OWC-integrated vertical-axis four-stand-column wind-solar-fish integrated hybrid floating foundation

Abstract

The invention provides a vertical-axis four-stand-column wind-light-fish integrated mixed type floating foundation integrated with an OWC, and belongs to the technical field of crossing of ocean engineering, ocean renewable energy source development and fishery engineering. The vertical-axis four-stand-column wind-light-fish integrated mixed type floating foundation comprises a foundation frame, and a stand column type OWC unit is installed below each corner of the foundation frame; every two adjacent stand column type OWC units are connected through a floating box, the floating boxes or the foundation frame is connected with a photovoltaic power generation unit, a plurality of vertical axis fans are installed on the upper portion of the interior of an area defined by the stand column type OWC units and the floating boxes, and a fish breeding box unit is arranged below a central water area defined by the stand column type OWC units. While the platform undertakes foundation support and stability control, collaborative utilization of multiple functions of wave energy, photovoltaic power generation, deep sea fishery breeding and the like is achieved, and the sea space utilization efficiency and the overall engineering economy are remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of marine engineering technology, specifically relating to a vertical axis four-column hybrid floating foundation integrating wind, solar and aquaculture systems with OWC. Background Technology

[0002] Building a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient modern energy system has become a global consensus. With the proposal of the goals of "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality," the development and utilization of marine renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and wave energy have gradually become an important direction in the medium- and long-term energy strategic layout of coastal countries. Deep-sea areas are rich in wind and wave energy resources, characterized by high wind speeds, low turbulence, and high wave energy density, theoretically possessing large-scale development potential. However, due to factors such as greater water depth and complex environmental conditions, traditional fixed foundations are difficult to apply, making floating wind power platforms an important development trend in deep-sea development.

[0003] However, the current deep-sea development model still faces many constraints. On the one hand, most existing floating platforms have relatively simple functions, mainly serving only wind power generation, and lack sufficient development and utilization of the three-dimensional space above, below, and on the same basis, failing to achieve coordinated development of multiple types of resources. On the other hand, deep-sea wind speeds and solar irradiance exhibit significant time-varying and unstable characteristics, making it difficult to guarantee the stability and reliability of power output by relying solely on wind or photovoltaic power generation, placing considerable pressure on grid connection and energy consumption. Although wave energy utilization technologies such as oscillating water columns have shown high application potential in pilot and demonstration projects, existing OWC devices are mostly in the form of independent floating bodies, with low degree of structural sharing and functional coupling with large-scale floating wind power foundations, resulting in high overall costs, dispersed layout, and complex maintenance. At the same time, deep-sea aquaculture facilities such as cages usually require separate floating bodies or fixed structures, involving large investments, limited wind and wave resistance, and lacking integrated collaborative design with energy infrastructure, thus failing to form a unified platform carrier for integrated "energy + fisheries" development.

[0004] Existing deep-sea wind power, photovoltaic, wave energy and aquaculture are mostly scattered, and it is difficult to integrate OWC devices with floating foundation structures, resulting in problems such as redundant foundation construction, insufficient utilization of wave energy, and difficulty in balancing the overall stability and economy of the platform. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vertical axis four-column hybrid floating foundation integrating wave energy and photovoltaic power generation, which integrates the buoyancy and stability of the platform, the wave energy and photovoltaic power generation, and the deep-sea aquaculture function. The foundation frame is equipped with a vertical axis wind turbine generator and its supporting structure to further realize the comprehensive utilization of wind energy.

[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A vertical axis four-column hybrid floating foundation integrating OWC (Overflow-Cooled Water) technology includes: a foundation frame, with column-type OWC units installed below each corner of the foundation frame, adjacent column-type OWC units connected by pontoons, the pontoons or the foundation frame connected to a photovoltaic power generation unit, multiple vertical axis wind turbines installed above the area enclosed by the column-type OWC units and the pontoons, and a fish farming tank unit located below the central water area formed by the column-type OWC units.

[0008] Furthermore, the column-type OWC unit includes a column housing with one or more OWC underwater openings for communicating with external seawater and the water column area inside the column.

[0009] Furthermore, the column housing has a valve platform inside, on which a turbine unit, valves, flow guide pipes, and monitoring devices are installed.

[0010] Furthermore, the turbine unit is a wave energy turbine suitable for bidirectional airflow conditions. It is connected to the gas chamber through an air passage and to the generator through a shaft system. It is used to convert the reciprocating flow or pressure change of gas caused by the oscillation of the water column due to wave action into electrical energy output.

