Floating breakwater with flow-induced vibration power generation function and power generation method

Abstract

A floating breakwater with a flow-induced vibration power generation function comprises a floating box and a flat plate which are arranged up and down, the floating box is fixedly connected with two mounting plates extending downwards, the two mounting plates are parallel to each other, a flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism is arranged between the two mounting plates, and the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism comprises a vibrator. Two parallel side plates are vertically and fixedly arranged on the flat plate, a distance is reserved between the two side plates to form a water guide channel, the vibrator is located in the water guide channel, two oppositely-arranged baffles are rotationally connected between the two side plates, and the baffles can be attached to the flat plate or incline upwards relative to the flat plate in the rotating process. When the baffles incline upwards, a protection area is formed between the two baffles, and the vibrator is located in the protection area. According to the invention, the fluid can be utilized to drive the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism to generate electric energy, and when the flow velocity of the fluid is too high, a protection area can be formed through the two baffles to protect the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of floating breakwaters, specifically a floating breakwater with flow-induced vibration power generation function and a power generation method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] A floating breakwater is a marine protective facility composed of wave-dissipating floats and anchoring devices. The main structure includes a hull, floating rafts, or flexible components, fixed to anchorages on the seabed by anchor chains. Floating breakwaters primarily utilize the oscillation of the floats to disrupt wave motion and reduce wave energy. Their wave-dissipation principle encompasses processes such as wave energy reflection, turbulent energy dissipation, and the work done by wave forces. When waves encounter a floating breakwater, some wave energy is reflected back, some is dissipated through turbulence around the floats, and some is absorbed through the work done by the movement of the floats and the tension of the anchor chains.

[0003] Fluid-induced vibration power generation is a novel renewable energy technology that utilizes the vibration phenomenon caused by fluid flowing through a solid structure to convert the fluid's kinetic energy into electrical energy. Its core logic is to generate continuous vibration through the interaction between the fluid and the structure, and then convert the mechanical energy of the vibration into electrical energy through an energy conversion device. It is applicable to various fluid scenarios such as water flow and airflow, and has unique advantages, especially in low-flow-rate, small-space environments that are difficult to cover with traditional wind and hydropower.

[0004] By combining fluid-induced vibration power generation technology with floating breakwaters, electricity can be generated as fluid flows over the breakwaters to power surrounding facilities. However, in some areas, especially in the ocean, the fluid velocity is difficult to control. When the fluid velocity is too high, it can cause excessive vibration amplitude in the fluid-induced vibration power generation equipment, potentially damaging it. Existing floating breakwaters using fluid-induced vibration power generation technology lack the capability to actively protect the equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a floating breakwater with flow-induced vibration power generation function and a power generation method. It can generate electrical energy by using fluid to drive the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism, and when the fluid flow velocity is too high, it can form a protective area through two baffles to protect the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the specific solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A floating breakwater with flow-induced vibration power generation function includes a floating box and a flat plate arranged vertically. The floating box is fixedly connected to two downwardly extending mounting plates, and the two mounting plates are parallel to each other. A flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism is arranged between the two mounting plates. The flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism includes an oscillator. Two parallel side plates are vertically fixed on the flat plate, and a distance is left between the two side plates to form a water guiding channel. The oscillator is located in the water guiding channel. Two opposing baffles are rotatably connected between the two side plates. During rotation, the baffles can fit against the flat plate or tilt upward relative to the flat plate. When the baffles tilt upward, a protective area is formed between the two baffles, and the oscillator is located in the protective area.

[0007] Preferably, the baffle is rotatably connected to the two side plates via a connecting assembly. The connecting assembly includes two connecting plates that are fixedly connected to the side plates respectively. A central shaft is fixedly connected between the two connecting plates. A rotating sleeve is rotatably sleeved on the central shaft. The baffle is fixedly connected to the rotating sleeve.

[0008] Preferably, the pontoon is provided with two lifting mechanisms corresponding to the baffle. The lifting mechanism is used to pull the baffle to rotate. The lifting mechanism includes a piston that can move up and down. The bottom of the piston is connected to the baffle through a lifting cable, and the connection position of the lifting cable and the baffle is close to the central axis.

[0009] Preferably, the pontoon is provided with two regulating chambers, and the piston is correspondingly arranged in the regulating chamber. The portion of the regulating chamber located below the piston forms a water storage cavity. At least one water pump is provided at the lower end of the regulating chamber for supplying water to the water storage cavity and pumping water from the water storage cavity.

