Floating Multi-Energy Turbine for Wave, Tidal, and Wind Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies fail to effectively harness electricity from wave motion, tidal changes, and wind simultaneously using a single apparatus, limiting the exploitation of renewable energy sources and contributing to global warming.
Innovation Solution
An electricity generating apparatus featuring a base enclosure with controlled buoyancy, vertical towers, a turbine with curved panels, and an air pump system that utilizes both wave and tidal motion and wind energy to drive generators, with integrated control circuitry for remote operation and adjustable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate apparatus are used for wave energy, tidal energy, and wind energy generation, then each energy source can be effectively harnessed, but device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines wave energy conversion, tidal energy conversion, and wind energy conversion into a single integrated floating platform apparatus. The platform includes a wave energy converter with a floating body and oscillating water column, a tidal turbine in the water flow path, and a wind turbine on the platform, all working simultaneously to generate electricity from multiple renewable sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating platform serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a support structure for the wave energy converter, provides a base for the wind turbine, guides tidal flow through the tidal turbine, and houses control systems. This multi-functional design allows one apparatus to replace what would traditionally require three separate systems.
2Productivity
If only single energy source apparatus are deployed, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and energy generation capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three distinct energy conversion systems into one integrated apparatus, enabling simultaneous electricity generation from waves, tides, and wind. This combination multiplies the productivity and energy output capacity compared to single-source systems while sharing common infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus utilizes the natural variability in wave height, tidal current speed, and wind velocity as independent parameters that can be exploited simultaneously. By designing components optimized for each parameter type, the system maximizes energy capture across different environmental conditions and time periods.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If fossil fuel combustion is used for electricity generation, then energy production is reliable and efficient, but harmful carbon emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the natural kinetic energy of ocean waves, tidal currents, and wind - previously underutilized environmental forces - into useful electricity. By harnessing these renewable sources, the system replaces carbon-intensive fossil fuel generation while maintaining energy production capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus utilizes free environmental resources (wave motion, tidal flows, and wind) that require no fuel input or external energy supply. The system generates electricity by capturing the natural kinetic energy already present in the environment, making it self-sufficient and emission-free.
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 apparatus efficiently generates electricity from wave motion and tidal currents while leveraging wind energy, providing a comprehensive renewable energy solution that reduces environmental impact by utilizing a single system for multiple energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
wave motion producing vertical currents and tidal action producing horizontal currents both drive the turbine that drives the generator
Implementation Method 2
wave motion producing vertical currents and tidal action producing horizontal currents both drive the turbine that drives the generator
Implementation Method 3
the air pump provides air to the manifold providing air below the turbine that also drives the turbine
Implementation Method 4
an air pump powered by vanes driven by wind
Implementation Method 5
the base enclosure has a buoyancy such that it floats with the first vertical tower projecting above a surface of the water
Data Source
AI summary
An electricity generating apparatus has a turbine between two vertical water-tight towers on a floating base that may be managed to attain a buoyancy such that the towers protrude above a water surface and the turbine remains below the water surface. One tower has an upward extending air conduit with an air pump driven by wind vanes at an upper region. The turbine is adapted to be driven by both wave motion and by tide currents, and an air manifold beneath the turbine, fed with air from the air pump, feeds air to aid in turning the turbine, which in turn drives a generator in one of the towers.