Tensegrity Buoy Geometry Adaptation for Rough-Sea Wave Energy Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wave energy converters struggle to efficiently extract and convert wave energy into electricity under rough sea conditions due to limited geometric adaptability and structural rigidity, leading to reduced energy capture efficiency and survivability during extreme weather.
Innovation Solution
A tensegrity-based wave energy converter with a deformable buoy that adjusts its volume and shape in response to wave conditions, utilizing a power-take-off system to convert mechanical input into electrical energy, enhancing adaptability and structural rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current WECs use inflatable airbags or adjustable panels, then the structure can be adjusted, but the range and complexity of achievable geometries is limited and only small deformations are allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a tensegrity buoy constructed from flexible membranes and tendons that can undergo large deformations. The flexible membrane enclosure allows the buoy to change shape dramatically in response to wave conditions, achieving a broad spectrum of shape configurations without being limited to small deformations or simple geometries like inflatable airbags.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensegrity structure provides dynamic geometric adaptability where the buoy's shape and volume can continuously adjust in response to varying wave conditions. The system transitions between different configurations (e.g., submerged, partially submerged, fully submerged) based on sea state, enabling real-time optimization of wave energy capture efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If current WECs use tensegrity in power-take-off substructures, then some structural flexibility is achieved, but the buoy cannot provide both structural rigidity and geometric adaptability simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The tensegrity buoy serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural rigidity to maintain its shape, enables geometric adaptability through large deformations, and acts as the primary wave energy capturing mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structures to provide rigidity and flexibility, allowing the buoy to be both structurally sound and highly adaptable.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensegrity structure combines rigid and flexible elements in a composite system. The tendons provide tensile strength and structural rigidity, while the flexible membrane enclosure provides geometric adaptability. This composite approach allows the buoy to maintain structural integrity while undergoing large shape changes in response to wave conditions.
3Productivity
If current WECs use fixed geometry buoys, then the structure is simple, but energy capture efficiency is reduced under rough sea conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The tensegrity buoy dynamically changes its geometric parameters (volume, shape, surface area) in response to wave conditions. By adjusting these parameters, the buoy optimizes its interaction with waves, maximizing energy capture efficiency across a broad spectrum of sea states while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 tensegrity-based system improves energy capture efficiency, broadens operational bandwidth, and increases survivability by allowing large deformations and adaptability to varying wave environments, optimizing power generation and deployment.
Implementation Method 1
a tensegrity buoy configured to deform in response to wave conditions, applying force to a reaction plate
Implementation Method 2
a power-take-off system that converts the mechanical input into electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
the tensegrity buoy defines a buoy volume that is adjustable
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary device is disclosed for collecting wave energy and converting the collected wave energy into electrical power. The exemplary device comprises a tensegrity buoy configured to deform in response to wave conditions, applying force to a reaction plate, which is coupled, via a spar, to a power-take-off system that converts the mechanical input into electrical energy.