Floating Ocean Platform with Dynamic Ballast and Wave Energy Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oceanic structures for energy generation and storage lack stability and adaptability, particularly in high seas and severe weather conditions, and do not efficiently utilize wave energy for both power generation and platform stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A floating platform stabilized by wave energy, equipped with vertical ballast tanks, wave coupling floats, generators, energy storage units, navigation systems, and adjustable wave modifiers, which can submerge during storms and utilize deep water air pressure energy storage systems to maintain position and generate pressurized air for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the platform uses fixed ballast tanks for stability, then the platform maintains position stability, but the platform cannot adapt to severe weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast tanks are configured with adjustable ballast levels that can be dynamically changed based on weather conditions. The controller receives wave height signals and automatically adjusts ballast tank levels to optimize platform stability in varying sea states, transforming a static system into a dynamic adaptive one.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform employs an automated control system that uses wave height sensors and controllers to self-adjust ballast levels without human intervention. The system monitors wave conditions and automatically modifies ballast distribution to maintain optimal stability, enabling the platform to service itself in response to environmental changes.
2Productivity
If the platform remains at surface level for energy generation, then wave energy conversion efficiency is maximized, but the platform is vulnerable to damage during high seas
Solution Approach 1:
The platform can dynamically change its vertical position and orientation in response to wave conditions. During severe weather, the platform adjusts its姿态 and depth to survive, then returns to surface-level operation for efficient energy generation when conditions improve, optimizing both productivity and reliability over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform employs a wave modifier that is deployed in advance of damaging waves to reduce wave amplitude and protect the platform structure. This preventive measure cushions the platform against potential damage before the harmful waves reach critical levels, ensuring continued operational reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the platform uses large ballast tanks for stability, then platform flotation and position maintenance are improved, but the platform size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast system is divided into multiple separate tanks rather than one large tank. This segmentation allows independent control of each tank's ballast level, providing fine-grained adjustment capability for stability optimization while using smaller, more manageable tank structures that reduce overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
An automated control system with sensors and controllers manages ballast distribution across multiple tanks, eliminating the need for complex manual operation systems. The self-service automation reduces operational complexity while maintaining precise control over platform stability through coordinated ballast adjustments.
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 platform achieves stable and self-sufficient operation, capable of generating excess power for communities, industrial use, and transmission to the mainland, while ensuring survival in severe weather conditions through submergence and efficient wave energy utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a wave coupling float movable relative to the ballast tanks, and the wave coupling float movable vertically responsive to wave motion
Implementation Method 2
The vertical motion may be coupled to a generator configured to generate electrical energy responsive to the vertical motion
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of vertical ballast tanks attached to said deck support structure, the vertical ballast tanks providing flotation for said deck support structure and capable of floating said deck above a water surface
Implementation Method 4
a wave modifier comprising a structure deployed in a path of an incoming wave to reduce wave amplitude during high seas to prevent damage to said wave coupling floats
Implementation Method 5
The platform may generate pressurized air from wave energy and may store the pressurized air at depth in a plurality of air tanks arranged in sequence at different depths
Data Source
AI summary
A floating platform generating energy produced from wave energy. In one embodiment, the platform may be used to support a roadway to build a floating bridge. The platform may also include a wave break mechanism for additional stability and may submerge for storm survival. The platform may be constructed in modules to permit reconfiguration and management of resources. In other embodiments, the platform may support communities. The bridge may also provide transmission lines for conducting wave generated electricity back to the mainland. In further embodiments, the platform may generate pressurized air from wave energy and may store the pressurized air at depth in a plurality of air tanks arranged in sequence at different depths.