Active Heave Compensation via Motor-Generator Energy Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic/gas pressure active heave compensation systems are complex, costly, and prone to leakage, requiring regular maintenance and risking environmental pollution.
Innovation Solution
An active heave compensation system utilizing a motor-generator and electrical storage element, where the motor-generator acts as both a motor to drive the load during one part of the wave cycle and a generator to regenerate energy, which is stored in an electrical storage element like a super capacitor for use in the next cycle, reducing the need for hydraulic systems and minimizing maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic system is used for active heave compensation, then the system can effectively compensate for wave motion effects, but the system becomes complex and requires regular maintenance to avoid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic system with an electrical system consisting of a motor-generator and electrical storage element. The motor-generator converts electrical energy to mechanical energy to drive the load during the first part of the wave motion cycle, and converts mechanical energy to electrical energy during the second part. This substitution eliminates hydraulic fluid leakage issues while maintaining effective heave compensation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy storage parameter by using an electrical storage element (capacitor or battery) instead of hydraulic pressure storage. This parameter change allows the system to store and release energy electrically, simplifying the overall system architecture and eliminating the need for complex hydraulic piping and pressure regulation mechanisms.
2Force
If a hydraulic system is used for active heave compensation, then the system can provide force to the load, but the system becomes costly and requires secure maintenance to avoid environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic force transmission system with an electrical motor-generator system. The motor-generator provides the necessary force to the load through electrical-to-mechanical energy conversion, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid, seals, and piping. This substitution significantly reduces manufacturing costs and eliminates maintenance requirements related to hydraulic leakage and environmental pollution.
3Productivity
If energy is supplied to the hydraulic system in each wave cycle, then the system can compensate for wave motion, but energy consumption increases without recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements energy recovery by using the motor-generator as a generator during the second part of the wave motion cycle. Instead of dissipating the mechanical energy recovered during the downward motion of the load, the system converts it back to electrical energy and stores it in the electrical storage element. This recovered energy is then used to power the motor-generator during the next upward motion cycle, significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control through the bidirectional motor-generator system. The control unit monitors the wave motion and adjusts the motor-generator operation accordingly, using the energy recovered during one phase to fuel the next phase. This feedback mechanism optimizes energy utilization and maintains effective heave compensation capability while minimizing energy consumption from external power sources.
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 simplifies the system, reduces maintenance needs, minimizes environmental risks, and enhances energy efficiency by regenerating and storing energy for subsequent use, thereby lowering operational costs and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
operate the motor-generator to drive the load in a first part of a wave motion cycle
Implementation Method 2
operate the motor-generator to regenerate in a second part of the wave motion cycle at least part of the energy with which the load has been driven
Implementation Method 3
an electrical storage element to buffer at least part of the regenerated energy for powering the motor-generator in a following cycle of the wave motion
Data Source
AI summary
A heave compensation system comprises a motor-generator to interact with a load and a control unit being arranged to control operation of the motor-generator. The control unit is arranged to: operate the motor-generator to drive the load in a first part of a wave motion cycle, and operate the motor-generator to regenerate in a second part of the wave motion cycle at least a part of the energy with which the load has been driven in the first part of the wave motion cycle. The heave compensation system comprises an electrical storage element to buffer at least part of the regenerated energy for powering the motor-generator in a following cycle of the wave motion.