Floating Wave Energy Converter with Segmented Rotating Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave energy devices are limited to high-energy seas, have high visual and acoustic impact, require toxic paints, and are inefficient in low-energy seas with mild climates, necessitating a device that is eco-friendly, modular, and efficient in multiple directions.
Innovation Solution
A floating structure with a rotating member and converter member that converts wave kinetic energy into electrical energy using a symmetrical, low-inertia design with minimal mechanical components, anchored to the seabed for stability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If floating devices with large sizes and high-inertia mechanical parts are used, then they can operate in very energetic seas, but they cannot be used efficiently in low energy seas with mild climate
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the wave energy capture mechanism into multiple independent floating bodies (first and second floating bodies) that can operate independently or in combination. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for lower energy conditions while maintaining overall system power capability through modular scaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the floating structures by using low-inertia mechanical parts and designing floating bodies with specific buoyancy characteristics. This allows the device to respond effectively to lower energy wave conditions while maintaining operational capability across varying sea states.
2Productivity
If fixed devices are attached to shore structures, then they can produce energy from waves reaching shore, but they have great visual and acoustic impact and are not socially appreciated
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from fixed shore-based installation to floating offshore installation, moving the energy production system into a different spatial dimension (from land to sea). This allows energy production to continue while eliminating visual and acoustic impacts from shore-based structures.
3Power
If underwater devices are installed on seabed with foundations, then they can capture wave energy, but they require high initial investment and high maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the device from the seabed environment and positions it as a floating structure on the water surface. This eliminates the need for complex seabed foundations and anchor systems, significantly reducing installation and maintenance costs while maintaining wave energy capture capability.
4Reliability
If devices use metal materials with toxic paints, then they can prevent marine bio-fouling, but they have environmental consequences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction, combining floating bodies made from environmentally compatible materials with appropriate protective coatings. This replaces toxic paint systems with eco-friendly alternatives that maintain operational reliability without environmental harm.
5Device complexity
If underwater devices are unidirectional, then they are simple to design, but they are energy inefficient and suitable only for seas with waves from one direction
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with universal functionality to capture wave energy from multiple directions. The arrangement of floating bodies and mechanical components allows the system to effectively convert wave motion regardless of direction, eliminating the limitation of unidirectional devices while maintaining design simplicity.
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 device efficiently generates electrical energy in low-energy seas, reduces environmental impact, and requires minimal maintenance, being scalable and invisible from shore.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating member (12) configured to be hit by a wave and at least partly absorb its kinetic energy
Implementation Method 2
the kinetic energy being converted into electrical energy by a converter member (13)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
Device (10) for converting wave energy into electrical energy comprising a floating structure ( 11 ), a rotating member ( 12) configured to be rotated with respect to the floating structure (11) and pivoted to a converter member (13) attached to said floating structure (11) and configured to convert the movement of said rotating member (12) into electrical energy.