Wave Power Plant Float Guide Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for converting swell, wave, and tidal energy into electrical energy are complex, prone to wear and corrosion, and require significant maintenance due to their numerous parts, such as valves, kinetic wheels, and rack-and-pinion assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a float guided by a seabed-anchored guiding device with conversion means, including a roller, pinion, or wheel connected to an electric generator, which converts the float's sliding movement into rotary motion to produce electrical energy, minimizing the kinematic chain and reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional devices with multiple parts (valves, kinetic wheels, cables, return pulleys, rack-and-pinion assemblies) are used for converting swell, wave, and tidal energy into electrical energy, then the conversion function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components (valves, kinetic wheels, cables, return pulleys, rack-and-pinion assemblies) from the energy conversion system. The direct drive mechanism connects the float's vertical movement straight to the generator, removing the complex chain of transmission components that caused wear and corrosion issues in traditional devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The float serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the buoyant element that responds to wave motion, the mechanical driver that converts vertical movement to rotational motion through its interaction with the guide device, and the housing for the generator assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of separate components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If traditional devices with multiple parts (valves, kinetic wheels, cables, return pulleys, rack-and-pinion assemblies) are used for converting swell, wave, and tidal energy into electrical energy, then the conversion function is achieved, but maintenance efforts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic transmission components (valves, kinetic wheels, cables, return pulleys, rack-and-pinion assemblies) that were prone to wear and corrosion. By eliminating these parts, the system has fewer components that can fail, directly reducing maintenance efforts while preserving the energy conversion function through the simplified direct drive mechanism.
3Ease of repair
If a simplified conversion mechanism with minimal kinematic chain is used, then maintenance needs are reduced, but the conversion efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the float structure into functional zones: the upper portion that responds to wave motion, the middle section with the guide device that converts vertical movement to rotation, and the lower section housing the generator. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity, ensuring efficient energy conversion without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide device employs dynamic elements including rollers that rotate as the float moves vertically, converting the float's linear motion into rotational motion of the generator shaft. This dynamic mechanism maintains high conversion efficiency while using minimal components, as the rollers naturally convert motion types without requiring complex transmission assemblies.
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 solution simplifies the conversion process, reduces wear and corrosion, and enhances maintenance efficiency by limiting the number of parts, effectively producing electrical energy from swell, waves, and tidal movements while allowing for energy recovery in both electrical and thermal forms.
Implementation Method 1
Under the action of the swell and/or the waves and/or the tide and/or Archimedes' thrust, the float is driven by an alternating vertical movement
Implementation Method 2
at least one guide means such as a roller, a pinion or a wheel whose horizontal axis is substantially parallel to the plane of said opening, and arranged so as to be in contact with the surface of said support guide when it is secured to the float
Implementation Method 3
at least one generatrix included in the body of the float... which can produce electrical energy in this way
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The subject of the present invention is a device (1) making it possible to convert the undulation and/or the oscillations of a liquid in which it is at least partially submerged into usable energy. The device (1) comprises a float (3) guided by a guide device (2) anchored in the sea bed, with the aid of guide means (12) and comprising conversion means making it possible to convert the relative movements between the float (3) and the guide device (2) into usable energy such as electric energy.