Pneumatic wave-energy power-generation and breakwater system

Abstract

A pneumatic wave-energy power-generation and breakwater system. The system comprises a breakwater (10) and a plurality of power generation apparatuses (20). A plurality of accommodation spaces (11) and a plurality of wave guide wall units (12) are provided on a seaward side of the breakwater (10), and wave guide wall units (12) are provided on two sides of any one of the accommodation spaces (11). The plurality of power generation apparatuses (20) are accommodated and fixed within the plurality of accommodation spaces (11) in one-to-one correspondence. The foremost edge of each wave guide wall unit (12) facing the sea protrudes beyond the foremost edges of the power generation apparatuses (20) on two sides of the wave guide wall unit (12). Each power generation apparatus (20) comprises a cylinder body (21) and a turbine (22) rotatably disposed in the cylinder body (20). The bottom of the cylinder body (21) is provided with an opening on the seaward side. When waves surge into the cylinder body (20) via the opening, the top of the cylinder body (20) further forms an air chamber (211) located above a water-air interface and an air flow channel (212) communicating the air chamber (211) with the external atmosphere. The pressure difference within the air flow channel (212) can drive the turbine (22) to rotate. The system can achieve efficient capture and utilization of wave energy while providing wave breaking and wave dissipation functions.

Description

Pneumatic wave energy generation and wave protection system Cross-references to related applications This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2024110355687, filed on July 30, 2024, entitled "Pneumatic Wave Energy Power Generation Flood Control System", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of power generation technology, and more specifically, to a pneumatic wave energy power generation and wave protection system. Background Technology

[0002] Wave energy, as a clean and renewable energy source, is abundant in oceans around the world and possesses enormous development potential. It is estimated that the theoretical global reserves of wave energy are as high as hundreds of thousands of terawatt-hours (TWh). Fully developing and utilizing this energy can significantly alleviate the global energy crisis and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, wave energy generation technologies mainly include mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electromagnetic types, each with its unique working principle and application scenarios.

[0003] Pneumatic wave energy generation devices utilize the up-and-down motion of waves to drive airflow, which in turn drives a turbine to generate electricity. These devices primarily include oscillating water column type devices, which capture waves through an open-bottom structure, causing an internal water column to oscillate with the waves, resulting in periodic pressure changes within the air chamber, which in turn drives the air turbine. However, due to the uneven density and energy distribution of wave energy, the power generation efficiency of a single pneumatic wave energy device is low, making it difficult to effectively capture and convert wave energy. Furthermore, to improve capture efficiency and adapt to complex marine environments, traditional pneumatic wave energy generation devices often require complex structural designs and high construction costs. In extreme marine environments, however, a single wave energy generation device is easily damaged, resulting in high maintenance costs and difficulties.

[0004] In addition, breakwaters, as an important marine engineering facility, are widely used to protect coastlines and ports from wave erosion. Traditional breakwaters mainly reduce wave impact by physically blocking and dissipating wave energy, protecting the facilities and environment behind them. However, in the process of blocking and dissipating a large amount of wave energy, it fails to be converted into usable energy, resulting in a waste of energy resources. Furthermore, the violent turbulence generated during the blocking and dissipation of wave energy makes the foundation of the breakwater susceptible to erosion and damage. Moreover, the cost of constructing and maintaining breakwaters independently is relatively high, making them relatively uneconomical. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a pneumatic wave energy power generation and wave-breaking system that can realize the coupling and integration of arrayed power generation devices and wave-breaking dikes, which not only meets the requirements of efficient capture and utilization of wave energy, but also has the function of wave protection and wave dissipation.

[0006] This application provides a pneumatic wave energy power generation and wave-breaking system, comprising: a breakwater with multiple receiving spaces and multiple wave guide wall units on the seaward side, with wave guide wall units on both sides of any of the receiving spaces; multiple power generation devices, which are correspondingly housed and fixed in the multiple receiving spaces, with the leading edge of each wave guide wall unit protruding beyond the leading edges of the power generation devices on both sides of the wave guide wall unit; each power generation device includes a cylinder and a turbine rotatably disposed in the cylinder; the bottom of the cylinder has an opening on the seaward side, and when waves surge into the cylinder through the opening, an air chamber located above the water-air interface and an air flow channel connecting the air chamber to the outside atmosphere are formed at the top of the cylinder, and the pressure difference in the air flow channel can drive the turbine to rotate.

[0007] Optionally, the wave guide wall unit is configured as an elliptical cylindrical structure, the axial direction of the elliptical cylindrical structure is consistent with the height direction of the power generation device, and the surface of the wave guide wall unit facing the sea is an elliptical arc surface.

