ITUB20152884A1 - BARRIER FOR THE EXPLOITATION OF IMPACT ENERGY OF THE MARINE WAVES - Google Patents

Description

BARRIER FOR THE EXPLOITATION OF THE SHOCK ENERGY OF THE SEA WAVES

DESCRIPTION:

FIELD OF THE TECHNIQUE TO WHICH THE INVENTION REFERS

The field of the technique to which the invention refers is the production of electricity from renewable sources: in particular the exploitation of the wave generated by the volume of water of the sea waves (momentum of the marine fluid mass) through the use of piezoelectric technology.

STATE OF THE PRE-EXISTING TECHNIQUE

SOURCE

The source chosen for the application of the technology is the wave motion, and in particular the wave energy near the coast (shock).

Wave motion is a source of enormous energy and is present in abundance all over the planet.

The energy produced by the shock of the wave has been studied by more than one engineering institute both on a theoretical and practical level: this facilitates the study of producibility.

In addition to this, it is worth mentioning the existence of technical cartographies in which the characteristics of the wave motion are highlighted, in relation to the duration of the events in different parts of the world; for this reason there is already a pre-screening on the possible producibility area by area.

These maps could be an excellent starting point for the choice of the installation site as it still happens today with anemological maps, designed to identify installation points of wind farms, and the solar atlas regarding photovoltaic systems.

TECHNOLOGY

The technological solution that will be adopted is already available on the market: it exploits the knowledge on piezoelectric materials used in the engineering field for various applications which, until now, are outside the field of electricity production except for some particular non-specific applications. industrial. The piezoelectric material has the characteristic of generating an amount of electrical energy if deformed (elastically) or mechanically stressed. The piezoelectric properties are due to the crystalline structure of some materials such as quartz, tomaline, barium titanate or PZT.

Faced with a very small deformation, these materials are able to produce a certain amount of electrical energy which, through the series connection of several "piezoelectric cells" and due to the <-> high extension of the surface affected by the thrust of a wave, will certainly be able to generate interesting values of pulsating electricity.

In detail, PZT ceramic actuators are solid elements of lead titanate (PbTi03), and lead zirconate (PbZrOj), modified with additives, such as Graphene. In addition to being strongly piezoelectric, PZT is tough, tough, chemically inert and completely unaffected by humid environments. Before polarization the dipoles in the ferroelectric material are oriented in a disordered manner. The polarization process involves applying an electric field through the ceramic, usually at elevated temperatures, causing the dipoles to realign. After the removal of the electric field there is a remaining polarization in the ceramic which is responsible for its piezoelectric properties. The resulting ceramic material is now anisotropic and can be returned to its isotropic condition by increasing its temperature beyond the Curie point or after excessive mechanical stress. Most of the properties of the piezoelectric change gradually (tendentially in a logarithmic way) over time. The more time passes after polarization, the more stable the material is. Exposing the ceramic to one or more combinations of the following conditions can accelerate the aging process:

-High mechanical stress

-Strong de-polarizing electric field

-High temperatures near the Curie point

Thanks to polarization, piezoelectric ceramic is electrically charged when subjected to mechanical stresses.

These materials can also be improved thanks to Graphene, the latest generation material.

Piezoelectric actuators work under both static and dynamic stresses. Their axis of operation is the vertical, compression axis. Particular attention is paid to the conception of the configuration of the capturing element of the movement; the wave front barrier and the layers that enclose the actuators will have different stiffnesses in order to avoid concentrated efforts on the PZT ceramic.

TECHNICAL PROBLEM AND PROPOSED SOLUTION

DESIGN IDEA

The idea is to create large wave-facing surfaces which, in addition to acting as a safeguard and protection for the coasts such as breakwaters, integrate the piezoelectric surface suitable for the production of electricity.

Consider that the piezoelectric surface can be assimilated to a plate of piezoelectric material which will be integrated with some engineering devices to the materials constituting the breakwater barrier; this will allow the total integration of the part of electricity production with the civil works for the mitigation of coastal corrosion, already existing or to be carried out (as foreseen by the recent national legislation on the reorganization of the Italian coasts). The electricity thus obtained will have to be subsequently treated by equipment (inverters, transformers, capacitors, reactors, etc.) for use and accumulation by public or private entities; this need derives from the technical standards imposed by the receiving electricity network.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

The study base is based on a few fundamental objectives for the goodness of the idea:

- use of a renewable source present throughout the world;

- use of a renewable source with great power;

- use of a new technology for exploiting the renewable source;

- use of a simple, clean technology with almost zero environmental impact;

- use of a reliable, long-lasting technology with low production costs;

- use of a technology that can be integrated with the development of new structures for the preservation of the territory and the defense of spending;

- use of a technology with intrinsic future development to achieve further developments in efficiency and environmental protection.

To date, the various 'clean' sources have already been analyzed, generating the birth of different methods of exploiting them, with the achievement of a good technological maturity.

The innovative aspect of the following proposal is the use of a technology consolidated in other fields of application, and the adoption of the latter for the exploitation of the source and the consequent production of energy.

