Thermal-Cycle Water Pump Using Rigid Tank and Check Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
In remote and less advanced regions, the lack of access to electricity and resources hinders the extraction and distribution of water from underground sources, as conventional electric pumps are not viable options.
Innovation Solution
A thermal-cycle powered water pump utilizing an open-ended conduit and a rigid tank that leverages daily thermal cycles, such as solar heating and convective cooling, to create pressure differences for water extraction without electricity, employing check valves to manage pressure changes and facilitate water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional electric pumps are used for water extraction, then water can be extracted efficiently, but electricity and complex resources are required which are not available in remote regions
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system uses the natural daily thermal cycle of the environment to power water extraction. The tank absorbs heat during the day causing air expansion that pushes water out, and releases heat at night causing air contraction that draws water in, eliminating the need for external energy sources like electricity
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits changes in temperature and pressure parameters of the air inside the tank driven by natural thermal cycles. As temperature fluctuates between day and night, the air pressure changes accordingly, creating the pumping action without mechanical intervention
2Ease of manufacture
If simple and inexpensive components are used, then the pump is suitable for resource-constrained areas, but device complexity increases due to multiple check valves and thermal cycle mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the power source from the system by using the natural thermal cycle of the environment rather than incorporating a motor or power supply. This removes complex mechanical components while retaining the essential pumping function through clever use of environmental energy
Solution Approach 2:
The air inside the tank acts as an intermediary medium that transfers energy from the thermal cycle to the water. The air expands and contracts with temperature changes, indirectly driving the water through the check valves without direct mechanical contact
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
Enables efficient and electricity-free water extraction from underground sources, utilizing simple and inexpensive components, suitable for resource-constrained areas, with adjustable supports and additional air tanks enhancing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The tank transfers heat energy from the environment to an interior of the tank. Transfer of the heat energy from the environment to the interior increases pressure in the interior
Implementation Method 2
Transfer of the heat energy from the environment to the interior increases pressure in the interior
Implementation Method 3
Transfer of the heat energy from the interior to the environment decreases the pressure in the interior
Implementation Method 4
Transfer of the heat energy from the interior to the environment decreases the pressure in the interior
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal-cycle powered water pump includes a conduit having a first end thereof in a water source. A rigid tank, in fluid communication with the second end of the conduit, is in an environment that experiences a daily thermal cycle. During the daily thermal cycle, heat energy transferred from the environment to the interior increases pressure in the interior, while heat energy transferred from the interior to the environment decreases the pressure in the interior. A first check valve opens a flow path from the conduit's first end to its second end only when the pressure in the tank's interior is less than a water pressure of the source of the water. A second check valve in fluid communication with the tank's outlet opens a flow path from the tank's interior to the environment only when the pressure in the interior is greater than an ambient pressure of the environment.