Floating X-Shaped Hydrogenerator with Self-Aligning Counter-Rotating Generators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydroelectric energy devices face challenges such as complex maintenance due to submerged equipment, high resistance to water flow, limited orientation flexibility, and environmental impact from seabed or river bottom support structures.
Innovation Solution
A self-orientable, floating blade multiple hydrogenerator with a maximum thrust surface, featuring counter-rotating conversion mechanisms and a flexible fixing system, allowing for maintenance above water and reduced environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If equipment is completely submerged and fixed to the ocean or river bottoms, then stability and fixed position are improved, but maintenance complexity and corrosion risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a fixed, static structure to a dynamic floating structure that can move with water currents. The floating blade design allows the hydrogenerator to drift freely while maintaining operational capability, eliminating the need for complex seabed anchoring systems and enabling easier access for maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the hydrogenerator from the traditional fixed seabed mounting and places it on a floating platform. This separation allows the electrical equipment to be positioned above water level while still harnessing underwater currents, significantly reducing corrosion risks and simplifying maintenance access.
2Stability of the object's composition
If equipment is fixed in a rigid position, then structural stability is improved, but resistance to extreme impacts and environmental damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floating blade structure provides dynamic stability by allowing the system to move with water currents and adjust its position naturally. This flexibility enables the structure to absorb and dissipate impact forces from extreme weather events, reducing damage compared to rigid fixed structures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If support structure from seabed or river bottom is used, then fixed position and stability are improved, but environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the support function from the seabed/river bottom and replaces it with a floating structure supported by buoyancy. This eliminates the need for anchoring systems that disturb riverbeds or seabeds, removing the associated environmental damage to habitats and ecosystems.
4Productivity
If device blocks the water current, then energy capture efficiency is improved, but passage for fauna and ecological flow is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The floating blade design acts as a flexible, streamlined structure that allows water currents to flow through and around it rather than being completely blocked. This maintains ecological flow passages for aquatic fauna while still capturing sufficient kinetic energy from the moving water.
5Device complexity
If equipment operates in only one direction and direction of water flow, then generator design is simplified, but usage time and location flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The floating blade hydrogenerator is designed to operate bidirectionally, capturing energy from water currents flowing in either direction. The floating structure naturally orients itself with the current, and the blade design converts kinetic energy effectively regardless of flow direction, significantly expanding potential installation locations and operational hours.
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 solution enables efficient energy production from marine and river currents regardless of orientation, with reduced maintenance complexity and environmental impact, while maintaining flexibility and continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
floating blade shaped structure (1)
Implementation Method 2
mechanism for converting the linear motion of a fluid into the rotational motion of a shaft
Implementation Method 3
electric generator (2) whose shaft is driven by the device
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 1d
AI summary
Independent multiple hydro-generator in a floating blade with a maximum thrust surface and self-orientable that generates electrical energy by taking advantage of marine and river currents regardless of its orientation, not requiring a support structure from the seabed and allowing it to be maintained above the surface of the water. The hydro-generator of the present invention is formed, at least, by a floating structure in the form of a blade (1) with four arms at each end of which there is an electric generator (2) driven by a mechanism for converting the linear movement of a fluid into the rotational movement of a shaft, and, the conversion mechanisms (3) being arranged clockwise about the axis of the blade (1), each being configured for alternately clockwise or counter clockwise rotation, having a tube (5) attached to the underside of the blade with a plate (6) attached.