Wave power generation system

Abstract

Wave-dissipating blocks increase the amount of electricity that can be generated compared to placing wave energy absorption devices at a distance from the surface. [Solution] The wave power generation system comprises a wave energy absorption device in which multiple wave-dissipating blocks are arranged around it, forming an opening through which seawater enters and exits, and the inside is hollow, and gas is compressed and expanded by the seawater entering and exiting through the opening, and a power generation device that generates electricity as the gas inside the wave energy absorption device is compressed and expanded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wave power generation system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a wave power generation device that is stably supported on the sea surface and has an air chamber with an opening in the sea. A seawater damping chamber is installed above the air chamber, and a generator driven by a turbine is provided above the seawater damping chamber. The air chamber and the seawater damping chamber are connected by a ventilation pipe, and the seawater damping chamber and the turbine input part are connected by an input pipe. The cross-sectional area of the ventilation pipe is made sufficiently smaller than the cross-sectional areas of the air chamber and the seawater damping chamber.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Some wave power generation systems are of a fixed type fixed to the coast. This wave power generation system includes a wave energy absorption device and a power generation device. Specifically, the inside of the wave energy absorption device is hollow and at least part of it is submerged in the sea. An opening is provided in the submerged part of the wave energy absorption device, and seawater can enter and exit through this opening.

[0005] A gas chamber is provided inside the wave energy absorption device, and the gas in this gas chamber is compressed and expanded by the entry and exit of seawater through the opening. The power generation device generates electricity by the compression and expansion of this gas.

[0006] Such a wave energy absorption device was arranged at a position separated from the wave dissipating blocks.

[0007] The objective of this disclosure is to increase the amount of electricity that can be generated compared to the case where the wave energy absorption device is placed at a distance from the wave-dissipating blocks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The wave power generation system according to the first embodiment is characterized by comprising a wave energy absorption device in which a plurality of wave-dissipating blocks are arranged around it, the interior of which is hollow and has openings formed for seawater to enter and exit, and the gas in a gas chamber formed inside is compressed and expanded by the seawater entering and exiting through the openings, and a power generation device that generates electricity by the compression and expansion of the gas in the gas chamber of the wave energy absorption device.

[0009] According to the above embodiment, waves heading towards the wave energy absorption device enter the gaps between multiple wave-dissipating blocks and collide with the multiple wave-dissipating blocks. Short-period components of the waves are canceled out by these wave-dissipating blocks, leaving behind long-period components. Then, several long-period components of the waves combine to increase the wave energy, causing seawater to enter and exit the opening of the wave energy absorption device.

[0010] As seawater enters and exits the opening of the wave energy absorption device, the gas in the gas chamber compresses and expands. This compression and expansion of the gas in the gas chamber causes the power generation device to generate electricity.

[0011] In this way, the wave energy increases as the waves repeatedly collide with the wave-dissipating blocks, and seawater in the area where the high-energy waves are rising enters and exits through the openings of the wave energy absorption device. As a result, the wave power generation system can increase the amount of electricity it can generate compared to when the wave energy absorption device is placed at a distance from the wave-dissipating blocks.

[0012] The wave power generation system according to the second embodiment is characterized in that, in the wave power generation system described in the first embodiment, the wave energy absorption device is surrounded by a plurality of wave-dissipating blocks.

[0013] According to the above embodiment, since the wave energy absorption device is surrounded by wave-dissipating blocks, the amount of electricity that can be generated can be increased compared to the case where wave-dissipating blocks are placed only on the offshore side of the wave energy absorption device.

[0014] The wave power generation system according to the third embodiment is characterized in that, in the wave power generation system described in the first embodiment, a plurality of wave energy absorption devices are provided along the seawall, and a connecting member is provided to connect the plurality of wave energy absorption devices.

[0015] According to the above embodiment, compared to the case where each wave energy absorption device is arranged independently, it is possible to suppress the tilting of the wave energy absorption devices due to the load received from the waves.

[0016] The wave power generation system according to the fourth embodiment is characterized in that, in the wave power generation system according to the first embodiment, the wave energy absorbing device has an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to waves coming toward the wave energy absorbing device.

[0017] According to the above embodiment, the wave energy absorber has an inclined surface that is tilted with respect to waves approaching it. Therefore, compared to the case where all surfaces visible from the direction of the approaching waves are facing the waves, it is possible to suppress the tilting of the wave energy absorber due to the load received from the waves.

