Parallel Floating Wave Attenuator With Inclined Baffles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave attenuation structures are inefficient in capturing and utilizing wave energy, leading to shoreline erosion and wasted energy potential.
Innovation Solution
A pair of floating structures coupled in parallel with wave baffles inclined at an acute angle, forming a passageway to capture and attenuate waves, with a float attached to dissipate remaining energy, allowing for wave energy utilization through hydro-turbines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single unit float is used for wave attenuation, then the structure is simple, but the wave attenuation efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The wave attenuation structure is divided into multiple floating structures (at least one pair) that are coupled together in parallel. Each floating structure has a body with a floating floor and side walls, and they are arranged in series along the wave direction to form multiple attenuation stages, thereby improving wave attenuation efficiency while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple floating structures are coupled together in parallel to form an integrated wave attenuation system. The floating structures are connected through coupling members that allow relative movement while maintaining structural integrity, creating a cooperative system that attenuates waves more effectively than a single unit
2Device complexity
If a single line cylindrical float is used, then the structure is simple, but large-sized waves can overtop the structure causing damage to the shoreline
Solution Approach 1:
The wave protection system is segmented into multiple floating structures arranged in series along the wave direction, forming multiple attenuation stages. This segmentation prevents large waves from overtopping the structure by distributing the wave energy across multiple levels, with each floating structure attenuating a portion of the wave before it reaches the next stage
Solution Approach 2:
The floating structures are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration with vertical side walls extending from the floating floor. This vertical dimension creates a wave passage that guides waves through multiple levels, preventing horizontal overtopping and enhancing wave attenuation capability against large-sized waves
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing float structures are used, then the structure can attenuate waves, but the wave energy is wasted and cannot be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The wave energy that would otherwise be wasted is converted into a useful resource by installing a hydro-turbine within the wave passage. The kinetic energy of waves passing through the structured passageway drives the hydro-turbine to generate electricity, transforming the harmful wave energy into beneficial electrical energy while maintaining shoreline protection
Solution Approach 2:
The floating structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it attenuates waves to protect the shoreline, captures wave energy through the hydro-turbine for electricity generation, and provides a stable platform for installing additional equipment. This multi-functionality eliminates energy waste while enhancing the overall utility of the structure
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
Effectively reduces shoreline erosion by capturing and dissipating wave energy, enabling efficient wave energy utilization for electricity generation.
Implementation Method 1
a wave baffle having at least one part of the baffle located above the water-surface level, wherein the baffle has a surface formed as a vertical plane and inclined at an acute angle with respect to a line extended along the length of said body
Implementation Method 2
a float attached to the rear of said floating structures for attenuating waves passed through said passageway. Said float comprises a floatable body and a submerged portion, and a support plate in the form of a flat plate and located below the water surface and underneath said body in order to assist in stabilization of said float
Implementation Method 3
enabling efficient wave energy utilization for electricity generation
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A wave capturing and attenuating structure comprising at least one pair of floating structures (100) each coupled with each other in a substantially parallel manner for capturing water-surface waves. The respective floating structures (100) comprise: a body (10) consisting of a floating floor (12) and a side wall (14) extended down from a perimeter of the floating floor (12); and a floating member (20) connected to the floating floor (12) of said body (10) in order to support said body (10) for submerging in the water. Said floating member (20) comprises a wave baffle (22) having at least one part of the baffle (22) located above the water-surface level, wherein said wave baffle (22) of said floating member (20) comprises a surface formed as a vertical plane and inclined at an acute angle with respect to a line extended along the length of said body (10) as viewed from above. Each pair of said floating structures (100) is fixed together such that a passageway (E) is formed as a wave passage. Said structure further comprises: a float (50, 60,70) attached to the rear of said floating structures (100) for attenuating the wave passed through said passageway (E). Said float (50, 60,70) comprises a floatable body (61, 71), and a support plate (68,78) in the form of a flat plate (68,78) located below the water surface and underneath said body (10) in order to assist in stabilization of said float (50, 60,70). In one embodiment of the present invention, the body (10) of the floating structure (100) may also be provided with a support plate (112) in the form of a flat plate located underneath the body (10) in order to assist in stabilization of the floating structure (100).