Articulated Barge Wave Energy Flow Rectifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulated-barge wave-energy conversion systems struggle to efficiently convert bi-directional hydraulic pump operation into a uniflow configuration suitable for driving commercially available rotary-vane pumps for electrical energy generation.
Innovation Solution
A modified articulated-barge wave-energy conversion system (AWECS) incorporating a bi-directional linear pump powered by barge motions and a flow-rectifying control system to feed hydraulic fluid into a rotary-vane pump, ensuring uniflow operation and driving a DC generator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a bi-directional linear pump is used to capture wave energy from both directions, then energy capture efficiency is improved, but the pump operation becomes bi-directional which is incompatible with commercially available rotary-vane pumps that require uniflow operation
Solution Approach 1:
A flow rectifier is introduced as an intermediary device between the bi-directional linear pump and the rotary-vane pump. The flow rectifier converts the bi-directional hydraulic flow from the linear pump into uniflow operation suitable for the rotary-vane pump, enabling compatibility without sacrificing the energy capture benefits of bi-directional operation. This mediator resolves the contradiction by translating between incompatible operational modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flow rectifier is added to convert bi-directional pump operation to uniflow, then compatibility with rotary-vane pump is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rectifier utilizes hydraulic principles and fluid dynamics to achieve flow direction conversion. By employing hydraulic valves and flow control mechanisms, the system converts bi-directional flow to uniflow through fluid-based control, which is more efficient and integrated than mechanical alternatives, thereby managing complexity through appropriate domain selection.
3Ease of manufacture
If commercially available rotary-vane pump is used for electrical generation, then ease of manufacture and cost are improved, but the pump requires uniflow operation which is incompatible with bi-directional wave energy capture
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the bi-directional linear pump for energy capture, the flow rectifier for flow direction conversion, and the rotary-vane pump for electrical generation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system compatibility, enabling the use of commercially available rotary-vane pumps without requiring them to handle bi-directional operation.
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 system effectively converts ocean wave energy into electrical energy, achieving an average power output of 346kW for 80% efficient hydraulic-to-electrical conversion, capable of powering approximately 70 households, with the option to hybridize for both electricity and potable water production.
Implementation Method 1
a bi-directional linear pump powered by barge motions and a flow-rectifying control system to feed hydraulic fluid into a rotary-vane pump
Implementation Method 2
achieving an average power output of 346kW for 80% efficient hydraulic-to-electrical conversion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus/method for generating electricity from ocean energy using a floating device having first and second portions movably coupled. A hydraulic pump is coupled between these portions such that when exposing the floating device to ocean energy, hydraulic fluid is displaced. A flow rectifier creates a unidirectional hydraulic fluid flow that is dispensed through a rotary-vane pump which, in turn, is coupled to an electrical generator. As the rotary-vane pump is activated by the unidirectional flow, the rotary-vane pump turns the generator, generating electricity. Plural hydraulic pumps and associated flow rectifiers, rotary-vane pumps and electrical generators can be coupled between the first and second portions. In addition, the floating device can include a third portion that is movably coupled to the second portion and plural hydraulic pumps, associated flow rectifiers, rotary-vane pumps and electrical generators can be coupled between the second and third portions.