[0018] The wave power generation system according to the fifth embodiment is characterized in that, in the wave power generation system described in the first embodiment, the wave energy absorption device has protrusions that are inserted between a plurality of wave-dissipating blocks.

[0019] According to the above embodiment, the protrusions formed on the wave energy absorbing device are inserted between a plurality of wave-dissipating blocks. This makes it possible to suppress the tilting of the wave energy absorbing device due to the load received from waves, compared to the case in which the wave energy absorbing device is formed only on a curved surface.

Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present disclosure, when a wave energy absorption device is arranged at a position separated from the wave dissipation block, the amount of electricity that can be generated can be increased as compared with the case where the wave energy absorption device is arranged at a position separated from the wave dissipation block.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a wave power generation system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a plan view showing a wave power generation system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a front view showing a wave power generation system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is a side view showing a wave power generation system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] It is a schematic configuration diagram showing the evaluation specification (1) used in the hydraulic model experiment of the wave power generation system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] It is a drawing showing the evaluation result of the evaluation specification (1) in the hydraulic model experiment of the wave power generation system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in a graph. [Figure 7] (A)(B) It is a drawing showing the evaluation result of the evaluation specification (1) in the hydraulic model experiment of the wave power generation system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and showing a graph representing the wave height of wave height meter A and a graph representing the wave height of wave height meter B. [Figure 8] It is a schematic configuration diagram showing the evaluation specification (2) used in the hydraulic model experiment of the wave power generation system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] It is a drawing showing the evaluation result of the evaluation specification (2) in the hydraulic model experiment of the wave power generation system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in a graph. [Figure 10] It is a schematic configuration diagram showing the evaluation specification (3) used in the hydraulic model experiment of the wave power generation system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11]This figure shows the evaluation results of the evaluation specification (3) in a hydraulic model experiment of the wave power generation system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, in graph form. [Figure 12] (A)(B)A diagram showing the evaluation results of the evaluation specification (3) in a hydraulic model experiment of a wave power generation system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, with a graph representing the wave height of wave height meter A and a graph representing the wave height of wave height meter B. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram showing the evaluation specifications (4) used in the hydraulic model experiment of the wave power generation system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 14] This figure shows the evaluation results of the evaluation specification (4) in a hydraulic model experiment of the wave power generation system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, in graph form. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view showing a wave power generation system according to a second embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 16] This is a plan view showing a wave power generation system according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 17] This is a front view showing a wave power generation system according to a second embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 18] This is a side view showing a wave power generation system according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view showing a wave power generation system according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view showing a wave power generation system according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 21] This is a plan view showing a wave power generation system according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 22] This is a front view showing a wave power generation system according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 23] This is a perspective view showing a wave power generation system according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 24] This is a plan view showing a wave power generation system according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 25] This is a front view showing a wave power generation system according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 26] This is a perspective view showing a wave power generation system according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 27] This is a plan view showing a wave power generation system according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 28] This is a side view showing a wave power generation system according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] <First Embodiment> An example of a wave power generation system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 14. In each figure, arrow H is in the vertical direction and represents the up and down direction of the wave energy absorber installed in the wave power generation system. Arrow W is perpendicular to arrow H and represents the direction along the seawall where the wave energy absorber is located (hereinafter referred to as the "coastal direction"). Arrow D is perpendicular to arrows H and W and represents the horizontal direction in which the waves are coming toward the wave energy absorber (hereinafter referred to as the "wave direction").

[0023] (Wave power generation system 10) The wave power generation system 10 is a fixed type that is fixed to the coast, and as shown in Figure 1, it comprises a wave energy absorption device 20 (hereinafter referred to as "energy absorption device 20") and a power generation device 12.

[0024] [Energy absorption device 20] As shown in Figure 1, the energy absorption device 20 is positioned away from the seawall 300 and surrounded by a plurality of wave-dissipating blocks T. Specifically, wave-dissipating blocks T are positioned on both sides of the energy absorption device 20 in the direction of the coast and on both sides in the direction of the waves.

[0025] The energy absorption device 20 is hollow inside. The energy absorption device 20 extends vertically, and the portion of the energy absorption device 20 excluding the upper part is submerged in the sea. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the energy absorption device 20 has a rectangular main body 24 that extends in the direction of the wave when viewed from above, and a projection 26 that protrudes from the main body 24 toward the side from which the waves are coming (hereinafter referred to as the "offshore side").

