WO2016033671A1

WO2016033671A1 - Sustainable system and process for generating artificial waves

Info

Publication number: WO2016033671A1
Application number: PCT/BR2015/050140
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tiago DA COSTA RAMOS; Pedro José Moacyr RANGEL NETO
Original assignee: Da Costa Ramos Tiago; Rangel Neto Pedro José Moacyr
Priority date: 2014-09-04
Filing date: 2015-09-03
Publication date: 2016-03-10

Abstract

The present invention relates in general to the sector of swimming pools provided with artificial waves and in general refers to a process and to a device for generating waves with low energy consumption. The solution in question is composed basically of a tower and sliding box, in which the box is raised inside the tower and the weight force thereof will act on the water, expelling a volume via an outlet opening. Furthermore, during the drop, the system recovers some of the energy and reutilizes it in order that the sliding box can be raised again. The solution further utilizes accumulators and/or hydraulic cylinders basically for damping the fall and for braking the sliding box during descent, storing braking energy and, furthermore, actively raising the sliding box. Moreover, by means of these elements and the movement of the sliding box, the energy recovery system acts on the excess pressure generated and directs it to the energy storage module via the accumulators.

Description

SUSTAINABLE WAVES GENERATION SYSTEM AND PROCESS

ARTIFICIAL

Technological sector of the invention

[1] Generally speaking, the present solution belongs to the artificial wave wave pool sector and refers more specifically to a low-energy and reuse wave generating machine and a sustainable artificial wave generation process.

State of the art

[2] Waves are energetic pulses that propagate through space or a medium and can be liquid, solid or gaseous. A wave is an oscillating disturbance of some physical magnitude in space and periodic in time. There are two types of known waves: mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves. Those used for surfing are mechanical waves and can be characterized by wavelength, amplitude, frequency, velocity of propagation in the medium and period, and according to these characteristics they may be more or less conducive to the practice of sports. .

[3] The propagation speed of a wave is the speed with which the wave propagates in a certain medium, which depends on the distance traveled and also on the time taken by the wave to travel this distance. The wave velocity can be calculated from the following expression 1:

C = X. v (1) [4] Where "C" represents the propagation speed in m / s, "λ" the wavelength in meters and V the frequency in Hertz.

[5] Waves are also phenomena that occur in nature. Sea waves are formed on the high seas and are generated from seismic shocks, storms and often by winds that act on the ocean and cause water to move. They propagate to great depths and as they approach the coast they turn into surfable waves when they reach shallower waters. When they encounter a hydraulic shoulder (which may be the shore) with smaller depths or obstacles (such as rocks or a sandbar), the water flow is shifted upwards. This displacement causes the waves to break and become conducive to surfing. Waves can also be static and form in rivers. These waves are triggered when A large volume of water passes over a rock or soil elevation. In this case, the rock acts as a hydraulic shoulder.

[6] Surfing is attracting more and more practitioners and is estimated to be around 8 million in Brazil today. However, the growth of the sport has become an alarming fact due to the safety issue of the practitioners. Since 1984, in Rio Grande do Sul, the average number of deaths caused by fishing nets has been approximately 2.5 surfers / year. Altogether there are 45 deaths caused by fishing nets in Rio Grande do Sul, most in winter, where the coast is lacking infrastructure to receive hundreds of surfers.

[7] Surfing has been encouraged and cultivated for generations. However, for the practice of sport to be performed, it is visible to the difficulties faced by practitioners. Among these drawbacks we can cite at least three main reasons: the surfer's displacement to the beach town, the existence of areas suitable for surfing on the beaches and sea conditions.

[8] The fact that the surfer resides in cities without a beach and, therefore, without waves, prevents him from performing as often as possible the practice of sports. Regarding the issue of own areas for surfing, many beaches, despite having waves, have an extensive area for swimming. This must be taken into account to avoid potential accidents involving surfers and sunbathers. Finally, sea conditions should be studied, as climate change interferes directly with waves (in this case natural waves). That is, the natural process of wave formation in the seas depends, among other factors, on the ripple, the size of the waves, the amount of water displacement and winds from both coastal and maritime regions. Such factors can often make beaches unsuitable for surfing and pose fatal risks to surfers.

[9] In order to bring surfing to regions far from the sea, or without conditions at sea, there is a growing development of systems with artificial lakes and / or reservoirs capable of reproducing artificial waves. These systems generally use machines capable of generating waves using the same principles observed in nature.

