Rotatable Drag Panel for Tidal Energy Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tidal energy generation systems are inefficient and costly, particularly due to the need for large structures and inability to adjust energy production to meet consumer demand, with existing systems struggling to effectively harness kinetic energy from tidal actions and store electricity.
Innovation Solution
A tidal energy conversion assembly featuring a rotatable drag panel on a displacement vessel, coupled with a directional converter and generator, allows for adjustable energy capture by rotating the drag panel to optimize drag force and energy production, enabling efficient energy conversion from tidal kinetic energy into electrical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If large turbines are placed in tidal streams to capture horizontal water flow, then electrical energy generation is achieved, but the system becomes expensive and requires significant maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drag panel from the water environment during non-generating periods or low-flow conditions, eliminating the need for continuous operation of complex turbine machinery. The drag panel is a simple, low-cost component that can be deployed and retrieved as needed, reducing both capital expenditure and maintenance requirements while still capturing sufficient tidal energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically deploys and retrieves the drag panel based on tidal flow conditions. During high-flow periods, the panel is deployed to maximize energy capture; during low-flow or storm conditions, it is retrieved to prevent damage and reduce maintenance needs. This dynamic operation allows simple infrastructure to achieve reliable power generation.
2Power
If fixed structures are used for tidal energy conversion, then energy capture is stable, but the system cannot adjust energy production to meet varying consumer demand
Solution Approach 1:
The drag panel system is dynamically controllable through deployment and retrieval mechanisms that allow operators to adjust energy capture in real-time based on consumer demand. When demand is high, the panel is deployed at optimal angles to maximize power generation; when demand is low, deployment is reduced or the panel is retrieved, providing flexible adaptation to varying electrical load requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (deployment status, panel angle, retrieval timing) in response to varying tidal conditions and energy demand. By adjusting these parameters, the system can optimize power generation to match consumer needs while adapting to changing environmental conditions, achieving both stability and versatility.
3Power
If the drag panel extends vertically into the water to capture kinetic energy, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The drag panel is extracted from complex vertical support structures and simplified to a horizontal panel that extends laterally from the displacement vessel. This lateral extension achieves the same energy capture function by presenting a large surface area to the tidal flow without requiring complex vertical mounting infrastructure, reducing both structural complexity and cost while maintaining conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the drag panel vertically into the water column, the system transitions to a horizontal extension dimension. The panel projects laterally from the vessel in the direction of tidal flow, capturing kinetic energy through its broad horizontal surface area. This dimensional change simplifies the support structure while maintaining or improving energy capture efficiency.
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
This solution enables efficient and cost-effective energy conversion from tidal kinetic energy, allowing for adjustable energy production to meet demand and reducing waste, while minimizing structural requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The drag panel is configured to extend into the water and capture kinetic energy from the tidal flow through drag force
Implementation Method 2
rotating the drag panel to optimize drag force and energy production
Data Source
AI summary
Assemblies, systems, and methods are disclosed for generating energy from natural and renewable forces and, more particularly, to energy generation using tidal action. A tidal energy conversion assembly includes a displacement vessel coupled via an anchor cable to a directional converter and an electrical power generator on land. The displacement vessel includes a horizontally rotatable drag panel extending into the water to capture drag forces caused by the flow of water. The flow of water against the drag panel causes the displacement vessel to move laterally and pull on the anchor cable thus exerting a force on the directional converter. The directional converter converts this force into rotational energy that may be harnessed by the electrical power generator to generate electricity for consumption. The horizontally rotatable drag panel may be rotated to adjust the amount of electrical energy produced.