Hydro-mechanical Power Generator with Buoyancy Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydro-mechanical power generation systems face inefficiencies in converting fluid buoyancy into mechanical energy due to limitations in the design of buoyancy vehicles and gas management within fluid vessels, leading to suboptimal power output and operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
The system employs cylindrical fluid vessels with pressurized gas chambers and buoyancy vehicles that use flexible couplings to drive rotatable drives, integrating a pressurized gas injection system and charging mechanisms to alternately fill and discharge gas within the vehicles, facilitating continuous power generation through the movement of buoyancy vehicles within the vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional hydro-mechanical power generation systems are used, then power generation is achieved, but efficiency is suboptimal due to limitations in buoyancy vehicle design and gas management
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid vessel into multiple chambers, each containing individual buoyancy vehicles that operate independently. This segmentation allows each vehicle to be optimized for specific functions (gas injection, power generation, ballast control) while maintaining overall system efficiency and reducing operational complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Gas is pre-injected into buoyancy vehicles before they are deployed to generate power. The gas injection system prepares the vehicles in advance by filling them with appropriate gas volumes, ensuring optimal buoyancy and power generation capability from the start of operation, thereby improving overall system efficiency
2Power
If buoyancy vehicles are used to convert fluid buoyancy into mechanical energy, then power generation is achieved, but the conversion efficiency is limited by the design of the vehicles and gas management systems
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyancy vehicles are designed with multi-functionality, serving as both power generation elements and gas storage units. The same vehicle structure that provides buoyancy for power generation also houses the gas management system, eliminating the need for separate gas storage infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high power output
Solution Approach 2:
A control system acts as an intermediary between the gas injection mechanism and the buoyancy vehicles, automatically managing gas distribution based on real-time operational parameters. This intermediary layer simplifies gas management by automating decisions about when and how much gas to inject, thereby maintaining high power output without increasing operational complexity
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 configuration enhances power generation efficiency by leveraging buoyancy forces effectively and simplifies the operational process, allowing for consistent and reliable electricity production using renewable energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurized gas chamber (20) configured as a bell having a dome-shaped, hemi-spherical, or concave upper end (22) and a lower cylindrical body or lower portion (23)
Implementation Method 2
two buoyancy vehicles (28A, 28B) disposed within a vehicle section (26) of the fluid vessel (12)
Implementation Method 3
The flexible coupling (40) passes from the vehicle section (26) into a drive section (42)
Data Source
AI summary
A hydro-mechanical system and method for generating power employs an upright elongated fluid vessel containing a fluid. A rotatable drive having a drive shaft is mounted to the fluid vessel for providing a power output through the drive shaft. A pair of buoyancy vehicles are located within a vehicle section of the vessel and are each coupled by a flexible coupling to the rotatable drive. A pressurized gas chamber that is coupled to a pressurized gas source is used to charge the buoyancy vehicles through a pair of charging valves to move the buoyancy vehicles within the vehicle section thus driving the flexible coupling and rotatable drive. A pair of gas of release valves are also provided for discharging gas from the vehicle when buoyancy vehicle is vehicle is located at the uppermost position.