Wave Energy Flap Propulsion for Ship Fuel Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wave energy systems face high manufacturing and maintenance costs due to the need for materials that can withstand harsh marine environments, leading to uncompetitive energy production costs compared to other renewable energies like solar and wind.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing an articulated system with a pivoting connection between a flap and a keel, connected to a floating structure, which generates propulsion opposite to wave direction, reducing anchoring forces and allowing for energy conversion into electrical energy using a hydraulic or electric converter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wave energy systems use materials that can withstand harsh marine environments, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components (floating structure, keel, flap, energy conversion system) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while using appropriate materials, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliability in harsh marine environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating structure serves multiple functions: it provides buoyancy, houses the energy conversion system, supports the articulation mechanism, and acts as a platform for electrical equipment. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring the system can withstand marine conditions through its robust integrated design.
2Stability of the object's composition
If wave energy systems are installed at sea with anchoring, then stability is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic articulation mechanism where the flap can rotate relative to the keel, allowing the structure to adapt to varying wave conditions. This dynamic design provides stability through controlled movement rather than rigid anchoring, reducing installation complexity and cost while maintaining positional stability at sea.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its operational parameters (flap angle, rotation position) in response to wave conditions, allowing it to maintain stability across varying sea states. This parameter adaptation enables the system to achieve stability through active control rather than heavy anchoring infrastructure, reducing installation costs.
3Productivity
If wave energy systems convert energy to electricity, then energy production value is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy conversion system uses hydraulic or pneumatic mechanisms to convert the mechanical motion of the flap into rotational motion for electrical generators. This approach leverages well-established, cost-effective technologies rather than requiring custom high-cost conversion systems, improving energy production value while controlling manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to power its own electrical equipment using the electricity it generates, making it self-sufficient. This self-service capability reduces the need for external power sources and complex grid connections, lowering manufacturing and installation costs while maintaining high energy production value.
4Speed
If ships use traditional propulsion, then speed is maintained, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wave energy propulsion device is combined with the ship's existing propulsion system, creating a hybrid system where the flap-generated thrust works together with traditional engines. This merging allows the ship to maintain speed while reducing fuel consumption, as the wave energy contributes a portion of the required propulsion force.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the kinetic energy of waves, which would otherwise be a disruptive force affecting ship stability, into useful propulsion thrust. By harnessing wave motion to generate forward thrust, the system reduces the fuel burden on traditional engines while maintaining or even improving ship performance in certain conditions.
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 device reduces fuel consumption for ships and lowers anchoring costs while efficiently converting wave energy into propulsion and electrical energy, making wave energy production more competitive.
Implementation Method 1
a wave energy system capable of converting the energy of wave movements generated by the swell into usable energy
Implementation Method 2
said flap being arranged to follow the oscillations of said keel by oscillating rotation under the action of wave movements
Implementation Method 3
at least one means for transmitting the relative movement of said keel to at least one electrical converter for converting the mechanical energy of said movement into electrical energy
Implementation Method 4
at least one electrical converter for converting the mechanical energy of said movement into electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a wave movement energy conversion and propulsion device (10) comprising a floating structure (1), a keel (2) movably mounted on the floating structure, in a sliding movement along a heave axis (Z), a means for transmitting the movement relative to the keel with at least one electrical converter to convert the mechanical energy of the movement into electrical energy, a flap (3) connected to the keel and to the floating structure (1) by an articulated system (A1, A2, A3), the flap being configured to be positioned under the surface of the water, arranged so as to follow the oscillations of the keel by oscillating rotation under the action of the wave movements, and to generate a propulsion force directed toward the center of gravity of the floating structure.