Capstan Roller Tension Harnessing for Power Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tether-based power systems face inefficiencies in harnessing and converting tension and linear motion into usable power, with issues of wear and tear on tethers, inconsistent power generation, and high maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A ground-based power system utilizing capstan rollers with a tension harnessing arrangement and converters to efficiently convert rotational energy from tether tension into transmissible, storage, or dissipative forms of energy, while minimizing wear through optimized tether handling and tension management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the tether is wrapped around a spool for power generation, then rotational motion is generated for power production, but wear and tear of the tether increases
Solution Approach 1:
A fairlead roller is introduced as an intermediary component between the tether and the spool. The tether wraps around the fairlead roller which then engages with the spool, rather than the tether directly contacting the spool surface. This intermediary roller reduces friction and wear on the tether while still enabling rotational motion and power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct friction-based mechanical engagement (tether wrapping around spool) with a roller-based system. The fairlead roller and associated bearing mechanisms substitute the direct contact interface, reducing mechanical wear and improving tether durability while maintaining the power transmission function.
2Power
If tension in the tether is increased for efficient power generation, then power output increases, but wear and tear on the tether accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The fairlead roller acts as a mediator that distributes the tension forces across a larger surface area and reduces point-contact stress on the tether. This allows higher tension forces to be applied for increased power output while the roller protects the tether from concentrated wear and degradation.
3Productivity
If the spool rotates at high speed for maximum power generation, then energy production increases, but tether wear from friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes direct tether-spool friction contact with a roller-bearing system. The fairlead roller with associated bearings reduces the coefficient of friction significantly, allowing high-speed rotation for maximum energy production while minimizing frictional losses and tether wear.
4Use of energy by moving object
If retrieval of the tether is performed with minimal power, then operational efficiency improves, but the system must handle variable tension effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic tension regulation through the fairlead roller mechanism and control systems that adjust the engagement forces based on real-time tension conditions. This allows the system to adapt to variable tension during retrieval operations, maintaining minimal power consumption while effectively handling different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor tether tension and adjust the retrieval forces accordingly. This feedback system enables the tensioning arrangement to respond to varying tension conditions, optimizing power consumption during retrieval while maintaining system stability and effectiveness.
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 harnesses tether tension and motion, reducing wear and tear, enhancing power generation efficiency, and providing a cost-effective, reliable, and maintainable solution for wind and hydropower systems.
Implementation Method 1
The tether tensioningly abuts at least a portion of the periphery of the at least one first capstan roller such that there is substantial contact between the tether and the at least one first capstan roller, thereby engaging the at least one first capstan roller to generate rotational energy
Data Source
AI summary
A power system comprises a tension harnessing arrangement to harness tension in a tether connected between a tensioning arrangement and storage means. The tension harnessing arrangement of the system comprises at least one first capstan roller arranged in a predetermined configuration. The tether tensioningly abuts at least a portion of the periphery of the first capstan rollers such that there is substantial contact between the tether and the first capstan rollers, thereby engaging the first capstan rollers to generate rotational energy. Alternatively, second capstan rollers engage with the first capstan rollers. At least one converter functionally co-operates with the first capstan rollers, either directly or via the second capstan rollers, for converting the rotational energy to energy in a transmissible form, storage form dissipative form, or a combination thereof.