Autonomous Wave Energy Converter with Dynamic Mooring and Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wave energy converters face limitations in harnessing wave power efficiently due to poor power quality from irregular wave velocities, limited operational duration in remote ocean environments, and high structural requirements for harsh sea states, which restrict their ability to navigate and maintain low-profile or point-to-point motion.
Innovation Solution
A navigable wave energy converter system with an absorber body and power take-off unit that converts wave motion into usable energy through displacement, featuring a restoring force mechanism and adjustable submergence depth to manage structural loads and optimize energy extraction, while allowing for self-propulsion and energy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If wave energy converters are moored in place with firm mechanical reference, then power capture is improved, but structural strength requirements increase and navigation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The WEC transitions from a static moored configuration to a dynamic self-propelled configuration. The device can switch between moored mode (for optimal power capture) and self-propelled mode (for navigation and positioning), allowing it to adapt its structural requirements based on operational needs rather than requiring maximum strength for all conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The WEC integrates multiple functions: power generation, self-propulsion, and navigation. This multi-functionality allows the device to operate in different modes (moored for power capture, self-propelled for repositioning), resolving the contradiction between needing structural strength for moored operation and needing navigation capability
2Power
If wave energy converters are moored in place, then power capture is improved, but navigation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between moored operation (for power capture) and self-propelled navigation modes, allowing it to have both power generation capability and navigation freedom without being constrained to a single operational mode
Solution Approach 2:
The WEC is self-propelled and can autonomously navigate to desired locations, eliminating the need for external towing or recovery systems while maintaining the ability to moor temporarily for power generation
3Device complexity
If generator is directly connected to absorber linkage, then simplicity is improved, but power quality deteriorates due to irregular velocity from irregular wave motion
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical energy storage device (flywheel or spring) is introduced as an intermediary between the absorber linkage and generator. This intermediary smooths out the irregular velocity fluctuations from wave motion, providing more consistent rotational speed to the generator for improved power quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the velocity parameter over time using energy storage, converting the irregular velocity input from waves into more uniform velocity output to the generator, thereby improving power quality while maintaining reasonable system complexity
4Duration of action of moving object
If battery storage capacity is increased, then operational duration is improved, but system weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces electrical battery storage with mechanical energy storage (flywheel or spring-based mechanisms) that can store and release energy. This substitution provides extended operational duration while potentially reducing system weight and volume compared to equivalent battery capacity
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 harnesses wave energy with improved power quality and extended operational duration, enabling efficient and reliable energy delivery to remote marine environments while maintaining structural integrity and adaptability to varying sea conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one power take-off (PTO) unit coupled between the absorber and the platform and configured to displace movement of the absorber body relative to the platform, the at least one power take-off unit operable to perform motion energy conversion based on displacement of the absorber body in multiple degrees of freedom relative to the platform in response to wave excitation
Implementation Method 2
the at least one power take-off unit is operable to return the absorber body from a displaced position to a predefined equilibrium position and to provide a force acting on the absorber body for energy extraction
Data Source
AI summary
A submergible wave energy converter and method for using the same are described. In one embodiment, the wave energy converter may be used for deep water operations. In one embodiment, the submergible wave energy converter is an autonomous unmanned vehicle that enables remote ocean power generation. In one embodiment, the wave energy converter apparatus comprises an absorber having a body with an upper surface and a bottom surface and at least one power take-off (PTO) unit coupled to the absorber and configured to displace movement of the absorber body relative to a reference, where the power take-off unit is operable to perform motion energy conversion based on displacement of the absorber body relative to the reference in response to wave excitation, and where the power take-off unit is operable to return the absorber body from a displaced position to a predefined equilibrium position and to provide a force acting on the absorber body for energy extraction.