[0010] Preferably, the lower end of the adjustment chamber is connected to a guide pipe, the lifting cable passes through the guide pipe, the upper end of the adjustment chamber is provided with a top cover, and the top cover is provided with a balance hole.

[0011] Preferably, the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism includes two mounting slots correspondingly disposed on the mounting plate, and the openings of the two mounting slots are arranged opposite to each other. A linear generator is fixedly disposed in the mounting slot, the power input shaft of the linear generator is disposed downward, and a mounting shaft is fixedly connected between the lower ends of the two power input shafts. The vibrator is fixedly disposed on the mounting shaft.

[0012] Preferably, at least one guide groove is provided on the inner wall of the mounting groove, and a connecting sleeve is fixedly sleeved on the lower part of the power input shaft. At least one guide slider is fixedly connected to the connecting sleeve, and the guide slider is slidably disposed in the guide groove.

[0013] Preferably, a counterweight is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the baffle.

[0014] Preferably, a flow rate sensor is provided on the flat plate, and the flow rate sensor is located below the oscillator.

[0015] A method for generating electricity from a floating breakwater with flow-induced vibration power generation function, the method comprising the following steps: Deploy the floating breakwater and allow fluid to flow through the water channel; The fluid drives the oscillator to vibrate as it flows within the water channel, thereby driving the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism to generate electricity. When the fluid flow rate exceeds a preset safety threshold, the baffle is driven to rotate until the baffle tilts upward relative to the plate and forms the protective area.

[0016] This invention integrates a flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism into a floating breakwater. It can use seawater to drive the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism to generate electricity, thereby powering a portion of the structure within the facility protected by the floating breakwater. By setting two rotatable baffles, this invention can block seawater when the current is too fast, preventing damage to the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism due to excessive vibration amplitude of the oscillator, thus protecting the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the floating breakwater of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the regulating compartment; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the state after the two baffles form a protected area; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of how the baffle is installed.

[0019] Reference numerals: 1-Float, 2-Main anchor cable, 3-Anchor seat, 4-Secondary anchor cable, 5-Adjusting compartment, 6-Top cover, 7-Balance hole, 8-Piston, 9-Lifting cable, 10-Guide pipe, 11-Water pump, 12-Mounting plate, 13-Flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism, 14-Connecting plate, 15-Central shaft, 16-Rotating sleeve, 17-Baffle, 18-Counterweight, 19-Flow velocity sensor, 20-Side plate, 21-Water storage chamber, 22-Mounting groove, 23-Linear generator, 24-Power input shaft, 25-Guide groove, 26-Guide slider, 27-Connecting sleeve, 28-Mounting shaft, 29-Vibrator, 30-Protected area, 31-Plate. Detailed Implementation

[0020] 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.

[0021] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the present invention first provides a floating breakwater with flow-induced vibration power generation function, including a floating box 1 and a flat plate 31 arranged vertically and horizontally, and multiple anchor seats 3. The anchor seats 3 are fixed to the seabed and are connected to the floating box 1 through multiple main anchor cables 2. The flat plate 31 is connected to the main anchor cables 2 through multiple secondary anchor cables 4. The floating box 1, flat plate 31, main anchor cables 2, secondary anchor cables 4 and anchor seats 3 are the basic structure of the floating breakwater. The detailed structure and working principle of each part will not be described in detail here. The pontoon 1 is fixedly connected to two downwardly extending mounting plates 12, and the two mounting plates 12 are parallel to each other. A flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism 13 is provided between the two mounting plates 12. The flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism 13 includes an oscillator 29. Two parallel side plates 20 are vertically fixed on the plate 31. A distance is left between the two side plates 20 to form a water guiding channel. The oscillator 29 is located in the water guiding channel. Two opposing baffles 17 are rotatably connected between the two side plates 20. During the rotation of the baffles 17, they can fit against the plate 31 or tilt upward relative to the plate 31. When the baffles 17 tilt upward, a protection area 30 is formed between the two baffles 17, and the oscillator 29 is located in the protection area 30.