[0026] In the main body 24, the portion submerged in the sea and facing offshore in the direction of the waves has a rectangular opening 24a formed when viewed from the direction of the waves, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0027] Seawater enters and exits the energy absorption device 20 through this opening 24a. Inside the energy absorption device 20, an air chamber 20a filled with air is formed in the portion above the sea surface, as shown in Figure 4. The air chamber 20a is an example of a gas chamber, and air is an example of a gas.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the projection 26 is positioned above the opening 24a. The projection 26 is triangular in shape when viewed from above and extends in the vertical direction. The projection 26 also has a pair of inclined surfaces 26a that are radially oblique to the wave direction.

[0029] [Power generator 12] As shown in Figure 1, the power generation device 12 is mounted on the top surface of the energy absorption device 20. The power generation device 12 generates electricity by compressing and expanding the air in the air chamber 20a of the energy absorption device 20 due to seawater entering and exiting through the opening 24a of the energy absorption device 20.

[0030] (action) Next, the operation of the wave power generation system 10 will be explained. As shown in Figure 4, waves heading towards the energy absorption device 20 enter the gaps between the wave-dissipating blocks T and collide with them. As the waves repeatedly collide with the wave-dissipating blocks T, their energy increases, and seawater in the area where the high-energy waves are rising enters and exits the energy absorption device 20 through the opening 24a.

[0031] As seawater enters and exits the opening 24a of the energy absorption device 20, the air in the air chamber 20a is compressed and expanded. This compression and expansion of the air in the air chamber 20a causes the power generation device 12 to generate electricity.

[0032] (Hydraulic model experiment) Next, we will describe the hydraulic model experiment conducted to confirm the operation of the wave power generation system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0033] [Evaluation Method] 1. For the hydraulic model experiment, a wave-generating channel with a wave-absorbing control function, measuring 30 m in length, 0.8 m in width, and 1.2 m in depth, was used.

[0034] 2. The experimental waves were irregular waves with a modified Brettschneider-Hieroic spectrum. The experimental waves were created using only the seabed, and during the experiment, the created experimental waves were applied to the wave channel.

[0035] 3. Assuming normal wave conditions, the experimental wave will have a period T. 1 / 3 1.11 [s], wave height H 1 / 3 We set this to 5.0 [cm]. Considering the experimental scale as 1 / 10, in significant waves, the period T 1 / 3 The wave height was 3.5 [s], and the wave height was H 1 / 3 The depth is set at 50 cm. The water depth is set at 300 mm to prevent it from breaking under any wave conditions.

[0036] -Evaluation Specification (1) Structure- The configuration of evaluation specification (1) is shown in Figure 5.

[0037] 1. Assuming an energy absorption device, a rectangular tube J10 with a hollow interior was used. The lower end of this rectangular tube J10 is open. The rectangular tube J10 was made using a transparent acrylic plate, and its internal dimensions were 5 cm × 10 cm × 25 cm.

[0038] 2. The end of the wave-making channel is marked by a revetment J12, and a stone J14 with an inclined surface J14a is installed on the revetment J12. The stone J14 is trapezoidal when viewed from the width direction of the wave-making channel, and maintains the same shape throughout the width direction of the wave-making channel. The height of the stone J14 is 357 mm, and the upper end of the stone J14 protrudes upward from the water surface.

[0039] Furthermore, the portion of stone material J14 facing the revetment J12 is a vertical surface that contacts the revetment J12. On the other hand, the portion of stone material J14 opposite to the revetment J12 has an inclined surface J14a that slopes horizontally. The angle of this inclined surface J14a is set to 1:1.3.

[0040] The rectangular tube J10 is attached to the inclined surface J14a so as to extend in the direction of the inclination of the inclined surface J14a. Specifically, the cross-section of the rectangular tube J10 extends in the width direction of the wave-making channel, and the center of gravity of the rectangular tube J10 coincides with the water surface.

[0041] 3. Multiple wave-dissipating block models t-type (hereinafter referred to as "block model t") were used as wave-dissipating blocks T. At seawall J12, a position at a height of 485 mm is designated as K01, and a position 225 mm offshore from position K01 is designated as K02. The position where line L01, which has a 13% gradient and passes through position K02, intersects with the bottom surface of the wave-making channel is designated as K03. The inclined surface J14a was formed so as to be 185 mm away from line L01.