[0008] Optionally, the leading edge of the wave guide wall unit on the seaward side is the major axis end or the minor axis end of the elliptical cylindrical structure, and the distance by which the leading edge of the wave guide wall unit on the seaward side protrudes from the leading edge of the power generation device on the seaward side is at least one major axis radius or one minor axis radius of the elliptical cylindrical structure.

[0009] Optionally, the system further includes a bottom slope structure located below the opening, the bottom slope structure extending rearward from the foremost edge of the power generation device facing the sea and gradually sloping upward.

[0010] Optionally, the inclination angle of the bottom slope structure is 45±5 degrees.

[0011] Optionally, the cylinder is a cylindrical body, the receiving space is a semi-cylindrical space, the rear semicircle of the cylinder is located within the semi-cylindrical space, the front semicircle of the cylinder faces the seaward side, and the center distance between two adjacent receiving spaces is set to 2 to 10 times the inner diameter of the cylinder.

[0012] Optionally, the cylinder includes a cylinder body and an airflow channel cylinder connected to the center of the top of the cylinder body, the opening being formed at the bottom of the cylinder body and the air chamber being formed at the top of the cylinder body.

[0013] The airflow channel cylinder is hollow, and the internal cavity forms the airflow channel. Multiple blades of the turbine are disposed in the airflow channel, and the shaft of the turbine is located in the hollow part of the airflow channel cylinder.

[0014] Optionally, the airflow channel includes a lower flow channel communicating with the air chamber, an upper flow channel communicating with the outside atmosphere, and an intermediate flow channel connecting the lower flow channel and the upper flow channel. The turbine blades are disposed in the intermediate flow channel, and the flow area gradually decreases from the lower flow channel to the intermediate flow channel.

[0015] Optionally, the flow area gradually decreases from the upper flow channel to the middle flow channel.

[0016] Optionally, the airflow channel cylinder includes an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder sleeved on the outside of the inner cylinder.

[0017] The inner cylinder includes a cylindrical inner cylinder section coaxial with the turbine, a lower inner cylinder section connected to the lower end of the inner cylinder section and gradually extending radially outward, and an upper inner cylinder section connected to the upper end of the inner cylinder section and gradually extending outward.

[0018] The outer cylinder includes a cylindrical outer cylinder section coaxial with the turbine, a lower outer cylinder section connected to the lower end of the outer cylinder section and gradually extending radially outward, and an upper outer cylinder section connected to the upper end of the inner cylinder section and gradually extending outward.

[0019] The gap between the lower section of the inner cylinder and the lower section of the outer cylinder forms the lower flow channel, the gap between the upper section of the inner cylinder and the upper section of the outer cylinder forms the upper flow channel, and the gap between the inner cylinder section and the outer cylinder section forms the intermediate flow channel.

[0020] Optionally, the lower flow channel is provided with a plurality of arc-shaped lower guide vanes, which are evenly spaced around the axis of the turbine; and / or the upper flow channel is provided with a plurality of arc-shaped upper guide vanes, which are evenly spaced around the axis of the turbine.

[0021] This application provides a pneumatic wave energy generation and wave-damping system, in which multiple power generation devices are coupled and integrated with a breakwater, realizing the functional combination of power generation devices and breakwater. At the same time, the wave guide wall unit reduces the scattering and radiation loss of wave energy when it enters and exits the power generation device, thus achieving efficient capture and utilization of wave energy while also providing wave protection and dissipation functions. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the pneumatic wave energy generation and wave protection system in operation according to an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pneumatic wave energy power generation and wave protection system shown in Figure 1.

[0024] Figure 3 is a top view of the system shown in Figure 2.

[0025] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a power generation device shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the airflow channel shown in Figure 4.

[0027] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the cylinder.

[0028] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the airflow channel cylinder shown in Figure 6.

[0029] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the electrical connection between the control unit and the generator.

[0030] Figure 9 shows the time curve of the aerodynamic power captured by the aerodynamic wave energy generation device located in the middle position in this application under the design wave conditions, compared with the traditional breakwater without wave guide walls and bottom slopes.

[0031] Figure 10 shows the time curve of the aerodynamic power captured by the aerodynamic wave energy generation device located in other positions in this application under the design wave conditions, compared with traditional breakwaters without guide walls and bottom slopes.

[0032] Figure 11 shows the duration curve of the horizontal load captured by the aerodynamic wave energy generation device located in the middle position in this application under the design wave conditions, compared with the traditional breakwater without wave guide walls and bottom slopes.

[0033] Figure 12 shows the duration curve of the horizontal load captured by the pneumatic wave energy generation device located in other positions in this application under the design wave conditions, compared to traditional breakwaters without guide walls and bottom slopes.

[0034] Figure 13 shows the duration curve of the bending moment load captured by the aerodynamic wave energy generation device located in the middle position in this application under the design wave conditions, compared with traditional breakwaters without guide walls and bottom slopes.

