Flexible Body Energy System for Decentralized Pressure Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current renewable energy systems face inefficiencies due to centralized infrastructure, intermittent energy generation from sources like solar and wind, and challenges in storing excess energy for consistent delivery, particularly in urban areas with high demand.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing flexible bodies exposed to intermittent localized pressures, with one-way check valves, to facilitate unidirectional fluid flow and generate electricity through peristaltic expansion and compression cycles, which can be stored for later use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If renewable energy systems are deployed in remote areas to harness natural resources, then energy generation capacity is improved, but energy loss during transmission to urban centers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized energy generation system into distributed modular units that can be deployed locally. Each unit independently captures pressure energy and converts it to electrical energy, eliminating the need for long-distance transmission and reducing energy loss while maintaining generation capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single centralized energy generation model to a multi-dimensional distributed network of energy units. This spatial redistribution allows energy to be generated closer to consumption points, reducing transmission losses while preserving overall generation capacity.
2Productivity
If centralized power infrastructure is used to deliver energy to urban areas, then energy delivery capability is improved, but infrastructure costs and carbon emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables local communities to generate their own energy through distributed pressure-to-energy units, reducing dependence on centralized power infrastructure. This self-service approach eliminates the need for extensive transmission lines and reduces carbon emissions associated with both infrastructure construction and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential energy generation function from the centralized power plant model and implements it through distributed local units. This removes the need for harmful centralized infrastructure while preserving energy delivery capability through local generation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If intermittent pressure sources are used for energy generation, then resource utilization is improved, but energy supply consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs energy storage tanks to continuously store pressurized gas generated during high-pressure periods and release it during low-pressure periods. This ensures continuous electrical energy generation from the alternator, maintaining supply consistency while utilizing intermittent pressure sources effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-pressurizes gas into storage tanks during periods of high pressure availability, preparing energy in advance for later use. This preliminary energy storage action ensures consistent energy supply even when pressure sources become intermittent or unavailable.
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 system efficiently captures and stores energy from various natural and human-induced pressures, reducing energy loss and infrastructure costs by decentralizing energy generation and storage, providing a constant supply of clean energy.
Implementation Method 1
pressure point peristaltic expansion and compression cycles along a portion of the flexible body from the intermittent localized pressure. As a result, this causes positive fluid displacement into and out from the flexible body
Implementation Method 2
the pressurized fluid is used to turn an alternator or mechanically rotate or replicate an alternator
Data Source
AI summary
The system for generating and storing clean energy includes a flexible body externally exposed to an intermittent localized pressure. A pair of one-way check valves couple to the flexible body. A first valve is configured to facilitate unidirectional fluid flow into the flexible body and a second valve configured to facilitate unidirectional fluid flow out from the flexible body. A substantially rigid and planar base is positioned between the flexible body and the intermittent localized pressure so that pressure point peristaltic expansion and compression cycles along a portion of the flexible body cause positive fluid displacement into and out from the flexible body. An energy generation system in fluid communication with the flexible body is configured to generate electrical energy from pressurized fluid resultant from the peristaltic expansion and compression cycles.