The technology evaluated is in continuous development, especially due to the innovation of the materials that characterize it, and which will potentially allow greater effectiveness not only from a technical point of view, but also greater cost-effectiveness from a commercial point of view.

By operating in the manner described, it will be possible to exploit a resource with a lot of energy through extremely simple, very efficient systems (the piezoelectric material has a very high efficiency in the electro-mechanical transformation) and very low maintenance.

To date, the limitation in the application of the piezoelectric material substantially concerns the cost of the material itself; this problem could be mitigated both by the high commercialization of the system described, which would therefore generate a reduction in the cost of the material, and by the simplicity of installation of the structure.

DRAWINGS

• TABLE 01: Planimetric and axonometric classification of the patented work - Table 01 proposes a typical planimetric configuration of the positioning of the patented brushes both in the bank position and in correspondence with the breakwater works. The piezoelectric method of operation for the production of electrical energy starting from mechanical stress is also indicated.

3 'it should be specified that the two solutions are shown here combined but their operation is independent and can also be installed individually.

• TABLE 02: Masterplan and section of the patented work in a typical coastal stretch - Table 02 shows the two configurations, bank and breakwater for the exploitation of the impact energy of wave motion and illustrates the storage methodology and grid connection of the energy produced.

• TABLE 03: Details of the operation and axonometric exploded view of the patented work - Table 03 shows the morphology and technology of the barrier, with the details of its stratigraphy as per the claims, and its dynamic operation,

• TABLE 04: Details of the network connection of the piezoelectric actuators - Table 04 describes a possible wiring diagram for the network connection of the piezoelectric actuators.

• TABLE 05: Flow chart: energy produced and users - Table 05 describes the flow chart of the operating methodology of the piezoelectric panels (generators and users).

METHOD OF IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

The barrier is placed in correspondence with existing or new construction works for coastal defense and protection from coastal erosion and in correspondence with breakwater barriers. It consists of a layer of rigid material positioned in front of the wave, an intermediate layer of rubber or elastic material, an intermediate layer on which the flat or 'flat' piezoelectric actuators are positioned and an elastic layer, all applied to a rigid support, existing or ad hoc product. The upper layer, for a more attractive design, can be provided with one or more holes where light emitting diodes are allocated connected through electric cables with the piezoceramic elements, taking care to keep the underlying layers well insulated, to avoid the infiltration of sea water.

The piezoelectric elements according to claim 2 are square plates having a dimension of 165 mm x 165 min and a thickness between 25 and 35 mm, finished with electrodes deposited with vacuum technique on the intrados and extrados, connected to cables for transporting the energy produced by mechanical deformation.

The materials of the elements making up the sandwich supporting the actuators have different mechanical characteristics and therefore different degrees of deformability that allow a correct propagation of mechanical energy and uniform distribution of forces on each individual piezoelectric plate. In detail, the upper layer in contact with water has a high rigidity to absorb the impact of the waves and distribute it with its vibration and oscillation evenly on the underlying layers.

The latter in which the PZT ceramic plates are enclosed are characterized by greater elasticity (e.g. elastic polyurethane resin) to allow the deformation of the piezoceramic elements sufficient to create elastic energy and produce the impulse and their activation, minimizing cracks, tears , abrasions, chips, cracks e

from the support, under one-way or concentrated actions of the elements.

The barrier has characteristics of modularity, to be adapted and replicated in different coastal conditions and planimetric situations (breakwaters, protection of ports, protection of beaches, containment walls to the thrust of the waves, etc.). This will allow the total integration of the electricity production part with the civil works for the mitigation of coastal corrosion, already existing or to be carried out (as required by the recent national legislation on the reorganization of the Italian coasts).

The installation must take place in full compliance with the protection against hygrothermal agents, as these factors can damage the piezoceramic actuators.

Electricity is carried under the seabed by cables and can be stored in batteries or be used directly. The electricity thus obtained will have to be subsequently treated by equipment (inverters, transformers, capacitors, reactors, etc.) for its use and accumulation by public or private entities; this need derives from the technical standards imposed by the receiving electricity network.

USE IN INDUSTRIAL SECTOR.

EXPECTED RESULTS AND LEAD USERS

Thanks to the extension of coastal borders throughout the world, the application is potentially vast and exportable not only at European level but also at world level.

The barrier may be able to supply energy for various uses, such as urban and coastal lighting (15), powering electric cars (16) and (new on the market) electric boats (17) and so on. .

The expected results concern the high marketability of the production system, noting what has already happened for the production of electricity by systems such as photovoltaic, wind, hydroelectric and geothermal.

This forecast is supported by the national, European and global regulatory framework which currently provides for a much higher incentive for the production of electricity from marine sources than the other types already mentioned. Furthermore, there is already a framework for planning, sustainability and environmental preservation at European level, which provides for the rehabilitation and protection of the coasts.

From the above, it is easy to foresee how the proposed application can provide interesting environmental and economic returns.

