Fouling prevention system

Abstract

The present invention provides a system that can avoid, prevent, evade, and / or interrupt the occurrence or establishment of fouling on an underwater surface. [Solution] The present invention relates to a fouling prevention system comprising a PLC (100) configured to generate a random signal and provide the random signal to an element (220) to be protected, an amplifier (120) in contact with the PLC (100), and an inductor (130) in contact with the amplifier (120), wherein the amplifier (120) is configured to receive the generated random signal, amplify the random signal, and transmit the random signal to the inductor (130), and the inductor (130) is configured to receive the random signal from the amplifier (120) and provide the random signal to the element (220), and the random signal includes a frequency that changes randomly within a frequency range.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fouling prevention system for avoiding, preventing, and / or interrupting the occurrence of biofouling on an underwater element. In particular, the present invention relates to a fouling prevention system that generates an electromagnetic field by random electrical signals to protect an underwater element from the accumulation of biofouling. [Background technology]

[0002] Elements with underwater surfaces, such as ships, offshore platforms, and offshore structures, have always been significantly affected by biofouling on their surfaces. Biofouling on such structures, including that caused by microorganisms, plants, algae, and / or animals, leads to a wide range of problems, including losses due to increased towing resistance of ships, structural damage to offshore structures, and increased maintenance costs. Furthermore, it has serious environmental impacts, such as a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

[0003] Over the years, numerous solutions have been developed to prevent fouling from occurring or to remove fouling from underwater surfaces. Many of these solutions are environmentally harmful, involving biocides or paints that release certain microplastics. Other solutions are too complex to be operationally or economically feasible.

[0004] One of the solutions proposed by prior art is described in U.S. Patent No. 6,209,472. This document describes a device developed to suppress the occurrence of biofouling in a ship's hull by transmitting electrical pulses to the underwater surface of the ship.

[0005] However, in this case, the system requires the vessel to have a specific structure, with the sides (edges) of the hull being separated by a shielding element. This requirement makes it impossible to incorporate the system into existing vessels, and even when constructing new vessels, it significantly increases the complexity of the design work. Furthermore, when using electrical pulses with predetermined variable parameters, i.e., non-random pulses, the efficiency of suppressing biofouling decreases. This is because biofouling is highly adaptable, and after a certain period, it adapts to the given new conditions and reattaches to the vessel / structure. Moreover, the essence of this invention lies in controlling the size of the bubbles produced by electrolysis so that these bubbles remain in the vicinity of the hull substrate. Controlling electrolysis is not easy and is known to be not technically or commercially feasible. Performing this electrolysis in an uncontrollable environment, such as the ocean, is technically impossible.

[0006] Another prior art document describing an attempt to solve the problem of biofouling in underwater objects is French Patent Application Publication No. 1319428. This case describes applying an alternating voltage to a metallic underwater surface. This voltage has a frequency that is non-random, varying between two fixed values ​​(upper and lower limits), and its temporal variation is between 5 and 30 seconds. In this case as well, the biofouling suppression efficiency of the device described in the aforementioned document decreases as conditions arise in which biofouling can occur, because these conditions can be predicted over time. Another factor that distinguishes the technology of the cited document from the present invention in terms of operation is that it requires the electrodes to be in contact with the water surface, which hinders the technical and commercial feasibility of the product described in the cited document.

[0007] The fact that no commercial vessels equipped with the above technology exist is an example of the inefficiencies stemming from the characteristics of the signal and the industrial and commercial nature of the technology. Currently, this topic is being actively discussed worldwide, and if feasible, it is reasonable to assume that there is ample room to implement these solutions.

[0008] Brazilian Patent Application Publication No. 102015012756 describes an improved version of the above-mentioned cited document. This document describes a fouling prevention system that provides a series of random values ​​to a structure to be protected from biofouling. This series of values ​​is generated by capturing ambient sound, utilizing the randomness of ambient sound, and is transmitted to the surface through an amplifier.

[0009] However, the system described in Brazilian Patent Application Publication No. 102015012756 is concise, and significant technological improvements have been made since its filing date. A similar understanding applies to the technology described in Brazilian Patent Application Publication No. 202019013905 by the same inventors.

[0010] Therefore, it is recognized that no reliable, simple, and efficient system exists in the prior art for avoiding, preventing, and / or preventing the occurrence and / or establishment of biofouling on the underwater surface while minimizing the temporary impact on the surrounding environment.

