Oscillating Water Column Turbine With Water Piston Pressure Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oscillating water column turbine systems are limited in their ability to generate electricity efficiently across various ocean conditions and are often costly and complex, lacking scalability and accessibility for remote areas.
Innovation Solution
The oscillating water column turbine apparatus features a simplified design with a water cylinder and turbine system that utilizes the oscillating motion of water to generate electricity, incorporating a water piston and impeller shaft with inlet and outlet caps to rotate an impeller, allowing for efficient energy extraction from ocean waves and tidal action, and can be adapted for hydrogen production and desalination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If current oscillating water column turbine systems are used, then electricity generation is achieved, but the systems are costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine system is divided into modular components including a turbine housing with multiple inlet ports, a rotor with discrete blades, and a stator assembly. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing, easier maintenance, and scalable deployment while maintaining effective electricity generation from oscillating water columns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates complex control systems and mechanical linkages from traditional oscillating water column turbines. The design uses direct hydraulic action on the rotor blades to drive rotation, removing intermediate mechanisms that contribute to system complexity and cost
2Power
If current oscillating water column turbine systems are used, then electricity generation is achieved, but scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine housing design with multiple inlet ports and adjustable rotor-stator configurations enables the same basic unit to operate effectively across varying water column oscillation amplitudes and frequencies. This universality allows scalable deployment from small remote installations to larger power generation facilities without requiring fundamentally different designs
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor blades and stator elements are designed with dynamic geometric features that allow optimal performance across a range of operating conditions. The ability to adjust blade angles and inlet port configurations enables the system to scale effectively with different water energy inputs
3Power
If current oscillating water column turbine systems are used, then electricity generation is achieved, but accessibility for remote areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine components are designed using simple, readily available materials and construction methods that prioritize ease of manufacture over long-term durability. The modular design allows for rapid assembly and replacement in remote areas without requiring specialized manufacturing facilities or extensive maintenance infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine system is designed to be easily assembled and maintained by local personnel without requiring specialized technical expertise or external support. Standardized components and intuitive assembly procedures enable self-sufficient operation in remote locations
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 enables efficient electricity generation from oscillating water columns, is cost-effective, scalable, and accessible for remote areas, capable of operating in low tide conditions and producing green hydrogen, while also facilitating desalination and mineral harvesting.
Implementation Method 1
oscillating water column turbine apparatuses configured to generate electrical power and/or perform other work responsive to oscillating water
Implementation Method 2
create a pressure differential to allow pressurized air to enter into and/or escape from the cylinder housing
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for generating electricity from an oscillating water column may include a turbine having an inlet cap, an outlet cap, and an impeller rotatably disposed between the inlet cap and the outlet cap. The turbine may be deployed in a water cylinder having a water piston that slides between a first position and a second position in response to oscillation of water in the water cylinder, thereby creating a pressure difference to allow pressurized fluid to enter and/or escape through the components of the turbine to rotate the impeller of the turbine to facilitate generation of electricity and/or performance of other work. Other oscillating water column turbine apparatuses are also disclosed.