Modular Rim-Drive Pump-Turbine for Small-Scale Hydropower
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pumped storage hydropower (PSH) development is limited by high initial and total capital costs, uncertainty in return investment, lengthy commissioning times, site availability, and environmental risks, particularly in small-scale and distributed energy storage applications.
Innovation Solution
A rim-drive turbomachine with a modular, scalable, and adaptable design that can operate as both a pump and a turbine, utilizing a hollow cylindrical shell with multiple axially separate shell portions and sets of blades, allowing for efficient energy storage and conversion across a wide range of sites with lower head pressure, and incorporating independent motor rotors and stators for optimal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional large-scale centralized PSH plants are built, then energy storage capacity is improved, but capital costs and project complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the PSH system into multiple independent modular units, each with its own pump-turbine assembly. These modules can be deployed independently or combined to achieve desired storage capacity, reducing overall project complexity while maintaining energy storage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional vertical shaft configurations to a horizontal rim-drive configuration, allowing modules to be arranged in different spatial configurations (series or parallel) to match site-specific constraints and optimize deployment
2Reliability
If traditional PSH plants are constructed, then energy storage reliability is improved, but deployment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular pump-turbine assemblies are designed to be pre-fabricated and pre-tested as complete functional units before deployment. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces on-site assembly time and commissioning duration while ensuring reliability through prior validation
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for dynamic scaling where modules can be added or removed based on operational needs. The independent modular design enables flexible deployment strategies that can adapt to changing energy storage requirements without requiring complete system redesign
3Loss of energy
If traditional PSH sites are selected, then energy storage efficiency is improved, but site availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rim-drive pump-turbine modules are designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow installation in various orientations and configurations. This universality enables deployment at diverse site types including small reservoirs, underground storage facilities, and locations with constrained access, expanding site availability beyond traditional PSH requirements
4Ease of manufacture
If modular pump-turbine assemblies are used, then ease of installation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design integrates the pump, turbine, and motor components into a single unified rim-drive assembly. This merging of functions into one modular unit simplifies manufacturing by standardizing the assembly process and reduces installation complexity by eliminating the need to coordinate multiple separate component installations
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 turbomachine reduces capital costs, accelerates deployment, and enhances energy storage reliability by leveraging existing small-scale reservoirs, improving economic viability and matching energy production with energy prices, while being tolerant to foreign objects and adaptable to various sites, thus addressing the limitations of traditional PSH systems.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one motor stator is in electromagnetic communication with the at least one motor rotor
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include a rim-drive turbomachine including a hollow cylindrical shell, at least one motor rotor, at least one motor stator, and two or more sets of blades. The shell includes two or more shell portions axially separate from, and couplable to, each of the other shell portions. Each motor rotor is coupled to the inner surface of a shell portion, extends circumferentially around the central axis, and is rotatable about the central axis. Each motor stator is in electromagnetic communication with one motor rotor. Each shell portion has at least one set of blades coupled to the inner surface of that shell portion. The blades of each set of blades extend radially inwardly toward the central axis and are spaced circumferentially around the central axis. The sets of blades are axially spaced apart along the central axis. A single set of blades is coupled to a motor rotor.