[10] For the generation of these waves, these systems rely on water tanks or reservoirs in various formats where the generator machines are installed. These reservoirs must have a water barrier which It is equivalent to the decrease in depth in the sea, sand banks or stones in rivers. These obstacles, called hydraulic breakpoints (point break, beach break, reef braké), are located at the bottom of the tank and create a barrier for water to pass over the obstacle. This forms an artificial wave in which, through quick movements, the surfer can balance the board. The wave generated is totally conducive to surfing, meeting the safety standards for surfers.

[1 1] Generating machines are implemented in reservoirs and / or artificial lakes in order to displace a certain volume of water towards the hydraulic overhang, such as the action of wind at sea or current in a river. From the whole process performed by the machine and the water circulation in the system, when leaving the machines with high speed, the water volume collides with the hydraulic shoulder, substantially increasing the water volume and the artificial wave formation occurs. .

[12] In order to provide alternatives to artificial wave tanks, various systems have been developed to effectively meet the demands. PI 0003244-1 discloses an artificial wave generator that uses high flow pumps to propel water over an obstacle and generate an uninterrupted wave for sport practice. However, the system generates only standing waves and the process in question consumes a considerable amount of energy for this.

[13] Patent PI 0403731 -6 proposes a wave generation system in which a movable structure coupled to a paddle moves within a pool, lake or river from the deepest part to a shaped obstacle, which forms the waves. . However, besides occupying a large area for wave generation, the system consumes a large amount of energy for its operation.

[14] WO2014043372 discloses a circular shaped gravity wave pool and generator in which plates arranged on the side of the pool move and propel water against a hydraulic shoulder, forming the waves. In addition to its high energy consumption, the system occupies a large area for wave generation and is only applied to circular tanks.

[15] AU 2009200241 discloses a wave pool that uses the force of gravity for wave generation. Tanks are filled with water above from the pool level, then open floodgates that release water into the pool and when passing through predisposed obstacles the wave is formed. However, the system does not use gravity energy effectively as it acts directly on water and there is a loss of energy when the tank level reaches the pool level.

[16] US 5,171,101 proposes a wave generator in which water is propelled on a surface strong enough to form the wave. But this kind of solution generates a static wave, different from the sea waves.

[17] US Patent 201414 15769 discloses a wave pool in which the generator is located in the center of the pool, with the rotational principle of a paddle that displaces water and causes waves around the reservoir. However, the system consumes a large amount of energy and still occupies a large pool area, generating clear economic drawbacks.

[18] WO2006060866 discloses a circular wave pool and wave generator for this pool, in which a body shaped specifically to propel water that revolves around the pool and waves on a base in the center of the pool. . However, the system in question is limited to the shape of circular pools only.

[19] It can also be mentioned that there are also artificial wave pools, in which water is pressed by hydraulic pistons and expelled from a reservoir through a nozzle inside the pool. The reservoir in question is then provided with a hydraulic shoulder and when water exiting with pressure from the generator encounters the obstacle, the wave is formed. This technology is used in the wave pool at Disney's Typhoon Lagon water park in Orlando, Florida. However, the system they use consumes a lot of energy as the system foresees the use of water that is displaced by hydraulic pistons.

[20] Based on the above, there is a gap in the existing artificial wave generating systems as well as in the artificial wave generation processes. It is also noted that none of the systems currently known in the market present the possibility of energy reuse and use of renewable sources. That is, the drawback of the high power consumption of the systems known today, as well as the as the lack of incentive for sustainable practices for the generation of artificial waves.

Novelties and objectives of the invention

[21] In order to fill in the gaps presented in the state of the art, the present invention defines an artificial wave generating system which can use renewable energy sources. In addition, the proposed solution aims to use the force of gravity and store part of the energy spent on wave generation.

[22] The purpose of this report is a wave generation system consisting of a tower with a box inside it that is released over the water and pushes it out of the box through a nozzle. In addition, the system has power and power units, control unit, energy storage unit, water reservoir and hydraulic cam.

[23] The proposed invention differs from other wave-generating machines by utilizing renewable energy sources, utilizing the force of gravity to propel water, and reusing some of the energy expended in falling the box to lift the box in the next cycle.

[24] Thus, the present solution is capable of storing part of the potential energy of the sliding box fall into accumulators and / or cylinders. The accumulators and / or cylinders are controlled to perform sliding box fall and braking damping, braking energy storage and sliding box lifting.

