Irrigation Hydro-Generator Load Impedance Control Across Flow Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems face challenges in efficiently generating power across varying fluid flow rates, leading to poor performance at low and high flow speeds, and increased costs due to the need for constant power supply.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hydro-power generator system with a variable load circuit that adjusts load impedance based on detected flow rates, using a control circuit to determine the appropriate load impedance by sensing characteristics of the electrical power signal, such as frequency, and selectively applying supplemental loads or modifying rectification to optimize power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed load impedance is used in the hydro-power generator, then the circuit is simple, but power generation performance is poor at low and high flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable load circuit that dynamically adjusts the load impedance based on the detected flow rate. The control circuit monitors characteristics of the electrical power signal (such as frequency) and selectively applies supplemental loads or modifies rectification to optimize power generation across different flow conditions, transforming the fixed impedance system into an adaptive one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (load impedance) based on operating conditions. By detecting flow rate characteristics and adjusting the load impedance accordingly, the system optimizes power extraction at different flow rates, improving overall power generation performance while maintaining reasonable circuit complexity.
2Reliability
If power is supplied from an external source, then the irrigation system can operate reliably, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-powered irrigation control system where the hydro-power generator harnesses energy from the irrigation water flow itself to power the control circuit and irrigation devices. The system uses its own operational resource (water flow) to generate the electricity needed for control, eliminating or reducing the need for external power sources and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power generation function with the irrigation system by integrating the hydro-power generator into the existing water flow path. The generator utilizes the kinetic energy of the irrigation water to produce electricity, combining two functions (irrigation and power generation) into a single integrated system.
3Productivity
If the load impedance is adjusted to optimize power generation, then efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the control circuit continuously monitors characteristics of the electrical power signal (such as frequency) generated by the hydro-power generator. Based on this feedback, the control circuit automatically adjusts the load impedance to optimize power generation, eliminating the need for complex manual control systems while maintaining high efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control circuit as an intermediary between the hydro-power generator and the variable load circuit. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the impedance adjustment logic, making the system easier to control while maintaining optimization across different flow rates.
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 performance across multiple fluid flow rates, improves efficiency at low and high flow speeds, and reduces energy costs by harnessing power from the irrigation system itself.
Implementation Method 1
activating, through a fluid flow in a conduit of an irrigation system, a turbine of a generator
Implementation Method 2
the generator is configured to output an electrical power signal in response to the activation of the turbine
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide hydro-power generation systems for irrigation systems. In some embodiments, a system comprises a generator comprising a turbine at least partially inserted into a fluid flow path of a conduit of the irrigation system and to be activated by a fluid flow in the conduit, wherein the generator is to output an electrical power signal; a control circuit to: determine a characteristic of the electrical power signal; determine, based on the characteristic, a load impedance selected from a plurality of load impedances; and output a control signal to select the load impedance. The system also comprises a variable load circuit to: receive the control signal; and provide the load impedance, where an impedance of the variable load circuit is based on the characteristic to provide power generation over various flow rates of fluid in the fluid flow path.