[0042] Multiple block models t were placed in an area enclosed by lines connecting positions K01, K02, and K03, and excluding the stone material J14. By arranging the block models t in this way, two layers of block models t were placed on the inclined surface J14a. In this manner, the block models t were arranged around the rectangular tube J10.

[0043] 4. Wave height meters A and B were used as measuring instruments to measure wave height. Wave height meter A was installed before the wave entered the block model t, and wave height meter A was used to measure the water level fluctuation of the incident wave entering the block model t. Wave height meter B was installed to measure the height of the intruding wave that entered the rectangular tube J10, and wave height meter B was used to measure the water level fluctuation inside the rectangular tube J10.

[0044] The number of waves used was 400, and all evaluation specifications were evaluated twice to confirm reproducibility.

[0045] -Evaluation results of evaluation specification (1)- The graphs showing the evaluation results for evaluation specification (1) are shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0046] In the graph shown in Figure 6, the horizontal axis represents the wave frequency [Hz], and the vertical axis represents the wave spectral density [cm²]. 2 The graph shows the spectral density of the wave derived from the values ​​measured by wave height meter A, and the dashed line in the graph shows the spectral density of the wave derived from the values ​​measured by wave height meter B.

[0047] Furthermore, Figure 7 shows the graphs used to derive the graph in Figure 6. Specifically, the graph in Figure 7(A) shows the wave height [Cm] [cm] measured by wave height meter A, with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing wave height. Similarly, the graph in Figure 7(B) shows the wave height [Cm] [cm] measured by wave height meter B, with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing wave height.

[0048] The graph in Figure 6 shows that the spectral density of high-frequency waves decreases upon penetration into the rectangular tube J10. On the other hand, the spectral density of the intruding waves that penetrate the rectangular tube J10 is higher than that of the incident waves incident on the block model t. In other words, by arranging the block model t around the rectangular tube J10, the spectral density of waves inside the rectangular tube J10 is higher compared to when the rectangular tube is placed at a distance from the block model t.

[0049] Specifically, the spectral density of the intruding wave entering the rectangular tube J10 was approximately 6.1 times that of the incident wave incident on the block model t. In other words, the energy of the intruding wave entering the rectangular tube J10 was approximately 6.1 times that of the incident wave incident on the block model t.

[0050] -Consideration of Evaluation Specification (1)- Waves approaching the rectangular tube J10 enter the gaps between multiple block models t and collide with them. Short-period components of the waves are canceled out by these block models t, leaving behind long-period components. Several long-period components combine to increase the wave energy, causing water to enter and exit the opening of the rectangular tube J10. In this way, the wave energy increases as it repeatedly collides with the block models t, and water in the areas where the high-energy waves are present enters and exits the opening of the rectangular tube J10. As a result, the spectral density of the intruding waves entering the rectangular tube J10 is thought to be higher than that of the incident waves entering the block models t. In other words, the energy of the intruding waves entering the rectangular tube J10 is thought to be higher than that of the incident waves entering the block models t.

[0051] -Evaluation Specification (2) Configuration- The structure of evaluation specification (2) is shown in Figure 8. The structure of evaluation specification (2) will mainly be explained in terms of the differences from evaluation specification (1).

[0052] 1. Assuming an energy absorption device, a rectangular tube J20 with a hollow interior was used. The lower end of this tube J20 is open. The tube J20 was made using a transparent acrylic plate, and its internal dimensions were 10 cm × 10 cm × 30 cm.

[0053] -Evaluation results for evaluation specification (2)- Figure 9 shows a graph of the evaluation results for evaluation specification (2).

[0054] This graph shows that the spectral density of high-frequency waves decreases upon penetration into the rectangular tube J20. On the other hand, the spectral density of the intruding waves that penetrate the rectangular tube J20 is higher than that of the incident waves incident on the block model t. In other words, by arranging the block model t around the rectangular tube J20, the spectral density of waves inside the rectangular tube J20 is higher compared to when the rectangular tube is placed at a distance from the block model t.

[0055] Specifically, the spectral density of the intruding wave that entered the rectangular tube J20 was approximately 4.4 times that of the incident wave incident on the block model t. In other words, the energy of the intruding wave that entered the rectangular tube J20 was approximately 4.4 times that of the incident wave incident on the block model t. The considerations for evaluation specification (2) are the same as those for evaluation specification (1).

[0056] -Evaluation Specification (3) Configuration- The structure of evaluation specification (3) is shown in Figure 10. The structure of evaluation specification (3) will mainly be explained in terms of the differences from evaluation specification (1).

