Description: FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of renewable energy and more particularly to an apparatus and a method for vortex energy harvesting.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Surface and under water currents may act as a source of energy flux. The surface and under water currents which present in oceans, fresh water sources and other moving fluids may provide clean and renewable energy. The renewable energy may include ocean thermal energy, tidal energy, vortex energy and the like. A vortex may be defined as a region in a fluid in which flow of the fluid revolves around an axis line. The axis line may be straight or curved. Revolving of the fluid flow around the axis line may happen when the fluid such as air or water flows past a bluff body at certain velocities. The revolving of the fluid flow may depend upon a size and shape of the bluff body.
[0003] In the fluid flow, vortices may be created at back side of the bluff body and may detach periodically from either side of the bluff body forming a von Karman vortex street. As used herein, the von Karman vortex street may be defined as a repeating pattern of swirling vortices, caused by a process known as vortex shedding. The vortices may create alternating low-pressure zone in downstream side of the bluff body tending the bluff body to move towards the low-pressure zone. The bluff body may vibrate with harmonic oscillations in perpendicular direction of the fluid flow by energy provided by the fluid flow. The vibration of the bluff body may be converted into useful energy. Energy density of the bluff body currently being used for extracting energy from the vortices is very less. Also, continuous energy generation may not possible due to geometrical constraints, mounting constraints, and mobility constraints of the bluff body.
[0004] Hence, there is a need for an improved apparatus and a method for vortex energy harvesting to address the aforementioned issue(s).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0005] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for vortex energy harvesting is provided. The apparatus includes a foundation structure submerged in a fluid medium. The apparatus also includes a static frame mounted on the foundation structure. The static frame is adapted to suspend one or more helical springs from a top end of the static frame. The apparatus further includes one or more hydrofoil shedders mechanically coupled to the one or more helical springs via a dynamic frame. The one or more hydrofoil shedders are adapted to trigger a multi-dimensional movement of the dynamic frame by shedding vortices at a trailing end of the one or more hydrofoil shedders when fluid flows over the one or more hydrofoil shedders. The one or more hydrofoil shedders includes a predefined shape. The apparatus also includes one or more energy generators operatively coupled to the dynamic frame. The one or more energy generators are adapted to convert the multi-dimensional movement of the dynamic frame into electricity.
[0006] In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for vortex energy harvesting is provided. The method includes suspending, by a static frame, one or more helical springs from a top end of the static frame. The method also includes triggering, by one or more hydrofoil shedders, a multi-dimensional movement of the dynamic frame by shedding vortices at a trailing end of the one or more hydrofoil shedders when fluid flows over the one or more hydrofoil shedders. The method further includes converting, by one or more energy generators, the multi-dimensional movement of the dynamic frame into electricity.
[0007] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for vortex energy harvesting in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[00010] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 depicting a dimetric view of the apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[00011] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 depicting a cross section view of a hydrofoil shedder in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[00012] FIG. 4 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method for for vortex energy harvesting in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00013] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00014] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
[00015] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
[00016] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
[00017] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[00018] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus and a method for vortex energy harvesting. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus and a method for vortex energy harvesting is provided. The apparatus includes a foundation structure submerged in a fluid medium. The apparatus also includes a static frame mounted on the foundation structure. The static frame is adapted to suspend one or more helical springs from a top end of the static frame. The apparatus further includes one or more hydrofoil shedders mechanically coupled to the one or more helical springs via a dynamic frame. The one or more hydrofoil shedders are adapted to trigger a multi-dimensional movement of the dynamic frame by shedding vortices at a trailing end of the one or more hydrofoil shedders when fluid flows over the one or more hydrofoil shedders. The one or more hydrofoil shedders includes a predefined shape. The apparatus also includes one or more energy generators operatively coupled to the dynamic frame. The one or more energy generators are adapted to convert the multi-dimensional movement of the dynamic frame into electricity.
