Hydrokinetic Turbine Asymmetrical Hydrofoils With Annular Diffuser
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrokinetic turbines are inefficient and require significant refinement to effectively harness renewable energy from water currents, often relying on larger designs rather than innovative improvements, which can result in environmental impact and limited energy extraction.
Innovation Solution
A unidirectional hydrokinetic turbine design featuring an asymmetrical hydrofoil profile for the center hub and rotor blades, combined with an annular diffuser, to accelerate water flow and create a negative pressure field, enhancing energy extraction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional hydrokinetic turbine designs are used, then the turbine structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the power output and energy extraction efficiency are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using an asymmetrical hydrofoil profile for the center hub, where the extrados (convex surface) faces the incoming water flow and the intrados (concave surface) faces away from the flow. This asymmetrical configuration optimizes the hydrodynamic performance by creating a negative pressure field that accelerates water flow through the turbine, thereby increasing power output while maintaining a relatively simple structural design.
2Power
If larger turbine designs are used to increase energy extraction, then the power output increases, but the environmental impact increases and the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the hydrodynamic parameters by implementing an asymmetrical hydrofoil profile with specific geometric characteristics (extrados facing flow, intrados facing away) and optimizing the angle of attack. This parameter optimization allows the turbine to achieve higher energy extraction efficiency (25% to 80% increase in power) from existing water currents without requiring larger turbine dimensions, thereby minimizing environmental impact.
3Power
If conventional symmetrical hydrofoil profiles are used, then the manufacturing is easier, but the water flow acceleration and power generation efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements asymmetry in the hydrofoil profile where the extrados (convex surface) is positioned to face the incoming water flow while the intrados (concave surface) faces away from the flow. This asymmetrical configuration is specifically designed to generate a negative pressure field that accelerates water flow through the turbine blades, significantly improving power generation efficiency. The manufacturing precision requirement is maintained by clearly defining the asymmetrical geometry and its orientation relative to the water flow direction.
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 design achieves a significant increase in power output, accelerating water flow velocity by up to three times the ambient speed, resulting in a 25% to 80% increase in power compared to conventional turbines, while minimizing environmental impact and requiring minimal maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an asymmetrical hydrofoil profile for the center hub and rotor blades, combined with an annular diffuser, to accelerate water flow
Implementation Method 2
accelerate water flow and create a negative pressure field, enhancing energy extraction efficiency
Implementation Method 3
The basic principle of using permanent magnets and copper coils to generate electricity is still being used today in many different forms, including using flowing water and water turbines to drive electrical generators and alternators
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to unidirectional hydrokinetic turbines having an improved flow acceleration system that uses asymmetrical hydrofoil shapes on some or all of the key components of the turbine. These components that may be hydrofoil shaped include, e.g., the rotor blades (34), the center hub (36), the rotor blade shroud (38), the accelerator shroud (20), annular diffuser(s) (40), the wildlife and debris excluder (10, 18) and the tail rudder (60). The fabrication method designs various components to cooperate in optimizing the extraction of energy, while other components reduce or eliminate turbulence that could negatively affect other component(s).