Wave Energy Converter Stabilizing Plate and Ballast Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave energy converters are inefficient in converting wave energy to mechanical rotational energy and unstable, especially in rough waters with high wave heights.
Innovation Solution
A floatable wave energy converter design featuring a housing with a forwardly facing lower portion sloping downward, a stabilizing plate to control heaving and pitching motion, buoyancy means aft of the air chamber, and ballast means forward of the air chamber, combined with a self-rectifying turbine to convert air flow into mechanical rotational energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional wave energy converters are used with standard housing design, then basic wave energy conversion is achieved, but conversion efficiency to mechanical rotational energy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed to oscillate dynamically in response to wave motion, with the forward end facing into oncoming waves. This dynamic oscillation maximizes the interaction between waves and the air chamber, improving energy conversion efficiency while adapting to varying wave conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameters including the angle of the forwardly facing lower portion (30-60 degrees from horizontal), air chamber volume (0.5-2.0 m³), and water accommodating duct dimensions to maximize conversion efficiency. These parameter changes enable more effective transformation of wave energy to mechanical rotational energy.
2Productivity
If conventional wave energy converters operate in rough waters, then exposure to higher wave energy is achieved, but stability deteriorates with high wave heights
Solution Approach 1:
Ballast is positioned in the forward lower portion of the housing to counterbalance forces acting on the structure during wave oscillation. This ballast arrangement enhances stability in rough waters while allowing the housing to maintain its oscillating motion for energy conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing incorporates composite construction with rigid structural elements and stabilizing components working together. The combination of structural framework, stabilizing plates, and ballast creates a composite system that maintains stability under high wave conditions while enabling effective energy conversion.
3Productivity
If wave energy converters are designed for maximum energy capture, then power output increases, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the structural container, the oscillating element for energy capture, the support for the air chamber, and the housing for ballast. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maximizing power output capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines several components into an integrated housing structure. The forwardly facing lower portion, air chamber, water accommodating duct, and ballast are merged into a unified design that achieves maximum energy capture without proportionally increasing structural 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
The design significantly enhances efficiency and power output, achieving up to 60% higher power generation compared to prior art converters and maintains stability in waves up to 16 meters high, with the stabilizing plate and buoyancy/ballast combination controlling motion for optimal energy conversion.
Implementation Method 1
a floatable wave energy converter for converting wave energy to electricity
Implementation Method 2
ballast means forward of the air chamber
Implementation Method 3
a turbine located in the air accommodating duct is driven by air passing through the air accommodating duct in response to the rising and falling water level in the air chamber for driving an electrical generator
Implementation Method 4
the mechanical rotational energy is used to drive an electrical generator for generating electrical power
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 4~7
AI summary
A wave energy converter (1) comprises a housing (2) extending between a forward end (3) and an aft end (4). Three upstanding air chambers (15) are located in the housing (2) and three corresponding water accommodating ducts (16) extend aft from the air chambers (15) and terminate in aft water accommodating openings (17) for accommodating water into and out of the air chambers (15) as the housing (2) oscillates by pitching in response to passing waves. An air accommodating duct (21) communicates with the air chambers (15) through a manifold (20) for accommodating air into and out of the air chambers (15) as the water level (19a) falls and rises within the air chambers (15) as the housing (2) oscillates. A self-rectifying turbine (22) located in the air accommodating duct (21) powers an electrical generator (24) for generating electricity. A buoyancy tank (31) is located on the housing (2) above the water accommodating ducts (16) aft of the air chambers (15) for maintaining the housing (2) floating in the water. A first stabilising plate (28) extending in a generally forwardly downwardly direction extends from a lower sloping portion (27) at the forward end (3) of the housing (2) for controlling the pitching oscillating motion of the housing (2) relative to wave motion for in turn enhancing the power output produced by the converter (1). A forward ballast tank (31) and a pair of second stabilising plates (30) extending upwardly from the housing (2) enhance the stability of the converter (1).