Series-Parallel Fluid Pressurization for Low Amplitude Wave Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wave energy systems require a high minimum wave amplitude to generate usable pressurized fluid, leading to inefficiencies and challenges in harnessing energy from lower amplitude waves, and face issues with thermal expansion causing equipment freezing and system complexity.
Innovation Solution
A series-parallel system that initially pressurizes fluid in series stages to a low pressure and further pressurizes it in parallel stages to achieve high pressure, allowing for efficient energy harnessing across a wider range of wave amplitudes and reducing thermal expansion impacts, while utilizing standardized units for manufacturing and deployment efficiencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional single unit devices or parallel arrays are used, then the system is simple to deploy, but a high minimum wave amplitude is required to generate usable pressurized fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurization system is divided into multiple stages (first pressurization stage and second pressurization stage) that process fluid sequentially. The first stage pressurizes fluid from ambient pressure to an intermediate pressure, and the second stage pressurizes from intermediate to high pressure. This segmentation allows each stage to operate efficiently across a broader range of wave amplitudes, eliminating the minimum wave amplitude threshold requirement of conventional single-stage systems.
2Stress or pressure
If series-connected pressurization units are used to generate high pressure, then the pressurized fluid can power loads effectively, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple pressurization units connected in series, where each unit performs a specific pressurization stage. The first pressurization unit raises pressure from ambient to intermediate level, and the second pressurization unit raises from intermediate to high pressure. This segmented approach achieves high pressure output while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular unit design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pressurization unit is designed as a universal module that can function independently or in combination with others. The units are identical and can be configured in different arrangements (series, parallel, or combinations) depending on the application requirements, allowing the same basic design to serve multiple pressure generation needs without requiring custom complex systems.
3Device complexity
If conventional pressurization systems are used, then the design is straightforward, but thermal expansion causes equipment freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurization process is divided into multiple stages with intermediate pressure levels. The first stage produces intermediate pressure fluid, which is then used as input for the second stage. This segmentation allows for better thermal management at each stage, reducing the thermal expansion effects that would occur in a single-stage high-pressure system and preventing equipment freezing.
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 series-parallel system effectively generates high-pressure fluid from lower amplitude waves, reduces thermal expansion issues, and simplifies deployment and maintenance by using standardized components, enabling efficient energy conversion and power generation.
Implementation Method 1
A great variety of approaches have been proposed to generate energy from waves
Implementation Method 2
deploy a float that rides up and down with wave motion
Implementation Method 3
an air compression cylinder is introduced between the float and the stationary member, which in cooperation with intake and output conduits and associated check valves receives, compresses and supplies air
Implementation Method 4
intake and output conduits and associated check valves receives, compresses and supplies air
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a way of pressurizing a fluid to power a load, by initially pressurizing the fluid in a series of stages to yield a low-pressure fluid and further pressurizing the low-pressure fluid concurrently in parallel stages to yield a high-pressure fluid for supply to the load.