Wave-Driven Fluid Lifting for Low-Cost Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power generation systems that rely on external electric power for pumping operations incur high costs due to the need for electricity consumption, which is typically low during off-peak hours.
Innovation Solution
A power generation system utilizing a floating body that harnesses wave force to raise a fluid to a predetermined height, incorporating a feeding device and power generation unit to convert the potential energy of the fluid into electricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external electric power is used for pumping operations, then the pumping operation can be performed, but the expense for electric power increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses wave energy to drive the pumping operation through the floating body's natural motion, eliminating the need for external electric power. The pump is driven by the mechanical motion of the floating body responding to waves, making the system self-powered and reducing operational expenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electric motor-driven pumping system with a wave-driven mechanical pumping system. The floating body's motion caused by wave forces directly drives the pump mechanism, substituting electrical energy with mechanical energy from wave motion.
2Use of energy by moving object
If wave force is used to raise fluid, then external power consumption is eliminated, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floating body serves multiple functions: it acts as a wave energy receiver, a pump driver, and a structural support for the power generation system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving self-powered operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the wave energy conversion mechanism and the pumping mechanism into an integrated system. The floating body's motion simultaneously drives both the pump and the power generation unit, merging multiple functions into a unified structure that minimizes overall system complexity.
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
Generates electricity at low cost by eliminating the need for external power to pump the fluid, ensuring continuous power generation and reducing operational expenses.
Implementation Method 1
a feeding device that feeds the fluid toward the predetermined height position based on a wave force received by the floating body
Implementation Method 2
a power generation unit that generates the electricity using the potential energy of the fluid raised to the predetermined height position
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a power generation device that generates electricity using a potential energy of a circulation fluid (F) raised to a predetermined height position by a wave force, the device including: a float (27) that includes a hollow portion (27A); a feeding device (24), the feeding device (24) being accommodated in the hollow portion (27A) of the float (27); and a power generation unit (23) that generates the electricity using the potential energy of the circulation fluid F raised to the predetermined height position, wherein a lower portion of the float (27) protrudes such that a cross-sectional area in a horizontal direction decreases as the floating body extends downward, the device further including a storage tank-side accommodation portion (2) that accommodates the float (27), the feeding device (24) and the power generation unit (23).