Baffle-Accelerated Hydropower Assembly for Slow-Moving Rivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote communities lack reliable and cost-effective solutions for generating electrical power, particularly in areas with slow-moving rivers or away from coastal bodies of water, where traditional hydroelectric dams and tidal energy systems are impractical due to environmental concerns and low water velocity.
Innovation Solution
A hydrodynamic power generation assembly that uses a baffle assembly to accelerate water flow, increasing its velocity and directing it through a hydropower converter, such as a turbine or water wheel, to generate more electricity than would be possible with ambient water flow alone, without the need for large structures or significant environmental disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional hydroelectric dams are used to generate electrical power, then power generation capability is improved, but environmental disruption and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the water flow acceleration function into separate components: a baffle assembly with multiple panels creates localized acceleration zones without requiring a complete dam structure. This segmentation allows power generation while minimizing environmental disruption by not blocking the entire water body.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of altering the entire water flow system, the invention applies local acceleration only at specific points where baffles are positioned. The baffle assembly creates localized high-velocity zones that drive turbines, while the rest of the water environment remains undisturbed.
2Power
If hydroelectric dams are constructed to ensure reliable power generation, then power output is improved, but device complexity and construction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dam structure is replaced with segmented baffle panels that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each baffle panel functions as a separate unit to accelerate water flow, eliminating the need for complex monolithic dam structures while maintaining power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle assembly is designed to be adjustable and reconfigurable, allowing the system to adapt to varying water flow conditions. This dynamic capability simplifies the overall structure by replacing fixed, complex dam infrastructure with flexible, movable baffles.
3Power
If tidal energy systems are deployed in coastal areas, then power generation is improved, but adaptability to inland locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle assembly system is designed to function in various water bodies including rivers, streams, and canals, not just coastal tidal areas. The same basic structure can be deployed in inland locations with slow-moving water, making the system universally applicable to diverse geographic settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts to different locations by adjusting baffle panel configuration, spacing, and orientation based on local water flow characteristics. This parameter adjustment allows the same fundamental design to operate effectively in both coastal and inland environments with varying flow velocities.
4Speed
If water velocity is increased using conventional methods, then power generation capability is improved, but environmental disruption and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Water flow acceleration is achieved through multiple small baffle panels distributed along the water channel, each creating localized acceleration. This segmented approach increases water velocity without requiring a single large, complex structure like a traditional dam.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle panels act as intermediary elements that transfer energy from the ambient water flow to the turbines. These simple geometric structures mediate the acceleration process, converting natural water flow into high-velocity jets that drive power generation without complex mechanical systems.
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 system effectively increases electrical power generation from slow-moving water sources, providing a scalable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective solution for remote areas, capable of operating in various water velocities and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the baffle assembly comprises a baffle panel member (or an array of baffle panel members) mounted to a support structure and having one or more openings, or an inter-panel spacing between adjacent baffle panels to form the one or more openings, for allowing water flow therethrough such that the velocity of water flowing against, around, and/or otherwise impinging upon the baffle assembly increases
Implementation Method 2
The hydropower convertor may be a turbine assembly, a water wheel assembly, or other device or assembly which is capable of converting energy of flowing water to mechanical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrodynamic power generation assembly and method of use therefor for generating electrical power from the combination of kinetic energy, hydrostatic energy, and turbulent energy of water. The power generation assembly comprises a water accelerator assembly comprising a support structure which is at least partially buoyant and a baffle panel member (or an array of baffle panel members) having an opening, inter-panel spacing, or flow passageway around the baffle panel(s). A hydropower converter is supported from, by, or on the support structure and is operatively coupled to a generator. The hydropower converter is positioned behind baffle assembly. Water flowing through or around the baffle assembly has an increased velocity relative the ambient current and therefore is capable of generating more power relative to the ambient water where power generation assembly is deployed. Particular types of hydropower converters suitable for use with the invention are turbines and water wheels.