Hydroelectric Water Wheel with Integrated Air Compressor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydroelectric energy production devices, such as water wheels, often require significant investment and have low yields, while also posing environmental and ecological concerns due to their complex architecture and impact on landscapes.

Innovation Solution

A hydroelectric energy production device featuring a water wheel with an integrated air compressor system, where a deformable enclosure and rotary bar mechanism enhance air compression efficiency, allowing for increased mechanical energy transmission to a turbine, and a floating platform minimizes environmental disruption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional water wheel devices are used for hydroelectric power production, then electricity generation is achieved, but the devices require significant investment and have low yields

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy yieldVSAvoidarchitecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the water wheel mechanism with an air compressor system into a single integrated device. The water wheel drives both the generator and the air compressor, merging power generation and air compression functions into one unified system, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The water wheel serves multiple functions: it directly drives the generator for electricity production and simultaneously powers the air compressor for fluid compression. This multi-functionality allows the single device to achieve multiple objectives, improving overall energy utilization and yield

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If conventional water wheel devices are used for hydroelectric power production, then electricity generation is achieved, but installation costs are significant

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy yieldVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into modular components including the water wheel, air compressor, generator, and deformable enclosure that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site. This segmentation reduces installation complexity and costs while maintaining high energy yield capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a deformable enclosure with movable flaps that dynamically adjust during operation. This dynamic design allows for optimized performance without requiring complex fixed infrastructure, reducing both manufacturing and installation costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If conventional water wheel devices are used for hydroelectric power production, then electricity generation is achieved, but environmental impact and ecosystem disruption occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy yieldVSAvoidenvironmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses pneumatic principles with a deformable enclosure and movable flaps to compress air rather than directly impacting water flow. This approach generates energy while minimizing disruption to the aquatic ecosystem, as the compression occurs within a sealed chamber rather than through direct water manipulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The device converts the kinetic energy of flowing water into useful compressed air storage, transforming what would otherwise be wasted energy into a beneficial resource. The compressed air can be stored and used later, maximizing energy utilization while maintaining ecological balance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 device achieves high energy yields with reduced environmental impact and lower installation costs, contributing to ecosystem preservation and efficient renewable energy production.

Implementation Method 1

a water wheel being integral with at least one platform... intended to be driven in rotation under the effect of the flow of water from a watercourse

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic energy conversion: Water Turbine

Implementation Method 2

at least one means for compressing a fluid intended to supply said turbine... comprising at least one air compressor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir compression: Gas Compressor

Implementation Method 3

said enclosure contains at least one elastic return means extending between said bottom and said upper flap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3596335B1Device for producing hydro-electric power
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 GRANDPERRET GILLES
  • EP3596335B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3596335B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3596335B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Device for producing hydro-electric power. The present invention relates to a device (1) for producing hydro-electric power, comprising at least one water wheel (2) rigidly connected to at least one platform, at least one upper face (60) of which is above water, said water wheel (2) being formed by a plurality of blades (3) extending the free ends of arms (4) distributed around a hub, and being intended to be set into rotation under the effect of the flow of the water from a water course (50) about an axis (X) with a horizontal aspect, perpendicular to the direction of flow of said water course (50), in order to activate a turbine (20) and to produce electricity through a generator (21). It is characterised in that it comprises means for activating, under the effect of the rotation of the water wheel (2), at least one means for compressing a fluid intended to supply said turbine (20).