Ocean Energy Recovery System

Votes: 36
Views: 2355

The system is comprised of 3 main components to tap into the individual sources of energy of the Ocean (Tidal, Wave & Ocean currents) and is joined together through a series of assemblies or welds.

1) Tides- The predictable changes in water level i.e. a height difference (up to 4m or even higher based on location) is the potential we tap into. Consider a float (a buoyant body, which will always remain at the surface of water due to its buoyancy) connected directly to a metal shaft. This shaft ends inside a pressure chamber. The pressure chamber is connected to a bi-directional turbine through a two-way valve. Gas (or any fluid) passing through the turbine ends in a collection chamber. With the water level rising, so does the float (buoyancy) which in turn pulls the metal shaft. This uplift creates a negative pressure inside the pressure chamber (as the two-way valve is closed). Once the valve is opened, the gas/fluid (resting in the collection chamber) passes through the turbine and rushes into the pressure chamber. This runs the turbine during the case of a “High Tide”. When the water level falls, the float due to its weight falls but remains at the water level at all times, thus creating pressure in the pressure chamber (once again, as valve is closed). Once the valve is opened, the fluid/gas rushes through the turbine and is collected again in the pressure chamber. This generates power during the “Low Tide”. We see that the original condition is replicated once the cycle of tides is finished. Hence it is observed that the process will be cyclic in nature with no external input, other than the tidal force, required.

2) Waves- Energy from this unpredictable & volatile system would be captured in a format similar to the one used for tidal energy. The float for tides is buoyant and would have a decent area depending on the size of the system. A pressurized chamber similar but smaller (and horizontal) to the one used above would be installed on the float. The chamber would be pressurized using numerous miniature floats which would be susceptible to rampant variations of a smaller scale, precisely for waves. This way a continuous source of power could be generated.

3) Current Stream- This horizontally flowing current is a source of kinetic energy which can easily be exploited as is done with all flowing fluids. A study suggests that the maximum energy of currents is found in the top 30% of the water level. Considering the above mentioned system is already connected from the ocean floor to the water level, the top 30% would easily be in our scope. A cantilever supported from one side by the metal shaft and hanging axial turbines at the other end could easily capture the most out the flowing water stream. The cantilevers would have to be stiffened to maximize the load and hence the turbine potential thus again ensuring a continuous supply of power.

Voting

Voting is closed!

  • ABOUT THE ENTRANT

  • Name:
    Satya Kaul
  • Type of entry:
    individual
  • Profession:
    Engineer/Designer
  • Satya is inspired by:
    Since I was a child, the urge to question what is prevalent has always driven me and given me the opportunity to explore the unknown. Most of my projects since college are examples of improving previous designs (e.g.-Braking) to indulging in less traversed paths (e.g.- the 6 stroke engine & Ocean Energy capture). I humbly request all people to do the same.
    Cheers!
  • Software used for this entry:
    SolidWorks
  • Patent status:
    pending