Sail-Based Energy Generation System for Low-Speed Fluid Flows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydroelectric and wind energy technologies face limitations such as site-specificity, high construction costs, environmental concerns, and variability in energy production, making them economically and technologically less viable for widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
A sail-based energy generating system that utilizes elongate arms with pivotally attached vertical sails to capture mechanical energy from fluid flows, both water and air, converting it into electrical energy through a generator assembly, allowing for operation in low-speed conditions and adaptable deployment in various locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional hydroelectric dams are constructed, then electricity generation capability is improved, but site-specificity and environmental impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the energy generation system into modular floating units, each capable of independent operation. These segmented units can be deployed in various water bodies without requiring large-scale infrastructure, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining electricity generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating energy generation system is designed to be universally deployable across different water bodies (rivers, lakes, reservoirs) without site-specific construction requirements. The modular design allows the same system to function in diverse locations, eliminating the site-specificity constraint of conventional hydroelectric dams.
2Productivity
If conventional hydroelectric dams are constructed, then electricity generation capability is improved, but construction cost and time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the energy generation system into modular floating units, the invention eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming large-scale infrastructure construction. Each module can be manufactured independently and deployed quickly, significantly reducing both construction cost and time while maintaining electricity generation capability.
3Productivity
If windmills are deployed, then electricity generation from wind is improved, but operational reliability in low wind conditions worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges wind energy capture and water current energy capture into a single floating system. The sails capture wind energy while the water wheels capture kinetic energy from water currents. This combination ensures continuous operation across varying environmental conditions, improving reliability when wind speeds are low by utilizing water current energy instead.
4Productivity
If windmills are deployed, then electricity generation from wind is improved, but environmental impact on wildlife worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines wind capture sails with water current capture wheels in a floating configuration. This merged design generates electricity from both wind and water currents simultaneously, reducing the need for large numbers of traditional windmills and thereby minimizing hazards to birds and wildlife while maintaining electricity generation productivity.
5Productivity
If conventional windmills and hydroelectric dams are used, then electricity generation is improved, but distance from population centers and transmission loss worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The floating energy generation system is designed for universal deployment in various water bodies, including those located near population centers. By eliminating the need for distant centralized generation, the system reduces transmission distance and associated energy losses while maintaining electricity generation capability.
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
The system provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly means to generate continuous electricity from slow-moving water and air flows, reducing the need for large-scale infrastructure and minimizing environmental impact, while being scalable and modular for diverse applications.
Implementation Method 1
the sails being configured to drive opposing reciprocal swinging motion of the arms in response to a flow of fluid therepast
Implementation Method 2
A first generator assembly is attached to the proximal ends of the first pair of arms, and is configured to generate electrical energy from the substantially symmetrical opposing reciprocal swinging motion of the arms
Data Source
AI summary
An energy generating system includes a first pair of sails, configured for opposing reciprocal swinging motion in response to a flow of fluid therepast, and a first generator assembly, mechanically coupled to the first pair of sails, configured to generate electrical energy from the opposing reciprocal swinging motion of the first pair of sails.