Asymmetrical Float Wave Energy Converter Orientation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave energy converters (WECs) with symmetrical floats suffer reduced power production due to cancellation effects when wave wavelengths are comparable to or shorter than the float's dimensions, and asymmetrical floats are prone to damage under storm conditions due to varying wave directions and excessive forces.
Innovation Solution
An asymmetrical float with a longer side facing incoming waves for enhanced energy capture and a narrower side facing waves during storm conditions to reduce destructive forces, utilizing a mechanism for rotating the float to optimize orientation based on wave conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a symmetrical float is used, then the WEC structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the power production is significantly reduced due to cancellation effects when wave wavelengths are comparable to float dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the float with an elliptical cross-section having different dimensions in the wave direction (length) versus the transverse direction (width). This asymmetric geometry ensures that when wave wavelengths are comparable to float dimensions, the entire float surface area is effectively subjected to wave forces without cancellation effects, thereby maximizing power production while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Productivity
If an asymmetrical float is used to maximize power production, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but the WEC becomes more susceptible to damage under storm conditions due to varying wave directions and excessive forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the float orientation adjustable rather than fixed. The float can rotate or reorient itself passively or actively in response to varying wave conditions. During normal operating conditions, the float positions its longer dimension perpendicular to wave direction for maximum energy capture. During storm conditions, the float rotates to present a smaller cross-sectional area to oncoming waves, reducing hydrodynamic forces and improving survivability.
3Productivity
If the float presents its full surface area to incoming waves, then wave energy capture is maximized, but the forces on the WEC structure become excessive during storm conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic orientation control where the float's presentation area to incoming waves is variable. The float can rotate about its vertical axis or change its angular orientation relative to wave direction. This allows the system to present maximum surface area (longer dimension perpendicular to waves) during normal conditions for optimal energy capture, and minimum surface area (shorter dimension perpendicular to waves) during storms to reduce hydrodynamic forces and prevent structural damage.
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
Improves wave energy conversion efficiency during normal conditions and increases survivability by minimizing stress on the WEC during storms, allowing for efficient power production and structural integrity maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The buoyant force on the float can be estimated as the change in displaced volume of the float as a wave passes by
Data Source
AI summary
A wave energy converter (WEC) having an asymmetrically shaped float and a spar which move relative to each other in response to the waves. The asymmetrical float has one side longer than the other. A power take off device (PTO) is coupled between the asymmetric float and the spar for converting their relative motion into useful power. Apparatus is coupled to the WEC for: (a) orienting and rotating the longer side of the float to face and receive oncoming waves to increase energy capture when the waves have an amplitude below a predetermined value for improving the power generation of the WEC; and (b) rotating the float to orient the narrower side of the float to face and receive the incoming waves when the waves have an amplitude above a predetermined value, so as to reduce the forces to which the WEC is subjected.There is no known WEC system with an asymmetrical float which is raised and lowered by the waves.