[00019] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an apparatus (10) for vortex energy harvesting in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus (10) includes a foundation structure (20) submerged in a fluid medium (30). In one embodiment, the foundation structure (20) may include at least one of a fixed platform, a floating moored platform, and a dynamically floated platform. In some embodiments, the fluid medium (30) may include, but not limited to, rivers, oceans, ponds, lakes, and the like. The apparatus (10) also includes a static frame (40) mounted on the foundation structure (20). In one embodiment, the static frame (40) may be mounted perpendicular to flow direction of the fluid. In a specific embodiment, the static frame (40) may be associated with a plurality of vortex spoilers (not shown in FIG. 1) to prevent motion of the static frame (40) due to vortex shedding. As used herein, the vortex spoilers may be defined as a plurality of mechanism to prevent relative motion of a body due to vortices in the fluid medium (30). In such an embodiment, the vortex spoilers may include, but not limited to, fairing attachments, helical strakes, drag inducing appendages and the like.
[00020] Further, the static frame (40) is adapted to suspend one or more helical springs (50) from a top end of the static frame (40). In one embodiment, the one or more helical springs (50) may be composed of at least one of a hyper elastic material, dielectric electro active polymers or a combination thereof. The apparatus (10) further includes one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) mechanically coupled to the one or more helical springs (50) via a dynamic frame (70). As used herein, the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) may be having a semispherical structure with gradually decreasing diameter from a leading end (FIG. 3, 100) to a trailing end (FIG. 3, 110). In a specific embodiment, the static frame (40) and the dynamic frame (70) may be a hollow structure capable of accommodating a plurality of entities such as instruments, circuit boards, control mechanisms and the like. In one embodiment, the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) may be coupled to the dynamic frame (70) via corresponding one or more hinges (not shown in FIG. 1) provided at laterally opposite sides of the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) to enable at least one of a translational motion, a rotational motion and a combination thereof.
[00021] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) and the dynamic frame (70) may be adapted to oscillate relative to the static frame (40) at least in two non-parallel planes. In one embodiment, the two non- parallels plane may include, but not limited to, a plane formed by the flow direction of the fluid and a longitudinal axis (90) of the corresponding one or more hydrofoil shedders (60), a plane formed by the flow direction of the fluid and an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (90) of the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60). In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis (90) of the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) may be aligned parallel to each other. In a specific embodiment, the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) may be cascaded to form a multi-dimensional array of the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) as shown in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the multidimensional array may include, but not limited to, a two dimensional array, a three dimensional array and the like. In such an embodiment, the one or mor hydrofoil shedders (60) in the multi-dimensional array may be adapted to move in phase. In another embodiment, the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) in the multi-dimensional array may be adapted to move out of phase. In an exemplary embodiment, a diameter and a length of the corresponding one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) may be 10 cm and 92 cm respectively.
[00022] Also, in one embodiment, the dynamic frame (70) may include one or more spring loaded rods (not shown in FIG. 1) coupled to the corresponding one or more hydrofoil shedders (60). In such an embodiment, the spring loaded rods may be adapted to accommodate oscillations orthogonal to a longitudinal axis (90) of the corresponding one or more hydrofoil shedders (60). In some embodiments, center of gravity of the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) may be varied by means of a sliding mass mechanically coupled to the corresponding one or more hydrofoil shedders (60). In a specific embodiment, the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) may include an oscillator to perturb the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) for inducing oscillations in the corresponding one or more hydrofoil shedders (60).
[00023] Additionally, the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) are adapted to trigger a multi-dimensional movement of the dynamic frame (70) by shedding vortices at the trailing end (FIG. 3, 110) of the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) when fluid flows over the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60). In one embodiment, active control mechanisms such as servomotors may be coupled to the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) to stabilize the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) while shedding the vortices. In a specific embodiment, the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) may be associated with corresponding plasma actuators at the trailing end to control frequency and oscillations of the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60). As used herein, the plasma actuators are a type of actuator used for aero dynamic flow control. The one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) includes a predefined shape. In one embodiment, the predefined shape may be symmetrical with respect to a chord line (80) of the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60). Cross sectional view of the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) is shown in FIG. 3.
[00024] Moreover, the apparatus (10) also includes one or more energy generators (not shown in FIG. 1) operatively coupled to the dynamic frame (70). The one or more energy generators are adapted to convert the multi-dimensional movement of the dynamic frame (70) into electricity. In some embodiments, the multi-dimensional movement may be caused by, at least one of a vortex induced vibrations, vortex induced motion, galloping, fluttering of the fluid medium (30). As used herein, galloping may be defined as large amplitude, low frequency oscillation of a structure in a direction transverse to the fluid flow direction. As used herein, the fluttering may be defined as a dynamic instability of an elastic structure in a fluid flow, caused by positive feedback between deflection of the elastic structure and a force exerted by the fluid flow. In one embodiment, the one or more energy generators may include at least one of a linear power generator, a rotary power generator, a hydraulic power generator, a planar power generator, or a combination thereof.
