Wave Power Generator Resonance via Spring-Mass System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ocean wave power generation devices face challenges such as damage from harsh marine environments, inefficiencies due to non-constant wave motion, and costly mooring systems, which hinder practical and robust power generation.
Innovation Solution
A self-tuning wave power generator featuring a buoyant casing with internally connected masses and springs, which passively brings its motion into resonance with ocean waves, utilizing electric machines and a power takeoff circuit to maximize energy absorption and conversion into electrical power without the need for active control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed mooring or heavy weight is used as mechanical ground, then the device can be anchored stably, but the cost increases and mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the function of mechanical ground from external mooring systems and relocates it to internal floating components (piston, cylinder, and buoyant elements) that are self-contained within the device. This eliminates the need for expensive external mooring while maintaining stability through the buoyant support mechanism.
2Power
If ocean waves are converted into another form of mechanical energy through turbines or pumps, then power generation is achieved, but energy conversion inefficiencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical energy conversion systems (turbines, pumps) with a direct linear motor system. The relative motion between the piston and buoyant casing directly generates electricity through electromagnetic induction, eliminating multiple mechanical energy conversion steps and reducing energy losses.
3Productivity
If exposed moving parts are used in wave power devices, then mechanical work can be performed, but damage from harsh marine environments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a sealed buoyant casing that encloses all moving parts (piston, springs, electric machines), protecting them from direct exposure to harsh marine environments. The flexible yet sealed structure allows internal mechanical work while preventing water ingress and corrosion.
4Power
If active control systems are used to optimize power extraction, then energy absorption is maximized, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs passive dynamic tuning through spring-mass systems that automatically adapt to wave frequencies. The natural frequency of the spring-mass system is designed to match typical wave frequencies, enabling resonance-based energy absorption without active control systems, thereby reducing complexity and maintenance requirements.
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 device effectively increases net energy absorption and power generation from ocean waves, reducing damage and maintenance costs while operating efficiently across varying wave conditions without requiring constant direction or active control systems.
Implementation Method 1
the casing and the series of masses bring a motion of the wave power generator into resonance with waves in the body of water
Implementation Method 2
each electric machine associated with a corresponding mass such that a relative motion of a mass and the casing causes the corresponding electric machine to generate electrical power
Implementation Method 3
a buoyant casing intended to float in a body of water
Data Source
AI summary
A power generator comprises a casing (110) that in use is deployed in an environment in which the casing is subjected to an excitation motion such as wave motion. A series of masses (101, 103a-c) is located within the casing, wherein at least a first mass is coupled to the casing by a first spring (102), each of the masses is coupled to at least one adjacent mass by a respective spring, and wherein the casing and the series of masses bring a motion of the power generator into resonance with the excitation motion. A plurality of electric machines each comprising a stator and a field source are each associated with a corresponding mass such that a relative motion of a mass and associated electric machine generates electrical power. A power takeoff circuit receives generated electrical power from the plurality of electric machines and outputs electrical power from the power generator.