Fluid Generator Using Segmented Vessels and Liquid Intermediaries
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbine generators used for converting compressed air into power are costly, less efficient at low speeds, and less flexible in responding to changes in power demand compared to piston-driven engines, while standard gas-driven piston engines face inefficiencies due to friction and tight gas seals at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a circuit of vessels and pipe sections with valves and generators to convert the flow of liquid driven by compressed gas into electricity, where each vessel holds a liquid and gas separated by a membrane, and a controller sequences power generation steps to maintain continuous liquid flow and adjust power output based on gas pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If turbine generators are used to convert compressed air into power, then power generation is achieved, but the system becomes costly due to use of exotic or specialised materials
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power generation function into multiple independent vessels (first vessel, second vessel, third vessel) connected in series, where each vessel contains its own piston and membrane assembly. This segmentation allows the use of simpler, less expensive materials in each unit while collectively achieving the required power output through cumulative effect of multiple stages.
Solution Approach 2:
A liquid intermediary (such as water) is introduced between the compressed gas and the piston mechanism. The compressed gas acts on a first liquid in the first vessel, which then transfers force through a second liquid to a piston in the third vessel. This liquid intermediary eliminates the need for direct gas-seal interfaces, allowing the use of conventional materials instead of exotic sealing materials.
2Power
If turbine generators are used to convert compressed air into power, then power generation is achieved, but efficiency decreases at idle speed and low speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs pistons with variable displacement capability and adjustable stroke lengths, allowing the mechanism to adapt its operating characteristics to match varying speed conditions. The controller can adjust the sequence and timing of piston operations to optimize efficiency across the entire operating range from idle to high speed, eliminating the fixed-speed limitation of turbines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically by controlling the pressure and flow rates of compressed gas to each vessel, adjusting the displacement volume of pistons, and modifying the timing sequences of power generation strokes. These parameter adjustments enable efficient operation across varying speed conditions, maintaining high efficiency at both low and high speeds.
3Power
If turbine generators are used to convert compressed air into power, then power generation is achieved, but flexibility decreases in responding to changes in power demand
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a controller that sequences the operation of multiple vessels in a periodic cycle, where each vessel can be independently activated or deactivated based on instantaneous power demand. This periodic sequencing allows rapid adjustment of total power output by simply changing which vessels are active in each cycle, providing flexible response to varying load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts the operational state of each vessel and piston based on real-time power demand signals, enabling continuous modulation of power output. This dynamic control capability allows the system to respond quickly to changes in load requirements, offering the flexibility and adaptability that fixed-speed turbines cannot provide.
4Ease of manufacture
If gas-driven piston engines are used to convert compressed gas into power, then flexibility and cost-effectiveness improve, but efficiency decreases at high speeds due to friction and tight seal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces liquid intermediaries between the compressed gas and piston mechanisms, eliminating the need for tight gas seals. The compressed gas acts on liquids (first liquid in first vessel, second liquid in second vessel) which then transmit force to pistons. This indirect coupling removes friction and sealing losses associated with direct gas-piston contact, maintaining high efficiency at high operating speeds while preserving the cost-effectiveness of piston engines.
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 provides a flexible, cost-effective means of generating electricity from compressed gas, maintaining efficiency across a range of speeds and power demands without the need for high-pressure liquid heads, and allows for continuous power generation with minimal maintenance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
each vessel is configured to hold a liquid and a gas and comprises a membrane to keep the liquid separate from the gas
Implementation Method 2
each pipe section comprises a generator for converting the flow of liquid in the pipe section into electricity
Implementation Method 3
use the source of compressed gas to increase the amount of gas in a first vessel; and reduce the amount of gas in a second vessel such that liquid flows in the circuit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present application is directed towards a generator that utilises the properties of a compressible fluid and an incompressible fluid to generate power using a plurality of vessels wherein the vessels are connected in a circuit by a plurality of pipe sections.