Fluid Partition Energy Extraction via Segmentation and Self-Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for harnessing energy from naturally flowing waters, such as tidal and river flows, are limited in efficiency and environmental impact, with existing technologies focusing more on wind and solar energy sources.
Innovation Solution
The development of apparatuses and systems that utilize a partition mechanism within an encapsulation channel to transfer kinetic energy from flowing fluids to a load, incorporating energy storage mechanisms and adjustable barriers to optimize energy extraction and storage, allowing for efficient energy capture from moving fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a partition mechanism is used to extract kinetic energy from flowing fluids, then energy extraction efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is divided into multiple sections with partitions positioned at different locations. Each partition independently extracts energy from the fluid flow, allowing the system to capture kinetic energy at multiple points along the channel rather than relying on a single complex extraction mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition is designed to automatically move in response to fluid pressure differences created during the energy extraction process. The fluid flow itself provides the force to reset the partition after energy transfer, eliminating the need for external resetting mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
2Productivity
If the partition moves freely to extract maximum energy, then energy capture efficiency is improved, but control over fluid flow becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The partition is designed with movable characteristics that allow it to dynamically respond to changing fluid flow conditions. The partition can shift position based on pressure differentials while still maintaining controlled interaction with the fluid, enabling both efficient energy capture and manageable flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the fluid pressure differences created during energy extraction as feedback to control partition movement. The partition position automatically adjusts in response to flow conditions, creating a self-regulating mechanism that maintains both energy efficiency and flow control without requiring external intervention.
3Speed
If the exhaust mechanism is directly coupled to the partition, then response time is improved, but mechanical stress on the partition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust mechanism is coupled to the channel body rather than directly to the partition, using the channel body as an intermediary. This indirect coupling allows the exhaust mechanism to respond quickly to partition movement while isolating the partition from excessive mechanical stresses, as the channel body absorbs and distributes the forces.
4Use of energy by moving object
If energy storage mechanisms are added to the system, then energy utilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage mechanism is integrated with the existing partition and channel structure rather than being added as a separate system. The partition movement that extracts energy also directly charges the storage mechanism, combining two functions into a single operational sequence and minimizing additional complexity.
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
These systems effectively extract and store kinetic energy from flowing waters, enhancing energy capture efficiency and reducing environmental impact by leveraging the kinetic energy of fluids to generate power and store energy through mechanical means.
Implementation Method 1
the partition will decrease the flow velocity of the mass to zero and transfer a portion (e.g., up to and including substantially all) of the kinetic energy of the mass of fluid to the load
Implementation Method 2
an energy storage mechanism including a resilient material configured to be compressed as the partition moves in the downstream direction
Implementation Method 3
the exhaust mechanism is configured to, after the flow velocity reaches zero, exhaust the mass of fluid (e.g., liquid) from the channel
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure includes various embodiments of apparatuses for encapsulating and stopping a flowing mass of fluid (e.g., liquid such as water, or gas such as air) to extract the kinetic energy from the mass, and for exhausting the mass once stopped (spent mass, from which kinetic energy has been extracted). This disclosure also includes various embodiments of systems comprising a plurality of the present apparatuses coupled together and/or one or more of the present apparatuses in combination with one or more flow resistance modifiers (FRMs). This disclosure also includes various embodiments of methods of extracting kinetic energy from a flowing mass of fluid (e.g., liquid such as water, or gas such as air) by stopping the mass, and for exhausting the mass once stopped (spent mass, from which kinetic energy has been extracted). This disclosure also includes embodiments of mechanical energy-storage or accumulation devices.