Coaxial Power Transfer Device for Tidal Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sub-aquatic power generating systems, such as tidal turbines, face challenges in maintaining efficient electrical connections during rotational adjustments to accommodate varying tidal flow directions, as conventional connectors are expensive, limited in voltage rating, and restricted in motion range.
Innovation Solution
A power transfer device featuring coaxially nested inner and outer cores with magnetic flux guides and windings, allowing axial displacement for power transfer and separation for rotational freedom, enabling continuous rotation without mechanical interference and maintaining electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical connectors are used for power transfer during turbine rotation, then electrical connectivity is maintained, but the connectors are expensive, limited in voltage rating, and restricted in motion range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical electrical connectors with a magnetic coupling system. The primary winding on the stationary support structure and secondary winding on the rotatable turbine create a magnetic field that transfers power wirelessly, eliminating mechanical contact limitations. This allows unlimited rotational motion while maintaining reliable power transfer and enabling higher voltage ratings beyond conventional connector capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the turbine is made rotatable to face varying tidal flow directions, then adaptability to flow conditions is improved, but mechanical interference and complexity of maintaining electrical connections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the complex mechanical electrical connection system by implementing electromagnetic induction. The primary winding stationary on the support structure and secondary winding on the turbine create a magnetic coupling that requires no mechanical contact, bearings, or sliding contacts. This allows the turbine to rotate freely to face varying tidal flows while dramatically reducing mechanical complexity and maintenance requirements.
3Loss of energy
If direct electrical conduction is used for power transfer, then power transfer efficiency is maintained, but rotational movement is restricted due to mechanical connection constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical direct conduction with electromagnetic induction. The magnetic field created by the primary winding induces current in the secondary winding, transferring power without physical contact. This eliminates constraints on rotational movement while maintaining high power transfer efficiency through optimized magnetic coupling between the windings.
4Power
If conventional electromagnetic generators are used, then power generation is achieved, but the system requires expensive and limited-voltage electrical connectors for power export
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electrical connectors with an electromagnetic coupling system for power export. The magnetic field coupling between the turbine's secondary winding and the support structure's primary winding enables high-voltage power transfer without the voltage rating limitations of mechanical connectors. This allows the system to handle higher power levels with improved reliability and reduced component costs.
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
Enables efficient and continuous power transfer between a rotatable tidal turbine and a stationary support structure, allowing the turbine to face any direction while minimizing mechanical interference and maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic flux guides of the inner and outer cores abut one another for transferring power
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3a~5
Figure 6~8b
AI summary
Described is an electrical power transfer device for transferring power between two coaxial relatively rotatable components, comprising: an outer core having a magnetic flux guide, an outer electrical winding and a cavity for receiving an inner core; an inner core located at least partially within the cavity, the inner core having a magnetic flux guide and an inner winding, wherein the inner and outer core are arranged to be movable between a first configuration in which the magnetic flux guides of the inner and outer cores separated by a first distance in which power is transferred in use, and a second configuration in which the inner and outer cores are separated by a second distance, in which relative rotation of the inner and outer cores is possible in the second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the magnetic flux guides of the inner and outer cores abut one another.