Energy Conversion System Using Pump and Air Inlet for Compressed Air Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic air compressors are limited in their use due to their specific design, which restricts their application and efficiency, particularly in scenarios requiring flexible energy conversion and gas compression from various fluids and gases.
Innovation Solution
An energy-conversion system that utilizes a pump and fluid lines to introduce air into a fluid flow, creating a gas-enhanced fluid, which is then extracted and compressed, using principles such as Venturi and vortex effects to increase pressure and flow rate, and can be used to power tools, assist HVAC services, or convert into electrical energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hydraulic air compressors are used, then air compression function is achieved, but application flexibility and energy conversion versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can compress air, generate hydraulic pressure, and convert between pneumatic and hydraulic energy. The pump system can operate in different modes (air compression mode, hydraulic generation mode) using the same basic components, eliminating the need for separate dedicated devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary fluid (water) to transfer energy between the air compression system and hydraulic systems. The pump moves water to create hydraulic pressure, while air is introduced to create gas-enhanced fluid that can be converted back to pneumatic pressure, serving as a flexible energy transfer medium between different system requirements.
2Productivity
If Taylor's river-based hydraulic system is deployed, then multiple mining operations can be supplied with energy and compressed air, but deployment cost and scale requirements are extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the energy conversion function into modular components: a pump, an air inlet system, and a gas extraction unit. These can be deployed in smaller, distributed locations rather than requiring a single large-scale river diversion project, making the technology accessible to smaller operations with lower capital requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the kinetic energy of moving water itself to drive the pump and create hydraulic pressure, rather than requiring external power sources. This self-powered approach eliminates the need for expensive electrical infrastructure or fuel supply systems that would be required in traditional compressed air systems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If air is introduced into fluid flow to create gas-enhanced fluid, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the air introduction mechanism with the existing pump outlet, merging two functions (pumping and air injection) into a single integrated flow path. The gas extraction unit is positioned to naturally separate and capture compressed air without requiring complex separation mechanisms, simplifying the overall system structure while maintaining energy conversion efficiency.
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 effectively converts fluid energy into compressed air, enhancing energy efficiency and flexibility, allowing for broader applications beyond traditional hydraulic air compressors, including use in various environments and fluid sources.
Implementation Method 1
a pump comprising a pump inlet and a pump outlet, the pump being configured to move a fluid from the pump inlet to the pump outlet
Implementation Method 2
the air inlet line comprising the ability to pull air into the air inlet line as fluid flows through the first fluid line and then add the air into the first fluid line thereby creating a gas-enhanced fluid
Implementation Method 3
a gas extraction unit attached to the first fluid line or the second fluid line, the gas extraction unit being configured to extract at least some gas from the gas-enhanced fluid in the first fluid line or the second fluid line
Implementation Method 4
the pump may cause the gas-enhanced fluid to at least one of increase pressure and flow rate as compared to the first fluid line
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a system, and a device are disclosed which are capable of using moving liquid to create energy in the form of compressed air. The method, system, and/or device does not harm or consume the liquid to operate. The compressed air can be used to operate anything from vehicles to electric generators.