Direct-Drive Wave Energy Converter With Closed Hull Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave energy converters rely on indirect drive systems, which increase complexity and reduce efficiency, whereas direct drive converters are less developed and require innovative designs for efficient energy capture and conversion.
Innovation Solution
A direct drive wave energy converter with a closed floating hull, a platform on roller tracks, a weight, coils on the hull's inner bottom, and inductors on the platform, allowing for yaw, sway, and surge motions to generate electric current through electromagnetic induction, with a design that protects the conversion system from external elements and optimizes energy production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If indirect drive systems are used in wave energy converters, then the conversion of wave energy to mechanical energy is achieved, but the device complexity increases and efficiency reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate mechanical conversion system from the energy conversion chain. By directly coupling the oscillating body with the electromagnetic generator, it extracts out the complex mechanical transmission components (gears, shafts, couplings) that cause energy losses, achieving direct drive electromagnetic induction for higher efficiency and lower complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical energy conversion system with an electromagnetic system. Instead of using mechanical components to convert wave motion to rotational mechanical energy, it uses electromagnetic induction where the oscillating body directly moves conductors through magnetic fields to generate electricity, substituting mechanical complexity with electromagnetic simplicity
2Device complexity
If a simple direct drive converter design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to capture multiple wave motions (yaw, sway, surge) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating body is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can yaw, sway, and surge to capture different components of wave energy, while also serving as the moving component of the electromagnetic generator. This multi-functionality allows a relatively simple structure to achieve complex energy capture capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamically adaptable structure where the oscillating body can move in multiple degrees of freedom (yaw, sway, surge) depending on wave conditions. This dynamic capability allows the simple direct drive design to efficiently capture varying wave motions without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms for each motion type
3Device complexity
If the conversion system is exposed to external elements, then the structure is simpler, but the reliability and protection from environmental damage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion system components (electromagnetic generator, conductors, magnets) are nested within the oscillating body structure. The oscillating body acts as a protective enclosure that houses the sensitive conversion components while exposing only the essential moving parts to the external wave environment, achieving both protection and functional simplicity
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 converter effectively captures sea wave energy with enhanced motion capabilities and efficiency, producing electrical energy directly proportional to the weight and oscillation difference, while maintaining system integrity and controlling power output.
Implementation Method 1
a platform (2) capable of sustaining a weight (3) and under which the hull moves, by the action of sea waves. The platform is equipped with a set of inductors which induce electric current in coils (4) fixed to the inner bottom of the hull
Implementation Method 2
This weight, of mass duly dimensioned, accentuates the oscillation difference between the hull and the platform, favouring the production of electrical energy by electromagnetic induction
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
The proposed invention is a direct drive converter of sea waves energy in electrical energy. It comprises a closed floating hull (1) and a weighted platform (2) within, equipped with coils and inductors respectively. The hull moves relatively to the platform upon facing the sea waves and electric current is induced in the coils. Hence, the sea waves energy is directly converted in electrical energy, avoiding energy losses on intermediate systems for the conversion. Also, the proposed invention incurs in more types of motion than other direct drive sea waves converters and is completely closed.