Telescopic Panel Height Adjustment for Wave Energy Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave energy recovery systems face inefficiencies due to tidal fluctuations, which cause power losses as the panel's upper edge is not optimally positioned during varying tidal conditions, and existing solutions like floating mechanisms are unsuitable for stormy conditions and lead to excessive wear.
Innovation Solution
An advanced self-operated and automatic surface level follow-up arrangement using a pontoon-like structure with adjustable choke valves to maintain a consistent distance between the panel's upper edge and the sea surface, attenuating wave-induced vibrations and allowing for easy height adjustment to match tidal changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the panel height is adjusted to reach from bottom to surface during high tide, then wave energy collection is maximized, but the panel extends high from surface during low tide causing visual undesirability and energy loss to wind
Solution Approach 1:
The panel height is made dynamically adjustable through a telescopic structure with multiple extendable sections. The panel can extend to maximum height during high tide to capture wave energy efficiently, and retract to minimum height during low tide to reduce wind exposure and visual impact, thus resolving the contradiction between energy collection and harmful factor reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of panel height is changed based on tidal conditions. By adjusting the extension length of the telescopic panel according to water level variations, the system optimizes energy capture during high tide while minimizing wind exposure during low tide, effectively resolving the contradiction
2Adaptability or versatility
If a freely moving float follows the sea level without damping, then the panel height adjusts to tidal changes, but continuous vibration causes excessive wear and undefined follow-up
Solution Approach 1:
A damping mechanism is incorporated into the telescopic panel structure to cushion and absorb vibrations before they propagate through the system. This damping element reduces the intensity of continuous vibrations caused by wave motion, thereby minimizing wear on components and improving system reliability while maintaining adaptability to tidal changes
Solution Approach 2:
The damping mechanism acts as an intermediary between the freely moving float and the telescopic panel structure. It allows the panel to follow tidal changes while filtering out high-frequency vibrations, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability by mediating the transmission of motion
3Productivity
If the panel is fixed at maximum height to capture energy during low tide, then energy collection is optimized, but the upper edge extends high from surface during high tide causing energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The panel employs a dynamic height adjustment mechanism rather than a fixed height. The telescopic structure allows the panel to extend to optimal height during low tide for energy capture, and automatically retract during high tide to maintain the upper edge at or near the water surface, thus preventing energy loss and resolving the contradiction between optimizing performance in different tidal conditions
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 maximizes energy conversion by adapting to various ocean conditions, reduces panel wear, and enhances durability by smoothing the motion, enabling efficient energy capture across all tidal phases and protecting against stormy weather.
Implementation Method 1
The follow-up arrangement comprises a pontoon-like structure (4a) which follows the fluctuation of the surface level (7) of the sea or water basin caused by the tidal movement
Implementation Method 2
The motion of which is attenuated by the choke valves (6a, 6b, 6c) so that only the slow motion of the surface level (7) caused by the tide is followed
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a surface level follow-up arrangement for a wave energy recovery unit where the wave energy recovery unit comprises at least a panel element hinged at its lower edge onto the base at the bottom of the sea with the help of one or more support structures and one or more support shafts to make a reciprocating motion in response to kinetic energy of waves or tidal currents. The arrangement comprises at least a surface level follow-up means capable to change the vertical position of the upper edge of the reciprocating panel element along with the change of the vertical position of the surface level caused by a tidal fluctuation.