Separable Buoy Mitigates Wave Forces via Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wave power generators face significant challenges in withstanding extreme weather conditions, as they are not adequately designed to mitigate wave forces, which can lead to mechanical and electrical damage.
Innovation Solution
A separable buoy design featuring a center float and a detachable float unit with a low-pressure chamber and actuation module, which automatically separates from the center float when excessive wave forces are detected, reducing the impact of wave energy on the generator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a partially submerged floating body is employed to mitigate wave energy, then the generator can withstand extreme weather conditions, but the cut-water area reduction effect is very limited
Solution Approach 1:
The floating body is divided into a center float and multiple separable float units that can be detached. This segmentation allows the float units to separate from the center float during extreme waves, significantly reducing the cut-water area and wave force impact on the generator, while maintaining reliable operation during normal conditions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a donut-type floating body is used to reduce cut-water area, then some wave force reduction is achieved, but the effect is very limited
Solution Approach 1:
The floating body structure transitions from a static donut-type design to a dynamic separable structure. The float units can move relative to the center float and detach when wave forces exceed a threshold, providing adaptive wave force reduction that responds to changing sea conditions rather than relying on a fixed geometric shape
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a separable float unit is detachably furnished at the center float, then wave force mitigation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buoy is segmented into a center float and detachable float units connected by connecting modules. This segmentation enables the float units to separate from the center float during extreme waves, significantly mitigating wave force impact. The modular design achieves effective wave force reduction while keeping each component relatively simple in structure
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting modules incorporate deformable connecting rings that change their structural parameters under different wave forces. During normal operation, the rings maintain a rigid connection for stable power generation. When wave forces exceed the threshold, the rings deform to allow separation, automatically adjusting the system's mechanical properties in response to changing 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 separable buoy effectively mitigates wave forces, enhancing the safety and durability of wave power generators by allowing the float units to disconnect during extreme conditions, thereby protecting the generator from damage.
Implementation Method 1
The floating bodies being floated on the sea water surface of partially submerged in the sea water can absorb the sea wave energy
Data Source
AI summary
A separable buoy includes a center float having a top surface that includes an upper peripheral end and an engagement bevel provided on the upper peripheral end that extends below the top surface; a separable float unit detachably disposed at the center float and including a dome wall that is provided in a lower central portion thereof and that has a peripheral edge configured to detachably engage the engagement bevel: and a chamber defined between the dome wall of the separable float unit and the top surface of the center float when the separable float unit engages the center float, wherein the center float has a vertical height that substantially equals or exceeds that of a lower portion of the separable float unit.