Adjustable Wave Energy Flap for Dynamic Sea Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bottom-hinged flap-type wave energy conversion devices have unadjustable draft and direction, leading to inefficient wave energy utilization, damage to coastal structures, and reduced collection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable multi-functional bottom-hinged flap-type wave energy utilization device with adjustable spacing, direction, and height, featuring hydraulic oil cylinders, servo motors, and lead screws to optimize wave energy collection by aligning the wave energy flaps with wave direction and adjusting their height to maintain optimal performance across varying sea conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional bottom-hinged flap-type wave energy conversion devices are used with fixed structure, then the device structure is simple, but the wave energy collection efficiency is reduced due to unadjustable draft and direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the fixed structure into an adjustable one. The draft adjustment mechanism allows the flap to be positioned at different depths, and the direction adjustment mechanism enables the flap to face different wave directions. This dynamic adaptability optimizes wave energy capture under varying sea conditions, directly resolving the contradiction between simple structure and high collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters (draft depth and facing direction) from fixed to variable. By enabling continuous adjustment of these parameters, the system can optimize performance for different wave conditions, thereby improving wave energy collection efficiency without requiring a completely redesign of the basic flap structure.
2Productivity
If traditional wave energy conversion devices are deployed in parallel, then the coverage area is increased, but the wave-absorbing function cannot be utilized to maximum and coastal structures are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling each individual flap to independently adjust its draft and direction based on local wave conditions. This localized optimization allows each device in the parallel array to maximize its own wave-absorbing function, thereby utilizing the collective wave energy more effectively and reducing harmful wave impacts on coastal structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of waves on coastal structures into a beneficial effect by using the adjusted flaps to absorb and dissipate wave energy before it reaches the coast. The adjustable mechanisms allow the flaps to position themselves optimally to intercept and utilize wave energy, transforming potentially damaging waves into useful energy sources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wave energy flap structure is fixed, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the adaptability to different sea conditions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the adjustment system into independent modules: draft adjustment mechanism and direction adjustment mechanism. Each mechanism can be manufactured and tested separately, then assembled with the flap structure. This modular approach improves adaptability while keeping manufacturing complexity manageable through standardized components.
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
Enhances wave energy collection efficiency, protects coastal structures, and maintains optimal performance during different tidal conditions by dynamically adjusting the wave energy flaps' direction and height, thereby improving the overall efficiency and adaptability of wave energy conversion.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic oil cylinder positioned on the back surface of the wave energy flap and used for pushing the wave energy flap to reset
Implementation Method 2
a wave energy flap that arranged vertically through the transmission shaft and can drive the transmission shaft to rotate under the action of wave kinetic energy
Implementation Method 3
a lead screw connected with an output shaft of the second servo motor through a coupling and vertically arranged, a lead screw nut positioned on a lower surface of the upper base plate and matched with the lead screw
Implementation Method 4
a first servo motor fixed on the shell body
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable multi-functional bottom-hinged flap-type wave energy utilization device includes at least three wave energy conversion devices arranged in parallel and with adjustable spacing. Each wave energy conversion device includes a wave energy conversion component, a direction adjustment component for adjusting a wave-facing direction of the wave energy conversion component, and a height adjustment component for adjusting a height of the wave energy conversion component. The wave energy conversion component includes a mounting base plate, a transmission shaft arranged on the mounting base plate, a wave energy flap that can drive the transmission shaft to rotate, a generator connected to the transmission shaft, a hydraulic oil cylinder positioned on a back surface of the flap for pushing the flap to reset, and a wave monitor arranged on the mounting base plate for monitoring a draught and a wave direction angle of the flap.