Submersible Hydroelectric Generator Pressure Control for Water Evacuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing submersible hydroelectric generators face challenges in efficiently evacuating water from the apparatus, leading to potential flooding and reduced efficiency, as highlighted by the inefficiencies in the corkscrew arrangements described in prior art.
Innovation Solution
A submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus with an inner and outer chamber system, utilizing an auxiliary pressurized fluid supply to maintain pressure in the inner chamber, controlled by a pressure regulator, ensuring efficient water evacuation and preventing flooding, while using idle time air from existing processes to supplement the pressurized fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a corkscrew arrangement is used to evacuate water from the apparatus, then water evacuation is attempted, but the arrangement is insufficient to remove water from below the turbine leading to flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water evacuation function from the turbine assembly by providing a separate evacuation system. The turbine is positioned to allow water to pass through it, while a distinct evacuation mechanism (using closures and pressurized fluid supply) handles water removal from the lower chamber, preventing flooding without interfering with turbine operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by using pressurized fluid to proactively evacuate water from the lower chamber before the turbine can become flooded. The system maintains pressure differential to continuously remove water, preventing the harmful condition rather than reacting to it after occurrence.
2Stability of the object's composition
If water is allowed to dwell or build up in the apparatus, then the apparatus structure is maintained, but the turbine will eventually become flooded and will no longer rotate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pressurized fluid as an intermediary substance to mediate between the water in the lower chamber and the turbine. The pressurized fluid acts as a mediator to displace and evacuate water, protecting the turbine from flooding while maintaining apparatus structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using pressurized gas or fluid supplied through nozzles to create pressure differential that evacuates water from the lower chamber. This pneumatic action prevents water accumulation that would otherwise flood the turbine and stop rotation.
3Loss of energy
If excess or waste pressurised air from an existing process is used to generate electricity, then resource efficiency is improved, but the pressure control and integration with existing processes becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the apparatus to accept pressurized fluid from multiple potential sources - either from existing industrial processes (waste pressurized air) or from dedicated compressors. The system is configured to work with variable pressure sources, making it adaptable to different operational contexts and resource availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a pressure regulator to adjust and control the pressure of incoming pressurized fluid. The regulator modifies the pressure parameter to maintain optimal operating conditions despite variations in source pressure, enabling efficient use of waste pressurized air while managing system complexity through standardized pressure control.
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 apparatus achieves faster and more reliable water evacuation, maintaining predictable operation and reducing resource requirements, making it suitable for installation in inhabited areas with quieter and lighter operation.
Implementation Method 1
Water for introduction into the outer chamber is pressurized by the pressurizable fluid supply in the inner pressure chamber to a pressure in excess of the surrounding water pressure
Implementation Method 2
the pressure regulator being operable to control the delivery of auxiliary pressurized fluid from the auxiliary pressurized fluid supply to the inner pressure chamber to maintain the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply in the inner pressure chamber at or above a predetermined pressure level during evacuation of water from the apparatus
Implementation Method 3
a generator with a turbine that is submerged under the water. Water from above is dropped onto the turbine causing the turbine to rotate and this movement is translated into electricity
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus (1) comprising a substantially upright body having an outer chamber (9) and an inner pressure chamber (7). The inner pressure chamber (9) has a pressurizable fluid supply therein and the outer chamber (9) has a charging inlet (21) adjacent the top of the upright body, a discharge outlet (11) located adjacent the bottom of the upright body, and a liquid passageway having a turbine (25) mounted therein and a flow regulator (27). An auxiliary pressurized fluid supply is provided to supplement the pressurizable fluid supply. A pressure regulator is provided, operable to control the delivery of auxiliary pressurized fluid from the auxiliary supply to the inner pressure chamber to maintain the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply at or above a predetermined pressure level during evacuation of water from the apparatus. In this way, water will be expelled from the apparatus in a fast, repeatable manner.