Wave Actuated Pump with Pressure Accumulator for Storm Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave energy harvesting devices face challenges such as high production costs, complexity, corrosion issues, inability to withstand storms, short service life, and environmental concerns due to the use of harmful materials.
Innovation Solution
A float-operated reciprocating pump system connected to the seabed, utilizing buoyancy forces from rising waves to expel pressurized water into a discharge pipe, with a pressure accumulator for return stroke activation and storm protection, constructed from durable materials to ensure long-term reliability and environmental safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electrical or electronic controls are used in wave energy devices, then automation and control precision are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to corrosion and limited service life in marine environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all electrical and electronic components from the marine environment by extracting the power generation function to onshore facilities. The wave energy device operates purely mechanically, converting wave motion directly into hydraulic pressure without any onboard electricity generation or control electronics, thereby eliminating corrosion and failure risks associated with electrical equipment in saltwater environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical control systems with purely mechanical operation. The device uses passive mechanical components such as floats, pistons, check valves, and hydraulic pressure differentials to control the pumping cycle, eliminating the need for electronics while maintaining reliable operation in harsh marine conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex components such as springs, pulleys, gearboxes are used, then device functionality is improved, but device complexity increases and service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex mechanical components such as springs, pulleys, and gearboxes from the system. The device achieves its pumping function through a simplified mechanism consisting of a float connected to a piston, utilizing direct buoyancy-driven motion and passive hydraulic valves rather than complex transmission systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs passive check valves that automatically direct fluid flow based on pressure differentials without requiring external control mechanisms. The hydraulic system self-regulates the pumping cycle through pressure-induced valve operation, eliminating the need for complex control systems while maintaining functionality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If devices are designed to generate electricity at sea, then energy utilization is improved, but construction costs increase and reliability decreases due to corrosion and transmission requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electricity generation function from the marine environment entirely. Instead of generating electricity offshore, the device produces hydraulic pressure directly at the seabed, which is then transmitted through submerged pipelines to onshore facilities where electricity generation or desalination occurs. This eliminates corrosion risks and expensive offshore electrical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pressurized water as an intermediary energy carrier between the wave energy device and onshore facilities. Rather than transmitting electricity through complex offshore cables and substations, the system transmits mechanical energy via hydraulic pressure through simple submerged pipelines, significantly reducing construction costs and technical complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If standard materials are used in wave energy devices, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but service life decreases due to corrosion and storm damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, easily replaceable components such as standard check valves and basic hydraulic seals that can be manufactured cheaply and replaced if necessary. The overall system design prioritizes simplicity and replaceability over using expensive, highly durable materials, allowing for cost-effective maintenance and long-term operation through component replacement rather than system replacement.
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 is cost-effective, low in complexity, maintains reliability without electrical equipment at sea, withstands storms, and is designed for long-term serviceability with minimal environmental impact, effectively harnessing wave energy for electricity generation or desalination.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing buoyancy forces from rising waves to expel pressurized water into a discharge pipe
Implementation Method 2
a pressure accumulator for return stroke activation
Data Source
AI summary
A pumping apparatus for harvesting the wave energy and converting such energy into hydraulic power which may be transmitted and used to generate electricity or to produce desalinated water. The pumping apparatus has a float, an accumulator pressurized above the ambient pressure of the pump, the accumulator is charged with fluid and the pump is full of fluid. A check valve is closed and a pumping chamber is pressurized. An additional pumping chamber is also equally pressurized. An axial force is generated on a first tube by the pressure difference between its ends. An opposite axial force is generated on a second tube by the pressure difference between its ends. The second tube is larger in diameter than the first tube and hence the magnitude of the force on the second tube is greater. The resultant of these forces is balanced by a portion of the buoyancy of float.