Wave Power System Hydraulic Energy Smoothing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wave power generation systems face challenges in efficiently converting irregular kinetic energy from waves into stable rotational energy for effective power generation, requiring innovative solutions to enhance energy conversion efficiency and control freedom.

Innovation Solution

A wave power generation system incorporating a tension transmission member, a power conversion unit with a fluid pressure generation unit and hydraulic circuits, and an equalizer to manage kinetic energy transmission and conversion, allowing bidirectional fluid flow for alternating power generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a movable object type method is used to generate power from wave motion, then power generation capability is achieved, but the irregular kinetic energy from waves makes stable energy production difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation capabilityVSAvoidstability of energy production
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The equalizer stores kinetic energy in advance during periods of high wave energy, preparing it for later use when wave energy is low. This preliminary energy storage ensures continuous and stable power generation regardless of wave conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the hydraulic motor by controlling fluid flow direction and pressure through the equalizer. This allows the motor to maintain optimal operating conditions despite variations in wave energy input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If a system is designed to convert irregular kinetic energy into rotational energy, then energy conversion is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a hydraulic system with fluid pressure generation unit, hydraulic motor, and equalizer to convert irregular linear motion from waves into stable rotational energy. The hydraulic fluid transmits energy efficiently while the equalizer smooths out fluctuations, achieving energy conversion without overly complex mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Power

If the tension transmission member transmits kinetic energy directly, then power transmission is achieved, but the size of the power transmission unit becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekinetic energy transmissionVSAvoidsize of power transmission unit
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces large mechanical transmission components with a compact hydraulic system. The tension transmission member's linear motion directly generates fluid pressure, which then drives the hydraulic motor. This eliminates the need for large gears, belts, or other mechanical transmission elements, significantly reducing the size of the power transmission unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Data Source

PatentUS11339760B2Wave power generation system and method for controlling same
Publication Date: 2022.05.24 INGINE INC
  • US11339760B2 patent drawing
  • US11339760B2 patent drawing
  • US11339760B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are a wave power generation system for generating power by means of a hydraulic circuit, and a method for controlling same. The wave power generation system comprises: a tension transmission member for transmitting motion energy which is generated by means of six-degrees-of-freedom motion of a movable object floating on the waves; a power conversion unit comprising a fluid pressure generation unit which is connected to the tension transmission member and is for generating a fluid pressure; and an equalizer connected to the tension transmission member and for maintaining the tension of the tension transmission member. In the power conversion unit, if tension is applied from the tension transmission member, the fluid pressure generation unit enables a fluid to flow in a first direction by means of the tension and, if tension is not applied from the tension transmission member, the fluid pressure generation unit enables a fluid to flow in a second direction by means of the equalizer.