Underground Porosity Reservoir Dynamic Water Management
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional open reservoirs face challenges such as high evaporative losses and land use issues, while underground porosity reservoirs have inefficiencies in water storage due to the wedge-shaped portion above the maximum static water level, resulting in approximately 10% unused capacity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic water management system within underground porosity reservoirs by pumping water from the downstream end and reintroducing it at the upstream end, or using external water sources, to maintain equal flow rates and store water in the elevated wedge portion, thereby maximizing storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the reservoir is filled to the maximum static water level, then the storage capacity is maximized, but the wedge-shaped portion above the maximum static water level remains unused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a static water storage system to a dynamic one. Water is continuously pumped from the downstream end and reintroduced at the upstream end, creating a flowing system that maintains water levels in the wedge-shaped portion above the maximum static water level. This dynamic operation enables the reservoir to utilize the previously unused elevated portion, increasing overall storage capacity by approximately 10%.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional open reservoirs are constructed, then water storage is achieved, but evaporative losses are high due to the large air/water interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water storage function from the surface environment and relocates it underground. By placing the reservoir beneath the surface within alluvial deposits, the system eliminates the air/water interface that causes evaporative losses in conventional open reservoirs. The underground location provides natural protection from evaporation while maintaining effective water storage capacity.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional open reservoirs are constructed, then water storage is achieved, but vast expanses of land are flooded and surface use is curtailed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water storage function from the surface environment and relocates it underground. By placing the reservoir beneath the surface within alluvial deposits, the system eliminates the need to flood surface land while maintaining effective water storage capacity. The underground location allows surface areas to remain available for other uses.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the reservoir operates in a static state, then water levels equalize, but the wedge portion above the downstream end cannot be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a static water storage system to a dynamic one. Water is continuously pumped from the downstream end and reintroduced at the upstream end, creating a flowing system that maintains water levels in the wedge-shaped portion above the maximum static water level. This dynamic operation enables the reservoir to utilize the previously unused elevated portion, increasing overall storage capacity by approximately 10%.
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 effectively increases the usable water storage capacity by up to 10% by maintaining water levels above the static maximum, reducing evaporative losses and optimizing land use, while also allowing for the introduction of fresh water to enhance filtration and mixing within the reservoir.
Implementation Method 1
means for removing water from the downstream end of the reservoir and means for adding water to the upstream end of the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
a volume of porous material, such as natural alluvium, bounded by substantially impermeable walls to create an underground vessel capable of storing water
Data Source
AI summary
An underground porosity reservoir includes substantially impermeable barriers and an aquiclude surrounding a volume of alluvial materials for storing water within the pore spaces of the alluvial materials. Upstream and downstream ends of the reservoir define both a static storage portion (extending below an elevation of the downstream end of the reservoir) and an elevated wedge-shaped portion that extends above the static portion. Once the static portion of the reservoir is filled, additional amounts of water are dynamically stored within the wedge portion by removing water from the downstream end of the reservoir and adding water to the upstream end of the reservoir. Water may be recirculated within the wedge portion, or external water may be added to the upstream end of the reservoir at a first flow rate while water is removed from the downstream end of the reservoir at a similar flow rate.