Claims (9)

BARRIER FOR THE EXPLOITATION OF THE IMPACT ENERGY OF MARINE OHDE CLAIMS: 1. Construction of barrier works suitable for bank defense {!) And protection from coastal erosion, breakwater barriers (2), for the exploitation of the shock wave generated by the volume of water of sea waves (momentum of the marine fluid mass) for the production of electricity from renewable sources, through the use of piezoelectric technology. 2. Outer layer of the Barrier according to claim 1 consisting of a layer of rigid material (4) positioned in front of the wave. Its stiffness is high to absorb the impact of the waves and distribute it with its vibration and oscillation evenly on the underlying layers. The upper layer can be provided with one or more holes where light emitting diodes (LEO) (11) can be allocated, for a more attractive design, connected through electrical cables with the piezoceramic elements, taking care to keep the underlying layers well insulated , to avoid the infiltration of sea water. 3. The layers (5) and (6), positioned on the rear of the element (4), according to claim 2, in which the ceramic plates ΡΞΤ are enclosed, are characterized by greater elasticity (eg elastic polyurethane resin) to allow a deformation of the piezoceramic elements sufficient to create elastic energy and produce the impulse and their activation, minimizing breakages, tears, abrasions, chipping, cracks and detachments from the support, under unidirectional or concentrated actions of the elements. 4. Intermediate sheet on which the piezoelectric actuators (7) are positioned, positioned between the layers (5) and (6), according to claim 3. The actuators are square plates with a dimension of 165 ram x 165 mm and a thickness between 25 and 35 mm, finished with electrodes {11) deposited with the vacuum technique on the intrados and extrados. PZT ceramic plates are solid elements of lead titanate (PbTi <3⁄4), and lead zirconate (PbZr03), modified with additives, such as Graphene. In addition to being strongly piezoelectric, PZT is tough, tough, chemically inert and completely unaffected by humid environments. Before polarization the dipoles in the ferroelectric material are oriented in a disordered manner. The polarization process {12) consists of applying an electric field through the ceramic, usually at elevated temperatures, causing the dipoles to realign. After the removal of the electric field there is a remaining polarization in the ceramic which is responsible for its piezoelectric properties. The resulting ceramic material is now anisotropic and can be returned to its isotropic condition by increasing its temperature beyond the Curie point or after excessive mechanical stress. Most of the properties of the piezoelectric change gradually (tendentially in a logarithmic way) over time. The more time passes after polarization, the more stable the material is. Exposing the ceramic to one or more combinations of the following conditions can accelerate the aging process: -High mechanical stress -Strong de-polarizing electric field -High temperatures near the Curie point Thanks to polarization, piezoelectric ceramic is electrically charged when subjected to mechanical stresses (13). These materials can also be improved thanks to Graphene, the latest generation material. Piezoelectric actuators operate under both static and dynamic stresses. Their axis of operation is the vertical one, of compression (14). Particular attention is paid to avoid concentrated efforts on PZT ceramic. The PZT support elements have different mechanical characteristics and therefore different degrees of deformability that allow correct propagation of mechanical energy and uniform distribution of forces on each individual piezoelectric plate. The P2T actuators are connected to cables {9} for transporting the energy produced by the mechanical deformation, according to claim 7. 5. Final support (8) of rigid material (eg reinforced concrete} on which the elements according to claims 2 to 4 are positioned. 6. Barrier according to claim 1 having modularity characteristics, to be adapted and replicated in different coastal conditions and planimetric situations (breakwaters (2), port docks (1), protection of ports, protection of beaches, containment walls to the thrust of the waves etc.). This will allow the total integration of the electricity production part with the civil works for the mitigation of coastal corrosion, already existing or to be carried out (as required by the recent national legislation on the reorganization of the Italian coasts}. The installation must take place in full compliance with the protection against sea water infiltration and against excessive temperature changes, as these factors can damage the piezoceraric actuators. 7. Electricity is carried under the seabed by insulated cables (9} and can be stored in batteries or be used directly. 8. The piezoelectric elements described according to claims 3 to 5 are electrically connected to the coast line for the eventual storage of energy in batteries positioned in specially prepared technical rooms (3) or for immediate use to meet the needs of the case. {eg, power supply for street furniture-lamp posts (15), charging stations for electric cars {16), electric boats (17) etc. J. The electricity obtained must be subsequently treated by equipment (inverters, transformers, capacitors, reactors, etc ..} for the purpose of its use and accumulation by public or private subjects; this need derives from the technical standards imposed by the network receiving power. 9. Thanks to the extension of coastal borders throughout the national and world territory, the application is potentially vast and exportable not only at a national or European level but also at a world level. The expected results concern the high marketability of the production system, noting what has already happened for the production of electricity by systems such as photovoltaic, wind, hydroelectric and geothermal. This forecast is supported by the national, European and global regulatory framework which currently provides for a much higher incentive for the production of electricity from marine sources than the other types already mentioned. Furthermore, there is already a framework for planning, sustainability and environmental preservation at European level, which provides for the rehabilitation and protection of the coasts. From the above, it is easy to foresee how the proposed application can provide interesting environmental and economic returns.