Dual-Bladder Wave Energy Capture Using Offshore Pressure Differentials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave energy capture systems face challenges with structural damage from large wave forces, particularly during storms, and are limited by reliance on tidal movements, which offer limited energy capture opportunities.
Innovation Solution
A closed offshore dual-bladder system with compliant bladders spaced apart to capture wave energy through pressure differentials, using a conduit system with a gear mechanism to translate fluid between bladders, allowing continuous energy extraction without relying on tidal movements.
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 wave energy capture function into multiple independent rigid structural components (first structural component and second structural component) spaced apart vertically. Each component operates independently to capture wave energy, avoiding the need for a single large component that would experience excessive forces. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high energy capture capability while reducing the load on each individual component, thereby improving structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal spacing of components to vertical spacing along the wave front. By positioning components at different vertical levels (one closer to surface, one deeper), the system captures energy from waves at multiple depths simultaneously. This dimensional change allows energy capture to scale without proportionally increasing the force burden on each component, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a hybrid onshore-and-offshore system is implemented for continuous energy capture, then the duration of energy capture is improved, but the device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes both the first and second structural components multi-functional by equipping each with both a wave energy capture mechanism and a tidal energy capture mechanism. This allows a single offshore structure to perform both wave and tidal energy capture functions continuously, eliminating the need for separate onshore and offshore components. The universal design achieves continuous energy capture while reducing overall system complexity and footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the wave energy capture and tidal energy capture functions into a single integrated offshore structure. By combining these functions in one location rather than distributing them across onshore and offshore sites, the system achieves continuous operation (waves and tides occur simultaneously) while simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing the total footprint required.
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 wave energy continuously with minimal downtime and reduced environmental impact, capable of generating significant power from wave motion, scalable for various wave conditions and locations.
Implementation Method 1
Based on a pressure differential between the first offshore bladder and the second offshore bladder resulting from a difference between a crest and a trough of a wave external to the closed offshore system
Implementation Method 2
A gear system is disposed within the conduit system and disposed between the first offshore bladder and the second offshore bladder
Data Source
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.