[0035] Figure 14 shows the duration curve of the bending moment load captured by the pneumatic wave energy generation device located in other positions in this application under design wave conditions, compared to traditional breakwaters without guide walls and bottom slopes.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: System 100; Generator rotor 200; Breakwater 10; Reception space 11; Wave guide wall unit 12; Power generation device 20; Cylinder 21; Opening 210; Air chamber 211; Air flow channel 212; Lower flow channel 2120; Upper flow channel 2121; Intermediate flow channel 2122; Cylinder body 201; Air flow channel cylinder 202; Inner cylinder 2021; Outer cylinder 2022; Inner cylinder section 2021a; Inner lower cylinder section 2021b; Inner upper cylinder section 2021c; Outer cylinder section 2022a; Outer lower cylinder section 2022b; Outer upper cylinder section 2022c; Turbine 22; Turbine blade 220, shaft 221; Bottom slope structure 30; Lower guide vane 40; Upper guide vane 50; Control system 60; Air pressure sensor 70. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementations") of this application will be clearly and completely described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0038] If the embodiments of this application contain terms relating to directional indications or positional relationships (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movements between components in a specific posture (as shown in the attached figures); if the specific posture changes, the directional indications or positional relationships will also change accordingly. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" used in the embodiments of this application are only for descriptive convenience and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0039] To achieve shared ocean space, reduce construction and operation costs, improve economic efficiency, and increase energy capture and electricity output, it is advisable to integrate arrayed wave energy power generation devices with breakwaters to form power generation breakwaters. This would help to deeply integrate the wave energy power generation industry with the marine engineering and equipment industry, promote the cross-integration and innovative development of related industries, and form a new industrial pattern of cross-integration between wave energy power generation and marine engineering / equipment industries.

[0040] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the operation of an exemplary embodiment of the pneumatic wave energy generation and wave protection system of this application. Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the pneumatic wave energy generation and wave protection system 100 shown in Figure 1.

[0041] This application provides a pneumatic wave energy generation and wave-breaking system 100 (hereinafter referred to as system 100), which includes a breakwater 10 and multiple power generation devices 20. The breakwater 10 is configured as a long, narrow caisson structure, with its bottom connected to the seabed and its top above the water surface. Multiple receiving spaces 11 are provided on the seaward side of the breakwater 10. Each power generation device 20 is received and fixed within one of the receiving spaces 11, thus achieving an array-like distribution of multiple power generation devices 20.

[0042] The housing space 11 can be configured to fit the shape of the power generation device 20. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the power generation device 20 has a cylindrical structure, and the housing space 11 is correspondingly configured as a semi-cylindrical space, but it is not limited to this. This allows half of the structure of the power generation device 20 to be nested in the breakwater 10, which can improve the stability of the structure of the power generation device 20. The other half of the structure of the power generation device 20 is exposed on the outside of the breakwater 10 and faces the seaward side to ensure an ideal incident wave propagation space, which facilitates the propagation of wave energy into the air chamber of the power generation device 20 and is more conducive to capturing wave energy. The arrows in Figure 1 point in the direction of wave surge towards the power generation device 20.

[0043] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a top view of the pneumatic wave energy power generation and wave protection system 100 shown in Figure 2.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the seaward side of the breakwater 10 is also equipped with multiple wave guide wall units 12. Each receiving space 11 has a wave guide wall unit 12 on both sides. The bottom of each wave guide wall unit 12 is connected to the seabed, and the top of each wave guide wall unit 12 is flush with the top of the breakwater 10. The leading edge of each wave guide wall unit 12 facing the seaward side protrudes beyond the leading edge of the power generation devices 20 on both sides of the wave guide wall unit 12. This arrangement allows each wave guide wall unit 12 to provide an inwardly contracting channel for the incident wave energy to propagate to the power generation devices 20 on both sides, thereby better converging wave energy in a wider direction and making it easier for the wave energy to propagate into the air chambers of each power generation device 20. Simultaneously, during wave propagation, the presence of the wave guide wall units 12 provides a certain degree of constraint, significantly reducing scattering and radiation losses of wave energy propagating in other directions when entering and exiting the power generation devices 20 compared to a breakwater structure without wave guide wall units 12.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, the wave guide wall unit 12 is configured as an elliptical cylindrical structure, specifically a portion of an elliptical cylinder, such as half of an elliptical cylinder, but not limited thereto. The axial direction of the elliptical cylindrical structure is aligned with the height direction of the power generation device 20, and the seaward-facing surface of the wave guide wall unit 12 is an elliptical arc surface. The elliptical arc surface of the wave guide wall unit 12 provides a gradually contracting channel for the incident wave energy to propagate to the power generation device 20. Compared to a vertical plane, this not only helps reduce energy loss due to turbulent dissipation during wave energy propagation, but also reduces the horizontal force acting on the overall structure of the breakwater 10 in the direction of incoming waves, and to some extent reduces the bending moment load of the system 100 relative to the seabed.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, the leading edge of the wave guide wall unit 12 on its seaward side is either the major axis or the minor axis of the elliptical cylinder, and the leading edge of the wave guide wall unit 12 on its seaward side protrudes beyond the leading edge of the power generation device 20 by at least one major axis radius or one minor axis radius of the elliptical cylinder. Experimental verification shows that this structure of the wave guide wall unit 12 can increase the peak aerodynamic power captured by the power generation device 20, ultimately improving the overall wave energy capture efficiency.