[0011] Furthermore, the aquaculture cage unit includes a cage support frame with a cage mesh body on the outside. The cage support frame is connected to the bottom of the floating box or column-type OWC unit through connecting components to provide stable support for the cage mesh body.

[0012] Furthermore, the cage support adopts a rigid frame structure or a flexible suspension structure.

[0013] Furthermore, the pontoon includes a pontoon shell and an internal buoyancy chamber. The pontoon shell is arranged along the edge of the base frame and is connected to the adjacent column-type OWC unit and the base frame.

[0014] Furthermore, the internal buoyancy chamber has multiple independent compartments for adjusting the overall buoyancy distribution and draft of the platform.

[0015] Furthermore, the upper surface of the pontoon hull has a deck area for arranging photovoltaic modules, maintenance access, and other auxiliary equipment.

[0016] Furthermore, the photovoltaic power generation unit includes photovoltaic modules, support brackets, and electrical connection devices. The photovoltaic modules are mounted on the upper surface of the pontoon or the upper surface of the foundation frame via the support brackets. The support brackets are set with tilt and azimuth angles according to the latitude and solar altitude angle of the target sea area to improve photovoltaic power generation efficiency. The electrical connection devices include combiner boxes, inverters, and cables, used to collect the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic modules and output it to the platform's internal power system or the external power grid.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0018] This invention uses an oscillating water column (OWC) column as the core load-bearing and energy capture unit, which is used simultaneously as the main float of the platform, the wave energy harvesting cavity, and the attitude adjustment component. Multiple functions such as load bearing, load reduction, and power generation are achieved on the same component, which effectively avoids the problem of repeated foundation construction caused by configuring floats and support structures separately for wave energy devices in traditional solutions. It reduces the amount of steel used and structural complexity, and significantly improves the degree of structural sharing and wave energy utilization efficiency.

[0019] This invention employs a hybrid floating foundation arrangement combining a four-column OWC (Overseas Water Container) with a central pontoon. The pontoons between adjacent columns form a frame structure with high overall rigidity and good hydrodynamic performance. While improving the platform's static stability and torsional resistance, the oscillating water column within the columns has a certain regulating and energy-dissipating effect on the local wave field. This provides a relatively gentle wave environment for the aquaculture tanks arranged below the column-enclosed area, improves the flow field and stress conditions in deep-sea aquaculture waters, and thus enhances the safety of the aquaculture facilities and the long-term reliability of the system.

[0020] This invention enables the platform to simultaneously generate both wave and photovoltaic power by arranging wave energy generation devices inside the column-type OWC and mounting photovoltaic panels on top of the floating box. The four-column arrangement further allows for future installation of wind turbine towers, creating a comprehensive utilization model that integrates wind, solar, and wave energy. The complementary nature of these multiple renewable energy sources across different time scales and meteorological conditions allows the platform to meet its own power needs and the electricity requirements of aquaculture tank auxiliary systems (such as feeding, monitoring, and lighting), while mitigating fluctuations in the output of a single energy source. This improves the overall stability and energy self-sufficiency of the power generation system and reduces dependence on external power supply.

[0021] This invention employs a modular design for the column-mounted OWC unit, pontoon unit, aquaculture tank unit, and photovoltaic power generation unit. This allows for flexible combinations and configurations of column dimensions, pontoon arrangement, number of fish tanks, and photovoltaic capacity based on different marine environmental conditions and functional requirements. It is suitable for both scenarios where power generation is primary and aquaculture is secondary, and scenarios where aquaculture is primary and energy supply is secondary. This modularity and scalability facilitate serial development and phased construction, reducing engineering design and operation and maintenance costs, and significantly improving the engineering adaptability and overall economic efficiency of the floating foundation in the field of deep-sea wind-solar-fishery integrated development. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Appendix Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0023] Appendix Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the column-type OWC unit of the present invention;

[0024] Appendix Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the OWC column, the central floating box, and the fish tanks of this invention.

[0025] In the attached diagram: 1. Floating box; 2. Column-type OWC unit; 2-1. OWC underwater opening; 2-2. Turbine unit; 2-3. Air valve platform; 3. Photovoltaic power generation unit; 4. Vertical axis fan; 5. Net cage support; 6. Net cage body. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] This invention proposes a vertical-axis four-column hybrid floating foundation integrating wind, solar, and aquaculture systems with an integrated OWC (Overseas Water Control) system. Its specific structural dimensions should be designed and optimized based on parameters such as actual marine environmental conditions, installed capacity, and aquaculture scale. To more intuitively illustrate the structural features, some component dimensions in the accompanying drawings may have been appropriately enlarged or simplified, which does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention.

