Pipeline Micro-Generator Assembly for Self-Powered Peripheral Devices

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pipeline systems require frequent power replenishment for peripheral devices like pressure regulators, steam traps, and valves, which can be costly and unreliable, especially in remote locations where maintenance is infrequent.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a micro-generator assembly within fluid flow devices, driven by the flowing fluid, to generate DC voltage for powering internal mechanisms and external circuitry, including sensors and wireless communication, enabling self-sustaining operation and remote monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If battery power is used for peripheral devices along the pipeline, then the devices can operate without hardwired connections, but the batteries will eventually need to be replaced and require maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEase of installationVSAvoidPower supply reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The micro-generator assembly enables the peripheral device to generate its own power autonomously using the flowing fluid as an energy source. The impeller is driven by the fluid flow to rotate the shaft and generate electricity, allowing the device to be self-powered without external battery replacement or hardwired connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If hardwired power connections are used for peripheral devices, then reliable power can be provided, but installation cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePower supply reliabilityVSAvoidInstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The micro-generator assembly enables the peripheral device to generate its own power autonomously using the flowing fluid as an energy source. The impeller is driven by the fluid flow to rotate the shaft and generate electricity, allowing the device to be self-powered without external battery replacement or hardwired connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If multiple pumping stations are installed along a long pipeline to maintain pressure, then fluid transport can be maintained, but the cost and complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveFluid transport capabilityVSAvoidSystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the kinetic energy of the flowing fluid, which would otherwise be lost as the fluid moves through the pipeline, into useful electrical energy. This harvested energy can power peripheral devices and potentially reduce the power requirements at pumping stations, turning a waste resource into a beneficial energy source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Reliability

If peripheral devices are installed along the pipeline for monitoring and control, then system functionality is improved, but power requirements for these devices increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSystem monitoring capabilityVSAvoidPower consumption of peripheral devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the kinetic energy of the flowing fluid, which would otherwise be lost as the fluid moves through the pipeline, into useful electrical energy. This harvested energy can power peripheral devices and potentially reduce the power requirements at pumping stations, turning a waste resource into a beneficial energy source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Enables self-powered, self-sensing, and remotely reportable pipeline devices, reducing the need for frequent power replenishment and enhancing reliability and functionality by utilizing the energy from fluid flow to generate and regulate power for peripheral devices.

Implementation Method 1

an impeller driven by the flowing fluid, the impeller turning a shaft driving a generator producing a voltage across two output conductors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11333126B2Electrical power from peripheral devices

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 DRACO ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

A fluid flow device has a body with a mechanism for altering state of a fluid flowing through the device, an inlet conduit providing inlet of the flowing fluid to the body of the device, an outlet conduit providing outlet of the flowing fluid from the body of the device, and a micro-generator assembly installed in either the inlet conduit or the outlet conduit, the micro-generator assembly having an impeller driven by the flowing fluid, the impeller turning a shaft driving a generator producing a voltage across two output conductors.