Tidal Power Gear Train Using Vertical Tide Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tidal energy generation systems face environmental disruption and inefficiency due to the need for large land occupation and infrastructure, particularly with barrages and tidal lagoons, which also have limited energy output and significant environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid power generation system utilizing a platform with a tank supported by vertical gears that move with the tide, coupled with circular gears and shafts to rotate a dynamo for power generation, allowing for efficient energy extraction from both rising and falling tides, and potentially incorporating solar panels for additional energy production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If barrages or tidal lagoons are used to generate tidal power, then energy output can be achieved, but environmental disruption and land occupation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from horizontal land-based barrages to vertical water-column utilization. By capturing the vertical movement of water between high and low tide levels, the system generates power without occupying beach areas or disrupting coastal environments, resolving the contradiction between energy output and environmental protection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of tidal energy conversion by removing the harmful barrage structure. Instead of using dams and land-based facilities, the system uses freely moving water columns in vertical pipes to drive turbines, eliminating environmental disruption while maintaining power generation capability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If tidal lagoons are constructed to reduce environmental impact, then environmental disruption decreases, but energy output becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system can be deployed in multiple locations along the coastline simultaneously, each independent unit contributing to total energy output. The modular design allows scaling from small to large installations without the environmental constraints of traditional lagoons, enabling both environmental protection and high energy production
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the full dynamic range of tidal movement by allowing water columns to move freely vertically throughout the complete tidal cycle. This dynamic approach captures energy from both the rising and falling tides, maximizing energy output while maintaining an environmentally friendly, adaptable structure
3Productivity
If turbines are placed in tidal streams, then power generation is achieved, but tide flow disruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical pipes act as intermediaries that guide water flow smoothly through the turbine systems. Water enters the pipes from the surrounding tidal stream, drives the turbines internally, and exits back into the stream without creating turbulence or disruption to the natural tide flow patterns
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
This system provides a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and efficient means of harnessing tidal energy with reduced environmental impact and increased energy output, utilizing the vertical motion of tides to generate power and potentially incorporating wave energy, offering a scalable solution for clean energy production.
Implementation Method 1
the tank travel based on a vertical motion of a tide
Implementation Method 2
At least one circular gear is coupled to the at least one vertical gear, such that the at least one circular gear rotates when the at least one vertical gear moves in the upward direction and the downward direction
Implementation Method 3
A dynamo is attached to the shaft, such that the rotation of the shaft is transmitted to the dynamo for power generation
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating tidal power comprising a tank supported by at least one vertical gear, such that the tank travels in an upward direction and a downward direction with the at least one vertical gear, the tank travel based on a vertical motion of a tide. At least one circular gear is coupled to the at least one vertical gear, such that the at least one circular gear rotates when the at least one vertical gear moves in the upward direction and the downward direction. A shaft is connected to the at least one circular gear, such that the shaft rotates when the at least one circular gear rotates. A dynamo is attached to the shaft, such that the rotation of the shaft is transmitted to the dynamo for power generation.