[0047] Please refer to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a power generation device 20 shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the airflow channel 212 shown in Figure 4.

[0048] The power generation device 20 includes a cylindrical body 21 and a turbine 22 rotatably mounted on the cylindrical body 21. The bottom of the cylindrical body 21 has an opening 210 on the seaward side for waves to enter. When waves enter the cylindrical body 21 through the opening 210, an air chamber 211 and an air passage 212 are formed at the top of the cylindrical body 21 above the water-air interface A. The air passage 212 connects the air chamber 211 with the outside atmosphere, and the pressure difference in the air passage 212 (i.e., the pressure difference between the air chamber 211 and the outside atmosphere) can drive the turbine 22 to rotate. The turbine 22 is used to connect to the generator rotor 200, thereby realizing the generator to generate electricity. In practical applications, the power generation device 20 can be submerged to a certain depth below the seawater surface, and the vertical distance between its lowest edge and the still water surface is greater than the maximum wave amplitude under the design wave conditions. In this way, whether the trough or crest of the incident wave acts on the leading edge of the power generation device 20, a long-term liquid-sealed space can be formed in the air chamber 211, thereby ensuring the airtightness of the power generation device 20 during normal operation and thus ensuring the system's high-efficiency power generation for a long time.

[0049] It should be noted that, driven by external waves, the water-air interface A inside the cylinder 21 will oscillate up and down. When the trough of the incident wave acts on the leading edge of the generator 20, the water-air interface A is lifted under the excitation of the wave, causing the air volume in the air chamber 211 to decrease. At the same time, the air stored in the air chamber 211 is compressed, forming a high-pressure environment. At this time, the air pressure in the air chamber 211 is greater than the external atmospheric pressure. Under the action of the pressure difference between the inside and outside, the high-pressure air in the air chamber 211 flows to the outside through the air flow channel 212, thereby driving the turbine 22 to rotate, and then driving the generator rotor 200 to rotate. When the crest of the incident wave reaches the leading edge of the power generation device 20, the water-air interface A is lowered under the excitation of the wave, causing the air volume in the air chamber 211 to increase and creating a low-pressure environment. At this time, the air pressure in the air chamber 211 is lower than the external atmospheric pressure. Under the action of the pressure difference between the inside and outside, outside air is drawn into the air chamber 211 through the air flow channel 212, thereby driving the turbine 22 to rotate, and then driving the generator rotor 200 to rotate. In the above process, the turbine 22 is subjected to a reciprocating bidirectional airflow, but the rotation direction of the turbine 22 is constant, thus enabling bidirectional power generation.

[0050] In the aforementioned system 100, the functions of the power generation device 20 and the breakwater 10 are combined, satisfying the function of efficient capture and utilization of wave energy while also having a certain degree of wave protection and dissipation function. At the same time, considering the arrayed deployment of multiple power generation devices 20, it can more conveniently meet the total installed capacity requirements in practical applications, and accelerate the realization of the needs and goals of large-scale development and utilization of wave energy.

[0051] Referring to Figures 1, 3, and 4, in one alternative embodiment, the cylinder 21 is a cylindrical body, and the receiving space 11 is a semi-cylindrical space. The rear semicircle of the cylinder 21 is located within the semi-cylindrical space, and the front semicircle of the cylinder 21 faces the seaward side. The center-to-center distance between two adjacent receiving spaces 11 can be set to 2 to 10 times the inner diameter of the cylinder. For example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 times. The semi-cylindrical receiving spaces 11 are arranged at intervals along the length of the breakwater 10, and the center-to-center distance between two adjacent receiving spaces 11 determines the arrangement distance of adjacent power generation devices 20. If the distance is too small, wave reflection and interference effects between adjacent power generation devices 20 will lead to uneven wave energy distribution, interfering with the process of waves entering the air chamber 211, thereby affecting the energy capture efficiency. In addition, when two adjacent power generation devices 20 are too close, the airflow in and out of the air channels 212 of different power generation devices 20 will interfere with each other, affecting the normal operation and efficiency of the turbine 22. Conversely, if the distance is too large, the wave reflection and interference effects between adjacent power generation devices 20 are relatively weak. Multiple scattered waves induced during the interaction between waves and multiple power generation devices 20 may not propagate to adjacent power generation devices 20, potentially leading to severe energy dissipation and loss, resulting in low efficiency in wave energy capture by the system 100. Furthermore, when the deployment distance between adjacent power generation devices 20 (i.e., the center-to-center distance between two adjacent containment spaces 11) is approximately three times the inner diameter of the power generation device 20, the overall utilization rate of the breakwater 10 space can be improved. More power generation devices 20 can be deployed on a breakwater 10 of a certain length to achieve large-scale development and utilization of wave energy.

