Tidal Power Generator with Segmented Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tidal power generators face challenges such as high construction and maintenance costs, environmental impact, limited operational range, and inability to operate independently of tidal cycles, making them unreliable and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A tidal power generator system comprising transversely-coupled containers that rotate with a fixed frame, allowing water to be raised above high tide levels, utilizing valve control to manage fluid ingress and egress to drive electrical generation, leveraging the consistent and reliable nature of tidal cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If existing tidal power generators are used, then tidal energy can be harnessed, but construction and maintenance costs are prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple containers (first container, second container, third container) that can independently fill and empty, allowing modular operation and maintenance. Each container can be serviced separately without shutting down the entire system, reducing maintenance costs and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic valve control (first valve, second valve, third valve) to manage fluid flow timing, allowing the device to adapt to varying tidal conditions. This dynamic operation optimizes energy capture across different tide levels and speeds, maintaining high power output while reducing mechanical wear and maintenance needs.
2Power
If existing tidal power generators are used, then tidal energy can be harnessed, but environmental impact is harmful
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses the natural tidal flow itself to operate the valves and control mechanisms, eliminating the need for external power sources or control systems that would require additional infrastructure and potential environmental disruption. The tidal current directly drives the filling and emptying cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The same container system serves multiple functions: energy generation, natural flow regulation, and environmental protection. The containers can be positioned to minimize disruption to marine life while capturing energy, and the valve system naturally regulates flow to prevent harmful turbulence or habitat disruption.
3Power
If existing tidal power generators are used, then tidal energy can be harnessed, but operational range is limited to specific tidal depths
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system dynamically adjusts operation based on tidal conditions. The first valve controls filling during rising tide, the second valve manages peak level, and the third valve controls emptying during falling tide. This dynamic coordination allows the device to operate effectively across the full range of tidal variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates sensors that detect fluid level and flow conditions, providing feedback to the valve control system. This feedback mechanism allows automatic adjustment of valve timing and opening degrees to optimize performance across varying tidal depths and currents, expanding operational range.
4Power
If existing tidal power generators are used, then tidal energy can be harnessed, but operation is dependent on normal tidal cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The device accumulates potential energy by filling containers during rising tide before the actual generation phase. This preliminary energy storage in elevated water columns allows the system to generate power during falling tide when natural flow would otherwise be insufficient, extending operation beyond strict tidal cycle dependency.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinated operation of multiple containers with independent valve control ensures continuous energy generation. While one container is filling, another is generating power, and a third is emptying. This overlapping cycle eliminates idle periods and maintains continuous operation regardless of tidal variations.
5Power
If existing tidal power generators are used, then tidal energy can be harnessed, but construction time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The device is constructed as modular containers that can be assembled independently and then connected. This segmentation allows parallel construction of multiple components, significantly reducing total construction time compared to building a monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanisms are designed for rapid installation and adjustment, allowing the system to be quickly configured for different tidal conditions. The dynamic components can be installed and calibrated in a shortened timeframe compared to fixed, complex mechanical systems.
6Power
If existing tidal power generators are used, then tidal energy can be harnessed, but ability to elevate water above natural high tide is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses buoyant forces and pressure differentials created during tidal filling to lift water above the natural high tide level. The accumulated water in elevated containers creates additional potential energy head, effectively using the tidal flow itself as the lifting mechanism without requiring external energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs hydraulic pressure from incoming tidal flow to force water into elevated storage containers. The pressure differential between incoming high-tide water and the storage containers automatically drives the elevation process, eliminating the need for mechanical pumps or complex elevation mechanisms.
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 cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and reliable method to harness tidal energy, capable of continuous operation beyond traditional tidal cycles, reducing construction time and costs while enhancing energy output.
Implementation Method 1
the rising and falling action of the tides is used to raise water above a high tide level such that potential energy stored in the raised water may be harnessed to drive a power generator
Implementation Method 2
With particular reference to natural tide cycles, the rising and falling action of the tides is used to raise water above a high tide level
Implementation Method 3
a frame pivotably coupled to the second container... the tidal power generator is disposed in a body of the fluid, the body of the fluid having a high fluid level and a low fluid level
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure include a tidal power generator comprising a first container, at least one second container pivotably coupled to the first container, a frame pivotably coupled to the first container, a first valve, associated with the first container, configured to selectively control ingress of a first volume of a first fluid into the first container, and a second valve, associated with the first container, configured to selectively control egress of a second volume of the first fluid out of the first container.