Interconnected Wave Panels for High-Power, Low-Footprint Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wave-driven electrical generators face challenges in efficiently harnessing wave motion to produce power with minimal footprint and effective energy storage, particularly in coastal areas where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
The use of interconnected buoyant panels, such as triangularly shaped panels, that tilt with wave motion to drive magnetic members through coils, generating electricity, with optional floating batteries for storage, allowing for efficient energy production and storage in a compact configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional wave-driven generators are deployed to generate electricity, then power output is achieved, but water surface coverage area increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is divided into multiple floating panels (first buoyant panel, second buoyant panel, etc.) that can be interconnected to form an array. Each panel independently generates power through its own generator system, allowing the total power output to be achieved through parallel modular units rather than a single large structure, thereby reducing the water surface footprint per unit of power generated.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional horizontal wave energy conversion to vertical motion utilization. The floating panels tilt back and forth in response to waves, converting vertical wave motion into mechanical movement of magnetic members through coils. This dimensional shift allows more efficient use of wave energy within a smaller horizontal footprint.
2Power
If multiple interconnected panels are used to increase power output, then electricity generation capacity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses identical, standardized floating panel modules that can be replicated and interconnected. Each panel is a self-contained unit with its own generator, magnetic members, and coils. This modular segmentation allows power output to be scaled by simply adding more identical units rather than designing increasingly complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Each floating panel serves multiple functions: it provides buoyancy, houses the generator system, supports magnetic members, and generates electricity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high power generation capacity.
3Power
If magnetic members travel through coils to generate electricity, then electrical energy is produced, but mechanical wear and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces direct mechanical contact between moving and stationary components with electromagnetic interaction. Magnetic members move through coils without physical contact, utilizing electromagnetic induction to generate electricity. This substitution eliminates friction and mechanical wear, significantly reducing energy losses and maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the mechanical motion of the magnetic members and the electrical energy generated in the coils. This intermediary mechanism allows energy conversion without direct mechanical coupling, minimizing energy dissipation through friction and contact forces.
4Reliability
If panels are sealed to prevent water entry, then internal components are protected, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floating panels utilize sealed hollow structures with integrated sealing mechanisms that form water-tight barriers while maintaining buoyancy. The sealing is incorporated into the panel design itself rather than requiring separate complex sealing systems, making the manufacturing process more straightforward while ensuring reliable protection of internal components from water exposure.
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 the generation of electricity from wave motion with a small footprint, maximizing power output while allowing for storage, suitable for powering coastal communities and offshore platforms, and minimizing water surface coverage.
Implementation Method 1
Each panel may carry multiple, e.g., three, cavities or channels in which magnetic members, e.g., spheres, cylinders, or other shapes, travel back and forth as the panel is rocked by waves. In one embodiment, the cavity or channel is surrounded by a coil wrapped stator, e.g., wrapped with copper wire, such that repeated back and forth travel of the magnetic member through the coil will produce electricity.
Implementation Method 2
A wave driven electrical generator of the invention includes multiple floating panels, such as triangularly shaped panels, that are joined together to form an interconnected sheet or array of panels. As waves pass under the floating sheet of interconnected panels, each panel is tilted back and forth, thereby providing motive force for the movable members in the generator.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a wave driven electrical generator having a single panel, or an array of panels that may be triangular in shape or may have another shape. A movable connection is provided between the panels to allow relative movement in two dimension or three dimensions. The movable connection may include at least one panel link has a length that is at least as long as the width of the panels to facilitate stacking of the panels for storage. One or multiple generators may be mounted on each panel and may be housed in a cavity where it is protected from damage and/or exposure to water. The area of coverage of a panel array includes open areas within the array of panels that define less than 20% of the area of coverage thereby facilitating the generation of maximum amount of power with a relatively small footprint.