[0052] Referring to Figure 4, in one embodiment, the system 100 further includes a bottom slope structure 30 located below the opening 210. The bottom slope structure 30 extends rearward from the leading edge of the power generation device 20 facing the seaward side and gradually slopes upward. This configuration allows the bottom slope structure 30 to guide waves into the opening 210, which helps reduce the peak, trough, and periodically average horizontal load of the power generation device 20, enabling efficient capture and conversion of wave energy and improving the structural safety and stability of the system 100. In a specific embodiment, the inclination angle of the bottom slope structure 30 is 45 ± 5 degrees. For example, the inclination angle of the bottom slope structure 30 can be 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50 degrees; in this embodiment, 45 degrees is preferred.

[0053] Please refer to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is an exploded view of the cylinder 21. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the airflow channel cylinder 202 shown in Figure 6.

[0054] In one embodiment, the cylinder 21 includes a cylinder body 201 and an airflow channel cylinder 202 connected to the top center of the cylinder body 201. The bottom of the cylinder body 201 forms the opening 210, the top of the cylinder body 201 forms the air chamber 211, and the cavity inside the airflow channel cylinder 202 forms the airflow channel 212.

[0055] The airflow channel cylinder 202 is hollow and coaxial with the turbine 22. Multiple turbine blades 220 of the turbine 22 are disposed within the airflow channel 212, and the shaft portion 221 of the turbine 22 is located in the hollow part of the airflow channel cylinder 202. The multiple turbine blades 220 of the turbine 22 protrude radially and are evenly distributed circumferentially. The pressure difference within the airflow channel 212 acts on the multiple turbine blades 220. Because the multiple turbine blades 220 are distributed at the outermost radial end of the turbine 22, the turbine 22 can rotate under a relatively small pressure difference, improving the sensitivity of the turbine 22 to pressure differences. The shape of the turbine blades 220 is not limited; in this embodiment, the turbine blades 220 are configured as arc-shaped blades that are thin at both ends and thick in the middle.

[0056] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG7, the airflow channel 212 includes a lower flow channel 2120 communicating with the air chamber 211, an upper flow channel 2121 communicating with the atmosphere, and an intermediate flow channel 2122 connecting the lower flow channel 2120 and the upper flow channel 2121. The multiple turbine blades 220 of the turbine 22 are disposed in the intermediate flow channel 2122. From the lower flow channel 2120 to the intermediate flow channel 2122, the flow area gradually decreases. With this arrangement, the area of ​​the opening of the lower flow channel 2120 communicating with the air chamber 211 is larger, which is beneficial to increase the flow rate of the air chamber 211 into the airflow channel 212. Moreover, since the lower flow channel 2120 has a large volume and a relatively slow flow velocity, it can avoid excessive aerodynamic losses caused by the gas in the air chamber 211 entering the lower flow channel 2120.

[0057] In one embodiment, the flow area gradually decreases from the upper flow channel 2121 to the middle flow channel 2122. This configuration results in a larger opening area in the upper flow channel 2121 that connects to the outside atmosphere, which helps increase the flow rate of outside air drawn into the air flow channel 212. Furthermore, due to the large volume of the upper flow channel 2121, the flow velocity is relatively slow, which can prevent excessive aerodynamic losses when outside gas enters the upper flow channel 2121.

[0058] Please continue to refer to Figure 7. In one embodiment, the airflow channel cylinder 202 includes an inner cylinder 2021 and an outer cylinder 2022 sleeved on the outside of the inner cylinder 2021.

[0059] The inner cylinder 2021 includes a cylindrical inner cylinder section 2021a coaxial with the turbine 22, a lower inner cylinder section 2021b connected to the lower end of the inner cylinder section 2021a and gradually extending radially outward, and an upper inner cylinder section 2021c connected to the upper end of the inner cylinder section 2021a and gradually extending outward. The junction of the inner cylinder section 2021a and the lower inner cylinder section 2021b has a rounded corner transition, and the junction of the inner cylinder section 2021a and the upper inner cylinder section 2021c also has a rounded corner transition.

[0060] The outer cylinder 2022 includes a cylindrical outer cylinder section 2022a coaxial with the turbine 22, a lower outer cylinder section 2022b connected to the lower end of the outer cylinder section 2022a and gradually extending radially outward, and an upper outer cylinder section 2022c connected to the upper end of the outer cylinder section 2022a and gradually extending outward. The junction of the outer cylinder section 2022a and the lower outer cylinder section 2022b has a rounded corner transition, and the junction of the outer cylinder section 2022a and the upper outer cylinder section 2022c also has a rounded corner transition.

