Floating Wave Energy Platform with Hydraulic Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine wave energy power generation technologies face issues such as low energy collection efficiency, poor resistance to marine waves, high capital investment, and unstable power quality due to immobile and costly operation platforms, and high utilization costs.
Innovation Solution
A pressurized water integrated energy conversion and power-generation system featuring a lightweight, cubic frame operation platform with auxiliary floaters and counterweights, utilizing small energy collection units that capture both potential and kinetic wave energy, and a two-level pressure regulation system for stable power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a reinforced concrete foundation is constructed at the seashore or on the seafloor as the operation platform, then the platform has high stability, but the construction cost is high and the platform is immovable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional reinforced concrete foundation with a floating platform structure that uses water buoyancy to support the entire system. This substitution of mechanical support (concrete foundation) with fluid-based support (water buoyancy) eliminates the need for expensive concrete construction while providing sufficient stability for wave energy conversion operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of platform support from solid foundation to floating structure. By altering the support mechanism from static concrete foundation to dynamic floating platform, the system achieves both cost reduction and adaptability to different ocean conditions while maintaining operational stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a standard ship hull is used as the operation platform, then the platform is movable, but the cost is high and the resistance to marine wave strike is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the platform structure into multiple modular floating units connected together, creating a segmented floating platform. This segmentation allows the platform to be movable and adaptable to different locations while the modular design enables better wave energy distribution and resistance compared to a single hull structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction methods combining floating materials with structural components to create a platform that has both mobility and enhanced wave resistance. The composite structure integrates the buoyancy of floating materials with the strength needed to resist marine wave strike.
3Power
If existing marine wave power generation installations are used, then the system can generate power, but the energy collection efficiency is low and generation output is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic floating structures that can move and adjust their position in response to wave motion. This dynamic capability allows the platform to better capture and convert wave energy, significantly improving energy collection efficiency and generation output compared to static installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles in the wave energy conversion mechanism, where water pressure and flow dynamics are harnessed to drive the energy conversion system. This hydraulic approach enables more efficient energy extraction from marine waves, improving both collection efficiency and generation output.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If existing marine wave power generation installations are subjected to undulating and unstable marine waves, then the system operates continuously, but the power quality is poor and grid integration is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor and regulate the power generation output in real-time. This feedback system adjusts the energy conversion process to maintain stable power quality despite continuous wave motion, ensuring reliable power supply suitable for grid integration while maintaining continuous 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 achieves high energy collection efficiency, stability, and cost-effectiveness, with a reduced capital investment and operational costs, enabling efficient and safe power generation from marine waves, capable of withstanding adverse maritime conditions.
Implementation Method 1
small energy collection units that capture both potential and kinetic wave energy
Implementation Method 2
a two-level pressure regulation system for stable power generation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Disclosed is a pressurised-water integrated-type energy conversion and power-generation system collecting marine wave energy, comprising an energy conversion and power-generation working platform (1) used for collecting marine wave energy and placed in a sea or ocean and an energy conversion apparatus (13) provided on the working platform, wherein the energy conversion apparatus (13) sends the collected wave energy post voltage mixing to a voltage regulator (18) for voltage regulation; and after voltage regulation, the energy is supplied to a hydraulic power-generation apparatus (17) to generate electrical power. The power generation system has the following advantages: the potential energy of undulating marine waves and the kinetic energy from advancing head-on marine waves can both be captured; and an anti-corrosion composite material is used for the components of the energy conversion apparatus, and the medium used for energy conversion is seawater, which is environmentally friendly, clean, and sustainable.