Wave Energy Pendulum Control for Power Maximization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wave energy converters lack an efficient method to maximize electrical energy recovery from wave forces, as they do not effectively adjust to real-time wave conditions to optimize energy conversion.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves real-time estimation of wave forces on a pendulum axis using a selected law or relationship, allowing strategic adjustments to the motor force to maximize average electrical power generation, by determining and actuating motor forces based on the position and wave forces, using models that express the sum of forces and sinusoidal functions to optimize energy recovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If real-time wave force estimation and strategic motor force adjustments are implemented, then electrical energy recovery is maximized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power generationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously measures the position of the moving element, determines wave forces using mathematical models, and adjusts motor force in real-time to maximize electrical power generation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to changing wave conditions and optimize energy recovery dynamically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses mathematical models to predict wave forces and pre-determine optimal motor force values before actual energy conversion occurs. By calculating and preparing control parameters in advance based on measured wave conditions, the system can respond more effectively to wave energy variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Power

If strategic adjustments to motor force are made to maximize electrical power, then energy recovery efficiency improves, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaverage electrical powerVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system autonomously monitors wave conditions, calculates optimal motor forces, and adjusts operation without human intervention. The system self-regulates by continuously measuring moving element position, determining wave forces through mathematical models, and actuating the motor to maximize power generation automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual operational control with automated electronic control and mathematical modeling. Instead of mechanical or manual adjustment of motor force, the system uses computational algorithms to determine optimal force values and electronically actuates the motor, simplifying the operational interface while maximizing performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If real-time measurement and determination of wave forces is performed, then energy conversion efficiency increases, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidposition measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses mathematical models as intermediaries to infer wave forces from measured position data. Rather than directly measuring difficult-to-obtain wave force parameters, the system measures the position of the moving element and uses mathematical relationships to calculate wave forces, reducing direct measurement requirements while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates mathematical representations (models) of wave forces based on position measurements. By copying the physical wave force information into mathematical form through modeling, the system can analyze and utilize wave force characteristics without requiring direct physical measurement of the forces themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 approach enhances the efficiency of wave energy conversion by maximizing average electrical power generation, adapting to changing wave conditions and spectral content, thereby improving the overall energy recovery process.

Implementation Method 1

actuating the motor in order to produce the new force value determined in e) by supplying electrical energy to the motor when the force of the motor drives the moving device and by generating electrical energy by the motor when the force of the motor resists the motion of the moving element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9261070B2Method of controlling a device for converting wave energy to electrical energy

Publication Date: 2016.02.16 IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES

AI summary

The invention converts wave energy into electrical energy. A device moved by wave action is coupled to an electric machine for generating electrical power and to drive the device to improve conversion of wave action into electrical power. The conversion of the wave energy is improved through real-time estimation of forces exerted by waves on a pendulum axis to estimate the force to be applied to the device by the electric machine acting as an electrical motor.