[0028] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The system includes: a basic frame, column-type OWC units 2, floating box units 1, aquaculture tank units, and photovoltaic power generation units. The floating foundation achieves integrated development of multiple functions such as providing buoyancy and stability of the platform, wave energy generation, photovoltaic power generation, and deep-sea aquaculture within the same structural system through the coordinated cooperation of four column-type OWC units 2 arranged at the four corners of the platform, floating boxes 1 connecting adjacent columns, photovoltaic arrays 3 arranged on the top of the floating boxes, vertical axis wind turbines 4 set on the upper part of the platform, and net cage supports 5 and net cages 6 arranged below the column enclosure area. The vertical axis wind turbine generators and their supporting structures are set on the basic frame to further realize the comprehensive utilization of wind energy.

[0029] The basic frame is roughly rectangular or polygonal in plan, serving as the overall load-bearing and connecting structure for each functional unit. The column-type OWC units 2 are arranged at the four corners of the basic frame, providing the main buoyancy and forming oscillating water column cavities to collect wave energy and adjust the platform's attitude. The pontoon units are located between two adjacent column-type OWC units, connecting adjacent column-type OWC units 2 horizontally to form a surrounding or frame-type peripheral buoyancy and deck area. The aquaculture tank units are arranged below the central water area enclosed by the four column-type OWC units 2, connected to the basic frame or pontoon units via connecting components, forming a deep-sea aquaculture space. The photovoltaic power generation units are installed on the top surface of the pontoon units or on the upper structure of the basic frame, generating solar power to provide electricity for the platform and aquaculture system.

[0030] Two adjacent column-type OWC units 2 are connected by pontoons 1 to form a closed frame. The upper surface of the pontoons 1 forms a deck area for arranging the photovoltaic array 3 and other auxiliary equipment. The photovoltaic array 3 is arranged in an array along the upper surface of the pontoons 1, and the arrangement can be adjusted according to the sunlight conditions of the target sea area and the installation requirements. The vertical axis wind turbine 4 is preferably arranged inside the area enclosed by the four OWC columns 2 and the pontoons 1, with its axis of rotation basically perpendicular to the sea surface. The upper part is connected to the pontoons 1 and the OWC columns 2 through a specially designed support structure to effectively transfer the self-weight and wind load of the vertical axis wind turbine 4 to the overall floating foundation. The four OWC columns 2 are partially or completely submerged in the water in the vertical direction, serving as the main buoyancy and load-bearing components of the platform. The pontoons 1 provide additional buoyancy and deck space, and together with the OWC columns 2, form an overall rigid frame, thereby improving the platform's hydrostatic stability and torsional stiffness, and providing an installation foundation for the photovoltaic array 3 and the vertical axis wind turbine 4.

[0031] As attached Figure 2As shown, the column-type OWC unit 2 internally forms an oscillating water column structure for wave energy conversion, mainly including a column shell, an OWC underwater opening 2-1, a turbine unit 2-2, and a valve platform 2-3. The OWC column 2 is a vertically arranged hollow component with one or more OWC underwater openings 2-1 at its lower part to connect the external seawater with the water column area inside the column. The interior of the column is divided into a lower water column area and an upper air chamber near the still water surface. The valve platform 2-3 is located in the upper area of ​​the air chamber for installing the turbine unit 2-2 and related valves, guide pipes, and monitoring devices. The turbine unit 2-2 is preferably a dedicated wave energy turbine suitable for bidirectional airflow conditions. It is connected to the air chamber through an air duct and to a generator through a shaft system, used to convert the reciprocating flow or pressure change of gas caused by the water column oscillation due to wave action into electrical energy output. The valve platform 2-3 provides an installation foundation for the turbine unit 2-2, valves, and sensors, and can reserve maintenance access.

[0032] When subjected to external waves, seawater enters or exits the column 2 through the OWC underwater opening 2-1, causing the water column to oscillate up and down within the column. This, in turn, causes the air in the air chamber to periodically compress and expand, forming a bidirectional reciprocating airflow that drives the turbine unit 2-2 to rotate, thus converting wave energy into electrical energy. By rationally setting the position, number, and size of the OWC underwater opening 2-1, and adjusting the geometric parameters of the air chamber and water column areas, the oscillation characteristics of the OWC column 2 can be matched with the dominant wave frequency of the target sea area, thereby improving energy capture efficiency and, to a certain extent, reducing and regulating the platform's pitch and roll responses.