[25] Finally, the solution in question proposes the energy recovery that should be stored in these accumulators and / or cylinders and redirected to the lifting of the sliding box.

Description of the attached drawings

[26] In order for the present invention to be fully understood and practiced by any person skilled in the art, there is a clear, concise and sufficient description illustrated and subsidized by the figures below and attached.

[27] Figure 1 represents the perspective wave generating machine.

[28] Figure 2 represents the wave generating machine from a lateral point of view. [29] Figure 3 represents the wave generating machine from a frontal point of view.

[30] Figure 4 represents the wave generating machine from a superior point of view.

[31] Figure 5 shows the detail A, in larger scale, showing the fixing plate of the rails and cylinders.

[32] Figure 6 represents detail A internally, at a larger scale, showing the ways of fixing the rails and cylinders of the proposed system.

[33] Figure 7 depicts the perspective wave generator with a transparent tower highlighting the main elements of water evacuation.

[34] Figure 8 depicts the waveform machine, in perspective, with a transparent structure showing the arrangement of the sliding box.

[9] Figure 9 depicts the perspective wave generator with a transparent structure showing the arrangement of the accumulator rails and rollers.

[36] Figure 10 represents the represents the wave-generating machine, in perspective, with transparent structure showing that of the winch.

[37] Figure 11 represents the assembled system, equipped with two wave generators, in reservoir with hydraulic shoulder.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[38] The present invention defines a sustainable wave generation system that can be applied to reservoirs and tanks of various shapes as long as they are provided with a hydraulic shoulder or a sandbar, both with proper ground isolation. Hydraulic cams can also come in various shapes. The proposed system consists of a tower (1) and sliding box (2) made of metallic material, which can be high strength carbon steel and stainless steel, joined by welding or even bolts and nuts. The sliding box (2) is arranged inside the tower and the assembly is painted for water resistance. Also part of the system are the power and power unit, control unit, energy storage unit and water reservoir. [39] The tower (1) is made from welded metal bars or any fasteners (such as bolts, rivets, solder, etc.) forming a box that has its top open and its bottom closed by sheet metal. One of its faces is provided with a nozzle (2) for the water outlet.

[40] The sliding box (2) is arranged inside the tower (1) and its movement along the entire length of the tower (1) will be responsible for the formation of the artificial wave. Bars can also be used as linear guides, with the box provided with bearings for the sliding structure of the system or rollers. The sliding box (2) is composed of metal plates and profiles joined together, which fit into rails and / or linear guides (4) in the tower (1). In the upper portion in a lifting structure (6) of the tower (1) at least one lifting winch (5) is arranged through a connection with a cable.

[41] The winch (5) is located at the top of the tower and can be either electric or hydraulic in nature. Being electric it consists of frequency inverter, electric motor, reducer, freewheel lock, brake, spool and cable. In the case of a hydraulic winch, it consists of pump, oil reservoir, leakage protection system, oil filter, proportional directional control with PWM or analog solenoid valves, hydraulic motor, reducer, freewheel lock, brake, spool and cable.

[42] With the exception of the winch (5), the system may or may not be submerged and the attachment within the reservoir shall be made by means of anchor plates made of metallic material and shall be fixed inside the reservoir foundation. The system may still be suspended via wire ropes or bars and mounting shoes. The weight of the machine may even serve as a shoe.

[43] The control unit is responsible for the sliding box lift, fall and braking commands (2). The unit in question consists of a frequency inverter or hydraulic drive and, depending on the nature of the winch, a programmable logic controller, sensors and actuators. The system still uses closed loop control system.

[44] The power and power unit, in turn, is responsible for generating the power and torque required to raise the slide box (2). The unit can be composed by electric motor or combustion and can be powered by renewable energy sources such as biomass, solar, wind, hydro or even hydrogen.

[45] The energy storage unit is responsible for reusing the energy expended at the time of sliding box braking (2). This unit uses the feedback technique. If the winch (5) is hydraulic in nature, the storage is carried out by means of hydraulic pressure accumulators. This system releases the accumulated pressure and flow during braking to the hydraulic motor. In the case of using an electric winch (5), the system puts the electric motor into generator mode and it generates the power. The generated energy is stored in batteries in the storage unit or even thrown in the grid through the frequency inverter.

