Tidal Current Assembly Platform Pile Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tidal current energy power generation apparatuses are limited by high manufacturing and mounting costs, and their scalability is restricted due to the need for large, heavy structures to withstand water flow forces, which hinders commercial application and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A large tidal current energy generating device with an assembly platform that uses four fixed piles and force-bearing supports to distribute the thrust of a horizontal axis hydro-generator, reducing the diameter and weight of each pile, and incorporating features like sleeving members, shock absorbers, and barriers to enhance stability and power generation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single large-scale horizontal axis hydro-generator is used to increase power generation capacity, then the generating capacity is improved, but the thrust force increases causing the fixed pile diameter and weight to increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large-scale fixed pile into multiple smaller fixed piles (at least three) that work together to support the horizontal axis hydro-generator. Each fixed pile has a smaller diameter and weight compared to a single large pile, but collectively they bear the thrust force through coordinated action, thereby reducing the weight of individual stationary components while maintaining overall load-bearing capacity.
2Power
If a single large-scale horizontal axis hydro-generator is used to increase power generation capacity, then the generating capacity is improved, but the fixed pile diameter increases making mounting and construction more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support structure into multiple smaller fixed piles, the patent makes each pile easier to manufacture, transport, and install compared to a single large-diameter pile. The smaller piles can be handled by conventional equipment and assembled on-site, significantly improving construction ease while still supporting high-power hydro-generators through their combined structural capacity.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple fixed piles are used to distribute thrust, then the manufacturing and mounting costs are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fixed piles into a unified support system that functions as a single structural unit. The piles are positioned and connected to work together, sharing the thrust load through their collective arrangement. This merging approach distributes complexity across multiple simple components rather than requiring one complex large-scale component, thereby reducing overall manufacturing and mounting costs while maintaining structural integrity.
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 configuration allows for higher power generation capacity with lower costs, enabling commercialization by reducing manufacturing and mounting expenses and improving the assembly platform's ability to handle larger hydro-generators, thus enhancing the economic viability of tidal current energy power generation.
Implementation Method 1
a horizontal axis hydro-generator, and the at least one horizontal axis hydro-generator is installed inside the assembly platform
Implementation Method 2
uses four fixed piles and force-bearing supports to distribute the thrust of a horizontal axis hydro-generator, reducing the diameter and weight of each pile
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an assembly platform of a large tidal current energy generating device. The assembly platform is internally provided with at least one horizontal axis hydro-generator. The assembly platform includes supports, at least four fixed piles, at least two sleeving members and at least two force-bearing supports. The fixed piles are connected through the supports to form an installation space. The hydro-generator is installed inside the installation space, one end of each fixed pile is driven to be fixed to a seabed and the other end extends to be above a water surface. Ends of the at least two force-bearing supports are respectively mounted on the left and right sides of the horizontal axis hydro-generator along the water flow direction and the other ends are respectively provided with corresponding sleeving members so as to resist an impact force of a water flow on the horizontal axis hydro-generator.