WO2011123871A1 - Dam structure and hydroelectric dam construction therefrom - Google Patents
Dam structure and hydroelectric dam construction therefrom Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2011123871A1 WO2011123871A1 PCT/ZA2011/000017 ZA2011000017W WO2011123871A1 WO 2011123871 A1 WO2011123871 A1 WO 2011123871A1 ZA 2011000017 W ZA2011000017 W ZA 2011000017W WO 2011123871 A1 WO2011123871 A1 WO 2011123871A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- dam
- dam structure
- water
- reservoir
- hydroelectric
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
- E02B9/00—Water-power plants; Layout, construction or equipment, methods of, or apparatus for, making same
- E02B9/08—Tide or wave power plants
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
- E02B9/00—Water-power plants; Layout, construction or equipment, methods of, or apparatus for, making same
- E02B9/02—Water-ways
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
- F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
- F03B13/08—Machine or engine aggregates in dams or the like; Conduits therefor, e.g. diffusors
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
- F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
- F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
- F03B13/14—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy
- F03B13/141—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy with a static energy collector
- F03B13/144—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy with a static energy collector which lifts water above sea level
- F03B13/145—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy with a static energy collector which lifts water above sea level for immediate use in an energy converter
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/20—Hydro energy
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient
Definitions
- THIS invention relates to a dam structure and hydroelectric dam construction therefrom. More specifically, the invention relates to an alternative energy source in the form of an oceanic hydroelectric dam for converting the energy stored in sea waves to electrical power.
- Water wheels are, or were in the past, commonly used in water ways having flow in a single direction, for example a river.
- the intermittent nature of ocean waves makes the continuous turning of the water wheel very difficult and impractical.
- Ramp type technologies as also known.
- the first of this type of technology is disclosed in United States patent 4,263,516 in the name of Papadakis, G.M., which utilises a ramp having a series of water channels in fluid communication with a water wheel. As a wave rides upwardly on the ramp, water falls under the force of gravity down the channels and onto the water wheel, thereby driving a generator coupled to the water wheel.
- a hydroelectric dam including: a dam structure anchored to the floor of a body of water and comprising a first ramp side and a second reservoir side, the first ramp side positioned to face the oncoming wave side of the body of water and adapted to direct the oncoming waves upwardly and over the dam structure; a reservoir into which the waves spilling over the dam structure are captured and contained, the reservoir being shaped and sized to contain a first volume of water below a mean still water line of the body of water and a second volume of water above the mean still water line of the body of water, the first and second volumes of water jointly defining a common volume of reservoir water; and means for generating power, the power generating means being driven by drainage of the reservoir water from the reservoir back to oncoming wave side of the body of water, wherein the second volume of water contained in the reservoir provides the pressure head required to drive the power generating means.
- the reservoir is typically drained through drainage ducting comprising an inlet positioned in the reservoir and an outlet positioned in the oncoming wave side of the body of water.
- the drainage ducting is adapted to communicate the draining water to the power generating means between its passage from the inlet to the outlet.
- the inlet may be spaced a distance away from the second reservoir side to minimise any turbulence effect on the inlet from the waves spilling over the dam structure, thereby ensuring efficient operating of the power generating means.
- the outlet is also spaced a distance away from the dam structure towards the oncoming wave side of the body of water to minimise any interference effect from the oncoming waves.
- the outlet may be directed in the same direction as a prevailing current in the body of water to aid drainage through a suction effect. Directing the outlet in the direction of the prevailing current also has the affect of further reducing any interference effect from the oncoming waves.
- the drainage of the reservoir is controlled or designed such that the volume of water spilling over the dam structure and into the reservoir is equal to or greater than the volume of water being drained from the reservoir, thereby maintaining the second volume of water and providing a pressure head for continuously driving the power generating means, the power generating means being one or more water driven turbines.
- the reservoir is defined by at least the second reservoir side of the dam structure and the floor of the body of water to which the dam structure is anchored.
- the reservoir may be defined by the second reservoir side of the dam structure, the floor of the body of water to which the dam structure is anchored and that portion of landmass extending inland from an original shoreline on which the oncoming waves contacted land prior to the construction of the dam structure and a new shoreline on which the reservoir water contacts the land post construction of the dam structure. It will be appreciated that the new shoreline is at a higher sea level than the original shoreline.
