Modular Micro-Turbine Generation for Variable Water Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydroelectric generation systems are vulnerable to turbine failures, require costly maintenance, and are inefficient in varying water flow conditions, making them unstable and difficult to install without extensive development work.
Innovation Solution
A modular domestic hydroelectric generation system with solenoid valves and micro-turbines for precise water flow control, energy storage, and purification, allowing stable electricity production and maintenance flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If turbines are used in a closed system with fluid recirculation to generate electricity, then electricity generation is achieved, but the system becomes vulnerable to turbine failures and requires costly frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the water circulation into two independent circuits: a supply circuit that feeds micro-turbines for electricity generation, and a recirculation circuit that maintains water flow without turbines. This segmentation isolates the turbines from the main recirculation loop, so turbine failures do not halt the entire water circulation system, thereby improving reliability while maintaining power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different operational characteristics to different parts of the system: the supply circuit operates at high flow rates suitable for turbine generation, while the recirculation circuit maintains steady circulation at lower rates. This local differentiation allows the system to optimize electricity generation in the supply circuit while ensuring continuous water circulation through the recirculation circuit, reducing maintenance needs.
2Productivity
If the system operates at points in the water circulation network with high flow rate, then electricity generation efficiency is improved, but the operating longevity decreases and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates high-flow turbine operation from the main water circulation, creating a dedicated supply circuit that can operate at optimized high flow rates for electricity generation without subjecting the entire circulation system to stressful conditions. This segmentation protects the overall system longevity while maintaining high productivity in the generation section.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation circuit pre-conditiones water flow and maintains system readiness before water enters the turbine supply circuit. This preliminary circulation ensures water is continuously moving and properly conditioned before high-power generation, reducing shock loads and extending component life.
3Ease of manufacture
If micro-turbines are used without fine regulation capability, then the system is simpler to install, but the system becomes highly susceptible to variations and damage affecting electricity production stability
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic control through solenoid valves that can rapidly adjust water flow to each micro-turbine based on real-time pressure sensor feedback. This dynamic regulation capability allows the simple micro-turbine system to adapt to varying water pressure and flow conditions, maintaining stable electricity production without complex mechanical regulation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure sensors continuously monitor water pressure at critical points in the supply circuit and feed this information back to the control system. The controller adjusts solenoid valve positions based on this feedback to maintain optimal flow conditions for the micro-turbines, ensuring stable electricity generation even with simple turbine components.
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
Ensures stable and efficient electricity generation with reduced maintenance needs, using solenoid valves and micro-turbines to manage water flow and pressure, ensuring continuous and drinkable water supply.
Implementation Method 1
each micro-turbine has a micro-turbine inlet solenoid valve and a micro-turbine outlet solenoid valve, configured to control the flow of water from the supply circuit at each micro-turbine
Implementation Method 2
the electricity production module of the system is equipped with hydroelectric generation means comprising a plurality of micro-turbines
Implementation Method 3
each solenoid valve of the system has associated pressure measuring means, connected to the processing means, to measure in real time the pressure at the supply circuit at any point in the system
Implementation Method 4
the evacuation solenoid valve is connected to a water tank, configured to allow the evacuation of water from the electrical production module when the measured pressure is greater than a critical threshold value
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a domestic hydroelectric generation system (1), comprising a power supply inlet (11) connected to the domestic water supply network (100) and an outlet (12) to the domestic water circulation network (200), the system (1) comprising: - an injection module (2); - the power supply circuit (9) of the system (1); - at least one electricity production module (3);- energy storage means (4) and processing means (5), the electricity production module (3) being equipped with hydroelectric generation means comprising a plurality of micro-turbines (T1, T2, T3, T4), mounted in parallel with each other on the supply circuit (9), each micro-turbine (T1, T2, T3, T4) having a micro-turbine inlet solenoid valve (EVTE) and a micro-turbine outlet solenoid valve (EVTS), configured to control the flow of water from the supply circuit at each micro-turbine (T1, T2, T3, T4), each inlet (EVTE) and outlet (EVTS) solenoid valve.;