Submergible Marine Current Generator with Hydrostatic Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine current energy generation systems face limitations in depth operation due to torque reaction and maintenance challenges, particularly in deep waters, where traditional designs are unsuitable and require complex anchoring and maintenance solutions.
Innovation Solution
A submergible electric energy generation unit with a rotor and central pod, featuring radial arms with floats and a hydrostatic balance system, allowing for adjustable buoyancy and mooring, enabling easy deployment, maintenance, and operation in deep waters by compensating torque reactions and tilt moments, and facilitating surface access for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed structure to the bottom with generators and propellers is used, then the system can operate in shallow waters, but it cannot be used in deep waters over 100m
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic configuration where the generator can be positioned at various depths. The mooring system allows the generator to move vertically between deep water operation positions and surface maintenance positions, providing adaptability to different depth requirements without requiring complex deep-water anchoring structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator is extracted from the fixed bottom structure and positioned independently in the water column. This separation allows the generator to operate in deep waters while the mooring system handles the anchoring, eliminating the need for complex integrated deep-water fixed structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If controlled buoyancy underwater generators are used in deep seas, then depth operation is enabled, but torque reaction counteraction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a mooring system with appropriate tension and angle to counteract the torque reaction generated by the propeller. The mooring lines provide a restoring force that balances the rotational torque, enabling stable operation in deep waters without complex active control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If controlled buoyancy underwater generators are used in deep seas, then depth operation is enabled, but maintenance becomes problematic due to submersion
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is designed to dynamically change its vertical position. For maintenance, the generator is ballasted to surface, where it can be accessed by maintenance vessels. After maintenance, it is reballasted and returned to its operational depth position. This dynamic positioning capability provides ease of repair while maintaining deep-water operation capability.
4Ease of operation
If two propellers rotating in opposite direction are used, then torque reaction is counteracted, but the system requires great length struts and complex ballasting for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using two propellers and great length struts, the system uses a single propeller with a mooring system that provides counteracting force to balance the torque reaction. This simplifies the mechanical structure by eliminating the need for long struts and complex dual-propeller arrangements.
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
Enables efficient energy harvesting from marine currents in deep waters by stabilizing the generator and simplifying maintenance through controlled buoyancy and mooring systems, allowing for increased operational flexibility and reduced hydrodynamic interference.
Implementation Method 1
The generator will have a hydrostatic balance, in order that the final weight will be lesser than the water volume. This difference will be compensated by the mooring system. The weights and buoyancy forces distribution will made in order that the torque reaction and the tilt momentum will be compensated by hydrostatics' ones.
Implementation Method 2
The weights and buoyancy forces distribution could be modified with a tele-controled water ballast system, with pumps, valves and blowing air tanks.
Implementation Method 3
a rotor or screw with several blades that move an electric generator, located in a central pod or dome
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Submergible system, comprising a rotor with several blades, which drive an electrical generator, located in a central dome or pod. From de pod radial go out several arms (the number of arms is equal to the blades). At the end of each arm it's located a float. Due to the distribution of weights and buoyancy forces in operation the rotational and tilt momentums are equilibrated hydrostatically. The structure is linked to the sea bottom with a mooring rope set. The set of arms and floats could be filled or emptied with water ballasts, in order to move the whole position form a vertical orientation in submerged operation to a horizontal angle when the structure is floating at sea surface, for maintenance.