- the reservoir may be defined by the second reservoir side of the dam structure, the floor of the body of water to which the dam structure is anchored, side walls extending between the dam structure and the shore and that portion of landmass extending inland from an original shoreline on which the oncoming waves contacted land prior to the construction of the dam structure and a new shoreline on which the reservoir water contacts the land post construction of the dam structure.
- the reservoir may be defined by the second reservoir side of the dam structure and the floor of the body of water to which the dam structure is anchored, the dam structure being constructed to form a closed loop.
- the reservoir may be defined by the second reservoir side of the dam structure, a secondary dam wall structure and the floor of the body of water to which the dam structure is anchored, the dam structure and secondary dam wall structure being constructed to jointly form a closed loop with the first ramp side of the dam structure facing the direction of the prevailing waves.
- the first ramp side of the dam structure may comprise an operatively lower end, an operatively upper end and an upwardly directed sloped or curved ramp surface extending from the operatively lower end to the operatively upper end of the first ramp side.
- the first ramp side of the dam structure comprises an operatively lower end, an operatively upper end and an parabolic ramp surface extending upwardly from the operatively lower and end to the operatively upper end of the first ramp side.
- the parabolic surface is defined by a parabola having an axis of symmetry substantially parallel with the mean still water line of the body of water and a focus point located above the operatively upper end of the first ramp side so as to reflect oncoming waves coming into contact with the parabolic ramp surface toward the focus point such that the waves ride upwardly and over the dam structure.
- the focus point of the parabola is located further towards the reservoir side of the hydroelectric dam than the operatively upper end of the first ramp side, promoting the wave to ride upwardly and over the dam structure while reducing the possibility of a wave from breaking on the dam structure, thereby minimising damage thereto.
- the parabola comprises a vertex, the vertex being located above and further towards the reservoir side of the hydroelectric dam than the operatively upper end of the first ramp side.
- the first ramp side of the dam structure is substantially perpendicular to the prevailing wave flow direction.
- the dam structure may be constructible in- situ or modularly. It will be appreciated that a modularly constructed dam structure is generally constructible by modular dam structure units, the modular dam structure units may be buoyant for the purpose of transportation and capable of being sunk into position during construction.
- the hydroelectric dam may further comprise one or more guiding formations spaced apart from one another along the dam structure for at least partially guiding the oncoming waves correctly onto the first ramp side of the dam structure.
- the guiding formations have at least one vertical wall extending between the operatively lower and upper ends of the first ramp side of the dam structure. More preferably, the at least one vertical wall of the guiding formation is sloped or curved in the horizontal plane such that the angle between the operatively upper end of the first ramp side and a line passing between points of contact of the vertical wall with the operatively upper and lower ends of the first ramp side is substantially obtuse.
- the at least one vertical wall of the guiding formation has a parabolic curvature with a secondary axis of symmetry substantially in the direction of the prevailing wave direction and with a secondary focus point located further towards the reservoir side of the hydroelectric dam than the operatively upper end of the first ramp side.
- the guiding formation is wedge shaped having a thin edge positioned nearer the operatively lower end of the first ramp side, a thicker end positioned nearer the operatively upper end of the first ramp side and vertical walls, sloped or curved, extending between the thin edge and the thicker end.
- the guiding formations are modular guiding formation units, the modular guiding formation units may be buoyant for the purpose of transportation and capable of being sunk into position during construction.
- the drainage and/or the power generating means may be housed at least partially in the dam structure and/or the guiding formations.
- the drainage and/or the power generating means may be housed at least partially in the dam structure, the guiding formations, the side walls and/or the secondary dam wall structure.
- the power generating means may be housed in one or more an independent housings, the independent housings being positioned anywhere in the reservoir with the drainage ducting positioned such that the inlet delivers reservoir water to the power generating means and the outlet communicates water from the power generating means to the oncoming wave side of the body of water.
- the intervals at which the drainage is positioned along the dam structure are typically functions of the volume of water to be drained as compared to the amount of water spilling into the reservoir, the dimensions of the drainage and the dimensions of power generating means.
- the hydroelectric dam may include one or more modular ramp sections, the modular ramp sections being removably attachable to the dam structure so as to adjust the length and/or height of the ramp surface and dam structure respectively.
- the modular ramp sections are removably attachable to the second reservoir side of the dam structure.
- the reservoir water is capable of supplying water for a secondary use.
