Pressure Surge Power Transfer for On-Demand Pipe Electronics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy transmission systems for water pipes in sanitary installations can only generate electricity when water is flowing and do not provide power when it is needed, leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary energy production.
Innovation Solution
An energy transmission system with a generator unit that creates pressure surges in the water pipe, which are converted into electrical energy by a consumer unit, allowing power supply to devices regardless of water flow, using a pressure surge generator and converter, and enabling wireless communication and energy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a turbine-based energy generation system is used to generate electricity from flowing water, then electrical energy can be generated and made available to devices, but energy can only be generated when water is flowing and electricity is always generated regardless of whether it is actually needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pressure surges (water hammer effects) generated by rapidly opening and closing valves to create electrical energy bursts. This periodic action allows energy to be generated on-demand rather than continuously, resolving the contradiction between energy generation and adaptability to actual consumption needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing water supply infrastructure and pressure variations in the network to generate energy, rather than requiring continuous water flow through a turbine. The water hammer effect leverages the water supply system's own pressure characteristics to generate energy when needed.
2Power
If a turbine-based system is used, then electricity can be generated from flowing water, but no electricity is generated if the flow velocity is too low
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on continuous water flow velocity, the system creates periodic pressure surges by rapidly actuating valves. This generates high-magnitude pressure waves that can drive the energy conversion mechanism even when overall flow velocity is low, resolving the contradiction between power output and flow velocity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically by creating water hammer effects through rapid valve operation. This transforms the low-velocity flow condition into high-pressure pulses that can generate sufficient electrical power, decoupling power output from flow velocity.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If electricity is always generated when water is flowing, then continuous power supply is available, but energy is wasted when water flows but no electricity is actually needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates energy periodically through controlled pressure surges rather than continuously. This allows energy to be produced only when needed, eliminating waste from continuous generation while maintaining availability through on-demand generation and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates control mechanisms that monitor energy needs and trigger pressure surge generation only when energy is required. This feedback control prevents unnecessary energy production while ensuring power availability when needed, resolving the contradiction between continuous supply and energy waste.
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 continuous electrical power supply to devices without the need for a wired connection, even when water is not flowing, optimizing energy usage and reducing unnecessary energy production.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure surge generator (12) connected to the power supply (10), with which pressure surges can be generated, which can be introduced into the water in the water pipe (3)
Implementation Method 2
a pressure surge converter (22) connected to the at least one consumer (20), with which the pressure surges introduced into the water can be converted into electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Energy transmission system for a fluid line (3) comprising a generator unit (1) with a power supply unit (10), which can be arranged at a first location in the fluid line (3), and at least one consumer unit (2) with at least one consumer (20;200), which can be arranged at a second location in the fluid line (3) spaced apart from the first location, wherein the generator unit (1) comprises a pressure surge generator (12) connected to the power supply unit (10), with which pressure surges can be generated which can be introduced into the fluid in the fluid line (3), and wherein the consumer unit (2) comprises a pressure surge converter (22) connected to the at least one consumer (20;200), with which the pressure surges introduced into the fluid can be converted into electrical energy which can be supplied to the at least one consumer (20;200).