Floating Bridge Turbine System for Tidal Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for generating electrical energy from water currents, such as tidal currents, are not economically viable for large-scale use due to high costs and rigidity, which limits their adaptability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A floating bridge system comprising interconnected units with at least three floating bodies, allowing for omnidirectional movement and flexible anchoring, featuring two turbine units per unit, and a driving deck for maintenance and public access, which reduces costs and enhances adaptability to wave motion and current directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed bridge systems with turbine units are used, then energy generation from water currents is achieved, but the cost price is high and adaptability to wave motion and current directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge is divided into multiple floating units that can move independently relative to each other. Each unit contains turbine units that can be oriented at different angles, allowing the system to adapt to varying current directions and wave motions while maintaining overall structural integrity through connecting means.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting means between floating units allow for relative movement and rotation, enabling the bridge structure to dynamically adjust to wave motion and changing current directions. This dynamic capability reduces system rigidity while maintaining stability and energy generation efficiency.
2Reliability
If rigid connection of floating bodies is used, then structural stability is maintained, but the ability to adapt to wave motion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting means incorporate dynamic elements that allow floating units to move and rotate relative to each other in response to wave motion, while maintaining sufficient structural stability for reliable operation. This dynamic connection system balances stability and adaptability.
3Productivity
If multiple turbine units are installed per floating unit, then energy generation capacity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple turbine units are integrated into each floating unit, sharing common support structures and control systems. This merging approach increases energy generation capacity while managing complexity through shared components and standardized designs.
4Device complexity
If floating units are interconnected with simple connecting means, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain desired positioning is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting means act as intermediary elements between floating units, providing a balance between simplicity and positioning control. These connecting structures enable relative movement while maintaining sufficient constraint to keep units at desired positions for effective energy generation.
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 achieves significant cost reduction, increased scalability, and enhanced reliability by allowing flexible positioning and orientation, enabling efficient energy generation from tidal currents while supporting structural functionality like bridges and public access.
Implementation Method 1
system for generating electrical energy from water currents, such as in particular tidal currents
Implementation Method 2
a number of interconnected units arranged in line with one another, with each unit comprising at least three floating bodies
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3a~4
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for generating electrical energy from water currents, such as in particular tidal currents, comprising at least one elongate unit (10) with at least three floating bodies (12, 13a, 13b) provided beside each other and parallel to each other in a row so as to enable the system to float on a water surface of a water reservoir such as a sea, an ocean, a river or the like. The system further comprises a frame (1 1) extending along the length of the elongate unit, of which the at least three floating bodies form part or to which they are at least connected, at least two turbine units to be driven by water currents, each comprising at least one rotor body (32), connecting means (34; 134) for mechanically connecting each one of the at least two turbine units to at least one of the at least three floating bodies and/or to the frame, such that the rotor bodies are positioned completely under the water surface and, viewed from above, between two adjacent floating bodies, connecting means (38; 44) for connecting the system to at least one anchoring means (40) that is connected to the bottom of the water reservoir, the connection being such that the at least one unit can move along with movements of the water surface such as for example caused by wave motion and tidal movement. The system comprises a number of interconnected units arranged in line with each other. The invention also relates to a bridge comprising such a system.