Underwater Wave Energy Vehicle With Phase-Synced Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for harnessing ocean wave energy face challenges such as inefficiency in energy conversion, sensitivity to wave direction, and high costs due to the need for robust structures to withstand storm conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of an underwater vehicle equipped with a phase detection system, a two-quadrant motor-generator, and a rechargeable battery, which synchronizes its movement with ocean waves to convert wave energy into electrical energy, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing wave energy conversion technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wave energy conversion structures are designed to withstand storm conditions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic underwater vehicle that actively tracks and synchronizes with wave motion rather than using static robust structures. The vehicle adjusts its position, orientation, and speed in real-time to match wave parameters, converting mechanical energy through controlled motion synchronization with the wave field
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically by detecting wave phase, amplitude, and direction, then adjusting vehicle speed, position, and motor-generator operation accordingly. This allows the vehicle to adapt to varying wave conditions without requiring oversized structural components for extreme storm events
2Productivity
If wave energy conversion efficiency is increased through complex mechanisms, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The underwater vehicle uses its own propulsion system and motor-generator to both move itself and generate electricity. The vehicle's thrust mechanism serves dual purposes: propulsion during autonomous operation and energy extraction during wave synchronization, eliminating the need for separate complex conversion mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical wave-to-electricity conversion mechanisms with a more straightforward approach: the vehicle's motor-generator directly converts mechanical energy from wave-induced motion into electrical energy, simplifying the overall conversion system while maintaining efficiency
3Productivity
If the vehicle synchronizes closely with wave motion for energy conversion, then energy harvesting is improved, but control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors wave phase, amplitude, and vehicle position using sensors, then feeds this information back to the control system which adjusts vehicle speed and position in real-time. This closed-loop control maintains precise synchronization with varying wave conditions without requiring excessive manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle employs dynamic control that continuously adapts to changing wave conditions rather than relying on fixed precision mechanical linkages. The control system adjusts operational parameters in real-time to maintain optimal synchronization, reducing the need for high manufacturing precision in mechanical components
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 solution enables efficient and cost-effective harnessing of wave energy, allowing underwater vehicles to operate for extended periods and cover larger areas, thereby enhancing deep-water exploration and surveying capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
switching the motor-generator to the second quadrant for generation mode to convert energy from the movement of the wave to electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a phase detection system comprising a plurality of pressure taps disposed around the vehicle body
Data Source
AI summary
A method for harnessing wave energy includes providing a vehicle to a body of water, the vehicle. The method includes submerging the vehicle to a depth in the body of water. The method includes operating the motor-generator of the vehicle in the first quadrant of the motor-generator. The method includes detecting a phase of a wave in the body of water based information from the processor of the detected phase. The method includes orienting the vehicle to lag the phase of the wave based on the detected phase of the wave. The method includes synchronizing an inertial acceleration of the vehicle to movement of the wave. The method includes switching the motor-generator to the second quadrant for generation mode to convert energy from the movement of the wave to electrical energy. The method includes storing the energy from the wave in the rechargeable battery source.