[0057] 1. Assuming an energy absorption device, a rectangular tube J30 with a hollow interior was used. The lower end of this tube J30 is open. The tube J30 was made using a transparent acrylic plate, and its internal dimensions were 5 cm × 10 cm × 25 cm.

[0058] 2. The end of the wave-making channel is designated as revetment J12, and rectangular tubes J30 are placed along the wall surface of revetment J12. Note that stone material J14 is not used in evaluation specification (3).

[0059] 3. On the seawall J12, a position at a height of 485 mm is designated as K01, and a position 175 mm offshore from position K01 is designated as K12. The position where the line L02 with a 13% gradient passing through position K12 intersects with the bottom surface of the wave-making channel is designated as K13. Multiple block models t are arranged in the area enclosed by the line connecting positions K01, K12, and K13.

[0060] -Evaluation results for evaluation specification (3)- The graphs showing the evaluation results for evaluation specification (3) are shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0061] The graph in Figure 11 shows that the spectral density of high-frequency waves decreases upon penetration into the rectangular tube J30. On the other hand, the spectral density of the intruding waves that penetrate the rectangular tube J30 is higher than that of the incident waves incident on the block model t. In other words, by arranging the block model t around the rectangular tube J30, the spectral density of waves inside the rectangular tube J30 is higher compared to when the rectangular tube is placed at a distance from the block model t.

[0062] Furthermore, Figure 12 shows the graphs used to derive the graphs in Figure 11. Specifically, the graph in Figure 12(A) shows the wave height [Cm][cm] measured by wave height meter A, with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing wave height. Similarly, the graph in Figure 12(B) shows the wave height [Cm][cm] measured by wave height meter B, with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing wave height.

[0063] Specifically, the spectral density of the intruding wave that entered the rectangular tube J30 was approximately 2.8 times that of the incident wave incident on the block model t. In other words, the energy of the intruding wave that entered the rectangular tube J30 was approximately 2.8 times that of the incident wave incident on the block model t. The considerations for evaluation specification (3) are the same as those for evaluation specification (1).

[0064] -Evaluation Specification (4) Configuration- The structure of evaluation specification (4) is shown in Figure 13. The structure of evaluation specification (4) will mainly be explained in terms of the differences from evaluation specification (3).

[0065] 1. Assuming an energy absorption device, a rectangular tube J40 with a hollow interior was used. The lower end of this tube J40 is open. The tube J40 was made using a transparent acrylic plate, and its internal dimensions were 10 cm × 10 cm × 30 cm.

[0066] -Evaluation results for evaluation specification (4)- Figure 14 shows a graph of the evaluation results for evaluation specification (4). This graph shows that the spectral density of high-frequency waves decreases upon penetration into the rectangular tube J40. On the other hand, the spectral density of the intruding waves that penetrate the rectangular tube J40 is higher than that of the incident waves incident on the block model t. In other words, by arranging the block model t around the rectangular tube J40, the spectral density of waves inside the rectangular tube J40 is higher compared to when the rectangular tube is placed at a distance from the block model t.

[0067] Specifically, the spectral density of the intruding wave entering the rectangular tube J40 was approximately 4.2 times that of the incident wave incident on the block model t. In other words, the energy of the intruding wave entering the rectangular tube J40 was approximately 4.2 times that of the incident wave incident on the block model t. The considerations for evaluation specification (4) are the same as those for evaluation specification (1).

[0068] (summary) As explained above, in the wave power generation system 10, the spectral density of incoming waves that penetrate the energy absorption device 20 is higher compared to the case where the energy absorption device is placed at a distance from the wave-dissipating block. As a result, the amount of electricity that can be generated can be increased compared to the case where the energy absorption device is placed at a distance from the wave-dissipating block.

[0069] Furthermore, in the wave power generation system 10, the energy absorption device 20 is surrounded by wave-dissipating blocks T. In other words, wave-dissipating blocks T are placed on both sides of the energy absorption device 20 in the direction of the coast and on both sides in the direction of the waves. This increases the amount of electricity that can be generated by increasing the energy of the incoming waves that penetrate the energy absorption device 20, compared to the case where wave-dissipating blocks T are placed only on the offshore side in the direction of the waves.

[0070] Furthermore, in the wave power generation system 10, the energy absorption device 20 is surrounded by wave-dissipating blocks T. This allows the wave-dissipating blocks T to protect the energy absorption device 20 from waves approaching it, thereby stabilizing the attitude of the energy absorption device 20.

