Vertical Axis Turbine with Sealed Generator and Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water flow turbines, particularly vertical axis turbines, face challenges in efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, especially in harsh environments like tidal flows and remote areas, due to complex and expensive designs that require significant superstructures and are difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A simple and strong, self-contained vertical axis turbine design featuring a cast concrete and steel base with anchor points, straight or helically formed blades connected to a drive shaft, and a hermetically sealed generator with magnetic coupling for easy maintenance, allowing omnidirectional energy capture without the need for expensive water channeling structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If enclosed turbine designs with complex blade sets and curved housings are used, then efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and repairability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine is divided into modular components: straight blades that can be independently replaced, a simple cylindrical housing, and a separable generator assembly. This segmentation allows individual parts to be manufactured cheaply and replaced without dismantling the entire structure, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and complexity/repairability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using curved enclosures to guide water flow, the invention inverts the approach by using straight blades that work effectively in open water environments without enclosing housings. This inversion simplifies the structure while maintaining energy capture capability, addressing both the efficiency and complexity concerns.
2Productivity
If turbines are deployed in remote or inaccessible areas, then energy capture capability is improved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine components are designed as separable modules that can be assembled and disassembled without specialized equipment. The generator can be detached from the blade assembly, and blades can be removed individually, enabling maintenance personnel to service the turbine in remote locations with minimal tools and expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The simple mechanical design with straight blades and basic bearing support allows operators to perform basic maintenance and repairs without requiring complex diagnostic equipment or specialized training. The modular construction enables quick replacement of worn components, reducing maintenance time and complexity in inaccessible locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vertical axis turbine designs are used for tidal flows, then adaptability to varying flow directions is improved, but structural strength and stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine employs asymmetric blade positioning and a weighted base design that provides stability in strong tidal currents while maintaining the ability to rotate and capture energy from varying flow directions. The asymmetric configuration optimizes both adaptability and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
A heavy concrete base with ballast serves as a counterweight to stabilize the vertical axis turbine structure against strong tidal forces. This counterbalancing approach provides the necessary structural strength and stability while allowing the turbine to remain adaptable to changing flow conditions.
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 design provides a low-cost, reliable, and easy-to-maintain turbine that can efficiently harness water energy in various flow directions, reducing vibration and drag, and can be deployed in challenging conditions with reduced maintenance complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a hermetically sealed generator with magnetic coupling for easy maintenance
Data Source
AI summary
A water flow turbine arrangement for capturing energy from water flows is provided. The arrangement includes: a base member (212); a generally open support structure (210) mounted to the base and upstanding therefrom, the support structure including plural legs (216) joined by a cross brace at or adjacent their upper ends; an electrical generator (230) mounted to the base; and shaft mounted turbine blades (220) mounted for rotation generally within the space occupied by the legs about a turbine axis. The turbine shaft (222) is supported at its upper end by the cross brace and is coupled to the generator at its lower end by a magnetic torque transmitting coupling, allowing complete fluid sealing of the generator's housing.