Double Turbine Vane Dynamics for Fluid Energy Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy conversion systems for fluid flows, such as tidal and river currents, suffer from mechanical inefficiencies due to the right-angle movement of vanes relative to fluid flow, leading to suboptimal energy capture and conversion.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a double turbine design with pivotally mounted vanes on opposing base plates, arranged in a helical twist pattern, which captures fluid flow energy by variably elevating vanes to trap kinetic force and reduces torque ripples through a progressive helical twist, enhancing energy capture and conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If vanes move at a right angle relative to fluid flow in conventional turbines, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but mechanical efficiency in energy conversion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the vanes pivotable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust their angle relative to the fluid flow. Each vane is mounted on a pivot axis that allows it to rotate freely, enabling the vane surface to always face the incoming flow at an optimal angle, thereby maximizing energy capture while reducing mechanical losses in conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by arranging the vanes in a helical twist pattern around the rotation axis rather than in a symmetric radial arrangement. This asymmetric helical configuration creates a progressive twist that optimizes the interaction between the fluid flow and vane surfaces, improving mechanical efficiency while maintaining structural feasibility.
2Productivity
If multiple vanes are arranged to capture fluid flow energy, then energy capture range increases, but torque ripples and mechanical wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The helical twist arrangement of vanes creates an asymmetric distribution that progressively engages multiple vanes with the fluid flow in a staggered sequence. This asymmetric progression smooths out torque fluctuations by ensuring continuous, evenly distributed force application across the rotation cycle, reducing torque ripples and associated mechanical wear while maintaining broad energy capture.
3Loss of energy
If pivotally mounted vanes are used to trap kinetic force, then energy conversion efficiency improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pivotal mounting system where each vane is attached to the base plate via a simple pivot mechanism rather than complex articulated joints. This dynamic pivot allows the vane to freely rotate and align with the fluid flow while maintaining a relatively simple structural design that is easier to manufacture compared to more complex articulated systems.
4Ease of manufacture
If vanes are uniformly spaced around the rotation axis, then manufacturing is simplified, but energy capture efficiency is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a helical twist to the otherwise uniformly spaced vane arrangement. While the vanes remain uniformly distributed around the rotation axis for manufacturing simplicity, each successive vane is rotated at a progressive angle along the helical path, creating an asymmetric three-dimensional configuration that optimizes energy capture efficiency by better matching the fluid flow patterns.
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 design significantly increases the range of rotational energy capture, reduces mechanical wear, and lowers the cost and weight of the system by evenly distributing force, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of energy conversion from fluid flows to electrical power.
Implementation Method 1
a first plural number of first vanes each pivotally mounted on the first base plate and uniformly spaced around the axis of rotation by a vane spacing angle
Implementation Method 2
Flow conversion turbines and assemblies... conversion systems and devices for use in fluid flows such as ocean water, other tide affected waters
Data Source
AI summary
A double turbine, includes: a rotatable deflector disc including a first base plate and a second base plate facing opposing directions along an axis of rotation; a first plural number of first vanes each pivotally mounted on the first base plate and uniformly spaced around the axis of rotation by a vane spacing angle; a second plural number of second vanes each pivotally mounted on the second base plate, and uniformly spaced around the axis of rotation by the vane spacing angle, the second plural number being equivalent to the first plural number; wherein each first vane is angularly positioned with respect to the rotation axis as between two second vanes. Multiple such double turbines can be stacked with a progressive helical twist such that each one double turbine is offset from at least one adjacent double turbine by a common twist angle with respect to the axis of rotation.