Submerged Fin Dynamics for Efficient Wave Energy Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for alternative methods to generate power that facilitate the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources, particularly in harnessing wave energy efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A submerged fin system anchored to the sea floor, connected to a power takeoff system, which utilizes subsurface wave motions to extract energy through drag and lift forces, with a control system to adjust position, angle, and rotation, and a hydraulic system to convert hydraulic fluid into electric energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a submerged fin system is used to extract wave energy, then energy extraction efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for control systems and hydraulic mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The fin is designed with dynamic control capabilities, allowing its position, angle, and rotation to be adjusted in real-time based on wave conditions. The control system modifies fin orientation and deployment depth dynamically, enabling optimization of energy extraction across varying wave regimes while maintaining manageable complexity through adaptive rather than static design
Solution Approach 2:
A hydraulic system is integrated into the fin mechanism to enable smooth, controlled movement of the fin structure. The hydraulic actuators provide precise control over fin position and angle with minimal mechanical complexity, converting hydraulic pressure into controlled mechanical motion for efficient energy extraction while simplifying the overall mechanical design
2Productivity
If the fin position and angle are continuously adjusted to optimize energy extraction, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but the use of energy for control operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor wave conditions and fin performance in real-time. Based on this feedback, the system makes targeted adjustments to fin position and angle only when necessary to maintain optimal energy extraction, avoiding continuous unnecessary movements that would consume energy. The feedback loop enables intelligent decision-making about when control actions are beneficial versus when they would merely waste energy
Solution Approach 2:
The fin adjustment mechanism operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously, synchronizing control actions with wave periods. The system adjusts fin position at strategically timed intervals that align with wave patterns, extracting maximum energy during high-energy phases while minimizing control operations during lower-energy periods, thereby reducing the energy consumed by control mechanisms
3Reliability
If hydraulic fluid is stored in accumulators and released through generators, then energy storage and conversion capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Hydraulic accumulators serve as intermediary energy storage devices between the wave energy extraction mechanism and the electrical generation system. The accumulators store hydraulic pressure and fluid volume during high-energy phases, then release this stored energy to drive hydraulic motors connected to generators during lower-energy phases. This intermediary approach smooths out energy delivery, improving reliability by decoupling the irregular wave input from the steady electrical output requirement while managing complexity through modular energy buffering
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 system effectively converts wave energy into electric energy by optimizing fin position and using hydraulic systems, providing a reliable and efficient power generation solution.
Implementation Method 1
the fin is configured to use subsurface wave motions to extract energy through drag and lift forces
Implementation Method 2
the fin is configured to use subsurface wave motions to extract energy through drag and lift forces
Implementation Method 3
a hydraulic system to convert hydraulic fluid into electric energy
Implementation Method 4
at least one accumulator... storing the hydraulic fluid within the at least one accumulator
Data Source
AI summary
An energy conversion system includes a power takeoff system, a fin connected to the power takeoff system, and a control system on board the fin. The fin is submerged below a surface of the sea, and the fin is configured to use subsurface wave motions to extract energy.