Tidal Power System Using Underground Storage and Bidirectional Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tidal power generation systems are not yet cost-effective and widely adopted, despite the predictability of tides offering potential for future electricity generation.
Innovation Solution
A tidal power system utilizing underground seepage and storage regions with hydro turbines and generators, where water percolation through permeable coastal substances is collected and released to operate turbines and generators at varying tide levels, capturing energy from changing water levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional tidal power generation systems are used, then power can be generated from tidal energy, but the systems are not cost-effective and widely adopted
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tidal power generation process into separate operational phases: filling phase (water moving from sea to storage chamber), power generation phase (water moving from storage chamber through turbine to sea), and emptying phase. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each phase and enables bidirectional power generation, improving overall cost-effectiveness and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on tidal cycles, switching between filling, power generation, and emptying modes. The turbine can operate in both directions (water inflow and outflow), allowing the system to adapt to changing tidal conditions and maximize energy capture while maintaining cost-effectiveness
2Productivity
If water is collected and stored in underground regions, then energy can be captured from tidal fluctuations, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage chamber serves multiple functions: it stores water during high tide, provides a reservoir for bidirectional turbine operation, and acts as a buffer to decouple the tidal cycle from power generation timing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing system complexity while enhancing energy capture efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The storage chamber acts as an intermediary between the tidal sea and the turbine system, allowing water to be stored and released at optimal times. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system by providing a central reservoir that coordinates both filling and emptying operations, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms
3Power
If hydro turbines and generators are operated at varying tide levels, then power generation is enhanced, but the operational control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates in periodic cycles synchronized with tidal patterns: filling during high tide, power generation during outflow, and emptying during low tide. This periodic operation simplifies control by establishing predictable, repeating patterns rather than requiring continuous complex decision-making, while still enabling enhanced power generation through bidirectional turbine operation
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 approach enables efficient and cost-effective power generation with minimal environmental impact, reducing seepage-induced erosion and interference with marine life or navigable waterways, while potentially reducing costs and enhancing energy capture from tidal fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
collecting water percolating through a permeable substance into a first underground region
Implementation Method 2
Water percolating through a permeable substance is collected and released to operate turbines and generators
Implementation Method 3
The collected water is released from the first underground region into a second underground region. In this manner a first hydro turbine and generator operatively coupled therebetween can generate power
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a new method and system for producing electricity from tidal energy. In one embodiment the system employs at least one underground region for collecting water percolating at a higher tide level and at least another underground region capable of fluid communication with the first underground region. The system is configured to release water at separate times from the underground regions to operate hydro turbines and generators to produce electricity.