Underwater Wing-Kite Layout for High-Power Current Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater energy generation and water circulation systems face challenges in efficiently capturing energy from ocean currents while maintaining maneuverability and stability, particularly due to the weight and inertia of power generation components, which affect their ability to adapt to changing current directions and velocities.
Innovation Solution
A novel underwater kite system with a separated torpedo housing and wing housing configuration, where the energy converter is housed within the torpedo, allowing the wing to move freely in a figure-8 pattern, reducing drag and increasing efficiency, while the torpedo houses the power generation components for protection and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power generation components (generators, gearboxes, pumps) are integrated into the underwater kite structure, then energy capture capability is improved, but the system's maneuverability and responsiveness to current changes deteriorates due to increased weight and inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional segments: a lightweight wing structure optimized for hydrodynamic movement and figure-8 trajectory, and a separate torpedo housing containing the power generation components. This segmentation allows the wing to remain maneuverable while the components are protected in the torpedo, resolving the contradiction between energy capture capability and maneuverability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wing structure is made lightweight to improve maneuverability, then responsiveness to current changes is improved, but the system cannot house sufficient power generation and pumping capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves the power generation components from the wing structure to a separate torpedo housing dimension. This spatial reorganization allows the wing to remain lightweight and responsive while the torpedo houses sufficient power generation and pumping capacity, effectively resolving the contradiction by adding a separate functional dimension to the system.
3Power
If the system uses a figure-8 movement pattern to sweep through larger cross-section of current, then energy capture is increased, but the forces exerted by currents make precise trajectory control difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control mechanisms that adapt to varying current forces in real-time. The wing structure and torpedo housing are designed with flexible connections and active control systems that adjust the figure-8 trajectory dynamically, allowing the system to maintain precise control despite substantial and unpredictable current forces, thereby enabling effective energy capture.
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 achieves efficient energy capture and conversion, generating sustainable power and facilitating nutrient-rich water transfer, enhancing marine ecosystems and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
The wing housing is configured to move through a fluid current to drive an energy converter housed within the torpedo
Data Source
AI summary
A marine energy system comprising: a torpedo housing; a wing housing coupled to and separated from the torpedo housing by a shaft; and an energy converter located within the torpedo housing, wherein the wing housing is configured to move through a fluid current to drive the energy converter. The energy converter may comprise a generator configured to produce electrical energy or a pump adapted to move fluid from a depth location to a shallow location. The wing housing may be configured to move in a figure-8 pattern through the fluid current at 4-8 times the speed of the fluid current. A propeller may be coupled to the wing housing and configured to drive the energy converter.