Tidal Power Generator With Adjustable Waterwheel Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tidal power generation faces challenges such as low energy absorption efficiency, high installation costs, and environmental concerns, and existing systems struggle with stable power supply due to weather dependence and suitable location issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular tidal power generation apparatus featuring channel levees with tapered water collection structures and waterwheel modules with adjustable blade shapes, allowing for efficient tidal energy absorption and easy installation and maintenance, while minimizing contact with tidal currents in non-energy absorbing regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If waterwheel blades are extended to increase contact surface with tidal current, then tidal energy absorption efficiency is improved, but rolling resistance increases in regions incapable of absorbing tidal energy
Solution Approach 1:
The waterwheel module employs adjustable blade support plates that allow the waterwheel blades to dynamically change their position and contact surface area with the tidal current. During high-energy tidal phases, blades are positioned to maximize contact and energy absorption. During low-energy phases or when tidal current is incapable of absorbing energy, blades can be repositioned to minimize contact and reduce rolling resistance, thus resolving the contradiction between energy absorption efficiency and energy loss.
2Ease of operation
If modular waterwheel modules are used for easy installation and separation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waterwheel system is divided into multiple independent modular waterwheel modules, each comprising a waterwheel, blade support plates, and mounting structure. These modules can be independently installed into or removed from the channel levee structure, allowing for easy installation, maintenance, and separation operations. The segmentation enables flexible configuration and simplifies operational tasks while the standardized modular design actually reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular waterwheel modules are designed with universal mounting structures that can be installed in various channel levee configurations. The blade support plates serve multiple functions: supporting waterwheel blades, enabling blade adjustment, and facilitating module installation/removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure despite the modular architecture.
3Productivity
If channel levees with tapered water collection structures are implemented, then tidal energy absorption is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel levees incorporate asymmetric tapered water collection structures with different slopes on upstream and downstream sides. The tapered design creates asymmetric flow patterns that enhance tidal energy absorption by directing water flow more effectively onto the waterwheel blades. While asymmetric tapered structures are more complex than symmetric straight structures, the manufacturing complexity is managed through standardized module designs and formwork techniques.
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
Enhances power generation efficiency by optimizing waterwheel blade contact with tidal energy sources, reduces rolling resistance, and facilitates convenient installation and management, enabling consistent power production across tides.
Implementation Method 1
waterwheel modules inserted into the installation grooves and capable of generating power using movement of the tidal current
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tidal power generator may comprise: a plurality of channel levees which are arranged spaced apart from each other so as to form a channel having a constant width and which have a plurality of installation grooves, each being formed by recessing the surface facing the channel, wherein a tidal current can move forward/backward in the channel; a first water collection levee extending from the front end of the channel levees with reference to a movement direction of the tidal current and having a peak shape of which the width is gradually reduced towards the front side of the channel; a second water collection levee extending from the rear end of the channel levees with reference to the movement direction of the tidal current and having a peak shape of which the width is gradually reduced towards the rear side of the channel; and a waterwheel module which is inserted and installed in the installation groove and can generate power using movements of the tidal current.