[0022] The floating breakwater of this invention is suitable for protecting offshore facilities such as offshore photovoltaic power plants. In use, it is installed around the perimeter of the protected facility. During operation, seawater flows through the water channel between the two side plates 20. When the seawater impacts the vibrator 29, it drives the vibrator 29 to vibrate, which in turn drives the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism 13 to generate electricity. The generated electrical energy can be used to power some structures within the protected facility, such as sensors. Considering that the seawater flow velocity has a significant impact on the vibration amplitude of the vibrator 29, if the seawater flow velocity is too high, the vibration amplitude of the vibrator 29 will also be too high, which may even damage the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism 13. To protect the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism 13, the present invention provides two baffles 17. In the initial state, the baffles 17 are attached to the flat plate 31. When the seawater flow velocity is too high, the two baffles 17 are driven to rotate. The two baffles 17 rotate to a state of inclination relative to the flat plate 13. At this time, a protective area 30 is formed between the two baffles 17, and the oscillator 29 is housed in the protective area 30. At this time, the baffles 17 can block the seawater and prevent the seawater with excessive flow velocity from directly impacting the oscillator 29, thereby preventing the oscillator 29 from vibrating too much, thus achieving the effect of protecting the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism 13.

[0023] This invention integrates a flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism 13 into a floating breakwater. The mechanism 13 can be driven by seawater to generate electricity, thereby supplying power to a portion of the structure within the facility protected by the floating breakwater. By setting two rotatable baffles 17, the invention can block seawater when the current is too high, preventing damage to the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism 13 due to excessive vibration amplitude of the vibrator 29, thus protecting the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism 13.

[0024] Furthermore, the baffle 17 is rotatably connected to the two side plates 20 via a connecting assembly. The connecting assembly includes two connecting plates 14 that are fixedly connected to the side plates 20 respectively. A central shaft 15 is fixedly connected between the two connecting plates 14. A rotating sleeve 16 is rotatably sleeved on the central shaft 15, and the baffle 17 is fixedly connected to the rotating sleeve 16. More specifically, the two central shafts 15 are respectively close to the inlet and outlet of the water guiding channel, and the two baffles 17 rotate in opposite directions. When the seawater flow velocity is too high, the two baffles 17 rotate in opposite directions. When the two baffles 17 rotate to an inclination relative to the flat plate 31, the two baffles 17 form a V-shape with the smaller end facing upwards, thereby forming a protective area 30 between the upper parts of the two baffles 17, thus protecting the vibrator 29 and the current-induced vibration power generation mechanism 13.

[0025] The driving method of the baffle 17 is as follows: Two lifting mechanisms corresponding to the baffle 17 are provided on the float 1. These lifting mechanisms are used to pull the baffle 17 to rotate. Each lifting mechanism includes a piston 8 that can move up and down. The bottom of the piston 8 is connected to the baffle 17 via a lifting cable 9, and the connection point of the lifting cable 9 to the baffle 17 is close to the central axis 15. When the seawater flow velocity is too high, some seawater is drawn and used to drive the piston 8 upward. During the upward movement of the piston 8, the lifting cable 9 moves upward synchronously, thereby pulling the baffle 17 to rotate around the central axis 15. This achieves the effect of driving the baffle 17 to rotate and forming the protection area 30. By making the connection point of the lifting cable 9 to the baffle 17 close to the central axis 15, the lifting cable 9 only needs to move upward a small distance to pull the baffle 17 to rotate a large angle, thereby reducing the stroke of the piston 8 and increasing the rotation speed of the baffle 17, ensuring that the protection area 30 can be quickly formed to protect the oscillator 29 and the current-induced vibration power generation mechanism 13.

[0026] The piston 8 is specifically configured as follows: Two regulating chambers 5 are provided on the float 1, and the piston 8 is correspondingly positioned within each regulating chamber 5. The portion of the regulating chamber 5 below the piston 8 forms a water storage cavity 21. At least one water pump 11 is provided at the lower end of the regulating chamber 5 to pump water into and out of the water storage cavity 21. When the seawater flow velocity is too high, the water pump 11 sends some seawater into the regulating chamber 5 and into the water storage cavity 21. After the seawater enters the water storage cavity 21, the piston 8 moves upward under the thrust and buoyancy of the seawater, thereby pulling the lifting cable 9 upward. When the seawater flow velocity decreases, the water pump 11 reverses its action to discharge the seawater from the water storage cavity 21. The piston 8 moves downward under its own weight and the weight of the lifting cable 9, thus resetting. The lifting cable 9 and the baffle 17 also reset synchronously until the baffle 17 re-fits the flat plate 31. Based on this setup, it is only necessary to control the water pump 11 to inject seawater into the water storage chamber 21 or to discharge seawater from the water storage chamber 21 to drive the piston 8 to move and the piston 9 to reset, making the control process simple. The water pump 11 is a mature existing technology, and its structure and principle will not be described in detail here.