[0071] Furthermore, in the wave power generation system 10, the energy absorption device 20 is surrounded by wave-dissipating blocks T. This helps to prevent the energy absorption device 20 from damaging the landscape.

[0072] Furthermore, in the wave power generation system 10, the energy absorption device 20 has an inclined surface 26a. Therefore, compared to the case where all surfaces visible from the wave direction are facing the incoming waves, the load on the energy absorption device 20 from the waves is reduced, and tilting of the energy absorption device 20 due to the load on the waves can be suppressed.

[0073] <Second Embodiment> An example of a wave power generation system according to the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 18. The second embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the first embodiment.

[0074] (composition) The wave power generation system 60 according to the second embodiment includes a wave energy absorption device 70 (hereinafter referred to as "energy absorption device 70") and a power generation device 12, as shown in Figure 15. Multiple energy absorption devices 70 are provided and arranged in the direction of the coast. The energy absorption device 70 is hollow inside and, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, extends vertically and has an elliptical shape that extends in the direction of the waves when viewed from above.

[0075] Furthermore, in the portion of the energy absorption device 70 that is submerged in the sea and faces offshore in the direction of the waves, a rectangular opening 70a is formed as viewed from the direction of the waves, as shown in Figures 17 and 18. Seawater is allowed to enter and exit through this opening 70a.

[0076] Furthermore, connecting members 76 are provided to link adjacent pairs of energy absorption devices 70. Three connecting members 76 are provided, arranged in the direction of the waves, and are cylindrical in shape, extending in the direction of the coast. Energy absorption devices 70 are connected to both ends of the connecting members 76.

[0077] Furthermore, the base end of a projection 78 that protrudes outward in the direction of the coast is connected to the outermost energy absorption device 70 located in the direction of the coast. Three projections 78 are arranged in the direction of the wave and are cylindrical in shape, extending in the direction of the coast.

[0078] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the power generation devices 12 are mounted on the upper surface of the energy absorption device 70 and are arranged in a row of three in the direction of the wave.

[0079] (action) Next, we will explain the operation of the wave power generation system 60. As shown in Figure 18, waves heading towards the energy absorption device 70 enter the gaps between the wave-dissipating blocks T and collide with them. As the waves repeatedly collide with the wave-dissipating blocks T, their energy increases, and seawater in the area where the high-energy waves are rising enters and exits the opening 70a of the energy absorption device 70.

[0080] As seawater enters and exits the opening 70a of the energy absorption device 70, the air in the air chamber 70b is compressed and expanded. This compression and expansion of the air in the air chamber 70b causes the power generation device 12 to generate electricity. The air chamber 70b is an example of a gas chamber.

[0081] (summary) As explained above, in the wave power generation system 60, the energy absorption device 70 is elliptical in shape, extending in the direction of the wave when viewed from above. Therefore, compared to the case where the energy absorption device is elliptical in shape, extending towards the coast when viewed from above, the load on the energy absorption device 70 from the waves can be reduced.

[0082] Furthermore, the wave power generation system 60 is provided with a connecting member 76 that connects a pair of adjacent energy absorption devices 70. This suppresses tilting of the energy absorption devices 70 due to the load received from the waves, compared to the case where each energy absorption device is arranged independently. Here, "arranged independently" means arranged in such a way that the load is not transmitted between adjacent energy absorption devices.

[0083] Furthermore, in the wave power generation system 60, the base end of a projection 78 that protrudes outward in the direction of the coast is connected to the outermost energy absorption device 70 located in the direction of the coast. The projection 78 is inserted between the wave-dissipating blocks T. As a result, when the energy absorption device 70 tries to tilt due to the load received from the waves, the projection 78 comes into contact with the wave-dissipating blocks T, thereby suppressing the tilting of the energy absorption device 70 due to the load received from the waves.

[0084] <Third Embodiment> An example of a wave power generation system according to the third embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 19. The third embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the first embodiment.

[0085] The wave power generation system 110 according to the third embodiment includes a wave energy absorption device 120 (hereinafter referred to as "energy absorption device 120") and a power generation device 12, as shown in Figure 19.

[0086] Multiple energy absorption devices 120 are installed and arranged in a line along the coast. Furthermore, the energy absorption devices 120 are hollow inside, extend vertically, and are circular when viewed from above.

