Hinged Wave Energy Apparatus for Omnidirectional Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave power plants are inefficient at low sea states and limited in their ability to extract energy from various wave directions, and they often struggle to survive large sea states (storms).
Innovation Solution
The apparatus consists of a first buoyant body connected to multiple second buoyant bodies via hinges arranged below the water surface, with each second body inclined at a mean angle relative to the horizontal plane, allowing for omnidirectional energy extraction from both surge and heave forces across a wide range of frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional wave power plants use fixed directional structures, then they can extract energy efficiently from waves in specific directions, but they cannot effectively capture energy from multiple wave directions or adapt to varying wave conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The wave power plant is divided into multiple independent buoyant bodies (first buoyant body and second buoyant bodies) connected by hinge means, allowing each segment to respond independently to waves from different directions while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge means enable dynamic relative movement between buoyant bodies, allowing the structure to adapt its configuration in real-time to capture energy from waves approaching from various directions, transforming the rigid fixed structure into a flexible dynamic system
2Reliability
If wave power plants are designed for stability in calm conditions, then they operate efficiently in low sea states, but they cannot survive large sea states and storms
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic hinge connections allow the structure to flex and adapt to extreme wave conditions during storms, preventing structural failure, while maintaining operational efficiency in calmer conditions through controlled relative movements of the buoyant bodies
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters (relative positions and orientations of buoyant bodies) in response to varying sea states, optimizing performance across a wide range of conditions from calm waters to stormy seas
3Productivity
If wave power plants use narrow frequency tuning, then they achieve high efficiency at specific wave frequencies, but they cannot effectively extract energy across a broad frequency band
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple buoyant bodies with different natural frequencies are connected through hinge means, creating a system that can resonate with and extract energy from waves across a broad spectrum of frequencies, rather than being limited to a single tuned frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge-connected buoyant body system serves multiple functions simultaneously: each buoyant body can respond to different wave frequencies, and the relative movements between bodies enable energy extraction across a wide frequency range, making the system universally effective across varying wave conditions
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 enhances energy extraction efficiency across a broad frequency band, enabling effective operation in low and high sea states, including storms, and allows for energy capture from multiple wave directions without the need for directional alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a first body connected to a plurality of second buoyant bodies
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for installation in a body of water (W) for extracting energy from waves comprises a first body (10) connected to one or more second bodies (12). Energy transforming means (6; 16) are connected between the first body and at least one of the second bodies. Each second body (12) is connected to the first body (10) via a respective hinge means (16) arranged below the water surface (S); and each second body (12) is arranged at a mean angle (?) which is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, when the apparatus is installed in the body of water.