Underwater Turbine Pontoon Structure for Stable Ocean Stream Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent, making it challenging to generate continuous electricity, whereas underwater ocean streams offer a constant renewable energy source that can be harnessed for continuous electricity generation.
Innovation Solution
An underwater turbine system comprising an upper pontoon, a lower pontoon, and a pylon structure with a single propeller assembly, where the upper pontoon applies a vertical buoyant force and automatically generates a counter moment to inhibit roll motion, facilitating alignment with the ocean stream and generating electricity through a generator in the lower pontoon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solar or wind power is used for electricity generation, then renewable energy sources are utilized, but electricity generation is intermittent and cannot provide continuous power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameter from atmospheric conditions (wind, sunlight) to underwater current conditions, which provide more consistent flow. The propeller assembly is designed to operate optimally at specific current velocities, and the depth adjustment mechanism allows tuning to match current speed variations, ensuring continuous operation regardless of time of day or weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The buoyancy system automatically adjusts the depth of the lower pontoon to optimize propeller alignment with the current flow. The upper pontoon's buoyant force creates a self-regulating mechanism that maintains optimal operating conditions without external intervention, enabling continuous electricity generation as long as current flows.
2Device complexity
If a single propeller assembly is used to reduce device complexity, then the system becomes simpler, but roll motion and misalignment with the current may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The upper pontoon acts as a counterweight providing buoyant force that stabilizes the lower pontoon's position. This buoyancy counteracts the rotational forces generated by the single propeller assembly, preventing excessive roll motion and maintaining alignment with the current flow direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of the lower pontoon's depth and position in response to varying current conditions. The buoyancy system and cable tension create a dynamically adaptable structure that can self-adjust to maintain optimal alignment without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the lower pontoon is positioned deeper to access stronger currents, then energy production increases, but alignment with the current direction becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate pontoons with distinct functions: the upper pontoon provides buoyancy and stability, while the lower pontoon houses the propeller assembly and generates electricity. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's position and function, enabling deep placement for current access while maintaining alignment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pylon structure serves as an intermediary connecting the upper and lower pontoons, transmitting the buoyant force from the upper pontoon to stabilize the lower pontoon's position. This intermediary structure enables the lower pontoon to operate at optimal depth while being controlled by the upper pontoon's buoyancy system.
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 enables continuous electricity generation from underwater ocean streams, providing a high capacity factor and reducing the reliance on intermittent renewable sources, with the ability to adjust depth to optimize energy production based on current velocity.
Implementation Method 1
the upper pontoon applies a vertical buoyant force on the lower pontoon
Implementation Method 2
a drag force applied by a stream on the lower pontoon and the propeller assembly
Implementation Method 3
a tension force applied by the cable are configured to intersect at a location centered on the lower pontoon to inhibit a pitch of the lower pontoon
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating electricity from an underwater stream for generating electricity for the electric grid or for producing hydrogen includes an underwater turbine. The underwater turbine includes an upper pontoon, a lower pontoon, and a pylon structure that extends between and interconnects the upper pontoon and the lower pontoon. The underwater turbine also includes a single propeller assembly rotatably coupled to the lower pontoon. Rotation of the propeller operates a generator to generate electricity. The underwater turbine can be moored to a sea floor via a mooring weight. An optional friction winch is operable to raise or lower the underwater turbine relative to the sea floor.