrared camera 30, airflow velocity sensor 34, and control unit. The jacket 8 utilizes existing abandoned offshore foundation structures, eliminating the need for constructing a new support system for the wave energy generation system, allowing for direct integration and installation. This effectively reduces construction costs and facilitates faster and less complex construction. Figure 1 As shown, this technical solution is not limited to installing an oscillating water column wave power generation system on only one surface. When installing multiple oscillating water column wave power generation systems, it is only necessary to orient the inlet towards the direction of the incoming wave. This technical solution also includes:

[0035] The bottom energy-concentrating component is installed at the lower end of the air chamber 2 and is equipped with a transmission mechanism. Through the horizontal bottom plate 1 and two symmetrically arranged energy-concentrating plates 10, the seawater is reflected and guided at the bottom of the air chamber 2, and the energy is concentrated beyond the width of the air chamber 2. The transmission mechanism synchronously controls the opening and closing of the energy-concentrating plates 10 to change the amount of seawater flowing into the air chamber 2 at the inlet, so that the gas flow rate converted in the air chamber 2 can match the optimal operating frequency of the turbine power generation system 3.

[0036] The adjustment mechanism is used to movably install the air chamber 2 on the guide frame 8. A support frame 24 is fixedly installed on one side of the air chamber 2. A screw jack is used to adjust the fixed height of the support frame 24 and the air chamber 2 according to the change of sea level, so that the air chamber 2 is kept at a suitable water depth to achieve the best energy conversion efficiency in conjunction with the bottom energy-concentrating component.

[0037] This technical solution, by setting two relatively adjustable arc-shaped energy-concentrating plates 10 at the bottom of the air chamber 2, enables the oscillating water column wave energy generator to capture waves of a wider frequency range, increasing the oscillation amplitude of the water column in the air chamber 2. Even with smaller waves, sufficient airflow velocity can still be generated within the air chamber 2 to maintain the power generation efficiency of the oscillating water column wave energy generator. With larger waves, the closing water-guiding effect of the energy-concentrating plates 10 allows seawater to be discharged from the bottom of the air chamber 2, suppressing the violent movement of the water column within the air chamber 2, reducing the peak airflow velocity, and protecting the air turbine of the turbine power generation system 3 from overload or surge. Compared to traditional operating methods that suppress the violent movement of the water column by lowering the air chamber 2 when waves are large, this technical solution can suppress airflow without changing the immersion depth, avoiding damage caused by the greater impact force on the oscillating water column wave energy generator in seawater due to deeper immersion of the air chamber. Thus, while regulating the peak airflow velocity, it also protects the oscillating water column wave energy generator.

[0038] like Figures 4-9 As shown, the bottom energy-concentrating component in the above technical solution consists of a transmission mechanism, a horizontal base plate 1, and two energy-concentrating plates 10. The bottom of the air chamber 2 is an open structure with multiple fixing parts at the edge. Three fixing parts are located at 0°, 90°, and 180° respectively. The two energy-concentrating plates 10 are located on both sides of the middle fixing part, and the contact points are rounded. The horizontal base plate 1 is fixedly installed at the lower end of the multiple fixing parts and is coaxially arranged with the air chamber 2. Both energy-concentrating plates 10 are rotatably connected between the air chamber 2 and the horizontal base plate 1 through a connecting shaft. The two energy-concentrating plates 10 form an energy-concentrating wall between the air chamber 2 and the horizontal base plate 1, and a water inlet is formed in front of the energy-concentrating wall, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the positions of the energy-concentrating wall and the water inlet are symmetrically arranged, which is equivalent to opening a water inlet on the side wall of the air chamber 2. The transmission mechanism is installed on the side wall of the air chamber 2 and is located in the middle of the two energy-concentrating plates 10 to realize synchronous control of the relative opening and closing of the two energy-concentrating plates 10. The screw jack is located behind a fixed part in the middle part and adjusts the position of the air chamber 2 and the bottom energy-concentrating component by driving the support frame 24.

