Wave Energy Generator with Above-Water Induction Coil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for converting wave energy into electrical energy are inefficient, expensive, and environmentally harmful, with previous attempts suffering from high energy loss, complex designs, and maintenance issues, limiting their practicality and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes a floating body connected to a transmission shaft, which converts linear motion from aquatic waves into rotary motion using a simple arrangement of one-way clutches and an induction coil positioned above the water surface, minimizing machine parts and energy loss, and allowing for efficient electrical energy production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If complex transmission systems with multiple gears are used to convert wave motion, then the conversion mechanism is more complete, but energy loss increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex gear transmission mechanisms from the system and directly connects the floating body to the generator through a simple shaft, extracting only the essential motion transmission function while eliminating unnecessary intermediate components that cause energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple gears to convert linear motion to rotary motion, the patent inverts the approach by directly utilizing the linear motion of the floating body to drive the generator through a simple shaft connection, simplifying the transmission path
2Weight of moving object
If generators are positioned below the water surface, then the floating body can be lighter, but maintenance complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the generator above the water surface rather than below, making the generator easily accessible for maintenance while the floating body remains simple and lightweight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a shaft as an intermediary element that connects the floating body to the generator, allowing the generator to be positioned in a convenient location for maintenance while still transmitting motion effectively
3Stability of the object's composition
If heavy platforms with substantial inertia are used, then the platform stability improves, but the system complexity and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of the heavy platform and replaces it with a simple floating body that achieves sufficient stability through buoyancy alone, eliminating the need for complex heavy structures with substantial inertia
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of platform design from heavy structures relying on inertia for stability to lightweight structures relying on buoyancy for stability, fundamentally altering how stability is achieved in the system
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
This solution achieves efficient conversion of wave motion into electrical energy with minimal losses, using readily available and cost-effective components, making it a more practical and environmentally friendly option compared to existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The induction coil magnet is directly connected to the floating bodies. With the arrangement with rotary generator minimal losses in the transmission system are obtained by use of one-way clutches
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~3a
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an economical and ecological process for producing electrical energy. According to the disclosure, electrical energy is produced by conversion of wave energy. In illustrated embodiments, aquatic waves lift a floating body which, by use of a transmission system, linearly moves a magnet in the induction coil, or converts vertical motion of the floating body into circular motion of the generator which generates electricity. The energy generation system includes either flexible or inflexible transmission shafts which transmit the motion to rotary or linear generators. The present disclosure includes the system for producing electricity with fixed support to the bottom of the sea, and the system with lateral and central floating bodies, with rotating or linear generators coupled to transmission shafts positioned above the system for producing electricity.