Wave Energy Grid Using Shared Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave energy conversion systems are complex, expensive, and inefficient due to pneumatic inertia and pressure drops in pipe networks, with performance affected by orientation and exposure to sea conditions, leading to reduced efficiency and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A network of water compression columns arranged in two non-parallel directions with contiguously connected first and second non-return valves, forming a grid-like structure that allows continuous operation regardless of swell orientation, reduces pipe lengths, and enhances energy conversion efficiency by optimizing gas flow and pressure management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If columns are arranged in a line and connected via pipe networks, then the system can convert wave energy, but pneumatic inertia and pressure losses reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the pipe network connecting the columns, replacing it with a shared chamber configuration where columns directly discharge into a common space. This removes the source of pneumatic inertia and pressure losses while maintaining the energy conversion function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the individual column discharge paths into a single shared chamber, allowing multiple columns to discharge gas simultaneously without requiring separate pipe connections. This consolidation eliminates the complex pipe network and its associated energy losses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the column line is oriented in a specific way relative to the swell, then the system operates, but performance is affected by orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal system where columns are arranged in a grid pattern with shared chambers, allowing the system to effectively process waves from any direction. The multi-directional arrangement ensures that regardless of swell orientation, columns will be sequentially pressurized and can discharge into the shared chamber, maintaining consistent efficiency.
3Strength
If columns are made larger to withstand sea exposure, then structural integrity is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into multiple smaller columns arranged in a grid, where each column only needs to withstand local wave forces rather than requiring the entire structure to be massively reinforced. The shared chamber provides common structural support, reducing individual column requirements and overall manufacturing costs.
4Reliability
If all columns are pressurized simultaneously by parallel wave fronts, then gas flow saturation occurs in collectors, but operation continues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges columns in a grid pattern where wave action naturally creates sequential pressurization across different columns rather than simultaneous pressurization. This preliminary spatial arrangement ensures that gas flow is distributed over time, preventing saturation in the shared chamber and maintaining efficient operation.
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 operates continuously and efficiently across varying swell conditions, reduces mechanical wear, and lowers production costs by minimizing exposure and pipe-related losses, enabling effective conversion of wave energy into electrical energy.
Implementation Method 1
The upward movement of the water level in the column that results from such overpressure compresses a gas (typically air) located in the upper part of the column.
Implementation Method 2
The compressed gas is directed through pipes to a device such as a wind turbine to convert the energy from the movement of water, for example into electrical energy.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for converting the of swell and/or of wave energy, including a network of water compression columns (1), each having: a lower end (110) to be dipped into a volume of water, the lower end (110) having an opening (111) for collecting water in the column (1), so as to form a chamber including a gas in an upper portion (120) of the column (1), a first non-return valve (4) in fluid communication from said column (1) to an overpressure chamber (2) shared by the columns, and a second non-return valve (5) in fluid communication from a low-pressure chamber (3) shared by the columns to said column (1), wherein the overpressure (2) and low-pressure (3) chambers are fluidly connected via a turbine (6) and the columns (1) of the network are arranged contiguously, and the network extends in at least two non-parallel directions.