[0061] The gap between the lower inner cylinder section 2021b and the lower outer cylinder section 2022b forms the lower flow channel 2120, the gap between the upper inner cylinder section 2021c and the upper outer cylinder section 2022c forms the upper flow channel 2121, and the gap between the inner cylinder section 2021a and the outer cylinder section 2022a forms the intermediate flow channel 2122.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the opening of the lower flow channel 2120 that connects to the air chamber 211 is an annular opening surrounding the axis of the turbine 22 and is radially open to the air chamber 211, enabling the lower flow channel 2120 to communicate with the air chamber 211 in all 360° directions. Similarly, the opening of the upper flow channel 2121 that connects to the outside atmosphere is an annular opening surrounding the axis of the turbine 22 and is radially open to the outside atmosphere, enabling the upper flow channel 2121 to communicate with the outside atmosphere in all 360° directions. The arrows in Figure 7 indicate that air flows in from the lower flow channel 2120, passes through the intermediate flow channel 2122, and flows out from the upper flow channel 2121.

[0063] Referring to Figures 5 and 7, the lower flow channel 2120 is provided with multiple arc-shaped lower guide vanes 40. These lower guide vanes 40 are evenly spaced around the axis of the turbine 22, and the gaps between adjacent lower guide vanes 40 form airflow channels. The structure of the lower guide vanes 40 is not limited; in this embodiment, the lower guide vanes 40 are configured as arc-shaped pieces, respectively connected to the inner lower cylinder section 2021b and the outer lower cylinder section 2022b.

[0064] When air from chamber 211 enters the lower flow channel 2120, the lower guide vanes 40 guide and control the airflow. The lower flow channel 2120 is divided into multiple spaces at its opening by the lower guide vanes 40, optimizing the airflow path and reducing energy loss. Through proper airflow guidance, the lower guide vanes 40 reduce eddies and other forms of energy loss, thereby improving the overall turbine efficiency. The lower guide vanes 40 also convert a portion of the airflow's velocity energy into pressure energy, ensuring a suitable velocity and pressure distribution when the airflow enters the turbine blades, thus improving kinetic energy utilization efficiency. Furthermore, a uniform airflow distribution helps reduce uneven loads on the turbine blades, thereby reducing mechanical stress, extending equipment life, improving stability under various operating conditions, and reducing vibration and noise.

[0065] Similarly, the upper flow channel 2121 may also be provided with multiple arc-shaped upper guide vanes 50. These upper guide vanes 50 are evenly spaced around the axis of the turbine 22, and the gaps between adjacent upper guide vanes 50 form airflow channels. The structure of the upper guide vanes 50 is not limited. In this embodiment, the upper guide vanes 50 are set as arc-shaped pieces, respectively connected to the inner upper cylinder section 2021c and the outer upper cylinder section 2022c. The lower guide vane 40 and the upper guide vane 50 can be arranged symmetrically. The technical effects of the upper guide vane 50 are the same as those of the lower guide vane 40, and will not be described further here.

[0066] It should be noted that the specific structure of the lower guide vane 40 and the upper guide vane 50 is not limited to that shown in the figure. For example, there are variations in the curvature, self-deflection angle, number, and spacing of the lower guide vane 40 and the upper guide vane 50.

[0067] In the example shown in Figure 7, the airflow channel 212 is configured as a channel with a vertical axis and a gradually changing cross-section, the vertical axis coinciding with the axis of the turbine 22. The inner cylinder 2021, outer cylinder 2022, lower guide vane 40, and upper guide vane 50 together form an impulse air turbine with a gradually changing airflow channel 212. The impulse air turbine using the gradually changing airflow channel 212 has low aerodynamic losses, and the turbine 22 can rotate unidirectionally driven by periodic reciprocating airflow. For example, under the action of the incident wave trough, the opening of the airflow channel 212 connecting to the air chamber 211 serves as the air inlet, and the opening of the airflow channel 212 connecting to the atmosphere serves as the air outlet. Under the action of the incident wave crest, the opening of the airflow channel 212 connecting to the atmosphere serves as the air inlet, and the opening of the airflow channel 212 connecting to the air chamber 211 serves as the air outlet.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 8, which is a schematic diagram of the electrical connection between the control system and the air pressure sensor, speed sensor and generator.

[0069] In one embodiment, the system 100 may further include a control system 60, multiple air pressure sensors 70 and multiple speed sensors 80, and each power generation device 20 may be controlled by the control system 60 to achieve coordinated control of the arrayed power generation devices 20 and improve the overall working efficiency of the arrayed power generation devices 20.

