Osmotic Power Generation Pump-Generator Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Osmotic power generation systems face inefficiencies in harnessing hydraulic energy due to high equipment costs and energy losses in converting between mechanical and electrical power.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a semi-permeable membrane chamber system with a common shaft and regenerative variable frequency drive allows for efficient energy recovery by converting hydraulic energy into electrical power with minimal equipment costs, using a pump system to manage fluid flow and pressure across the membrane, and utilizing a motor/generator to optimize energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional pump and power generation equipment is used in osmotic power generation systems, then the system can generate electrical power from osmotic pressure, but the equipment costs are high and energy losses occur during conversion between mechanical and electrical power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pump and power generation functions into a single integrated unit where the pump's rotational motion directly drives the generator through a common shaft, eliminating separate mechanical-to-electrical conversion equipment and reducing overall system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The pump is designed to serve dual functions: it pumps fluid through the membrane chamber while simultaneously acting as a generator through its rotating shaft, allowing one device to perform multiple roles and reducing the need for separate specialized equipment
2Power
If a semi-permeable membrane chamber system with pump and power generator is implemented, then electrical power can be generated from osmotic pressure, but energy losses occur during mechanical to electrical power conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical coupling systems with a direct-drive configuration where the pump shaft directly connects to the generator, eliminating intermediate mechanical conversion components and reducing energy losses during power conversion
Solution Approach 2:
The common shaft acts as an intermediary element that directly transmits rotational energy from the pump to the generator without requiring complex mechanical conversion mechanisms, minimizing energy loss in the transmission process
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 approach maximizes the efficiency of osmotic power generation by minimizing energy losses and reducing equipment costs, effectively converting osmotic pressure into electrical power with enhanced fluid management and energy recovery.
Implementation Method 1
Osmotic power generation uses osmotic principles that occur across a semi-permeable membrane. When a low total dissolved solid (TDS) fluid such as river water is placed on one side of the membrane and a second higher total dissolved solid fluid such as sea water is placed on the second side of the membrane, flow through the membrane will continue until the amount of total dissolved solids on each side of the membrane have been equalized.
Implementation Method 2
flow of low total dissolved solid fluid into the membrane increases the pressure across the membrane. The pressure across the membrane equals the difference in the osmotic pressure.
Data Source
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AI summary
An osmotic power generation system and method for generating osmotic power includes a membrane chamber having a semi-permeable membrane therein defining a first portion and a second portion therein. The system also includes a first pump communicating a first fluid to the first portion and a second pump communicating a second fluid to the second portion. The second fluid has higher total dissolved solids than the first fluid. A second portion energy recovery device is in fluid communication with the second portion. A power generator is in communication with the second portion energy recovery device generating electrical power in response to the second portion energy recovery device and the pressure in the second portion.