Hexagonal Mooring Array for Wave Energy Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mooring systems for wave energy converters (WECs) require a high anchor-to-buoy ratio, which is expensive and space-consuming, and can impede the relative motion of WEC components, interfering with energy generation.
Innovation Solution
A mooring system where each WEC is connected to three anchors via mooring lines spaced 120 degrees apart, with each anchor serving multiple WECs, arranged in a pattern of contiguous hexagonal cells or triangular formations, reducing the number of anchors needed and allowing for efficient energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each WEC is connected to three anchors spaced around it, then the WEC is securely retained in place, but the anchor-to-WEC ratio becomes 3:1 which is expensive and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple anchors by having a single anchor serve multiple WECs. In the hexagonal cell configuration, each anchor is shared by three different WECs, so one anchor performs the retention function for multiple devices simultaneously, reducing the total number of anchors from 3 per WEC to 1 per WEC on average.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes anchors universal by designing them to serve multiple functions and multiple WECs. Each anchor in the array is not dedicated to a single WEC but rather provides mooring service to multiple WECs within its geometric coverage area, transforming the anchor from a single-function component to a multi-functional one.
2Reliability
If anchors are placed close to WECs for effective mooring, then the WEC is securely held, but the anchors impede the relative motion of WEC components which interferes with energy generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the spatial zones around each WEC. The mooring lines are configured with specific geometric angles (120 degrees apart in the hexagonal pattern) that create optimal local force distribution zones. This geometric arrangement ensures that the mooring forces are applied in a way that secures the WEC while maintaining the necessary clearance and motion freedom for energy generation components.
3Productivity
If many WECs are deployed to increase power generation, then the total energy output increases, but the number of anchors required increases proportionally making the system more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges anchor resources across the entire WEC array rather than dedicating separate anchors to each WEC. The hexagonal cell pattern creates a shared anchor pool where anchors serve multiple WECs simultaneously, allowing the system to scale in power generation capacity without a proportional increase in anchor quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-to-one anchor-WEC relationship to a many-to-many relationship by organizing WECs and anchors in a two-dimensional hexagonal lattice pattern. This spatial dimensionality change allows anchors to service multiple WECs in different directions and planes, breaking the linear proportionality between WEC count and anchor count.
Data Source
AI summary
A mooring system for a plurality of wave energy converters (WECs) includes a multiplicity of anchors coupled to form an array of contiguous hexagonal shaped cells. Each cell has 3 WECs and 3 anchors located at the vertices of the hexagon, with a WEC alternating with an anchor going around the perimeter of the cell. Except for the cells at the edges of the array, each WEC is connected to two anchors of its cell and an anchor of an adjacent contiguous cell. Each WEC is connected to three different anchors via 3 mooring lines spaced 120 degrees apart about the WEC. The ratio of the number of anchors per WEC is decreased by connecting each anchor to more than one WEC. The cells can be arranged to form many different patterns. In one embodiment a plurality of WECs and anchors are deployed in a generally triangular formation extending from an apex of the triangular formation to a base.