[0027] Furthermore, a counterweight 18 is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the baffle 17, which can accelerate the reset speed of the baffle 17, the lifting cable 9 and the piston 8.

[0028] The specific structure of the regulating chamber 5 is as follows: a guide pipe 10 is connected to the lower end of the regulating chamber 5, through which the lifting cable 9 passes; a top cover 6 is provided at the upper end of the regulating chamber 5, and a balance hole 7 is provided on the top cover 6. By providing the guide pipe 10, the direction of the lifting cable 9 can be guided, ensuring that the piston 8 can smoothly pull the lifting cable 9 upward; by providing the balance hole 7 on the top cover 6, the air pressure inside and outside the regulating chamber 5 can be balanced, preventing the piston 8 from being unable to move upward smoothly due to the gas resistance in the regulating chamber 5.

[0029] The specific structure of the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism 13 is as follows: The flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism 13 includes two mounting slots 22 correspondingly disposed on the mounting plate 12, and the openings of the two mounting slots 22 are arranged opposite to each other. A linear generator 23 is fixedly disposed in the mounting slot 22, and the power input shaft 24 of the linear generator 23 is arranged downward. A mounting shaft 28 is fixedly connected between the lower ends of the two power input shafts 24, and the vibrator 29 is fixedly disposed on the mounting shaft 28. Among them, the linear generator 11 is prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0030] To further protect the linear generator 23, at least one guide groove 25 is provided on the inner wall of the mounting groove 22. A connecting sleeve 27 is fixedly sleeved on the lower part of the power input shaft 24, and at least one guide slider 26 is fixedly connected to the connecting sleeve 27. The guide slider 26 is slidably disposed in the guide groove 25. By providing the guide groove 25, the movement direction of the power input shaft 24 can be restricted, preventing lateral deviation of the power input shaft 24 from damaging the linear generator 23.

[0031] In order to monitor the seawater flow rate in real time and determine whether it is necessary to rotate the baffle 17 to form a protected area 30, a flow rate sensor 19 is provided on the plate 31 and the flow rate sensor 19 is located below the oscillator 29.

[0032] The present invention further provides a method for generating electricity from a floating breakwater with flow-induced vibration power generation function, the method comprising S1 to S3.

[0033] S1. Deploy floating breakwaters and allow fluid to flow through the water channel.

[0034] S2. During the flow of fluid in the water guide channel, the oscillator 29 is driven to vibrate, thereby driving the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism 13 to generate electricity.

[0035] S3. When the flow rate of the fluid exceeds the preset safety threshold, drive the baffle 17 to rotate until the baffle 17 tilts upward relative to the plate 31 and forms a protective area 30.

[0036] In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the floating breakwater with the above-mentioned flow-induced vibration power generation function is applied to an offshore photovoltaic power plant. The corresponding floating breakwater is deployed in the target sea area. When deploying the floating breakwater, it is necessary to determine the direction of the side plate 20 according to the actual situation of the target sea area so that more seawater can flow through the water guide channel, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism 13. In S3, the fluid is seawater. When the flow speed of the seawater exceeds the preset safety threshold, the water pump 11 sends part of the seawater into the regulating chamber 5 and into the water storage chamber 21. After the seawater enters the water storage chamber 21, the piston 8 moves upward under the thrust and buoyancy of the seawater, thereby pulling the lifting cable 9 upward. After the seawater flow speed decreases, the water pump 11 reverses its action to discharge the seawater in the water storage chamber 21. The piston 8 moves downward under its own weight and the weight of the lifting cable 9, thereby resetting. The lifting cable 9 and the baffle 17 can also reset synchronously until the baffle 17 is re-attached to the flat plate 31.

[0037] In other embodiments of the present invention, the floating breakwater with the function of flow-induced vibration power generation can also be applied to water systems such as rivers or lakes, as long as the water flow can drive the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism 13. For example, the floating breakwater with the function of flow-induced vibration power generation can be applied to the perimeter of buildings along the edge of a river.

