Wave Floater Lever Arm Adjustment for Variable Sea States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave electricity generators lack an offshore floater system that can effectively follow wave contours and adjust the effective length of lever arms according to wave parameters, leading to inefficient energy harvesting.
Innovation Solution
An offshore floater system comprising one or more lever arms coupled with floaters and rotatably coupled with a base member, where the floaters and/or base member can follow wave contours and adjust the effective length of the lever arms based on wave parameters, including the use of magnetic elements and differently sized floaters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed-length lever arm is used in wave electricity generators, then the device structure is simple, but the energy harvesting efficiency decreases when wave parameters vary
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic one where the effective length can be adjusted. The patent implements this through a telescopic lever arm with adjustable segments that can change length in response to varying wave conditions, allowing the system to optimize energy capture across different wave parameters while managing structural complexity through controlled adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of lever arm length to adapt to varying wave conditions. By implementing a telescopic mechanism that allows the lever arm effective length to be modified based on wave height and period, the system optimizes its energy harvesting efficiency for different sea states without requiring complete redesign of the entire device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If floaters are positioned at fixed locations, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to follow wave contours is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The floater positioning system transitions from static to dynamic configuration. The patent implements adjustable floater positions along the lever arm that can be reconfigured based on wave patterns, allowing the system to better follow wave contours and maximize energy capture while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular positioning mechanisms.
3Power
If the lever arm effective length is increased, then the torque and energy capture increase, but the system becomes more sensitive to wave direction changes
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm system implements dynamic length adjustment that responds to wave direction and height variations. By allowing the effective lever arm length to be modified based on real-time wave conditions, the system can maximize torque and energy capture during favorable conditions while reducing sensitivity to directional changes when waves become more chaotic or directional patterns shift.
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 enhances wave energy harvesting efficiency by dynamically adjusting to wave contours and parameters, ensuring optimal energy capture and system stability in varying sea conditions.
Implementation Method 1
one or more lever arms (101) coupled with one or more floaters (102) and rotatably coupled with a base member (103)
Implementation Method 2
including the use of magnetic elements
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an offshore floater system for a wave electricity generator (OFS) comprising one or more lever arms coupled with one or more floaters, wherein the lever arms can be rotatably coupled with a base floater and the system can be configured to follow contours of waves and to be able to change an effective length of the lever arm according to wave parameters. The floaters can be differently sized, can have defined forms. The OFS can be installed off shore, anchored to be able to react on a water level change, mounted to react on a wave direction. The lever arms can be coupled with an electric energy generator which can be homopolar and coupled with a defined electrocomponent. The lever arms can be coupled with a defined mechanocomponent. An offshore floater method for generating wave electricity is proposed based upon the proposed system.