Vortex-Induced Cable Energy Harvester for Blade-Free Power Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wind turbines cause environmental issues such as bird fatalities, noise pollution, and mechanical stress, and alternative methods for generating electricity from wind without rotating blades are inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising an elongated body and a tensioned cable that oscillates due to fluid flow, with energy harvesters converting kinetic energy into electricity using magnets and coils, allowing for energy capture in any horizontal direction without directional adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If rotating blades are used to capture wind energy, then electrical energy production is achieved, but environmental harm increases (bird fatalities, noise pollution) and mechanical stress causes limited lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical energy productionVSAvoidenvironmental harm and mechanical stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration by using vortex-induced vibrations of a tensioned cable to generate electrical energy. The moving fluid (wind or water) creates vortexes that cause the cable to vibrate, and this vibration is converted to electrical energy through energy harvesters, eliminating the need for rotating blades and their associated environmental and mechanical problems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rotating blade system with a vibration-based energy harvesting system. Instead of using rotating turbines that directly convert wind energy to mechanical rotation, the system uses vortex-induced vibrations of a cable coupled with energy harvesters, substituting a mechanical rotation system with a vibration-to-electricity conversion system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If rotating blades are used to capture wind energy, then electrical energy production is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical energy productionVSAvoidmechanical system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex rotating blade mechanism from the energy harvesting system. By removing the traditional turbine structure and replacing it with a simple tensioned cable subjected to vortex-induced vibrations, the system achieves energy production with significantly reduced mechanical complexity and maintenance requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter from rotational motion to vibrational motion. By inducing vibrations in the cable through vortex shedding and converting this vibrational energy to electricity, the system operates on a different mechanical parameter regime that inherently requires simpler mechanical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If traditional energy harvesters are used, then energy conversion is achieved, but directional limitations require adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoiddirectional adjustment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by designing a tensioned cable system that can capture vortex-induced vibrations from moving fluid regardless of flow direction. The cable's ability to vibrate in response to vortex shedding from the elongated body allows the energy harvester to function effectively without requiring directional adjustments, making it adaptable to varying wind or water flow directions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 apparatus efficiently converts kinetic energy from fluid flow into electricity, reducing environmental impact and extending mechanical lifespan by utilizing vortex-induced oscillations and directional conversion mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

The cylindrical structure may be advantageous in that it may induce vortex forces when the fluid passes the elongated body. The vortex forces may set the elongated body in motion.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex-induced oscillation: Kármán Vortex Street

Implementation Method 2

The at least one energy harvester comprises at least one magnet and at least one coil. The oscillations of the at least one tensioned cable may be converted to electric energy by using the at least one magnet and at least one coil.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12529353B2Apparatus for producing electricity from a moving fluid and method

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 SINE DELTA AS

AI summary

An apparatus is for producing electricity from a moving fluid, wherein the apparatus has: an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, the elongated body being arranged to be attached to the ground or seabed and exposed to the moving fluid; at least one tensioned cable, which is supported in tension from the elongated body, and which is arranged at least in part inside the elongated body and further arranged to oscillate or vibrate upon oscillation of the elongated body; and at least one energy harvester for converting kinetic energy of the at least one oscillating or vibrating tensioned cable to electric energy.