[0011] Furthermore, no conventional system is known that can delay the corrosive action of a surface in contact with a liquid medium while avoiding biofouling, without using paints or toxic substances for this purpose. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] In view of the problems described in the prior art, the present invention provides a system that can avoid, prevent, evade, and / or interrupt the occurrence or establishment of fouling on an underwater surface by creating an unpleasant environment near the underwater surface.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to deter, prevent, avoid, and / or interrupt the occurrence and / or establishment of biofouling without causing harmful effects on the aquatic environment in which the underwater surface is located. The working process of this technology is due to the discomfort caused by random fluctuations in electromagnetic fields generated from random electrical signals in the application area of ​​this technology. In a closed system, biofouling organisms are subjected to an evolutionary paralysis effect, thereby preventing them from metamorphosing or establishing themselves on a desirable surface. In an open system, biofouling organisms simply avoid the substrate and seek another location more suitable for their establishment and development.

[0014] Furthermore, an objective of the present invention is to avoid structural, economic, and logistical challenges, as well as low power efficiency, by suppressing biofouling. This includes reducing excessive fuel consumption (such as fossil fuels), greenhouse gas emissions, and the movement of invasive species on ships and other vessels.

[0015] A further objective of the present invention is to provide a versatile fouling prevention system that can be introduced / applied to various surfaces, various materials, various dimensions, existing surfaces, and / or various types of surfaces.

[0016] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a fouling prevention system that can be introduced / applied to various aquatic environments, such as seawater, freshwater, isolated deep-sea environments, inlets, polluted water, and clean water.

[0017] Another objective of the present invention is to inactivate the effects of mature fowling, which is particularly harmful to wildlife in the region, by the action of random electrical signals.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to produce an effect of delaying the progress of corrosion on the surface of the object to be protected. In other words, the object is to impart a corrosion prevention effect to the surface protected from fouling.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0019] The present invention relates to an anti-fouling system comprising a PLC configured to generate a random signal and provide the random signal to an element to be protected, wherein the random signal includes a frequency range of 0.1 Hz to 100 KHz and a frequency change occurring at a time interval of less than 1 second. The random signal can include a voltage range of -30V to 30V. The random signal can include power per application area of 0.01 W / m 2 ~5 W / m 2 of.

[0020] The anti-fouling system can further comprise an amplifier in contact with the PLC and an inductor in contact with the amplifier, the amplifier being configured to receive the generated random signal, amplify the random signal, and transmit the random signal to the inductor, the inductor being configured to receive the random signal from the amplifier and provide the random signal to the element. The amplifier is configured to change the power of the random signal transmitted by the PLC.

[0021] The element to be protected can include at least one material selected from, for example, metals, plastics, resin materials, concrete, and / or composite materials. The random signal provided to the element to be protected can be provided to the inner part of the element by induction, or can be provided to the outer part by direct application in contact with the water layer adjacent to the surface of the element. When the surface material of the element to be protected is a conductor, the random signal provided to the element to be protected can be provided to the inner part of the element by induction, and when the surface material is a dielectric, the random signal can be provided to the outer part by direct application in contact with the water layer adjacent to the surface of the element. The random signal provided to the element to be protected can be provided by induction, in which case the negative electrode is directly disposed in water and the positive element is disposed to contact the material to be protected. The random signal provided to the element to be protected can be provided in a state adjacent to the water layer.

[0022] Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a negative signal in a state adjacent to the water layer around the material and a positive signal on the surface of the conductive material.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] The present invention will be described in detail below based on the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the fouling prevention system of the present invention.

[0025] [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a first point in time of a computer simulation of an electromagnetic field generated according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a second point in time of a computer simulation of an electromagnetic field generated according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] [Figure 4] This graph illustrates the time-dependent technical effects obtained by the present invention in comparison with a conventional system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Conceptually, the present invention relates to a system for generating random electrical signals, i.e., randomly, to protect underwater elements from fouling. The random electrical signals generated by the system of the present invention impart random fluctuations to the electromagnetic field, thereby creating an undesirable environment around the underwater surface, and as a result, the occurrence and / or establishment of fouling on the underwater surface is avoided, prevented, evaded, and / or interrupted.