- Exhaust water returning from the secondary use is drainable by secondary ducting connected to the drainage of the hydroelectric dam.
- the secondary use is a desalination plant and the secondary ducting is connected to the drainage of the hydroelectric dam after the power generating means.
- the dimensions of the dam structure and the depth at which it is positioned in the body of water are typically functions of one or more of at least the mean still water line of the body of water, the desired water level required in the reservoir, wave frequency, wave height and the height distribution of the relevant coastline.
- the optimum depth at which the dam structure is constructible is between about 15 and 40 metres.
- the optimum depth is between about 22 and 35 metres.
- a dam structure for a hydroelectric dam having a first ramp side with an operatively lower front end, an operatively upper rear end and a parabolic ramp surface extending upwardly from the operatively lower front end to the operatively upper rear end of the first ramp surface.
- the parabolic surface is defined by a parabola having an axis of symmetry substantially parallel with a horizontal plane and a focus point located above the operatively upper rear end of the first ramp side so as to in use reflect oncoming waves coming into contact with the parabolic ramp surface toward the focus point such that the waves ride upwardly and over the dam structure.
- the focus point of the parabola is located rearwardly of the operatively upper rear end of the first ramp side, promoting the wave in use to ride upwardly and over the dam structure while reducing the possibility of a wave from breaking on the dam structure, thereby minimising damage thereto.
- the parabola comprises a vertex, the vertex being located upwardly and rearwardly of the operatively upper rear end of the first ramp side.
- the dam structure may comprise one or more guiding formations spaced in use apart from one another along the dam structure for at least partially guiding the oncoming waves correctly onto the first ramp side of the dam structure.
- the guiding formations have at least one vertical wall extending between the operatively lower front and upper rear ends of the first ramp side of the dam structure.
- the at least one vertical wall of the guiding formation is sloped or curved in the horizontal plane such that in use, the angle between the operatively upper rear end of the first ramp side and a line passing between points of contact of the vertical wall with the operatively upper rear and lower front ends of the first ramp side is substantially obtuse. More preferably, the at least one vertical wall of the guiding formation has a parabolic curvature with a secondary axis of symmetry substantially aiignable in use with the direction of the prevailing wave direction and with a secondary focus point located in use rearwardly of the operatively upper rear end of the first ramp side.
- the guiding formation is wedge shaped having a thin edge positioned in use nearer the operatively lower front end of the first ramp side, a thicker end positioned in use nearer the operatively upper rear end of the first ramp side and vertical walls, sloped or curved, extending between the thin edge and the thicker end.
- the dam structure and/or the guiding formations may define drainage ducts to in use drain water contained in the reservoir back to the oncoming wave side of the body of water. Furthermore, the dam structure and/or the guiding formations may define housing formations for housing means for generating power, the drainage ducts being in fluid communication with the housing formations for in use directing water draining from the reservoir into contact with the power generating means in order to drive the power generating means.
- the dam structure comprises a second reservoir side having a height such that in use, the level of water contained in the reservoir is higher than a mean still water line of the body of water in which the dam structure is erected, providing sufficient pressure head to drive the power generating means.
- the dam structure comprises one or more modular ramp sections, the modular ramp sections being removably attachable to the dam structure so as to adjust the length and/or height of the first ramp side of the dam structure. More preferably, the modular ramp sections are removably attachable to the second reservoir side of the dam structure.
- the dam structure may be constructible in-situ or modularly.
- a modularly constructible dam structure may comprise modular dam structure units and/or modular guiding formation units, the modular units being buoyant for the purpose of transportation and capable of being sunk into position during construction.
- the body of water may be is from a group of bodies of water including the ocean, lakes, dams, rivers and other in-land waters.
- Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a hydroelectric dam in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the hydroelectric dam of figure 1 with the addition of a modular ramp section attached thereto;
- Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a hydroelectric dam together with guiding formations mounted along the dam structure of the hydroelectric dam;
- Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the hydroelectric dam of figure 3;
- Figure 5 is a schematic plan of a first alternative embodiment of a hydroelectric dam in accordance with the invention.
- Figure 6 is a schematic plan of a second alternative embodiment of a hydroelectric dam in accordance with the invention.
- Figure 7 is a schematic plan of a third alternative embodiment of a hydroelectric dam in accordance with the invention.
