Oscillating Fluid Energy Harvester for Low-Speed Flows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dynamic energy to electromotive energy transducers face challenges in efficiently harvesting energy from bidirectional fluid flows and low-speed, low-density flows, with limitations in oscillation amplitude and frequency, leading to reduced energy extraction and reliability, especially in IoT applications where energy demands are minimal and maintenance is costly.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a mechanical interaction element oscillating within a fluid flow, supported by elastic suspensions, and a non-homogeneous magnetic induction electromotive force generator, with a control unit to manage energy extraction by interrupting coil induced current when voltage or current thresholds are reached, ensuring continued oscillation and energy harvesting, and utilizes capacitive coupling for signal transfer across fluid flow containers without piercing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the device uses conventional rotating conversion systems, then it can effectively extract energy from fluid flow, but it requires high fluid speeds and has complex mechanical structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional rotating system approach by using a fixed mechanical interaction element (fluttering surface) that oscillates in response to fluid flow, rather than a rotating element that requires high-speed rotation. This inversion allows energy extraction at lower fluid speeds by converting the fluid's kinetic energy directly into oscillatory motion of the surface, which then induces current in stationary coils through a fixed magnetic field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex rotating mechanical system with a simpler oscillating surface mechanism. Instead of using rotating turbines or propellers that require precise mechanical assemblies, the system uses a fluttering surface that naturally oscillates when exposed to fluid flow, converting mechanical energy extraction into a passive oscillation-based process that drives electromagnetic induction in stationary coils.
2Power
If the device uses rotating parts systems, then it can generate electromagnetic energy, but it increases mechanical complexity and reduces long-term reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the rotating parts from the system, keeping only the essential oscillating surface that interacts with the fluid. By removing the rotating mechanism entirely and using a fixed mechanical interaction element that oscillates passively, the system reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining electromagnetic energy generation capability through the oscillation-induced current in stationary coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating surface serves itself by naturally oscillating when exposed to fluid flow, without requiring external drive mechanisms or complex mechanical assemblies. The fluid flow itself provides the energy to create the oscillations, which then automatically induce current in the coils through the fixed magnetic field, creating a self-sustaining energy conversion process.
3Productivity
If the device is designed for unidirectional flow, then it can optimize energy extraction in one direction, but it cannot operate effectively when flow direction changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the mechanical interaction element within the fluid flow path, allowing the element to oscillate freely in response to flow from either direction. The asymmetric design enables the surface to be deflected by the flow regardless of direction, converting bidirectional flow energy into oscillatory motion that drives the electromagnetic induction process, thus achieving adaptability to varying flow directions while maintaining energy extraction efficiency.
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 enhances energy harvesting efficiency by maximizing oscillation amplitude and frequency, particularly in low-speed flows, and ensures reliable energy collection with reduced maintenance needs, suitable for IoT applications, and allows for bidirectional fluid flow operation without repositioning, improving device reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical interaction element with a fluid flow, supported in an oscillating way... the element is brought into oscillation or vibration by the fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
the conductor or coil is dynamically connected to the element mechanically interacting with the fluid and it is moved across the magnetic field by the oscillating or vibrating motion of the element, thus experiencing an induced current
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic induction electromotive force generator, including at least a preferably non homogeneous magnetic flow generator, the flow crossing at least an electric conductor
Implementation Method 4
the element is brought into oscillation or vibration by the fluid flow, by means of one or more elastic suspending element
Data Source
AI summary
A device transducing fluid dynamic energy into electrical energy, usable as a flow meter or energy harvester, includes a mechanical interaction element with a fluid flow, which is brought into oscillation or vibration by the fluid flow, by way of one or more elastic suspension elements; a magnetic induction electromotive force generator, dynamically connected to the mechanical interaction element by the fluid flow, which crosses an electric conductor, moved in the magnetic field by the oscillating or vibrating motion of the mechanical interaction element, thus generating an induced current in the conductor; and a collection unit for the electrical signal generated by induction. The mechanical interaction element is suspended to oscillate around an axis transversal to the flow direction and corresponding to a transversal axis half way along the mechanical interaction element.