Chained Hydroelectric Generators for Small Stream Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydroelectric power generation systems are limited by their high costs, environmental impact, and inefficiency, particularly in small rivers and streams, and they often fail to provide consistent power due to intermittent energy sources like wind and ocean currents, making them impractical for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A chained assembly of buoyant hydroelectric power generators with anchoring stands, mooring lines, and electrical cables, equipped with a generator controller for real-time monitoring and management, allowing for efficient energy extraction from moving water bodies without the need for dams, and enabling flexible deployment in various water environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional dam-based hydroelectric power generation is used, then large amounts of electricity can be generated, but the project cost becomes extremely high and environmental problems are created
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the hydroelectric power generation system into multiple independent modular units, each capable of operating autonomously. These modules can be deployed individually or combined, eliminating the need for large-scale dam infrastructure while maintaining electricity generation capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional horizontal river flow utilization to vertical water column utilization by deploying buoyant modules that extend from the water surface to the riverbed, capturing energy across the vertical dimension of the water flow.
2Productivity
If conventional river power generators are used, then electricity can be generated from moving water, but the size and complexity of the systems preclude their use in local rivers and small streams
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation system is segmented into compact, self-contained modular units that can be deployed in small streams and local rivers. Each module is sized appropriately for smaller water bodies while maintaining functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention scales the system parameters to match the characteristics of smaller water bodies. The modular design allows adjustment of module size, number of modules, and deployment configuration to optimize for different flow rates and water body dimensions.
3Productivity
If conventional ocean current power conversion apparatus is used, then electricity can be generated from ocean currents, but the conversion efficiency is relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyant modules are designed to dynamically respond to water flow conditions, adjusting their orientation and position to optimize energy capture. The flexible deployment allows the system to adapt to varying current speeds and directions, improving conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic principles by allowing water flow to directly act on the buoyant modules, converting kinetic energy from the moving water into mechanical rotation of the generator components through hydrodynamic forces.
4Productivity
If conventional hydroelectric systems are used, then electricity can be generated, but the systems are limited to particular locations with specific soil conditions and bedrock requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent modular units that can be deployed in various locations without requiring extensive civil infrastructure. Each module can be installed in different water bodies including rivers, streams, and coastal areas with diverse geological conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular buoyant system is designed to be universally applicable across different water body types and locations. The same basic module design can be deployed in freshwater rivers, saltwater coastal areas, and various soil conditions without requiring location-specific customization of the core technology.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly means to generate electricity from small water bodies, offering consistent power output and flexibility in deployment, reducing transmission losses and environmental impact while allowing for local energy production and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a buoyant shell that is buoyant or partially buoyant in a body of water
Implementation Method 2
each buoyant shell containing an electrical generator mounted on a stationary shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A chained assembly of hydroelectric power generators is capable of generating electrical power from a moving body of water. The chained assembly comprises at least one anchoring stand and a plurality of hydroelectric power generators. Each hydroelectric power generator comprises a buoyant shell that is buoyant or partially buoyant in a body of water. One or more of the buoyant shells are suspended from the anchoring stand. Each buoyant shell contains an electrical generator mounted on a stationary shaft. An electrical cable connects the hydroelectric power generators.