[0087] Furthermore, in the portion of the energy absorption device 120 that is submerged in the sea and faces offshore in the direction of the waves, a rectangular opening 120a is formed when viewed from the direction of the waves. The power generation device 12 is attached to the upper surface of the energy absorption device 120.

[0088] <Fourth Embodiment> An example of a wave power generation system according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 20 to 22. The fourth embodiment will primarily be described in terms of its differences from the first embodiment.

[0089] (composition) The wave power generation system 160 according to the fourth embodiment, as shown in Figure 20, comprises a wave energy absorption device 170 (hereinafter referred to as "energy absorption device 170") and a power generation device 12. The energy absorption device 170 is hollow inside.

[0090] As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the energy absorption device 170 comprises a main body 174 and a projection 176 protruding from the main body 174. The main body 174 extends vertically and is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The main body 174 has a front surface 174a facing the offshore side in the wave direction, a back surface 174b facing the seawall 300 side in the wave direction, and a pair of side surfaces 174c facing the coast. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 22, a rectangular opening 170a is formed in the portion of the front surface 174a that is submerged in the sea, when viewed from the wave direction.

[0091] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 20 and 21, there are three projections 176. Specifically, the projections 176 protrude from the back surface 174b and a pair of side surfaces 174c of the main body 174, extend vertically, and are triangular in shape when viewed from above. The projections 176 are inserted between the wave-dissipating blocks T.

[0092] Furthermore, the power generation devices 12 are mounted on the upper surface of the energy absorption device 170, and two of them are provided side by side in the direction of the wave.

[0093] (summary) As explained above, in the wave power generation system 160, the energy absorption device 170 is equipped with a projection 176 that protrudes from the main body 174. As a result, when the energy absorption device 170 attempts to tilt due to the load received from the waves, the projection 176 comes into contact with the wave-dissipating block T, thereby suppressing the tilting of the energy absorption device 170 due to the load received from the waves.

[0094] <Fifth Embodiment> An example of a wave power generation system according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 23 to 25. The fifth embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the first embodiment.

[0095] (composition) The wave power generation system 210 according to the fifth embodiment, as shown in Figure 23, comprises a wave energy absorption device 220 (hereinafter referred to as "energy absorption device 220") and a power generation device 12. The energy absorption device 220 is hollow inside.

[0096] The energy absorber 220 extends vertically and is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. Specifically, as shown in Figures 23 and 24, the corners of the energy absorber 220 are arranged so that they are aligned in the direction of the waves when viewed from above. Furthermore, a pair of inclined surfaces 220a are formed on the offshore side of the energy absorber 220 in the direction of the waves.

[0097] Furthermore, a rectangular opening 220b is formed in the portion of the pair of inclined surfaces 220a that is submerged in the sea, as shown in Figure 25. Specifically, the opening 220b is formed to span the pair of inclined surfaces 220a and is rectangular in shape when viewed from the direction of the waves.

[0098] Furthermore, the power generation devices 12 are mounted on the upper surface of the energy absorption device 220, and two of them are provided side by side in the direction of the wave.

[0099] (summary) As explained above, in the wave power generation system 210, the energy absorption device 220 has a pair of inclined surfaces 220a that are tilted with respect to the wave direction. Therefore, compared to a case where all surfaces visible from the offshore side in the wave direction are facing the incoming waves, the tilting of the energy absorption device 220 due to the load received from the waves can be suppressed.

[0100] <Sixth Embodiment> An example of a wave power generation system according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 26 to 28. Note that the sixth embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the first embodiment.

[0101] (composition) The wave power generation system 260 according to the sixth embodiment includes a wave energy absorption device 270 (hereinafter referred to as "energy absorption device 270") and a power generation device 12, as shown in Figure 26.

[0102] As shown in Figure 27, multiple energy absorption devices 270 are installed along the revetment 300. The energy absorption device 270 has a main body 272 that extends vertically and is circular when viewed from above, and a base that supports the main body 272 has three or more legs 274. Specifically, the main body 272 is a vertically extending cylindrical shape with a hollow interior. The upper end of the main body 272 is closed by the power generation device, and the lower end of the main body 272 is open, forming an opening 272a (see Figure 28) at the lower end of the main body 272. Thus, the opening 272a faces downward.

