Forced-Induction Venturi Vortex for Ambient Thermal Energy Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The demand for energy has increased, necessitating the development of systems to harvest energy from untapped or under-exploited sources, particularly ambient thermal energy.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a Venturi device with forced induction that converts ambient thermal energy into electrical energy by using a fluid loop with a pump, Venturi devices, and a turbine to generate electricity from thermal energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a Venturi device is used to convert thermal energy to mechanical energy, then thermal energy from the ambient environment is transferred to the fluid flow, but the system requires additional components (pump, turbine, generator) to generate electrical energy, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: Venturi device for thermal energy conversion, pump for fluid circulation, turbine for mechanical energy extraction, and generator for electrical energy production. Each component performs a specific function, allowing for optimized design and independent operation of each segment while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple energy conversion functions are combined into an integrated system where the Venturi device, pump, turbine, and generator work together in a closed fluid loop. The exhaust stream from the Venturi device is merged with the ambient stream, and the combined high-energy fluid drives the turbine which is coupled to the generator, creating a unified energy conversion pathway.
2Loss of time
If the system operates independently using self-amplified thermal energy, then external power sources are eliminated, but the system requires precise balancing of energy transfer and amplification mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the exhaust stream from the Venturi device, which contains residual thermal energy, is redirected and merged with the ambient fluid stream. This feedback loop amplifies the thermal energy available for conversion by repeatedly utilizing the same energy source, allowing the system to become self-sustaining without external power inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the thermal energy parameters of the fluid stream through the Venturi effect, where the conversion of thermal energy to kinetic energy creates regions of low pressure that draw in additional ambient fluid. This parameter change amplifies the total energy available for conversion by incorporating both the original thermal energy stream and the drawn-in ambient stream into the turbine drive flow.
3Temperature
If the converging portion increases velocity and decreases pressure to produce Venturi effect, then thermal energy transfer is enhanced, but the pressure drop requires additional energy input to maintain flow
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure drop created by the converging portion of the Venturi device, which would normally represent energy loss, is converted into a beneficial low-pressure region that draws in the ambient fluid stream through entrainment. This low-pressure zone enhances the mixing and thermal energy transfer between the exhaust stream and ambient air, turning the harmful pressure drop into a useful mechanism for energy recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes pneumatic principles where the high-velocity exhaust stream from the Venturi device creates a pressure differential that entrains and draws in the ambient fluid stream. This pneumatic entrainment mechanism allows the system to maintain continuous flow and thermal energy transfer without requiring additional mechanical pumping, as the pressure differential itself drives the fluid movement.
4Productivity
If the annular passageway directs secondary flow at an angle to create vortex, then suction at inlet is increased, but the vortex creation increases energy dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The annular passageway introduces the secondary ambient fluid stream at an angled orientation to create a controlled vortex, but only to the extent necessary to generate sufficient suction at the inlet. The vortex strength is optimized to provide adequate entrainment and mixing without excessive rotation that would cause unnecessary energy dissipation. This partial action approach balances the need for flow induction with energy conservation.
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 transfers thermal energy from the ambient environment to the fluid flow, increasing its temperature and pressure, thereby generating electrical energy to power the pump and potentially operate independently using self-amplified thermal energy.
Implementation Method 1
A movement of the primary flow through the converging portion, throat, and diverging portion can produce a Venturi effect that decreases a temperature of the primary flow upstream of the diverging portion such that thermal energy from an ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow
Implementation Method 2
The body can include an annular passageway that can be disposed downstream of the throat. The annular passageway can encircle the primary flow and direct the secondary flow from the annular chamber into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet
Implementation Method 3
The system can include a turbine disposed in the fluid loop upstream of the first Venturi device and downstream of the second Venturi device. The turbine can be driven by the primary flow
Implementation Method 4
The system can include a generator that can drive the turbine to generate electrical energy to power the pump from the thermal energy of the ambient environment
Implementation Method 5
The system can include a pump that can be disposed on the fluid loop. The pump can drive circulation of the primary flow through the fluid loop
Implementation Method 6
thermal energy from an ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow, causing the temperature and the pressure of the primary flow to increase downstream of the throat before ejection through the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A Venturi device with a primary flow path and a secondary flow path introduced into the primary flow path, wherein a flow of one or more flowable mediums in the primary flow path and the secondary flow path creates a vortex generating a suction at an inlet of the Venturi device. Systems incorporating the Venturi device in which the primary flow path is charged with energy in the form of thermal energy from the ambient environment through the flow-induced vortex formation. Supercharger systems incorporating the Venturi device, wherein the primary flow of air into an engine is compressed with exhaust gases recirculated through the secondary flow path.