WAVE ATTENUATOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Description

Wave attenuator systems and methods are disclosed herein. In an embodiment a wave attenuation system is provided. The system includes an elongated structure having an outer surface and designed to float on a body of water, a geometric design provided on an outer surface of the structure to attenuate a wave passing over the geometric design, and an anchor extending from the structure to be secured to a floor of the body of water to prevent the structure from migrating from its anchored area.

In some embodiments, the elongated structure can be designed to float such that an upper portion of the elongated structure is disposed above the body of water. The geometric design can be at least one radially extending rib extending from the outer surface of the structure to attenuate the wave passing over the outer surface of the structure. At least one radially extending rib can extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the structure. At least one radially extending rib can be a plurality of radially extending ribs arranged circumferentially about the structure.

In some embodiments, the structure can include two end caps, one of the two end caps can be respectively affixed to a first end and a second end of the structure. The anchor can include a chain extending from the structure. The chain can be at least two chains, a first chain extending from a first end of the structure and a second chain extending from a second end of the structure. The anchor can be disposed on the first chain and a second anchor is disposed on the second chain.

In an embodiment a method of attenuating water waves is provided. The method includes disposing in a body of water, an elongated structure having a geometric design provided on an outer surface of the structure such that the geometric design extends above the body of water; anchoring the structure to a floor of the body of water to prevent the structure from migrating from its anchored area; and dissipating a wave passing over the geometric design.

In some embodiments, the dissipating step can decrease at least one wave velocity and or height. The disposing step can include arranging the structure approximately 25-1,000 feet offshore in the body of water. The method can further include connecting a second structure to one end of the structure with a connector. The geometric design can be a ridge extending radially from the outer surface of the structure. The geometric design can include a plurality of ridges arranged circumferentially about the outer surface of the structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The presently disclosed embodiments will be further explained with reference to the attached drawings, wherein like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the presently disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the instant system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a right-side view of the system of FIG. 1 and a perspective view of the main structure;

FIG. 5 illustrates the system of FIG. 1 installed offshore;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the instant system according to another embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a modular connector according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 8 illustrates the modular connector as part of a multi-piece system according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, the instant application can provide structures, systems, and methods that can be installed offshore to dissipate waves or decrease wave strength and size. In some embodiments the structures can be installed as a single unit or, alternatively, as a system connecting a plurality of units in series to provide the necessary protection. In some embodiments, the unit can include, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, a (1) main structure that can be buoyant to float on the water such that at least a portion of the main structure can be disposed above the water line. For example, in some embodiments, at least the upper half of the structure, above a central axis, can be arranged above the water line when the water is calm.

The (1) main structure can be any suitable shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the main structure can be generally cylindrical, however other cross-sectional shapes such as square or polygonal cross sections are contemplated to be within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the main structure can have a triangular, square, rectangular, or other cross-section. In some embodiments, the cross-section can be a combination of shapes. For example, the top portion of the cross-section can be a semi-circle while the bottom portion can be square or rectangular. In some embodiments, the main structure can be formed of metal or a composite material. Alternatively, the main structure can be formed from other plastics or materials. The main structure can be formed by a mix of material extrusion and welding (binding materials together). In other cases, the main structure can be formed from a sheet of material that is reformed into a three-dimensional shape and welded together. In some embodiments, the main structure can be shaped into ten sides, or curves, with edges in between. The material forming the main structure can be approximately ⅛″-2″ thick and define an empty void inside. The void can otherwise be defined as a through hole, or lumen, extending through the ends of the main structure to define a through hole therethrough. The void can be filled with air, or in some cases a marine-grade buoyancy foam, which can enhance the structure's ability to float. The main structure (1) body, in an embodiment, can be filled with material that will allow the structure to be buoyant in the water. The main structure can be buoyant such that the top half of the main structure (1) may extend several feet above the surface of the ocean, while the bottom half may be submerged below the surface, as shown in FIG. 5.

