Vertical Axis Turbines for Ship Energy Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy production devices on structures undergoing alternating movements, such as surface ships, face issues with pressure drop, efficiency, and complex construction due to the arrangement of turbines and liquid flow direction.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of turbines with vertical axes and side basins aligned with the intermediate chamber's elongation direction, along with the use of venturis, non-return valves, and deformable diaphragms, optimizes liquid flow and energy production by minimizing pressure drop and turbulence, and ensuring efficient liquid supply and evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If turbines are arranged with horizontal axes and lateral basins are positioned at ends of intermediate chamber, then energy production is enabled, but pressure drop increases and efficiency decreases due to bends and notable changes in fluid direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by giving turbines vertical axes instead of horizontal axes. This inversion allows the lateral basins to be positioned along the longitudinal axis of the intermediate chamber, eliminating the need for bends in fluid flow and thereby reducing pressure drop while maintaining energy production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal turbine arrangement to a vertical turbine arrangement, changing the dimensional orientation of the energy conversion mechanism. This dimensional change allows the fluid to flow straight through the intermediate chamber without directional changes, reducing energy loss from turbulence and pressure drop
2Loss of energy
If turbines are arranged aligned with intermediate chamber elongation direction, then pressure drop is reduced, but device complexity increases due to precise alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the lateral basins and turbines in specific locations along the longitudinal axis of the intermediate chamber. This localized arrangement ensures that the fluid flow path is straight and aligned with the chamber elongation direction, reducing pressure drop without requiring complex alignment mechanisms throughout the entire device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an equipotential flow path where the liquid moves through the intermediate chamber without encountering resistance from bends or directional changes. By aligning the turbines and basins with the chamber elongation, the system establishes a smooth, continuous flow path that minimizes energy loss while maintaining relatively simple construction
3Productivity
If venturis are added to accelerate liquid flow into lateral basins, then energy production efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces venturis as intermediary components that accelerate liquid flow into the lateral basins. These venturis act as mediators between the intermediate chamber and the turbines, converting pressure energy into kinetic energy to improve turbine efficiency without requiring complex control systems or multiple moving parts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles through the venturis to accelerate liquid flow. By designing the venturi geometry to convert pressure differential into flow velocity, the system improves energy production efficiency using passive hydraulic mechanisms rather than active control systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
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 configuration enhances energy production efficiency by aligning turbines with liquid flow, reducing pressure drop, and regulating liquid supply, leading to improved performance and compactness of the energy production system.
Implementation Method 1
the wall (of external delimitation) of each lateral basin has a venturi, or even, preferably, that the first and second turbines have a single direction of rotation and have blades with opposite faces, respectively concave and convex, facing the flow of said liquid. The venturi will accelerate the flow as it enters the side basin
Implementation Method 2
at least one first and one second turbine arranged respectively towards the first and second edges... first and second lateral basins each containing one of the first and second turbines... for bringing the liquid towards first and second turbines
Implementation Method 3
To limit flow interference between that in one direction and that in the opposite direction, it may be preferable for the communications between the lower parts of the side basins and the intermediate chamber to be provided with non-return valves
Implementation Method 4
it is proposed to vary the passage section of the neck, preferably according to the observed efficiency of the turbine considered. Using a deformable diaphragm for this purpose will allow this objective to be achieved simply and reliably
Implementation Method 5
using an intermediate chamber (partially) filled with a free-surface liquid will a priori allow one to benefit from the so-called 'FLUME' roll damping technology, in its G-SIRE or I-SIRE component
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for the generation of energy on a structure adapted to undergo at least one reciprocating tilting movement, said device comprising side turbines (11a, 11b), an intermediate chamber (17), and side tanks (15a, 15b), each side tank containing one of the turbines and communicating with the chamber in order to provide liquid inlets and outlets. The turbines have vertical axes, and the side tanks (15a, 15b) and the turbines are disposed substantially in alignment with the direction (17a) of extension of the intermediate chamber, such that the liquid is received substantially in this alignment.