Marine Hydrokinetic Torque Transfer for Low-Loss Power Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power systems face challenges in efficiently harnessing and distributing marine hydrokinetic energy due to geographical limitations and environmental impacts of traditional hydropower systems, and existing methods for energy transfer are costly and prone to losses.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a submersible enclosure with a capture device and transfer device that mechanically transfers torque from underwater locations to remote power distribution sites, utilizing a controller to manage water flow and pressure for efficient energy harvesting and distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional hydropower dams are used to generate electricity, then power generation efficiency is improved, but environmental harm and geographical limitations worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation efficiencyVSAvoidenvironmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the energy capture function from the energy conversion function by using a submersible enclosure to capture hydrokinetic energy separately from the location where electricity is generated. This separates the damming structure from the power generation site, eliminating environmental harm while maintaining power generation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary energy transfer system consisting of a rotor shaft, transfer device, and shaft coupling that mechanically transmits energy from the underwater capture location to the surface power generation location. This intermediary system enables decoupling of capture and conversion locations, solving both environmental and geographical constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If energy is captured and converted at the same location, then system complexity is reduced, but transmission losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidtransmission losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical transmission with direct mechanical torque transfer through a shaft coupling and transfer device. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for electrical generators and power cables, reducing transmission losses while the modular design keeps system complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of energy

If mechanical torque transfer is used to transfer energy from underwater to surface, then transmission losses are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission lossesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the system into distinct functional modules: an underwater enclosure containing the capture device, a mechanical transfer device for torque transmission, and a surface power generation system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining low transmission losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft coupling and transfer device serve multiple functions simultaneously: they transfer mechanical torque, accommodate relative motion between underwater and surface components, and provide a sealed interface between wet and dry environments. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, lowering device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient and cost-effective harnessing and distribution of marine hydrokinetic energy, reducing environmental impact and minimizing transmission losses by decoupling energy capture from conversion locations.

Implementation Method 1

hydrokinetic energy is another type of renewable energy source, and is generally the energy that drives the movement of bodies of water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrokinetic energy: Water Turbine

Implementation Method 2

The transfer device is mechanically coupled to the capture device at the first end and configured to transfer a torque of the rotating rotor shaft from the first end to the second end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque transfer: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS20250300109A1Systems and methods for power distribution and harnessing of marine hydrokinetic energy

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 RIAHMEDIA INC DBA MARINE KINETIC ENERGY

AI summary

An example system comprises an enclosure configured to be submerged in a body of water. The system also comprises a capture device coupled to the enclosure. The capture device includes a rotor shaft and a plurality of blades coupled to the rotor shaft. The plurality of blades are arranged to receive a flow of water when the enclosure is submerged in the body of water. The flow of water causes the plurality of blades to rotate the rotor shaft. The system also comprises a transfer device extending lengthwise from a first end to a second end of the transfer device. The transfer device is mechanically coupled to the capture device at the first end and configured to transfer a torque of the rotating rotor shaft from the first end to the second end. The second end is located outside the enclosure.