Underwater Turbine Mounting System for Current Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation, maintenance, and servicing of underwater power generation apparatus, especially in deep sea environments, are costly and time-consuming due to the need for complex and costly procedures, and existing mounting techniques do not simplify the deployment or orientation of underwater turbines for efficient energy capture.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system that allows the power generation apparatus to be securely attached to a support structure on the seabed with a coupling that enables rotation about a mounting axis, featuring a connection carrier with alignment pins and apertures for accurate alignment and a yaw bearing component, along with actuators for reorientation, allowing the apparatus to be mounted in any polar orientation and rotated for optimal energy capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional mounting techniques are used to secure underwater turbines, then the turbines can be deployed in arrays, but the installation, maintenance and servicing procedures become highly costly and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate modular components: a mounting portion attached to the turbine, a support structure with a support housing, and a coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows the turbine to be deployed independently and simplifies maintenance by enabling selective removal of the mounting portion without affecting the entire support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is designed to be moveable between a clamping position for secure fixation and a bearing position for rotation. This dynamic capability allows the system to transition between fixed and rotatable states, facilitating both secure deployment and easy maintenance access.
2Productivity
If yaw capability is added to maximize energy capture, then the turbine can be directed to the most effective orientation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling enables dynamic reorientation of the turbine about the mounting axis through movement between clamping and bearing positions. This allows the turbine to be rotated to optimal orientations for energy capture without requiring a completely complex yaw mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting portion and support housing are designed with universal compatibility, allowing the turbine to be mounted in any polar orientation about the mounting axis. This multi-functional design provides both secure mounting and rotation capability through a single integrated system rather than multiple separate mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the mounting portion is rigidly connected to the main body, then the power generation apparatus is securely fixed, but the ability to rotate for optimal orientation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling provides a dynamic connection that can be moved between a clamping position for secure rigid fixation and a bearing position for rotation. This allows the system to switch between reliability and adaptability as needed, rather than being fixed in one state.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling acts as an intermediary element between the mounting portion and the support structure. It mediates between the need for secure rigid connection and the need for rotation capability, providing both functions through its moveable design.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
An underwater structure comprising a power generation apparatus including a main body; a mounting portion (1) rigidly connected to the main body defining a mounting axis (M); a connection carrier (6), a connector mounted on the connection carrier; and an actuation mechanism (9) in communication with the connection carrier (6). The structure further comprises a support structure (2) adapted for engagement with a bed of a body of water; and including a support housing (5); a support connection carrier (12) attached to the support housing; and a support connector mounted on the support connection carrier (12). The mounting portion (1) and the support housing (5) are adapted to cooperate with one another for mounting of the power generation apparatus on the support structure. The connection carrier (6) is releasably engageable with the support connection carrier (12), such that the connection carrier (6) is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position the actuation mechanism (9) is operable to rotate the mounting portion (1) about the mounting axis (M). In the disengaged position the actuation mechanism (9) is operable to rotate the connection carrier (6) about the mounting axis (M).