Wave Power Apparatus Position Control via Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave power generation systems face challenges in reliably supplying power for precise ocean observations without being fixed to the seabed, especially during bad weather or when connecting means are damaged, leading to difficulties in maintaining a specific maritime area and providing consistent energy.
Innovation Solution
A position-controlled wave power generating apparatus that includes a floating part, a motion conversion unit converting wave energy into rotational motion, a power generating unit, and a position control unit using a mooring member to maintain a predetermined position on the water surface, allowing the system to generate electricity and control its submergence during bad weather.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the floating structure is anchored to the seabed using mooring lines, then the structure can maintain a fixed position for precise observation, but the installation becomes complex and expensive requiring deep-sea anchoring equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the anchor from the system entirely, extracting the seabed fixation function. The floating structure drifts freely with ocean currents while using a drag device to maintain proximity to the observation area, eliminating complex deep-sea anchoring equipment while preserving observation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of actively anchoring to fix the position, the system inverts the approach by allowing passive drifting and using drag resistance to maintain area proximity. The structure doesn't fight the currents but utilizes them, reversing the traditional mooring philosophy.
2Ease of manufacture
If the floating structure drifts freely on ocean currents, then installation costs are reduced, but the structure cannot maintain a specific position for precise observation
Solution Approach 1:
The drag device acts as an intermediary between the floating structure and the ocean currents. It provides controlled resistance that allows the structure to drift freely while maintaining proximity to the observation area, bridging the gap between free drifting and position control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static position control to dynamic area control. The floating structure continuously moves with currents but remains within the observation area through the drag device's resistance, adapting to changing sea conditions while maintaining observational utility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solar generators or batteries are used for power supply, then the floating structure can operate independently, but power supply becomes unreliable during prolonged cloudy periods or when batteries are discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines wave energy conversion with the floating structure's motion, merging the power generation function with the drift and observation functions. The wave-driven motion conversion system continuously generates power from ocean waves, eliminating the reliability issues of solar and battery systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating structure serves itself by generating its own power through wave energy conversion. The relative motion between the floating structure and the wave-driven rotating blades continuously converts wave energy into electrical power, making the system self-sufficient without external power sources.
4Measurement precision
If connecting means are used to secure the floating structure, then position control is achieved, but the system becomes vulnerable to damage from natural disasters and requires expensive recovery operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vulnerable connecting means (mooring lines and anchors) from the system. The floating structure operates without physical connections to the seabed, eliminating the risk of line breakage and the need for expensive recovery operations while maintaining area control through drag resistance.
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
Enables reliable and precise power generation while freely drifting on ocean currents, maintaining a specific position and ensuring continuous energy supply without the need for seabed anchoring, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a motion conversion unit which converts a vertical motion caused by energy of waves into a rotational motion
Implementation Method 2
the first rotary blade configured to pivot about a first pivot axis perpendicular to the extension of the center of rotation
Implementation Method 3
a power generating unit which generates electricity using a generator connected to the motion conversion unit
Implementation Method 4
a position control unit positioned below a water surface to generate a thrust from the energy of waves
Data Source
AI summary
A position-controlled wave power generating apparatus. A position-controlled wave power generating apparatus is included a floating part floatable on a body of water, a motion conversion unit coupled to a floating part, a power generating unit generating electricity using a generator connected to a motion conversion unit, and a position control unit positioned below a water surface to generate a thrust from the energy of waves.