Guided Surface Waveguide Probe for Offshore Power Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of practical structures for efficiently launching open surface guided waves over planar or spherical surfaces of lossy, homogeneous media, as theoretical analyses have not been translated into effective engineering solutions.
Innovation Solution
The development of guided surface waveguide probes that excite electric fields mode-matched to a guided surface wave mode on lossy conducting media, using a charge terminal elevated over the medium to generate a resultant field at a complex Brewster angle, coupled with a feed network providing phase delay to match the wave tilt angle, allowing for the launch of guided surface waves along the terrestrial medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional antenna structures are used for power transmission, then radio frequency signals can be transmitted, but efficient long-distance electrical power transmission cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional antenna structures with a waveguide probe system that launches guided surface waves along the Earth's surface. This substitution transforms the transmission mechanism from radiative RF signals to guided electromagnetic waves that propagate with lower attenuation, enabling efficient long-distance power transmission while reducing energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the propagation parameters by operating at specific frequencies and angles (Brewster angle) that optimize guided surface wave propagation. By adjusting the launch angle and frequency parameters, the system achieves mode-matched transmission that minimizes energy loss and maximizes transmission efficiency over long distances.
2Reliability
If theoretical analyses of guided surface waves are used, then understanding of wave propagation is achieved, but practical engineering structures for launching these waves are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a waveguide probe as an intermediary structure that bridges theoretical guided surface wave concepts and practical implementation. The probe serves as a tangible engineering structure that can be manufactured and deployed to launch guided waves, translating abstract theoretical analyses into concrete, buildable systems for offshore power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into distinct functional components: the waveguide probe for launching waves, the offshore turbine generator for power generation, and the transmission infrastructure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured independently, making the overall system more practical and easier to implement while maintaining theoretical accuracy.
3Productivity
If guided surface waves are launched at conventional angles, then wave propagation occurs, but mode-matching efficiency is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the wave launch parameters by setting the probe angle to the Brewster angle and selecting specific operating frequencies. This parameter optimization achieves mode-matching between the launched waves and the guided surface wave modes, maximizing productivity and minimizing energy loss through efficient coupling.
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 enables the efficient transmission of electrical energy along the surface of lossy conducting media, such as the Earth, by mode-matching the electric fields to the guided surface wave mode, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing technologies in achieving long-distance offshore power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a guided surface waveguide probe electrically coupled to the generator, the guided surface waveguide probe being configured to launch a guided surface wave on a terrestrial medium
Implementation Method 2
the guided surface waveguide probe includes a charge terminal elevated over the terrestrial medium configured to generate at least one resultant field that synthesizes a wave front incident at a complex Brewster angle of incidence (θ i,B ) of the lossy conducting medium
Implementation Method 3
the system further includes a feed network electrically coupled to the charge terminal, the feed network providing a phase delay (Φ) that matches a wave tilt angle (Ψ) associated with a complex Brewster angle of incidence (θ i,B ) associated with the terrestrial medium in the vicinity of the guided surface waveguide probe
Implementation Method 4
a turbine located underwater; a generator mechanically coupled to the turbine
Implementation Method 5
a generator mechanically coupled to the turbine
Implementation Method 6
a guided surface wave receive structure configured to obtain electrical energy from a first guided surface wave traveling along a terrestrial medium
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5A
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for long distance transmission of offshore generated power. A turbine (403) is located offshore. The turbine (403) can be mechanically coupled to a generator. A guided surface waveguide probe (413) is electrically coupled to the generator and configured to launch a guided surface wave (416) on a terrestrial medium.