Wave Energy Extraction via Subsurface Mat and Air Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for harnessing wave energy are inefficient, as they struggle to extract a substantial percentage of the potential energy present in waves, often leading to energy dissipation and reduced usable output.
Innovation Solution
The proposed system employs three complementary processes to enhance wave energy extraction: the surging method, compressed air enhancement, and the utilization of circulatory motion beneath the waves, all designed to maximize energy capture and conversion into usable power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If more energy is extracted from waves using conventional methods, then power generation increases, but water moves to the sides or over the top of the device, reducing extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from surface-level wave energy extraction to subsurface energy extraction by deploying a mat structure on the ocean floor that captures circulatory motion beneath the waves. This dimensional shift allows access to the rotational energy component that conventional surface devices cannot capture, thereby increasing power generation without the energy loss to side movement that plagues surface-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - a flexible mat with tension and compression elements on the ocean floor - that mediates between the wave energy and the energy extraction system. This mat acts as a translator that converts the complex wave motion into usable mechanical energy through tension and compression cycles, avoiding the direct water displacement issues that cause energy loss in conventional devices.
2Reliability
If wave energy extraction devices are designed to handle hurricanes and severe storms, then reliability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mat-based system on the ocean floor leverages the natural strength and stability of the seabed environment. The structure uses the ocean floor itself as its foundation, eliminating the need for complex anchoring systems required by surface-based devices. The mat passively withstands storm forces through its distributed structure and the natural stability of the seabed, achieving high reliability without proportional increases in complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional wave energy devices are used, then implementation is straightforward, but extraction efficiency remains low compared to other renewable energy sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by utilizing the circulatory motion of water beneath the waves to drive the mat's tension and compression cycles. This hydraulic approach converts the kinetic energy of subsurface water circulation into mechanical work, achieving high extraction efficiency. The system maintains relative implementation simplicity by using passive hydraulic action rather than complex mechanical or electronic extraction mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for capturing energy from waves in a body of water comprising: an artificial beach configured to remove water flowing backwards on the artificial beach; a plurality of guide walls each comprising wave actuators configured to convert wave energy to create compressed air; a top guide extending to cover a portion of the artificial beach and configured to create pressure; an air/water reservoir configured to receive high/pressure water flowing from a normally closed check valve in the top guide when the top guide stops the momentum of the waves; a vertical pipe with a bubbler stone configured to create air bubbles to raise water head and a supply of potential energy within a top water reservoir; and a plurality pipes each comprising a turbine generator configured to receive water leaving the top water reservoir to operate the turbine.