Buoyant Platform Wave Energy Harvester Lever Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current renewable energy systems, despite technological advancements, remain underutilized and have a low percentage share compared to conventional fossil fuel energy systems, with ocean surface waves being an underexploited energy source that could provide sustainable energy with minimal environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
An energy harvesting system comprising a buoyant platform and wave energy harvesting units tethered to the ocean bed, which converts the motion of ocean waves into rotational energy through a mechanism involving levers, springs, and a gear system, ultimately generating electricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If ocean surface waves are used as an energy source, then sustainable energy with minimal environmental impact is provided, but the energy share remains low compared to conventional fossil fuel systems
Solution Approach 1:
The wave energy converter is divided into multiple independent components: a floating platform, tethered wave energy harvesting units, and individual lever mechanisms. Each unit can independently convert wave motion, allowing modular deployment to achieve desired energy share while maintaining environmental benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic lever mechanisms that pivot and rotate in response to wave motion rather than rigid fixed structures. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to efficiently capture varying wave energies and convert them into rotational motion for electricity generation, increasing overall energy productivity
2Power
If a buoyant platform with tethered wave energy harvesting units is deployed, then kinetic energy from waves is converted into electrical energy, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical amplifier for wave motion, a converter transforming linear platform motion into rotational shaft motion, and a driver for the electricity generator. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing system complexity while maintaining high energy conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism acts as an intermediary between the floating platform and the electricity generator. It mediates the conversion of wave-induced platform motion into rotational motion that drives the generator, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining efficient energy transfer
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 kinetic energy from ocean waves, converting it into electrical energy with minimal environmental impact, contributing to a more sustainable energy solution and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Implementation Method 1
a buoyant platform configured to float above the ocean bed
Implementation Method 2
absorb energy from the buoyant platform's movement resulted from the ocean waves
Implementation Method 3
a spring attached between a lever of the at least one pair of levers and the buoyant platform may be configured to maintain the lever in an equilibrium position
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an energy harvesting system for ocean waves. The energy harvesting system includes each of a buoyant platform and a plurality of wave energy harvesting units. The buoyant platform is configured to float above the ocean bed. Further, each wave energy harvesting unit may be tethered between the buoyant platform and the ocean bed. Additionally, a wave energy harvesting unit may be configured to be actuated by motion of the buoyant platform. Accordingly, the wave energy harvesting unit may absorb energy from the buoyant platform's movement resulted from the ocean waves.