Floating Wind Power System Using Sail and Kite Lateral Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Floating wind power generation systems using kites on unmoored floating bodies experience decreased power generation efficiency due to reduced relative wind speed and require energy-intensive propulsion devices to stabilize the floating body.
Innovation Solution
A floating wind power generation system employing a sailing ship with a hull, kite, and lateral force generating unit, where the control unit adjusts the sail and steering to reduce kite tension using orthogonal lateral forces, minimizing energy consumption and maintaining relative wind speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a propulsion device is used to suppress movement of the floating body, then the floating body can be stabilized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sailing ship uses its own sail to generate lateral force and suppress movement, making the system self-service rather than relying on external propulsion devices. The sail utilizes wind power to create a lateral force component that counteracts the dragging force from the kite, stabilizing the floating body without additional energy consumption from propulsion systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sail acts as an intermediary element between the wind and the floating body. By introducing the sail, the system converts wind energy into a lateral force that stabilizes the floating body, mediating the interaction between environmental forces and the floating body to achieve stability without direct propulsion.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the floating body is allowed to move freely, then energy consumption is reduced, but relative wind speed decreases and power generation efficiency drops
Solution Approach 1:
The sailing ship autonomously adjusts its orientation and sail angle to maintain optimal relative wind speed for the kite while consuming minimal energy. The system self-regulates by using the sail to generate lateral force that counteracts kite-induced movement, thereby maintaining stable power generation conditions without active propulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the orientation parameters of the floating body (heading angle, sail angle) to optimize both energy consumption and power generation efficiency. By adjusting these parameters, the sailing ship maintains a stable relative wind speed for the kite while minimizing the energy required to counteract movement.
3Productivity
If the sail angle and steering are adjusted to reduce kite tension, then power generation efficiency is maintained, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors kite tension and floating body orientation, and adjusts the sail angle and steering accordingly. This feedback mechanism maintains power generation efficiency by keeping the floating body stable while managing the complexity through automated control algorithms that process sensor data and make real-time adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the sail angle and steering based on real-time conditions such as wind direction, kite position, and floating body orientation. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain optimal performance across varying operating conditions while managing complexity through adaptive rather than static control mechanisms.
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 configuration effectively suppresses the decrease in power generation efficiency by reducing kite tension with less energy than traditional propulsion methods, enhancing overall system performance.
Implementation Method 1
a lateral force generating unit that generates a lateral force in a direction substantially orthogonal to a traveling direction of the hull
Implementation Method 2
a kite connected to the hull via a tether; power is generated by winding and unwinding a tether connected to the kite
Data Source
AI summary
A floating wind power generation system consists of a hull equipped with a sail, a kite connected to the hull via a tether, a lateral force generating unit that generates lateral force in a direction approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hull, and a lateral force generator at the bow of the hull. A steering device for controlling the direction, and a control unit for controlling at least one of the angle of the sail and the steering device so that the tension of the kite is reduced by the lateral force.