Tapered Compression Pipe Wave Energy Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave power generation systems fail to effectively utilize the kinetic energy of waves, leading to insufficient air compression and inefficient energy conversion.
Innovation Solution
A wave power utilization device comprising a wave receiving box, a hollow compression pipe with a tapered section, a gas-liquid introduction on-off valve, an air discharge pipe, a compressed air storage tank, and an air introduction unit, which allows for the efficient drawing and compression of waves to generate high-pressure compressed air by controlling the flow of seawater and air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional wave power generation system uses a simple casing to compress air by wave movement, then the device complexity is low, but the air compression efficiency is insufficient and kinetic energy of waves is not effectively utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The compression pipe is divided into multiple functional sections: a tapered section for drawing waves, a wave drawing section for capturing kinetic energy, and an air compression section for compressing air. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally, improving overall compression efficiency while maintaining manageable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to wave utilization by having the tapered section extend from the bottom opening to the top opening of the compression pipe. This vertical arrangement allows the system to capture wave kinetic energy more effectively as waves move vertically, transforming the simple horizontal compression approach into a multi-dimensional wave energy capture system
2Productivity
If the lower opening of the compression pipe has the same area as the upper opening, then the manufacturing precision requirement is low, but the wave drawing efficiency and air compression effectiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The compression pipe features an asymmetric tapered section where the lower opening area is deliberately made larger than the upper opening area. This asymmetric design creates a natural flow gradient that enhances wave drawing efficiency, allowing waves to be drawn in more effectively at the wider lower opening while maintaining compression effectiveness at the narrower upper opening
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the compression pipe by implementing a tapered profile with varying cross-sectional area along its length. This parameter change from a uniform to a tapered structure optimizes the flow characteristics and wave drawing efficiency without requiring excessive manufacturing precision, as the taper provides a gradual transition
3Productivity
If the system continuously allows air and seawater to flow in and out, then the ease of operation is high, but the compression effectiveness is reduced due to pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The gas-liquid introduction on-off valve operates periodically, opening during receding waves to allow air or seawater flow and closing during pushing waves to trap and compress air. This periodic operation pattern matches the natural wave cycle, ensuring compression effectiveness while maintaining relatively simple operational control through automatic wave-driven timing
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the on-off valve control mechanism that responds to wave motion patterns. The valve opening and closing is triggered by the wave phase (receding vs. pushing), creating a feedback loop that automatically adjusts flow control based on real-time wave conditions, thereby maintaining compression effectiveness without complex manual operation
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 enhances compression efficiency by utilizing wave kinetic energy, generating high-pressure compressed air for storage and utilization in power generation, improving upon the limitations of previous technologies.
Implementation Method 1
the hollow compression pipe including a tapered section, a wave drawing section and an air compression section, the tapered section connecting the lower opening and the upper opening to each other in a tapered shape, the wave drawing section drawing the waves drawn into the wave receiving box through the tapered section
Implementation Method 2
the air compressing section compressing air by the drawn waves
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A compression pipe is configured with a wave drawing section and an air compressing section, a gas-liquid introduction on-off valve is disposed in wave drawing section, a gas-liquid introduction on-off valve is opened at an initial stage of a pushing wave, the gas-liquid introduction on-off valve is closed at the same time when a wave that maintains a speed flows into a wave receiving box. Accordingly, the wave is drawn into the air compressing section, is stored in a compressed air storage tank by converting kinetic energy of the wave into compressed air, and can be utilized for power generation and the like.