[0033] Furthermore, the column shell is a vertically arranged hollow structure with an underwater opening at its lower part communicating with the open sea to form an oscillating water column cavity. The upper part of the internal cavity is an air chamber, and the lower part is a water column area in contact with the water. The wave energy generation device is located in the air chamber at the top of the cavity and is connected to the generator through an air guide structure or a mechanical transmission structure. It is used to convert the reciprocating flow or pressure change of gas caused by the oscillation of the water column due to wave action into electrical energy output. The column-type OWC unit provides buoyancy and load-bearing functions, and through the arrangement of the internal cavity and underwater opening, it can adjust the local wave field, and also has the functions of wave energy capture and auxiliary control of platform pitch and roll attitude.

[0034] As attached Figure 3As shown, the column-type OWC unit 2 encloses a central water area that is approximately rectangular or polygonal. Below this area, a cage support 5 and a cage net body 6 are arranged. The cage support 5 can be a rigid frame structure or a flexible suspension structure, connected to the bottom area of ​​the pontoon 1 or the column-type OWC unit 2 via connecting components, providing stable support for the cage net body 6. The cage net body 6 is fixed to the cage support 5, forming a breeding space for fish or other aquaculture organisms. Its shape can be cylindrical, cubic, or a multi-chamber combination, and the specific structure can be configured according to the aquaculture species and scale. Because the cage support 5 and the cage net body 6 are arranged inside the structural protection area formed by the four column-type OWC units 2 and the pontoon 1, external waves are partially refracted, dissipated, and shielded by the platform structure before propagating to the breeding area. The wave conditions in the breeding water area are relatively mild, which is beneficial to improving the stability of the breeding environment, reducing the risk of fatigue damage to the cage structure, and improving the survival rate and breeding efficiency of the cultured organisms.

[0035] The pontoon unit is positioned between adjacent column-type OWC units and includes a pontoon shell and internal buoyancy chambers. The pontoon shell is arranged along the edge of the base frame and is fixedly connected to the adjacent column-type OWC units and the base frame by welding or bolting. The buoyancy chamber can be divided into multiple independent compartments as needed to adjust the overall buoyancy distribution and draft of the platform. The upper surface of the pontoon shell forms a deck area for accommodating photovoltaic modules, maintenance access, and other auxiliary equipment.

[0036] Furthermore, the aquaculture cage unit includes a cage support frame, a cage net body, and suspension components. The cage net body is fixed to the cage frame to enclose a closed or semi-closed water area for aquaculture. The cage unit is located within the structural protection area formed by the column-type OWC unit and the floating cage unit, thus reducing the direct impact of waves and providing a more stable aquaculture environment.

[0037] Furthermore, the photovoltaic modules are mounted on the upper surface of the floating box unit or the upper surface of the foundation frame via support brackets; the support brackets can be set with a certain tilt angle and azimuth angle according to the latitude and solar altitude angle of the target sea area to improve the photovoltaic power generation efficiency; the electrical connection device includes a combiner box, an inverter and cables, used to collect the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic modules and output it to the platform's internal power system or the external power grid.

[0038] Preferably, the basic frame is arranged in a rectangular shape on the plane, with four column-type OWC units symmetrically arranged at the four corners of the rectangle, and several floating box units connected to two adjacent column-type OWC units respectively, so that the platform has high hydrostatic stability and good torsional stiffness.

[0039] Preferably, the wave energy generation device and the photovoltaic power generation unit jointly access the platform's energy management system to supply power to loads such as aquaculture tank auxiliary systems, monitoring systems, and lighting systems. After meeting the platform's own needs, excess power can be output to external loads or the power grid.

[0040] Preferably, the aquaculture tank unit can be configured as a single large-sized fish tank or a combination of multiple small and medium-sized fish tanks, depending on the type and scale of the aquaculture objects. The fish tank frame and suspension components are made of corrosion-resistant materials to adapt to long-term service in the marine environment.

[0041] Through the above technical solution, the present invention supports a vertical axis wind turbine generator on the same foundation and integrates wind energy, photovoltaic, wave energy and aquaculture system. On the same four-column hybrid floating foundation, a column-type OWC wave energy unit, a floating box structure, aquaculture tank unit and photovoltaic power generation unit are integrated. This enables the platform to perform multiple functions such as wave energy, photovoltaic power generation and deep-sea aquaculture while undertaking basic support and stability control, which significantly improves the efficiency of marine space utilization and the overall economic efficiency of the project.