[0103] The legs 274 are basically provided in three units, spaced apart in the circumferential direction from the main body 272, and there may be four or more units, each protruding radially from the main body 272 when viewed from above. Specifically, the legs 274 have a cylindrical portion 274a that extends in the vertical direction and a connecting portion 274b that connects the cylindrical portion 274a to the main body 272.

[0104] As shown in Figure 28, the cylindrical portion 274a protrudes downward from the main body portion 272, and the opening 272a formed in the main body portion 272 is separated from the seabed. Seawater enters and exits the energy absorption device 270 through this opening 272a. Inside the energy absorption device 270, an air chamber 272b is formed in the portion above the sea surface, which is filled with air. The air chamber 272b is an example of a gas chamber. Furthermore, the power generation device 12 is mounted on the upper surface of the energy absorption device 270.

[0105] (summary) As explained above, in the wave power generation system 260, the opening 272a faces downward. Therefore, seawater flowing from the offshore side in the direction of the waves and seawater reflected by the seawall 300 enter and exit through the opening 272a. This allows for more effective compression and expansion of the air in the air chamber 272b compared to when seawater enters and exits through the opening from only one side.

[0106] Furthermore, in the wave power generation system 260, the energy absorption device 270 is equipped with legs 274 that protrude from the main body 272. As a result, if the energy absorption device 270 attempts to tilt due to the load received from the waves, the legs 274 come into contact with the wave-dissipating block T, thereby suppressing the tilting of the energy absorption device 270 due to the load received from the waves.

[0107] Although this disclosure has described specific embodiments in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of this disclosure. For example, in the above embodiments, one opening is formed in each energy absorption device, but multiple openings may be formed.

[0108] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the openings formed in each energy absorption device faced the offshore side in the wave direction, but the openings may face other directions different from the offshore side in the wave direction.

[0109] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each energy absorption device is arranged to extend in the vertical direction, but the energy absorption devices may also be arranged to extend in a direction that is inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the openings formed in each energy absorption device were rectangular in shape, but they may also be circular, polygonal, or otherwise.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the energy absorption device of the energy absorption device was located away from the revetment 300, but the energy absorption device may be in contact with the revetment 300. In this case, the effect achieved by the energy absorption device being located away from the revetment 300 will not be achieved.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the energy absorbing device was surrounded by wave-dissipating blocks T, but it is sufficient for multiple wave-dissipating blocks T to be arranged around the energy absorbing device. For example, wave-dissipating blocks T may be arranged only on the offshore side in the direction of the wave relative to the energy absorbing device. In this case, the effect achieved by the energy absorbing device being surrounded by wave-dissipating blocks T will not be achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 10 Wave power generation system 12 Power generation equipment 20. Energy absorption device (wave energy absorption device) 20a Air chamber (an example of a gas chamber) 24a aperture 26a Slope 60 Wave power generation system 70. Energy Absorption Device (Wave Energy Absorption Device) 70a aperture 70b Air chamber (an example of a gas chamber) 76 Connecting member 78 Protrusion 110 Wave power generation system 120 Energy Absorption Device (Wave Energy Absorption Device) 120a aperture 160 Wave power generation system 170 Energy Absorption Device (Wave Energy Absorption Device) 170a aperture 176 Protrusion 210 Wave power generation system 220 Energy Absorption Device (Wave Energy Absorption Device) 220a Slope 220b aperture 260 Wave power generation system 270 Energy Absorption Device (Wave Energy Absorption Device) 272a aperture 272b Air chamber (an example of a gas chamber) 300 Seawall T wave-dissipating blocks

Claims

1. Multiple wave-dissipating blocks are arranged around the perimeter, and the interior is hollow with openings formed for seawater to enter and exit. The gas in the gas chamber formed inside is compressed and expanded by the seawater entering and exiting through the openings, forming a wave energy absorption device. A power generation device that generates electricity by compressing and expanding the gas in the gas chamber of the wave energy absorption device, A wave power generation system equipped with [unspecified features].

2. The wave energy absorption device is surrounded by a plurality of wave-dissipating blocks. The wave power generation system according to claim 1.

3. Multiple wave energy absorption devices are installed along the seawall. A connecting member is provided to connect multiple wave energy absorption devices. The wave power generation system according to claim 1.

4. The wave energy absorbing device has an inclined surface that is tilted with respect to waves coming toward the wave energy absorbing device. The wave power generation system according to claim 1.

5. The wave energy absorbing device has protrusions that are inserted between a plurality of wave-dissipating blocks. The wave power generation system according to claim 1.

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