Modular hydropneumatic energy generation system with pressure piston for air compression and pneumatic power generation

Abstract

Modular hydropneumatic energy generation system with a pressure piston driven by wave motion or falling water, which is guided in a cylinder and compresses air into a pressure vessel via a check valve system, wherein the compressed air is used for pneumatic power generation or for driving mechanical consumers and wherein several such modules can be mechanically and pneumatically combined and interconnected to form an expandable overall system.

Description

1. Purpose of the invention

[0001] The purpose of the invention is to convert wave energy or falling water into compressed air, which can then be used for pneumatic power generation or to drive mechanical devices. The invention enables decentralized, modular, and cost-effective energy generation in coastal or water-rich regions. 2. Technical problem

[0002] Conventional wave and hydropower systems require complex turbines, submerged electric generators, high investment costs, and elaborate installations. They are also susceptible to corrosion, mechanical overload, and maintenance problems. There is a lack of simple, modular, and robust systems that can operate in the water without electrical components and still provide a usable form of energy. 3. Solution approach of the invention

[0003] The invention solves the technical problem with a hydropneumatic system that utilizes the kinetic energy of waves or waterfalls to compress air via a pressure piston. The compressed air is stored in a collection tank and can be used for power generation or to operate pneumatic devices. The system has a modular design and can be assembled from multiple units or expanded. 3.1 Mechanical Module

[0004] The mechanical module consists of a movable surface or diaphragm that is set in motion by waves or water jets. This motion is transmitted via a rod or joint to a pressure piston guided within a cylinder. A spring or return mechanism ensures the piston's return movement. Check valves control the airflow towards the compression reservoir. 3.2 Electrical Module

[0005] If electrical energy is required, the compressed air can drive a pneumatic motor coupled to a generator. The system can produce direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC), depending on the generator design. All electrical components are located outside the water, minimizing corrosion and safety risks. 4. Functionality and advantages

[0006] The device converts mechanical energy from water movement into compressed air. Multiple modules can be operated in parallel to increase the pressure or air volume. The generated compressed air can be stored, transported, or used immediately. Advantages include low complexity, high robustness, low cost, modular expandability, and independence from electrical components in the water. 5. Compatibility with standard products

[0007] The system is compatible with standard compressed air lines, check valves, pressure vessels, pneumatic motors, generators, and control components. This allows the device to be assembled, maintained, or expanded without special parts. Standardized connections enable integration into existing pneumatic systems. 6. Summary of the advantages

[0008] The invention offers a simple, modular, and scalable solution for generating energy from water movement. It reduces maintenance, eliminates the need for electrical components in the water, allows for flexible installation, and can be expanded with standard components. The use of compressed air enables energy storage and delayed use. 6.1 Modularity and expandability

[0009] The modular hydropneumatic energy generation system, utilizing pressure pistons for air compression and pneumatic power generation, is designed so that individual components can be mechanically and functionally combined. Multiple units can be connected via compressed air lines, collection tanks, or control components to increase overall output or cover different application scenarios. The modules can be operated in parallel or sequentially and can be expanded, replaced, or adapted to specific environmental conditions as needed. This results in a scalable system suitable for small-scale applications as well as larger, decentralized energy supply structures in coastal or water-rich regions. 7. State of the art and comparison

[0010] Known systems for harnessing wave or waterfall energy are predominantly based on turbines, floating bodies with linear generators, or complex hydraulic systems. These require high investment costs, precise manufacturing, and regular maintenance. Hydropneumatic systems exist only in limited forms and are usually neither modular nor optimized for harsh marine conditions. 8. Comparison to the state of the art / today

[0011] Compared to current solutions, this invention requires no turbines, no electrical components in the water, and no massive foundations. It is lighter, cheaper, more modular, and less prone to failure. The energy is stored in the form of compressed air, which allows for flexible use and increases safety. 9. Degree of innovation

[0012] The combination of shaft or waterfall drive, pressure piston, modular air compression, and pneumatic power generation represents a novel technical solution. The ability to combine multiple modules into a scalable system and transmit energy entirely pneumatically is particularly innovative. 10. Ergonomic and sustainable properties of the invention

[0013] The device is easy to install, requires little maintenance, and can be manufactured from corrosion-resistant, recyclable materials. Its modular design facilitates transport, assembly, and repair. The use of renewable water flow makes the system sustainable and environmentally friendly, without interfering with ecosystems or requiring structural modifications to waterways.

Claims

[1] Modular hydropneumatic energy generation system comprising a pressure piston driven by wave motion or falling water, guided in a cylinder and compressing air into a pressure vessel via a check valve system, wherein the compressed air is used for pneumatic power generation or for driving mechanical consumers and wherein several such modules can be mechanically and pneumatically combined and interconnected to form an expandable overall system. [2] Energy generation system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the movement of the water is transferred to the pressure piston via a movable surface, membrane or plate, and a spring mechanism causes the piston to move back. [3] Energy generation system according to claim 1, characterized bythat the compressed air is routed via standardized compressed air lines, check valves and collection tanks and is compatible with commercially available pneumatic components. [4] Energy generation system according to claim 1, characterized by that several modules are operated in parallel to increase the overall pressure or air volume, and that the modules can be expanded or replaced without structural modifications. [5] Energy generation system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the compressed air drives a pneumatic motor which is coupled to an electric generator to produce direct current or alternating current. [6] Energy generation system according to claim 1, characterized by that all electrical components are located outside the water to minimize corrosion and safety-related risks. [7] Energy generation system according to claim 1, characterized bythat the system consists of corrosion-resistant and recyclable materials and is optimized for use in marine or water-rich environments.

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