Floating Wave Generators and Hub Transport Without Subsea Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave power generation technologies face challenges in producing stable electric power due to irregular horizontal and vertical movements caused by wave motions, and they require costly subsea cables for energy transfer, making large-scale wave power generation economically inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A renewable energy generation system comprising a plurality of power generators shaped like roly-poly capsules that float in the sea, converting wave energy into electrical energy, and a first hub for storing and transporting this energy using cables, batteries, and transportation units like UAVs or drones, eliminating the need for subsea cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If built-in stationary wave power generation devices are used, then wave energy can be converted into electrical energy, but stable electric power cannot be produced due to irregular horizontal and vertical movements caused by wave motions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic power generation devices that can move freely on the water surface rather than being fixed in position. These devices adapt their position and orientation in response to wave motions, converting irregular wave energy into stable electrical output through dynamic adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates control devices that monitor wave conditions and adjust the power generation devices accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the devices to optimize their position and operation in real-time, maintaining stable power generation despite varying sea states.
2Productivity
If wave power generation devices are installed in distant seas and coastal and offshore waters, then renewable energy production is increased, but costly subsea cables are required for energy transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy transfer function from the traditional subsea cable infrastructure and replaces it with airborne transportation units. These units collect electrical energy from floating hubs and transport it to land-based destinations, eliminating the need for expensive subsea cable installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces floating hubs as intermediary structures that collect energy from multiple power generation devices and serve as transfer points for airborne transportation units. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture and reduces infrastructure complexity.
3Productivity
If a plurality of power generators are deployed to increase energy production, then electric power output is improved, but system complexity and transportation logistics increase
Solution Approach 1:
The airborne transportation units are designed to perform multiple functions: transporting electrical energy, carrying maintenance equipment, and supporting operational control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems, thereby simplifying overall system complexity despite the deployment of multiple power generators.
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 system enables efficient and stable electric power generation from wave energy without the economic burden of subsea cables, by controlling power generators based on wave intensity, speed, and cycle, and facilitates energy transportation to land using advanced transportation units.
Implementation Method 1
power generators that float in a sea and produce electric power by converting wave energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of batteries configured to be coupled to or separated from the first hub and to store the electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A renewable energy generation method includes: a first production process in which electric power is produced by converting wave energy into electrical energy using a plurality of power generators having the shape of a roly-poly-like capsule that floats in a sea; a storage process in which the electrical energy produced in the first production process is stored in a first hub connected to the power generators; and a transportation process in which the electrical energy stored in the first hub is transported to a predetermined place by use of a transportation.