Turbine Runner Kinetic Energy Extraction in Fluid Distribution Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid distribution networks waste significant energy due to pressure reduction, as existing pressure-reducing valves do not effectively capture the kinetic energy released from fluid flow, leading to inefficiencies in energy utilization.
Innovation Solution
A turbine system is integrated into fluid distribution networks, featuring a runner with a turbine-inlet and turbine-outlet configuration that allows fluid to flow around and adjacent to the runner, enabling efficient extraction of kinetic energy and direct coupling to a generator for power generation, with interchangeable runners for varying pressure and energy needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If pressure-reducing valves are used to reduce fluid pressure in distribution networks, then the fluid pressure at remote locations is reduced to appropriate levels, but significant kinetic energy is wasted without being captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste of kinetic energy into a beneficial resource by using a turbine to capture the energy released during pressure reduction. The turbine extracts kinetic energy from the fluid flow that would otherwise be wasted, transforming it into usable electrical energy through a generator, while still achieving the required pressure reduction at remote locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a turbine as an intermediary device between the high-pressure main line and the low-pressure distribution network. This turbine acts as a mediator that both reduces pressure and captures energy simultaneously, rather than using a simple pressure-reducing valve that only reduces pressure and wastes energy
2Stress or pressure
If pressure-reducing valves reduce fluid flow to lower pressure, then the pressure at outlet is reduced, but the flow velocity increases causing turbulence and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures the kinetic energy from the increased flow velocity and transforms it into useful electrical energy. The turbine runner is specifically designed to extract energy from the high-velocity fluid flow, converting what would be wasted turbulence and kinetic energy into power generation while still achieving the required pressure reduction
3Stress or pressure
If multiple pressure-reducing valves are installed throughout the distribution network, then pressure control is improved at various locations, but the total energy waste increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the aggregate energy waste from multiple pressure reduction points into a distributed energy generation system. By installing turbines at various locations in the distribution network, each turbine captures the kinetic energy released at its specific pressure reduction point, converting the total energy waste into useful electrical power that can be fed back into the grid or used locally
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 turbine system effectively captures and converts the kinetic energy from fluid flow into usable power, reducing energy wastage and allowing for flexible operation by adjusting to different pressure conditions and energy requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The runner extracts kinetic energy from fluid flowing through the turbine
Implementation Method 2
direct coupling to a generator for power generation
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine for extracting kinetic energy from a fluid includes a runner, a turbine-inlet having an entrance and an exit that is adjacent the turbine's runner, and a turbine-outlet having an entrance that is adjacent the runner and an exit. The runner extracts kinetic energy from fluid flowing through the turbine; the turbine inlet directs flowing fluid into the runner; and the turbine-outlet directs flowing fluid away from the runner. When fluid flows through the turbine, the fluid flowing through the turbine-inlet toward the runner flows around and adjacent the fluid flowing through the turbine-outlet away from the runner.