Water Driven Turbine in Riser Conduit for Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water supply systems with underground tunnels and riser conduits do not effectively utilize pressure differentials for generating electric power, as pressure reducers are used to lower water pressure without harnessing the available energy.
Innovation Solution
A water supply tunnel secondary purpose turbine electric power generator system that includes a water supply subsystem with elevated water sources, a plurality of riser conduits, and a power generating turbine subsystem with water-driven turbines, along with a computerized monitoring and control system to manage pressure and optimize energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If pressure reducers are used to lower water pressure in water supply systems, then water pressure is reduced to desired levels, but available energy is wasted without being harnessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of pressure differential (which causes energy waste) into a beneficial effect by using the high-pressure water flow to drive turbines for electricity generation. The pressure reduction that would normally be wasted is now harnessed to perform useful work, transforming an energy loss into an energy production opportunity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces turbines as an intermediary device between the high-pressure water supply system and the low-pressure distribution system. This intermediary captures the energy from the pressure differential and converts it into electrical energy, allowing the system to both reduce pressure and generate power simultaneously.
2Power
If water supply systems are retrofitted with turbines for power generation, then electric power is generated, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the water supply infrastructure serve multiple functions: the existing tunnels and riser conduits continue to supply water while simultaneously housing turbines for power generation. This multi-functionality allows the system to generate electricity without requiring entirely separate infrastructure, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the water flow that already exists for supply purposes to simultaneously generate power. The same water that needs to be delivered to consumers also drives the turbines, meaning the system serves itself by using its own operational requirements (water flow) to generate additional value (electricity) without requiring external energy inputs.
3Use of energy by moving object
If turbines are installed in riser conduits, then energy conversion is optimized, but water pressure control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements computerized monitoring and control systems that continuously monitor water pressure and turbine operation, providing feedback to optimize both energy conversion and pressure control. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically adjust operations to maintain desired pressure levels while maximizing power generation efficiency.
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 system effectively generates electric power by utilizing pressure differentials in water supply systems, reducing energy waste and enabling the secondary use of existing infrastructure for power generation, while ensuring safe and controlled water distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a power generating turbine subsystem including at least one water driven turbine located in at least one of the water supply subsystem and the water valving subsystem
Implementation Method 2
a gravity fed underground water tunnel being located, at least in part, upstream from the community
Data Source
AI summary
A water supply tunnel secondary purpose turbine electric power generator system includes: a.) a water supply subsystem with a water source at an elevation that is at least 300 feet above the mean altitude of a community, that includes a gravity fed underground water tunnel being located, at least in part, upstream from the community, and, at least in part, being located under the community. There is a plurality of riser conduits in the community connected to the gravity fed underground water tunnel, delivering water from the water source to the community at a pressure that is at least 100 psi in excess of desired water pressure delivered to community water lines; b.) water valving subsystems connected to each of the riser conduits and one of each including at least one safety valve, to lower water pressure of the delivered water; and, c.) a power generating turbine subsystem, including at least one water driven turbine located in at least one of the water supply subsystem and water valving subsystem.