[0039] Specifically, the energy-concentrating plate 10 has an arc-shaped structure with the center of the arc located on the center line of the cylindrical air chamber 2. The thickness of the energy-concentrating plate 10 is the same as the thickness of the air chamber 2, and its outer side is flush with the outer side of the air chamber 2. The width of the energy-concentrating plate 10 is the same as the distance between the horizontal base plate 1 and the lower end of the air chamber 2.

[0040] like Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, under normal conditions (the design of the normal oscillating water column wave energy power generation device should be in response to the wave frequency of the sea area), the energy-concentrating plate 10 can swing to be flush with the outside of the air chamber 2, so that it can play a normal water-concentrating role through the cooperation of the horizontal base plate 1 and the energy-concentrating plate 10.

[0041] In extreme weather conditions with large waves, unlike traditional "diving equipment" solutions, this technical solution can form a "guide weir" by retracting the energy-concentrating plate 10 without changing the equipment's position. The arc-shaped structure on the outer side of the energy-concentrating plate 10 guides seawater to the bottom of the air chamber 2, preventing the water flow from hitting the energy-concentrating wall and entering the air chamber 2 to form a violently oscillating water column. This can suppress the generation of excessively fast airflow, protect the air turbine of the wheel power generation system 3 from overload or surge, and also avoid increasing the impact on the power generation system.

[0042] When the sea surface is relatively flat and the waves are small, the water column oscillation intensity in the air chamber 2 is insufficient, so it is impossible to generate an airflow with sufficient velocity. At this time, the maximum angle of the energy-concentrating plate 10 can be used to increase the range of seawater gathering. The energy-concentrating plate 10 then uses its inner arc structure to gather seawater below the air chamber 2, allowing the seawater to enter the air chamber 2 and form a water column with sufficient oscillation intensity, thereby generating an airflow with sufficient velocity to drive the turbine power generation system 3 to generate electricity.

[0043] The above three common sea conditions can all be effectively addressed through the implementation of this technical solution, enabling the airflow generated in the air chamber 2 to drive the wheel power generation system 3 to generate electricity efficiently within a reasonable range. At the same time, in extreme cases, it can also reduce the impact of waves on the equipment and provide comprehensive protection for the equipment.

[0044] Reference Appendix Figure 7 and attached Figure 9A baffle 19 with water-gathering function is fixedly connected to one side of the energy-gathering plate 10. The baffle 19 can improve the structural strength of the energy-gathering plate 10. When fully extended, the baffle 19 prevents seawater from flowing down when it hits the curved surface of the energy-gathering plate 10, thus improving the seawater gathering effect of the energy-gathering plate 10. The lower end of the baffle 19 is attached to the upper end of the horizontal base plate 1. The upper end of the horizontal base plate 1 is provided with an arc-shaped groove 21 centered on the connecting shaft to limit the opening angle of the energy-gathering plate 10. A positioning pin 20 is slidably connected in the arc-shaped groove 21 and fixed to the baffle 19. The arc-shaped groove 21 and the positioning pin 20 cooperate to limit the energy-gathering plate 10 within the range of 0-80°. When the two energy-concentrating plates 10 are at their minimum angle under the drive of the transmission mechanism, some seawater can pass through the bottom of the air chamber 2, while the remaining seawater is discharged from the bottom of the air chamber 2 by the outer side of the two energy-concentrating plates 10. This minimizes the amount of seawater entering the air chamber 2, preventing violent water column movement due to large waves or excessive depth of the air chamber 2, reducing the peak airflow velocity, and protecting the turbine from overload or surge. When the two energy-concentrating plates 10 are at their maximum angle under the drive of the transmission mechanism, the inner side of the energy-concentrating plates 10 can guide seawater outside the diameter of the air chamber 2 to the bottom of the air chamber 2, increasing the oscillation amplitude of the water column inside the air chamber 2 and increasing the airflow velocity so that the turbine power generation system 3 can generate electricity normally.

