Semi-submerged Wave Energy Platform with Ballast Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave energy conversion systems face challenges such as high costs, anchoring difficulties, and vulnerability to extreme weather conditions, with submerged systems requiring seabed anchoring, floating systems risking damage from high waves, and oscillating water column systems being costly and inflexible.
Innovation Solution
A semi-submerged, self-leveling, self-propelling, and self-stabilizing marine platform that harnesses wave motion using submersible electric motors and geolocation systems, with a structure that exploits the principle of Archimedes during rising and gravity during falling waves, producing electricity and potable water without anchoring, and equipped with auxiliary power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If submerged wave energy conversion systems are used, then environmental impact is reduced, but anchoring costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the anchoring function from the wave energy conversion system by making the platform free-floating and not anchored to the seabed. The platform uses ballast tanks and buoyancy control to maintain position and stability without requiring complex anchoring infrastructure, thereby reducing both environmental impact and anchoring complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform performs self-positioning and self-stabilization using ballast tanks and buoyancy control mechanisms. The system automatically adjusts its own position and orientation in response to wave conditions without external intervention or complex anchoring systems, reducing both environmental impact and device complexity.
2Device complexity
If traditional floating wave energy devices are used, then anchoring requirements are reduced, but vulnerability to extreme weather increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses ballast tanks positioned in the lower portion of the platform to create a low center of gravity, providing inherent stability and resistance to capsizing in extreme weather. The ballast acts as a counterweight that maintains the platform's upright position even during high waves and storms, improving reliability without requiring complex anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform changes its buoyancy and stability parameters dynamically by adjusting ballast water levels in response to wave conditions. This allows the platform to adapt to extreme weather conditions, maintaining stability and reliability while remaining free-floating without complex anchoring requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If oscillating water column systems are used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different coastlines decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform uses dynamic ballast control and adjustable float positions to adapt to different wave conditions and coastline characteristics. The system can modify its operational parameters in real-time, providing both structural stability and adaptability to various deployment locations without requiring fixed infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The free-floating platform design with adjustable ballast and float systems can be deployed in various marine environments including open sea, coastal areas, and different wave conditions. The universal design eliminates the need for coastline-specific infrastructure, providing both stability and adaptability across diverse locations.
4Device complexity
If wave energy systems exploit only rising stage, then simplicity is maintained, but energy production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables continuous energy production by exploiting both the rising and falling stages of wave motion. The float system and double-acting hydraulic pistons convert energy from both upward and downward movements, doubling the productive cycles per wave period while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through symmetric design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the periodic nature of waves by designing the float and hydraulic system to extract energy during both the upward and downward phases of each wave cycle. This periodic dual-action mechanism doubles the energy extraction frequency compared to single-acting systems while maintaining simplicity through repeated symmetric 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 platform can produce nearly twice the energy of similar systems, is cost-effective, and can operate in extreme conditions, providing reliable renewable energy and water production with minimal environmental impact, while being adaptable and transportable.
Implementation Method 1
able to exploit the full range of wave motion including its movement in the rising stage, exploiting the principle of Archimedes, and in its falling stage using the forces of gravity
Implementation Method 2
The heavy gyroscope located lower in the structure adds additional stability, and together enables the structure to remain in an upright position as it moves up and down
Implementation Method 3
can sail to and remain in place through the use of submersible electric marine motors similar to those used in ships. These marine motors are powered by electricity produced by the waves
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A platform for exploiting the energy contained in waves operating in a marine environment and floating on the sea is disclosed. This comprises a submerged portion existing below a sea surface, an emerged portion existing above the sea surface, and a partially submerged wave power generation mechanism portion including the sea surface and coupling the submerged portion and the emerged portion.