Floating Power Unit Aeration Using Oxygen and Nitrogen Microbubbles
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the vicinity of floating power generation units, ocean currents and water flow are inhibited, leading to stagnant seawater or lake water, insufficient oxygen supply, reduced plankton generation, and adverse effects on fish growth, along with increased maintenance costs due to barnacle and microorganism deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A floating power generation unit equipped with a power generator, oxygen separator, and fine air bubble generating media that release oxygen and nitrogen as fine bubbles into water, using a carbon-based porous material to enhance aerobic organism activity and prevent float deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a floating power generation unit is installed on water, then electric energy can be generated from renewable natural energy, but ocean current and water flow are inhibited causing water stagnation and insufficient oxygen supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts oxygen from the air using an oxygen separator device and introduces it into the water body. This separates the oxygen supply function from natural water flow, directly addressing the oxygen deficiency caused by the floating structure's obstruction of water movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fine air bubble generating media as an intermediary substance to transfer oxygen from the gas phase to the liquid phase. The porous material generates fine bubbles that increase the oxygen-water contact surface area, enabling efficient oxygen transfer despite reduced natural water flow.
2Power
If a floating power generation unit is installed on water, then electric energy can be generated from renewable natural energy, but barnacles and microorganisms deteriorate the float increasing maintenance cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces nitrogen gas into the water around the floating structure to create an inert atmosphere that suppresses the growth of aerobic microorganisms and barnacles. This protective measure reduces biological deterioration without affecting the power generation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts nitrogen from the air using the oxygen separator and applies it as a protective agent. By removing nitrogen from the atmosphere and using it locally around the float, the system creates a protective environment that prevents biological fouling.
3Quantity of substance
If oxygen is not sufficiently supplied to water, then the generation amount of plankton as food for fish is reduced, but adding oxygen supply devices increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen separator device serves multiple functions: it provides oxygen for aquatic life, generates fine bubbles for water aeration, and produces nitrogen for biological control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices and justifies the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the oxygen supply function with the existing floating power generation structure. The oxygen separator and bubble generating media are integrated with the float, merging multiple functions into a unified system rather than adding separate standalone devices.
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 increases plankton growth, improves fishing grounds, suppresses barnacle generation, and reduces maintenance costs by supplying oxygen and nitrogen bubbles, while preventing float oxidation and rusting.
Implementation Method 1
an oxygen separator that separates oxygen and nitrogen in air using electric power supplied by the power generator
Implementation Method 2
a first fine air bubble generating medium that supplies oxygen separated by the oxygen separator into water as fine air bubbles
Implementation Method 3
a second fine air bubble generating medium that supplies nitrogen separated by the oxygen separator into water as fine air bubbles
Implementation Method 4
the first fine air bubble generating medium and the second fine air bubble generating medium may be formed of a carbon-based porous material
Data Source
AI summary
A floating power generation unit is provided which, by dispersing oxygen content in water as fine air bubbles while generating power on the water, increases the activity of aerobic organisms, promotes plankton growth, and improves fishing grounds. This floating power generation unit is provided with a power generator, an oxygen separator, and a float. The power generator and the oxygen separator are arranged on the top surface of the float. The floating power generation unit is provided with a first fine air bubble generating medium which supplies the oxygen separated by the oxygen separator into the water as fine air bubbles and is provided with a second fine air bubble generating medium which supplies the nitrogen separated by the oxygen separator into the water as fine air bubbles.