- Figure 8 is a schematic plan of a fourth alternative embodiment of a hydroelectric dam in accordance with the invention.
- Figure 9 is a side view of a dam structure unit for constructing a dam structure of a hydroelectric dam in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
- a hydroelectric dam according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is designated generally with reference numeral 10 in figure 1.
- the hydroelectric dam 10 comprises a dam structure 12, a reservoir 30 and a means for generating power 40.
- the dam structure 12 is anchored to the floor 100 of a body of water, for example the seabed of a sea 102, such that a large portion thereof is submerged.
- the dam structure 12 comprises a first ramp side 14 facing an oncoming wave side 104 of the sea 102 and a second reservoir side 16 facing the reservoir 30.
- the first ramp side 14 comprises a ramp surface 18 extending between an operatively lower end 20 of the first ramp side 12 and an operatively upper end 22 thereof.
- the ramp surface 18 is adapted to direct oncoming waves 104 upwardly and over the dam structure 12 to be captured and contained in the reservoir 30.
- the ramp surface 18 may be linear, curved or any combination of the aforementioned, it is preferable that the ramp surface 18 is a parabolic curve partly defined by a parabola 24.
- the parabola 24 has a axis of symmetry 26 being substantially parallel with a mean still water line 106 (MSWL) of the sea 102. Furthermore, the parabola 24 has a focus point 28 positioned above and further towards the reservoir side 30 of the hydroelectric dam 10 than the operatively upper end 22 of the first ramp side 14 of the dam structure 12. It will be appreciated that a vertex 29 of the parabola 24 is also positioned above and further towards the reservoir side 30 of the hydroelectric dam 10 than the operatively upper end 22 of the first ramp side 14 of the dam structure 12. It will be further appreciated that the use of the term "substantially" for the purposes of describing the orientation of one thing relative to another implies a deviation of between about 5 to 10 degrees.
- the reservoir 30 into which the waves 04, spilling over the dam structure 20, are captured and contained is shaped and sized to contain a first volume of water "VV below the MSWL 106 of the sea 102 and a second volume of water “V 2 " above the MSWL 106 of the sea 102, which jointly define a common volume of water contained within the reservoir 30.
- the power generating means 40 may be housed in the dam structure 12, together with drainage ducting 42, 44. Water draining from the reservoir 30 back to the sea 102 is directed into contact with the turbine 40 by an inlet duct 42, extending between the reservoir 30 and the turbine 40, and an outlet duct 44, extending between the turbine 40 and the sea 102.
- the dam structure 12, built in-situ or modularly to form a hydroelectric dam 10 is orientation such that the first ramp side 14 is substantially perpendicular with the direction of the prevailing waves "D", and such that the axis of symmetry 26 of the parabola 24 is substantially parallel with the MSWL 106.
- the MSWL represents the level of the sea, under normal conditions, if it were flat without any waves. It will be appreciated further that the relevant still water level coincides with a level approximately half way between the top of a wave crest and the bottom of a wave trough of a given set of waves.
- Oncoming waves 104 travelling along the prevailing direction "D" and coming into contact with the dam structure 12 are redirected or reflected by the ramp surface 18 as depicted by directional arrows "D+".
- the oncoming waves 104 are redirected or reflected upwardly along the ramp surface 18 towards the focus point 28 in accordance with generally accepted mathematical methodologies pertaining to parabolas.
- the parabolic ramp surface 18 not only redirects or reflects oncoming waves 104 over the dam structure 12, but also acts to reduce the possibility of the oncoming waves 104 from breaking on the dam structure 12 causing damage thereto.
- water from the reservoir 30 is drained from the reservoir 30 to the oncoming wave side 104 of the sea 102 via the inlet and outlet drainage ducts 42, 44.
- the inlet of the inlet duct 42 is preferably spaced a distance away from the second reservoir side 16 of the dam structure 12 to minimise any turbulence effect on the inlet from the waves spilling over the dam structure 12, thereby ensuring efficient operation of the power generating means 40.
- T e water draining through the drainage ducts 42, 44 is directed into contact with the power generating means 40, in the form of a turbine, so as to drive the turbine 40 and generate electrical power.
- Drainage is aided by spacing the outlet end of the drainage duct 44 toward the oncoming wave side 104 by a distance from the first ramp side 14 of the dam structure 12 sufficient to minimise any interference effect from the oncoming waves 104.
