Buoyancy Power Generator Vertical Motion Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydroelectric power generation using dams is inefficient in converting water flow into rotational energy and is limited by the need for a large facility with a significant height difference, restricting the location of construction.
Innovation Solution
A buoyancy power generator system that includes a storage tank, inlet and outlet ports, a vertically movable floating body, and a power generator that converts the vertical motion of the floating body into electricity, allowing for efficient energy generation without direct rotation of hydraulic turbines and minimizing location constraints by using a smaller height difference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a dam is constructed to generate large amount of electricity, then power generation capacity is improved, but the limitation of construction location increases due to the need for large height difference
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the water flow energy conversion process into two independent stages: first, water flow raises the water level in a storage tank; second, the stored water's potential energy moves a floating body vertically to drive the generator. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single large-height dam structure, enabling construction at locations with smaller height differences while maintaining power generation capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from direct horizontal water flow rotation (conventional hydroelectric) to vertical water level change driving a floating body's vertical motion. This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical energy conversion enables the system to operate with smaller height differences, expanding construction location flexibility.
2Productivity
If hydraulic turbines are rotated to convert water flow into rotational energy, then electricity is generated, but the conversion efficiency is reduced due to unavoidable energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the conventional hydraulic turbine's direct mechanical rotation with a two-stage process: water flow first raises water level (potential energy storage), then the floating body's vertical motion drives the generator. This substitution reduces energy loss by separating the flow energy capture from the rotation generation, improving overall conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage tank performs a preliminary action by storing water at an elevated level, converting kinetic energy of water flow into potential energy before the actual power generation occurs. This preliminary energy storage and transfer reduces direct energy loss during conversion, improving overall efficiency.
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 efficiently generates electricity by utilizing the buoyancy and gravity of water to move a floating body vertically, converting this motion into electrical energy through a rack and pinion gear system, enabling continuous power generation with reduced location limitations compared to traditional hydroelectric dams.
Implementation Method 1
As the water is stored in the storage tank, the water level in the storage tank rises and the floating body is moved upward by the buoyancy of the water
Implementation Method 2
As the water in the storage tank is discharged to the outside, the water level in the storage tank descends and the floating body is moved downward by the gravity of the floating body
Implementation Method 3
since the outlet port is provided at a position lower than the inlet port, the water flow is formed from the inlet port to the outlet port by the gravity when the opening and closing mechanism of the outlet port is opened
Data Source
AI summary
Provided with a power generator and a power generation method capable of generating electricity using water of river or the like with a simple facility without using large facilities required in a conventional hydroelectric power plant.A buoyancy power generator includes: a storage tank which is capable of storing water; an inlet port from which the water is introduced into the storage tank; an outlet port from which the water is discharged from the storage tank to an outside; an opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the outlet port; a floating body arranged in the storage tank so as to be vertically movable; and a power generator configured to convert a vertical motion of the floating body into electricity. A buoyancy power generation method using the above described power generator.