[0045] Reference Figures 4-6 The transmission mechanism used in this technical solution includes a gearbox 13 and a connecting rod assembly. The gearbox 13 is fixed to the upper end of the support frame 24 and is provided with two drive shafts 23. Two brackets are fixedly connected to one side of the air chamber 2. The side walls of the two drive shafts 23 are rotatably connected to the side walls of the brackets through bearing seats. Two symmetrically arranged half-shafts 27 are rotatably connected between the two brackets. The connecting rod assembly consists of an arc-shaped rocker arm 25, a brake lever 26, and an arc-shaped rod 22. Two arc-shaped rocker arms 25 are fixedly connected to the shaft wall of the half-shaft 27. Two arc-shaped rocker arms 25 are fixedly connected to one side of the energy-concentrating plate 10. Rod 22, the arc-shaped rod 22 and the energy-concentrating plate 10 have the same curvature to form an arc-shaped slide. A pin is set in the arc-shaped slide. The pin is fixed to one end of the arc-shaped rocker arm 25 and is rotatably connected to a roller 31 on the side wall. A slider 32 is slidably connected to the arc-shaped rocker arm 25. A cylinder is fixedly connected to one side of the slider 32. The side wall of the cylinder is rotatably connected to one end of the brake rod 26 through a sealed bearing. The brake rod 26 is fixed to the shaft wall of the transmission shaft 23. The gearbox 13 is a reduction gearbox with self-locking characteristics and uses a stepper motor 14 as the driving component to make the two transmission shafts 23 rotate in opposite directions at the same speed.

[0046] The upper end of the gearbox 13 is sealed with a cover. Two symmetrically arranged gear shafts 29 are rotatably connected between the cover and the bottom of the gearbox 13 via ball bearings. Gears 18 are meshed on opposite sides of the two gear shafts 29. The gears 18 are coaxially fixedly connected to the upper end of the transmission shaft 23. The output end of the stepper motor 14 extends into the gearbox 13 and is fixedly connected to a worm gear 17. Two worm wheels 16 mesh on the wall of the worm gear 17. The two worm wheels 16 are coaxially fixed to the upper ends of the two transmission shafts 23.

[0047] The transmission mechanism in this technical solution uses a stepper motor 14 to drive a worm gear 17, causing two worm wheels 16 to rotate in opposite directions at the same speed. The rotation of the worm wheels 16 drives the gear shaft 29 to rotate the gear 18, which in turn drives the transmission shaft 23. The rotation of the transmission shaft 23 causes the brake lever 26 to swing, which in turn causes the slider 32 to swing the arc-shaped rocker arm 25. The swing of the arc-shaped rocker arm 25 causes the roller 31 to push the energy-concentrating plate 10 to swing. In this way, the opening and closing angle of the energy-concentrating plate 10 can be adjusted to cope with different sea conditions. The transmission mechanism also has a multi-stage deceleration effect, namely, deceleration and self-locking between the worm wheel 16 and the worm gear 17, and deceleration between the gear shaft 29 and the gear 28. At the same time, the brake lever 26 and the arc-shaped rocker arm 25 use the lever principle to improve the mechanical strength of the linkage mechanism, ensuring the energy-concentrating plate 10's resistance to seawater impact.

[0048] The adjustment mechanism includes a support frame 24 and two crossbeams. The two crossbeams are arranged in parallel and are fixedly connected to two vertically arranged fixing plates 7. Both fixing plates 7 are fixedly installed on the guide frame 8. A guide rail 5 is fixedly connected to one side of the fixing plate 7. A matching slide block 4 is slidably connected to the guide rail 5. Multiple support rods 11 are fixedly connected to one side of the slide block 4, and one end of the support rod 11 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the air chamber 2. The screw jack consists of a lead screw 6 and a drive motor 9. A lifting nut 28 is threaded on the rod wall of the lead screw 6. The lifting nut 28 is fixed to one side of the support frame 24. One side of the lower crossbeam is rotatably connected to the lower end of the lead screw 6 through a bearing seat.

[0049] When the waves are large, the drive motor 9 drives the lead screw 6 to move the lifting nut 28. The movement of the lifting nut 28 can drive the support frame 24 to slide the air chamber 2 on the guide rail 5. In this way, the vibration intensity of the water column generated inside the air chamber 2 can be reduced by raising the height of the air chamber 2, which can coordinate the peak airflow speed, protect the air turbine from overload or surge, and reduce the impact force of the waves on the air chamber 2, thus protecting the power generation equipment.

