Ocean Wave Energy Duct Flow Control and Linear Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ocean wave energy extraction systems operate at low efficiency due to losses in converting oscillatory motion into rotational mechanical energy, are heavily reliant on wave direction, and require costly redundancy to withstand extreme forces, which affects commercial viability and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
An ocean wave energy extraction system featuring a duct with a configurable inlet, a flow control segment to reduce turbulent flow, and a turbine driven by oscillating water column fluid flow, allowing for bi-directional fluid flow and independent operation of multiple ducts to mitigate wave direction effects and reduce structural reinforcement needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If systems are built to withstand extreme forces from large waves, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a floating platform that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation in response to wave conditions, rather than being a fixed rigid structure. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to passively respond to extreme forces without requiring excessive structural reinforcement, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing complexity and cost.
2Productivity
If ducts are configured to face prevailing waves, then energy extraction efficiency is improved, but adaptability to changing wave directions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The floating platform can rotate and reorient itself dynamically in response to changing wave directions. The ducts are positioned on the platform such that they automatically face the prevailing waves as the platform rotates, maintaining high energy extraction efficiency across varying wave conditions without requiring active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The single floating platform supports multiple ducts that can collectively face waves from different directions. This multi-functional configuration allows the system to extract energy efficiently from waves approaching from various angles, providing both high productivity and strong adaptability to changing wave patterns.
3Power
If hydraulic to pneumatic conversion is used, then power output is achieved, but energy conversion efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate hydraulic to pneumatic conversion stage from the energy conversion chain. Instead, the system directly converts the kinetic energy of oscillating water columns into electrical energy through linear generators, eliminating the energy losses associated with multiple conversion stages while maintaining adequate power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical hydraulic-pneumatic conversion mechanism with a direct electromagnetic conversion system. Linear generators convert the linear motion of water columns directly into electrical energy, substituting a more efficient energy conversion pathway that reduces losses and simplifies the overall system.
4Power
If turbine rotary movement is used, then electrical generation is achieved, but efficiency deteriorates due to oscillatory airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional rotary turbines with linear generators that directly convert the linear oscillatory motion of water columns into electrical energy. This substitution eliminates the inefficiencies of converting oscillatory airflow into rotary motion, achieving both electrical generation and high conversion efficiency in a single direct conversion step.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using turbines to convert oscillatory motion into rotary motion (the conventional approach), the system inverts the approach by using linear generators that directly convert linear oscillatory motion into electrical energy. This inverted methodology achieves higher efficiency by eliminating unnecessary intermediate conversion steps.
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 system enhances energy conversion efficiency, reduces visual impact, and decreases costs by minimizing the need for redundancy, making it more commercially viable and aesthetically appealing while maintaining efficiency across varying wave conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a turbine in fluid communication with the second segment of the duct such that the turbine is drivable by a fluid flow from the second segment, the fluid flow being generated by oscillations of the oscillating water column within the duct
Implementation Method 2
an electric generator configured for rotation by the turbine to generate electrical energy
Data Source
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AI summary
An improved ocean wave energy extraction system is disclosed. The system includes at least one duct for receiving an oscillating water column. The duct has a first segment, a second segment arranged transversely to the first segment and a flow control segment intermediate the first and second segments. The flow control segment is configured to inhibit turbulent flow of the oscillating water column flowing within the duct. A turbine is in fluid communication with the second segment of the duct such that the turbine is driven by the fluid flow which is generated by the oscillations of the oscillating water column within the duct. The turbine rotates an electric generator to thereby generate electrical energy.