Curved Foil Wave Generator for Consistent Surfable Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to replicate ocean waves in a man-made environment that are desirable for surfing, lacking efficiency in energy transfer and failing to generate waves with the desired size, form, speed, and duration of waves that can be ridden.
Innovation Solution
A wave generator system using vertically movable foils with curvilinear cross-sectional geometry, integrated into a pool with a sloping bottom contour, to create surface gravity waves by optimizing the transfer of mechanical energy and mimicking the natural processes of wave formation and breaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If linearly-actuated paddles, hydraulics or pneumatics caissons are used to generate waves, then waves can be produced in a man-made environment, but energy transfer efficiency is poor and wave characteristics (size, form, speed, duration) do not match desirable surfable waves
Solution Approach 1:
The foil employs a curvilinear cross-sectional geometry with a cambered airfoil shape, featuring a rounded leading edge and a tapered trailing edge. This curved configuration optimizes hydrodynamic performance by promoting smooth flow attachment and reducing turbulence, thereby improving energy transfer efficiency from the foil to the generated wave while maintaining consistent wave characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies key parameters including foil movement speed, foil submersion depth, and foil cross-sectional geometry to optimize wave generation. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves efficient energy transfer and produces waves with desired characteristics (size, form, speed, duration) that match surfable ocean waves.
2Duration of action of moving object
If existing wave generation systems are used, then waves can be created, but they lack the desired duration and consistency for surfing
Solution Approach 1:
The foil executes periodic oscillatory movements along the channel, moving back and forth to generate a series of consistent waves. This periodic action ensures regular wave production with controlled duration, allowing surfers to ride multiple waves in sequence rather than isolated single waves, thereby improving both wave duration and consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous wave generation through the foil's sustained periodic motion, ensuring a continuous supply of rideable waves. This continuous action eliminates gaps between waves and maintains consistent wave characteristics throughout the surfing session.
3Power
If simple water injection or paddle systems are used, then wave generation is achieved, but energy transfer to the wave is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The curvilinear foil geometry with optimized camber and rounded leading edge minimizes flow separation and turbulence, reducing energy losses. This streamlined shape ensures more efficient transfer of mechanical energy from the foil to the wave, maximizing wave energy while minimizing energy dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
By optimizing parameters such as foil movement velocity, submersion depth, and cross-sectional shape, the system maximizes energy transfer efficiency. These parameter adjustments ensure that the power input to the foil is effectively converted to wave energy rather than being lost to turbulence or drag.
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 system generates waves that are surfable, with controlled wave characteristics, including duration and break type, providing a more consistent and efficient surfing experience compared to previous technologies.
Implementation Method 1
Ocean surface waves are waves that propagate along the interface between water and air, the restoring force is provided by gravity, and so they are often referred to as surface gravity waves
Implementation Method 2
mitigate drag from the foil from the movement
Data Source
AI summary
A surface gravity wave generator and wave pool is disclosed. A wave pool is formed of opposing side walls and a center channel of water. The channel includes a bottom contour with a depth that runs from a deep end to a shoal or beach. One or more three-dimensional foils are vertically arranged along at least one side wall, and moved against the water in the channel. Each foil has a curvilinear cross-sectional geometry that defines a leading surface that is adapted to generate a wave in water moving past the leading surface, and a trailing surface configured for flow recovery to avoid separation of the flow of water in the wave and to mitigate drag from the foil from the water moving past the leading surface.