Dynamic Vertical Hydroelectric Anchor for Tidal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating structures face challenges in maintaining stability and efficiency due to the need for significant mass to counteract external forces, leading to high construction and operating costs, while there is a growing demand for predictable and abundant energy sources like tidal power.
Innovation Solution
A vertical hydroelectric anchor system that utilizes Archimedes' thrust to produce electricity from tidal movements, providing dynamic stability and energy storage, reducing the structural mass and mooring costs by using a hoist, energy conversion system, and intelligent control for real-time adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If floating structures use significant mass to counteract external forces, then stability is improved, but construction and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by using the floating structure's own weight as a counterbalance to external forces. The anchor system is designed so that the structure's mass itself provides stability against winds and currents, eliminating the need for additional heavy stabilization components. This is achieved through proper positioning and design of the anchor system that leverages the structure's inherent weight.
2Stability of the object's composition
If floating structures use significant mass to counteract external forces, then stability is improved, but construction and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by using the floating structure's own weight as a counterbalance to external forces. The anchor system is designed so that the structure's mass itself provides stability against winds and currents, eliminating the need for additional heavy stabilization components. This is achieved through proper positioning and design of the anchor system that leverages the structure's inherent weight.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional oblique moorings are used to hold floating structures, then anchoring is achieved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional anchoring approach by transitioning from oblique moorings to a vertical anchor system. Instead of using angled cables that extend from the structure to anchor points on the seabed, the invention employs a vertical anchor that aligns directly beneath the floating structure. This vertical configuration simplifies the mooring system by eliminating the need for complex angled cable arrangements and multiple anchor points, reducing both device complexity and associated costs.
4Power
If renewable energy sources like wind and sun are used, then electricity production is achieved, but intermittency reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by utilizing the predictable cyclic nature of tidal movements for energy generation. The anchor system incorporates mechanisms that convert the regular rising and falling of tides into electrical energy, providing a consistent and reliable power source. This periodic exploitation of tidal cycles ensures continuous energy production unlike intermittent wind and solar sources, as tides follow predictable daily and monthly patterns that can be reliably harnessed.
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 enhances stability and reduces structural mass and mooring costs while generating predictable energy from tidal movements, optimizing floating structures and improving energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the present invention uses the power contained in the movement of water during the tides to produce additional electricity. Indeed, the surface of the sea, due to its immensity subject to the winds, can constitute an important source of wave energy by using waves. And beneath the surface, the tides move immeasurable masses of water in a continuous, perfectly predictable alternating movement.
Implementation Method 2
a conversion group (9) capable, in use, of transforming the energy resulting from the vertical displacement of the supporting structure (11) into electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a dynamic hydroelectric anchor for producing hydroelectric energy for anchoring a floating structure present on a body of water resting on a bottom and the level of which varies over time between a minimum level and a maximum level, the anchor comprising a vertical hydroelectric anchoring system as well as a supporting structure capable of being secured in use to the floating structure, said vertical hydroelectric anchoring system comprising: - a hoist with cable comprising at least two blocks, a fixed lower block attached to the bottom of the water via a permanent anchor and a mobile upper block connected to a lower part of the supporting structure; - a chain connecting on the one hand the lower block of the hoist to its first end and the permanent anchor to its second end; and said supporting structure comprising: - an energy conversion group;- a braking system located on the energy conversion group intended to slow down/block the driving movement thereof, in use, said hydroelectric anchor generating electricity with the variation of the water level thanks to the Archimedes thrust, characterized in that the hydroelectric anchor also comprises an intelligent control controller comprising: - detectors; - a potential energy regulation device for storing the potential energy in order to release it to produce electricity at the desired time, and, - a device for correcting the anchoring system, comprising means for increasing or decreasing the anchoring force of the hydroelectric anchor depending on the external forces which are applied to the floating structure;