Electroactive Polymer Wave Energy Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave energy conversion systems are complex and inefficient, particularly in harnessing energy near the sea surface where wave movement and pressure changes are most pronounced.
Innovation Solution
The use of synthetic stretchable materials (SSM) anchored between movable and static components near the sea surface, which generate electricity as they stretch and relax with wave motion, while also damping wave energy to protect offshore structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional wave energy conversion systems are used, then electricity generation is achieved, but system complexity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating parameters by positioning the buoyant element and SSM material within 25 meters of the sea surface where wave energy is most concentrated, rather than using deep underwater systems. This parameter change (depth position) directly improves energy generation efficiency while simplifying the system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and utilizes the electrostatic charge property of SSM material as the core energy conversion mechanism, eliminating complex mechanical generators, hydraulic pumps, and deep underwater equipment. By taking out only the essential SSM material with electrostatic charges, the system achieves simplicity while maintaining productivity.
2Productivity
If SSM material is used to generate electricity from wave motion, then energy conversion efficiency improves, but wave damping effects may impact offshore structures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful wave impact into beneficial electricity generation. The SSM material captures kinetic energy from wave motion that would otherwise be wasted or damaging, transforming it into electrical energy. The wave damping effect, while reducing wave energy, simultaneously protects offshore structures while the SSM material captures the available energy for generation.
3Productivity
If the buoyant element is positioned closer to the sea surface within 25 meters, then wave energy capture improves, but system vulnerability to storms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamic positioning by allowing the buoyant element to move freely with wave motion while maintaining its position within 25 meters of the surface through buoyancy forces. The system adapts dynamically to varying sea conditions, optimizing energy capture during normal operations and surviving storms through flexible, non-rigid positioning rather than fixed rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameter range by accepting and adapting to varying depths and positions within the upper 25 meters of water column. Rather than maintaining a fixed position, the system allows parameter variations (depth, horizontal position) that enable both optimal energy capture and storm survival through natural buoyancy and flexibility.
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 approach simplifies wave energy conversion, efficiently generating electricity by leveraging wave-induced stretching and relaxation of SSM, while reducing wave impact on structures, and maintaining system integrity during varying sea conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A quantity of electrostatically charged SSM (synthetic stretchable material) lies between the upper and lower parts and generates electricity when the upper part moves upward under a wave trough and/or the upper part moves downward under a wave crest
Implementation Method 2
the upper and lower parts of the element form upper and lower walls of a chamber that contains pressured air that biases the upper and lower walls apart
Implementation Method 3
When the SSM material withdraws energy from the waves, it also damps the waves. Such dampening of waves can be useful to protect offshore structures
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
Systems are provided for obtaining electrical energy from sea waves using deflectable material, especially EAP (electro-active polymers) type SSM (stretchable synthetic material) that generates electricity when an electrostatic charge is applied to the polymer and it is stretched. In one system (10), a buoyant element (12) has upper and lower parts (14, 22) connected by a quantity (36) of SSM, with the lower part anchored at a fixed height above the sea floor (24) and with the upper part movable vertically to stretch and relax the SSM as waves pass over. In another system (50) the buoy is rigid, but is anchored to the sea floor by at least one line (60) that includes, or is connected to at least a length (64) of SSM material. The buoys preferably lie with at least 80% of their volume below the average sea surface.