Generator Array With Integrated Motor For Renewable Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current renewable energy technologies like wind, solar, and tidal energy face challenges due to their reliance on inconsistent natural flows, limited power output, and the need for large infrastructure, leading to instability and inefficiency in electricity generation and storage.
Innovation Solution
A generator array system that utilizes a series of connected generators driven by a central shaft, which can be powered by natural flows or an integrated electric motor, allowing for scalable capacity, efficient energy storage, and continuous operation through a combination of natural and stored energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If large capacity single generators with long blades are used to increase power output, then electricity generation capacity is improved, but structural complexity and manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large generator into multiple smaller individual generators (e.g., 4-8 generators for 8MW-20MW capacity). Each generator has its own rotor, stator, and housing, but they share a common drive shaft. This segmentation reduces the complexity of each individual unit while achieving the same total power output, making manufacturing and maintenance more feasible.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If renewable energy systems rely solely on natural flows, then emission-free energy production is achieved, but reliability and stability deteriorate due to inconsistent natural flow availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the generator system to serve multiple functions: it can operate in pure renewable mode (wind, hydro, tidal, solar) for emission-free power, or switch to hybrid mode by incorporating fossil fuel burners or waste fuel combustion. This multi-functionality ensures continuous reliable operation while maintaining the option for clean energy production, resolving the contradiction between emission-free operation and supply stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple individual generators are connected in series to form an array, then scalability and ease of manufacture are improved, but connection complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual generators onto a single common drive shaft, creating a unified array system. The generators are connected in series along the shaft with standardized mounting brackets and coupling mechanisms. This merging approach maintains the manufacturing advantages of modular individual units while reducing connection complexity through a unified architectural design, where all generators share common support structures and control systems.
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 stable, efficient, and cost-effective electricity supply that is not solely dependent on natural flows, enabling continuous operation and reduced reliance on fossil fuels, with enhanced scalability and reduced transportation and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
The array is disengageably connected to the natural flow drive mechanism via an electromagnetic coupler
Implementation Method 2
the array may be rotated by the drive mechanism when connected to the drive mechanism, or by the integrated electric motor when disconnected from the drive mechanism
Implementation Method 3
the generator having a drive shaft driven by energy from a natural energy flow and connected to a drive mechanism, the generator further comprising an integrated electric motor and a plurality of individual generators
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical energy generator array is arranged to generate electricity from at least one form of natural flow, the generator having a drive shaft driven by energy from a natural energy flow and connected to a drive mechanism, the generator further comprising an integrated electric motor and a plurality of individual generators disengageably connected to the drive mechanism, the individual generators being connected via a series of ties to form a connected generator array, the array being rotated by the drive mechanism when connected to the drive mechanism,or by the integrated electric motor when disconnected from the drive mechanism,to generate electricity. The generator may include an electrical storage device arranged to power the integrated electric motor. Also described is a method of generating electricity from at least one natural energy flow, for supply to an electrical storage device,for local use or for supply to an electric grid using an electrical energy generator array as described.