Wave Energy Buoy Array with Vertical Framework
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for harnessing energy from ocean waves lack efficiency and scalability, limiting their ability to generate significant usable energy on a large scale.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an array of buoys with a framework of vertical members, a base buoy, and movable buoys that utilize energy conversion devices to generate power from wave motion, secured by a buoyant tether, allowing for efficient energy harvesting in deep ocean waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional wave energy systems are used, then energy generation is possible, but efficiency and scalability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent buoy units, each capable of generating energy individually. Each buoy contains its own energy conversion device, allowing modular deployment and scalability from single units to arrays without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The buoy design integrates multiple functions into a single unit: wave energy capture, energy conversion, and electrical power generation. The energy conversion device can operate through multiple mechanisms (electromagnetic induction, water pumping, or mechanical motion conversion), providing versatility in energy harvesting approaches
2Productivity
If more buoys are deployed to increase energy output, then energy production scales up, but system stability and anchoring become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple buoy units are connected and anchored together to form a stable array system. The buoys work collectively rather than independently, with the array configuration providing mutual stability and consistent energy generation even when individual buoys experience varying wave conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The buoyant tether provides self-supporting buoyancy that reduces drag and interference with the buoys' natural wave motion. This self-buoyancy mechanism eliminates the need for complex active stabilization systems while maintaining system stability across varying sea conditions
3Reliability
If the buoys are anchored to the ocean floor, then position is fixed, but deployment and retrieval become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system transitions from static ocean floor anchoring to dynamic buoyant tethering. The buoys maintain stable positions through buoyant forces rather than fixed anchoring, allowing the system to be easily deployed and retrieved by simply deploying or recovering the buoyant tethers without complex anchoring operations
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 effectively converts wave motion into energy through various mechanisms like electromagnetic induction or water pumping, enabling reliable and consistent energy production even in extreme wave conditions, with potential to replace traditional power sources and provide energy for remote or disaster-stricken areas.
Implementation Method 1
energy conversion device operable with each of the plurality of movable buoys to generate power from movement of the movable buoys relative to the vertical members through the use of any technology known in the art for pumping water, pumping air, electromagnetic induction, or conversion through any other type of mechanical motion
Implementation Method 2
a buoyant tether coupled to the array of buoys to secure the array of buoys to an object
Data Source
AI summary
A system for obtaining energy from surface waves is disclosed. The system can include an array of buoys. The array of buoys can include a framework having a plurality of vertical members. The array of buoys can also include a base buoy coupled to the framework to support the framework in a body of water and maintain the vertical members in a vertical orientation. The array of buoys can further include a plurality of movable buoys. Each of the plurality of movable buoys can be movably disposed about a different one of the vertical members and configured to move relative to the respective vertical members and the base buoy in response to a wave in the body of water. Additionally, the array of buoys can include an energy conversion device operable with each of the plurality of movable buoys to generate power from movement of the movable buoys relative to the vertical members.