Variable Volume Wave Energy Absorber for Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave energy extraction devices are complex, costly, and difficult to maintain, with high engineering demands and limited use of well-proven components, making them impractical for efficient operation in harsh offshore conditions.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting wave energy absorber system with a main buoyant structure moored to the seabed, featuring expandable elements with variable geometry to optimize surface exposure to wave dynamic pressure, reducing body volume and surface area in harsh conditions, and utilizing taut mooring lines with pressure relief valves to maintain tension within safe limits, combined with a linear generator and power control unit for efficient energy extraction across various wave frequencies and heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large body volume is used to absorb wave energy, then energy absorption capacity is improved, but wave load and mooring costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the buoyant structure's volume variable rather than fixed. The structure can dynamically adjust its volume to expand during normal operation for maximum energy absorption and contract during harsh conditions to reduce wave load and mooring tensions, thus resolving the contradiction between energy absorption capacity and wave load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the buoyant structure's volume from constant to variable. By controlling the volume of the buoyant structure, the system can optimize energy absorption under normal conditions while minimizing wave load and mooring costs under harsh conditions, directly addressing the technical contradiction.
2Productivity
If complex wave energy extraction devices are used, then energy extraction efficiency is improved, but manufacturing and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional buoyant structure that combines wave energy absorption, volume adjustment for load management, and cost-effective construction. The structure performs multiple functions (energy absorption, load reduction, cost optimization) through a single integrated design rather than requiring separate complex systems, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining energy extraction efficiency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed buoyancy structure is used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different wave conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between structural stability and adaptability by implementing a dynamic volume adjustment mechanism. The buoyant structure maintains structural stability through its controlled volume changes while adapting to different wave conditions by adjusting its effective volume, allowing it to optimize performance across varying operational scenarios.
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 reduces maintenance and manufacturing costs while efficiently capturing wave energy, transforming it into electricity or other useful products, and is designed to withstand harsh conditions by optimizing wave load management and minimizing mooring costs.
Implementation Method 1
A wave-power unit for extracting in an efficient way energy from waves on a water surface comprises a main buoyant structure moored to the seabed
Implementation Method 2
means to vary the surface of the buoyant structure that is exposed to the dynamic pressure of the waves, to optimize the surface for an efficient power generation
Implementation Method 3
a linear generator placed within the buoyant structure and activated via a taut mooring line
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
This invention relates to a wave-power unit for extracting in an efficient way energy from waves on a water surface in different offshore conditions, including a main buoyant structure moored to the seabed with taut mooring lines and placed at a submerged, wave active depth, a linear generator placed within the buoyant structure and activated via a taut mooring line. The unit also comprises a power take off cable connected to the linear generator and leading via the seabed to shore, and is characterized in that the buoyant structure is provided with fixed buoyancy and with means to vary the surface of the buoyant structure that is exposed to the dynamic pressure of the wave, to optimize the surface for an efficient power take-off for more than one wave frequency and to control the tension in the taut mooring lines.