[0042] The four-column hybrid floating foundation integrating wind, solar and aquaculture systems disclosed in this embodiment, while meeting the basic functions of platform load-bearing, power generation and aquaculture, also incorporates the following refined design considerations:

[0043] 1. The planar layout and draft of the column-type OWC unit and the pontoon are comprehensively optimized through hydrodynamic calculations and experiments, so that the column spacing, column dimensions and the height of the OWC underwater opening take into account the platform stability, wave energy capture efficiency and construction feasibility.

[0044] 2. The internal compartments of the pontoon adopt a multi-compartment separation and ballast water or solid ballast arrangement. By adjusting the ballast state of each compartment, the platform can achieve precise leveling of longitudinal and transverse tilt and attitude control under operating conditions, while also taking into account the floating safety during towing and installation phases.

[0045] 3. The cage support and the cage body adopt a flexible-rigid connection method, and vibration reduction or buffer components are set at the connection with the floating box or OWC column. While ensuring the overall rigidity and positional stability, the fatigue damage and impact load caused by wave excitation are reduced, and the service life of the aquaculture unit is extended.

[0046] 4. The electrical interfaces of the photovoltaic array, turbine unit 2-2 and vertical axis wind turbine 4 adopt a standardized and modular design. Together with the centralized energy management and monitoring unit, they realize unified grid connection and status monitoring of each power generation system, while facilitating subsequent capacity expansion or functional unit replacement, and reducing operation and maintenance costs.

[0047] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vertical axis four-column integrated wind, solar and aquaculture hybrid floating foundation with integrated OWC, characterized in that, include: The basic frame has a column-type OWC unit (2) installed at the bottom of each corner. Two adjacent column-type OWC units (2) are connected by a pontoon (1). The pontoon (1) or the basic frame is connected to a photovoltaic power generation unit (3). Multiple vertical axis fans (4) are installed above the area enclosed by the column-type OWC unit (2) and the pontoon (1). The column-type OWC unit (2) encloses a central water area with a fish farming tank unit below it.

2. The vertical axis four-column integrated wind, solar and aquaculture hybrid floating foundation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The column-type OWC unit (2) includes a column housing with one or more OWC underwater openings (2-1) for connecting external seawater with the water column area inside the column.

3. The vertical axis four-column integrated wind, solar and aquaculture hybrid floating foundation according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The column housing has a valve platform (2-3) inside, on which a turbine unit (2-2), valves, flow guide pipes and monitoring devices are installed.

4. The vertical axis four-column integrated wind, solar and aquaculture hybrid floating foundation according to claim 3, characterized in that, The turbine unit (2-2) is a wave energy turbine suitable for bidirectional airflow conditions. It is connected to the gas chamber through the air passage and to the generator through the shaft system. It is used to convert the reciprocating flow or pressure change of gas caused by the oscillation of the water column due to wave action into electrical energy output.

5. The vertical axis four-column integrated wind, solar and aquaculture hybrid floating foundation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aquaculture cage unit includes a cage support (5), and the cage support (5) has a cage net body (6) on its outer side. The cage support (5) is connected to the bottom of the floating box (1) or the column-type OWC unit (2) through connecting components to provide stable support for the cage net body (6).

6. The vertical axis four-column integrated wind, solar and aquaculture hybrid floating foundation according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cage support (5) adopts a rigid frame structure or a flexible suspension structure.

7. The vertical axis four-column integrated wind, solar and aquaculture hybrid floating foundation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pontoon (1) includes a pontoon shell and an internal buoyancy chamber. The pontoon shell is arranged along the edge of the base frame and is connected to the adjacent column-type OWC unit (2) and the base frame.

8. The vertical axis four-column integrated wind, solar and aquaculture hybrid floating foundation according to claim 7, characterized in that, The internal buoyancy chamber has multiple independent compartments, which are used to adjust the overall buoyancy distribution and draft of the platform.

9. The vertical axis four-column integrated wind, solar and aquaculture hybrid floating foundation according to claim 8, characterized in that, The upper surface of the pontoon hull has a deck area for arranging photovoltaic modules, maintenance access, and other auxiliary equipment.

10. The vertical axis four-column integrated wind, solar and aquaculture hybrid floating foundation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photovoltaic power generation unit (3) includes photovoltaic modules, support brackets and electrical connection devices. The photovoltaic modules are installed on the upper surface of the floating box (1) or the upper surface of the foundation frame through the support brackets. The support brackets are set with tilt angle and azimuth angle according to the latitude and solar altitude angle of the target sea area to improve the photovoltaic power generation efficiency. The electrical connection devices include combiner boxes, inverters and cables, which are used to collect the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic modules and output it to the power system inside the platform or the external power grid.

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