Wave energy absorber unit

摘要

An absorber unit for absorption of wave energy from a body of water comprises a pivoting absorber element with a front end around which the absorber element reciprocates between turning positions. The absorber unit has a frame structure defining an absorber chamber and is at rest with respect to the body of water. The frame structure pivotally supports the absorber element within the absorber chamber from a horizontal front pivot axis above an average surface level of the body of water, wherein the absorber element in an idle position under still water conditions is partially submerged, with an idle draft of the absorber element being determined by the depth of submersion of the lower rear edge below the average surface level. A bottom plate attached to the frame structure has a front portion arranged underneath the absorber element and an upwardly projecting rear portion aft of the absorber element.

主权项

1. Absorber unit for the absorption of wave energy from a body of water, the absorber unit having a fore end and an aft end, wherein the fore end is adapted to face towards the incoming waves, and wherein the aft end is adapted to face away from the incoming waves, the absorber unit comprising
a sector-shaped absorber element with a front end comprising a front pivot axis around which the absorber element under operation reciprocates between a lower turning position and an upper turning position, and with a rear end extending from a lower rear edge to an upper rear edge, wherein the front end is adapted to face towards the incoming waves, and wherein the rear end is adapted to face away from the incoming waves, wherein the lower rear edge is located in a first radial direction at a first distance from the pivot axis, and the upper rear edge is located in a second radial direction at a second distance from the pivot axis, wherein the first and second radial directions define an acute tip angle of the absorber element, wherein the first distance determines the absorber element length, and wherein the absorber element has a rear side, a top side, and a front side, the absorber unit further comprising a frame structure defining an absorber chamber and being configured to be at rest with respect to an average surface level of the body of water, the frame structure pivotally supporting the absorber element within the absorber chamber from the front pivot axis at an axis height above the average surface level of the body of water, wherein the absorber element in an idle position under still water conditions is partially submerged, with an idle draught of the absorber element being determined by the depth of submersion of the lower rear edge below the average surface level, wherein the frame structure comprises a bottom plate, wherein a front portion of the bottom plate has a minimum distance and a maximum distance from a level of the front pivot axis, the minimum distance corresponding to the sum of the pivot axis height and the idle draught of the absorber element, and the maximum distance not exceeding the absorber element length.