Offshore Dam Wave Energy Plant With Submerged Ducts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wave energy conversion systems are complex and inefficient, failing to achieve satisfactory results in power production.

Innovation Solution

A plant comprising an offshore dam with submerged ducts and non-return valves, connected to a turbine and hydraulic pump system that harnesses wave motion to generate electricity, optimizing energy conversion through a simple and economically advantageous design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If complex buoy and piston systems are used to convert wave motion to electricity, then energy conversion capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the energy conversion function from complex buoy-piston systems and relocates it to a simplified turbine system positioned on the seabed or in a land zone. The turbine directly converts water flow energy to rotational mechanical energy, eliminating the need for complex buoyancy-based piston mechanisms while maintaining power generation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary water supply duct system with non-return valves that mediates between the wave action and the turbine. This duct system captures wave-driven water flow and directs it to the turbine, separating the wave capture function from the energy conversion function, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If traditional wave energy conversion systems are implemented, then electricity generation is achieved, but manufacturing cost and construction complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectricity generationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the wave energy conversion system into distinct functional modules: wave capture (via ducts and non-return valves in the offshore dam), water transport (via supply ducts), and energy conversion (via turbine). This modular segmentation enables independent optimization and simplified manufacturing of each component, reducing overall construction complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs simpler, more easily manufacturable components such as standard turbine units and modular duct sections that can be fabricated using conventional engineering techniques. These components are designed for ease of assembly and replacement, reducing manufacturing costs compared to specialized buoy-piston systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Power

If complex apparatus with anchored buoys and floating cylinders are used, then wave energy capture is achieved, but system reliability and operational efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewave energy captureVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of capturing wave energy through floating buoys that move with waves and transfer motion to pistons, the invention inverts the approach by using fixed offshore dam structures with submerged ducts that passively capture water flow. The non-return valves automatically regulate flow direction based on wave motion, eliminating the need for complex mechanical motion transfer mechanisms and improving system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 provides a cost-effective and efficient method for converting wave motion into electricity, enhancing operational efficiency and scalability by utilizing a straightforward offshore dam and turbine setup.

Implementation Method 1

at least one turbine connected to electric power generating means is positioned in this offshore dam or in a land zone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTurbine: Turbine

Implementation Method 2

provided upstream and/or downstream with non-return valve means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNon-return valve: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS8093743B2Plant for the production of electric power from the movement of waves

Publication Date: 2012.01.10 BOZANO ENRICO

AI summary

A plant for producing electrical power from the movement of waves. An offshore dam has a fixed generally vertical surface which is located in open water having wave movement and located vertically at the water surface. A submerged part which is fixed relative to the dam has an opening below the waves and in close proximity to the plane of the vertical surface to receive sea water. A force exerting structure such as a hydraulic pump or a thrust arrangement receives the water through the opening and forces that water through a one-way valve beyond which it is led to a turbine for producing electric power.