Bidirectional Tidal Turbine Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tidal power generation systems face inefficiencies when operating in bidirectional water flows, particularly in tidal estuaries and rivers, as they struggle to effectively harness energy from both ebb and flood tides without requiring artificial structures or experiencing downtime.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional apparatus comprising primary and secondary flow pipes with convergent and diffuser sections, a mixing chamber, and a control mechanism that allows water to flow from both directions into the mixing chamber, enabling efficient energy generation during both tidal phases by directing water flow through turbines connected to generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bidirectional turbines are used to operate in both ebb and flood tides, then power generation during both tidal phases is enabled, but turbine efficiency deteriorates due to flow from different directions
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the water flow path into separate primary and secondary flow pipes, each handling flow from specific directions. The primary flow pipe handles flow from one direction while the secondary flow pipe handles flow from the opposite direction, allowing turbines to operate efficiently in unidirectional flow while still capturing energy from both tidal phases.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single bidirectional turbine that struggles with efficiency, the system inverts the approach by using unidirectional turbines in separate flow paths. The control mechanism reverses the flow direction in the secondary pipe depending on which tide is active, ensuring turbines always receive flow from their optimal direction.
2Productivity
If dams or barrages are used to create water head, then power generation is enabled, but the natural tidal signal is disrupted and artificial structures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses hydraulic principles with flow pipes and control mechanisms to direct water flow through turbines without requiring dams or barrages. The apparatus passesively directs flow through the primary and secondary pipes based on the natural tidal gradient, maintaining the natural tidal signal while enabling power generation.
3Reliability
If turbines are designed for unidirectional flow, then turbine efficiency is maximized, but downtime occurs when flow direction changes
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism dynamically switches the flow path between the primary and secondary pipes depending on the direction of the tidal flow. When the tide changes direction, the system actively redirects flow through the appropriate pipe, ensuring turbines continuously receive flow from their optimal direction without downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous power generation by maintaining active flow through turbines during both ebb and flood tides. The control mechanism prevents idle periods by always directing flow from either the primary or secondary pipe through the turbines, eliminating downtime that would occur with single-direction systems.
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 solution minimizes downtime by allowing electricity generation during both ebb and flood tides, increasing the operational efficiency of tidal power systems and maintaining water flow without the need for artificial barriers, thus preserving the natural tidal signal.
Implementation Method 1
a convergent section; a mixing chamber, the convergent section being connected to a first end of the mixing chamber to define a venturi therebetween; and a diffuser section connected to a second end of the mixing chamber
Implementation Method 2
a turbine connectable to a generator and arranged to be rotated by water flow from the second flow passage
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
An apparatus for use in generating electricity from a bidirectional water flow, such as tidal flow is described. The apparatus comprises: a base structure; a primary flow pipe defining a first flow passage through the base structure; a secondary flow pipe defining a second flow passage through the base structure. The primary flow pipe comprises: a convergent section; a mixing chamber, the convergent section being connected to a first end of the mixing chamber to define a venturi therebetween; and a diffuser section connected to a second end of the mixing chamber. The apparatus further comprises an opening in the secondary flow pipe arranged to provide fluidic communication between the second flow passage and the mixing chamber; a turbine connectable to a generator and arranged to be rotated by water flow from the second flow passage; and, a control mechanism for directing the water flow from the second flow passage through the opening into the mixing chamber, where water flowing from a first direction flows into the mixing chamber from one end of the base structure and water flowing from a second direction flows into the mixing chamber from the opposite end of the base structure.