Wave Energy Absorber with Curved Downwave Surface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave energy capturing devices are inefficient in maximizing energy absorption from wave movement due to bidirectional energy transfer and inability to optimize capture of directional forces, leading to significant energy wastage through wave propagation.
Innovation Solution
A wave energy capturing device featuring a buoyant absorber coupled to a pivot point, allowing the absorber to reciprocate along a rotation arc under wave movement, with a curved downwave surface that minimizes wave propagation and optimizes energy capture from prevailing wave directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bidirectional flap is used to capture wave energy, then the device can respond to waves from multiple directions, but it propagates waves on both sides of the flap causing significant energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs an asymmetric configuration where the absorber is positioned downwave of the pivot point, creating a unidirectional engagement geometry. This asymmetric arrangement allows the absorber to capture wave energy primarily from one direction while minimizing wave propagation to the opposite side, resolving the contradiction between multi-directional adaptability and energy loss through bidirectional wave radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning the absorber to face waves directly (conventional approach), the invention inverts the configuration by positioning the absorber downwave of the pivot point. This inverted geometry allows the wave forces to act on the absorber in a way that captures energy while minimizing the generation of outgoing waves, effectively reversing the conventional wisdom to achieve both directional capture and reduced energy loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an omnidirectional floating or submerged point absorber is used, then the device can capture energy from waves approaching from any direction, but it radiates waves in all other directions wasting captured energy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the symmetric omnidirectional absorber with an asymmetric configuration where the absorber is positioned downwave of the pivot point. This asymmetric geometry inherently directs the energy capture function toward prevailing wave directions while minimizing radiation damping in opposite directions, thus maintaining adaptability without the energy wastage associated with omnidirectional radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies local quality by optimizing the absorber's position and orientation specifically for downwave engagement. Rather than treating all directions equally (omnidirectional approach), the local quality principle focuses the energy capture function in the downwave direction where it is most effective, creating a spatially differentiated response that reduces overall energy loss through selective wave radiation.
3Productivity
If the absorber is positioned to maximize energy absorption from wave forces, then energy capture efficiency increases, but wave propagation occurs causing energy to be wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The absorber incorporates a curved downwave surface that follows the rotation arc, creating a smooth curved interface with the water. This curvature allows the absorber to move through the water with minimal disturbance, reducing wave propagation while maintaining effective energy absorption. The curved geometry enables the absorber to conform to the natural wave motion without creating sharp discontinuities that would generate radiating waves.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic positioning where the absorber is free to rotate about the pivot point, allowing it to adapt its position dynamically in response to incoming waves. This dynamic capability enables the absorber to maintain optimal engagement with wave forces while minimizing the generation of outgoing waves, as the rotation allows the system to follow the natural wave motion rather than resisting it rigidly.
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 device effectively captures wave energy from both heave and surge components, maximizing energy absorption while minimizing wave propagation, thereby enhancing the efficiency of wave energy conversion.
Implementation Method 1
a wave energy capturing device for use in the capture and conversion of wave energy to useful energy
Implementation Method 2
a buoyant wave energy absorber which is coupled to a pivot point
Data Source
AI summary
A wave energy capturing device arranged to capture and convert wave energy to useful energy when positioned in an operating mode. The device includes a pivot point and a buoyant wave energy absorber affixed to the pivot point. The device has an operating mode where the device is arranged to capture wave energy. In the operating mode the pivot point is supported above the surface of a body of water and is held substantially stationary relative to wave movement. The buoyant absorber is engaged with the surface of the body of water at an operating location positioned downwave of the pivot point and wherein the absorber is arranged to rotate about the pivot point. The rotation defining a rotation arc of the absorber along which the absorber is arranged to reciprocate in the operating mode. The disclosure aims to provide improved capture of wave energy for conversion to useful energy.