Compound-Pendulum Wave Energy Harvester with Dual Transduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing miniature wave energy harvesting apparatuses for marine observation equipment face challenges with low energy conversion efficiency and low output power density due to inefficient energy capture mechanisms that struggle to operate effectively at ultra-low ocean wave frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A compound-pendulum up-conversion wave energy harvesting apparatus that combines a shell floating on the water surface with a compound-pendulum mechanism, a driving gear, an electromagnetic power generation mechanism, and a piezoelectric power generation mechanism, allowing for synchronous rotation and energy conversion through electromagnetic induction and piezoelectric effects to adapt to dynamic wave energy changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single electromechanical coupling transduction mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the energy conversion efficiency and adaptability to ocean wave energy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electromagnetic conversion mechanism and piezoelectric conversion mechanism into a single integrated wave energy harvesting device. The electromagnetic mechanism includes magnets and coils for generating electricity through relative motion, while the piezoelectric mechanism uses piezoelectric materials that generate electric energy when mechanically deformed. This merging of multiple transduction mechanisms resolves the contradiction by achieving high energy conversion efficiency and broad adaptability without significantly increasing structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the energy capture mechanism operates at ultra-low ocean wave frequency, then the adaptability to ocean wave environment is improved, but the energy harvesting efficiency and output power density are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a compound-pendulum mechanism with multiple pendulums of different lengths and masses that can dynamically adjust their motion characteristics. This dynamic structure allows the energy capture mechanism to effectively operate across a wide range of ultra-low frequencies (0.1-2 Hz) typical of ocean waves. The dual transduction mechanisms further enhance this by operating at different frequency ranges, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability to ultra-low frequencies and maintaining high energy harvesting efficiency.
3Power
If piezoelectric transduction mechanism is used for high-frequency transduction, then the output power density is improved, but the energy harvesting efficiency is low in low-frequency environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electromagnetic conversion mechanism and piezoelectric conversion mechanism to create a dual-transduction system. The electromagnetic mechanism, with its magnets and coils, is particularly effective at low frequencies typical of ocean waves, while the piezoelectric mechanism contributes high output power density. This combination resolves the contradiction by achieving both high output power density and effective low-frequency energy harvesting through the complementary strengths of the two mechanisms working together.
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
This apparatus enhances wave energy capture efficiency and electromechanical energy conversion efficiency by utilizing the compound-pendulum mechanism to generate deflection torque and rotate synchronously with the driving gear, enabling simultaneous energy conversion across a wide wave energy spectrum, thereby improving the power supply for marine observation equipment.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic power generation mechanism arranged in the shell and configured to be meshed with the driving gear for transmission and driven by the driving gear to generate electricity through electromagnetic induction
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric power generation mechanism arranged in the shell above an end face of the driving gear and configured to be deformed during its rotation to generate electricity through piezoelectric effect
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a compound-pendulum up-conversion wave energy harvesting apparatus, comprising a shell floating on the water surface and swinging with fluctuation of waves, a compound-pendulum mechanism rotatably arranged in the shell and rotating with its swinging, a driving gear rotatably arranged in the shell and rotating synchronously with the compound-pendulum mechanism, an electromagnetic power generation mechanism arranged in the shell and configured to be meshed with the driving gear for transmission to generate electricity through electromagnetic induction, and a piezoelectric power generation mechanism arranged in the shell and configured to be deformed during its rotation to generate electricity through piezoelectric effect. When the shell swings un-directionally with fluctuation of the waves, the compound-pendulum mechanism makes un-directional rotation that adapts to the dynamic changes of water surface wave energy. The electromagnetic power generation mechanism and the piezoelectric power generation mechanism convert energy through two different electromechanical coupling transduction mechanisms.