Dual-Bladder Wave Energy Extraction for Storm-Resilient Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave energy capture systems face challenges with structural damage during storms and are limited by tidal energy capture, which occurs only twice a day, requiring large footprints and specific deployment areas.
Innovation Solution
A closed offshore dual-bladder system that captures wave energy using compliant bladders spaced apart by half a wavelength, translating fluid between bladders via a conduit system with a gear mechanism to harness energy from pressure differentials, anchored below water to withstand extreme weather.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the rigid structural component increases in size to capture vast amounts of energy, then the energy capture capability is improved, but the structural strength and reliability deteriorate due to significantly larger forces on the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rigid structural component into multiple floating bladder elements that are spatially distributed across the wave front. Each bladder operates independently to capture energy from wave pressure differentials, avoiding the concentration of large forces on a single large structure. This segmentation allows the system to capture vast amounts of energy while maintaining structural reliability through distributed, smaller-scale components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces rigid structural components with flexible floating bladders that can deform under wave forces. These compliant bladders are spaced apart and connected via conduits, allowing them to flex and adapt to wave pressure differentials without suffering catastrophic structural damage. This flexibility enables continuous operation during storms while maintaining energy capture capability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a hybrid offshore-and-onshore system is implemented for continuous energy capture, then the continuous operation capability is improved, but the device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple floating bladder elements into a single integrated offshore system that operates entirely in the water column. The bladders are connected via subsea conduits containing gear mechanisms, creating a unified system that captures energy continuously from wave pressure differentials without requiring separate onshore and offshore components. This integration achieves continuous operation while reducing overall system complexity and footprint compared to hybrid systems.
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 efficiently captures continuous wave energy with minimal downtime and reduced environmental impact, generating significant power even in inclement weather, scalable for various wave conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the compliant bladders spaced apart by half a wavelength, connected via a conduit system with a gear mechanism, captures energy from wave pressure differentials
Data Source
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AI summary
A closed dual-bladder wave energy system that is capable of capturing a continuous supply of energy derived from wave movements for nearshore implementations. Rather than employing an onshore bladder in communication with an offshore bladder, and rather than focusing on capturing more incremental potential energy derived from tidal movement, the system accomplishes continuous captures potential energy from waves via a dual-bladder system employed offshore. Fluid within the system translates between a first offshore bladder and a second offshore bladder based on a pressure differential between a crest and a trough of a wave external to the system. By utilizing compliant bladders, the system is capable of capturing energy even during inclement weather conditions without the risk of faults resulting from strong waves. As such, the system provides for the efficient and effective capture of potential energy from waves in any weather condition and in any water environment that experiences waves.