[0050] The turbine power generation system 3 is installed at the upper center of the air chamber 2 via an airflow duct. Inside the air chamber 2, a frustum-shaped flow guide shroud 15 is installed. The lower port of the airflow duct of the turbine power generation system 3 is connected to the upper opening of the flow guide shroud 15. The airflow velocity sensor 34 is installed at the upper opening of the flow guide shroud 15. The airflow duct, horizontal base plate 1, air chamber 2, flow guide shroud 15, and energy-concentrating plate 10 are all made of high-strength, lightweight materials, preferably widely used martensitic stainless steel. A cover plate 12 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the air chamber 2. One end of the cover plate 12 is fixed to the upper end of the air chamber 2, and the other end of the cover plate 12 is fixed to the upper end of the support frame 24. The radar altimeter 33 is installed on the guide frame 8 and is kept vertically downward to illuminate the sea surface in the area behind the air chamber 2. The infrared camera 30 is installed on the upper end of the leg column of the guide frame 8 to illuminate the direction of incoming waves at an angle of 30°-50° with the sea surface.

[0051] The control scheme of this technical solution adopts the following existing technology for control;

[0052] Using a radar altimeter 33 and an infrared camera 30 as the data acquisition layer, the radar altimeter 33 measures the effective wave height (Hs) and main wave period (Tp) of the sea surface near the air chamber in real time. The infrared camera 30 assists in identifying wave direction, wave group structure, and water surface dynamics. An airflow velocity sensor provides system status feedback and is installed in the output pipe of air chamber 2 to monitor the airflow velocity (the core controlled variable) in real time. Auxiliary sensors (optional) include a pressure sensor (monitoring air chamber pressure fluctuations), an encoder (measuring the current position of the screw jack and the current depth D_current of the air chamber), and a tension sensor (detecting the force state of the screw jack).

[0053] The decision-making level's data processing and status assessment mainly involves calculating wave parameters, such as Hs, Tp, and wave energy density (which are strongly correlated with airflow velocity) based on radar / infrared data. It also involves performing system status analysis and calculating the average / fluctuation amplitude of airflow velocity to determine whether the current operating condition (V_air) deviates from the target value (V_target), whether the waves change drastically (such as a sudden increase in Hs), and whether the stress state of the elevator exceeds the limit. If the limit is exceeded, the power generation system is raised to its highest point.

[0054] The control decision-making process (core algorithm) utilizes the control host to set the airflow velocity corresponding to the most efficient operation of the turbine based on the sea state of the area where the power generation system is located (V_target). The control logic is as follows:

[0055] 1. If the current operating condition (V_air) is less than the target value (V_target), control the energy-concentrating plate 10 to open beyond the diameter of the air chamber 2 to concentrate the seawater, enhance the water column oscillation and increase the airflow speed;

[0056] 2. If the current operating condition (V_air) > the target value (V_target), control the energy-concentrating plate 10 to close to a diameter smaller than that of the air chamber 2 to guide the seawater, reduce water column oscillation, and decrease airflow speed;

[0057] 3. Current operating condition (V_air) ≈ target value (V_target), maintain normal operating conditions;

[0058] 4. In extreme weather conditions, if Hs exceeds the threshold, the system forces the screw to rise to a safe depth (anti-storm mode). If the tension exceeds the limit, an emergency shutdown is triggered to reduce the water depth (screw rise), causing the air chamber 2 to float and reduce the water depth. This, combined with bottom guidance, reduces the impact of seawater on the power generation system equipment.

[0059] The instruction conversion for the actuator action (screw jack) involves the controller converting ΔD into the number of rotations / stroke instructions for the screw jack. The driver receives the instructions, controls the motor to rotate, and the screw converts the rotational motion into linear lifting, precisely adjusting the air chamber depth. The encoder provides real-time position feedback, thus forming a closed-loop position control.

[0060] By sensing the wave and airflow conditions in real time, the controller drives the screw jack to adjust the water depth of the air chamber 2, forming a closed-loop system with airflow velocity as the target, ultimately maximizing wave energy capture efficiency and ensuring safe operation of the equipment.

