Wave Energy Capture Device Using Oscillating Water Column
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shore-based wave energy capture devices experience significant energy losses due to the conversion of powerful linear oscillatory wave energy into rotary energy, as they rely on compressible air to drive generators, which is less efficient than directly transferring kinetic energy from wave motion to rotational motion.
Innovation Solution
A wave energy capture and conversion assembly featuring an oscillating water column within a chamber, utilizing a point absorber and a linear generator or piston pawl chain mechanism to convert linear oscillatory motion into electrical power, optimizing energy transfer through a customized littoral portal design that minimizes turbulence and maximizes wave energy concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If air is used to compress and drive a power takeoff mechanism, then the device can convert wave energy to rotary motion, but significant energy losses occur due to air compressibility and low density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes air from the energy transmission medium and replaces it with water. The oscillating water column directly drives the power takeoff mechanism without using air compression, eliminating energy losses associated with air compressibility and low density while maintaining the core function of converting linear wave motion to rotary motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a piston that moves directly with the oscillating water column to drive the power takeoff mechanism. This piston acts as an intermediary that transfers kinetic energy from water directly to the mechanical components, bypassing the need for air compression and improving energy transmission efficiency.
2Productivity
If self-rectifying turbines are used to convert air flow to rotary motion, then electricity generation is achieved, but the blades are not optimized to capture maximal air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the air-flow-based self-rectifying turbine system with a water-driven piston and gear mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for blade optimization in compressible air and uses incompressible water to directly drive the mechanical conversion system, achieving more efficient energy capture and conversion.
3Productivity
If electromechanical means are used to optimize blade angles of self-rectifying turbines, then energy conversion efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the entire self-rectifying turbine system with its complex blade angle modulation mechanisms and replaces it with a simpler water-driven piston and gear system. This extraction eliminates the need for electromechanical blade optimization while maintaining or improving energy conversion efficiency through direct water-to-mechanical energy transfer.
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
This solution effectively captures and converts wave energy into rotational motion, reducing energy losses and enhancing efficiency by directly translating wave motion into electrical energy, thereby improving the overall energy conversion process.
Implementation Method 1
the oscillating water column engages the point absorber to displace a first shaft in a first circumferential direction
Implementation Method 2
the point absorber comprises a float operatively arranged to engage the oscillating water column and displace axially in the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A wave energy capture and conversion assembly, including a tube forming a chamber, and a point absorber arranged in the chamber, wherein the tube is operatively arranged to engage water to form an oscillating water column within the chamber, and the oscillating water column engages the point absorber to displace a first shaft in a first circumferential direction.