[0029] Throughout this specification, protection of the underwater surface is mentioned, which could be misinterpreted as two-dimensional protection. However, the present invention provides protection as volume, i.e., three-dimensional protection around the underwater surface. This is because the water layer receiving the random electrical signal of the present invention includes a three-dimensional water volume. Therefore, the use of terms such as application area, protection area, and protection surface should be understood not only in terms of those two-dimensional concepts, but also as three-dimensional protection extending beyond the surface to at least a small dimension of the water volume. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate this three-dimensional protection provided by the random signal of the system of the present invention, which generates a random electromagnetic field. Figure 2 shows the distribution of the electromagnetic field at a first time point in one embodiment, and Figure 3 shows the distribution of the electromagnetic field at a second time point following the first time point. The random changes in the characteristics of the electromagnetic field generated by the system of the present invention can be visualized over time.

[0030] In one embodiment, the distance from the surface of the object to be protected to the electromagnetic field generated by the random signal is 0m to 5m, preferably 0m to 2m, and more preferably 0m to 0.2m.

[0031] The use of (irregular) random electrical signals provides advantageous technical effects compared to other known systems that merely use alternating fluctuating signals and repeat them within a given time frame. As is already known, an immutable characteristic of living organisms lies in their remarkable adaptability. Even if environmental conditions are unfavorable to the reproduction of life, these conditions are ultimately overcome by the organism's ability to adapt itself. In systems that generate fluctuating signals, organisms tend to adapt over time to new conditions imposed on them because the signals are predictable. This is because alternating fluctuating signals are defined as signals that fluctuate frequently and within a given range of predictable values. On the other hand, randomly generated fluctuations in electromagnetic fields do not allow organisms to adapt to the environment in a timely manner. A random signal is a signal that fluctuates in an unknown and inconsistent manner, that is, randomly or without following any particular rule. This randomness of the signals in the present invention provides a fouling prevention technical effect that is not predicted or known by the prior art.

[0032] The following table illustrates the difference between randomness and variability. In the following example (Table 1), the sequence can be classified as alternating. [Table 1]

[0033] Another example of fluctuating vibrations is shown below (Table 2). [Table 2]

[0034] The oscillations in the table above cannot be considered random, because, statistically speaking, randomness does not allow for the formation of any kind of pattern. The two examples above, despite fluctuating and alternating, demonstrate standardization. It is clearly the absence of standardization that can provide the technical effects expected for the purpose of avoiding biofouling in underwater elements. This lack of standardization is unique to randomness. In contrast to the tables with fluctuating values ​​above (Tables 1 and 2), the following table (Table 3) illustrates a series of random values. [Table 3]

[0035] One point supporting this difference is that it is easy to generate a signal that follows a specific rule of frequency variation, while it is not easy to generate a signal that is completely random. It is easy to define a logical rule for alternating variations. On the other hand, defining a logical rule for randomness is significantly more complex. Therefore, the randomness of the signal of the present invention cannot be considered technically similar to a fluctuating signal, either in terms of its generation mode or the resulting outcome.

[0036] Figure 4 illustrates the time-dependent advantages of the randomness of the signal according to the present invention compared to solutions known in the prior art. Figure 4 shows the fouling prevention performance of the solution over time; while the prior art solution shows performance degradation, the system according to the present invention maintains high performance indefinitely.

[0037] Examples of underwater elements or underwater surfaces on which the present invention can act by providing signals having the characteristics described below include all types of vessels (ships, launching boats, etc.), fixed or floating offshore platforms, generators, various industries requiring the intake of river or seawater, desalination plants, hydroelectric power plants, nuclear power plants, and underwater infrastructure (harbors, wharves, piers, etc.).

[0038] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the system of the present invention comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC) 100, a human-machine interface (HMI) 300, an amplifier 120, a power supply 140, and an inductor 130. These components of the system are electrically related to one another, that is, they have electrical connections that enable the transfer of voltage between one component and another.

[0039] The PLC 100 is responsible for generating and managing all the signals necessary for the proper operation of the fouling prevention system. The main function of the PLC 100 in the system of the present invention is to generate the frequencies transmitted to the application points in a random and irregular manner. Other functions of the PLC 100 include facilitating the human-machine interface and managing the use of the present invention. Compared to other signal generation elements of the prior art, the use of the PLC in the present invention provides superior processing capabilities, thereby enabling better interaction with the user through the HMI. In one embodiment, the HMI is modular and comprises a processing module and a separate input / output module.