[0061] It should be noted that the term "comprising" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0062] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An oscillating water column wave energy generation system with a bottom-concentrating structure, comprising a jacket (8), a gas chamber (2), a turbine power generation system (3), a radar altimeter (33), an infrared camera (30), an airflow velocity sensor (34), and a control host, characterized in that, Also includes: The bottom energy-concentrating component is installed at the lower end of the air chamber (2) and equipped with a transmission mechanism. Through the horizontal base plate (1) and two symmetrically arranged energy-concentrating plates (10), the seawater is reflected and guided at the bottom of the air chamber (2), completing the energy concentration beyond the width of the air chamber (2). The transmission mechanism synchronously controls the opening and closing of the energy-concentrating plates (10) to change the amount of seawater flowing into the air chamber (2) at the inlet, so that the gas flow rate converted in the air chamber (2) can match the optimal operating frequency of the turbine power generation system (3). The bottom energy-concentrating component consists of a transmission mechanism, a horizontal base plate (1) and two energy-concentrating plates (10). The bottom of the air chamber (2) is open and multiple fixing parts are provided at the edge. The horizontal base plate (1) is fixedly installed at the lower end of the multiple fixing parts and is coaxially arranged with the air chamber (2). The two energy-concentrating plates (10) are rotatably connected between the air chamber (2) and the horizontal base plate (1) through a connecting shaft. The two energy-concentrating plates (10) form an energy-concentrating wall between the air chamber (2) and the horizontal base plate (1). A water inlet is formed in front of the energy-concentrating wall. The transmission mechanism is installed on the side wall of the air chamber (2) and is located in the middle of the two energy-concentrating plates (10) to realize synchronous control of the relative opening and closing of the two energy-concentrating plates (10). The transmission mechanism includes a gearbox (13) and a connecting rod assembly. The gearbox (13) is fixed to the upper end of the support frame (24) and has two transmission shafts (23). Two brackets are fixedly connected to one side of the air chamber (2). The side walls of the two transmission shafts (23) are rotatably connected to the side walls of the brackets through bearing seats. Two symmetrically arranged half shafts (27) are rotatably connected between the two brackets. The connecting rod assembly consists of an arc-shaped rocker arm (25), a brake rod (26), and an arc-shaped rod (22). Two arc-shaped rocker arms (25) are fixedly connected to the shaft wall of the half shaft (27). Two arc-shaped rods (22) are fixedly connected to one side of the energy-concentrating plate (10). The arc-shaped rod (22) and the energy-concentrating plate (10) have the same arc to form an arc-shaped slide. A pin is provided in the arc-shaped slide. The pin is fixed to one end of the arc-shaped rocker arm (25) and a roller (31) is rotatably connected to the side wall. A slider (32) is slidably connected to the arc-shaped rocker arm (25). A cylinder is fixedly connected to one side of the slider (32). The side wall of the cylinder is rotatably connected to one end of the brake rod (26) through a sealed bearing. The brake rod (26) is fixed to the shaft wall of the transmission shaft (23). The gearbox (13) is a reduction gearbox with self-locking characteristics and uses a stepper motor (14) as a driving component to make the two transmission shafts (23) rotate in opposite directions at the same speed. An adjustment mechanism is used to movably install the air chamber (2) on the guide frame (8). A support frame (24) is fixedly installed on one side of the air chamber (2). A screw jack is used to adjust the fixed height of the support frame (24) and the air chamber (2) according to the change of sea surface height. The screw jack is located on the rear side of a fixed part in the middle section. By driving the support frame (24), the position of the air chamber (2) and the bottom energy-concentrating component is adjusted so that the air chamber (2) is kept at a suitable water depth to cooperate with the bottom energy-concentrating component to achieve the best wave energy conversion efficiency.

2. The oscillating water column wave energy generation system with a bottom energy-concentrating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The energy-concentrating plate (10) has an arc-shaped structure and the center of the arc is located on the center line of the cylindrical air chamber (2). The thickness of the energy-concentrating plate (10) is the same as the thickness of the air chamber (2) and the outer side is flush with the outer side of the air chamber (2). The width of the energy-concentrating plate (10) is the same as the distance between the horizontal base plate (1) and the lower end of the air chamber (2).