[46] The system operates by releasing the sliding box (2) from the top of the tower (1). The sliding box (2) has a weight "P" calculated by the maximum wave amplitude to be generated. The sliding box (2) can be lifted by a cable connected between its upper end and the reel located on the winch (5). The lift box lift height (2) varies according to the desired amplitude in the wave. There is also the possibility of producing waves in sequence from the control unit, that is, because the output flow is variable. Thus, the sliding box (2) is subjected to sequential braking, established by the control unit, during the travel of the top to the base of the tower (1) and, thus, the outflow of water through the nozzle (3). It is variable.

[47] When the spool is disengaged from the gear unit through the free-rotating lock, the sliding box (2) drops without any interference from the gear unit, only from the friction generated by the guide rails or bars and with the force of gravity acting on its own. weight "P". It then pushes water out through the nozzle (3) with pressure and velocity, displacing a large volume of water toward the hydraulic shoulder (11). From this displacement, wave formation is performed.

[48] Before reaching the bottom of the tower (1), the sliding box (2) is braked so that it has a smooth movement and stop. During braking the energy recovery system is also activated which will depend on the nature of the winch, hydraulic or electric. The storage of the energy involved in the artificial wave formation process is accomplished through accumulators and / or hydraulic pressure cylinders present in the rails (4). This system releases the accumulated pressure and flow during braking to the hydraulic motor.

[49] All ascent, descent and braking control is done by integral and derivative proportional control, providing full control over the height, speed and acceleration of the sliding fall (2). The system also has sensors capable of monitoring the displacement of the sliding box (2) and the water level in the reservoir, allowing full control over the system. By utilizing the force of gravity and storing some of this energy during braking for reuse in sliding box movement (2) along the tower (1), the system has low power consumption. This can be stated as stored energy can be used to raise the sliding box (2) again.

[50] The tower (1) has one side with a nozzle (3) in horizontal position for the water outlet. That is, the nozzle (3) does not have an unevenness in relation to the ground. In addition, hydraulic accumulators and / or cylinders are primarily responsible for three functions on the wave generating machine: fall damping and sliding box braking (2) during descent, storing braking energy and sliding box lifting ( 2).

[51] Accordingly, according to the provisions of this Certificate of Addition, at the moment of free fall of the sliding box (2), the cylinders automatically open without restriction (only friction between plunger and sleeve), thus avoiding box (2) slows down. This is possible because the system has an independent electro-hydraulic circuit with directional valves that release oil flow on the way down. At the moment the braking of the sliding housing (2) begins, which has a smooth movement and stopping, the valves restrict the oil passage proportionally, causing the housing (2) to start a process of loss of speed and consequently a pressure spike. Thus, the energy recovery system is also activated, as this generated overpressure is directed and stored through the system's hydraulic accumulators.

[52] The accumulators and / or cylinders arranged along the rails (4) are properly fixed to the thin but high strength plates (7). The attachment to the lower plates (10) is preferably by means of bearings (9) and pins fixing (8). In the upper plates (7) the rails (4) / accumulators are fixed preferably by means of upper and lower nuts.

[53] Finally, the slide box (2) described in the present addition may still be lifted through the cylinders and / or accumulators, regardless of the actuation of the cable winch (5). Another relevant fact of this implementation is the number of winches (5) and cylinders, which may vary according to the design of the wave generating machine. That is, the machine may have more than one hoist winch (5) as well as cylinders arranged on the four rails (4), for example. In addition, the clamping position of the elements concerned on the machine may change according to the needs and characteristics of the project. For example, cylinders may be arranged only at the four tower vertices (1) or additionally at intermediate portions of the tower structures (1) and the sliding housing (2).

[54] The system (13) allows to generate different configurations of reservoirs (12) since it need not be specifically arranged as long as the reservoir has a hydraulic shoulder (11). Said hydraulic cam (11) may also have varied shapes. The reservoirs (12) can be made of sand or concrete and the place where the wave generator will be must be built of concrete and have foundations for fixing the tower (1). It is also necessary to use impermeable material to isolate the water from the reservoir from the ground.

[55] System settings as well as wave generator dimensions and power are proportional to the desired wave amplitude. The larger the wave, the larger the project dimensions will be and the more power required for the projected wave generator.

[56] It is important to note that the figures and description made do not have the ability to limit the forms of implementation of the inventive concept proposed here, but to illustrate and make understandable the conceptual innovations revealed in this solution. Thus, the descriptions and images must be interpreted in an illustrative and non-limiting manner, and there may be other equivalent or analogous forms of implementation of the inventive concept disclosed herein and that do not escape the protection spectrum outlined in the proposed solution. [57] This descriptive report deals with a sustainable system and process for the generation of artificial waves endowed with novelty, inventive activity, descriptive sufficiency and industrial application and, consequently, has all the essential requirements for granting the claimed privilege. .

