Hinged Wave Energy Barrier with Side Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave energy collection technologies are inefficient due to suboptimal design configurations, particularly in exploiting the energy potential of traveling pressure waves, and face challenges in withstanding harsh environmental conditions, making them economically unviable.
Innovation Solution
A wave energy collection apparatus featuring a hinged vertically tilting or rotating surface, positioned below the water surface with vertically extending side walls to direct wave pressure fronts, and equipped with floating means to manage buoyancy and rotation, allowing for efficient energy conversion and robust construction at reduced costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the barrier is positioned to barely break the surface at wave crests, then energy collection efficiency is improved, but the structure must withstand extreme 100-year waves which increases manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is designed to tilt dynamically within the frame rather than remaining fixed, allowing it to adapt its position to wave conditions. This dynamic movement enables the barrier to barely break the surface during normal operation for optimal energy collection, while the ability to tilt reduces stress during extreme events like 100-year waves, avoiding the need for overly robust and expensive fixed structures
Solution Approach 2:
The height of the barrier above water is made adjustable to suit different wave heights and weather conditions. This parameter change allows optimization of energy collection for various operational conditions while reducing the maximum height requirement, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and material requirements without sacrificing efficiency during normal operation
2Productivity
If vertically extending side walls are added to direct pressure fronts, then wave energy collection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls are integrated into the existing frame structure that already supports the hinged barrier. Rather than adding separate complex guiding systems, the frame itself is extended with vertical side walls that serve dual purposes: providing structural support for the hinged barrier and directing wave pressure fronts toward the barrier, thereby improving energy collection without proportionally increasing complexity
3Productivity
If the hinge is positioned below the water surface at the trough, then the barrier can effectively exploit traveling pressure waves, but the structure must withstand greater hydrostatic pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is positioned below the water surface at the trough level where hydrostatic pressure is highest, but the frame structure is designed to utilize this pressure distribution. The vertical side walls and the hinged barrier configuration create a structure where the hydrostatic pressure differential actually helps stabilize the hinge position and reduces the net stress on the hinge mechanism, allowing effective exploitation of traveling pressure waves without requiring excessive strength
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 apparatus enhances energy collection efficiency by effectively harnessing wave motion and withstands extreme conditions, reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs while maintaining operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
collecting energy from passing wave pressure fronts and liquid particle motion via a tilting or rotating motion within the frame
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus... positioned below the water surface... floating means to manage buoyancy
Data Source
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AI summary
An improved wave energy collecting apparatus comprising a frame (1) including at least one hinged (2) vertically tilting or rotating surface (3), such as a barrier in the form of a panel or a sail, for collecting energy from passing wave pressure fronts via a tilting or rotating motion within the frame (1), wherein the hinge (2) is positioned below the surface of the fluid at the trough of the passing waves, said barrier (3) being connected to a device capable of transforming the tilting or rotating motion into different types of energy, wherein the apparatus is located at a depth such that the tilting or rotating barrier (3) breaks the surface of passing waves at the crest of the waves. Such an apparatus may also include vertically positioned side walls (4) for directing the pressure fronts from passing waves towards the tilting barrier (3).