[0070] Specifically, each air pressure sensor 70 is used to acquire the pressure in each air chamber 211 in real time, and to estimate the captured aerodynamic power P in the air chamber 211 based on the quadratic distribution relationship between air pressure and air flow (ΔP=K×|Q|×Q).

[0071] Where NT represents N wave cycles T, t0 represents the starting time of the calculation, ΔP is the air pressure, and K is a parameter reflecting the damping characteristics of the air turbine, which can be selected from a table.

[0072] When a generator set fails, the aerodynamic power P that should have been converted and absorbed by the failed generator set will be distributed to other power generation devices 20 and generator sets. At this time, other power generation devices 20 will bear greater aerodynamic pressure. The control system 60 reduces the torque of each generator rotor connected to the turbine 22 (equivalent to the resistance torque applied to the turbine 22 by the motor rotor) based on the air pressure signal with abrupt change characteristics monitored by the air pressure sensor 70, so as to increase the rotational speed of the turbine 22 and ensure that other power generation devices 20 can effectively capture the surge in energy, taking into account both system stability and efficiency maximization.

[0073] Multiple speed sensors 80 are respectively installed on the inner cylinder 2021 or outer cylinder 2022 of each power generation unit 20 to acquire the speed of each turbine 22. When the speed of a certain turbine 22 is too low / too high, the control system 60 dynamically reduces / increases the torque of the generator rotor connected to the turbine 22 according to the rated speed range of the turbine 22, so as to increase / decrease the speed of the turbine 22, thereby adjusting the phase of the turbine 22's rotational motion accordingly and matching it with the pressure level in the air chamber 211, ensuring that the peak value of the turbine 22's speed curve is close to the zero value of the air pressure curve. Please refer to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 shows the aerodynamic power capture time curve of the power generation unit located in the middle position in this application under the design wave conditions, compared with the traditional breakwater without guide wall units and bottom slope structures. Figure 10 shows the aerodynamic power capture time curve of the power generation units located in other positions in this application under the design wave conditions, compared with the traditional breakwater without guide wall units and bottom slope structures.

[0074] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, under the design wave conditions, according to the research results, compared with the breakwater structure nested with the traditional wave-proof wall unit 12 and bottom slope-free structure 30, the aerodynamic wave energy power generation wave protection system provided in this application can achieve a peak aerodynamic power capture of 157.%, and ultimately achieve an overall wave energy capture efficiency improvement of 80.%.

[0075] Please refer to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 shows the duration of the horizontal load captured by the power generation device located in the middle position in this application, compared to traditional breakwaters without guide walls or bottom slope structures, under design wave conditions. Figure 12 shows the duration of the horizontal load captured by the power generation devices located at other positions in this application, compared to traditional breakwaters without guide walls or bottom slope structures, under design wave conditions.

[0076] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, under the design wave conditions, according to the research results, compared with the breakwater structure nested with the traditional wave-proof wall unit 12 and the bottom slope-free structure 30, the peak horizontal load of the pneumatic wave energy power generation wave-proof system 100 provided in this application can be reduced by 0.6%, the valley horizontal load can be reduced by 9.2%, and the periodically average horizontal load can be reduced by 3.5%.

[0077] Please refer to Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13 shows the duration of the bending moment load captured by the power generation device located in the middle position in this application, compared to traditional breakwaters without guide walls and bottom slope structures, under design wave conditions. Figure 14 shows the duration of the bending moment load captured by the power generation device located at other positions in this application, compared to traditional breakwaters without guide walls and bottom slope structures, under design wave conditions. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, under design wave conditions, according to the research results, compared to the breakwater structure nested within the traditional breakwater without guide walls 12 and bottom slope structure 30, the peak bending moment load of the aerodynamic wave energy power generation and wave protection system 100 provided in this application can be reduced by 3.8% with respect to the seabed, the valley bending moment load can be reduced by 21.3%, and the periodically averaged bending moment load can be reduced by 9.7%.

[0078] In summary, compared to breakwater structures that are nested within traditional wave-proof wall units 12 and bottom-slope structures 30, the pneumatic wave energy generation and wave-breaking system 100 provided in this application can not only achieve efficient capture and conversion of wave energy, but also improve the structural safety and stability of the system.

[0079] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A pneumatic wave energy generation and wave protection system, comprising: The breakwater has multiple containment spaces and multiple wave guide wall units on the seaward side, and the wave guide wall units are located on both sides of any one of the containment spaces; Multiple power generation devices are housed and fixed within the multiple housing spaces, one for each device. The leading edge of each wave guide wall unit protrudes beyond the leading edges of the power generation devices on both sides of the wave guide wall unit. Each power generation device includes a cylindrical body and a turbine rotatably mounted on the cylindrical body. The bottom of the cylindrical body has an opening on the seaward side. When waves surge into the cylinder through the opening, an air chamber is formed at the top of the cylinder above the water-air interface, and an air flow channel connecting the air chamber to the outside atmosphere is formed. The pressure difference in the air flow channel can drive the turbine to rotate.