- the drainage is further aided by directing the outlet end of the outlet duct 44 in the same direction as a prevailing current in the sea 102 to aid drainage through a suction effect. Directing the outlet in the direction of the prevailing current also has the affect of further reducing any interference effect from the oncoming waves.
- the second volume of water "V 2 " contained in the reservoir 30 provides the pressure head required to drive the turbine 40. Drainage of the reservoir 30 is controlled or designed in such a manner as to ensure that the volume of water spilling into the reservoir 30 is equal or greater than the volume of water drained therefrom. In this way, the second volume of water “V 2 " in retained in the reservoir 30, providing a pressure head for continuously driving the turbine 40.
- the reservoir 30 is defined by the second reservoir side 16 of the dam structure 12, the seabed 100 and that portion of landmass 108 extending inland between an original shoreline 110 and a new shoreline 112.
- the original shoreline 110 is representative of the original location of contact between the oncoming waves 104 and the landmass 108, i.e. prior to the construction of the hydroelectric dam 10.
- the new shoreline is representative of the new location of contact between the water contained in the reservoir 30 and the landmass 108, i.e. after construction of the hydroelectric dam 10.
- the hydroelectric dam 10 further comprises modular ramp sections 46, which are removably attachable to the dam structure to adjust the length of the ramp surface 18 and the height of the second reservoir side 16 of the dam structure 12.
- a modular ramp section 46 With the addition of a modular ramp section 46, a higher level 48 of water is attainable in the reservoir 30 as compared to the level 49 of the reservoir 30 prior to the addition of the modular ramp section 46, taking into account a higher MSWL 106 caused by global warming.
- the hydroelectric dam 10 may further include one or more guiding formations 50 spaced apart from one another along the dam structure 12, which at least partially guide the oncoming waves 104 correctly onto the first ramp side 14 of the dam structure 12 and there over.
- the guiding formations 50 are wedge shaped having substantially vertical walls 52 extending between a thin edge 54 located proximate the operatively lower end 20 of the first ramp side 14 of the dam structure 12 and a thicker end 56 located proximate the operatively upper end 22 of the first ramp side 14 of the dam structure 12.
- the vertical walls 52 may be sloped or curved in the horizontal plane to direct oncoming waves 104 towards the relevant spill zones 58 defined between adjacent guiding formations 50.
- the vertical walls 52 have a parabolic curvature for directing the oncoming waves 104 toward a secondary focus point 60 located on the reservoir side 30 of the hydroelectric dam 10.
- a turbine house 62 being integral with the guiding formations 50 or adjacent thereto is located proximate the thicker end 56 of the guiding formations 50. It will be appreciated that instead of housing the turbine 40 and the drainage ducting 42, 44 in the dam structure 12, it is possible to house the aforementioned in the turbine housing 62 and the guiding formations 50. Alternatively, the turbine house 62 could be positioned in the reservoir 30 spaced away from any constructed barrier defining the reservoir 30. In the alternative position of the turbine house 62, the inlet duct 42 is configured in any way to deliver reservoir water to the turbine 40 and the outlet duct 44 is configured in any way to communicated water from the turbine 40 to the oncoming wave side 104 of the sea 102.
- the inlet duct 42 communicates draining reservoir water from the reservoir 30, through the turbine 40 and out towards the oncoming wave side 104 of the sea 102 via outlet duct 44 passing through the guiding formation 50.
- the design of a required hydroelectric dam 10 depends on many factors such as:
- MSWL mean still water line
- hydroelectric dam 10 may take many other embodiments.
- a hydroelectric dam 110 is constructible at sea (i.e. in deep water) having a dam structure 120 and a secondary dam wall structure 121 jointly forming a closed loop in which the reservoir 130 is defined.
- the hydroelectric dam 110 in figure 5 is illustrated as having an elliptical shape, it will be appreciated that the hydroelectric dam 110 can take any shape.
- a hydroelectric dam 210 is constructed at the mouth of a bay 211 , the closed bay 211 acting as a reservoir 230.
- a hydroelectric dam 310 is staggered and angled with respect to the shore 14 such that the first ramp side 322 of the dam structure 320 is orientated in the direction "D" of the prevailing waves.
- the preferred embodiment of the invention refers to a hydroelectric dam having a dam structure 12 spanning from a first location on a shore to a second location on the shore.
