Linear Faraday Induction Generator for Wave Energy Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ocean wave energy dissipation technologies are inefficient in capturing and converting wave kinetic energy into electrical power, leading to significant energy wastage and damage to coastal structures, as they either reflect waves, absorb all energy causing damage, or have low efficiency due to complex mechanical components and poor magnetic flux linkage.
Innovation Solution
A linear Faraday induction generator system with a permanent magnet array and conductive coils, configured with a four-phase full wave rectifier and summing circuit, is integrated into an electrokinetic seawall to efficiently convert ocean wave kinetic energy into electrical energy, utilizing a matrix of Linear Energy Generators with Inertial Liquid Wave Dampening Stabilizers to attenuate waves and produce power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional seawall absorbs all wave energy to protect coastline, then coastal structures are protected from wave damage, but the seawall suffers increased cumulative damage and shortened lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful wave energy that would otherwise damage the seawall into useful electrical energy through electromagnetic induction. The linear generator system captures kinetic energy from wave motion, transforming it into electricity while simultaneously reducing the mechanical stress and damage accumulated by the seawall structure.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a seawall reflects wave energy to reduce absorption damage, then wave energy is not fully absorbed, but violent standing waves are produced in front of the seawall
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of simply reflecting or absorbing wave energy, the system converts the wave's kinetic energy into electrical energy through the linear generator. This approach eliminates both the damage from full absorption and the harmful standing waves from reflection, as the energy is productively captured during the wave's interaction with the seawall.
3Productivity
If existing wave energy technology is used to capture wave energy, then some electrical power is generated, but the conversion efficiency is low due to complex mechanical components and poor magnetic flux linkage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical conversion systems with a direct electromagnetic induction system. The linear generator uses permanent magnets and conductive coils to directly convert the linear motion of waves into electrical energy, eliminating the need for intermediate mechanical components such as pistons, turbines, or gear systems that reduce efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes magnetic flux linkage by using an array of permanent magnets arranged to maximize interaction with conductive coils during wave motion. This configuration ensures strong and consistent electromagnetic induction throughout the generator's operating range, significantly improving conversion efficiency compared to existing technologies.
4Productivity
If only 0.5 TW of wave energy is captured with existing technology, then some energy is harvested, but the majority of available wave energy (up to 2.7 TW practical potential) is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an array of multiple linear generators distributed along the seawall structure. Each generator independently captures energy from wave motion at its location, and the combined output of all generators significantly increases total energy capture capability, potentially reaching a much larger fraction of the available 2.7 TW practical wave energy resource.
Solution Approach 2:
The seawall structure serves dual functions: providing coastal protection and generating electrical energy. The linear generators are integrated into the seawall design, allowing the same structure to simultaneously protect against wave damage and harvest wave energy, maximizing productivity without requiring separate energy conversion facilities.
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 captures a substantial fraction of wave energy, converting it into electrical power with high efficiency, reducing wave damage to coastlines and structures, and is durable and maintainable, with the potential to handle a wide range of ocean wave sizes and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Linear faraday induction generator for the generation of electrical power from ocean wave kinetic energy
Data Source
AI summary
A linear generator includes a permanent magnet array having at least two magnets arranged end-to-end. A set of conductive coils is arranged around the permanent magnet array. A four-phase full wave rectifier is configured to accept alternating current inputs from the set of conductive coils and to produce one or more direct current outputs. A summing circuit is configured to aggregate the one or more direct current outputs from the rectifier to produce a combined, rectified direct current output.