Dry-Land Electricity Generator Using Pressurized Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing renewable energy sources like wind, wave, and tidal power have limitations in geographical availability and economic viability, and manufacturing processes waste substantial pressurized air, known as 'blow-off', which is not effectively harnessed for electricity generation.
Innovation Solution
A dry-land electricity generator system utilizing a pressure chamber, liquid supply, turbine, and piping network to harness low-pressure pressurized air to raise water and drive a turbine, with a controller to manage the process, allowing for efficient electricity generation and potential use of waste pressurized air from manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If wind turbines are used to harness wind power, then renewable electricity generation is achieved, but the devices are noisy and cannot be located near populated areas
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful noise element from the energy generation system by using a silent alternative mechanism (pressurized air moving water) to produce electricity, eliminating the noise problem while maintaining renewable energy generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic-hydraulic principles by employing pressurized air to move water through a turbine, replacing traditional wind turbine mechanics with a quieter pneumatic-hydraulic system that generates electricity without the noise of rotating blades
2Use of energy by moving object
If wave and tidal power apparatus are deployed, then renewable energy is harnessed, but these systems require coastline access and are not economically viable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal energy generation system that can be deployed in diverse locations (factories, urban areas, rural settings) rather than being restricted to coastal regions, making renewable energy accessible anywhere with access to pressurized air supply
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes waste pressurized air from existing manufacturing processes as its energy source, allowing it to be self-sufficient and economically viable without requiring expensive coastal infrastructure or specialized geographical conditions
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar energy apparatus are installed, then electricity generation alternative is provided, but high degree of sunlight is required all year round
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operational parameter from sunlight-dependent (solar) to pressurized air-dependent, allowing consistent operation regardless of weather conditions or time of day, thereby achieving location independence and continuous electricity generation capability
4Reliability
If hydroelectric generators are submerged in water, then continuous electricity supply is achieved, but maintenance becomes complex and applications are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of submerging the generator in water as in traditional hydroelectric systems, the invention inverts the approach by placing the generator on dry land and using pressurized air to move water through it, making the generator accessible for maintenance while maintaining continuous operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces pressurized air as an intermediary medium to transfer energy from the water source to the turbine, allowing the turbine to operate in air rather than water, thereby simplifying maintenance while maintaining continuous power generation
5Productivity
If pressurized air is used in manufacturing processes, then production efficiency is improved, but substantial pressurized air is wasted as blow-off
Solution Approach 1:
The invention recovers waste pressurized air from manufacturing processes that would otherwise be discarded as blow-off, capturing this wasted energy resource and converting it into useful electricity generation, thereby eliminating energy loss while maintaining manufacturing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful waste (pressurized air blow-off) into a beneficial resource (electricity generation), transforming an energy loss problem into a power production solution that benefits both the manufacturing process and the energy supply
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 provides a commercially viable, efficient, and constant electricity supply, capable of being installed on dry land, simplifying maintenance and utilizing waste pressurized air, thus overcoming geographical and economic limitations of traditional renewable energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurized air supply operable to pressurize air in the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 2
the upright liquid conduit comprising a flow line for delivery of liquid from the pressure chamber up to a head height
Implementation Method 3
a return line for delivery of water back down under gravity from the head height through the turbine to the sump tank
Implementation Method 4
delivering the evacuated liquid back down under gravity from the head height through a return line of the upright conduit and through a turbine
Implementation Method 5
a turbine; a piping network including an upright liquid conduit, the upright liquid conduit configured to deliver water from the pressure chamber through the turbine
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to an electricity generator comprising a pressure chamber having a releasably sealable air vent, a liquid supply, a sump tank configured to deliver liquid to the pressure chamber and a turbine. The electricity generator further comprises a piping network including an upright liquid conduit configured to deliver water from the pressure chamber through the turbine and back to the sump tank, a pressurized air supply operable to pressurize air in the pressure chamber, a plurality of valves, and a controller to operate the plurality of valves. In use, a small amount of air may be used to efficiently move a large body of water which in turn is used to power a turbine. The electricity generated by the turbine may be harvested and subsequently used, thereby reducing electricity spend. The installation is compact and may be installed in a factory or other installation where electricity requirement/spend are high.