Wave Energy Power Generation with Rolling Diaphragm Compressor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave-energy conversion devices face inefficiencies in converting wave motion into electrical power due to frictional losses and inability to maintain constant pressure, especially under varying tidal conditions.
Innovation Solution
A wave energy electric power generation system comprising a buoyant body responsive to vertical wave movement, a working compressor with rolling diaphragms for efficient air compression, a pressure regulator with a floating piston and hydraulic dampening for constant pressure output, and an impulse air turbine generator set, which uses a closed air system with flexible diaphragms and liquid seals to minimize friction and accommodate tidal changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional compressors are used in wave energy conversion devices, then mechanical power transmission is achieved, but frictional losses reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the traditional compressor component that causes frictional losses. Instead of using a mechanical compressor with moving parts, the invention uses a flexible diaphragm that responds directly to wave motion, removing the source of friction and improving energy conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression system with a pneumatic-hydraulic system. The flexible diaphragm converts wave motion directly into pneumatic pressure changes, eliminating mechanical friction. The system uses air compression and hydraulic fluid transmission instead of direct mechanical power transmission.
2Reliability
If fixed pressure systems are used, then simple pressure regulation is achieved, but inability to maintain constant pressure under varying tidal conditions reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pressure regulation system where the flexible diaphragm continuously adapts to varying wave and tidal conditions. The diaphragm's flexibility allows it to respond dynamically to changing water levels and wave forces, maintaining relatively constant pneumatic pressure despite external variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and parameters of the working medium. By using compressible air as the working fluid and allowing pressure to vary within controlled ranges, the system can absorb and respond to tidal variations while maintaining functional output. The hydraulic system then converts these pneumatic variations into stable mechanical output.
3Reliability
If rigid sealing systems are used, then sealing effectiveness is achieved, but friction and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible diaphragm as both the sealing and actuating mechanism. This flexible membrane provides effective sealing between the pneumatic and hydraulic systems while eliminating rigid mechanical contacts that cause friction and wear. The flexibility of the diaphragm allows it to conform to pressure changes without creating sliding friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic-hydraulic coupling to transmit power without direct mechanical contact. The flexible diaphragm separates the pneumatic (air) and hydraulic (fluid) systems while allowing pressure transmission, eliminating the need for mechanical seals and reducing friction-related energy losses.
4Reliability
If complex pressure regulation mechanisms are used, then constant pressure output is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the flexible diaphragm component. The diaphragm simultaneously acts as the wave energy converter, pneumatic compressor, seal, and pressure regulator. This merging of functions achieves constant pressure output without requiring separate complex regulation mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible diaphragm system is self-regulating. It automatically responds to pressure variations caused by wave motion and tidal changes, maintaining relatively constant output pressure without external control systems. The system uses the inherent properties of the flexible membrane and compressible air to regulate pressure, eliminating the need for additional control mechanisms.
Data Source
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Figure 3~3A
AI summary
A wave energy electric power generation system has a buoyant body responsive to wave movement and an associated, relatively vertically stationary body, a compressor, a pressure regulator, and an impulse air turbine/generator set. The compressor has a piston that moves reciprocally relative to a cylinder to alternately compress air In opposed chambers. A pressure regulator tank defines a chamber in communication with the compressor for alternately receiving compressed air from opposed compression chambers, a floating piston within the tank applying pressure to compressed air in the chamber, a pressure regulator controlling pressure applied by the piston to the compressed air, and an hydraulic dampening system coupled to the floating piston to restrict unwanted vertical oscillations of the piston, for output of a continuous flow of compressed air at relatively constant pressure.