Vernier Linear Generator Harmonics for Broad-Spectrum Wave Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wave Energy Converters face challenges in efficiently extracting energy from a wide frequency spectrum and adapting to rapidly changing ocean wave conditions due to limitations in control systems and generator and power train capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A Vernier permanent magnet linear generator with a translator and stators configured to generate harmonic components at odd harmonics, integrated with a high-level control system that predicts and commands optimal operating states for the generator and power train to maximize energy extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a simple controller providing mechanical damping coefficient is used, then the device is easier to manufacture and operate, but it cannot efficiently extract energy from a wide frequency spectrum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a Vernier permanent magnet linear generator that utilizes harmonic components generated by slot currents in the stator. By designing the stator with specific slot depth and slot opening ratios (so/sp between 0.4 and 0.8), the system generates odd harmonics not divisible by 3, which interact with permanent magnet fields to produce electromagnetic forces. This parameter-based design enables the generator to respond to a wide frequency spectrum without requiring complex control systems, as the harmonic generation is inherent to the stator geometry.
2Productivity
If the generator is designed to extract energy from wide frequency spectrum, then energy extraction efficiency improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the translator into multiple translator modules arranged in a vertical array, each module containing permanent magnets with a specific pole pitch. This segmentation allows the generator to process different frequency components through distinct modular units, improving overall energy extraction efficiency while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized module replication.
Solution Approach 2:
The stator is designed with specific geometric parameters including slot depth sd and slot opening so, where the ratio so/sp is maintained between 0.4 and 0.8. This parameter optimization enables the stator to generate appropriate harmonic components that interact with the permanent magnet fields, achieving wide frequency spectrum energy extraction through geometric design rather than complex manufacturing processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system adapts to changing wave conditions on sub-second time scale, then energy extraction maximizes, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Vernier permanent magnet linear generator inherently provides dynamic response to changing wave conditions through its harmonic generation mechanism. The slot currents in the stator naturally generate harmonic components that interact with the permanent magnet fields to produce electromagnetic forces that adapt to the instantaneous wave conditions. This dynamic response occurs on a sub-second time scale without requiring complex control algorithms, as the physical design of the stator geometry (slot depth and opening ratios) enables automatic adaptation to varying frequencies and amplitudes.
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 efficient energy extraction from a broad frequency spectrum and rapid adaptation to changing wave conditions, enhancing power take-off performance by optimizing generator and power train operations on a sub-second time scale.
Implementation Method 1
A Vernier permanent magnet linear generator with a translator and stators configured to generate harmonic components
Implementation Method 2
the stators employ slot depth sd to create slot currents generating harmonic components at odd harmonics not divisible by 3
Data Source
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AI summary
A Vernier permanent magnet linear generator employs a translator (50) having a plurality of translator modules (55) oriented in a vertical array. At least a portion of the plurality of translator modules has permanent magnets (65). Supports (66) at lateral edges of the plurality of translator modules and a rod (36) connected to the supports attach the translator to a driving element (12). The driving element reciprocating the translator in a longitudinal direction. Two stators (52) are supported on a reaction body (16) oppositely spaced from the vertical array of translator modules by an air gap and offset by one half slot pitch. The stators have three phase integral-slot stator windings magnetically interacting with a magnetic field induced by the permanent magnets. A slot depth of the stators is configured such that an 11th harmonic component of the magnetic field is saturated at a multiple value of a 1st harmonic component.