Adjustable Buoyancy Wave Units for Harsh-Weather Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave power facilities face challenges in adapting to varying wave and wind conditions, leading to vulnerability during harsh weather and inefficiencies in power output.
Innovation Solution
The wave power facility features adjustable buoyancy units with interchangeable parts and an adjustment mechanism, allowing for telescopic expansion and contraction, and the use of air pumps to control buoyancy, enabling the units to be moved below or above the water surface to protect against excessive forces and optimize power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the wave units are made large to generate large forces for high power output, then power output is improved, but vulnerability to harsh weather conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyancy part is designed with telescopic sections that can dynamically adjust the overall length of the wave unit. During normal operation, the buoyancy part extends to provide large displacement and high power output. During harsh weather, the buoyancy part can be retracted to reduce size and vulnerability, while still maintaining operational capability. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between needing large size for power generation and small size for weather resistance.
2Productivity
If the wave units are made large to generate large forces, then power output is improved, but the facility becomes vulnerable when weather conditions are harsh
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic buoyancy part allows the wave unit to dynamically change its dimensions. In calm conditions, the extended configuration maximizes productivity by generating larger forces from wave motion. In harsh conditions with large waves and wind, the retracted configuration reduces the exposed surface area and structural vulnerability, thereby minimizing the harmful effects of environmental factors while maintaining operational status.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the buoyancy part is made adjustable to adapt to varying wave conditions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyancy part is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can independently move relative to each other. This segmentation allows for gradual adjustment of the overall length in discrete steps, providing adaptability to different wave conditions. The modular segmented structure enables controlled adjustment without requiring complex continuous variable mechanisms, thereby achieving good adaptability while managing device complexity through standardized modular 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
The solution enhances the facility's adaptability to weather conditions, protecting the units from damage and optimizing power output by adjusting buoyancy to match prevailing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The respective wave units comprise a buoyancy part which is interchangeable between a compressed state and an expanded state
Implementation Method 2
The respective wave units can have an air pump with fluid connection to a first compartment inside the wave unit. In this manner, the operator can control the amount of air inside the buoyancy part, and hence the amount of water
Implementation Method 3
The adjustment motor can drive, typically rotate, one or more threaded rods that interface with the second part with a threaded engagement
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~6
AI summary
A wave power facility (100) comprising a support structure (101) installed on the seabed (103) and a top structure (107) supported by the support structure. A plurality of wave units (1) are arranged at the sea surface (105). The wave units (1) are supported by harvest lines (113) extending between the top structure (107) and the seabed. The respective wave units (1) comprise a buoyancy part (1a) which is interchangeable between a compressed state and an expanded state.