Hydrokinetic Rotor Buoyancy Control for Optimal Depth and Pitch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydrokinetic turbines face challenges in maintaining optimal depth and pitch due to water level changes and environmental interactions, such as waves and debris, which affect power generation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A hydrokinetic turbine system with a submersible rotor assembly featuring a pneumatically actuated buoyancy mechanism, allowing vertical adjustment to maintain optimal depth and pitch by using a telescoping piston or bellows, controlled by sensors and a controller to optimize water velocity exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid bottom-mounted solutions are used to maintain depth position, then the rotor assembly remains at a stable depth, but water level changes impact the depth position relative to the location of fastest water velocity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth position stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to water level changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a buoyancy mechanism that dynamically adjusts the rotor assembly's depth position by changing its buoyancy characteristics. This allows the system to adapt to water level changes while maintaining optimal positioning in the fastest water velocity, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameter of buoyancy to adjust depth position. By varying the buoyancy force through a controlled mechanism, the rotor assembly can maintain optimal depth despite water level fluctuations, addressing both stability and adaptability requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If rigid floating-mounts are used to allow vertical movement, then the rotor assembly can adjust depth, but water surface interactions (waves, wind, debris) impact the rotor pitch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical movement capabilityVSAvoidrotor pitch stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a dynamic buoyancy adjustment mechanism that provides controlled vertical movement while maintaining rotor pitch stability. Unlike rigid floating mounts that passively respond to surface interactions, this active control system can compensate for disturbances and maintain reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs sensors to detect depth and pitch conditions, with a controller that adjusts buoyancy in response to measured parameters. This feedback loop maintains rotor pitch stability while allowing necessary vertical movement, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid fixed mounts are used to hold the rotor assembly in desired position, then the vertical positioning is maintained, but the rotor assembly cannot move vertically to avoid or free itself from debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical positioningVSAvoidfreedom of movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The buoyancy mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the rotor assembly to move vertically when needed (e.g., to avoid debris) while maintaining stable positioning during normal operation. This resolves the contradiction between maintaining position and enabling movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system can autonomously adjust its depth position by controlling buoyancy, enabling it to free itself from debris or avoid obstacles without external intervention. This self-service capability maintains positioning stability while providing necessary freedom of movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enhances power generation efficiency by maintaining the rotor assembly at the depth of highest water velocity, minimizing debris interference, and reducing mechanical complexity underwater.

Implementation Method 1

a buoyancy mechanism disposed in the chamber... configured to adjust the depth of the rotor assembly in the body of water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

The buoyancy mechanism may be pneumatically actuated... configured to move between a collapsed position and an expanded position in response to delivery of air to the element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12540596B2Buoyancy control of turbomachinery

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 BLADERUNNER ENERGY INC

AI summary

A hydrokinetic turbine systems are disclosed. Such systems may include (a) a submersible rotor assembly comprising a housing, the housing defining a chamber and at least one opening configured to allow water to flow in and out of the chamber, a buoyancy mechanism disposed in the chamber, and one or more vanes extending from the housing; (b) a generator; and (c) a shaft, operably coupled to the rotor assembly and the generator to transmit rotational force from the rotor assembly to the generator. Rotor assemblies for use in these systems and methods of using the systems are also disclosed.