Gravity-Fed Pumped Hydro Using Wind-Driven Water Pressurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydro-electric generation systems are limited by the need for a large water reservoir and high elevation to produce electricity, which restricts their operational time and requires frequent maintenance, and existing systems are not cost-effective or robust enough to meet high electric demand consistently.
Innovation Solution
A pump-centered electrical production system that uses wind energy to increase the pressure of water from a fluid source, allowing it to be fed into a water turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity and replenishing the water supply, thus eliminating the need for high elevation and enabling extended operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large water reservoir at high elevation is used for hydro-electric generation, then electricity production capability is improved, but system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of water pressure generation from the complex high-elevation reservoir system. By using a pump to directly pressurize water from a local source, the invention eliminates the need for complex infrastructure including high-elevation reservoirs, intake structures, and extensive piping systems, while maintaining the core function of delivering pressurized water to the turbine.
2Power
If a large water reservoir is used, then electricity production is enabled, but operational duration is limited by water availability
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a pump that can draw water from local sources such as wells or municipal supplies, making the system self-sufficient and independent of large external reservoirs. This allows continuous operation by continuously replenishing water from accessible local sources, eliminating the operational duration limitation imposed by finite reservoir storage.
3Quantity of substance
If water is pumped back to reservoir using cheap overnight electric, then water supply is restored, but energy cost efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a pump that can operate during off-peak hours to draw water from local sources such as wells or municipal supplies, eliminating the need to pump water back to high-elevation reservoirs. This approach restores water supply efficiently by utilizing locally available water sources during low-cost energy periods, avoiding the excessive energy costs associated with vertical water transport.
4Power
If high velocity water flow is required for turbine operation, then electricity generation is improved, but water depletion rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach to achieving high velocity water flow by using a pump to directly pressurize water, creating high velocity flow at the turbine inlet without requiring large volumes of water to fall from great heights. This parameter change in the water delivery mechanism maintains high-velocity flow necessary for turbine operation while significantly reducing water consumption and depletion rates.
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 efficiently produces electricity at a competitive rate with reduced maintenance needs, allowing for extended operational periods and better water utilization, as the wind turbine/pump combination maintains flow and pressure, enabling higher output and continuous water replenishment.
Implementation Method 1
rotating a wind energy system, the wind energy system connected to the pump system such that rotation of the wind energy system rotates the pump system
Implementation Method 2
increasing a pressure of the fluid within the pump system from the pump system connected to the wind energy system
Implementation Method 3
providing the increased pressure fluid from the pump system to a water turbine. The method may also provide for rotating the water turbine with the fluid from the pump system to produce an exhaust fluid
Implementation Method 4
producing electricity from a generator connected to the water turbine
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments presented provide for a high efficiency electrical production system that utilizes a pump and windmill system to produce electrical energy through hydro power and wind action.