Claims

1. SUSTAINABLE ARTIFICIAL WAVE GENERATION SYSTEM consisting of hydraulic shoulders, control unit, power and force unit and sensors characterized by tower (1) with nozzle (2) and rails, sliding box (3), winch (5) and energy storage unit.

SUSTAINABLE ARTIFICIAL WAVES GENERATION SYSTEM according to claim 1, further characterized in that the sliding box (3) is arranged inside the tower structure (1) and is connected to the winch (5).

SUSTAINABLE ARTIFICIAL WAVE GENERATION SYSTEM according to claim 1, further characterized by the winch (5) being hydraulic in nature and consisting of hydraulic pump, oil sump, leak protector, oil filter, hydraulic motor, reducer, lock freewheeling, directional control, brake and reel.

SUSTAINABLE ARTIFICIAL WAVES GENERATION SYSTEM according to claim 1, and further characterized by the winch (5) being electric in nature and consisting of frequency inverter, electric motor, gearbox, freewheel lock, brake and spool.

5. SUSTAINABLE ARTIFICIAL WAVES GENERATION SYSTEM according to claim 1, further characterized by the power and power unit utilizing renewable energy sources.

SUSTAINABLE ARTIFICIAL WAVES GENERATION SYSTEM according to claim 1, further characterized by the fact that the hydraulic energy storage unit is constituted by a hydraulic pressure accumulator.

7. SUSTAINABLE ARTIFICIAL WAVES GENERATION SYSTEM according to claim 1, further characterized by the fact that the electric energy storage unit is made up of batteries.

SUSTAINABLE ARTIFICIAL WAVES GENERATION SYSTEM according to claims 1, and further characterized in that the electric motor is used as a generator.

SUSTAINABLE ARTIFICIAL WAVES GENERATION SYSTEM according to claims 1, and further characterized in that the sliding housing is provided with bearings or bearings.

SUSTAINABLE ARTIFICIAL WAVES GENERATION SYSTEM according to claim 1, and further characterized by at least one hydraulic storage accumulator of the energy storage unit realizing sliding box fall and braking (2), storing braking energy and lifting the sliding box (2).

SUSTAINABLE ARTIFICIAL WAVE GENERATION SYSTEM according to claims 1 and 10, further characterized by valves restricting the passage of oil in proportion to the lowering of the sliding box (2) and the system reaching a pressure peak.

SUSTAINABLE ARTIFICIAL WAVES GENERATION SYSTEM according to claims 1, 10 and 11, and further characterized in that the generated overpressure is stored in hydraulic accumulators.

SUSTAINABLE ARTIFICIAL WAVE GENERATION SYSTEM according to claims 1 and 10, further characterized in that the number of winches (5) and cylinders / accumulators are proportional to the design of the artificial wave generating machine.

14. SUSTAINABLE ARTIFICIAL WAVES GENERATION PROCESS characterized by the following steps:

- Raise the sliding box (3) by winch (5);

- Release the sliding box (3) by the freewheel lock;

- Falling of the sliding box (3) due to gravity;

- Displacement of water towards the hydraulic shoulder;

- wave formation;

- Check the position of the sliding box (3);

- Sliding box braking (3);

- energy recovery; and

- Storage of recovered energy.

SUSTAINABLE PROCESS OF GENERATING WAVES according to claim 14 and further characterized in that the step of lifting the sliding box is carried out with lifting height directly proportional to the amplitude of the wave to be formed.

SUSTAINABLE ARTIFICIAL WAVES GENERATION PROCESS according to claim 14 and further characterized by the step energy recovery shall be carried out on batteries in winches (5) of an electric nature.

SUSTAINABLE ARTIFICIAL WAVES GENERATION PROCESS according to claim 14 and further characterized in that the energy recovery step is performed in pressure accumulators in hydraulic winches (5).

SUSTAINABLE ARTIFICIAL WAVES GENERATION PROCESS according to claim 14 and further characterized in that the braking step stops the slide box (3) smoothly.

SUSTAINABLE ARTIFICIAL WAVES GENERATION PROCESS according to claim 14 and further characterized in that the sliding box braking step (3) is sequentially extended by the tower extension (1).