Modular Tidal Turbine Array with Interchangeable Vertical Axis Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tidal power generation systems face challenges such as high directional dependency, entanglement with fishing equipment, complex deployment and maintenance, and reduced efficiency in low velocity tidal streams, limiting their widespread adoption and economic viability.
Innovation Solution
A modular tidal power generation system featuring a support frame with interchangeable vertical axis turbines and flow deflector assemblies, allowing for easy deployment, maintenance, and operation in low speed tidal streams, with the ability to adjust fluid flow to optimize energy output and protect against debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If horizontal axis turbines are used in a fixed directional system, then energy extraction efficiency is improved, but the system becomes highly directional and sensitive to stream direction shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the turbine array movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The support frame can be repositioned along the seabed, and individual turbines can be rotated or repositioned within the array to face changing tidal stream directions, allowing the system to maintain optimal energy extraction efficiency while adapting to directional shifts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the turbine system into individual modular units mounted on a common support frame. This segmentation allows each turbine to be independently positioned or oriented, and enables the entire array to be reconfigured or relocated to adapt to changing tidal conditions without replacing the entire system
2Ease of operation
If mooring lines are used to secure the system, then the system can be positioned at intermediate depths, but the lines become entangled with fishing equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes the problematic mooring lines from the system entirely. Instead of using lines that extend upward and can be entangled with fishing gear, the system is secured directly to the seabed through its support frame, eliminating the source of entanglement while maintaining positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the seabed as an intermediary anchoring point. Rather than using mooring lines that interact with the water column and fishing gear, the support frame directly interfaces with the seabed, creating a stable foundation that avoids harmful interactions with fishing operations
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective shroud is used to shield turbines, then protection against debris is improved, but maintenance and repair access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protective structure into a modular support frame with open architecture rather than a continuous enclosed shroud. This segmentation allows individual turbines to be accessed by removing or moving specific frame sections, providing protection while maintaining ease of maintenance and repair access
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame is designed with dynamic, movable components that can be reconfigured or opened to allow access to turbines for maintenance. The protective structure transitions from a static enclosed shroud to a dynamic open frame that can adapt its configuration based on operational or maintenance needs
4Object-affected harmful factors
If complex structural frames are used to protect turbines, then debris protection is improved, but deployment and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a segmented modular support frame composed of standardized sections that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This modular approach reduces structural complexity compared to monolithic protective frames, while maintaining effective debris protection through the open lattice structure that filters debris while allowing flow through to the turbines
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 system enables efficient energy extraction in low velocity tidal streams, reduces capital and operational expenses, and facilitates easy maintenance, making it suitable for locations with shifting tidal stream directions and fishing activities.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of vertical axis turbine units configured to be interchangeably mounted in the receptacles... conversion of tidal kinetic energy into electricity or other forms of energy
Implementation Method 2
a support frame comprising a plurality of receptacles for mounting functional modules on the support frame
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a system for the extraction of energy from an underwaterflow stream in a body of water. The system comprises a support frame which comprises a plurality of receptacles for mounting functional modules on the support frame. The plurality of receptacles are arranged to form a horizontally-distributed two-dimensional array on the support frame. The plurality of vertical axis turbine units is configured to be interchangeably mounted in the receptacles.