[0038] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0039] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A floating breakwater having a flow-induced vibration power generation function, comprising a floating box (1) and a flat plate (31) arranged in an upper and lower manner, characterized in that, The floating box (1) is fixedly connected with two downward extending mounting plates (12), and the two mounting plates (12) are parallel to each other, and a flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism (13) is arranged between the two mounting plates (12), the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism (13) comprises a vibrator (29), two parallel side plates (20) are vertically fixed on the flat plate (31), a water guide channel is formed between the two side plates (20), the vibrator (29) is located in the water guide channel, two oppositely arranged baffles (17) are rotatably connected between the two side plates (20), the baffle (17) can be attached to the flat plate (31) or inclined upward relative to the flat plate (31) during rotation, and when the baffle (17) is inclined upward, a protection area (30) is formed between the two baffles (17), and the vibrator (29) is located in the protection area (30).

2. The floating breakwater having a flow-induced vibration power generation function according to claim 1, characterized by, The baffle (17) is rotatably connected with the two side plates (20) through a connecting assembly, the connecting assembly comprises two connecting plates (14) fixedly connected with the side plates (20), a central shaft (15) is fixedly connected between the two connecting plates (14), a rotating sleeve (16) is rotatably arranged on the central shaft (15), and the baffle (17) is fixedly connected with the rotating sleeve (16).

3. The floating breakwater having a flow-induced vibration power generation function according to claim 2, characterized by, Two lifting mechanisms corresponding to the baffle (17) are arranged on the floating box (1), the lifting mechanisms are used to pull the baffle (17) to rotate, and the lifting mechanism comprises a piston (8) capable of moving up and down, the bottom of the piston (8) is connected with the baffle (17) through a pull cable (9), and the connection position of the pull cable (9) and the baffle (17) is close to the central shaft (15).

4. The floating breakwater having a flow-induced vibration power generation function according to claim 3, characterized by, Two adjusting chambers (5) are arranged on the floating box (1), the piston (8) is correspondingly arranged in the adjusting chamber (5), a part of the adjusting chamber (5) below the piston (8) forms a water storage cavity (21), and at least one water delivery pump (11) for delivering water into the water storage cavity (21) and pumping water out of the water storage cavity (21) is arranged at the lower end of the adjusting chamber (5).

5. The floating breakwater having a flow-induced vibration power generation function according to claim 4, wherein The lower end of the adjusting chamber (5) is communicated with a guide pipe (10), the pull cable (9) passes through the guide pipe (10), the upper end of the adjusting chamber (5) is provided with a top cover (6), and a balance hole (7) is formed in the top cover (6).

6. The floating breakwater having a flow-induced vibration power generation function according to claim 1, wherein The flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism (13) comprises two mounting grooves (22) corresponding to the mounting plates (12), and the openings of the two mounting grooves (22) are oppositely arranged, a linear generator (23) is fixedly arranged in the mounting groove (22), the power input shaft (24) of the linear generator (23) is arranged downward, an installation shaft (28) is fixedly connected between the lower ends of the two power input shafts (24), and the vibrator (29) is fixedly arranged on the installation shaft (28).

7. The floating breakwater having a flow-induced vibration power generation function according to claim 6, characterized by, At least one guide slot (25) is arranged on the inner wall of the mounting slot (22), a lower part of the power input shaft (24) is sleeved with a connecting sleeve (27), the connecting sleeve (27) is fixedly connected with at least one guide slider (26), and the guide slider (26) is correspondingly and slidingly arranged in the guide slot (25).

8. The floating breakwater having a flow-induced vibration power generation function according to claim 1, characterized by, The upper surface of the baffle (17) is fixedly connected with a counterweight (18).

9. The floating breakwater having a flow-induced vibration power generation function according to claim 1, characterized by, A flow velocity sensor (19) is arranged on the flat plate (31), and the flow velocity sensor (19) is located below the vibrator (29).

10. The power generation method of the floating breakwater having a flow-induced vibration power generation function according to claim 1, characterized by, The method comprises the following steps: The floating breakwater is deployed, and fluid is allowed to flow through the water guide channel; The vibrator (29) is driven to vibrate during the flow of fluid in the water guide channel, so as to drive the flow-induced vibration power generation mechanism (13) to generate power; When the flow velocity of fluid exceeds a preset safety threshold, the baffle (17) is driven to rotate until the baffle (17) is tilted upward relative to the flat plate (31) and forms the protection area (30).

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