Underground Water Storage Using Differential Elevation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional underground water storage methods, such as reservoirs and aquifers, face issues like high evaporation rates and energy-intensive pumping, which are inefficient and environmentally impactful, particularly in arid climates where water scarcity is a concern.

Innovation Solution

The system utilizes differential elevation-induced energy by diverting water from a higher source to an underground storage facility through a piping system, leveraging Bernoulli's equation to create a pressure head for rapid filling without the need for pumps, thus reducing energy consumption and evaporation losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If pumps are used to force water into underground storage rapidly, then filling speed increases, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling speedVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pumping system with a gravity-based flow system. Water is diverted from a source at higher elevation through pipes that utilize the elevation difference to create pressure head, eliminating the need for mechanical pumps and significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining rapid filling capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies hydraulic principles by using the elevation-induced pressure head to drive water flow into the underground storage facility. The system leverages the natural hydraulic gradient created by the elevation difference between the water source and the storage facility to achieve rapid filling without external energy input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Quantity of substance

If water is stored in exposed reservoirs, then storage capacity is achieved, but evaporation loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidevaporation loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions water storage from the surface dimension to the underground dimension. By storing water in subsurface facilities beneath the ground, the system eliminates exposure to atmospheric conditions that cause evaporation, while maintaining substantial storage capacity in the underground space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The underground storage environment acts as a protective, inert barrier that isolates water from atmospheric conditions. The ground cover provides a natural enclosure that prevents direct exposure to sun, wind, and air, thereby minimizing evaporation losses while preserving storage capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Quantity of substance

If water is stored in exposed reservoirs, then storage capacity is achieved, but contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves storage operations from the vulnerable surface environment to the protected underground environment. This dimensional transition places water beneath the ground surface, naturally shielding it from surface-based contamination sources such as pollutants, debris, and biological contaminants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The underground storage facility creates a protected environment that isolates water from harmful external factors. The ground cover and facility structure form a barrier against contamination, while the controlled underground environment reduces exposure to pollutants and debris that threaten water quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 method allows for efficient and environmentally friendly underground water storage by eliminating the need for pumps and minimizing evaporation, providing a sustainable solution for water scarcity in arid regions.

Implementation Method 1

System and method of using differential elevation induced energy for the purpose of storing water underground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifferential elevation-induced energy: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

leveraging Bernoulli's equation to create a pressure head for rapid filling without the need for pumps

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure head: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS9278808B1System and method of using differential elevation induced energy for the purpose of storing water underground

Publication Date: 2016.03.08 THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

AI summary

An underground water storage system filled without pumps is provided. The underground water storage system comprises a water source at a first elevation and an underground water storage facility at a second elevation, less than the first elevation. The underground water storage facility is in fluid communication with the water source by a piping and valve system. The pressure difference between the water source at the first elevation and the underground water storage facility provides the motive force to fill the underground water storage system.