Hydrofoil Kinetic Energy Conversion via Air Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for harnessing kinetic energy from liquid flows, such as ocean currents, are limited by the area of propeller or turbine blades, leading to insufficient energy generation and high operational costs, with significant energy losses during conversion to usable forms.
Innovation Solution
A hydrofoil system that cyclically moves within a liquid flow, compressing air as it submerges and trapping it for release at the surface, converting kinetic energy into pressurized air, which serves as a stable and efficient energy carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If propeller or turbine blades are used to convert kinetic energy from liquid flow, then energy can be generated, but the energy generation is limited by the blade area and results in insufficient energy output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using air compression and expansion cycles to convert hydrofoil motion into usable energy. The air is compressed during downward motion and expanded during upward motion, creating a pneumatic energy storage and release system that overcomes the limitations of direct mechanical conversion
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrofoil is designed to dynamically oscillate vertically in response to liquid flow, converting steady flow into cyclic motion. This dynamic behavior allows the system to continuously compress and expand air, generating energy without being constrained by static blade area limitations
2Productivity
If the area of propeller or turbine blades is increased to generate more energy, then kinetic energy conversion improves, but the forces on the equipment and mooring increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic cushioning through air compression to absorb and store the forces generated by the hydrofoil motion. The compressed air acts as a buffer that reduces peak forces on the equipment and mooring system while still capturing the full energy potential
Solution Approach 2:
The air cushioning system is prepared in advance by compressing air during the downward stroke, creating a cushion of pressurized air that absorbs the upward force during the return stroke. This beforehand cushioning protects the equipment from excessive forces
3Productivity
If kinetic energy is converted to electric current using rotating wheels or propellers, then energy can be used, but significant energy losses occur during conversion to usable forms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic energy storage in the form of compressed air, which can be directly utilized for various applications without requiring conversion to electricity. This direct pneumatic utilization eliminates multiple conversion steps and associated energy losses
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed air serves multiple functions: it cushions the hydrofoil motion, stores the captured energy, and provides the energy carrier for end-use applications. This self-service approach reduces the need for additional conversion equipment and minimizes energy losses
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 approach allows for a substantial increase in energy generation without the mechanical limitations of rotating solutions, reducing energy losses and operational costs, while providing a renewable energy source that can replace fossil fuels.
Implementation Method 1
a foil is disposed in the flow of liquid such that the foil can be moved cyclically in directions perpendicular to the flow of liquid between an uppermost level and a lowermost level depending on the lift of the foil
Implementation Method 2
allowing the compressible fluid to compress as long as the foil is moving downwards, confining the compressed fluid in the pressure tank at a second pressure when the foil is at the lowermost level
Data Source
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AI summary
A method compressing a gas, advantageously air, is disclosed. The gas is compressed by disposing one or more hydrofoils in a liquid flow for the purpose of generating a downpull and thereafter a lift by altering the angle of attack on the hydrofoil relative to the flow of liquid, advantageously water. The down force causes the load, advantageously air, to be submerged, and hence compressed proportional to the depth of liquid to which the air is subjected. The hydrofoil is attached to a mechanical device, which in turn is anchored or moored in the depth of the liquid and at or under the surface. The angle of attack of the hydrofoil is altered by mechanical devices connected to tension bars or strings or by flaps. The volume of air loaded in the hydrofoil is adapted such that the down force is greater than the buoyancy of the air. An accelerating effect is achieved by that the volume of air decreases inversely proportional to the increasing depth to which it is subject. At arrival on the intended depth, the volume of the compressed gas is pressure locked. The hydrofoil is disposed to a unload station on the surface, or under water by altering the angle of attack of the hydrofoil, after which the compressed air is unloaded and conveyed further for utilization for energy purposes.