[00025] FIG. 4 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method (500) for vortex energy harvesting in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (500) includes suspending one or more helical springs from a top end of the static frame in step 510. In one embodiment, suspending one or more helical springs from a top end of the static frame includes suspending one or more helical springs from a top end of the static frame by a static frame. In one embodiment, the static frame may be mounted perpendicular to flow direction of the fluid. In a specific embodiment, the static frame may be associated with a plurality of vortex spoilers to prevent motion of the static frame due to vortex shedding. In such an embodiment, the vortex spoilers may include, but not limited to, fairing attachments, helical Strakes, drag inducing appendages and the like. In one embodiment, the one or more helical springs may be composed of at least one of a hyper elastic material, dielectric electro active polymers or a combination thereof.
[00026] The method (500) also includes suspending a dynamic frame from a bottom end of the one or more helical springs in step 520. In one embodiment, suspending a dynamic frame from a bottom end of the one or more helical springs includes suspending a dynamic frame from a bottom end of the one or more helical springs by the one or more helical springs. In a specific embodiment, the static frame and the dynamic frame may be a hollow structure capable of accommodating a plurality of entities such as instruments, circuit boards, control mechanisms and the like.
[00027] The method (500) also includes triggering a multi-dimensional movement of the dynamic frame by shedding vortices at a trailing end of the one or more hydrofoil shedders when fluid flows over the one or more hydrofoil shedders in step 530. In one embodiment, triggering a multi-dimensional movement of the dynamic frame by shedding vortices at a trailing end of the one or more hydrofoil shedders when fluid flows over the one or more hydrofoil shedders includes triggering a multi-dimensional movement of the dynamic frame by shedding vortices at a trailing end of the one or more hydrofoil shedders when fluid flows over the one or more hydrofoil shedders by one or more hydrofoil shedders. In one embodiment, the one or more hydrofoil shedders may be coupled to the dynamic frame via corresponding one or more hinges provided at laterally opposite sides of the one or more hydrofoil shedders to enable at least one of a translational motion, a rotational motion and a combination thereof.
[00028] Further, in some embodiments, the one or more hydrofoil shedders and the dynamic frame may be adapted to oscillate relative to the static frame at least in two non-parallel planes. In one embodiment, the two non- parallels plane may include, but not limited to, a plane formed by the flow direction of the fluid and a longitudinal axis of the corresponding one or more hydrofoil shedders, a plane formed by the flow direction of the fluid and an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the one or more hydrofoil shedders. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the one or more hydrofoil shedders may be aligned parallel to each other. In a specific embodiment, the one or more hydrofoil shedders may be cascaded to form a multi-dimensional array of the one or more hydrofoil shedders. In one embodiment, the multidimensional array may include, but not limited to, a two dimensional array, a three dimensional array and the like. In such an embodiment, the one or mor hydrofoil shedders in the multi-dimensional array may be adapted to move in phase. In another embodiment, the one or more hydrofoil shedders in the multi-dimensional array may be adapted to move out of phase. In an exemplary embodiment, a diameter and a length of the corresponding one or more hydrofoil shedders may be 10 cm and 92 cm respectively.
[00029] Also, in one embodiment, the dynamic frame may include one or more spring loaded rods coupled to the corresponding one or more hydrofoil shedders. In such an embodiment, the spring loaded rods may be adapted to accommodate oscillations orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the corresponding one or more hydrofoil shedders. In some embodiments, center of gravity of the one or more hydrofoil shedders may be changed by means of a sliding mass mechanically coupled to the corresponding one or more hydrofoil shedders. In a specific embodiment, the one or more hydrofoil shedders may include an oscillator to perturb the one or more hydrofoil shedders for inducing oscillations in the corresponding one or more hydrofoil shedders. In one embodiment, active control mechanisms such as servomotors may be coupled to the one or more hydrofoil shedders to stabilize the one or more hydrofoil shedders while shedding the vortices. In a specific embodiment, the one or more hydrofoil shedders may be associated with corresponding plasma actuators at the trailing end to control frequency and oscillations of the one or more hydrofoil shedders.
