Dual Cellular Bladed Wheel Assembly for Bidirectional Hydropower
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular and/or bladed wheel assemblies are limited to single-purpose designs, allowing medium transport in only one flow direction, which restricts their versatility and efficiency in hydropower applications.
Innovation Solution
A dual cellular and/or bladed wheel assembly is proposed, comprising two wheels connected for conjoint rotation about a common axis, allowing for bidirectional medium transport and enhanced energy conversion capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single cellular and/or bladed wheel is used, then the design is simple, but the versatility is limited to single-purpose operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cellular and/or bladed wheels into a single assembly that operates together. The first and second wheels are connected for conjoint rotation about a common axis, allowing them to function as an integrated unit. This merging approach enables the system to handle multiple functions (bidirectional medium transport) while maintaining a unified structural design, thus improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual wheel assembly is designed to perform multiple functions within a single system. By having two wheels that can rotate in opposite directions, the assembly can transport medium in both directions simultaneously or alternately, making it a universal solution that replaces what would traditionally require separate single-purpose wheels. This multi-functionality directly addresses the versatility improvement while keeping the overall system compact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single cellular and/or bladed wheel is used, then the structure is simple, but bidirectional medium transport is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is segmented into two distinct cellular and/or bladed wheels (first wheel and second wheel) that operate independently yet are connected for conjoint rotation. Each wheel can be optimized for specific directional transport, and their combination enables bidirectional capability. This segmentation allows the system to achieve versatility without requiring a completely redesign of the basic wheel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of operation by adding a second wheel that rotates about the same axis. This dimensional expansion from a single wheel to a dual-wheel configuration on a common axis enables the system to handle bidirectional medium transport. The additional rotational plane and directional capability provide the versatility needed for bidirectional operation while maintaining a relatively simple structural arrangement.
3Quantity of substance
If larger diameter wheels are used, then the volumetric capacity increases, but the device size and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first cellular and/or bladed wheel with larger diameter is positioned concentrically around the second cellular and/or bladed wheel with smaller diameter. This nested arrangement allows both wheels to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, effectively utilizing the space around the common axis of rotation. The nesting configuration enables the system to achieve high volumetric capacity from the larger outer wheel while minimizing the overall space requirement by having the smaller wheel fit within the same radial envelope.
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 dual wheel assembly enables efficient bidirectional medium transport, increasing the versatility and energy conversion efficiency of hydropower machines, and allowing for the generation of electrical energy from kinetic energy.
Implementation Method 1
cellular and/or bladed wheels, such as water wheels, may be for example components of hydropower machines for converting potential energy into kinetic energy
Implementation Method 2
This kinetic energy can then be used for example to generate electrical energy by means of an electric generator
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cellular and/or bladed wheel assembly, comprising a first cellular and/or bladed wheel and a second cellular and/or bladed wheel, the first cellular and/or bladed wheel and the second cellular and/or bladed wheel being connected to one another for conjoint rotation and about a common 5 axis of rotation.