Wave Energy Converter Peak Load Dissipation Using Hydraulic Pressure Drop
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wave energy converters face challenges in managing peak loads due to high variability in incident wave power, leading to inefficient and costly electrical systems, as peak power is often 10 times the average power, necessitating oversized generators and poor operating efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A wave energy converter system with a power dissipation network that uses a pressure drop to heat hydraulic fluid, dissipating peak energy spikes through a hydraulic system and heat exchanger, reducing peak mechanical energy and utilizing a controller to initiate power dissipation during peak events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrical system is sized to handle peak power, then the system can manage peak loads, but the generator size becomes excessively large and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the peak energy dissipation function from the main electrical generation system by introducing a separate hydraulic power dissipation subsystem. This hydraulic subsystem selectively dissipates peak energy through controlled pressure drops, allowing the electrical generator to be sized for average power rather than peak power, thus resolving the contradiction between peak load management and generator size.
2Reliability
If the generator is sized for peak power, then peak energy spikes can be handled, but operating efficiency decreases due to oversized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the peak energy management function into an independent hydraulic dissipation system, allowing the electrical generator to operate continuously at optimal efficiency points matched to average power levels, while the hydraulic system handles transient peak conditions that would otherwise force the generator to operate inefficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the energy dissipation parameter by adjusting hydraulic valve positions to create variable pressure drops, enabling selective dissipation of peak energy while maintaining efficient electrical generation during normal operating conditions.
3Weight of stationary object
If a power dissipation system is added to manage peak loads, then generator size can be reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic technology to implement the power dissipation function, utilizing hydraulic fluid, valves, and pressure drop mechanisms. This approach provides a compact and relatively simple implementation compared to alternative mechanical or electrical dissipation systems, as hydraulic components can be integrated into existing wave energy converter architectures with minimal additional complexity.
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 effectively reduces peak to average mechanical energy, allowing for smaller generator sizes, improved efficiency, and cost reduction by converting peak energy into heat, thereby smoothing power output and enhancing system dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
The power dissipation system uses a pressure drop to heat a hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 2
The system further includes a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger removes the heat in the hydraulic system
Data Source
AI summary
A wave energy converter (WEC) system includes a float, a drivetrain, a reaction structure coupled to the drivetrain by at least one tendon, and a power dissipation system coupled to the drivetrain. The power dissipation system is configured to manage peak loads in the WEC system by dissipating peak energy spikes caused by relative movement of the reaction structure and the float.