Capacitive UV-C Anti-Fouling Device for Marine Hulls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical power arrangements for marine structures, particularly those used to counter bio-fouling, face challenges in harsh seawater environments due to conductivity issues and damage from exposure, leading to short circuits and corrosion, and require robust and flexible solutions for powering UV-C LEDs and other loads.
Innovation Solution
A load arrangement utilizing a capacitive power transfer system with a dielectric layer and a flexible carrier, allowing for capacitive transmission of power between an electrode and a conductive marine structure, such as a ship hull, using AC power and minimizing galvanic connections to prevent corrosion and accommodate curved surfaces, with modular and self-adaptive design for durability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If galvanic connections are used to power UV-C LEDs in marine environments, then electrical power can be transmitted directly, but corrosion and short circuits occur due to seawater conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dielectric layer as an intermediary between the conductive support structure and the UV-C LED, enabling capacitive power transmission without direct galvanic contact. This mediator prevents corrosion and short circuits while still allowing electrical energy transfer through the seawater-conductive environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional galvanic electrical connections with a capacitive coupling system. Instead of direct wire connections that cause corrosion, the system uses electric field coupling through the dielectric layer to transmit power, substituting a field-based mechanism for a contact-based mechanical system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid electrical connections are used for UV-C LED modules, then stable power supply is achieved, but flexibility for curved surfaces and installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible support structure that can conform to curved surfaces, replacing rigid mounting methods. This flexible substrate maintains electrical connection stability while adapting to various hull geometries, enabling versatile installation on marine structures with complex shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the flexible carrier can adapt its shape to match the underlying surface, transitioning from a fixed rigid structure to a configurable form that maintains both stability and adaptability through its ability to deform and conform.
3Productivity
If UV-C LEDs are exposed directly in harsh marine environments, then effective anti-fouling is achieved, but damage from environmental exposure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible support structure that can be sealed and protected from environmental exposure while maintaining UV-C emission capability. This protective encapsulation shields the LEDs from corrosive seawater and physical damage, extending their operational life in harsh marine conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates protective measures in advance by designing a sealed, flexible mounting structure that prevents environmental contaminants from reaching the UV-C LEDs before damage can occur, providing proactive protection against corrosion and physical degradation.
4Ease of manufacture
If modular load arrangements are used, then ease of installation and repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the anti-fouling system into modular segments, each comprising UV-C LEDs mounted on flexible carriers that can be independently installed and replaced. This segmentation allows damaged modules to be swapped without affecting the entire system, simplifying maintenance while managing complexity through standardized interfaces.
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 solution provides reliable and efficient power delivery to UV-C LEDs and other loads in harsh marine environments, reducing the risk of corrosion and damage, while allowing for flexible installation on curved surfaces and adaptive power distribution to maintain performance even with partial damage.
Implementation Method 1
the first electrode and the dielectric layer are arranged to form, in combination with a first external electrically conductive element representing an outer surface of a marine structure, a capacitor for capacitive transmission of electrical power
Implementation Method 2
When an alternating voltage is applied between the first and second common electrodes, the light emitting elements will be powered through a capacitive coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A UV-C anti-fouling device that is coupled to power source using a single power supply wire. The device is AC powered, and is capacitively coupled to the conductive surface that is being protected, such as the hull of a ship. The device includes a plurality of UV-C LEDs that are either powered during half-cycles of the AC supply, or powered via individual rectifier circuits, such as a diode bridge, or Graetz bridge. A light guide optically extends the light from the UV-C LEDs. The arrangement is robust against shorts and opens, as well as external inflicted damage.