Wave Energy Drive Assembly with Adjustable Actuating Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave energy converters face challenges in reliably and efficiently harnessing wave power over the long term, as they struggle to optimize energy conversion and adapt to varying sea conditions.
Innovation Solution
A drive assembly is designed to transfer wave energy to an energy converter, comprising an actuating member, a movable energy transfer member, and an energy storing member with a biasing member. The actuating member, which can be a flexible rope, moves the energy transfer member through a working stroke, driven by the energy capturing member, such as a buoyant float, and the biasing member ensures continuous energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing wave energy converters are used, then wave energy can be converted to useful energy, but the conversion efficiency and reliability are insufficient under varying sea conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating length of the actuating member is made adjustable to dynamically adapt to varying sea conditions. The drive assembly can modify its operational parameters in real-time, allowing the energy converter to maintain optimal performance across different wave conditions, thereby improving both reliability and adaptability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of actuating length to optimize energy conversion. By adjusting the actuating length parameter, the system can adapt to different sea states and wave patterns, ensuring reliable energy conversion under varying conditions without requiring complete system redesign
2Productivity
If the actuating length is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the energy conversion efficiency cannot be optimized for different working conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The drive assembly incorporates an adjustable actuating length mechanism that transitions the system from static to dynamic operation. This allows the energy converter to optimize its stroke length for maximum efficiency under different wave conditions, improving productivity while adding only the necessary adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The drive assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the primary actuation mechanism and as the adjustment mechanism itself. The actuating member can vary its effective length to perform different functions optimized for specific sea conditions, reducing the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and minimizing added 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 drive assembly enhances the efficient conversion of wave energy into useful energy by optimizing the working stroke and allowing independent adjustment of the actuating length, thereby improving the reliability and adaptability of wave energy capture across varying sea conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storing member comprising a biasing member coupled to one or more of: the actuating member, the energy transfer member; the energy storing member being arranged to cause the actuating member or the energy transfer member to move position
Implementation Method 2
The actuating length of the actuating member defines a distance between the energy capturing member and the energy transfer member. The energy capturing member preferably comprises a buoyant portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive assembly is provided suitable for aiding in the conversion of wave energy to useful energy. The drive assembly of the present invention is arranged to transfer wave energy to an energy converter, the drive assembly comprising, an actuating member having an actuating length. The drive assembly further comprises a movable energy transfer member arranged to be coupled to an energy converter and arranged to transfer energy from the actuating member to said energy converter. The drive assembly further comprises an energy storing member comprising a biasing member coupled to one or more of: the actuating member, the energy transfer member; the energy storing member being arranged to cause the actuating member or the energy transfer member to move position. The actuating member is arranged to move the energy transfer member from a first stroke position to a second stroke position; and the first stroke position and the second stroke position define distal end points of a working stroke; the working stroke arranged so as to drive said energy converter.