Horizontal-axis hydrokinetic turbine with segmented rotors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrokinetic water turbine systems are costly to manufacture and assemble, produce relatively small amounts of power due to low efficiencies, and are difficult to transport and install, while also impeding water flow.
Innovation Solution
A hydrokinetic water turbine system with a horizontally-disposed central axis, featuring a rotor with staggered hydrofoil-shaped blades and a frame structure designed to reduce drag, allowing for counter-rotating rotors that are lightweight and buoyant, enabling efficient energy generation and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional water turbines are used, then energy can be extracted from flowing water, but the system is expensive to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine system is divided into modular components including multiple rotors that can be independently assembled and configured. Each rotor consists of separate blades and support structures that can be manufactured independently and then assembled together, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining energy extraction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine design uses universal components such as standard hydrofoil blades, common support structures, and interchangeable rotor assemblies that can be adapted to different water flow conditions and power requirements. This multi-functionality allows the same basic components to serve multiple purposes across different installation scenarios, reducing overall manufacturing costs
2Power
If traditional water turbines are used, then energy can be extracted from flowing water, but the system produces relatively small amounts of power due to low efficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine system utilizes the natural oscillating motion of water flow to induce rotational movement in the rotors. The hydrofoil blades are positioned to capture the oscillating kinetic energy of flowing water, converting it into continuous rotational mechanical energy that drives the generator, thereby improving overall energy extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine design optimizes key parameters including blade angle, blade shape, rotor spacing, and hub diameter ratios to maximize power extraction efficiency. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the system achieves higher efficiency in converting water flow energy into mechanical power output
3Power
If traditional water turbines are used, then energy can be extracted from flowing water, but the system is difficult to transport and install
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine system is divided into modular components including multiple rotors that can be independently assembled and configured. Each rotor consists of separate blades and support structures that can be manufactured independently and then assembled together, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining energy extraction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine structure incorporates flexible and adjustable elements that allow the system to be easily assembled and disassembled during transport and installation. The modular design enables components to be configured in different orientations and positions based on site-specific requirements, simplifying the installation process
4Power
If traditional water turbines are used, then energy can be extracted from flowing water, but the system creates a significant impediment to a waterways flow
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine system uses localized hydrofoil blades positioned at specific angles and locations within the water flow path. Each blade is designed to extract energy from the local flow conditions without significantly disrupting the overall waterway flow pattern, minimizing impedance to the waterway while maintaining effective energy extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine design extracts only a portion of the available kinetic energy from the water flow, leaving sufficient flow velocity and volume to maintain normal waterway function. This partial action approach ensures that the turbine generates adequate power without creating significant impediment to the waterway's natural flow
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 produces a significant amount of mechanical or electrical power relative to its size and weight, is cost-effective to produce and assemble, and can be easily transported and installed, with reduced impact on water flow.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second plurality of blades are each straight in the longitudinal direction and have a hydrofoil shape in cross-section configured to generate lift and rotate the rotor about the horizontally disposed central axis as the flowing stream of water passes around the hydrofoil shape
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrokinetic water turbine system includes a frame structure, a horizontally-disposed rotor shaft supported by the frame structure, and a rotor secured to the rotor shaft. The rotor has a plurality of spaced-apart blades so that the flowing stream of water revolves the rotor. The flowing stream of water rotates the rotor shaft, which drives a liquid pump, which pumps a liquid to a desired location. Such as, for example, pumping water from the flowing stream to an irrigations system.