Miniature Hydroelectric Power Plant With Autonomous Water Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of energy storage and availability in renewable energy systems, such as photovoltaic and wind power, limits their ability to provide energy independently and efficiently match demand, especially in domestic and local community settings, where energy surplus is often fed into the grid and not stored for later use.
Innovation Solution
A mini hydroelectric power station is proposed, incorporating a storage reservoir, penstock, and a turbine connected to a generator, with a water supply system driven by an autonomous and ecological energy source, utilizing a large-diameter toothed wheel with containers to efficiently transport water from a recovery tank to a storage tank, allowing for on-demand energy use and irrigation integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If renewable energy sources (photovoltaic, wind) are used for electricity generation, then energy production is environmentally friendly and non-polluting, but energy storage and availability according to demand are difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by using water as the working fluid to store and transfer energy. The hydroelectric power plant converts gravitational potential energy of stored water into electrical energy through a turbine, providing reliable on-demand power while maintaining environmental friendliness. This hydraulic energy storage system resolves the contradiction by enabling both clean energy generation and dependable energy availability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If renewable energy installations are connected to the general electricity network, then excess energy can be resold and energy shortage compensated, but complete energy independence is lost and high distributor costs cannot be negotiated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by storing energy in the form of elevated water in a storage tank during periods of excess renewable energy production. This pre-stored hydraulic energy can then be converted to electricity on-demand through the hydroelectric turbine, eliminating the need for grid connection and ensuring complete energy independence. The system prepares energy in advance for later autonomous use.
3Productivity
If small power plants are built to supply electricity to districts or small industrial establishments, then local energy production increases, but the problem of energy storage and availability according to current consumption remains unsolved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a small-scale hydroelectric power plant that can serve multiple functions: generating electricity for local consumption, storing energy in the elevated water tank for later use, and potentially providing irrigation water through the penstock system. This multi-functional system simultaneously addresses local energy production needs and energy storage/availability reliability.
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 energy storage and utilization on demand, leveraging proven technologies with quick amortization of investment costs, while utilizing renewable energy sources to power the system, ensuring energy independence and optimizing energy production and irrigation simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
a turbine 4 connected to an electricity generator 5 being placed in the pipe
Implementation Method 2
a turbine 4 connected to an electricity generator 5 being placed in the pipe
Implementation Method 3
the feed means is a wheel provided with receptacles, which wheel is integral with a drive device engaged with the motor means
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a miniature hydroelectric power plant including a storage tank (1) and a penstock (2) for the flow of the water toward a recovery tank (3), a turbine (4) connected to a power generator (5) being arranged in the penstock (2), the water with which the storage tank (1) is supplied being fed from the recovery tank (3) using a wheel (6) provided with containers (7), said wheel (6) being rigidly connected to a driving device (8) engaging with a driving means (9), wherein the miniature power plant is characterized in that the driving means (9) is actuated by a self-contained and ecological source.