Tidal Estuary Power Storage Using Flywheels for Stable Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power generation systems relying on tidal, wind, and wave energy face inconsistencies due to periodic lulls and fluctuations, leading to inefficient energy extraction and potential shutdowns, necessitating a more reliable and consistent energy harvesting method.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that combines tidal, wave, and wind energy sources by modifying estuaries and sea floors to create flow channels, using turbines and storage systems, and incorporating power split transmission couplings and flywheels to stabilize energy output, allowing for efficient storage and regeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tidal, wind, and wave energy sources are used for power generation, then renewable energy harvesting is achieved, but periodic lulls and fluctuations cause inconsistent energy supply and potential shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy sources (tidal, wave, and wind energy) into a single integrated power generation system. By merging these complementary renewable energy sources, the system ensures that when one source experiences lulls or fluctuations, others can compensate, thereby maintaining consistent energy supply and preventing shutdowns while improving overall reliability and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements energy storage systems that store excess energy during periods of high generation and release it during periods of low generation. This ensures continuous useful action by eliminating gaps in energy supply caused by periodic lulls in any single renewable source, maintaining both reliability and consistent productivity
2Reliability
If energy storage systems are incorporated, then energy supply reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the energy storage system to serve multiple functions: storing excess energy from any of the three renewable sources, providing backup power during lulls, and stabilizing the overall system output. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each energy source, thereby improving reliability while limiting the increase in overall system complexity
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 provides a reliable and consistent energy supply by minimizing fluctuations, optimizing power generation during low energy periods, and enhancing energy storage and regeneration capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
turbines to harness energy from running water and/or wind energy for conversion to electrical power
Implementation Method 2
incorporating power split transmission couplings and flywheels to stabilize energy output
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems and apparatuses including systems and methods that can be used for operating a water turbine in combination with a system including a plurality of tidal estuaries and flow channels created by human activity for power generation and further including plurality of man-made dams communicating with at least some of the tidal estuaries and the flow channels.