Hydrokinetic Generator Anchoring and Buoyancy for Low-Speed Currents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for generating energy from tidal and river flows face challenges such as efficiency, cost, deployment, reliability, and environmental impact, preventing their widespread adoption as reliable power sources.
Innovation Solution
A hydrokinetic system with a duct, rotors, and an anchoring structure that includes a ballast tank and electrical generator, designed for efficient energy extraction from water currents, featuring modular components and a bi-directional operation capable of self-feathering and adjusting buoyancy, with a control system for optimal performance and minimal environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If hydroelectric generators are deployed in tidal and river flows, then electrical power can be generated, but efficiency and reliability remain insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hydroelectric generator is divided into modular components: a duct assembly with one or more rotors, a separate generator assembly, and an anchoring structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy replacement or maintenance of individual parts without affecting the entire system, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable buoyancy through ballast tanks that can be filled or emptied to control the positioning and orientation of the duct in water currents. The rotors are designed to dynamically adjust their orientation to maximize energy capture from varying flow conditions, improving both efficiency and reliability across different operational scenarios.
2Power
If conventional hydroelectric systems are used, then power generation is possible, but cost and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is constructed from discrete, factory-prepared modules (duct assembly, generator assembly, anchoring structure) that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site. This reduces manufacturing complexity and allows for standardized production, lowering costs and simplifying deployment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-aligning and self-adjusting features, such as rotors that automatically orient themselves to capture flow energy and ballast systems that autonomously adjust buoyancy based on water conditions, reducing the need for complex control systems and manual intervention during deployment and operation.
3Power
If hydrokinetic devices are deployed in water bodies, then energy can be extracted, but environmental impact may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The duct assembly is designed with a streamlined shape that minimizes turbulence and disruption to water flow patterns in the surrounding environment. The rotors are positioned and sized to extract energy efficiently while maintaining gentle flow conditions that do not harm aquatic life, allowing energy extraction with minimal local environmental impact.
4Reliability
If traditional anchoring systems are used, then the generator can be secured, but deployment complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring structure is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently deployed and adjusted. This segmentation simplifies the overall system assembly and allows the anchoring mechanism to be optimized for specific deployment locations without increasing the complexity of other system components.
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 provides efficient, reliable, and cost-effective power generation with minimal environmental disruption, allowing for long-term deployment and easy maintenance, capable of generating up to 20 kW in low-speed currents and adaptable to varying water conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of rotors (142) retained in the duct (102)
Implementation Method 2
at least one ballast tank positioned in the annular compartment
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to hydrodynamic electric generators, including their structural design, methods of deployment, anchoring systems, drive systems and control systems. The system can be scaled from ones that can be hand carried to large, stationary devices that can generate up to and greater than 20 kw in a current of 3 knots. In a stationary system, the device can be anchored to an underwater floor by an anchoring device supported by four adjustable legs. These legs can eliminate the need for extensive mooring lines, providing the device with a small footprint that is non-hazardous to marine animals or vegetation. Individual components, such as rotors, generators and other mechanical components can be modularly installed for easy removal and servicing without having to disturb the entire system.