Vertical Axis Turbine-Generator Integration for Deep Sea Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional underwater power generating apparatus with horizontal axis turbines require complex ancillary systems for efficient energy capture, increasing weight, cost, and maintenance needs, and installation and servicing in deep sea environments are costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A power generating apparatus with a vertically mounted generator and turbine forming an integral unit, featuring a direct drive arrangement where the generator rotor is part of the turbine rotor, eliminating the need for intermediate gearing and ancillary components, and incorporating a magnetic levitation brake system for reduced friction and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional horizontal axis turbines are used with ancillary systems for efficient energy capture, then energy generation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the turbine and generator into a single integrated unit where the turbine rotor directly drives the generator rotor. This consolidation eliminates intermediate gearing and ancillary components while maintaining efficient energy capture, directly resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated turbine-generator unit performs multiple functions within a single structure: the turbine rotor both captures water flow energy and directly drives the generator. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining energy generation efficiency
2Productivity
If conventional horizontal axis turbines with ancillary systems are used, then energy capture efficiency is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the turbine and generator into one unit and eliminating intermediate components like gearboxes and seals, the overall weight of the moving parts is reduced while maintaining energy capture efficiency through the direct drive mechanism
3Productivity
If conventional horizontal axis turbines with multiple components are used, then energy generation is improved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of turbine and generator into a single unit with no intermediate components reduces the number of parts that can fail or require maintenance. The direct drive arrangement eliminates gearboxes, seals, and other ancillary systems that would need regular servicing
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified design with fewer moving parts and no intermediate gearing reduces maintenance requirements, allowing the system to operate with minimal intervention. The direct drive mechanism inherently reduces points of failure
4Productivity
If conventional horizontal axis turbines are used, then energy capture is improved, but installation and servicing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-assembled integrated turbine-generator unit simplifies installation by reducing the number of components that need to be individually installed and aligned. The direct drive design eliminates complex gearing systems that would require precise assembly
5Power
If intermediate gearing is used in the drive arrangement, then energy transmission is improved, but device complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes intermediate gearing from the drive arrangement, using direct coupling between the turbine rotor and generator rotor. This extraction of unnecessary components simplifies the drive arrangement while maintaining effective energy transmission through direct mechanical coupling
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 design reduces the number of components, lowers capital costs, and minimizes maintenance requirements, making it more reliable and suitable for deep water installations without the need for sealed dry spaces or complex alignment, while maintaining efficient energy capture and generation.
Implementation Method 1
cooperating electromagnetic components which may be formed on the stator and on the turbine rotor, the components being operable to levitate magnetically the turbine rotor from a mounted position on the stator
Implementation Method 2
Excitation of the braking components generates a force that acts against the gravitational force holding the turbine rotor in position on the stator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A power generating apparatus (4) is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a generator (8) having a stator mounted along a substantially vertical axis and a rotor, and a turbine (14) having a rotor (16) and at least one blade (18) supported on the rotor (16). The generator (8) and the turbine (14) form an integral unit. The generator rotor forms a component part of the turbine rotor (16). The turbine rotor (16) being mounted for rotation about the stator.