- a hydroelectric dam 410 proximate the shore with the reservoir 430, as illustrated in figure 8, defined by the second reservoir side 416 of the dam structure 412, the landmass 108 and side walls 417 extending between the dam structure 412 and the landmass 108.
- the turbine 40 may be housed in the side walls 417.
- the turbine 40 may be housed in an independent turbine housing spaced away from any constructed barrier forming the reservoir 430, with the drainage ducting passing through the side wall(s) 417.
- Figure 9 illustrates a dam structure unit 412, representing a section in a length of a dam structure 10 constructed in-situ.
- the dam structure unit 412 represents a modular unit for constructing the dam structure 10 modularly.
- the dam structure unit 412 comprises a first ramp side 414 for facing in use oncoming waves and a second reservoir side 416 for facing in use a reservoir formed behind the dam structure 10 constructed from the dam structure unit 412.
- the first ramp side 414 of the dam structure unit 412 comprises an operatively lower front end 420, an operatively upper rear end 422 and a parabolic ramp surface 418 extending between the operatively lower front end 420 and the operatively upper rear end 422.
- the parabolic ramp surface 418 is defined by a parabola 424 having a focus point 428 located upwardly and rearwardly of the operatively upper rear end 422 so as to redirect or reflect, in use, on coming waves upwardly and over the dam structure 10 constructed by the dam structure units 412.
- hydroelectric dam can be employed in any body of water having waves.
- the hydroelectric dam may be employed as a part of a larger system, for example, in a desalination system or pumped storage dam system or as protection to a harbour structure.
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- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
Abstract
Description
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Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AP2012006540A AP2012006540A0 (en) | 2010-03-30 | 2011-03-29 | Dam structure and hydroelectric dam construction therefrom |
MA35334A MA34180B1 (en) | 2010-03-30 | 2011-03-29 | DAM STRUCTURE AND HYDROELECTRIC DAM CONSTRUCTION THEREFROM |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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ZA201002236 | 2010-03-30 | ||
ZA2010/02236 | 2010-03-30 | ||
ZA201007664 | 2010-10-27 | ||
ZA2010/07664 | 2010-10-27 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2011123871A1 true WO2011123871A1 (en) | 2011-10-06 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/ZA2011/000017 WO2011123871A1 (en) | 2010-03-30 | 2011-03-29 | Dam structure and hydroelectric dam construction therefrom |
Country Status (4)
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AP (1) | AP2012006540A0 (en) |
MA (1) | MA34180B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011123871A1 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA201102295B (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014115135A1 (en) * | 2013-01-23 | 2014-07-31 | Jubran Emad | A wave energy converter and converting method |
WO2015009134A1 (en) * | 2013-07-17 | 2015-01-22 | Zaldívar Velázques Carlos Eduardo | System for generating electrical energy, based on an artificial reef |
FR3026146A1 (en) * | 2014-09-22 | 2016-03-25 | Patrice Christian Philippe Charles Chevalier | CONTINUOUS GENERATION GENERATOR MARINE DIGUE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS |
Citations (1)
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---|---|---|---|---|
US2820148A (en) * | 1957-03-18 | 1958-01-14 | John W Southwick | Wave motor and associated mechanism |
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2011
- 2011-03-29 WO PCT/ZA2011/000017 patent/WO2011123871A1/en active Application Filing
- 2011-03-29 ZA ZA2011/02295A patent/ZA201102295B/en unknown
- 2011-03-29 MA MA35334A patent/MA34180B1/en unknown
- 2011-03-29 AP AP2012006540A patent/AP2012006540A0/en unknown
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2820148A (en) * | 1957-03-18 | 1958-01-14 | John W Southwick | Wave motor and associated mechanism |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014115135A1 (en) * | 2013-01-23 | 2014-07-31 | Jubran Emad | A wave energy converter and converting method |
WO2015009134A1 (en) * | 2013-07-17 | 2015-01-22 | Zaldívar Velázques Carlos Eduardo | System for generating electrical energy, based on an artificial reef |
FR3026146A1 (en) * | 2014-09-22 | 2016-03-25 | Patrice Christian Philippe Charles Chevalier | CONTINUOUS GENERATION GENERATOR MARINE DIGUE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS |
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ZA201102295B (en) | 2011-11-30 |
MA34180B1 (en) | 2013-04-03 |
AP2012006540A0 (en) | 2012-10-31 |
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