2. The pneumatic wave energy generation and wave-damping system according to claim 1, wherein, The wave guide wall unit is configured as an elliptical cylindrical structure. The axial direction of the elliptical cylindrical structure is aligned with the height direction of the power generation device. The surface of the wave guide wall unit facing the sea is an elliptical arc.

3. The pneumatic wave energy generation and wave-damping system according to claim 2, wherein, The leading edge of the wave guide wall unit on the seaward side is either the major axis end or the minor axis end of the elliptical cylindrical structure. The distance by which the leading edge of the wave guide wall unit protrudes from the leading edge of the power generation device on the seaward side is at least one major axis radius or one minor axis radius of the elliptical cylindrical structure.

4. The pneumatic wave energy generation and wave-damping system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 further includes a bottom slope structure disposed below the opening. The bottom slope structure extends backward from the foremost edge of the power generation device facing the sea and gradually slopes upward.

5. The pneumatic wave energy generation and wave-damping system according to claim 4, wherein, The inclination angle of the bottom slope structure is 45±5 degrees.

6. The pneumatic wave energy generation and wave-damping system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The cylinder is cylindrical, and the receiving space is semi-cylindrical. The rear semicircle of the cylinder is located within the semi-cylindrical space. The front semicircle of the cylinder faces the seaward side. The center distance between two adjacent receiving spaces is set to 2 to 10 times the inner diameter of the cylinder.

7. The pneumatic wave energy generation and wave-damping system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The cylinder includes a cylinder body and an airflow channel cylinder connected to the center of the top of the cylinder body. The opening is formed at the bottom of the cylindrical body. The air chamber is formed at the top of the cylinder body. The airflow channel cylinder is hollow, and the internal cavity forms the airflow channel. The turbine has multiple blades located inside the airflow channel, and the turbine shaft is located in the hollow part of the airflow channel cylinder.

8. The pneumatic wave energy generation and wave-damping system according to claim 7, wherein, The airflow channel includes a lower flow channel communicating with the air chamber, an upper flow channel communicating with the outside atmosphere, and an intermediate flow channel connecting the lower flow channel and the upper flow channel. The turbine blades are located within the intermediate flow channel.

9. The pneumatic wave energy generation and wave-damping system according to claim 8, wherein, The flow area gradually decreases from the lower flow channel to the middle flow channel.

10. The pneumatic wave energy generation and wave-damping system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The flow area gradually decreases from the upper flow channel to the middle flow channel.

11. The pneumatic wave energy generation and wave-damping system according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein, The airflow channel cylinder includes an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder sleeved on the outside of the inner cylinder. The inner cylinder includes a cylindrical inner cylinder section coaxial with the turbine, a lower inner cylinder section connected to the lower end of the inner cylinder section and gradually extending radially outward, and an upper inner cylinder section connected to the upper end of the inner cylinder section and gradually extending outward. The outer cylinder includes a cylindrical outer cylinder section coaxial with the turbine, a lower outer cylinder section connected to the lower end of the outer cylinder section and gradually extending radially outward, and an upper outer cylinder section connected to the upper end of the inner cylinder section and gradually extending outward. The gap between the lower section of the inner cylinder and the lower section of the outer cylinder forms the lower flow channel. The gap between the upper section of the inner cylinder and the upper section of the outer cylinder forms the upper flow channel. The gap between the inner cylinder section and the outer cylinder section forms the intermediate flow channel.

12. The pneumatic wave energy generation and wave-damping system according to claim 11, wherein, The lower flow channel is provided with multiple arc-shaped lower guide vanes, which are evenly distributed around the axis of the turbine.

13. The pneumatic wave energy generation and wave-damping system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The upper flow channel is provided with multiple arc-shaped upper guide vanes, which are evenly distributed around the axis of the turbine.

14. The pneumatic wave energy generation and wave-damping system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The vertical distance between the lowest edge of each of the aforementioned power generation devices and the still water surface is greater than the maximum wave amplitude under the design wave conditions.

15. The pneumatic wave energy generation and wave-damping system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, When the turbine is subjected to a reciprocating bidirectional airflow, it has a constant rotation direction to achieve bidirectional power generation.

16. The pneumatic wave energy generation and wave-damping system according to claim 10, wherein, The inner cylinder section and the lower inner cylinder section are connected by a rounded corner transition, the inner cylinder section and the upper inner cylinder section are connected by a rounded corner transition, the outer cylinder section and the lower outer cylinder section are connected by a rounded corner transition, and the outer cylinder section and the upper outer cylinder section are connected by a rounded corner transition.

Images