Pitching Wave Energy Converter With Tunable Tanks And Air Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave energy converters face inefficiencies in energy harvesting due to seabed interactions and maintenance challenges, particularly when deployed in breakwater systems, and lack effective mechanisms to adapt to varying sea state conditions.
Innovation Solution
A pitching wave energy converter with a resonant U-tank system and self-rectifying air turbines that utilizes a buoyant floater with multiple vertical columns, allowing fluid exchange through horizontal conduits to generate power, and incorporates a dynamic model to optimize energy conversion across different sea states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If wave energy converters are deployed in breakwater systems, then they can provide substantial electrical supply, but they face maintenance challenges and inefficiencies due to seabed interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the power generation mechanism from the seabed environment by using a floating platform that operates on the water surface. The pneumatic turbine and fluid chamber system are contained within the floating structure, separating the energy conversion components from the harsh seabed conditions that create maintenance challenges.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces pneumatic turbines as an intermediary mechanism between the wave motion and electrical generation. The pneumatic turbine converts fluid motion into rotational mechanical energy, which then drives the electrical generator, providing a buffered conversion process that reduces direct mechanical stress and simplifies maintenance.
2Power
If existing wave energy converters are used, then they can harvest wave energy, but they lack effective mechanisms to adapt to varying sea state conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamic fluid chamber system where the volume of fluid can be adjusted to tune the resonance frequency of the pitching motion. This allows the device to adapt to different wave periods and sea states by modifying the restoring force characteristics, thereby optimizing energy capture across varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes physical parameters of the fluid chamber system, specifically the fluid volume and density, to adjust the natural period of pitch oscillation. By varying these parameters, the device can resonate with different wave frequencies, enhancing adaptability to changing sea states.
3Power
If a pitching wave energy converter with resonant tank system is used, then energy capture is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floating platform serves multiple functions: it provides buoyancy, houses the fluid chamber system, contains the pneumatic turbine, and acts as the pitching body itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural components, thereby managing complexity while achieving resonance-based energy capture.
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
Enhances energy capture by deploying in deep water, reduces maintenance needs, and adapts to varying sea conditions through adjustable operational configurations, improving efficiency and power generation.
Implementation Method 1
a floater that is buoyant in a body of water, the floater having a geometry such that the floater pitches in an angular motion about a transverse axis in response to an incoming wave
Implementation Method 2
A vast amount of energy is present in ocean waves, which when harvested, can provide substantial electrical supply
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the plurality of vertical columns including an air turbine, the tank storing a volume of fluid and a volume of air, the volume of fluid in the plurality of vertical columns being connected by at least one horizontal conduit. In response to the floater pitching due to the incoming wave, a motion of the volume of fluid between the plurality of vertical columns via the at least one horizontal conduit causes air to be released or admitted via the air turbine to generate electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
In one or more embodiments, a wave energy converter comprises a floater that is buoyant in a body of water. The floater has a geometry such that the floater pitches in an angular motion about a transverse axis in response to an incoming wave in the body of water. The floater includes a tank that has a plurality of vertical columns. At least one of the vertical columns includes an air turbine. The tank stores a volume of fluid and a volume of air. The volume of fluid in the vertical columns is connected by at least one horizontal conduit. In response to the floater pitching due to the incoming wave, a motion of the volume of fluid between the plurality of vertical columns via the at least one horizontal conduit causes air to be released or admitted via the air turbine to generate electrical power.