Wave-Driven Variable-Leverage Pump for 800 PSI Desalination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumps are inadequate for efficiently pressurizing water to the required 800 PSI needed for reverse osmosis desalination, limiting the effectiveness of water desalination processes.
Innovation Solution
A wave-driven variable leverage pump utilizing buoyant and inertial forces from waves to actuate a piston, leveraging a paddle and lever system to pressurize water to 800 PSI or higher, enabling efficient desalination through a reverse osmosis membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional pumps are used to pressurize water for reverse osmosis desalination, then the required 800 PSI pressure can be achieved, but the pump efficiency and effectiveness are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The pump employs a variable leverage mechanism where the lever arm length changes dynamically during operation. The lever arm is longer during the power stroke to maximize force application for achieving high pressure (800+ PSI), and shorter during the return stroke to reduce inertial forces on the piston. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both pressure generation efficiency and pump effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the leverage parameter (lever arm length) during operation to optimize performance. By adjusting the effective lever arm length based on the operational phase (power stroke vs. return stroke), the pump achieves optimal force multiplication when needed and reduced inertial loading when not needed, thereby improving overall desalination efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed leverage pump design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot optimize for varying wave conditions and operational phases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm length is made variable rather than fixed, allowing the pump to adapt to varying wave conditions and operational phases. The dynamic lever arm adjustment enables optimization for different sea states and wave heights without requiring multiple separate pump systems, achieving adaptability through a single mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable leverage mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides force multiplication during power strokes, reduces inertial forces during return strokes, and adapts to varying wave conditions. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single pump design, avoiding the need for multiple specialized systems.
3Force
If the lever arm is long to maximize leverage, then force multiplication is high, but inertial forces on the piston increase during rapid motion
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm length is dynamically adjusted based on the operational phase. During the power stroke, the lever arm is longer to maximize force multiplication from wave energy. During the return stroke, the lever arm is shorter to minimize inertial forces acting on the piston, thereby reducing the weight effect during rapid motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump operates in periodic cycles with distinct power and return strokes. The lever arm configuration is optimized for each phase of the periodic cycle, providing long lever arm during power stroke for maximum force and short lever arm during return stroke for minimum inertial resistance, thereby managing the trade-off between force multiplication and inertial forces.
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 pump effectively pressurizes seawater to exceed 800 PSI, facilitating high-efficiency desalination capable of producing thousands of gallons of potable water daily, with optimal operation in varying wave conditions.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing buoyant and inertial forces from waves to actuate a piston
Implementation Method 2
utilizing buoyant and inertial forces from waves to actuate a piston
Implementation Method 3
reverse osmosis process can be used to remove salt from ocean water
Data Source
AI summary
A wave driven variable leverage pump for water desalination is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a variable leverage pump comprises a platform and a paddle comprising at least one lever arm extending therefrom. The at least one lever arm is pivotally coupled with the platform. The pump further comprises a pump having a first end pivotally coupled with the platform, and a second end pivotally coupled with the paddle. A pivot point of the at least one lever arm is located above a pivot point of the pump relative to the platform.