Hydrokinetic Turbine Alignment Mechanism for Water Current Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for producing electrical energy from water currents face inefficiencies due to suboptimal alignment and stability, resulting in compromised conversion of kinetic energy into electrical energy, and are often heavy and bulky.
Innovation Solution
A device with a converter unit equipped with turbines connected to an alignment system featuring an external ring and internal pin with rolling means, allowing automatic alignment with the water current direction, and a buoyant float configuration for stability, along with anchoring means for balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic and passive alignment of hydrokinetic turbines is provided using mooring cables, then alignment with water current direction is improved, but stability and alignment optimality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic alignment mechanism where the converter device can rotate around a vertical axis through rolling means (rollers or ball bearings) positioned between the internal pin and external ring. This dynamic structure allows the turbines to automatically orient themselves with the water current direction while maintaining stable alignment, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
2Productivity
If hydrokinetic turbines are equipped with multiple blades rotating about an axis aligned with water current, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but device weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the apparatus into separate functional components: a first float for buoyancy, a second float for anchoring connection, and a converter device housing the turbines. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall weight while maintaining energy conversion efficiency through proper turbine configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses buoyant floats to counterbalance the weight of the turbine system. The first float provides upward buoyant force that offsets the weight of the converter device and turbines, reducing the structural support requirements and overall apparatus weight while maintaining operational efficiency.
3Power
If forces from water current drive hydrokinetic turbines, then electrical energy production is improved, but stability and balance of the apparatus deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment function and anchoring function into a single integrated device combining an internal pin, external ring, and rolling means. This unified structure maintains apparatus stability while allowing the turbines to capture water current forces effectively, resolving the contradiction between power generation and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling means (rollers or ball bearings) act as intermediary elements between the internal pin and external ring, facilitating smooth rotation while maintaining stable connection. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to respond to water current forces without compromising overall apparatus stability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If apparatus is anchored to seabed by mooring cables, then positional stability is improved, but alignment precision with water current deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static mooring cable alignment with a dynamic rotational mechanism. The converter device can rotate around the vertical axis formed by the internal pin and external ring, allowing continuous alignment adjustment with changing water current directions while maintaining positional stability through the anchoring connection to the second float.
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 solution enables stable and efficient alignment of turbines with the water current, enhancing energy conversion efficiency, reducing bulk and stability issues, and allowing for easy maintenance by surfacing the device.
Implementation Method 1
a device for converting the kinetic energy of a water current into electrical energy, provided with a first float on the sides of which there is positioned a plurality of casings equipped with turbines
Implementation Method 2
each turbine being connected to an electric generator housed in the casings
Implementation Method 3
a buoyant float configuration for stability
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus (10) for producing electrical energy comprising a device (11) for converting the kinetic energy of a water current into electrical energy and provided with a first float (12) on the sides of which there is positioned a plurality of casings (13) equipped with turbines (14) which are configured to rotate under the effect of the water current and each of which is connected to an electric generator (42) housed in a corresponding casing of said plurality of casings (13).