Venturi Pipe Arrangement for Tidal Energy Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave and tidal energy conversion systems face mechanical complexity, limited scalability, and inefficiency in extracting energy from varying flow directions and frequencies, with existing solutions being expensive and environmentally disruptive.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an arrangement of pipes with holes to create a venturi effect, driving water through an impeller to generate electricity, which is simple in design, scalable, and adaptable to various flow conditions, including lateral flows, using non-return valves to optimize water flow and prevent backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional mechanical wave energy conversion systems are used, then energy can be extracted from waves, but the mechanical complexity increases and the system becomes tuned to specific resonant frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical wave-to-rotary-motion conversion systems with a direct hydraulic drive system. Water flow from waves or currents directly drives a water wheel or turbine, which connects to a generator, eliminating the need for floats, linkages, and resonance-tuned mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential energy conversion function from traditional systems by removing unnecessary mechanical components. The system takes out the core functionality of converting water motion to rotational motion while eliminating the complex mechanical transmission systems that caused tuning and complexity problems.
2Power
If traditional wave energy systems are designed, then they can generate electricity, but they are useless if there is only lateral flow with no oscillating vertical wave component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal energy extraction system that can handle multiple flow types through a single design. The water wheel or turbine can be oriented and positioned to capture energy from vertical wave motion, horizontal currents, or tidal flows, making the system adaptable to various ocean conditions without requiring different mechanical configurations.
3Power
If large structures are built to address sufficient cross-section for power generation, then energy extraction improves, but complexity and expense increase beyond current engineering capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the energy extraction function into multiple independent, modular units (multiple water wheels, turbines, or generator assemblies). Each module can be independently sized and positioned to capture energy from the water flow, allowing the system to scale by adding modules rather than building one extremely complex large structure.
4Power
If end or edge effects are present, then flow goes around the structure rather than through it, reducing energy extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the energy extraction system in the longitudinal dimension by using multiple water wheels or turbines arranged in series along the flow direction. This multi-wheel arrangement increases the effective capture width and ensures that flow is intercepted and utilized throughout the length of the structure, preventing flow from bypassing the system at the ends.
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 system effectively generates electricity from tidal, wave, or current flows with reduced mechanical complexity, scalability, and adaptability to varying flow conditions, enhancing energy extraction efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the first pipes being arranged relative to the second pipes such that a venturi is defined between the walls of adjacent first and second pipes near the holes; flow of water past the arrangement of first and second pipes causes the first pipes to act as venturi pumps inducing flow from the inside of the first pipes through the holes
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for generating electricity using tidal, wave or current flow in a body of water, comprising: an arrangement of first (10) and second (11) pipes, each first pipe (10) being provided with a series of holes (12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) spaced along its length, and the first pipes being arranged relative to the second pipes such that a venturi is defined between the walls of adjacent first and second pipes near the holes; a flow conduit having an inlet and an outlet; an impeller located in the flow conduit; and a generator connected to the impeller; wherein water from the body can enter the flow conduit via the inlet, and the first pipes are connected to the outlet of the flow conduit such that flow of water past the arrangement of first (10) and second (11) pipes causes the first pipes (10) to act as venturi pumps inducing flow from the inside of the first pipes through the holes (12, 13) so as to draw water through the flow conduit and drive the impeller.