Inductive UV Antifouling Panels for Submerged Surface Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antifouling systems face challenges in powering UV light sources on large, irregularly shaped surfaces, especially when submerged in water, due to electrical hazards and corrosion issues, requiring a more efficient and flexible power delivery method.
Innovation Solution
A modular antifouling system utilizing wireless inductive power transfer with a central inductive power emitter and multiple receivers, encapsulated in panels to protect against water and corrosion, allowing for flexible coverage of large areas and efficient power distribution to UV light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired power delivery is used for UV light sources on large irregular surfaces, then power can be delivered to the light sources, but electrical hazards and corrosion issues arise when submerged in water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical/electrical power delivery with wireless inductive power transfer. The system uses an inductive power emitter and receiver to transmit power wirelessly through water, eliminating the need for physical electrical connections that cause corrosion and safety hazards when submerged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate electromagnetic field as the mediator for power transfer. The inductive power emitter generates an electromagnetic field that couples with the receiver through water, allowing power delivery without direct electrical contact between power source and UV light sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular panels are used to cover large irregular surfaces, then flexible coverage is achieved, but power distribution to multiple panels becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antifouling system into modular panels, each with its own inductive power receiver and UV light sources. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement on irregular surfaces while maintaining independent power reception for each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive power emitter serves multiple functions: it provides power to all modular panels simultaneously and can be positioned centrally to serve the entire array of panels. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall power distribution architecture.
3Reliability
If encapsulation is used to protect against water and corrosion, then component protection is improved, but power transfer efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin encapsulating films or coatings on the inductive power receiver and UV light sources. These thin protective layers provide corrosion and water resistance while minimizing interference with electromagnetic field penetration and inductive power transfer 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 effectively delivers power to UV light sources on large, irregular surfaces while minimizing corrosion and electrical hazards, enabling continuous or periodic antifouling radiation, and allowing for additional device powering, such as sensors, with high efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A modular antifouling system utilizing wireless inductive power transfer with a central inductive power emitter and multiple receivers
Implementation Method 2
most micro-organisms are killed, rendered inactive or unable to reproduce with sufficient UV light. This effect is mainly governed by the total dose of UV light. A particularly effective type of light in this respect is UVC light with a wavelength in the approximate wavelength range of 100 to 280 nm
Data Source
AI summary
An antifouling system for reducing and/or preventing fouling of an object exposed to fouling conditions when in use, comprising a plurality of antifouling devices (26) for providing an antifouling radiation to at least part of the object and/or at least part of the antifouling system; wherein the antifouling system further comprises: —a power transmission system comprising: —an inductive power emitter (10) comprising at least one inductive emitter element (12); and —a plurality of inductive power receivers (24) each one comprising at least one inductive receiver element; wherein the inductive power emitter and the plurality of inductive power receivers are for mounting on the object in a fixed configuration with respect to each other thereby to provide an inductive coupling between each one of the at least one inductive receiver elements and the at least one inductive emitter element such that power may be inductively transmitted when the power transmission system is in use; and wherein the plurality of antifouling devices (26) are configured to be driven using transmitted power from at least one of the plurality of inductive power receivers when the system is in use.