Counter Rotating Turbine Open Flow Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently extracting usable power from slow-moving, high-density ocean currents due to kinetic power loss and maintenance issues caused by high external pressure, particularly in sealing gearboxes and generators at deep depths.
Innovation Solution
The use of counter rotating turbines with magnetic rings and stators in an open flow generator design eliminates the need for a sealed gearbox and generator, allowing the system to operate independently and maintain power generation without external power, utilizing permanent magnets to generate electricity through counter rotation across stator conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a sealed gearbox and generator are used to operate at deep depths, then the system can withstand high external pressure, but kinetic power loss increases and maintenance issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the sealed gearbox and traditional generator housing from the system. By extracting these pressure-sealed components, the invention eliminates the source of kinetic power loss while still enabling deep water operation through an open flow design where water flows directly through the rotor and stator conductors without requiring a sealed enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sealed gearbox system with a direct electromagnetic coupling system. The rotor magnetic rings directly interact with stator conductors to generate electricity, eliminating the need for mechanical seals and gearboxes that cause energy loss, while maintaining the ability to operate under high pressure conditions.
2Stress or pressure
If a sealed gearbox and generator are used to operate at deep depths, then the system can withstand high external pressure, but maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the sealed gearbox and traditional generator housing, the patent eliminates the complex mechanical components that require maintenance. The simplified open flow design with direct electromagnetic coupling has fewer moving parts and no sealed mechanisms that would otherwise require periodic maintenance and repair operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to operate autonomously without requiring maintenance or external power for excitation. The counter-rotating turbines and magnetic rings generate electricity directly from the ocean current, with no sealed mechanical components that would fail and require repair, making the system self-sufficient in remote deep water locations.
3Power
If traditional generator design is used, then power generation can be achieved, but external power is needed for excitation and the system cannot operate independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a self-exciting generator system where the counter-rotating turbines and magnetic rings generate their own excitation field through the interaction of moving magnets with stator conductors. This eliminates the need for external power input for excitation, allowing the system to operate independently in remote ocean locations without requiring external power supplies or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single device: the counter-rotating turbines generate mechanical power, the magnetic rings create magnetic fields, and the stator conductors convert this to electrical energy. This multi-functional design allows the system to operate independently without requiring separate excitation systems or external power sources.
4Loss of energy
If counter rotating turbines are used, then kinetic power loss is reduced and maintenance is minimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rotor and stator functions into a single integrated open flow generator assembly. The counter-rotating turbines with magnetic rings and stator conductors work together as one unified system, eliminating the need for separate sealed gearbox and generator assemblies, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining low energy loss performance.
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 configuration reduces kinetic power loss, minimizes maintenance needs, and increases the reliability and efficiency of power generation from ocean currents, enabling the production of municipally significant electrical energy while maintaining the system at optimal depths for maximum power production.
Implementation Method 1
the counter rotation allows for a neutral output torque value that prevent the unit from rotating or turning in the current... permanent magnets and magnetic coils fixed to counter rotating screw tips generate higher levels of voltage and current in the ocean element
Data Source
AI summary
An invention for capturing and converting the hydro kinetic energy in ocean and tidal currents into mechanical energy for generating electricity. An internal turbine enclosed in a external turbine cylinder rotates opposite of internal turbine. Current is compressed into high pressure within internal turbine, the high pressure is vented into the rear low pressure side of external turbine producing additional energy. The internal and external turbines are enclosed in a cowling to maximize current through both counter rotating turbines. Permanent magnet rings are coupled to both turbine tips that rotate peripheral to stators. The cowling and turbines are balanced around the main center shaft, it is finned at the rear to steer the apparatus into the current. Counter rotation produces a neutral output torque with increased energy output that is transmitted via underwater cable to onshore grid.