Compact Wave Energy Converter Tilt Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wave energy converters (WECs) are large, expensive, and require fixed moorings, limiting their deployment to fixed locations and preventing their use for drifting buoys, while also having long development cycles and aesthetic, safety, and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A compact WEC design that tilts about a horizontal axis to convert kinetic energy from waves into electrical energy, with an axial length less than one quarter of the average wavelength, allowing operation without a fixed mooring and easy deployment, using a power generator that can be deployed on the water surface and generate power independently of tethering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional WEC designs are used, then power generation capability is achieved, but device size becomes large and requires fixed moorings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the WEC by enabling it to function without fixed moorings and operate in drift mode, while maintaining power generation capability through wave-induced motion capture
Solution Approach 2:
The WEC design incorporates dynamic adaptability by allowing the device to operate in both fixed and drift modes, with the ability to respond to varying wave conditions and positioning requirements
2Reliability
If traditional WEC designs with fixed moorings are used, then stable power generation is achieved, but deployment flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The WEC is designed with multi-functionality to operate in multiple deployment scenarios - both fixed mooring applications and drift buoy applications - making it universally applicable to different marine environments and power needs
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different operational modes, transitioning between fixed and drift configurations based on deployment requirements while maintaining reliable power generation through consistent wave energy capture mechanisms
3Power
If large WEC designs are used, then adequate power is generated, but development cost and cycle time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by capturing wave energy through a simplified, smaller-scale device that doesn't require full traditional WEC infrastructure, achieving adequate power for specific applications while reducing development complexity and time
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 cost-effective power generation from ocean waves without the need for fixed moorings, facilitating deployment in various sea conditions and applications, including drifting buoys, with reduced size and cost compared to traditional WECs.
Implementation Method 1
the tilt results in a conversion of kinetic energy, present in a group of water waves causing the tilt, to electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A wave energy converter comprises a power generator, characterized by an axial length along a longitudinal axis; the power generator being configured to tilt about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The tilt results in a conversion of kinetic energy, present in a group of water waves causing the tilt, to electrical energy. The axial length is less than approximately one quarter of the average wavelength expected to be encountered in a dominant sub-group of waves within the group of waves. The power generator generates power independent of whether or not the wave energy converter is tethered to any solid object at a position that is fixed independent of water motion.