Water Turbine Blades with Inflatable Elements for Flow Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional turbines in hydroelectric plants face inefficiencies due to fixed blade angles, which limit adaptability and energy production in varying water flow conditions.

Innovation Solution

The turbine blades are articulated to pivot radially outward and inward, adjusting their angle of attack from 0° to 90°, with inflatable elements aiding in the pivoting process to reduce friction and energy losses, and are designed to match the flow direction for enhanced efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed blade angles are used in conventional turbines, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different water flow conditions is poor and energy efficiency is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different water flow conditionsVSAvoidblade structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the turbine blades movable rather than fixed. The blades are arranged to pivot radially outward and inward, allowing their angle of attack to be adjusted dynamically according to water flow conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the turbine to adapt to varying flow rates and maintain high efficiency across different operating conditions, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service through the automatic pivoting mechanism of the blades. The blades pivot radially outward only by the action of the flowing medium itself, without requiring external actuators or complex control systems. The water flow naturally drives the blades to their optimal position, and they fold back inwards in the opposing direction automatically. This self-adjusting mechanism achieves high adaptability while keeping the device structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If blade angles are adjusted to optimize energy production, then energy efficiency improves, but friction and energy losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy productionVSAvoidfriction losses

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the inflatable elements at strategic locations on the blades before the pivoting action occurs. These elements are arranged to provide aerodynamic assistance during the pivoting process, reducing the resistance and friction encountered when adjusting blade angles. This preliminary arrangement of inflatable elements ensures that the energy required for angle adjustment is minimized, allowing efficient energy production without excessive friction losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of energy

If inflatable elements are added to assist blade pivoting, then friction is reduced and energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy losses during pivotingVSAvoidblade structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs pneumatics by incorporating inflatable elements (such as tubes or balloons) on the blade structures. These elements can be inflated or deflated to modify the aerodynamic characteristics of the blades during pivoting. When inflated, they reduce friction and facilitate smoother pivoting motion; when deflated, they minimize drag. This pneumatic assistance significantly reduces energy losses during blade adjustment while adding only moderate complexity to the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes flexible shells through the use of inflatable elements made from flexible materials. These thin-walled structures can dynamically change their shape and volume in response to pressure changes, allowing them to adapt to the aerodynamic conditions during blade pivoting. The flexible nature of these elements enables them to reduce friction effectively while maintaining a relatively simple and lightweight structure, thus improving energy efficiency without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 adaptive design enhances energy efficiency by minimizing friction and allowing the turbine to optimize energy production across different water flow conditions, reducing energy losses and improving overall performance.

Implementation Method 1

At the start of the pivoting-out or during the pivoting-out of the blades, the inflatable element may be filled with air or other gases in order to accelerate the pivoting-out

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir cushioning: Air Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

In the opposing direction, the folding-in of the blades is promoted by expelling the air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir expulsion:

Data Source

PatentUS8943824B2Water turbine having blades containing inflatable elements

Publication Date: 2015.02.03 ISIK HASAN HUSEYIN

AI summary

A water turbine for producing energy in flowing water systems, which can be easily adapted to different usage conditions and enables comparatively high efficiency. The turbine has blades that are pivotably disposed between turbine wheels by joints on the outside circumference of the turbine wheels. An inflatable element is disposed on at least one of the blades and extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheels.