Coupled heaving buoy-heaving water column type wave energy conversion device

By using a multi-chamber design and intelligent control of a coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device, the problems of low efficiency and insufficient safety of traditional devices under high-frequency waves are solved, achieving efficient energy capture and stable operation, and improving space utilization.

CN122129380APending Publication Date: 2026-06-02DALIAN UNIV OF TECH

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
DALIAN UNIV OF TECH
Filing Date
2026-03-23
Publication Date
2026-06-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional oscillating water column wave energy conversion devices have low power generation efficiency under high-frequency waves, lack adaptability to sea conditions, uncontrollable airflow in front of the turbine, single level of safety protection, and limited integration of multiple technologies, resulting in insufficient space utilization.

Method used

The device employs a coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device, which divides the air chamber into multiple chambers through a partition. It utilizes control valves and regulating valves to achieve continuous and adjustable airflow distribution. Combined with a guiding device and a built-in oscillating body power generation system, it is equipped with multi-level safety protection and an intelligent controller to achieve active reconstruction of the air chamber connection relationship and adaptive adjustment to sea conditions.

Benefits of technology

It improved the energy capture bandwidth and system availability of the device, enhanced power generation efficiency, improved safety and space utilization, and achieved efficient energy capture and stable operation under different sea conditions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN122129380A_ABST
    Figure CN122129380A_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of marine new energy utilization technology and discloses a coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device. This device includes an air chamber, a turbine power generation unit, and a built-in oscillating body power generation system. The air chamber consists of a top plate, a bottom plate, a front wall, a rear wall, and side panels, and also includes two partitions fixed within the air chamber. These partitions divide the internal space of the air chamber into two side chambers and a main chamber, with the main chamber centrally located. An inlet connecting the side chambers and the main chamber is located on the front wall. When water enters through the inlet, oscillating water columns are formed in both the main chamber and the side chambers. An air pipe is installed at the upper center of the top plate, generating airflow within the air chamber to drive the turbine power generation unit. This technical solution enables active reconfiguration of the air chamber connectivity, continuous and adjustable airflow distribution, and progressively enhanced safety protection within the same air circuit architecture, while also being compatible with the collaborative operation of multiple power generation technologies.
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 utilization technology, specifically to a coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device. Background Technology

[0002] With fossil fuels becoming increasingly depleted, severe climate change and extreme weather events are eroding and shrinking the space for human habitation. Therefore, a systematic transition to renewable energy has become an indispensable core pillar for mitigating climate change and driving deep decarbonization. Because the ocean possesses a vast and largely untapped reserve of kinetic wave energy, its energy supply is relatively stable and reliably predictable, leading to the development of various wave energy conversion devices. Among these, oscillating water column wave energy conversion devices have been widely studied due to their simple structure and low construction cost. These devices utilize waves to drive air within a chamber, which then generates electricity through an air turbine. However, conventional oscillating water column wave energy conversion devices suffer from low power generation efficiency under high-frequency waves and failure in specific oscillating wave frequencies. Furthermore, actual sea conditions contain numerous irregular high-frequency waves, and the main wave periods change significantly with seasonal climate changes.

[0003] Currently, by coupling oscillating floats and oscillating water column wave energy transducers, the effective energy capture bandwidth of the device can be extended through synergy. However, the rigid structure of traditional air chambers leads to a lack of sea state adaptability, uncontrollable airflow before the turbine results in low energy transfer matching, a single level of safety protection makes it difficult to balance energy and safety, and limitations in the integration of multiple technologies lead to insufficient space utilization. How to achieve active reconstruction of air chamber connectivity, continuous and adjustable airflow distribution, and hierarchical progressive safety protection within the same gas path architecture, while being compatible with the coordinated operation of multiple types of power generation technologies, is a technical bottleneck that urgently needs to be overcome by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical problems to be solved

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device, which solves the problems of traditional solidified air chamber structure leading to lack of sea state adaptability, uncontrollable airflow in front of the turbine leading to low energy transfer matching degree, single safety protection level leading to difficulty in balancing energy and safety, and limited space utilization due to restrictions on the integration of multiple technologies.

[0006] Technical solution To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device, which includes an air chamber, a turbine power generation device, and a built-in oscillating body power generation system. The air chamber is composed of a top plate, a bottom plate, a front wall, a rear wall, and side panels, and further includes: Two partitions are provided and fixed in the air chamber. The two partitions divide the internal space of the air chamber into two side chambers and one main chamber. The main chamber is centrally located. A water inlet connecting the side chambers and the main chamber is provided at the front wall. When water enters the water inlet, an oscillating water column is formed in both the main chamber and the side chambers. An air pipe is installed at the upper center of the top plate. The turbine generator is installed at the upper end of the air pipe, so that the airflow generated in the air chamber drives the turbine generator to work. A guiding device is installed in the side air chamber, through which an oscillating float is installed. An assembly hole is provided at the center of the oscillating float, and the built-in oscillating body power generation system is installed in the assembly hole to convert the kinetic energy generated when the oscillating float slides vertically back and forth into electrical energy.

[0007] As a further description of the above technical solution, a control valve is provided on the side wall of the partition, and a flow collection hole is opened on the partition to cooperate with the control valve. The flow collection hole can be used to discharge the airflow generated by the oscillating water column in the side chamber into the main chamber to drive the turbine generator to generate electricity. A pressure relief pipe is fixedly connected to the top plate of the air chamber, and a regulating valve is installed on the pipe wall of the pressure relief pipe. The regulating valve is used to discharge the airflow generated in the side chamber to regulate the overpressure airflow generated under extreme sea conditions and avoid damage to the turbine generator by the overpressure airflow.

[0008] As a further description of the above technical solution, a turbine generator is fixedly connected to the upper end of the pressure relief pipe. The turbine generator can generate electricity using the overpressure airflow discharged from the pressure relief pipe. A protective cover is fixedly connected to the upper end of the top plate, and airflow channels are provided on both opposite sides of the protective cover.

[0009] As a further description of the above technical solution, the guiding device includes two guide posts, each with a sliding sleeve fitted on its side wall. A connecting frame is provided on one side of each sliding sleeve, and the connecting frame is fixedly connected to the oscillating float. The upper end of each guide post is fixedly connected to the lower end of the top plate, and a support rod is fixedly connected to the lower end of each guide post. The support rod is fixed between the partition and the side plate. A limit ring is fixedly connected to the side wall of each guide post, and a buffer spring is fixedly connected to the lower end of the limit ring. The buffer spring is fitted onto the side wall of the guide post.

[0010] As a further description of the above technical solution, the built-in oscillator power generation system includes a cylindrical shell, a linear generator device, a mass block, and two elastic components. The cylindrical shell is installed in the assembly hole of the oscillating float. Both the upper and lower ends of the oscillating float are tapered structures. The linear generator device consists of a straight shaft, a stator, and a mover. The mover is installed between the two elastic components. The straight shaft is coaxially fixed inside the cylindrical shell, and the mover is sleeved on the shaft wall of the straight shaft.

[0011] As a further description of the above technical solution, the elastic component includes a fixed plate, the mass block is fixed on the upper end of the fixed plate, and a frame is sleeved on both ends of the fixed plate. A guide rod is fixedly connected to each of the two frames. The side wall of the fixed plate is sleeved with the guide rod through a round hole. A tension spring is fixedly connected to the side wall of the guide rod. One end of the tension spring is fixedly connected to the side wall of the frame, and the other end of the tension spring is fixedly connected to one end of the fixed plate. The mover of the linear motor is fixed on the side wall of the fixed plate.

[0012] As a further description of the above technical solution, the wave energy conversion device is installed in a predetermined sea area using either a floating or fixed installation method. The floating installation uses external buoys and a mooring system to install and fix the wave energy conversion device, while the fixed installation uses pile legs and pile foundations to install and fix the wave energy conversion device.

[0013] As a further description of the above technical solution, the wave energy conversion device is deployed using one of the following array methods: linear array and curved array. The curved array preferably uses a circular arc path, and multiple wave energy conversion devices deployed using a circular arc path can form an arc-shaped dashed energy-concentrating wall.

[0014] As a further description of the above technical solution, multiple pressure relief ports are provided on the rear wall of the air chamber. A baffle is provided on one side of the rear wall inside the air chamber. Guide rails are provided at both ends of the baffle and are installed on one side of the rear wall. A winding device is installed on the upper end of the top plate. The winding device is connected to a rope, one end of which is connected to the upper end of the baffle. The position of the baffle can be adjusted by using the winding device, so that some of the seawater entering from the inlet can be directly discharged from the pressure relief ports, thereby reducing the vibration intensity of the water column in the air chamber and protecting the wave energy conversion device in extreme weather.

[0015] As a further description of the above technical solution, the wave energy conversion device is also equipped with a controller and a sensing module. The sensing module includes three pressure sensors and three water level sensors. The pressure sensors and water level sensors are respectively arranged in two side chambers and the main chamber for monitoring changes in water level and air pressure. The controller is equipped with a central controller. The FPGA front-end of the central controller performs real-time filtering and feature extraction on the sensor signals from the sensing module. It obtains the fused wave frequency F and significant wave height Hs through a weighted fusion algorithm, and runs a finite state machine + fuzzy logic hybrid decision algorithm. Based on the states such as F, Hs, turbine speed ω, and air chamber pressure amplitude, it outputs the target operating mode M and valve opening command. This allows the sea state to be divided into multiple levels based on the fused wave frequency F and significant wave height Hs, enabling the wave energy conversion device to adaptively adjust and match according to changes in sea state in order to achieve the best power generation conditions.

[0016] Beneficial effects Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device, which has the following beneficial effects: 1. This design introduces a dual-path reconfigurable air chamber structure of "independent-converging" in the oscillating water column wave energy power generation device. Both air chambers have adjustable flow channels (connecting to the middle air chamber) and independent exhaust branches. Through the combination control of electronic control valves, the airflow distribution ratio can be continuously adjusted within the range of 0% to 100%. It can achieve three-chamber convergence to maintain the turbine base speed during small waves, and independent exhaust to double the power during large waves. In the event of any turbine or valve failure, the remaining units can still operate independently, significantly improving the system availability. At the same time, it reserves complete independent installation space for the oscillating float power generation unit, increasing the installed capacity per unit volume.

[0017] 2. This technical solution establishes a control strategy for four-level sea state identification and four-mode active switching (small wave confluence, medium wave stabilization, large wave independence, and extreme protection) with wave frequency as the core criterion. It also achieves continuous dynamic optimization of connectivity for the first time in the medium wave mode, enabling real-time matching between device damping and wave excitation. This breaks through the bottleneck of traditional OWC devices being efficient only at a single frequency point, thus expanding the high-efficiency operating bandwidth.

[0018] 3. This design constructs a three-level progressive safety protection system consisting of "independent exhaust and active pressure reduction - electronic unloading - pure mechanical pressure relief valve". The final mechanical pressure relief is completely independent of the electronic control system, which fundamentally ensures the structural safety of the device under extreme sea conditions, while the device can still operate. This represents a technological leap from "passive wave resistance" to "active wave protection". Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device proposed in this invention; Figure 2 In the coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device proposed in this invention Figure 1 A sectional view; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal mechanism of the air chamber in the coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device proposed in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the built-in oscillating body power generation system and the oscillating float in the coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device proposed in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic component in the coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device proposed in this invention; Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the oscillating float in the coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device proposed in this invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the baffle, rope, guide rail and winding device in the coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device proposed in this invention; Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the baffle and the pressure relief port during active pressure relief in the coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device proposed in this invention. Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the effect of the coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device proposed in this invention when deployed in an array. Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the effect of the coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device proposed in this invention when it is laid out in an arc path. Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the effect of installing the coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device proposed in this invention with an external float and mooring system. Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the effect of using pile legs and pile foundations in the coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device proposed in this invention.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Air chamber; 2. Water inlet; 3. Protective cover; 4. Turbine generator; 5. Air pipe; 6. Turbine generator; 7. Regulating valve; 8. Pressure relief pipe; 9. Limiting ring; 10. Buffer spring; 11. Guide column; 12. Built-in oscillator power generation system; 13. Oscillating float; 14. Support rod; 15. Sliding sleeve; 16. Baffle; 17. Control valve; 18. Straight shaft; 19. Fixing plate; 20. Frame; 21. Mover; 22. Stator; 23. Tension spring; 24. Guide rod; 25. Side chamber; 26. Main chamber; 27. Baffle; 28. Rope; 29. ​​Guide rail; 30. Winding device. Detailed Implementation

[0021] 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.

[0022] Example: This technical solution addresses the problem of numerous irregular high-frequency waves in actual sea conditions, with the main wave period significantly altered by seasonal climate changes. By coupling the oscillating buoy and the oscillating water column wave energy transducer, the effective energy capture bandwidth of the device can be expanded through synergistic action, and the energy utilization rate of the device can be improved. Please refer to the appendix for details of the technical solution. Figures 1-12 The specific implementation process is as follows: The coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device provided by this invention includes an air chamber 1, a turbine power generation device 4, and a built-in oscillating body power generation system 12. The air chamber 1 is composed of a top plate, a bottom plate, a front wall, a rear wall, and side panels, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the overall structure constituting the air chamber 1 is a rectangular cube, but it is not limited to this single structure. It can also be a cylinder, ellipsoid, or other common geometric structures.

[0023] The wave energy conversion device also includes: Two partitions 16 are installed and fixed inside the air chamber 1, dividing the internal space of the air chamber 1 into two side chambers 25 and a main chamber 26. The main chamber 26 is centrally located, and an inlet 2 connecting the side chambers 25 and the main chamber 26 is provided on the front wall. When water enters through the inlet 2, an oscillating water column is formed in both the main chamber 26 and the side chambers 25. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the inlet 2 is located on the front wall (water-facing side). When water enters, the water level in the side chamber 25 near the front wall rises first, then the water level in the main chamber 26 rises, and finally the water level in the side chamber 25 near the rear wall also rises. This creates the effect of three chambers continuously forming an oscillating water column, which prolongs the time that the airflow generated by the oscillating water column acts on the power generation device, while also preventing strong airflow pressure from damaging the power generation device. An air pipe 5 is installed at the center of the upper end of the top plate, and the turbine power generation device 4 is installed at the upper end of the air pipe 5, causing the air chamber 1 to generate... The airflow drives the turbine generator 4 to work. A control valve 17 is provided on the side wall of the partition 16. A flow collection hole is provided on the partition 16 to cooperate with the control valve 17. The flow collection hole can be used to discharge the airflow generated by the oscillating water column in the side chamber 25 into the main chamber 26 to drive the turbine generator 4 to generate electricity. A pressure relief pipe 8 is fixedly connected to the top plate of the air chamber 1. A regulating valve 7 is installed on the pipe wall of the pressure relief pipe 8. The airflow generated in the side chamber 25 is discharged by the regulating valve 7 to regulate the overpressure airflow generated under extreme sea conditions and avoid damage to the turbine generator 4 by the overpressure airflow. A turbine generator 6 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the pressure relief pipe 8. The turbine generator 6 can generate electricity by using the overpressure airflow discharged from the pressure relief pipe 8. A protective cover 3 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the top plate. Airflow channels are provided on both sides of the protective cover 3. This design achieves active, continuous, and reversible reconfiguration of the interconnection between multiple chambers in an oscillating water column wave energy device. This allows the device to be continuously adjustable between "completely independent exhaust" and "completely converged exhaust," and to operate stably in any intermediate state between the two. The improved multi-chamber structure overcomes the limitations of traditional OWC devices with a single chamber or fixed series / parallel multi-chamber configurations, adopting a "side-main-side" three-chamber structure. In actual implementation, the side chambers 25 on both sides simultaneously have two exhaust paths. Path A (merging path): It is connected to the main chamber 26 through the adjustable flow channel (control valve 17). After the airflow merges, it enters the air pipe 5 and works together to drive the turbine generator 4 (with air turbine). Path B (Independent Path): Close control valve 17, and directly discharge and drive turbine generator 6 through the independent exhaust branch of regulating valve 7.

[0024] A guiding device is installed in the side air chamber 1. An oscillating float 13 is installed through the guiding device. An assembly hole is provided at the center of the oscillating float 13. The built-in oscillating body power generation system 12 is installed in the assembly hole to convert the kinetic energy generated when the oscillating float 13 slides vertically back and forth into electrical energy.

[0025] The two paths are controlled by a combination of electronically controlled regulating valve 7 and control valve 17, which can steplessly allocate the airflow distribution ratio within the range of 0% to 100%, realizing a continuous transition from "complete confluence" to "complete independence". Furthermore, it realizes the introduction of the air chamber interconnection topology as an active control variable into wave energy power generation control, and establishes a four-mode switching strategy with wave frequency as the core criterion (small wave confluence, medium wave voltage stabilization, large wave independence, and extreme protection). For example, in the mid-wave mode, continuous dynamic optimization of the connection opening is achieved for the first time, enabling real-time matching of device damping and wave excitation, achieving broadband and efficient energy capture. The captured stable airflow allows the air turbine (Wells turbine) to operate near its design operating point for a long time, significantly improving aerodynamic efficiency and significantly reducing blade fatigue load, thus extending turbine life. Moreover, the design of the main chamber 26 in the middle, whose volume is the sum of the volumes of the two chambers 25, inherently possesses passive voltage stabilization capability. Combined with active adjustment, this voltage stabilization advantage can be further amplified. In addition, the three chambers can work collaboratively or operate independently. When any turbine or valve fails, the remaining units can continue to generate electricity, enabling independent isolation of the faulty unit for online maintenance without overall shutdown, significantly improving system availability.

[0026] like Figure 2As shown, the three-chamber design can also achieve the synergistic coexistence of OWC and float technology, effectively improving the energy density in a limited space. The independent exhaust design of the side chambers reserves a complete independent installation space for the oscillating float power generation unit. Moreover, the two energy capture mechanisms of float and OWC work in parallel within the same structure without interfering with each other, which can increase the installed capacity per unit volume by more than 30%, which has outstanding value for near-shore or floating platforms with limited space. The solution to achieve the above technical effects is as follows: like Figure 2 As shown, the significant advantage of this technical solution lies in the fact that the large-volume air chamber 1 can be formed into a three-dimensional support structure using the partition 16 and the support rod 14, which greatly improves the impact resistance of the front wall of the air chamber 1. The guiding device is mainly used to support the oscillating float 13 and the built-in oscillating power generation system 12, and mainly includes two guide columns 11. Each of the two guide columns 11 has a sliding sleeve 15 fitted on its side wall. A connecting frame is provided on one side of the sliding sleeve 15, and the connecting frame is fixedly connected to the oscillating float 13. Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the preferred mechanism of the oscillating float 13 is a geometric structure with frustum-shaped structures on both the upper and lower sides. The wedge-shaped bottom surface is conducive to smooth wave rise, reduces wave reflection, enables the float to capture energy more effectively from deeper water layers, and helps to form an asymmetrical "dead zone" volume in the air chamber, thereby enhancing the airflow and output power of the OWC section. Obviously, the float can also be a regular cube, cylinder, ellipsoid, wedge, or other common geometric structures. The upper end of the guide post 11 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the top plate, and the lower end of the guide post 11 is fixedly connected to a support rod 14. The support rod 14 is fixed between the partition plate 16 and the side plate. A limit ring 9 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the guide post 11, and a buffer spring 10 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the limit ring 9. The buffer spring 10 is sleeved on the side wall of the guide post 11.

[0027] The built-in oscillator power generation system 12 includes a cylindrical housing, a linear generator assembly, a mass block, and two elastic components. The cylindrical housing is installed in the mounting hole of the oscillating float 13. Both ends of the oscillating float 13 are tapered. The linear generator assembly consists of a straight shaft 18, a stator 22, and a mover 21. The mover 21 is installed between the two elastic components. The straight shaft 18 is coaxially fixed inside the cylindrical housing, and the mover 21 is sleeved on the shaft wall of the straight shaft 18. The elastic components include a fixing plate 19. The mass block is fixed to the upper end of the fixed plate 19. Both ends of the fixed plate 19 are fitted with frames 20. Guide rods 24 are fixedly connected inside the two frames 20. The side wall of the fixed plate 19 is fitted with the guide rods 24 through round holes. A tension spring 23 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the guide rod 24. One end of the tension spring 23 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the frame 20, and the other end of the tension spring 23 is fixedly connected to one end of the fixed plate 19. The mover 21 of the linear motor is fixed to the side wall of the fixed plate 19.

[0028] The built-in oscillating body power generation system 12 mainly utilizes a linear generator device. Its kinetic energy comes from the oscillating float 13. When the oscillating float 13 sways up and down with the water column, the inertia generated by the mover 21 and the mass block can cause the mover 21 and the stator 22 to generate a reciprocating linear motion that cuts the magnetic field lines. With the support of the elastic component, the tension spring 23 can amplify the kinetic energy generated by the motion inertia, so that the mover can do work at a vibration frequency higher than that of the oscillating float 13.

[0029] Another implementation of this technical solution mainly involves the layout of the wave energy conversion device, which can be found in the following reference. Figure 9 - Figure 12 As shown, The wave energy conversion device is installed in a predetermined sea area using either a floating or fixed installation method. The floating installation uses external buoys and a mooring system to install and fix the wave energy conversion device. This method is mainly used in offshore deep-sea areas or areas with complex seabed topography. The fixed installation uses pile legs and pile foundations to install and fix the wave energy conversion device. This method is mainly used in near-shore shallow-sea areas and can make full use of the geometric structure of the air chamber to construct an array of breakwaters. This not only realizes the conversion of marine energy but also protects the coast from seawater erosion of shoreline infrastructure.

[0030] In practical implementation, the preferred arrangement of the wave energy conversion devices is as follows: the wave energy conversion devices are arranged in either a linear array or a curved array, with the curved array preferably using an arc path. Multiple wave energy conversion devices arranged using an arc path can form an arc-shaped dotted energy-concentrating wall, such as... Figure 10As shown, the wave energy conversion device arranged along an arc path can not only construct breakwaters, but also form an energy-concentrating wall using the arc-shaped mechanism. By utilizing the energy-consuming characteristics of the air chamber of the wave energy conversion device, the impact of seawater on the coast is greatly reduced, thus maximizing the function of the wave energy conversion device.

[0031] To cope with extreme weather at sea, this technical solution also includes multiple pressure relief ports on the rear wall of the air chamber 1. A baffle 27 is installed on one side of the rear wall inside the air chamber 1, with guide rails 29 at both ends of the baffle 27. The guide rails 29 are installed on one side of the rear wall, and a winding device 30 is installed on the upper end of the top plate. The winding device 30 is connected to a rope 28, with one end of the rope 28 connected to the upper end of the baffle 27. The position of the baffle 27 can be adjusted using the winding device 30, so that some of the seawater entering from the inlet 2 can be directly discharged through the pressure relief ports, thereby reducing the vibration intensity of the water column in the air chamber 1 and protecting the wave energy conversion device during extreme weather.

[0032] During extreme weather, the wave energy accumulated in chamber 1 exceeds the maximum load of the wave energy conversion device, which in turn exceeds the maximum power output of the turbine generator 4 and the turbine generator 6. In this case, the above-mentioned technical solution can be used to release some seawater through the pressure relief port, allowing the seawater to enter from the inlet 2 and exit directly from the pressure relief port. This can greatly reduce the rising height of the water column in chamber 1, quickly control the energy capture efficiency of the wave energy conversion device, and provide maximum protection for the entire device.

[0033] The wave energy conversion device is also equipped with a controller and a sensing module. The sensing module includes three pressure sensors and three water level sensors. The pressure sensors and water level sensors are respectively arranged in two side chambers 25 and the main chamber 26 to monitor changes in water level and air pressure. The pressure sensors are installed on the top of the air chamber, with a range of ±5kPa and a response frequency of ≥100Hz. As the main actuators, both control valve 17 and regulating valve 7 integrate proportional regulating actuators, which provide real-time feedback to the controller on the actual opening degree of the valves. The controller is equipped with a central controller, which adopts the NIcRIO-9045 real-time controller with a control cycle of 50ms. It has a built-in FPGA front-end for hard real-time signal preprocessing. Furthermore, it is also equipped with a strategy library memory, which uses a non-volatile memory chip to pre-store a multi-dimensional mapping table of "wave frequency-optimal opening degree-target fluctuation" calibrated by simulation and experiment. Uninterruptible power supply: 24VDC battery pack, which can maintain the operation of critical parts of the system for ≥30 minutes when the main power fails; Local human-machine interface: 7-inch waterproof touch screen, supporting manual / automatic mode switching and parameter monitoring; Remote operation and maintenance platform: Data is uploaded to the cloud via 4G / 5G industrial routers, supporting remote monitoring and alarms; The FPGA front-end of the central controller performs real-time filtering and feature extraction on the sensor signals from the sensing module. It then uses a weighted fusion algorithm to obtain the fused wave frequency F and significant wave height Hs. Finally, it runs a finite state machine + fuzzy logic hybrid decision-making algorithm, outputting the target operating mode M and valve opening commands based on the states such as F, Hs, turbine speed ω, and pressure amplitude in chamber 1. This allows the sea state to be divided into multiple levels based on the fused wave frequency F and significant wave height Hs, enabling the wave energy conversion device to adaptively adjust and match according to changes in sea state in order to achieve the best power generation conditions.

[0034]

[0035] Optimal opening solution under the mid-wave mode: In M2 mode, the turbine opening solver uses the fused wave frequency F as the primary index and the real-time pressure difference ΔP between the intermediate and side chambers as the correction input to query the optimal opening mapping table in the strategy library memory. This mapping table is generated through joint calibration of CFD simulation and scaled-down water tank tests, storing the baseline opening value K_base(F) that maximizes turbine output power at each frequency point, and is fine-tuned online at runtime based on ΔP, using the following formula:

[0036] Where β is an empirical correction factor (typical value 0.05 to 0.15). This is the reference differential pressure for the corresponding frequency in the policy library. The controller updates this every 50ms. The valve is driven by a PID closed-loop system.

[0037] The complete workflow for three typical operating conditions is as follows: Operating Condition 1: Small Wave Convergence Mode (M1) The controller determines that the sea state is light waves and outputs the command: V1 / V2 fully open, V3 / V4 closed. The turbine load regulator sets the target speed to 60% of the rated value. At this time, the three air chambers are fully connected. The airflow generated by the oscillation of each water column under wave excitation is gathered in the middle air chamber and discharged through the main turbine. The turbine maintains low-speed rotation to avoid frequent start-stop. At the same time, the oscillating float 13 power generation unit in the two side air chambers continuously outputs electrical energy to maintain the basic power supply of the system.

[0038] Operating Condition 2: Medium Wave Voltage Stabilization Mode (M2) The controller detects moderate sea conditions and enters M2 mode. It then looks up the reference opening based on the current wave frequency (e.g., 0.11Hz). =64%, output after real-time differential pressure correction. =66%.

[0039] The PID controller drives the proportional control valve to adjust from the current opening to 66% within 4 seconds. The valve position sensor reports 63.8%, with an error of 0.2%, confirming that the closed loop is in place.

[0040] The turbine load regulator executes the MPPT algorithm, adjusting the electromagnetic torque in 100ms increments to keep the turbine operating at the optimal tip speed ratio. The variance of pressure fluctuation in the intermediate chamber is monitored in real time. When the fluctuation is too large, an extreme value search is initiated for fine-tuning. The system maintains this stable operation until the wave conditions change.

[0041] Operating Condition 3: Large Wave Independent Full-Power Mode (M3) If the controller detects that the wave frequency or wave height exceeds the threshold, it immediately switches to M3 mode: V1 / V2 are completely shut off, V3 / V4 are on, the three chambers are physically isolated, the airflow in the side chambers drives the auxiliary turbine (turbine generator 6) to full power through the exhaust branch, and the airflow in the middle chamber still drives the main turbine to full power. Both turbines generate electricity simultaneously in parallel with the grid, and the total output power of the system reaches its peak. If the pressure continues to rise and approaches the safety threshold, the controller will open the emergency pressure relief valve warning circuit in advance to prepare for physical pressure relief.

[0042] In summary, by adopting the system described in this embodiment, the wave energy power generation device achieves the following technological advancements: All-sea-state adaptive operation: Through three-layer control of "gas chamber topology reconstruction + valve continuous adjustment + turbine load optimization", the device can maintain high energy conversion efficiency in the wave frequency range of 0.05Hz to 0.18Hz.

[0043] Improved energy capture efficiency: The dynamic optimal opening tracking and extreme value search algorithm in the mid-wave mode enables the main power unit to maintain the highest power generation condition for a long time, which is 10% to 15% higher than that of traditional fixed structure OWC units; Enhanced system survivability: Multi-level redundant protection (independent exhaust channel + electronically controlled pressure relief + purely mechanical pressure relief) ensures the structural safety of the device under extreme sea conditions such as typhoons. The mechanical part of the pressure relief valve works independently and is not afraid of mechanical failure. Increased energy density: The oscillating float and OWC technology work together to generate electricity in the same space, increasing the installed capacity per unit volume by more than 30%.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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. A coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device, comprising an air chamber (1), a turbine power generation device (4), and a built-in oscillating body power generation system (12), wherein the air chamber (1) is composed of a top plate, a bottom plate, a front wall, a rear wall, and side panels, characterized in that, Also includes: Two partitions (16) are provided and fixed in the air chamber (1). The two partitions (16) divide the internal space of the air chamber (1) into two side chambers (25) and a main chamber (26). The main chamber (26) is centrally located. A water inlet (2) is provided at the front wall to connect the side chambers (25) and the main chamber (26). When water enters the water inlet (2), an oscillating water column is formed in both the main chamber (26) and the side chambers (25). An air pipe (5) is installed at the upper center of the top plate. The turbine generator (4) is installed at the upper end of the air pipe (5) to generate airflow in the air chamber (1) to drive the turbine generator (4) to work. The guide device is installed in the side air chamber (1). An oscillating float (13) is installed through the guide device. An assembly hole is provided at the center of the oscillating float (13). The built-in oscillating body power generation system (12) is installed in the assembly hole to convert the kinetic energy generated when the oscillating float (13) slides vertically back and forth into electrical energy.

2. The coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A control valve (17) is provided on the side wall of the partition (16). A flow collection hole is provided on the partition (16) to cooperate with the control valve (17). The flow collection hole can be used to discharge the airflow generated by the oscillating water column in the side chamber (25) into the main chamber (26) to drive the turbine generator (4) to generate electricity. A pressure relief pipe (8) is fixedly connected to the top plate of the air chamber (1). A regulating valve (7) is installed on the pipe wall of the pressure relief pipe (8). The regulating valve (7) is used to discharge the airflow generated in the side chamber (25) to regulate the overpressure airflow generated under extreme sea conditions and avoid the overpressure airflow from damaging the turbine generator (4).

3. The coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A turbine generator (6) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the pressure relief pipe (8). The turbine generator (6) can generate electricity using the overpressure airflow discharged from the pressure relief pipe (8). A protective cover (3) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the top plate. Airflow channels are provided on both sides of the protective cover (3).

4. The coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guiding device includes two guide posts (11), and a sliding sleeve (15) is fitted on the side wall of each of the two guide posts (11). A connecting frame is provided on one side of the sliding sleeve (15), and the connecting frame is fixedly connected to the oscillating float (13). The upper end of the guide post (11) is fixedly connected to the lower end of the top plate, and a support rod (14) is fixedly connected to the lower end of the guide post (11). The support rod (14) is fixed between the partition plate (16) and the side plate. A limit ring (9) is fixedly connected to the side wall of the guide post (11), and a buffer spring (10) is fixedly connected to the lower end of the limit ring (9). The buffer spring (10) is fitted on the side wall of the guide post (11).

5. The coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The built-in oscillator power generation system (12) includes a cylindrical shell, a linear generator device, a mass block and two elastic components. The cylindrical shell is installed in the mounting hole of the oscillating float (13). The upper and lower ends of the oscillating float (13) are both tapered structures. The linear generator device consists of a straight shaft (18), a stator (22) and a mover (21). The mover (21) is installed between the two elastic components. The straight shaft (18) is coaxially fixed inside the cylindrical shell. The mover (21) is sleeved on the shaft wall of the straight shaft (18).

6. The coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The elastic component includes a fixed plate (19), the mass block is fixed on the upper end of the fixed plate (19), and a frame (20) is sleeved on both ends of the fixed plate (19). A guide rod (24) is fixedly connected inside each of the two frames (20). The side wall of the fixed plate (19) is sleeved with the guide rod (24) through a round hole. A tension spring (23) is fixedly connected to the side wall of the guide rod (24). One end of the tension spring (23) is fixedly connected to the side wall of the frame (20), and the other end of the tension spring (23) is fixedly connected to one end of the fixed plate (19). The mover (21) of the linear generator device is fixed on the side wall of the fixed plate (19).

7. The coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wave energy conversion device is installed in a predetermined sea area using either a floating or fixed installation method. The floating installation uses external buoys and a mooring system to install and fix the wave energy conversion device, while the fixed installation uses pile legs and pile foundations to install and fix the wave energy conversion device.

8. The coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wave energy conversion device is deployed using either a linear array or a curved array, with the curved array preferably using a circular arc path. Multiple wave energy conversion devices deployed using a circular arc path can form an arc-shaped dashed energy-concentrating wall.

9. The coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple pressure relief ports are provided on the rear wall of the air chamber (1). A baffle (27) is provided on one side of the rear wall inside the air chamber (1). Guide rails (29) are provided at both ends of the baffle (27). The guide rails (29) are installed on one side of the rear wall. A winding device (30) is installed on the upper end of the top plate. A rope (28) is connected to the winding device (30). One end of the rope (28) is connected to the upper end of the baffle (27). The position of the baffle (27) can be adjusted by the winding device (30) so that the pressure relief port can directly discharge part of the seawater entering from the inlet (2), thereby reducing the vibration intensity of the water column in the air chamber (1) and protecting the wave energy conversion device in extreme weather.

10. The coupled oscillating float-oscillating water column wave energy conversion device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wave energy conversion device is also equipped with a controller and a sensing module. The sensing module includes three pressure sensors and three water level sensors. The pressure sensors and water level sensors are respectively arranged in two side chambers (25) and the main chamber (26) to monitor changes in water level and air pressure. The controller is equipped with a central controller. The FPGA front end of the central controller performs real-time filtering and feature extraction on the sensor signals of the sensing module. It obtains the fused wave frequency F and effective wave height Hs through a weighted fusion algorithm, and runs a finite state machine + fuzzy logic hybrid decision algorithm. Based on the states such as F, Hs, turbine speed ω, and pressure amplitude of the gas chamber (1), it outputs the target operating mode M and valve opening command. This allows the sea state to be divided into multiple levels based on the fused wave frequency F and significant wave height Hs, enabling the wave energy conversion device to adaptively adjust and match according to changes in sea state in order to achieve the best power generation conditions.