Liquid Column Generator with Reciprocating Piston for Domestic Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for generators that can efficiently produce mechanical or electrical energy from water or other liquids as renewable energy sources, suitable for domestic use and not requiring complex installations, while being cost-effective and serving as a viable alternative to other renewable energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A generator system comprising a vertical liquid supply column, a sealed tank, a piston device, and a converter mechanism that converts the reciprocating movement of the piston into mechanical or electrical energy, utilizing the pressure of a liquid column, with a mechanism for controlling valve operations and an optional flywheel for maintaining rotation, and an integrated system for water recycling using photovoltaic panels or wind turbines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a generator uses water or other liquids as a renewable energy source, then it can produce mechanical or electrical energy, but the installation becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a vertical supply column for liquid storage, a sealed tank for pressure generation, a piston device for mechanical conversion, and a converter device for energy production. Each module operates independently and can be assembled from simple, standardized components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining energy production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The generator utilizes the weight of the liquid column itself to drive the piston device through pressure differential changes. The system automatically cycles between filling the supply column, pressurizing the sealed tank, and releasing pressure to drive the piston, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control mechanisms
2Use of energy by moving object
If a generator uses complex means to produce energy from water, then energy production is achieved, but the cost of production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design employs simple, inexpensive components that can be manufactured cost-effectively. The piston device, converter device, and valve mechanisms can be produced using standard manufacturing processes without requiring expensive materials or specialized craftsmanship, making the generator economically viable for domestic applications
Solution Approach 2:
The generator can be adapted for various domestic applications and can utilize different liquid sources (water, other liquids) as energy sources. The same basic design can serve multiple purposes including electricity generation, mechanical power production, and can be integrated with existing water supply systems, reducing overall system cost
3Ease of manufacture
If a generator is designed for domestic use with simple components, then cost is reduced, but energy production efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The generator operates through periodic cycling of the piston device between high and low positions, driven by alternating pressure changes in the sealed tank. This periodic action allows the simple piston mechanism to efficiently convert liquid pressure into mechanical motion, maintaining high energy production efficiency despite the use of simple components
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes hydraulic principles by using the weight and pressure of the liquid column to drive the piston device. The sealed tank creates pressure differential changes that efficiently transfer energy to the piston, ensuring high energy conversion efficiency without requiring complex mechanical transmission systems
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 effectively converts liquid pressure into usable energy, is cost-effective, and suitable for domestic use, providing a reliable alternative to other renewable energy sources, with a closed-loop water recycling system for efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first portion forming a float capable of bringing the device forming a piston into the high position
Implementation Method 2
the device forming a piston is capable of being set in reciprocating movement between a high position and a low position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A generator (1) is described, comprising in particular a vertical feed column (10) capable of being filled with a certain quantity of liquid, an inlet valve (20) disposed at the base of the vertical feed column (10), and a sealed reservoir (30) in communication with the vertical feed column (10) via said inlet valve (20), which sealed reservoir (30) is capable of being filled with liquid. The generator further comprises an exhaust valve (40) disposed on said sealed reservoir (30) and capable of releasing the pressure generated in said sealed reservoir (30), as well as a piston-forming device (50) disposed inside said sealed reservoir (30) so as to be immersed in the liquid contained in the sealed reservoir (30).This piston-forming device (50) is capable of being set in reciprocating motion between a high position and a low position. The piston-forming device (50) comprises a first portion forming a float (51) capable of bringing the piston-forming device (50) to the high position and a second portion forming an output shaft (52). The generator further comprises a converter device (60) coupled to the output shaft (52), which converter device (60) is capable of converting the reciprocating motion of the piston-forming device (50) into mechanical or electrical energy. The generator (1) is configured such that, during operation, the sealed reservoir (30) is filled with liquid, and such as to repeat a sequence of operating phases in order to induce the reciprocating motion of the piston-forming device (50).