In-Line Micro Hydroturbines for Grid-Reduced Water Pipeline Pumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pump and pipeline systems that transport water to higher elevations consume significant electricity from carbon-based third-party electrical power grids, leading to high expenses and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of micro hydroelectric turbines placed inside or adjacent to pipelines at intermittent distances, connected to pump stations via wiring, generates electricity through gravity flow to power water pumps, reducing reliance on external power grids, with optional integration of wind turbines and solar panels for additional energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional pump and pipeline systems are used to transport water to higher elevations, then water can be delivered to reservoirs, but significant electricity is consumed from third-party electrical power grids at great expense
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables water to transport itself by converting its own gravitational potential energy into kinetic energy during downhill flow, which then drives turbines to generate electricity that powers pumps to move water uphill. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external electrical power grids, resolving the contradiction between energy consumption and water transport capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically balances energy generation and consumption by placing turbines at strategic locations where water flows downhill and pumps where water needs to be elevated. The continuous conversion between potential and kinetic energy creates a dynamic energy cycle that maintains water transport without external power input, resolving the energy-consumption contradiction
2Use of energy by moving object
If micro hydroelectric turbines are placed inside pipelines to generate electricity, then electricity consumption from third-party power grids is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the water transport function with electricity generation by integrating micro hydroelectric turbines directly inside the pipeline. This combination allows the pipeline to simultaneously convey water and generate power from the water's gravitational flow, reducing external electricity consumption while managing complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The pipeline system is transformed into a multi-functional structure that performs both water transport and electricity generation. The turbines placed within the pipeline create a universal system that handles multiple tasks (conveying water and generating power) through a single integrated infrastructure, addressing the contradiction between energy independence and system complexity
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 enables efficient transportation of water over long distances while significantly reducing electrical consumption from third-party power grids, promoting renewable energy use and lowering carbon footprint.
Implementation Method 1
the micro-turbine generating electricity as water passes through the micro-turbine
Implementation Method 2
the pump station at the bottom of the decline, the pump station pumping the water up the incline
Implementation Method 3
generate electricity via gravity flow of the water through the pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are unique systems and processes to transport water or fluids within pipelines by generating electricity along various portions of the water pipeline route using micro hydroelectric turbines (also referred to herein as mini-turbines) placed in-line inside of (or adjacent to/parallel with) the pipeline at one or more distances. The mini-turbines are connected via wiring systems to the pump stations at the bottom of declines in the pipeline to generate electricity via gravity flow of the water through the pipeline, and then provide such electricity to a pump to propel or pump the water up inclined portions of the pipeline route. In this manner, water or fluids can be transported from a first location to a second location along significant distances through a pipeline while reducing the electrical consumption from a third-party electrical power grid.