Modular Floating Wave Generators With Hub-Cable Power Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wave power generation systems face spatial limitations and high costs due to the difficulty of expanding onshore installations and the need for costly subsea cables for energy transfer in offshore locations.

Innovation Solution

A renewable energy generation system comprising capsule-shaped power generators that float on the sea, interconnected by cables to a hub for energy storage and transmission, allowing for scalable power generation and efficient energy transfer without expensive submarine cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If wave power generation devices are installed in distant seas and offshore waters, then energy generation capacity is improved, but installation cost increases due to costly subsea cables

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy generation capacityVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the wave power generation facility into multiple modular floating units, each capable of independent operation. These units are connected to each other and to the shore via a single cable that transmits both power and control signals, eliminating the need for multiple expensive subsea cables while maintaining offshore energy generation capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If onshore wave power generation installations are expanded, then energy generation capacity is improved, but spatial availability deteriorates due to limited coastal space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy generation capacityVSAvoidspatial availability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions wave power generation from a two-dimensional onshore layout to a three-dimensional offshore floating configuration. Multiple modular units can be deployed in the water column and connected in various configurations, effectively utilizing spatial volume rather than limited coastal surface area, thereby expanding energy generation capacity without consuming additional land space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a modular floating system with cable connections is used, then scalability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovescalabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable connecting the modular floating units serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits electrical power from the wave energy converters, carries control signals for system coordination, and provides structural support for the floating units. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining scalability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables cost-effective and scalable wave energy conversion to electrical energy, overcoming spatial limitations and reducing installation costs by using a modular system for power generation and storage.

Implementation Method 1

Wave power generation refers to the production of electrical energy by use of the periodic perpendicular motion of the water surface caused by waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWave power: Wave Power

Implementation Method 2

a capsule shape including a tumbling doll shape, floating on the sea

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS12049861B2Renewable energy generation system
Publication Date: 2024.07.30 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US12049861B2 patent drawing
  • US12049861B2 patent drawing
  • US12049861B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A renewable energy generation system includes a renewable energy power generator including a capsule shape including a tumbling doll shape, floating on the sea, and producing electrical power by converting wave energy into electrical energy; a first hub connected to the renewable energy power generator and configured to store the electrical energy; and a cable configured to transmit the electrical energy produced by the renewable energy power generator to the first hub by connecting the renewable energy power generator to one or more of another renewable energy power generators and the first hub.