Submerged Hydroelectric Generator with Float Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydroelectric generators face challenges such as high environmental impact, complex and expensive maintenance, limited reliability, and inability to easily handle or relocate due to being fixed to the riverbed, requiring specific geological conditions and resulting in energy production variability.
Innovation Solution
A hydroelectric generator design featuring a propeller, permanent-magnet alternator, and an immersion-emerging mechanism allowing easy displacement and maintenance, with a holding structure and protection barriers to minimize environmental impact and facilitate operation in varying water flow conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the generator is fastened to the riverbed using masonry structures, then the generator remains stationary and stable, but the environmental impact increases and the generator cannot be easily relocated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static masonry anchoring with dynamic floatation-based positioning. The generator is equipped with floating elements that allow it to remain stable in the water column while being easily relocatable by adjusting buoyancy or external towing, thus eliminating the need for permanent riverbed structures and reducing environmental impact.
2Productivity
If the generator is placed fully underwater on the riverbed, then it can convert kinetic energy directly, but maintenance becomes complicated and expensive requiring scuba divers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the generator to dynamically transition between submerged operational position and emerged maintenance position. During operation, the generator is submerged to capture kinetic energy from water flow. For maintenance, it can be raised above water using floatation mechanisms or towing, allowing technicians to access components without scuba diving equipment, thus significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining energy conversion capability.
3Reliability
If the generator is designed for constant operation in varying water flows, then energy production is consistent, but the generator lacks adaptability to different watercourse conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic adaptability features including adjustable floatation elements and movable components that allow the generator to adapt to varying water flow conditions and different watercourse configurations. The system can be repositioned, reconfigured, or relocated to optimize performance under different hydraulic conditions while maintaining reliable energy production through adaptive operational parameters.
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 generator can be easily handled and maintained, operates reliably with reduced environmental impact, and adapts to different water flow conditions, ensuring consistent energy production while minimizing maintenance costs and environmental disruption.
Implementation Method 1
a float assembly (4) comprising at least one float (4d) having an inner volume divided into two distinct inner chambers (4e)
Implementation Method 2
a propeller (2) suitable to be set in rotation around a rotation axis (2a) by a fluid
Implementation Method 3
an alternator (3) adapted to convert the turbine motion into electric energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
It is provided a hydroelectric generator (1) comprising at least one propeller (2) adapted to be set in rotation around a rotation axis (2a) by a fluid, an alternator (3) adapted to convert the motion of the propeller (2) into electric energy and at least one immersion-emerging member (4) defining a filling volume (4a) suitable to be at least partly taken up by an aeriform substance, and to enable floating of the hydroelectric generator (1) when the filling volume (4a) is taken up by the aeriform substance.