Fluid-Driven Power Generating Apparatus for Plumbing Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid-driven power generating apparatuses are bulky, difficult to integrate into traditional household plumbing systems, and lack the ability to store and distribute generated electricity efficiently, limiting their application and energy-saving potential.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-driven power generating apparatus using pipes with multiple water wheels or balls with circumferential indents, powered by external fluid flows, which incorporates an electromagnetic system to generate electricity and store it in a consolidated energy storage device, allowing for distribution within a household or water vehicle, and featuring a closed-system mercury-driven variant for internal power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art fluid-driven power generating apparatus are used, then power generation function is achieved, but the apparatus are bulky and difficult to integrate into traditional household plumbing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The power generating apparatus is divided into multiple segments, with individual power generating units installed at different locations within the plumbing system rather than one bulky centralized unit. Each unit can be independently integrated into existing pipes, allowing distributed power generation throughout the household plumbing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The power generating components are nested within existing pipe structures, with water wheels or turbines housed inside the pipe diameter. The magnetic field generation system is integrated within the same housing, creating a compact nested arrangement that fits within standard household pipe dimensions without requiring additional space.
2Productivity
If prior art fluid-driven power generating apparatus are used, then power generation function is achieved, but they lack the ability to store and distribute generated electricity efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple power generating units are merged into a single integrated system with a centralized energy storage device. The electricity generated by individual units is combined and stored together, allowing efficient energy management and distribution throughout the household or water vehicle through a unified control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The power generating system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a power generation source and an energy storage system. The same apparatus can be integrated into different types of systems (household plumbing, water vehicles, irrigation systems) and provides both immediate power generation and stored energy capabilities.
3Productivity
If standard pipes are used in household plumbing, then existing plumbing infrastructure is maintained, but no power generation capability is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The pipes are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as fluid transport conduits and as housings for power generation components. The same pipe structure that carries water also contains the water wheel, magnetic field generation system, and electrical connection components, eliminating the need for separate power generation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The power generation components are merged directly into the pipe structure itself. The magnetic field generation system, water wheel housing, and electrical connections are all integrated within the pipe walls or interior, combining the functions of fluid transport and electrical power generation into a single unified component.
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
Enables efficient conversion of kinetic energy into electricity, reduces energy costs, and allows for supplementary power generation that can be stored and sold back to the grid, while being compact and easily integratable into plumbing systems, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
uses a coil that spins within a magnetic field to generate the electricity needed
Implementation Method 2
powered by external fluid flows
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid-driven power generating apparatus is a power generator in form pipes with either water wheels or balls with circumferential indents rotating therewithin. The water wheels or the balls are rotated by the fluid flow within the pipes. Each of the water wheels or each the balls has a wheel axle or a ball wheel axle which is encircled by a metal coil. Each metal coil is rotated by the fluid flow within a magnetic field produced by the electromagnetic layer attached to each of the pipes. Through the rotations of the metal coil within the magnetic field, electricity is thus created and stored in an energy storage device. Another variation of the present invention is a closed-system fluid-driven power generating apparatus with mercury as the driving fluid. The present invention can be incorporated into plumbing, dip, sprinkler systems as well as watercrafts such as ships, submarines, jet skis, etc.