[0040] In the context of the present invention, a random signal, or simply a signal, means a signal that includes a frequency that varies randomly between two thresholds set in the PLC 100 and according to the purpose of application, wherein the frequency variation occurs without any specific predetermined rule, and the increase or decrease in the frequency of this signal at subsequent points in time is determined in an unpredictable manner. As a result, the random signal generates an electromagnetic field with (irregular) random characteristics.

[0041] Due to the above characteristics, a technical effect is provided in which an environment unsuitable for inhabitation is created in the water environment where the protected element 220 is located. Further, the random signal is advantageous over a signal that merely fluctuates, i.e., a signal that oscillates in frequency between two thresholds that increase and decrease in a predictable manner. This is because a signal that merely fluctuates creates conditions for adapting to an environment that was initially unsuitable for inhabitation. Over time, organisms that generate biofouling adapt to these conditions, and a signal that merely fluctuates loses its initial purpose. In other words, the efficiency of the random signal in repelling, preventing, and / or avoiding biofouling on the water surface is superior to that of a signal that merely fluctuates at any given period.

[0042] In one embodiment, the signal generated by the PLC 100 is low power. In one embodiment, the power used is from 0.01 W / m 2 to 5 W / m 2 , preferably from 0.025 W / m 2 to 4 W / m 2 , more preferably from 0.05 W / m 2 to 3 W / m 2 and is included in the range.

[0043] In an example of an embodiment where the application of the random signal requires low power, the power per unit area used is from 0.01 W / m 2 to 1 W / m 2 , preferably from 0.02 W / m 2 to 0.5 W / m 2 , more preferably from 0.03 W / m 2 to 0.1 W / m 2 and is included within the range.

[0044] In an example of an embodiment where the application of the random signal requires high power, the power per unit area used is from 0.01 W / m 2 to 5 W / m 2 , preferably from 0.5 W / m 2 to 4 W / m 2 , more preferably from 1 W / m 2 to 3 W / m2 It is included in the range.

[0045] In another embodiment, the random signal is up to 200m 2 The power supplied is 1W to 700W, preferably 20W to 200W, and more preferably 40W to 60W, relative to the protected area.

[0046] In one embodiment, the signal generated by the fouling prevention system of the present invention includes a frequency that randomly fluctuates between approximately 0.1 Hz and 100 kHz, preferably 1 Hz and 80 kHz, and more preferably 20 Hz and 20 kHz. In another embodiment, the signal generated by the fouling prevention system of the present invention includes a frequency that randomly fluctuates between approximately 20 kHz and 100 kHz, preferably 30 kHz and 80 kHz, and more preferably 40 kHz and 60 kHz. In yet another embodiment, the signal generated by the fouling prevention system of the present invention includes a frequency that randomly fluctuates between approximately 0.1 Hz and 1 kHz, preferably 1 Hz and 80 Hz, and more preferably 20 Hz and 50 Hz.

[0047] In one embodiment, the signal generated by the fouling prevention system of the present invention includes frequency changes occurring at random times of less than one second. In another embodiment, the frequency changes occur randomly in a time range of about 50 ms to 1000 ms, preferably 50 ms to 300 ms, and more preferably 150 ms to 250 ms. In an example of another embodiment, the frequency changes occur randomly in a time range of about 50 ms to 1000 ms, preferably 400 ms to 800 ms, and more preferably 600 ms to 700 ms.

[0048] The random signals of the present invention, generated randomly within the above frequency range and frequency change time, produce an unexpected technical effect: high efficiency in avoiding, preventing, and / or interrupting the occurrence or establishment of biofouling on the underwater surface of the element 220 to be protected. No known system exists that can achieve the unexpected technical effect achieved by the random signals of the present invention.

[0049] The PLC 100 has a retention address, which allows the read values ​​and events to be stored in the PLC 100 even when there is no external power supply. In this way, even if the fouling prevention system is accidentally turned off, the date and time of the last disconnection and the time when the fouling prevention system was reconnected are saved. In this way, the PLC 100 enables signal management that is advantageous over other systems of the prior art. The information stored in the PLC 100 makes it possible to analyze the operation and performance of the equipment within the structure in which it is applied.

