Wave Energy Converter Pole Mounting for Depth and Orientation Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wave energy converters require adjustable mooring systems to accommodate varying ocean depths and wave orientations while minimizing environmental impact and ensuring operational efficiency, particularly in deep ocean conditions where existing solutions struggle to effectively manage reactive forces and torques.
Innovation Solution
A pole-based mooring system with a slider that allows vertical adjustment and rotational orientation of wave energy converters, utilizing a slider that engages a pole to adjust depth and orientation, and potentially incorporating active actuation for precise control, enabling the converters to align with incoming waves and withstand storm conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed mooring system is used to secure wave energy converters, then the converters are stabilized in position, but the system cannot accommodate varying ocean depths and tidal changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a slider mechanism that allows the wave energy converter to move vertically along the pole. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to accommodate varying ocean depths and tidal changes while maintaining stable positioning through the constraint of the pole and slider assembly.
2Device complexity
If a fixed orientation system is used for wave energy converters, then the structure is simplified, but the converters cannot optimize alignment with incoming waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the wave energy converter to rotate about the pole through the slider mechanism. This rotational freedom allows the converter to dynamically align with incoming waves from different directions while maintaining a relatively simple pole-based mooring structure without complex articulated joints.
3Ease of manufacture
If wave energy converters are mounted at fixed depth, then the installation process is simplified, but energy capture efficiency decreases under varying wave conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by providing vertical adjustability through the slider mechanism on the pole. This allows the wave energy converter to be positioned at optimal depths for different wave conditions, maximizing energy capture efficiency while maintaining relatively simple installation procedures through the standardized pole and slider assembly.
4Strength
If traditional mooring systems are used, then structural support is provided, but maintenance access and converter replacement become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the segmentation principle by separating the mooring function (pole anchored to ocean floor) from the converter mounting function (slider on pole). This segmentation allows the converter to be easily detached and reattached at the slider location, significantly improving maintenance accessibility while the pole continues to provide structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing the slider as a mediating component between the fixed pole structure and the movable wave energy converter. This intermediary element facilitates easy attachment and detachment of converters while the pole provides the necessary structural support and positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for mounting a set of wave energy converters in the ocean includes a pole attached to a floor of an ocean and a slider mounted on the pole in a manner that permits the slider to move vertically along the pole and rotate about the pole. The wave energy converters can then be mounted on the slider to allow adjustment of the depth and orientation of the wave energy converters.