Hydro Generator Anchor Torque Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydroelectric generating systems face challenges in maximizing energy extraction across varying water flow levels and effectively resisting anchor torque, especially under increased water pressure and debris accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A power generator assembly with a housing, rotatable shaft, and anchor stand system that includes pivot members, a lever with a counterweight, and adjustable resistance mechanisms to manage anchor torque, allowing for efficient energy harvesting and cost-effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional hydroelectric systems are used, then they can generate electricity from water flow, but they cannot maximize energy extraction across varying water flow levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the generator assembly movable rather than fixed. The generator can rotate and adjust its position in response to varying water flow conditions, allowing it to optimize energy extraction across different flow levels. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between maximizing productivity and adapting to variable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the generator's angular position and orientation based on water flow characteristics. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system maintains high energy extraction efficiency across a wide range of flow conditions, resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability.
2Power
If water pressure increases, then energy generation potential increases, but difficulty in resisting anchor torque increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs counterweight mechanisms that balance the forces generated by increased water pressure. These counterweights offset the anchor torque produced during high-pressure operation, allowing the system to harness high water pressure for energy generation without suffering from excessive anchoring difficulties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediary anchoring components that mediate between the generator assembly and the anchoring system. These intermediaries distribute and manage the anchor torque more effectively, enabling the system to resist higher forces while maintaining stable operation during high-power generation conditions.
3Reliability
If debris becomes lodged underneath the generator assembly, then operational stability is affected, but cost-effective resistance to anchor torque becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates debris removal mechanisms that extract and eliminate debris from underneath the generator assembly. By actively removing debris rather than merely resisting its effects, the system maintains operational stability without requiring overly complex or expensive anchoring solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes self-service features such as automatic debris clearance mechanisms that maintain operational stability without external intervention. This self-maintaining capability ensures reliable operation while avoiding the need for costly manual intervention or overly robust anchoring 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 maximizes energy extraction from a wide range of water flows while economically resisting anchor torque, ensuring reliable operation under changing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Connected to the support rod at a first end is a lever having a counter weight at the opposite end
Data Source
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AI summary
A power generator assembly having a housing with a hollow chamber or shell. Received within the shell is a canister having generator sets. The housing and generators are mounted to a rotatable shaft that is connected to an anchor stand. The anchor stand has a lever with a counter weight that resists anchor torque.