Wave Energy Float with Predictive Fluid Displacement Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting kinetic energy from surface waves are inefficient across varying wave conditions due to differences in wave lengths, amplitudes, and kinetic energy levels, leading to suboptimal energy conversion in both high and low energy waves.
Innovation Solution
A system with floating floats connected to a fluid displacement structure, using sensors and calculators to predict wave energy and adjust the energy transmission structure for efficient conversion of kinetic energy into potential energy, utilizing a working fluid whose energy can be increased during upward strokes of the floats, and potentially converted into electrical energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed energy extraction technique is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the energy extraction efficiency deteriorates under varying wave conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The energy transmission structure is made dynamically adjustable through a control system that modifies the structure based on real-time wave condition predictions. The controller receives wave parameter data from sensors, processes this information through a calculator, and adjusts the energy transmission structure accordingly to optimize energy extraction efficiency for each specific wave condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the energy transmission structure based on predicted wave characteristics. By monitoring wave parameters such as wavelength, amplitude, and period, the system adjusts transmission parameters to match the incoming wave conditions, ensuring optimal energy conversion efficiency across varying sea states.
2Productivity
If the energy transmission structure is adjusted for each wave, then the energy extraction efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and prediction of wave conditions before the wave reaches the energy extraction device. Sensors detect wave parameters in advance, the calculator processes this data to predict incoming wave characteristics, and the controller pre-adjusts the energy transmission structure before the wave arrives, ensuring optimal efficiency is achieved at the moment of energy extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor wave conditions and provide real-time data to the control system. The controller uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust the energy transmission structure, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing wave conditions and maintains optimal energy extraction efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to extracting kinetic energy from surface waves. Therein, at least one float (8) is kept floating in the area of the surface waves, while a working fluid is held in a reservoir structure (2, 3). The float is connected to a fluid displacement structure in such manner that an individual surface wave, which causes an upward stroke of the float, moves the working fluid within the reservoir structure in such manner that the potential energy of the working fluid is increased. Before the wave has reached the float, the wave is detected by a sensor (7). Based on said detection, a prediction is calculated of the amount of kinetic energy available in the wave. Tuned to said prediction, an energy transmission structure of the fluid displacement structure is adjusted for realizing the energy conversion.