Floating Platform Wave Energy Generator with Above-Water Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave action electric generating systems are inefficient in harnessing the rocking motion of floating platforms to convert wave energy into electricity, as they often require complex underwater components and lack effective mechanisms to maximize energy extraction from dynamic ocean movements.
Innovation Solution
A wave action electric generating system utilizing a floating platform with drag members connected via cables and pulleys to generators, incorporating a one-way clutch and spring mechanism to convert the rocking motion into rotational energy, with drag members designed to provide variable drag resistance to optimize energy capture from wave action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If complex underwater components are used to harness wave energy, then energy extraction capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the generator and critical components from the underwater environment and places them on the floating platform above water. This allows the system to harness wave energy through underwater drag members while keeping the power generation components accessible and maintainable above the water surface, resolving the contradiction between energy extraction capability and device complexity/maintenance difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into distinct functional segments: underwater drag members for energy capture, cable transmission mechanisms, and above-water generators. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates maintenance of critical components without requiring underwater intervention
2Reliability
If the platform is kept stable to protect components, then component protection is improved, but rocking motion needed for energy generation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to wave conditions by allowing the platform to rock naturally for energy generation while using active stabilization systems and flexible mounting mechanisms to protect sensitive components. The drag members are designed to accommodate platform motion while maintaining effective water interaction for continuous energy capture
3Productivity
If drag members are placed underwater to capture wave energy, then energy capture is improved, but maintenance accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The generator and maintenance-critical components are extracted from the underwater environment and positioned on the floating platform above water. Drag members remain underwater for energy capture, but all components requiring regular maintenance are accessible from the platform deck, eliminating the need for underwater maintenance operations
Solution Approach 2:
The cable and pulley system acts as an intermediary mechanism that transmits energy from underwater drag members to above-water generators. This intermediary arrangement allows the drag members to remain underwater for effective energy capture while the generators and maintenance components are positioned above water for easy accessibility
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 effectively converts wave energy into electricity by maximizing the rocking motion of the platform, allowing for efficient energy harvesting and stability, with critical components accessible above water for easy maintenance, and capable of generating significant power for industrial and commercial use.
Implementation Method 1
a member disposed in the water and connected to another end of the cable, the member resisting lifting as the far end moves upwardly from wave action thereby to unwind the cable and drive the generator
Implementation Method 2
a spring to rewind the cable
Implementation Method 3
an electric generator disposed on the platform; a pulley engagable with the generator in a first direction to power the generator
Data Source
AI summary
A wave action electric generating system comprises a platform floating on water, the platform being subject to rocking from side to side from wave action; an electric generator disposed on the platform; a pulley engagable with the generator in a first direction to power the generator, and free-wheeling with the generator in a second direction opposite the first direction; a spring to rewind the cable; an arm extending over the water, the arm including a far end that moves substantially up and down over the water as the platform rocks from side to side; a cable operably connected to the pulley and supported by the far end, the cable pulling on the pulley in the first direction and rewinding around the pulley in the second direction; a member disposed in the water and connected to another end of the cable, the member resisting lifting as the far end moves upwardly from wave action thereby to unwind the cable and drive the generator, the member resisting sinking as the far end moves downwardly, thereby to rewind the cable.