Subsurface Current Energy Converter Cluster
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ocean current energy conversion technologies fail to intelligently seek and remain in the peak velocity region due to fixed anchoring, limiting efficiency and adaptability to changing ocean current conditions.
Innovation Solution
A cluster of current energy converters is towed behind a mother ship, equipped with rotors and generators that rotate in opposite directions, using the Bernoulli principle to adjust depth and position within the current, ensuring optimal energy conversion by intelligent control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed anchoring devices are used on the seafloor, then the structure is stable and easy to implement, but the device cannot adapt to changing ocean current locations, depths and speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the converter system movable rather than fixed. The converter assembly can be towed behind the mother ship and dynamically positioned in the ocean current. The system transitions from a static anchored structure to a dynamic mobile platform that can follow current movements and adjust its position to optimize energy capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter assembly uses its own buoyancy control system to maintain neutral buoyancy and self-adjust its depth position. The system incorporates sensors to detect current velocity and position, and uses this information to autonomously navigate and position itself in optimal current regions without requiring constant external control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the converter cluster is positioned at surface level, then it is easily accessible and deployable, but it interferes with vessel operations and fishing activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the converter operation from the two-dimensional surface plane to the three-dimensional subsurface volume. By operating at subsurface depths while maintaining neutral buoyancy, the system utilizes the vertical dimension to avoid surface activities while remaining accessible through vertical towing and retrieval operations.
3Productivity
If multiple sensors and control systems are added to track peak velocity regions, then energy conversion efficiency improves, but device complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mother ship serves multiple functions: it provides propulsion, acts as a control center, houses processing equipment, and serves as a platform for deploying and retrieving the converter assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity despite adding sensor and control capabilities.
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 achieves high efficiency in converting ocean current energy to electricity by dynamically positioning the converters within peak velocity regions, maximizing power generation while avoiding surface interference and allowing for incremental capacity and mobility.
Implementation Method 1
As each rotor rotates in current, the connecting generator converts kinetic energy to electricity
Implementation Method 2
If one rotor rotates faster than the other one in the pair, this pair will either ascend or descent, according to Bernoulli principle (Batchelor, 2000) that says pressure is higher for slower flow, and vice versa, around an immersed body in fluid
Implementation Method 3
The opposite rotation is due to the drag force difference on the two rotors' blades
Data Source
AI summary
A subsurface floating cluster of current energy converters is disclosed. A cluster consists of many nodes on a single mooring cable. Two converters, rotating in opposite direction, are connected as a pair. At least two pairs, four converters, are connected to each node. Each converter consists of a rotor with curved blades, a transmission, and an electrical generator. A computer on the mother ship, that tows the cluster, controls the rotating rate of every rotor in the cluster. Each node moves vertically or horizontally according to the rotation-rate-differential in each pair of rotors. Each node seeks and remains in peak velocity region, or at a predetermined water depth, to convert kinetic energy to electricity with an optimal efficiency. This invention has characteristics of simplicity in design, using artificial intelligence to achieve high efficiency in peak speed region of an ocean current, incremental capacity, and mobility.