Unidirectional Wave Turbine with Elastomeric Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ocean wave energy extraction systems are complex, expensive, and inefficient due to bidirectional turbine designs that struggle with harsh environmental conditions and low energy conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A unidirectional turbine system with a flow control device that changes configuration based on pressure and flow direction, using deformable elastomeric flaps to optimize energy capture from oscillating water columns, allowing air to exit during the upstroke and enter during the downstroke, thereby facilitating unidirectional rotation and improved energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional turbines are used to handle oscillating water column flow, then the system can process both inward and outward flows, but the turbine complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device is divided into multiple segments or flaps that can independently move between open and closed positions. This segmentation allows the system to selectively block one direction of flow while permitting the other, converting bidirectional flow handling into unidirectional turbine operation without requiring a complex bidirectional turbine design
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control device acts as an intermediary between the oscillating water column and the turbine. It mediates the bidirectional oscillating flow by selectively opening and closing to allow flow in one direction while blocking the reverse direction, thereby protecting the turbine from bidirectional stresses while maintaining adaptability
2Productivity
If bidirectional turbines are used to capture energy from oscillating waves, then both inward and outward flows can be utilized, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of designing a complex bidirectional turbine to handle both flow directions, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple unidirectional turbine combined with a flow control device that redirects oscillating bidirectional flow into unidirectional turbine rotation. This inversion dramatically reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining energy capture productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control device operates passively using the kinetic energy of the oscillating water column itself to open and close the flaps. The device self-regulates based on flow direction and pressure differentials, requiring no external power source or complex control systems, thereby reducing overall system manufacturing and operational costs
3Force
If bidirectional turbines operate in harsh ocean environments, then they can withstand wave forces, but their reliability decreases due to corrosion and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device extracts or separates the function of handling bidirectional oscillating flow from the turbine itself. By placing the flow control flaps in the direct path of oscillating water column flow, the turbine is shielded from the harsh bidirectional forces, corrosion, and mechanical stresses, thereby improving reliability while maintaining force resistance capability
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control device provides beforehand protection by blocking corrosive saltwater and extreme wave forces from directly contacting the turbine before these forces can reach it. The flaps act as a protective barrier that cushions the turbine from harsh environmental conditions while still allowing energy extraction
4Productivity
If unidirectional turbine with flow control device is used, then energy capture efficiency increases, but the device complexity increases due to flow control mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control flaps are designed to operate autonomously using passive mechanisms. They respond automatically to pressure differentials and flow direction caused by the oscillating water column, opening and closing without external control systems. This self-service operation minimizes the complexity of the control mechanism while maximizing energy capture efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control device utilizes changes in flow parameters (pressure differential, flow direction, velocity) caused by the oscillating water column to automatically switch between open and closed states. By harnessing these natural parameter changes, the system achieves high energy capture efficiency without requiring complex active control mechanisms
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 a 16% increase in energy capture compared to bidirectional turbines and reduces maintenance and operational costs by simplifying the turbine design and minimizing exposure to corrosive environments.
Implementation Method 1
the flow control device changes the configuration of access to the flow passage in response to changes in the pressure and/or direction of flow of the oscillating working fluid
Implementation Method 2
the flow control device is made of a deformable elastomeric material
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for extracting energy from an oscillating working fluid, the apparatus comprising a flow passage 40 for the oscillating working fluid, an energy conversion unit 44 and a flow control device 38, each of the energy conversion unit 44 and the flow control device 38 being, at least in part, in fluid communication with the flow passage 40, wherein in use the flow control device 38 is selectively operable between a first configuration in which the flow control device 38 is open to allow a flow of the oscillating working fluid to exit the flow passage therethrough, and a second configuration in which the flow control device 38 is arranged to restrict a flow of the working fluid therethrough, such that the oscillating working fluid enters the flow passage via the energy conversion unit 44.