[0050] In one embodiment, the PLC 100 can perform equipment fault management, generate different alarms, and store them (alarm history). The hour meter, which records operating time, is operated by the PLC 100, thereby providing safety to the entire system. The PLC enables the existence of an interface with external devices, such as ship alarm and monitoring systems, via communication protocols. In other words, the PLC 100 has, as a secondary function, more sophisticated user interaction, fault management, hour meter, and an interface with external devices (e.g., monitoring systems) via digital communication.

[0051] In one embodiment, the PLC 100 includes a digital output section (dry contact) for activating an external alarm system 210. The external alarm system 210 is an additional component of the fouling prevention system of the present invention, connected to the PLC 100, and provides visual or auditory warnings to the system operator (user) about problems related to the system. The external alarm device 210 may be, for example, a siren, a gyroscope, a signal tower, etc. The output at the "dry contact" is a voltage-free contact, i.e., completely isolated from the rest of the PLC 100 (galvanic isolation). This characteristic prevents problems in the external alarm device 210, and furthermore, in the wiring between the control panel and the external alarm device 210, from damaging the PLC 100.

[0052] In one embodiment, the PLC 100 is powered at an appropriate voltage and has a configurable digital input according to the needs of the application. The PLC 100 also includes a high-speed digital output that supports frequencies up to 100 kHz.

[0053] In a more specific, but not limited, embodiment, the PLC 100 is powered by 24 VCC and has eight digital inputs configured according to application needs. The PLC 100 also includes four digital NPN outputs, two of which are high-speed outputs supporting frequencies up to 100 kHz. This system can, for example, apply signals to protect the hull of a commercial vessel.

[0054] In another embodiment, the system of the present invention includes a microcontroller for signal generation in place of the PLC 100. In this embodiment, the microcontroller can perform the functions described with respect to the PLC with the same efficiency and obtain the advantages and technical effects already described.

[0055] In addition to the random signal generator already described, the system of the present invention may also include a random signal generator that is not yet known at the current level of technology but is planned for development and can achieve the same technical effects as the components described herein.

[0056] The HMI 300 of the fouling prevention system is responsible for providing management information, which is protected by the display related to the connection and information from the external alarm device 210. The HMI 300 is essentially the operator's source of information regarding the fouling prevention system. This characteristic provides the operator with safety regarding the operation of the system.

[0057] Furthermore, the HMI 300 provides access to other information regarding the fouling prevention system. For example, the HMI 300 can provide information on the history of events, as well as information on the hour meter, which shows not only the operating time of the fouling prevention system but also the time the fouling prevention system has been disconnected.

[0058] In one embodiment, the HMI 300 includes a main screen, which is provided with buttons for accessing other screens. These other screens include a history of alarms issued by the external alarm device 210, currently occurring alarms, an hour meter, and the like.

[0059] In one embodiment, the HMI is a touchscreen.

[0060] In one embodiment, the fouling prevention system includes an amplifier 120. In a particular practical application of the present invention, the PLC 100 cannot generate a signal with sufficient power to be directly applied to the element 200 to be protected. In such a case, the desired technical effect of protecting the sea chest or hull cannot be obtained. The amplifier 120 is intended to receive signals emitted from the PLC 100 and amplify their power before applying them to the element 220 to be protected from biofouling via an inductor 130. Accordingly, the amplifier 120 is configured to receive random signals generated by the PLC 100, amplify the random signals, and transmit the random signals to the inductor 130.

[0061] In one embodiment, the amplifier 120 is an electronic card.

[0062] In one embodiment, the amplifier 120 is manually adjustable by an operator.

[0063] In one embodiment, the fouling prevention system includes a power supply 140. The power supply 140 is responsible for providing the energy necessary for the equipment of the fouling prevention system to operate correctly.

[0064] In one embodiment, the power supply 140 can receive voltage (AC) from an external power supply 230. In this case, the power supply has the function of adjusting the external power supply from the external power supply 230 to the components of the system of the present invention. That is, in this embodiment, the power supply is a converter that converts the AC input voltage into a continuous current output, providing a voltage suitable for supplying power to the active components of the system.

[0065] In one embodiment, the voltage used is in the range of -30V to 30V, preferably in the range of -20V to 20V, and more preferably in the range of -12V to 12V.

[0066] In one embodiment, the external power source 230 is the ship's power network 230. In another embodiment, the external power source 230 is a solar panel. In embodiments including the external power source 230, other examples of external power sources may be used.

