Fluid Harvester Assembly with Pressure Differential Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind and water energy harvesting systems face challenges due to their large, heavy, and fragile machinery that requires difficult and costly maintenance, especially when installed near population centers or underwater, where accessibility and corrosion issues complicate operations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that uses a channel and assembly to create a pressure differential for energy extraction from fluid flow, incorporating a control system to modify fluid flow based on environmental characteristics, allowing for efficient energy generation and reduced maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If large rotor blades and generator are positioned high up on tall towers to harvest wind energy, then energy extraction efficiency is improved, but weight and materials usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the heavy generator and rotor assembly from the traditional high-altitude tower position and relocates it to ground level or near-water surfaces. The fluid dynamic assembly guides water or air flow to drive the energy extraction device at accessible locations, separating the energy conversion function from the structural support requirements of tall towers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a fluid dynamic assembly as an intermediary component that captures kinetic energy from moving water or air and transmits it through guided flow to drive the energy extraction device. This mediator allows energy harvesting without requiring the generator itself to be positioned in harsh environments or at great heights.
2Power
If large rotor blades are used to harvest wind energy, then power generation capability is improved, but system fragility increases requiring high performance composites
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical rotor blade system with a fluid dynamic assembly that uses controlled water or air flow to drive the energy extraction device. This substitution eliminates the need for large, fragile rotor blades while maintaining power generation capability through hydrodynamic or aerodynamic guidance of the fluid stream.
3Power
If machinery is positioned high up in the air or underwater for energy harvesting, then energy extraction efficiency is improved, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the energy extraction device from inaccessible high-altitude or underwater positions and relocates it to ground level or near-surface environments. The fluid dynamic assembly performs the function of capturing kinetic energy from the fluid stream, allowing the generator to operate in easily accessible locations for routine maintenance.
4Power
If machinery is installed in corrosive underwater environments for water energy harvesting, then energy extraction capability is improved, but maintenance frequency increases due to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the generator and sensitive machinery from the corrosive underwater environment and positions it on land or at the water surface. The fluid dynamic assembly remains in contact with water to capture kinetic energy, but the energy conversion components operate in protected, easily accessible environments where maintenance can be performed without specialized underwater equipment.
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 apparatus effectively generates electrical, mechanical, or pneumatic energy from fluid flow while minimizing maintenance requirements and reducing material usage and weight, making it suitable for various environments, including urban and underwater installations.
Implementation Method 1
The assembly is configured to create a pressure differential between the plenum and the inlet of the channel. The pressure differential causes fluid flow from the inlet of the channel to the plenum.
Implementation Method 2
The energy extraction device is configured to extract energy from this fluid flow.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for energy extraction from fluid flow including an assembly including a plenum. The assembly further includes an aperture extending from an exterior surface to the plenum to allow flow therethrough. The apparatus further includes a channel including an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the plenum. The apparatus yet further includes an energy extraction device. The assembly is configured to create a pressure differential between the plenum and the inlet of the channel. The pressure differential causes fluid flow from the inlet of the channel to the plenum. The energy extraction device is configured to extract energy from the fluid flow. The apparatus additionally includes a control system configured to modify the pressure differential to control the fluid flow between the inlet of the channel and the plenum based on a characteristic of an exterior environment.