Buoy Array Wave Energy Harvesting Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for harnessing wave energy in the ocean lack efficiency and scalability, necessitating improvements in how wave energy is captured and converted.
Innovation Solution
An array of buoys is deployed in the ocean, comprising a framework with vertical members, a base buoy to maintain orientation, and movable buoys that move relative to the vertical members to generate power using energy conversion devices such as pumps or electromagnetic induction, allowing for efficient energy harvesting from wave motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional single-buoy systems are used to harness wave energy, then the system structure is simple, but the energy generation efficiency and scalability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the wave energy harvesting function into multiple independent buoy units, each capable of operating autonomously while contributing to the overall energy generation. This segmentation allows parallel energy capture from different wave portions, significantly improving productivity without requiring complex inter-buoy coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple buoy systems are combined into an array configuration where each buoy operates independently but contributes to the total energy output. The merging of multiple simple units creates a scalable system that achieves high productivity through cumulative effect rather than through complex individual components
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-size buoy systems are deployed, then the manufacturing and deployment process is standardized, but the system cannot adapt to varying wave sizes including rogue waves
Solution Approach 1:
The buoy system incorporates movable buoys that can dynamically adjust their position and motion characteristics in response to varying wave conditions. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different wave sizes including extreme rogue waves while maintaining the same standardized physical structure, achieving adaptability without modifying the manufacturing process
3Adaptability or versatility
If shallow water systems are used for wave energy harvesting, then the system can be deployed closer to shore, but the system cannot operate in deep ocean waters where larger waves occur
Solution Approach 1:
The buoy array system is designed with universal applicability across different water depths and wave conditions. The standardized buoy units can be deployed in both shallow and deep waters, and the system maintains reliability through the collective stability of the array configuration rather than relying on individual buoy anchoring, enabling one system design to serve multiple deployment environments
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 array of buoys effectively captures and converts wave energy into usable power, maintaining stability across varying wave sizes, including rogue waves, and can be deployed in deep ocean waters without the need for size adjustments, offering a scalable and cost-effective solution for ocean wave energy harvesting.
Implementation Method 1
energy conversion device operable with each of the plurality of movable buoys to generate power from movement of the movable buoys relative to the vertical members through the use of any technology known in the art for pumping water, pumping air, electromagnetic induction, or conversion through any other type of mechanical motion
Data Source
AI summary
An array of buoys is disclosed for obtaining energy from a wave in a body of water. The array of buoys can include a framework having a plurality of vertical members and a base buoy coupled to the framework to support the framework in a body of water and maintain the vertical members in a vertical orientation. The array of buoys can further include a plurality of movable buoys. Each of the plurality of movable buoys can be movably disposed about a different one of the plurality of vertical members and configured to move relative to the respective vertical members and the base buoy in response to a wave in the body of water. Additionally, the array of buoys can include an energy conversion device operable with each of the plurality of movable buoys to generate power from movement of the movable buoys relative to the vertical members.