The main structure (1), in accordance with one embodiment, can be a tube approximately 100-500 ft. In one embodiment, the (1) main structure can be a 300 ft long tube, as shown in FIG. 4. The outer surface of the main structure can include one or more geometric designs, or surface structures, to attenuate a wave. For example, the (1) main structure can include between 2-20 geometric designs, or any number of geometric designs, arranged about the outer surface of the (1) main structure. In some embodiments, the surface structures can be in the form of a ridge that can be used to attenuate wave strength. The ridges can be approximately 15′-25′ in diameter. The ridge design can vary depending on the conditions of a specific location. For example, the ridges in the illustrated embodiment are arranged about the main structure to form a gear tooth like shape with semicircular grooves extending from one end of the main structure to the other. In other embodiments, the ridges can have triangular shapes, sinusoidal shapes, wave shapes, or other suitable designs. In still other embodiments, the geometric design can form flat octagonal designs either alone or in combination with other ridge type designs. In some embodiments the main structure (1) is 300 feet long, 20 feet in diameter, and shaped with ridges to attenuate waves. The main structure (1) can be 300 feet long. In some cases, the main structure (1) is greater than 300 feet long. In some cases, the main structure (1) is less than 300 feet long. The main structure can be 50 feet to 500 feet long. The body is made out of a strong rigid material and filled with a buoyancy material. The top half of the main structure can appear 1 feet to 50 feet above the surface of the ocean. The bottom half will be below the surface. The sides of the main structure (1) can be welded to close and create an airtight vessel. To attach the chains (7) and anchors (9), there may be a welded metal plate attached with large bolts, and there can be a metal handle (5) to attach a large marine-grade shackle (6) that can be attached to a large marine grade chain which can be ¼″ to 5″ thick. There may be two chains (7) on both sides and there may be an option that there may be multiple chains and may be as many as 30 chains, attached to the main structure. In some embodiments, the chain may be approximately 15-40 feet long and may be up to 50 feet long, and sometimes may be up to 1,000 feet and will serve to tether the vessel to the seafloor. Anchors (9) may be between 6-15 feet long and sometimes 5-25 feet long, will be screwed into the seafloor and create stability.

On one, or both, ends of the main structure can have a (2) sealing plate disposed on either end of the void to create a fluid tight seal to maintain the buoyancy of the main structure. In some embodiments, a gasket or o-ring can be disposed between the respective sealing plates and the main structure to enhance the fluid tight seal. In some embodiments, the sealing plates can be affixed to the main structure with the use of welds or any other mechanical or chemical fasteners. The (2) sealing plate can be formed from the same, or a different material, than the main structure. In some embodiments, the sealing plate can have a diameter that can be consistent with the (1) main structure. In some embodiments, the sealing plate can hold the (3) hardware cap, or cap, in place with respect to the main structure.

The (3) hardware cap can be approximately 15-18 feet in diameter. In some embodiments, the hardware cap can be affixed to the main structure with bolts, welds, or other mechanical or chemical fasteners as is necessary. For example, the hardware cap can be affixed to the sealing plate with approximately 4 to 10 bolts that will first be screwed through the hardware cap into the (2) sealing plate and welded in place. In some embodiments, the sealing plate can be omitted, and the structure can be sealed with only the hardware cap being affixed directly to the main structure to create a fluid tight seal. As seen in at least FIG. 3, a sealing plate and hardware cap, including the respective features, can be arranged on either end of the main structure.

In some embodiments, the (4) bolts can be stainless steel which can be galvanized to be marine grade to prevent erosion of the metal. The length of the bolts can be approximately ½ inches in diameter and between 1-3 feet in length depending on the location of the attachment. The bolts can additionally be welded into place. Alternatively, an eye screw may substitute for a bolt.

The (3) hardware cap can include (5) a metal handle and (6, 8) shackles disposed on the handles. The (5) metal handle can serve as an attachment point for shackles to be affixed to the (1) main structure. The handle can be approximately 10-15 feet in length and 2 inches wide. In some embodiments, the handles can be sufficiently strong enough to support the weight of the main structure. For example, a crane can be used to lift the structure by the handles and drop the device into the water from a boat, or other marine vessel. The shackles can be placed on the handles as a connector between the main structure and the anchor system. The (6) shackles can be formed from a steel marine grade large shackle between 1⅝″ to 5″ and can be attached to the (5) metal handle as a mechanism to connect marine (7) chains to the (9) anchors affixed on the seafloor. Alternatively, the shackles can be any type of link structure capable of connecting the main structure to the anchor. In a further alternative, the (7) chain can be directly affixed to the (5) handle.