[0067] In one embodiment, the fouling prevention system includes an inductor 130. The inductor 130 is a coupling element connected to the system between the output of the amplifier 120 and the point where the random signal is applied. The inductor 130 changes the current applied to the element 220 to be protected. The inductor 130 causes the current to decrease as the frequency increases, thereby increasing the randomness of the signal.

[0068] In one embodiment, the system of the present invention further includes a fault alarm. The fault alarm provides visual or auditory warnings in the event of a lack of power supply current in the system, a break in the cable between the amplifier 120 and each inductor 130, and / or a break in the cable between the connection points of the application points of the random signal of the element 220 to be protected.

[0069] In the fouling prevention system of the present invention, the manner in which the signal is applied can be in different forms depending on the characteristics of the element 220 to be protected from biofouling and / or the aquatic environment in which the element 220 is located.

[0070] In one embodiment, the application of a random signal to the element 220 to be protected from biofouling is performed by induction directly to the element 220 through its inner portion, for example, inside a buoy or the hull, and the resulting protection is provided in the outer portion that is in contact with the water.

[0071] In another embodiment, the application of a random signal is carried out by direct application. That is, the random signal is applied to the outer portion in contact with the aquatic environment of element 220, which is to be protected from biofouling.

[0072] The element 220 to be protected by the system of the present invention and its contact surface with the aquatic environment may be made of different materials. Since the random signals provided to the element 220 to be protected affect the aquatic environment, the material itself does not hinder the generation of the fouling prevention effect. This is because what is important is the surface water layer that receives the random signals generated by the fouling prevention system. Examples of materials that can constitute the element 220 to be protected include metal surfaces, plastic surfaces, resin material surfaces, concrete surfaces, and masonry material surfaces. In other words, as long as the surface of the element 220 to be protected is in contact with water, the surface can be made of any type of material.

[0073] The material of the surface to be protected affects the method of applying the signal and the method of using the system of the present invention. In the case of a conductive material surface, electrodes can be placed directly on the structure, in which case the electromagnetic field in the water is generated by an induction process. Alternatively, the negative electrode is placed directly in the water, and the positive electrode is placed in contact with the material to be protected. In the case of a non-conducting material, water is used as a conductor of random current. For this purpose, the electrodes must be positioned adjacent to the water layer so that the circulation of random current occurs only through the water.

[0074] It should be noted that various examples of the embodiments described herein can be combined in various ways to constitute the fouling prevention system of the present invention, and the specific advantages described for each characteristic can be obtained.

[0075] Although each example of each embodiment has been described, the scope of the present invention also includes possible variations, and the scope of the present invention is limited only to the content of the appended claims, and the claims should be understood to include possible equivalents.

Claims

1. A fouling prevention system comprising a programmable logic controller, i.e., a PLC (100) or microcontroller configured to generate a random signal and provide the random signal to an element (220) to be protected, wherein the random signal includes a frequency range of 0.1 Hz to 100 kHz and frequency changes occurring at random times of less than 1 second.

2. The fouling prevention system according to claim 1, characterized in that the random signal includes a voltage range of -30V to 30V.

3. The aforementioned random signal is 0.01 W / m ２ ~5W / m ２ A fouling prevention system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it includes power per unit area of ​​application.

4. The fouling prevention system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an amplifier (120) in contact with the PLC (100) or microcontroller, and an inductor (130) in contact with the amplifier (120), wherein the amplifier (120) is configured to receive the generated random signal, amplify the random signal, and transmit the random signal to the inductor (130), and the inductor (130) is configured to receive the random signal from the amplifier (120) and provide the random signal to the element (220).

5. The fouling prevention system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the amplifier (120) is configured to change the power of the random signal transmitted by the PLC (100) or microcontroller.

6. The fouling prevention system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the element to be protected (220) includes at least one material selected from metal, plastic, resin material, concrete and / or masonry material.

7. The fouling prevention system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the random signal provided to the element (220) to be protected is provided to the inner portion of the element (220) by induction.

8. A fouling prevention system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the random signal provided to the element (220) to be protected is provided by induction, the negative electrode is placed directly in water, and the positive electrode is placed in contact with the material to be protected.

9. The fouling prevention system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the random signal provided to the element (220) to be protected is provided in a state adjacent to the water layer.

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