Switching Device for Underwater Turbine Flow Alternation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydromechanical devices for generating power from streaming water are inefficient when the water flow velocity is low, as they fail to effectively utilize the kinetic energy present in such conditions.
Innovation Solution
A hydromechanical device with a switching mechanism that alternates the flow of water between two inlet conduits to maximize kinetic energy input to a turbine, using a valve system to direct the flow with the highest energy to the turbine while returning the other flow to the water stream, thereby maintaining continuous operation and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single inlet conduit is used to drive the turbine, then the device structure is simple, but the turbine efficiency is low when water flow velocity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The single inlet conduit is segmented into two separate inlet conduits (first inlet conduit and second inlet conduit), each capable of independently conveying water flow to the turbine. This segmentation allows the system to selectively utilize flows with different kinetic energy levels, thereby improving turbine efficiency while maintaining relatively simple device structure through modular design.
2Productivity
If two inlet conduits are used to alternate flows, then the turbine efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning two inlet conduits that are already configured to convey flows with different kinetic energy characteristics. The switching mechanism is pre-designed to alternate between these conduits, eliminating the need for complex real-time flow optimization calculations and reducing control system complexity while maintaining high turbine efficiency.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the flow is continuously conveyed to the turbine, then the turbine operates continuously, but the kinetic energy utilization is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by alternating between the first and second inlet conduits in a cyclic manner. The switching device periodically switches which conduit conveys flow to the turbine, ensuring that the turbine continuously receives flows with high kinetic energy while the other conduit allows flow to accelerate and regain kinetic energy. This periodic switching optimizes kinetic energy utilization while maintaining continuous turbine operation.
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 device enhances turbine efficiency by alternating flows to utilize the highest kinetic energy at all times, improving power generation from low-velocity water streams by ensuring continuous operation and accelerating returned flows, thus increasing overall energy absorption and conversion.
Implementation Method 1
the flow with the highest kinetic energy can be used to operate the turbine
Implementation Method 2
the flow which is conveyed out of the hydromechanical device will during this time period accelerate and obtain a higher kinetic energy
Implementation Method 3
a turbine, provided downstream the switching device, and the switching device is arranged to convey in an alternating order, the first flow and the second flow to the turbine in such a way that the first flow and the second flow alternately drives the turbine
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to a hydromechanical device arranged to be provided in a streaming water (w) for generating power. A first inlet conduit (1) is arranged to convey a first flow of water. A second inlet conduit (2) is arranged to convey a second flow of water. A switching device (3) is provided immediately downstream the inlet conduits. A turbine (4) is provided downstream the switching device. The switching device is arranged to convey in an alternating order, the first flow and the second flow to the turbine in such a way that the first flow and the second flow alternately drives the turbine.