Variable Radius Flywheel for Wave Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave energy capture devices face challenges in converting the unpredictable and slow kinetic energy of ocean waves into high-speed, unidirectional rotation for efficient energy conversion and storage, due to the oscillatory nature of waves and the need for a seamless energy supply.
Innovation Solution
A concentric ring flywheel system that interacts with a stator to generate electrical current, utilizing a variable mass, variable radius design with clutch connectors and magnetic bearings, and a mechanism to convert oscillatory motion into rotary motion, allowing for efficient energy storage and conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional flywheel is used for energy storage, then the structure is simple, but the energy storage efficiency is limited and cannot adapt to variable wave energy input
Solution Approach 1:
The flywheel is divided into multiple detachable rings that can be independently connected or disconnected. This segmentation allows the flywheel mass to be dynamically adjusted by connecting or disconnecting specific rings, enabling adaptation to variable wave energy input while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flywheel system transitions from a static mass to a dynamic configuration through the clutch mechanism. The clutch connectors enable real-time adjustment of the flywheel's moment of inertia by connecting or disconnecting rings based on energy input conditions, making the system adaptive to varying wave energy while adding minimal structural complexity.
2Productivity
If the flywheel radius is fixed, then the manufacturing is simple, but the energy conversion efficiency cannot be optimized for different operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The variable radius capability is achieved through segmented rings of different radii that can be selectively connected to the shaft. This allows the effective rotating mass distribution to be optimized for different operating conditions without requiring a completely complex variable geometry mechanism, balancing manufacturing simplicity with conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of the flywheel's moment of inertia by selectively connecting rings at different radii from the shaft. This parameter adjustment optimizes energy conversion efficiency for varying wave energy inputs while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through standardized ring components.
3Reliability
If wave energy is directly converted without storage, then the system is simple, but the energy supply becomes intermittent and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The flywheel stores excess wave energy during high-energy periods by accelerating to high rotational speeds, preparing energy reserves in advance. This preliminary energy storage ensures reliable power supply during low-energy periods (doldrums) without requiring complex grid connection or battery systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The flywheel maintains continuous rotational motion, smoothing out the intermittent nature of wave energy. The stored kinetic energy in the rotating mass provides a continuous energy output, ensuring uninterrupted power supply while keeping the overall system relatively simple compared to alternative storage solutions.
4Productivity
If the flywheel operates at constant speed, then the control is simple, but the energy capture from variable wave conditions is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The flywheel system dynamically adjusts its operational characteristics by varying the connected mass (number of rings) rather than requiring complex speed control mechanisms. This dynamic mass adjustment optimizes energy capture from variable wave conditions while maintaining relatively simple control compared to variable speed systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes energy capture by changing the physical parameter of the flywheel's moment of inertia through selective ring connection, rather than relying solely on speed variation. This parameter change approach improves productivity while keeping the control system simpler than complex variable speed drives.
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 high energy storage efficiency, exceeding 90% and providing a consistent energy supply, while minimizing environmental impact and maintenance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a variable mass, variable radius concentric ring flywheel that permits simultaneous energy storage and energy conversion capabilities
Implementation Method 2
The variable mass, variable radius concentric ring flywheel permits simultaneous energy storage and energy conversion capabilities
Implementation Method 3
the concentric ring flywheel operatively arranged to interact with at least one stator for generating electrical current
Implementation Method 4
one or more first clutch connectors arranged in the first space to non-rotatably connect the second ring and the first ring
Implementation Method 5
provide for a device or devices that can capture the voluminous but slow kinetic energy of ponderous waves and convert them to high speed unidirectional continuous rotation of a shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for generating energy from waves, comprising a concentric ring flywheel operatively arranged to generate electrical current, the concentric ring flywheel comprising a first shaft including an input end and an output end, a plurality of rings, the plurality of rings including at least a first ring, including a first radially inward facing surface arranged to connect with the output end of the first shaft, and a first radially outward facing surface, a second ring arranged concentrically around the first ring, the second ring including a second radially inward facing surface and a second radially outward facing surface, one or more first clutch connectors arranged in a first space radially arranged between the first and second rings to non-rotatably connect the second ring and the first ring, and a wave energy capture device operatively arranged to rotate the first shaft.