Convex-Front Floating Dam for Continuous Wave Energy Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dam technologies fail to effectively harness the energy of sea currents and wave motion due to low energy transmission and discontinuity, particularly at the seabed and surface levels, resulting in inefficient energy yield.
Innovation Solution
A dam with a convex front design utilizing interconnected rhomboidal caissons and vertical fins, incorporating principles of fluid dynamics such as Venturi, Bernoulli-Coanda, and Torricelli effects, to transform wave energy into a continuous flow and stabilize the structure against wave forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional dam technologies are used at seabed or surface level, then the structure can be implemented with existing designs, but the energy transmission is extremely low and wave motion discontinuity results in very low energy yield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional seabed or surface-level dam installations to a submerged dam structure positioned in the intermediate water column. This dimensional change allows the structure to access the high-energy dynamic layer (0-8 meters depth) where wave energy is most concentrated, thereby dramatically improving energy transmission efficiency and overall energy yield while avoiding the limitations of traditional locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by positioning the dam structure at specific depths within the dynamic layer rather than at the surface or seabed. This parameter change optimizes the structure's exposure to wave energy transmission, capturing the maximum energy yield from the continuous wave motion in the intermediate water column where energy density is highest.
2Productivity
If a convex front dam structure is implemented to capture wave energy, then energy capture efficiency improves, but structural complexity and design difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dam structure into modular caissons with standardized convex front designs. Each caisson is a self-contained module that can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining the energy-capturing convex geometry. This segmentation allows for easier construction and maintenance while preserving high energy capture efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs convex (curved) front faces on the caissons rather than flat surfaces. This curvature is optimized to efficiently capture and redirect wave energy around the structure, maximizing energy capture. The curved geometry naturally guides water flow and enhances the Venturi effect, improving productivity while the modular implementation keeps construction complexity manageable.
3Productivity
If the dam structure uses vertical fins and convex front design, then wave energy transformation into continuous flow is maximized, but manufacturing complexity and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates vertical fins as integral components of the modular caisson structure rather than as separate attachments. This integration simplifies manufacturing by combining multiple functions (structural support, wave energy redirection, fin functionality) into single manufactured units, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining high wave energy transformation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite material construction for the caissons, combining materials with different properties to achieve both the required structural strength and the specific hydrodynamic characteristics needed for efficient wave energy transformation. This allows the convex front and vertical fins to be manufactured as integrated components with optimized performance-to-complexity ratio.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Maximizes the capture and conversion of wave energy into electrical energy by concentrating on the dynamic layer near the sea surface, reducing structural stress on anchors and ballast requirements, and providing enhanced stability.
Implementation Method 1
At the terminal interstices 13 of each module, any hydraulic turbine (not shown) can be positioned, thanks to a suitable product, with opening on the sea side to obtain, through the Venturi effect, the maximum potential of electrical energy.
Implementation Method 2
The sides of each caisson 1 are equipped with special vertical fins 2 arranged in a herringbone pattern, which transform the wave, broken by the bow of the caissons 1 and conveyed by the convex front 4, in counter-pressure with respect to the incident sea wave, counter-pressure that contrasts the thrust of the wave itself
Implementation Method 3
The Torricelli columns 3 (better illustrated in Figure 3) contribute to the vertical stability of the structure, reducing the stress discharged on the anchors to the desired extent; they also help to counterbalance the Archimedes principle, reducing the quantities of ballast 11 necessary to sink the structure to the desired levels.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A dam system is described comprising the following components connected to each other: at least two floating caissons (1), weighted with a ballast (11) to maintain the desired level of buoyancy, each equipped with vertical herringbone fins (2) placed along its sides to maintain horizontal stability and fins (2) placed at the base or keel of each caisson (1); a central beam (6) for connecting the boxes (1); a beam (8) supporting a convex front (4), which helps to convey the incident wave in the interstices (13) between the caissons (1), the convex front (4) allowing the use of the potential and kinetic energy of the waves, for its subsequent transformation into electricity; and a plurality of Torricelli columns (3), positioned integral with the caissons (1).