Tensengrity as shock absorbers to reduce coastal erosion? + Energy production

[Dante Monson]

I was questioning AI on the topic: 

Tensegrity structures are indeed known for their ability to distribute and absorb forces efficiently, which makes them an interesting option for shock absorption applications. When combined with hydraulic and compressed air systems, tensegrity structures could potentially create a highly adaptive and resilient system for absorbing the energy of ocean waves, thereby reducing coastal erosion.

( https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0263822321003639 )

Here's a conceptual exploration of how such a system might work:

1. **Tensegrity Structure**: The core of the system would be a tensegrity structure composed of rigid rods in compression and cables in tension. This structure would float on the water or be anchored to the seabed, depending on the design requirements.

2. **Hydraulic Systems**: Hydraulic actuators could be integrated into the tensegrity structure. These actuators would respond to wave-induced movements by compressing or extending, thus converting the kinetic energy of waves into hydraulic energy.

3. **Compressed Air Systems**: The hydraulic system could be connected to a pneumatic system, where the hydraulic pressure is used to compress air. The compressed air could then be stored in tanks or used immediately to generate electricity or to power other mechanical systems.

4. **Energy Absorption**: As waves hit the tensegrity structure, the energy would be absorbed through the deformation of the structure and the action of the hydraulic and pneumatic systems. The structure's ability to change shape would allow it to dissipate the wave energy more effectively than rigid structures.

5. **Energy Conversion**: The absorbed energy could be converted into electrical power through generators connected to the hydraulic and pneumatic systems. This energy could be used locally or fed into the power grid.

6. **Adaptability**: The system could be designed to adapt to different wave conditions by adjusting the tension in the cables or the pressure in the hydraulic system, making it effective in a variety of coastal environments.

The research article you mentioned, and others like it, provide valuable insights into the feasibility and efficiency of such systems. For instance, studies have reviewed various concepts of hydraulic power take-off systems used in wave energy conversion¹, and others have explored the feasibility of wave energy converters using compressed air to generate electricity². These concepts align with the idea of using tensegrity structures for wave energy absorption and could inform the development of prototypes that harness the benefits of both tensegrity and fluid power systems.

It's a fascinating area of research that combines architecture, engineering, and renewable energy to address the challenges of coastal erosion and energy sustainability.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 4/19/2024

(1) Hydraulic Power Take-Off Concepts for Wave Energy Conversion System: A .... https://mdpi-res.com/d_attachment/energies/energies-12-04510/article_deploy/energies-12-04510.pdf?version=1574849200.

(2) Feasibility Study of Wave Energy Converter Using Compressed Air to .... https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-15-7309-5_15.

(3) Analysis of a Planar Tensegrity Mechanism for Ocean Wave Energy .... https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/mechanismsrobotics/article/6/3/031015/377481/Analysis-of-a-Planar-Tensegrity-Mechanism-for.