3. The oscillating water column wave power generation system with a bottom energy-concentrating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A baffle (19) with water-gathering function is fixedly connected to one side of the energy-gathering plate (10). The lower end of the baffle (19) is attached to the upper end of the horizontal base plate (1). An arc groove (21) is provided at the upper end of the horizontal base plate (1) with the connecting shaft as the center to limit the opening and closing angle of the energy-gathering plate (10). A positioning pin (20) is slidably connected in the arc groove (21). The positioning pin (20) is fixed on the baffle (19).

4. The oscillating water column wave power generation system with a bottom energy-concentrating structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The arc groove (21) and the positioning pin (20) work together to restrict the energy-concentrating plate (10) from swinging within the range of 0-80°. When the two energy-concentrating plates (10) are at their maximum angle under the drive of the transmission mechanism, the seawater outside the diameter of the air chamber (2) can be guided to the bottom of the air chamber (2) by the inner side of the energy-concentrating plate (10), thereby increasing the oscillation amplitude of the water column inside the air chamber (2) and increasing the airflow speed so that the turbine power generation system (3) can generate electricity normally.

5. The oscillating water column wave power generation system with a bottom energy-concentrating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper end of the gearbox (13) is sealed with a cover. Two symmetrically arranged gear shafts (29) are rotatably connected between the cover and the bottom of the gearbox (13) via ball bearings. Gears (18) are meshed on opposite sides of the two gear shafts (29). The gears (18) are coaxially fixedly connected to the upper end of the transmission shaft (23). The output end of the stepper motor (14) extends into the gearbox (13) and is fixedly connected to a worm (17). Two worm wheels (16) mesh on the wall of the worm (17). The two worm wheels (16) are coaxially fixed to the upper ends of the two transmission shafts (23).

6. The oscillating water column wave power generation system with a bottom energy-concentrating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjustment mechanism includes a support frame (24) and two crossbeams. The two crossbeams are arranged in parallel and are fixedly connected to two vertically arranged fixing plates (7). Both fixing plates (7) are fixedly installed on the guide frame (8). A guide rail (5) is fixedly connected to one side of the fixing plate (7). A matching slide seat (4) is slidably connected to the guide rail (5). A plurality of support rods (11) are fixedly connected to one side of the slide seat (4), and one end of the support rod (11) is fixedly connected to the side wall of the air chamber (2). The screw jack consists of a lead screw (6) and a drive motor (9). A lifting nut (28) is threaded on the rod wall of the lead screw (6). The lifting nut (28) is fixed to one side of the support frame (24). One side of the crossbeam located below is rotatably connected to the lower end of the lead screw (6) through a bearing seat.

7. The oscillating water column wave power generation system with a bottom energy-concentrating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The turbine power generation system (3) is installed at the upper center of the air chamber (2) through the airflow pipe. A frustum-shaped guide shroud (15) is installed inside the air chamber (2). The lower port of the airflow pipe of the turbine power generation system (3) is connected to the upper opening of the guide shroud (15). The airflow speed sensor (34) is installed at the upper opening of the guide shroud (15). The airflow pipe, horizontal base plate (1), air chamber (2), guide shroud (15) and energy-concentrating plate (10) are all made of high-strength lightweight materials. A cover plate (12) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the air chamber (2). One end of the cover plate (12) is fixed to the upper end of the air chamber (2), and the other end of the cover plate (12) is fixed to the upper end of the support frame (24).

8. The oscillating water column wave power generation system with a bottom energy-concentrating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radar altimeter (33) is mounted on the jacket (8) and keeps vertically downward to illuminate the sea surface in the area behind the air chamber (2). The infrared camera (30) is mounted on the upper end of the leg of the jacket (8) to illuminate the direction of incoming waves at an angle of 30°-50° with the sea surface.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Floating poly-wave reflection multi-stage wave gathering system

    CN109268196A

  • Wave electric power station

    RU2459974C1