Wave Generator Energy Storage for Peak Power Smoothing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surfable wave generator systems exhibit highly variable power consumption profiles, necessitating high-cost electrical connections or incompatible renewable energy integration due to their cyclic operation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an energy storage system, such as a kinetic accumulator, to store energy during low-demand phases and release it during high-demand phases, combined with a programmable controller to manage wave generation sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If wave generator system operates with cyclic wave generation phases, then wave generation function is achieved, but power consumption becomes highly variable requiring high-cost electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system accumulates energy during low-demand phases (F2) before the high-power wave generation phase (F1) begins. This preliminary energy accumulation allows the system to prepare for peak power demands without requiring the electrical infrastructure to continuously support maximum power levels, thereby reducing connection costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the power consumption profile from highly variable to more stable by using energy storage. The energy storage system absorbs power during low-demand periods and releases it during high-demand periods, changing the temporal distribution of power consumption parameters to match grid capabilities and reduce infrastructure requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If wave generator system operates with cyclic wave generation phases, then wave generation function is achieved, but integration with renewable energy sources becomes difficult due to constant energy supply
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system performs preliminary energy accumulation during low-demand phases and renewable energy surplus periods. This allows the system to store energy when renewable sources are producing excess power, then release it during high-demand wave generation phases, bridging the mismatch between constant renewable supply and cyclic wave generation demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage system acts as an intermediary buffer between renewable energy sources and the wave generator. It decouples the constant energy supply from the cyclic energy demand, allowing renewable sources to operate continuously while the wave generator operates in cycles, thus enabling integration that would otherwise be incompatible.
3Loss of energy
If energy storage system is added to wave generator system, then peak power demand is reduced and energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system serves multiple functions: it reduces peak power demand, improves energy efficiency, enables renewable energy integration, and stabilizes the power consumption profile. By consolidating these benefits into a single system component, the patent achieves multi-functionality that offsets the added complexity through overall system optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors the state of charge of the energy storage system and adjusts the wave generation timing and power draw accordingly. This feedback mechanism optimizes energy transfer between the storage system and wave generator, maximizing energy efficiency while managing system complexity through intelligent control rather than mechanical complexity.
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
Reduces peak power demand, stabilizes energy consumption, and optimizes the use of renewable energy, enhancing overall energy efficiency and reducing infrastructure requirements.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage system, such as a kinetic accumulator, to store energy during low-demand phases and release it during high-demand phases
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
System and method for the energy management of the energy consumption of a wave facility produced by a generator system (1) connected to an electrical power supply medium. An energy storage system is provided which stores electrical energy by means of the charge (C) of the energy storage system, when the generator system (1) is stopped and/or when the power demanded by the generator system (1) is below a certain threshold. The electrical energy is returned, by means of the discharge (D) of the energy storage system, during wave generation phases and/or when the power demanded by the generator system (1) is above a certain threshold. The invention makes it possible to reduce the power at the point of connection, or to make more efficient use of energy from an optional renewable energy source, adapting to different types of wave cycles.