Fluid Survey Apparatus for Tidal Site Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for surveying fluid data in bodies of fluid, such as tidal streams, are inefficient and costly, particularly for long-term surveys and identifying suitable deployment sites for tidal power generators.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that surveys a predetermined characteristic within a body of fluid adjacent an axis transecting the fluid, comprising a survey member interposed between position defining arrangements and at least one instrumentality adapted to survey fluid characteristics, allowing for data collection over a predetermined time period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional surveying methods are used for long-term fluid data collection, then measurement precision can be maintained, but loss of time and increased cost occur
Solution Approach 1:
The survey apparatus is divided into multiple independent position defining arrangements (first and second arrangements) that can operate simultaneously at different locations. Each arrangement includes its own survey member and instrumentality, allowing parallel data collection across multiple spatial points without requiring sequential surveying, thus reducing total survey time while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional single-point or linear surveying to a multi-dimensional spatial survey configuration. By deploying survey members at multiple positions simultaneously and measuring fluid characteristics across different spatial coordinates and depths, the system achieves comprehensive long-term surveying efficiency through parallelization across space rather than time.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive fluid data surveying is conducted over long periods, then identification accuracy of suitable deployment sites improves, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple survey members with instrumentalities are combined into a single integrated apparatus that operates simultaneously at different positions. The first and second position defining arrangements work together to collect fluid data parallelly, merging multiple survey operations into one coordinated system that reduces total survey time and cost while maintaining comprehensive data collection for accurate deployment site identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The survey apparatus enables continuous data collection over extended periods through simultaneous operation at multiple positions. By maintaining continuous surveying activity across all deployment locations without interruption or sequential gaps, the system achieves comprehensive fluid character data accumulation more efficiently, improving site identification accuracy while reducing overall survey cost through time savings.
3Productivity
If multiple position defining arrangements are deployed simultaneously, then survey productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both the first and second position defining arrangements use identical survey members and instrumentalities, creating a universal modular system. This standardization across multiple positions simplifies the overall device complexity while enabling parallel surveying operations that increase productivity. The repeated use of the same proven components ensures reliability and ease of deployment across all positions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus adapted to survey a predetermined characteristic within a body of fluid adjacent an axis that transects the body of fluid, the apparatus comprising: a survey member interposed between first and second position defining arrangements; and at least one instrumentality associated with the survey member, each instrumentality adapted to survey the predetermined characteristic of the body of fluid adjacent the axis, wherein a survey of the predetermined characteristic is conducted over a predetermined time period. The present invention provides a method of surveying a predetermined characteristic within a body of fluid adjacent an axis that transects the body of fluid, the method comprising the steps of: deploying into a body of fluid at least one apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention; and obtaining survey data of the predetermined characteristic from one or more of the instrumentalities over the predetermined time period. The present invention also provides methods of determining whether a potentially suitable site is a suitable site for operative location of a fluid-based electricity generator, and other related methods.