Modular Variable Generator Wavelet Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional approaches to energy generation from renewable sources like wind and tidal energy face challenges due to dynamic motion amplitudes, velocities, and directions, leading to inefficiencies and high costs, particularly in using hydraulic systems and complex electronic components for power conditioning.
Innovation Solution
A variable electrical generator with a modular design incorporating coils and magnets that generate wavelets, which are combined using a control arrangement to produce a composite synthesized power output, reducing the need for expensive high-frequency electronic switching units and allowing for dynamic adjustment of output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic apparatus are employed to cope with dynamic motion in renewable energy systems, then the system can handle variable motion amplitudes and velocities, but the system becomes prone to wear and energy losses due to viscous drag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic mechanical systems with an electrical generator system that directly converts mechanical motion from renewable energy sources (wind, tidal, wave) into electrical energy. The generator uses electromagnetic induction rather than hydraulic fluid transmission, eliminating viscous drag losses while maintaining adaptability to variable motion through electronic control of the generator's electrical output.
2Speed
If conventional generators with staged gear systems are used for low rotation rates, then the generator can operate at low speeds, but the device complexity increases due to gear mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the staged gear system entirely from the generator design. Instead of using mechanical gear reduction to achieve low-speed operation, the invention extracts only the essential electromagnetic conversion components (stator, rotor, coils, magnets) and relies on electronic power conditioning to handle the variable speed input, thereby simplifying the mechanical structure while maintaining operational capability at low rotation rates.
3Speed
If large diameter generators are used for direct coupling with wind turbine rotors, then the generator can operate at low rotation rates, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the generator into modular components (stator elements, rotor elements, coils, magnets) that can be manufactured independently and assembled. This modular approach allows for standardized production of smaller, more manageable components rather than manufacturing one large complex generator, reducing both manufacturing cost and complexity while maintaining the capability to generate power at low rotation rates through electronic control.
4Ease of operation
If high-frequency electronic switching units are used for rectification and phase formation, then the electrical output can be controlled, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic control arrangement that adapts its operation based on the variable mechanical input from renewable energy sources. The control system dynamically adjusts the electrical output parameters (voltage, frequency, phase) in real-time to match grid requirements or load demands, using intelligent power electronics that reduce the need for complex high-frequency switching by optimizing the conversion process based on instantaneous operating 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
The solution enables efficient and robust energy conversion with reduced energy losses, lower costs, and improved reliability, suitable for mass production and dynamic renewable energy applications, such as wind and tidal power, by eliminating the need for conventional rectification and phase-forming stages.
Implementation Method 1
the coils for generating wavelets (30) in response to the coils interacting magnetically with the magnets
Data Source
AI summary
A variable electrical generator (20) is operable to convert mechanical motion to electrical power. The generator (20) includes at least a stator element (60) and a rotor element (50) including coils (320) and magnets (90). The generator (20) includes a configuration of modules (80) including the coils (320) for generating wavelets (30) in response to the coils (320) interacting magnetically with the magnets (90), and a control arrangement (70) for combining the wavelets (30) for generating a composite synthesized power output (10) from the generator (20). A method of maintaining a variable generator (20) includes steps of: (a) determining operating status of modules (80) of the generator (20); (b) unplugging and replacing one or more defective modules (80) as identified in step (a). The generator (20) is susceptible to being used in renewable energy system, for example in a tidal water turbine, in a wind turbine, in association with an oscillating wind vane, in association with an ocean float, in a hydroelectric turbine, in a steam turbine.