Buoyant Torpedo Power Generation Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hydroelectric power generation systems are limited by their location near water sources and require significant elevation changes to generate substantial energy, restricting their flexibility and efficiency in energy production.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a loop tube with buoyant torpedoes equipped with magnets that travel through the tube, passing by external electric generators, where water flow through check valves and grates propels the torpedoes, generating electricity as they interact with magnetic wheels, allowing for potential installation near dams or within buildings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hydroelectric power plants are located on or near water sources with significant elevation changes, then substantial energy can be generated, but the system becomes restricted in flexibility and location options
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the water flow path into multiple segments: water enters through check valves at the bottom, pushes torpedoes through the tube, and exits through grates at the top. This segmentation allows the system to operate with minimal elevation changes while maintaining energy generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Buoyant torpedoes equipped with magnets serve as intermediaries between water flow and generators. The torpedoes convert hydraulic energy into mechanical motion, which then interacts with magnetic wheels to generate electricity, enabling energy production without significant elevation changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If water volume and elevation change are used to determine energy production in traditional hydropower, then energy generation is limited by geographic constraints, but the system becomes dependent on specific natural conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the traditional mechanical gravity-driven turbine system with a magnetic interaction system. Magnets on the torpedoes interact with magnetic wheels on the generators, substituting gravitational mechanical energy conversion with electromagnetic interaction, thereby reducing dependence on elevation changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters from requiring significant elevation changes to operating with minimal height differences. By using buoyant torpedoes that move horizontally through the tube and interact magnetically with generators, the system achieves energy generation without relying on gravitational potential energy from elevation changes.
3Ease of operation
If check valves and grates are used to control torpedo movement and water flow, then the system can regulate energy production, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valves and grates operate automatically based on water flow pressure and torpedo position. The check valves open when water pressure pushes them open and close when pressure equalizes, while grates automatically block or allow torpedo passage based on water level, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms.
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
This system enables the generation of electrical power in a more flexible and efficient manner by leveraging water flow to push torpedoes through a loop tube, spinning generators and producing electricity without the need for significant elevation changes, and can be integrated with existing or new dam structures or building plumbing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of buoyant torpedoes 140 are configured to fit within the tube 110 and travel throughout the loop 115
Implementation Method 2
passing the plurality of torpedoes through a check valve at a top portion of the tube, spinning a generator, and passing the plurality of torpedoes through a check valve at a bottom portion of the tube
Implementation Method 3
each torpedo comprising a magnet, the torpedoes configured to travel through the tube wherein the tube comprises a top portion of the loop that comprises a wheel comprising a plurality of magnets external to the loop
Implementation Method 4
the tube comprises a top portion of the loop that comprises a check valve therein, the check valve configured to open and allow the plurality of torpedoes to pass therethrough and then close to prevent water present in the tube from flowing past the check valve
Implementation Method 5
the perforated grate oriented to block the plurality of torpedoes from traveling further through the loop while allowing water present in the tube to pass through the grate
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical power generation system comprising a tube forming a loop, a plurality of electric generators external to the tube, each electric generator comprising a wheel having a magnet thereon, the plurality of electric generators positioned proximal to an external wall of the tube and electrically connected to a power grid; and a plurality of buoyant torpedoes, each torpedo comprising a magnet, the torpedoes configured to travel through the tube. One or more check valves and/or grates are located at least at a top or a bottom portion of the loop. The torpedoes are configured to float to the top of the loop due to their buoyancy. External energy must be applied to the system to open and close the check valves and/or grates.