Compliant Wave Energy Capture Using Flexible Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wave energy conversion systems face mechanical failures due to high wave-generated forces, limiting their size and scalability, and are prone to corrosion and biofouling, making them inefficient and fragile.
Innovation Solution
A compliant wave energy conversion system utilizing a flexible membrane and self-reeling power generation systems secured by intermediary cables, which harness energy from both horizontal and vertical wave components, distributing forces over a large area to prevent mechanical stress and incorporating flotation components to maintain membrane position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the length of the energy collection device along the wave front increases, then the energy capture capacity increases, but the forces on the structure become significantly larger causing mechanical failures
Solution Approach 1:
The wave energy conversion system is divided into multiple independent floating bodies arranged in an array, each capable of independently converting wave energy. This segmentation allows the system to capture energy across a larger wave front area without requiring a single large rigid structure, thereby reducing the mechanical forces and moments on individual components while maintaining high energy capture capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating bodies utilize compliant or flexible structures that can adapt to wave motions without rigid resistance. This flexibility allows the system to absorb wave energy through controlled motion rather than resisting it, reducing peak forces and mechanical stresses on the structure while maintaining effectiveness across various wave conditions.
2Power
If conventional rigid structures are used to harness wave energy, then energy conversion is achieved, but the devices are fragile and prone to mechanical failures in large waves
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic floating bodies that move with the waves rather than remaining fixed or rigid. The floating bodies can pitch, roll, and heave in response to wave motions, converting mechanical wave energy into useful motion that drives the energy conversion mechanism. This dynamic behavior significantly improves reliability by avoiding the high stress concentrations that occur in rigid structures subjected to wave loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the floating bodies based on wave conditions. The compliant structures can alter their stiffness, damping, and motion characteristics in response to varying wave heights and periods, optimizing energy conversion while preventing mechanical failure under extreme conditions.
3Productivity
If the collection area of wave energy devices is increased, then more energy can be harvested, but the cost of elaborate energy capture devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple simple, identical floating body units that can be deployed in arrays of varying sizes depending on energy requirements. Each unit is a standardized, relatively simple device that converts wave motion independently. This modular approach allows the collection area and energy harvest to be scaled by simply adding or removing units rather than designing increasingly complex single structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating bodies are designed as universal, multi-functional units that perform both wave energy capture and structural stability functions. Each floating body serves as both an energy conversion element and a stabilizing component for the overall array, eliminating the need for separate elaborate support structures and reducing overall device complexity.
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 energy capture from waves of various sizes without mechanical failures, scalable for extensive areas, and resistant to corrosion and biofouling, providing a consistent and cost-effective energy source.
Implementation Method 1
A compliant wave energy conversion system utilizing a flexible membrane and self-reeling power generation systems secured by intermediary cables, which harness energy from both horizontal and vertical wave components
Implementation Method 2
incorporating flotation components to maintain membrane position
Data Source
AI summary
A wave energy collection and conversion system that uses a compliant capture mechanism to enable the collection of wave energy over extensive distances without introducing damaging forces onto the collection structure. The system includes a flexible membrane in contact with or submerged under water, a plurality of power generation devices positioned on a sea floor, and lines that connect the flexible membrane to the power generation devices. The power generation devices each include a self-reeling mechanism and a turbine. As wave energy pushes the flexible membrane, the lines are reeled into and out of the corresponding power generation device(s). Rotation of the shaft, in turn, rotates a gear and rotator of the turbine, thus harnessing energy derived from the wave motion.