Wave Power Device Using Hollow Pipe Air Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave power generation systems face inefficiencies due to installation costs, corrosion issues, and reliability concerns related to tide level fluctuations and wave size variations, leading to poor power generation efficiency and complex device configurations.
Innovation Solution
A wave power utilization device with a wave receiving box, a hollow air compression pipe, pressure measuring and control systems, and a compressed air storage tank, which uses a tapered air throttle and check valves to efficiently compress and store air, allowing for effective energy conversion and storage without being affected by tide levels or wave size variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a wave introduction box with a sharply narrowing funnel shape is used to generate compressed air, then power generation is possible, but the device complexity and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of wave energy conversion by removing the complex funnel-shaped wave introduction box and replacing it with a simple hollow pipe structure. The air compression function is achieved purely through the tidal flow mechanism acting on the hollow pipe, eliminating the need for elaborate mechanical structures while maintaining power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow pipe structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the wave energy receiver and the air compression chamber. The tidal flow mechanism universally handles both the air intake and compression processes, reducing the need for separate specialized components and simplifying the overall device configuration.
2Reliability
If multiple wave introduction boxes are installed in parallel or vertically to ensure continuous power generation, then stable power generation is achieved, but installation costs and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves continuous power generation through a single hollow pipe by utilizing the continuous tidal flow cycle. The air is continuously compressed during the outgoing tide and continuously discharged during the incoming tide, eliminating the need for multiple boxes operating in parallel to maintain continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple wave introduction boxes into a single hollow pipe structure. By combining the air compression and discharge functions in one integrated system, it achieves the reliability of multiple units while reducing installation and maintenance complexity to that of a single unit.
3Power
If a sharply narrowing funnel-shaped wave introduction box is used, then compressed air can be generated, but the structure is more complex and prone to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex funnel-shaped structure that is prone to corrosion and replaces it with a simple hollow pipe. This extraction of the essential function from the complex structure reduces the surface area exposed to seawater corrosion while maintaining the compressed air generation capability through the tidal flow mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
By receiving a leading wave in a state where a wave receiving box is sunk on the coast, a pressure return pipe and a pressure return on-off valve are controlled, and a water surface in an air compression pipe is set to a reference water surface lower than an air throttle, even when there are tide level fluctuations and wave size variations in one wave receiving box, energy of the wave is converted into compressed air without loss, is stored in a compressed air storage tank, and can be used for power generation or the like.