Francis Turbine Pump Unit for Thrust Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thrusters waste one of the two symmetrical forces created during operation, as only one is used for propulsion, while the other is ejected into the environment, leading to inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A power unit is designed with a Francis type reaction turbine and a straight radial pump forming a closed circuit, where both symmetrical forces are utilized, with the unused force being recovered and converted into electric energy through a motor, creating a virtual barrier to generate thrust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional thruster uses only one symmetrical force for propulsion, then the propulsion function is simple, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to waste of the other force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously wasted symmetrical force into a useful resource by directing it through a pump to drive the turbine, transforming energy loss into regenerative power that reduces the load on the motor and improves overall efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pump and turbine into a coupled system where the pump's outlet connects to the turbine's inlet, creating an integrated closed circuit that allows the system to simultaneously perform fluid circulation and energy recovery functions
2Loss of energy
If a Francis turbine is used for power generation, then torque is effectively utilized, but axial thrust is wasted as the turbine-generator assembly is fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the turbine with a pump in a coupled arrangement where both components share a common axis and are driven by the same motor, allowing the system to simultaneously harness torque for rotation and axial thrust for fluid propulsion
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine-pump assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a power generation device utilizing torque, a propulsion device utilizing axial thrust, and a fluid circulation system, making the system versatile and efficient in converting both symmetrical forces into useful work
3Productivity
If a closed circuit system is created to utilize both symmetrical forces, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pump and turbine into a tightly coupled system with direct fluid connection, creating a compact closed circuit that minimizes additional components while maximizing energy recovery and propulsion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The motor-turbine-pump assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: driving fluid circulation through the pump, generating rotational torque through the turbine, and producing axial thrust for propulsion, reducing the need for separate systems and thereby limiting complexity increase
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
This design achieves high efficiency by utilizing both symmetrical forces, enhancing propulsion and allowing for regeneration of energy, resulting in optimal thrust with minimal energy loss and improved safety and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a space free of fluid with a defined volume occupies the bottom end of the pump... so that the fluid can flow freely under the centrifugal force creating a virtual barrier and generating a thrust
Implementation Method 2
The Francis turbine prompts two effects: a motion of rotation (w) coupled with a torque (C), and an axial thrust that results from the ejection of the fluid outwards in accordance with the principle of action and reaction
Implementation Method 3
a pump located inside the housing and mounted on the turbine
Data Source
AI summary
A power unit including an enclosed housing, a shaft passing through the central section of the enclosed, a motor located outside the housing and mounted to the first end of the shaft, a turbine located inside the housing and mounted into the shaft, the turbine includes a hub, a top end, a bottom end, and blades, sealing fins located at the bottom end of the turbine; and a pump located inside the housing and mounted on the turbine. The pump includes fins that are inserted in grooves located on the hub of the turbine. The fins of the pump are joined to the blades of the turbine creating that the pump, turbine, and shaft move as unitary unit. The fins of the pump maintained by two spaced crowns by insertion form cells that guide a flow of fluid. A space free of fluid with a defined volume occupies the bottom end of the pump. In a non-working position, the space free of fluid has a cylindrical shape. In a working position, because of rotation of the fluid, the space free of fluid has a paraboloid shape. The rotation of the fluid at a minimum angular velocity creates a virtual barrier, and generates a thrust.