Integrated Active Rectifier Assembly for Efficient Marine Power Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-based energy capturing devices face challenges in efficiently transporting electrical energy from the device to shore due to variations in voltage and frequency, which require complex electrical conditioning systems that produce heat and are prone to failure at high altitudes.
Innovation Solution
An innovative electrical conditioning system is integrated with the energy capturing device, featuring an active rectifier that efficiently converts AC to DC and regulates voltage, housed in a waterproof enclosure filled with a thermally conductive fluid to enhance heat dissipation and protect against solar heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical conditioning systems are used with diodes and capacitors, then rectification and voltage conditioning can be achieved, but the system complexity increases and heat dissipation becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rectifier and voltage conditioner into a single integrated device located onshore. This merging of previously separate components (diode rectifier and voltage conditioning equipment) into one unified system reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the necessary electrical conditioning functions. The integrated design eliminates the need for separate housings and simplifies the electrical architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the rectifier and voltage conditioner from the underwater energy capturing device and relocates them to shore-based infrastructure. This separation removes the heat-generating electrical conditioning components from the underwater environment, eliminating the need for complex underwater heat dissipation systems while improving overall system reliability by protecting sensitive electronics from harsh aquatic conditions.
2Temperature
If electrical conditioning components are placed underwater near the energy capturing device, then heat dissipation is improved, but solar heating and component failure risk increase at high altitudes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical conditioning components (rectifier and voltage conditioner) from the underwater environment and relocates them to shore-based infrastructure. This extraction eliminates their exposure to solar heating and high-altitude environmental stresses, significantly improving component reliability. The heat dissipation function is transferred to the water-based cooling system at the energy capturing device, separating the thermal management function from the electrical conditioning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary cooling medium between the energy capturing device and the shore-based electrical conditioning system. The water absorbs heat from the generator and prime mover underwater, and this thermal energy is then managed separately from the electrical components onshore. This intermediary approach allows effective heat dissipation without exposing sensitive electrical components to thermal stress.
3Power
If transmission cables have larger cross-sectional area, then power transmission capacity increases, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary rectification of AC to DC at the energy capturing device before transmission. By converting the variable-frequency AC output of the generator into DC power underwater, the system enables more efficient power transmission. DC transmission allows for optimized cable selection with smaller cross-sectional areas compared to AC transmission of equivalent power capacity, reducing installation costs and complexity while maintaining high power transmission capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration reduces the cross-sectional area of transmission cables, decreases power loss during transmission, and enhances the thermal management of electrical system components, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of electrical power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a waterproof housing filled with a thermally conductive fluid to enhance heat dissipation
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for an innovative assembly of the electrical conditioning system connected to a water-based energy capturing device such as wave, hydrokinetic, or tidal machines to increase the efficiency of electrical power transmission between the energy capturing assembly and a load. The assembly favors the use of an active rectifier as the electrical conditioning system to provide both rectification and voltage regulation in a single system. The active rectifier can be configured to output a higher direct current (DC) bus voltage compared to passive rectifier solutions that both decrease the required size of the transmission cable conductors and transmission losses. The disclosure further details a method for installation of the active rectifier and the energy capturing device's generator within a waterproof enclosure so that the electrical conditioning system can be installed at the location of the energy capturing device, either near the surface of the water or below the surface of the water, while increasing thermal regulation capabilities of the electrical system components through the integration of a fluid to fill the cavity around the active rectifier and generator within the waterproof enclosure.