Fluid Turbine Venturi Assembly for Variable-Flow Energy Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid turbines face efficiency issues, particularly when managing significantly variable flow rates, and there is a need for improved designs that can optimize performance across varying hydraulic heads and flow conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fluid turbine assembly incorporating a Venturi conduit system that utilizes both a pressurized primary fluid source and a secondary non-pressurized fluid source, such as a draining pool, to drive a main rotor, with a secondary rotor operating independently to enhance energy extraction and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fluid turbine is used, then the turbine can operate with a single fluid source, but the efficiency is reduced when managing significantly variable flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine system is segmented into two independent fluid sources: a pressurized primary fluid source and a non-pressurized secondary fluid source (draining pool). This segmentation allows the turbine to independently utilize different fluid sources based on flow rate conditions, optimizing efficiency across variable operating conditions by selecting the appropriate source for each scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine is designed with multi-functionality to operate with either the pressurized primary fluid source alone, the non-pressurized secondary fluid source alone, or both sources simultaneously. This universal design enables the system to adapt to varying flow rate requirements while maintaining high efficiency across different operating conditions
2Loss of energy
If a single fluid source is used to drive the turbine, then the system is simpler, but energy capture is insufficient when variable flow rates are present
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine system dynamically switches between different fluid source configurations based on real-time flow rate conditions. The system can transition from using only the pressurized source during high flow conditions to combining both sources during variable flow conditions, maximizing energy capture while adapting to changing operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine mechanism acts as an intermediary that receives and processes fluid energy from two different sources. By positioning the turbine to accept fluid from both the pressurized primary source and the non-pressurized secondary source, the system efficiently captures energy from multiple sources without requiring complex integration mechanisms
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 design enhances energy capture and efficiency by leveraging both pressurized and non-pressurized fluid sources, allowing for improved performance across variable flow rates and hydraulic conditions, thereby optimizing turbine operation.
Implementation Method 1
a Venturi conduit (5) comprising a first inlet (5a) configured to be connected to, and to be fed in use with, a pressurized primary fluid source, and a second inlet (5b) configured to be submerged into, and to drag fluid from, a secondary fluid source (6) to the rotor (3) under the dragging effect caused by the fluid flowing in said first inlet (5a)
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid turbine assembly (1), comprising:at least a main rotation shaft (2) being configured to rotate around a longitudinal rotation axis (X),a main rotor (3) comprising a central portion and an outer portion, the main rotor (3) being installed on the main rotation shaft (2) in such a way to bring the main rotation shaft (2) in rotation with the main rotor (3),an inlet assembly (4) for a fluid, said inlet assembly (4) being configured to drive fluid to the main rotor (3), wherein said inlet assembly (4) comprises a Venturi conduit (5) comprising a first inlet (5a) configured to be connected to, and to be fed in use with, a pressurized primary fluid source, and a second inlet (5b) configured to be submerged into, and to drag fluid from, a secondary fluid source (6) to the rotor (3) under the dragging effect caused by the fluid flowing in said first inlet (5a).