Floating Wave Energy Platform with Tuned Pendulum Masses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating electricity from waves are inefficient due to low power density of water and wind, instability in calm sea states, and high costs associated with large-scale projects, which fail to appreciate the degrees of freedom involved in wave energy conversion.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a floating platform with a pendulum mechanism, where the oscillation of waves induces kinetic energy in movable masses, which is then converted into electricity through a magnetic field and coil device, with active tuning to optimize energy generation by adjusting the natural frequencies of the masses and platform components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If large-scale wind and water energy projects are implemented to compensate for low power density, then energy output is improved, but cost and environmental impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a floating platform that dynamically responds to wave motions rather than being anchored to land. The platform moves with waves, converting hydraulic forces directly into mechanical motion of internal components, eliminating the need for large fixed structures while maintaining energy generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the oscillatory motion of waves to drive mechanical vibrations within the floating platform. The wave-induced motions are converted into useful mechanical energy through the relative movements of internal masses and structures, directly harnessing the vibrational energy of waves without requiring large-scale static infrastructure
2Use of energy by moving object
If anchored apparatus is used to generate electricity from waves, then energy generation is achieved, but reliability worsens due to anchoring difficulty and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of anchoring the energy generation apparatus to land and having water move parts of it, the invention inverts the approach by making the platform floating and free to move with waves. The energy generation mechanism is carried on the floating platform itself, eliminating anchoring requirements and associated reliability issues
Solution Approach 2:
The floating platform is self-sufficient, carrying all necessary components for energy generation on board. The system uses its own motion induced by waves to drive the energy conversion mechanism, without requiring external anchoring or support structures that could fail or corrode
3Quantity of substance
If low-density water is used as energy source, then resource availability is improved, but power density worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures the oscillatory kinetic energy of waves through mechanical vibrations of the floating platform and its internal components. By resonating with wave frequencies and converting the back-and-forth motion into useful mechanical work, the system extracts maximum energy from the low-density water resource
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by using a floating platform that moves with waves rather than resisting them. This parameter change allows the system to harness the kinetic energy of water molecules in motion, converting the low-density resource into high-power-density output through efficient mechanical energy extraction
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 increases energy generation efficiency and power density, achieving comparable energy output to coal-fired or nuclear power plants while minimizing environmental impact and costs, by effectively harnessing the kinetic energy of waves in a compact and stable manner.
Implementation Method 1
A mechanism converts the kinetic energy of the second mass moving relative to the first mass into electricity
Implementation Method 2
The pendulum has a connection point and curved surface spaced from the connection point. The connection point of the pendulum is pivotably mounted to the mounting point of the base
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for generating energy from tuning the natural frequency of masses relative to a ground plane and an external three. In some embodiments the external three is the action of the waves. The system has a first mass movable relative to the ground plane, wherein the external force induces an oscillation in the first mass relative to the ground plane. A second movable mass is carried by and movable relative to the first movable mass. The second movable mass creates kinetic energy as the result of varying the position of the second movable mass relative to the first mass. The system adjusts or tunes the frequency of various components in relation to the natural frequency of the waves. The energy created by the relative motion can be converted to various forms of energy including electrical energy.