Multi-Axial Wave Energy Conversion With Swinging Magnet Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wave energy conversion devices face challenges in stability and reliability due to the irregular and unstable nature of wave energy, requiring improvements to reduce maintenance costs and enhance electricity generation consistency.

Innovation Solution

A multi-axial wave energy conversion device featuring a main body with permanent magnet generating assemblies, including stator and rotor structures capable of rotating or swinging, and hydraulic power generation devices, allowing for energy conversion from wave movements along different directions with a specific ratio of rotor to stator slots for efficient electricity generation at low speeds and small angles, independent of fixed wave direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wave energy conversion device uses a single axis of rotation, then the structure is simple, but it cannot effectively convert wave energy from multiple directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to convert wave energy from multiple directionsVSAvoidmulti-axial structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-axis rotation mechanism to a multi-axial rotation mechanism by adding a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first. The first rotating component rotates around a first axis, while the second rotating component rotates around a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis, enabling the device to capture wave energy from multiple directions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the device requires large wave amplitudes and fixed wave directions for efficient energy conversion, then the energy conversion efficiency is high, but the reliability and stability of electricity generation decrease due to the irregular and unstable nature of wave energy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of electricity generationVSAvoidelectricity generation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic adaptation mechanisms where the rotating components can adjust their positions and orientations in response to varying wave conditions. The first and second rotating components can independently rotate to align with the dominant wave direction, allowing the device to maintain efficient energy conversion across different wave scenarios rather than requiring fixed optimal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the device uses complex mechanical structures to handle irregular wave movements, then the adaptability to wave conditions improves, but the maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to irregular wave movementsVSAvoidmaintenance cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the wave energy conversion system into separate modular components: a first rotating component for capturing wave motion around a first axis, and a second rotating component for capturing wave motion around a second axis. Each component can be independently manufactured, maintained, and replaced, simplifying maintenance procedures compared to a fully integrated complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 stabilizes electricity generation even with small wave amplitudes and directional changes, improving reliability and reducing maintenance costs through a simple structure that converts wave movements into rotating or swinging movements for effective energy conversion.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one permanent magnet generator includes a stator structure and a rotor structure capable of rotating or swinging relative to the stator structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The at least one permanent magnet generating assembly further includes at least one hydraulic power generation device disposed between the arm and the main body and/or between the arm and the third permanent magnet generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic power generation: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP4030051B1Multi-axial wave energy conversion device
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 FLH ENERGY TECH LTD
  • EP4030051B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4030051B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4030051B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A multi-axial wave energy conversion device(1,1') is provided and includes a main body(11,11') and at least one permanent magnet generating assembly(12,12') disposed on the main body(11,11') and including a third permanent magnet generator(123,121'), an arm(124,124') and a driving component(125,125'). A first end(1241) and a second end(1242) of the arm(124,124') are respectively coupled to the main body(11,11') and the third permanent magnet generator(123,121'). The third permanent magnet generator(123,121') includes a third stator structure(1231,1211') and a third rotor structure(1232,1212'). The driving component(125,125') is directly connected to the third rotor structure(1232,1212'). The first end(1241) of the arm(124,124') is capable of rotating or swinging relative to the main body(11,11') around a first axis(A1'). The second end(1242) of the arm(124,124') is capable of rotating or swinging relative to the driving component(125,125') around a second axis(A2') parallel to the first axis(A1') and a third axis(A3') different from the first axis(A1') and the second axis(A2').