Tidal Stream Generator Shroud Orientation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tidal stream generators are optimized for specific tidal flow rates and directional conditions, leading to inefficiencies when tidal flow rates deviate from design conditions, as they are often limited to a single directional operation and lack adaptability to varying water flow speeds.
Innovation Solution
A generating apparatus with a power wheel rotating about a vertical axis, equipped with a shroud and directional controller, which aligns with the water flow direction to maximize energy capture, and includes a system to adjust the operational generators based on flow speed, ensuring optimal power generation across varying tidal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the turbine unit is fixed to face in one direction only, then the generator can generate maximum power when the tidal flow is parallel to the axis of rotation, but the generator cannot generate maximum power when the tidal flow direction changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the turbine unit rotatable about a vertical axis rather than fixed in one direction. The turbine can dynamically adjust its orientation to face the incoming tidal flow from any direction, allowing it to maintain optimal power generation efficiency regardless of flow direction changes. This is achieved through a rotatable turbine assembly mounted on a vertical axis, enabling the turbine to track and respond to varying tidal flow directions in real-time.
2Power
If a rotary electric generator is designed to provide maximum efficiency at a particular rotary speed, then the generator operates at maximum efficiency at the design tidal rate, but the generator does not operate at maximum efficiency when the tidal flow rate deviates from the design rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the turbine to adjust its rotational speed in response to varying tidal flow rates. The turbine is not locked to a fixed speed but can dynamically operate at different rotational speeds matched to the actual flow conditions, allowing the generator to maintain optimal efficiency across a range of tidal rates rather than only at the design rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the operational parameters of the turbine-generator system to vary with tidal conditions. The rotational speed of the turbine and corresponding generator speed are adjusted as parameters to match the actual tidal flow rate, enabling the system to maintain maximum efficiency across varying flow conditions rather than being constrained to a single design point.
3Ease of operation
If the support column is weakened by the provision of a longitudinal slot to allow the turbine unit to rise and fall, then the turbine unit can be positioned above the water surface, but the support column structure is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the fixed, slot-weakened support column with a dynamic floating support system. The turbine unit is mounted on a floating support that can rise and fall with water levels without requiring structural weakening. The floating support moves vertically in response to tidal changes, providing the necessary positioning capability while maintaining full structural integrity, as no slots or openings are needed in the support column itself.
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 efficient power generation across a range of tidal flow rates and directions by dynamically adjusting to the water flow, maintaining optimal rotational speed and maximizing energy extraction, thus overcoming the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a power wheel arranged for rotation about a substantially vertical axis about the hub and provided with rotor vanes adapted to cause rotation of the power wheel when the power wheel is subject to a substantially horizontal water flow
Implementation Method 2
a shroud rotationally mounted on the hub and arranged to cover at least some of the rotor vanes of the power wheel
Data Source
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AI summary
A generating apparatus for generating electrical power from a horizontal water flow comprises a fixed hub on a support structure and a power wheel arranged for rotation about a vertical axis about the hub. The power wheel includes rotor vanes adapted to cause rotation of the power wheel when the power wheel is subject to a substantially horizontal water flow. One or more generators are provided on the hub to produce electrical power output from rotation of the power wheel relative to the hub. A shroud is rotationally mounted on the hub and arranged to cover at least some of the rotor vanes of the power wheel, so that the water flow is concentrated on the rotor vanes on one side only of the power wheel. A directional controller holds the shroud in a predetermined rotational position relative to the hub dependent on the direction of the water flow.