Converting potential energy from a mixture of fluids into electric power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy conversion systems are dependent on weather conditions and lack a continuous, sustainable source of renewable energy.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for converting potential energy from a mixture of gases with different densities, such as atmospheric air, using fluid separators and energy converters to generate electric power, with fluid-flow-conduits positioning the separators and converters at varying elevations to harness gravitational potential energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing energy conversion systems rely on sunshine, wind, or waves, then energy generation is possible, but continuous availability 24/7 is not achieved due to weather dependency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous availabilityVSAvoidweather condition dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the fundamental operating parameter from weather-dependent kinetic energy (wind, waves) to density-driven potential energy conversion. By utilizing the density difference between oxygen and nitrogen in atmospheric air, the system creates a continuous convection cycle that operates independently of weather conditions, achieving 24/7 reliability without weather adaptability constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs natural convection currents driven by density differences to power the separation and energy conversion processes without external energy input. The heated air rises, cooled air falls, creating a self-sustaining cycle that continuously separates gases and drives turbines, making the system self-powered and continuously available

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a fluid-separator and energy-converter system is implemented to convert potential energy from gas mixtures, then continuous energy availability is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous availabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple functions into integrated components: the fluid separator combines gas separation with heat exchange, the fluid flow conduit serves as both transport and thermal management pathway, and the energy converter integrates turbine generation with the convection cycle. This functional integration reduces overall system complexity while maintaining continuous operation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes pneumatic principles by employing gas flow and pressure differentials driven by density variations to perform separation and energy conversion. The natural convection currents create continuous gas circulation that drives turbines without mechanical pumps or complex control systems, simplifying the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

Provides a continuous and sustainable source of renewable energy independent of weather conditions, utilizing gravitational potential energy to generate electric power from gas mixtures.

Implementation Method 1

separating gases of different densities using a fluid-separator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDensity difference separation: Density Gradient

Implementation Method 2

harnessing the potential energy in gas mixtures like oxygen and nitrogen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

converting potential energy from a mixture of gases into electric power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS12601290B2Converting potential energy from a mixture of fluids into electric power

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 BENTE FRUELUND SORENSEN FAMILY TRUST

AI summary

A system for converting potential energy into electric power from a mixture of gases, such as atmospheric air, including a particular lesser-density-gas, such as nitrogen, and a particular larger-density-gas, such as oxygen. The system includes a gas-separator at an upper-elevation; a gas-flow-conduit that has a gas-exit-port at a lesser-elevation, where the lesser-elevation is significantly lower than the upper-elevation; and an energy-converter positioned on the gas-flow-conduit. The gas-separator is coupled to the gas-exit-port via the gas-flow-conduit. The gas-separator separates the particular larger-density-gas from the gas mixture. The gas-flow-conduit conducts the separated particular larger-density-gas from the gas-separator via the gas-flow-conduit to the energy-converter; and the energy-converter generates electric power from the conducted separated particular larger-density-gas.