In some embodiments, two (7) chains, one on each side of the sides of the (1) main structure, can extend downward into the water. In some embodiments, there can be multiple chains attached across the body of the (1) main structure depending on the location of installation and the need for additional anchors. The (7) chains can be formed from marine-grade galvanized steel chains. The chains can be connected on both sides of the (1) main structure with the (7, 8) shackles. The (7) chains can be approximately 15-40 feet long, or longer, and can tether the main body (1-5) to the seafloor. In some embodiments, the (9) anchors can be screw anchors or any anchoring mechanisms. The (9) anchors can be approximately 8-15 feet in length and can be used to anchor the main structure (1) into the seafloor to create stability. In some embodiments, (9) anchors can be screw anchors with a round or square-shaped center. The (9) anchors can have between 1-20 blades, or any number of blades that can screw into the seafloor, with most of the hardware being installed under/into the seafloor, so long as (9) anchor can provide secured placement of the unit at a predetermined area or location. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, a lower, or distal end of the (7) chain and the upper portion of the anchor can include a (10) hardware coating to prevent erosion due to the salt content of the water and any sand or sediment that may be present. For example, the (10) hardware coating can be made of a resin that can coat the chain, the anchor, and a shackle connecting the two.

In some embodiments, instant system can be used as a singular system or be connected in series by a connecting structure, such as a (11) connector, as shown with the modular system in FIGS. 7-8. In the case of the modular system, the overall length of the system can be approximately 30-50 feet in length and 20 feet in diameter. The individual (1) main structures can be attached to respective adjacent (1) main structures by a (11) connector that can connect the sides of the (5) metal handle with a (8) shackle. The shackle in this case can be used to connect the connector to the two main structures such that they are curved at an angle so that it can connect the two main structures towards, or away from, the shore to hug the shape of the shoreline. The (11) connector can be curved to effectuate the overall curved shape of the modular system of FIGS. 7 and 8. Alternatively, the connector may be straight, without a curve, or can be angled instead of curved. In general, the connector can be structurally the same as the main structure, but shorter and curved. The connector can include two hardware caps affixed to the ends of the connector by bolts. The hardware caps can include metal handles each holding a shackle connected to a chain. The respective chains can be connected to the main structures. Further, the connector can include similar surface structures on the outer surface to attenuate waves, similar to the main structures.

The instant system can be used as a wave attenuator, to decrease the height and velocity of waves. In use, the (1-5) main structure can be buoyant such that it can float halfway above the surface of the ocean, or other body of water, as illustrated in FIG. 5. When a wave approaches the main structure from a direction that is at an angle to the central axis of the device, on one side, the strength of the vessel and the specific ridged design can dissipate the wave strength, by breaking the wave, both by acting as a barrier, and also by using the ridges to weaken the wave so that it is minimized both with intensity and height. As the system is fixed relative to the seafloor the main structure and geometric designs can absorb the energy of the wave by resisting movement. The instant system can therefore mitigate damage to the shoreline, destruction of property and life, and decreasing shore erosion. As a wave hits the structure, the anchor hardware on the side attached to the side of the main structure can hold the (1) main structure in place as the anchors are fixed in place below the seafloor. The (7) chains can be connected to the (9) anchors via a (8) shackle, which can hold the main structure in place. The (9) anchors tether the structure down to the seafloor and the chains allow it to stay in place.

In some cases the main structure can be capable of rotation which acts to dissipate waves and in some cases can act as a structure that can be used to harness wave energy for the purpose of generating electricity.

One purpose of the instant system can be to decrease wave velocity and height in order to mitigate damage to property on land during a major storm. The structure can sit out about 50-200 feet offshore. In some cases, the structure can be used on land as a storm barrier. Additional uses include, but are not limited to, a flood barrier on land and sea, a vessel for collection of wave energy and oceanographic testing, to decrease coastal erosion, used in bays and harbors to protect property, can be used in commercial and industrial marine settings to protect vessels, and/or can be used in the open ocean to protect oil rigs and infrastructure like offshore wind turbines. In the use case with wave energy collection, the unit can function as a vessel to attach wave energy systems to, or a wave energy collection system can be integrated into the unit itself. In some embodiments, the instant unit or systems can be implemented with oceanographic testing. For example, buoys can be connected to the unit and can include various sensors, e.g., lidar or sonar systems for monitoring.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure, as fall within the scope of appended claims.