Fluid Turbine Linear Actuator Axial Proximity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid turbines face inefficiencies due to resistance issues from magnets and wire coils, leading to inconsistent power generation from varying fluid forces, limiting operational ranges in wind and water turbines.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a linear actuator to adjust the axial proximity between radially arranged magnets and coils, allowing for optimized power generation and rotational control by varying the distance between the magnetic and coil sets based on fluid forces, thereby minimizing rotational resistance and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If magnets and wire coils are positioned close together to generate power, then power generation increases, but rotational resistance increases which limits operation in light fluid forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the axial distance between magnets and coils variable rather than fixed. A linear actuator dynamically adjusts the axial proximity based on operating conditions, allowing the system to optimize the balance between power generation and rotational resistance. When fluid forces are strong, magnets and coils are positioned closer for maximum power; when fluid forces are light, they are positioned farther apart to reduce resistance and enable startup.
2Ease of operation
If magnets and wire coils are positioned far apart to reduce resistance, then rotational ease improves, but power generation decreases particularly in strong fluid forces
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the axial distance between magnets and coils based on real-time operating conditions. The linear actuator responds to changes in fluid force strength, positioning magnets and coils far apart during startup or light wind conditions to minimize resistance, and bringing them closer together during high-speed operation to maximize power generation efficiency.
3Device complexity
If fixed axial distance is used between magnets and coils, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying fluid forces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a linear actuator that dynamically adjusts the axial distance between magnet and coil assemblies in response to varying fluid forces. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the turbine to adapt to a wide range of operating conditions from light to strong fluid forces, significantly improving versatility while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture.
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 consistent power generation across a wider range of fluid forces, reducing rotational resistance and allowing turbines to operate effectively in lower wind speeds and water velocities, improving overall efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid turbine apparatus includes a set of radially arranged magnets, a set of radially arranged coils axially aligned with the set of radially arranged magnets, a plurality of vanes, and a linear actuator. The linear actuator influences the axial proximity of the set of radially arranged magnets to the set of radially arranged coils.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid turbine apparatus contains a set of radially arranged magnets and a set of radially arranged coils axially aligned with the set of radially arranged magnets. A turbine base supports a first of the sets. A plurality of vanes having a rotatable connection to the turbine base is coupled to a second of the sets. A linear actuator supported on the turbine base influences the axial proximity of the set of radially arranged magnets to the set of radially arranged coils.