Hermetic Tidal Cap Venting for Consistent Pneumatic Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tidal and wave energy capture technologies are inconsistent and not scalable, and the generated power is not economically stored, leading to inefficiencies and environmental challenges.
Innovation Solution
A hermetic cap positioned in a body of water with a vent system that captures the tidal changes to generate airflow that activates a generator, using a pneumatic actuator to harness and store energy, with a system that includes a hermetic cap, vents, pipes, and valves to ensure consistent airflow direction regardless of tide direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If wave and wind technologies are used to generate power, then clean energy production is achieved, but power consistency deteriorates due to weather dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hermetic cap that captures and replicates the tidal motion effect to drive a pneumatic actuator, creating a consistent power generation mechanism that isn't directly dependent on variable wave conditions. The cap essentially copies the beneficial tidal rise-fall motion while isolating the generator from direct wave exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical wave-to-generator coupling with a pneumatic intermediate system. The hermetic cap converts tidal motion into pneumatic pressure changes, which then drive the pneumatic actuator to generate electricity, substituting a more reliable pneumatic-mechanical system for direct wave mechanical coupling.
2Power
If tidal stream technology is used, then power generation is achieved, but scalability deteriorates due to limited field depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal tidal stream generation (constrained by water depth) to vertical tidal rise-fall motion capture. The hermetic cap utilizes the vertical dimension of tidal change, allowing scalability不受 water depth limitations and enabling larger power generation capacities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can be replicated with multiple hermetic caps of varying sizes to scale power generation capacity. Each cap operates independently, allowing modular expansion from small-scale to large-scale installations without the depth constraints of tidal stream technology.
3Reliability
If hermetic cap is secured to sea bed, then cap stability is improved, but movement freedom deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic support system with telescopic pillars that can adjust their length. This allows the hermetic cap to maintain a stable, fixed position relative to the generator while the support structure dynamically adapts to tidal level changes, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
4Productivity
If pneumatic actuator is used to capture airflow, then energy capture efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly uses pneumatic pressure changes from the hermetic cap to drive the pneumatic actuator, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, electrical connections, or control systems. The pneumatic system inherently converts pressure differentials into mechanical motion, simplifying the overall design while maintaining high efficiency.
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
The system provides a reliable, scalable, and consistent power source by harnessing tidal energy, ensuring continuous power generation and storage, even during adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
harnessing power from tidal changes
Implementation Method 2
as the tide rises and falls, the pressure of the trapped air within the cap increases and decreases respectively
Implementation Method 3
the pressurised air within the cap can be used to create an airflow that may be used to activate a generator
Data Source
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AI summary
A concave hermetic air/brine encapsulating vessel, or cap (10), positioned in the sea at a chosen area according to tidal range. Wherein the open underside of the vessel allows brine/sea water to freely enter or exit the vessel and the tide rises and falls respectively. This rise and fall of the brine within the vessel will result in changes to the air pressure within the vessel, as the air because pressurised as the brine rises, and forms a vacuum with the vessel as the brine falls. These changes in pressure are used to operate a pneumatic actuator (60), via a suitable system of valves (50,52) coupled to the inlets and/or outlets of a pipe couple to a vent (30) on the upper portion of the vessel, or within a plurality of pipes couple to a manifold (40) coupled to the vent (30). Wherein the operation of the pneumatic actuator (60) powers a generator (62) for producing and storing power.