[00030] The method (500) also includes converting the multi-dimensional movement of the dynamic frame into electricity in step 540. In one embodiment, converting the multi-dimensional movement of the dynamic frame into electricity includes converting the multi-dimensional movement of the dynamic frame into electricity by one or more energy generators. In some embodiments, the multi-dimensional movement may be caused by, at least one of a vortex induced vibrations, vortex induced motion, galloping, fluttering of the fluid medium. As used herein, galloping may be defined as large amplitude, low frequency oscillation of a structure in a direction transverse to the fluid flow direction. As used herein, the fluttering may be defined as a dynamic instability of an elastic structure in a fluid flow, caused by positive feedback between deflection of the elastic structure and a force exerted by the fluid flow. In one embodiment, the one or more energy generators may include at least one of a linear power generator, a rotary power generator, a hydraulic power generator, a planar power generator, or a combination thereof
[00031] Various embodiments of the apparatus and a method for vortex energy harvesting described above enable various advantages. Provision of the one or more hydrofoil shedders enables the apparatus to achieve high energy density. The one or more hydrofoil shedders may be mounted in multidimensional arrays, thereby enabling operational flexibility. The one or more hydrofoil shedders enable extraction of clean energy from the fluid thereby enabling the apparatus to reduce carbon footprint. Further, the apparatus requires less area for implementation and the apparatus may not harm aquatic life during operation. Structural and functional components of the apparatus are cheap and readily available thereby making the apparatus cost effective. Also, the apparatus is capable of operating in resonance condition irrespective of speed of the fluid flow by controlling a variety of parameters such as tension of one or more helical springs, center of gravity of the one or more hydrofoil shedders, mounting methods and the like. Also, the apparatus is easy to install and operate.
[00032] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof. While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended.
[00033] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. , Claims: WE CLAIM:
1. An apparatus (10) for vortex energy harvesting comprising:
a foundation structure (20) submerged in a fluid medium (30);
a static frame (40) mounted on the foundation structure (20), wherein the static frame (40) is adapted to suspend one or more helical springs (50) from a top end of the static frame (40);
one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) mechanically coupled to the one or more helical springs (50) via a dynamic frame (70), wherein the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) are adapted to trigger a multi-dimensional movement of the dynamic frame (70) by shedding vortices at a trailing end of the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) when fluid flows over the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60),
wherein the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) comprises a predefined shape; and
one or more energy generators operatively coupled to the dynamic frame (70), wherein the one or more energy generators are adapted to convert the multi-dimensional movement of the dynamic frame (70) into electricity.
2. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the foundation structure (20) comprises at least one of a fixed platform, a floating moored platform and a dynamically floated platform.
3. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the static frame (40) is mounted perpendicular to flow direction of the fluid.
4. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) are coupled to the dynamic frame (70) via corresponding one or more hinges provided at laterally opposite sides of the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) to enable at least one of a translational motion, a rotational motion and a combination thereof.
5. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) and the dynamic frame (70) are adapted to oscillate relative to the static frame (40) at least in two non-parallel planes.
6. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60) are cascaded to form a multi-dimensional array of the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60).
7. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the one or mor hydrofoil shedders (60) in the multi-dimensional array is adapted to move in phase.
8. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dynamic frame (70) comprises one or more spring loaded rods coupled to the corresponding one or more hydrofoil shedders (60), wherein the spring loaded rods are adapted to accommodate oscillations orthogonal to a longitudinal axis (90) of the corresponding one or more hydrofoil shedders (60).
9. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined shape is symmetrical with respect to a chord line (80) of the one or more hydrofoil shedders (60).
10. A method (500) comprising:
suspending, by a static frame, one or more helical springs from a top end of the static frame; (510)
suspending, by the one or more helical springs, a dynamic frame from a bottom end of the one or more helical springs; (520)
triggering, by one or more hydrofoil shedders, a multi-dimensional movement of the dynamic frame by shedding vortices at a trailing end of the one or more hydrofoil shedders when fluid flows over the one or more hydrofoil shedders; (530) and
converting, by one or more energy generators, the multi-dimensional movement of the dynamic frame into electricity. (540)

Dated this 21st Day of April 2022

Signature

Jinsu Abraham
Patent Agent (IN/PA-3267)
Agent for the Applicant