Multi-chamber Hydraulic Vane Device Torque Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional rotary couplings and hydrostatic drives experience inefficiencies and energy wastage due to slippage at high torque and low speed conditions, and existing turbines fail to convert full potential tidal and wind energy into electrical power when energy input exceeds the generator's maximum power rating.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic device with a multi-chamber configuration, acting as a power split transmission coupling, is used to manage torque and energy by diverting hydraulic fluid under high pressure, allowing for adjustable torque ratios and energy storage during periods of low or excessive turbine rotor velocity, enabling efficient power generation and regeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional rotary couplings are used to transmit mechanical power, then power transmission is achieved, but energy wastage occurs due to slippage at high torque and low speed conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by using hydraulic fluid under pressure within the rotary coupling mechanism. The hydraulic system enables torque transmission through fluid pressure rather than direct mechanical contact, eliminating slippage losses that occur in traditional mechanical couplings during high torque and low speed operations.
2Productivity
If turbines operate without energy storage systems, then simple operation is maintained, but full potential tidal and wind energy cannot be converted when energy input exceeds generator maximum power rating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements energy storage capability that allows the turbine system to capture and store excess energy during periods when energy input exceeds generator capacity. This preliminary energy capture enables the system to utilize full potential tidal and wind energy, converting it to stored energy that can be used later when generation capacity is available.
3Reliability
If mechanical brakes are used to reduce energy input to generator, then power rating limits are protected, but energy conversion efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the excess energy that would normally be wasted as heat through mechanical braking into useful stored energy. The hydraulic system captures the energy that would be dissipated by brakes and stores it for later use, transforming a harmful energy loss into a beneficial energy resource.
4Adaptability or versatility
If gearbox is used to adjust power transmission, then torque control is achieved, but mechanical complexity and energy losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gearbox with a hydraulic power transmission system. This hydraulic approach provides torque control and adjustment capability without the mechanical complexity and energy losses associated with traditional gearbox mechanisms, achieving the same adaptability through fluid pressure control.
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 multi-chamber hydraulic device enhances torque transfer efficiency, reduces energy wastage, and allows for the storage and regeneration of energy, enabling turbines to operate closer to maximum power output and efficiency even during fluctuating tidal and wind conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic device with a multi-chamber configuration, acting as a power split transmission coupling, is used to manage torque and energy by diverting hydraulic fluid under high pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and apparatuses are disclosed that comprise or utilize a hydraulic vane device. This device can be configured with a ring and/or a rotor shaped and positioned relative to one another to provide the hydraulic vane device with four or more chambers in which the vanes of the device can work a hydraulic fluid.