Linear Generator with Preloaded Rolling Elements for Wave Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently converting irregular or varying translational motion, such as oscillating wave motion, into rotational motion and electrical energy, especially in harsh environmental conditions like ocean waves, due to complex and high-maintenance mechanical systems.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a central rail and support elements with rolling elements that convert oscillating linear motion into rotational motion, utilizing elastically preloaded rolling elements to generate electric current, which can also function as a linear drive from electrical energy, ensuring simple, reliable, and low-maintenance operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a crankshaft is used to convert translational motion to rotational motion, then the conversion is efficient for constant stroke motion, but it cannot handle irregular or varying stroke motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional crankshaft mechanical system with a direct linear generator system where a linear motor converts electrical energy directly into linear motion, eliminating the need for mechanical stroke conversion mechanisms and enabling direct drive of the piston regardless of stroke variation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the stroke length of the piston based on varying sea wave conditions, allowing the linear motor to operate efficiently with irregular motion patterns rather than requiring a fixed mechanical conversion mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rack-and-gear system with freewheel units is used to convert translational motion to rotational motion, then it can handle varying strokes, but the transmission becomes mechanically complex and high-maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the entire rack-and-gear transmission system by using a linear motor that directly generates linear motion, replacing complex mechanical conversions with direct electromagnetic actuation that is inherently more reliable in marine environments
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the problematic mechanical transmission components (rack, gears, freewheel units) from the system, retaining only the essential linear motor and piston assembly, thereby simplifying the overall system and improving reliability
3Power
If traditional mechanical systems are used to convert wave motion to rotational motion, then power conversion is possible, but the systems require sophisticated protection and are high-maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical power conversion systems with a linear motor-based system that directly converts electrical energy to linear motion, eliminating the need for complex mechanical protection systems and reducing maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The linear motor system operates without requiring sophisticated mechanical protection or frequent maintenance, as the direct drive mechanism has fewer moving parts and no complex transmission components that would require servicing in harsh marine environments
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 device effectively converts slow and powerful linear motion into electrical energy and vice versa, operating reliably and with minimal maintenance, even in extreme weather conditions, optimizing power transmission and reducing the need for costly maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a number of rolling bodies or elements in contact with the central rail are rotationally mounted in the support element in such a way that the rolling elements roll on the central rail during the relative (oscillating) linear motion of the support element vis-á-vis the central rail
Implementation Method 2
The rotational motion of at least one of the rolling elements forms the drive of an electric machine
Data Source
AI summary
Device for the reversible transfer of linear motion into rotational motion and for the conversion of rotational motion into electrical energy and vice versa. The device comprises a central rail and a support element which surrounds the central rail or is being surrounded by the central rail, the support element being positioned so as to be capable of performing a linear motion relative to the central rail in the longitudinal direction of the central rail. A number of rolling bodies which are in contact with the central rail are rotationally mounted in the support element. The rolling bodies rotate during the linear motion of the support element relative to the central rail in conjunction with the central rail. The linear motion is also connected to the drive or output of an electric machine. The elastically preloaded rolling bodies are arranged so that the central rail is essentially mounted with zero clearance under pressure, whereby the preload forces cancel each other out and are produced by elastically deformed retaining brackets on the support element. The rotations of at least one rolling body form the drive or output of the electric machine.