Submerged Water Current Power Generation with Induction Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater power generation systems are inadequate for harnessing and transferring power from fast-moving water currents efficiently and safely, while also posing environmental risks to aquatic life, and current alternative energy sources face limitations in commercial scalability and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A submerged water current power generation system utilizing induction type power generators with propellers and a ballast tube system, including labyrinth type isolation chambers for stability and environmental protection, capable of producing alternating current for commercial use and minimizing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If existing underwater power generating devices are used, then power generation capability is limited, but device complexity and instability increase in fast-moving currents
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the water current power generation function into separate components: a floatation device with multiple propellers, each connected to independent induction generators. This segmentation allows each propeller-generator unit to operate independently, improving overall reliability and power generation capability while maintaining stability in fast-moving currents.
2Productivity
If power is transferred from underwater generating systems to land relay stations, then commercial scalability improves, but power transfer reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless power transfer system using electromagnetic induction between underwater generators and surface receivers. This intermediary mechanism enables reliable power transfer from underwater to land relay stations without direct physical connection, improving both commercial scalability and transfer reliability.
3Power
If conventional power generation methods are used, then power output is sufficient, but environmental harm to aquatic life increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potentially harmful effect of fast-moving currents into beneficial power generation. By positioning floatation devices with propellers in fast-current channels, the system harnesses the kinetic energy of currents that would otherwise be wasted, generating clean electricity without harming aquatic life through the use of induction generators and environmentally friendly floatation structures.
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 effectively generates and transfers power on a commercially viable scale while maintaining environmental safety by using induction generators and a stable ballast system, ensuring reliable operation and minimal disruption to marine life.
Implementation Method 1
an induction type power generation unit disposed within a housing associated with the flotation chamber
Implementation Method 2
a ballast tube system, including labyrinth type isolation chambers for stability
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A water current power generation system is provided, including a plurality of flotation tubes joined by a body structure; a plurality of ballast chambers joined by a body structure; a plurality of induction type power generation units disposed within housings associated with one or more of the flotation chambers, ballast chambers and body structure; and a plurality of propellers disposed in mechanical communication with each of the induction type generator units. Methods and means of deploying, positioning, maintaining, controlling and operating the system are also provided, as are detailed descriptions of novel inductor type generators used to obtain power from fast moving water currents, flotation tanks for tensioning the system against a submerged anchoring system disposed on an associated seafloor, and fluid-filled ballast chambers equipped with multiple sub-chambers that lend precision control and continuous adjustability to the system.