Wave Power Generator Float and Resist Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to efficiently generate electricity directly from the passage of sea waves due to limitations in harnessing wave energy at the sea surface.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a float that moves up and down with waves, coupled with a resist element that resists vertical movement, utilizing synthetic stretchable material (SSM) like electroactive polymer (EPA) to generate electricity as the float moves relative to the resist element, with various configurations to minimize drift and maximize energy production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the float is made of minimum mass to readily move up and down in waves, then the float responds rapidly to wave motion, but the system generates insufficient resistance to vertical movement for effective energy generation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the mass distribution into two segments: a lightweight float for rapid wave response and a separate heavy resist element for providing resistance. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function optimally without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The SSM material acts as an intermediary element connecting the float and resist element. It transmits the relative motion between these two components and converts mechanical movement into electrical energy, enabling energy generation without directly adding mass to the float.
2Power
If the resist element is made of considerable mass to resist vertical movement, then effective energy generation is achieved, but the resist element moves too rapidly with the float reducing energy generation
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy resist element acts as a counterweight that resists the upward motion of the float during wave crests. Its considerable mass provides the necessary resistance to vertical movement, creating the relative motion needed for energy generation while maintaining position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes water resistance (hydraulic principle) by positioning the resist element at depth where water provides additional resistance to vertical movement. This external hydraulic resistance helps stabilize the resist element's position without requiring additional mechanical constraints.
3Productivity
If the float is allowed to move freely up and down with waves, then maximum wave energy capture is achieved, but drift from quiescent position occurs reducing system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The mooring system is designed to be dynamically adaptive: it provides strong lateral constraint to prevent drift while allowing vertical motion for wave energy capture. The system transitions between constrained (horizontal) and free (vertical) states based on wave motion requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the drift prevention function from the float itself and places it in the mooring system. This separation allows the float to专注于 wave response while the mooring handles position stabilization, optimizing both functions independently.
4Power
If conventional systems are used to generate electricity from pressure changes at undersea locations, then energy generation is achieved, but the systems are complex and not directly harnessing surface wave motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pressure-sensing and conversion systems with a simpler direct mechanical-to-electrical conversion using SSM materials. The system directly harnesses surface wave motion through float displacement, eliminating the need for deep-sea pressure measurement and conversion mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The SSM material generates electricity autonomously from the mechanical stretching caused by float movement. The system self-converts mechanical energy to electrical energy without requiring external power sources, complex control systems, or multiple conversion stages.
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 effectively converts wave motion into electricity by stretching SSM materials, ensuring consistent energy generation while minimizing float drift and optimizing resist element movement resistance, thereby enhancing wave energy harnessing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An electricity-generating apparatus such as SSM (synthetic stretchable material), e.g. EPA (electro active polymer), is coupled to the float and to the resist element, to generate electricity as the float moves relative to the resist element
Implementation Method 2
the resist element has a large area exposed to the sea at a large depth, so water resistance prevents rapid resist element vertical movement
Implementation Method 3
Wave energy is greatest at the sea surface where the sea moves up and down as sea waves pass over a sea location
Data Source
AI summary
Systems are disclosed for generating electricity from sea waves, that include a float (12) that lies at the sea surface (14) and moves up and down with the waves. A motion resist element (30) moves horizontally with the float but resists vertical movement. Electricity-generating apparatus (52, 54) is coupled to the float and resist element for generating electricity as the float moves vertically relative to the resist element.