Partially Immersed Rotating Bodies for Continuous Fluid Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating electric power through dynamic fluid flow, such as windmills and hydroelectric power stations, face limitations in power output and environmental impact, and require costly infrastructure and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement featuring two rotating bodies of revolution partially immersed in a dynamic fluid, with one body located upstream and one downstream, where the upstream body translates and rotates with variable speed, and the downstream body rotates synchronized with the fluid flow, generating power through a hydrodynamic effect and oscillating movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional windmills or hydroelectric power stations are used for power generation, then power can be generated from dynamic fluid flow, but the power output is limited and environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the power generation system into multiple independent rotating bodies (at least two) that operate simultaneously in the same fluid flow. Each body generates power independently, and their combined output significantly increases total power generation capacity while maintaining a compact footprint that reduces environmental disruption compared to large-scale hydroelectric dams.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional horizontal-axis windmills to vertical-axis rotating bodies that are partially immersed in the fluid flow. This dimensional change allows the bodies to exploit both surface and subsurface flow dynamics, increasing energy capture efficiency and power output while minimizing above-ground infrastructure and visual impact.
2Power
If hydroelectric power stations with dams are constructed, then large amounts of power can be generated, but costly facilities with large planning and proportions are required along with important maintenance operations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential power generation function from the complex dam infrastructure. By using free-standing rotating bodies that operate directly in the natural fluid flow without requiring dams, gates, or large reservoirs, the system achieves significant power generation with minimal civil engineering and infrastructure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating bodies are designed to operate autonomously in the natural fluid flow, with no requirement for external control systems, gate operations, or complex maintenance infrastructure. The bodies self-regulate their operation based on flow conditions, eliminating the need for costly operational and maintenance facilities.
3Power
If traditional windmill designs are used, then power generation is achieved, but movement continuity is poor and power output is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple rotating bodies into a single power generation system, where each body contributes to the total power output. This combination ensures continuous operation as different bodies can operate at different phases, smoothing out fluctuations and maintaining consistent power generation across varying flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating bodies are designed to exploit periodic variations in fluid flow dynamics, with each body completing full rotation cycles that capture energy from both surface waves and subsurface currents. This periodic motion ensures continuous power generation rather than intermittent operation.
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 solution enhances power generation efficiency and reduces environmental impact by utilizing a dynamic fluid flow, achieving continuous power production with reduced infrastructure needs and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
From the end of the slider that is closest between the rotating bodies of revolution, both of which are rotating at a speed synchronized with the dynamic fluid flow, a hydrodynamic effect causing a distancing of the rotating body of revolution located upstream is generated.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for generating energy made up of at least two rotating bodies of revolution partially immersed in a dynamic fluid. The at least two rotating bodies of revolution have their longitudinal axis of rotation located perpendicularly to the flow of the fluid, and are further associated to support means and to drive means, being immersed about 30% of their diameter. One of the at least two rotating bodies of revolution is located upstream of said dynamic fluid with its longitudinal axis of rotation located in a longitudinal slider of the support means with the possibility of translation and variable rotation speed. The other of the at least two rotating bodies of revolution is located downstream of the dynamic fluid, with its longitudinal axis of rotation being attached to the support means, and with a rotation synchronized with the flow speed of the dynamic fluid.