A Self-Balanced Sea-Wave Power Plant with Multi-Degree-Motion-Freedom Floating Rotors

Opportunity

Currently, approximately 70% of global electric energy comes from non-renewable fossil fuels, impeding efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, are increasingly favoured, and ocean wave energy holds significant potential. Existing wave power generation devices have low energy collection efficiency, are limited to deep-sea installations, and face harsh conditions and high maintenance costs. This restricts their commercial viability compared to wind or solar technologies.

Technology

This technology introduces a self-balanced wave power plant designed to enhance power generation efficiency and ensure structural stability. The floating rotors, with multi-degree motion freedom, are arranged on a quadrilateral frame. This design captures wave energy from all directions, utilising both the horizontal and vertical motions of the waves. The mechanical energy generated by the movement of each rotor is transmitted to a main shaft, driving it in one direction through a gear power take-off system.

Figure 1: Sea-wave power plant with floating rotors.

Applications & Advantages

Main application areas include sustainable and clean energy generation at offshore platforms and coastal communities. 

Advantages: 

• The sea surface automatic capture system keeps the float in areas with concentrated wave energy
• The multi-legged insect biomimicry suspension system automatically maintains device stability
• Reduces greenhouse-gas emissions