Turbine-Driven Water Flow Monitor with Self-Powered Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for monitoring and controlling fluid flow in domestic or industrial installations lack efficient and autonomous means to track water consumption and provide real-time feedback on flow rates, often relying on external power sources and complex electronic circuits.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with a turbine-driven current generator and electronic device that calculates water consumption by detecting rotational speed and angular positions, using a pulse counter and comparator to deliver electric pulses, and selectively activating warning signals through light-emitting diodes based on predetermined volume thresholds, allowing for autonomous operation without external power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a turbine-driven current generator is used to power electronic circuits, then system autonomy is improved and external power sources are eliminated, but the available electrical energy for electronic devices is limited by flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the flowing water itself to generate the electrical energy needed for operation. The turbine converts kinetic energy from the water flow into mechanical rotation, which the current generator transforms into electrical energy to power the electronic circuits, eliminating the need for external power sources or batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its operation to available energy. The control circuit monitors the rotational speed of the turbine and adjusts the operation of electronic devices accordingly, reducing or suspending non-essential functions when flow rate (and thus generated power) is low, while maintaining full functionality when energy availability is sufficient.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic devices are powered simultaneously, then system functionality is improved, but energy consumption exceeds the limited electrical energy from the current generator
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit continuously monitors the rotational speed of the turbine and dynamically adjusts which electronic devices are active. When energy availability is sufficient, multiple devices can operate simultaneously. When energy becomes limited, the system automatically reduces functionality by deactivating non-essential devices, ensuring continuous operation of critical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the control circuit constantly monitors the electrical energy generation rate based on turbine rotation speed and adjusts the operation of electronic devices in real-time. This closed-loop control ensures that total energy consumption never exceeds the available energy from the current generator, preventing energy deficit and system failure.
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
Enables real-time monitoring and feedback on water consumption, optimizing energy usage and providing user-friendly visual cues on flow rates, reducing the need for external power sources and enhancing system autonomy.
Implementation Method 1
a turbine adapted to be driven in rotation by a flow of a fluid
Implementation Method 2
a generator delivering a substantially sinusoidal alternating current
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and device for monitoring the flow of a liquid, in which method and device an electronic device (25) carried by an apparatus equipped with a turbine (17) that can be rotated by a stream of fluid comprises a means of detecting at least one determined angular position of said turbine that delivers an electric pulse each time the turbine passes through this angular position. A pulse counter may count the pulses delivered. An electric current generator connected to the turbine may power the electronic device. An electrical energy accumulator may be charged by the current generator and power the electronic device.