This invention is a device that generates electricity from flowing water, even at relatively low speeds, by using an internal rotated impeller equipped with magnets inside a water flow path. It is intended for small-scale water applications such as municipal water pipelines or small waterways, enabling renewable power generation without building large dams or infrastructure. The main benefit is providing a sustainable, low-impact way to harvest energy from existing water flows, aligning with environmental goals. It could help utilities, local communities or industrial sites use otherwise wasted water flow for clean energy production.
Problem
Many potential energy sources from flowing water go untapped, and traditional hydroelectric dams can have high environmental impact. This invention addresses the need for generating power from low-speed water flows in a way that avoids building large dams or disrupting ecosystems. It targets the challenge of capturing renewable energy in contexts where large-scale hydro is not feasible.
Target Customers
Potential customers include municipal water and utility companies, organizations managing irrigation or water distribution systems, and renewable energy developers focusing on small or distributed generation. This also could interest operators of pipelines or small waterways who want to recover energy from flow. The patent text does not explicitly list specific customers or industries.
Existing Solutions
Currently, renewable power from water is mostly captured using large hydroelectric dams or traditional turbines (including small-scale or run-of-river hydro that still require significant flow or head). Other solutions include wind or solar power as alternative renewables. The patent suggests that current methods are not designed for very low-velocity flows; it does not clearly describe any prior art devices specialized for this niche.
Market Context
The invention could potentially be applied in any infrastructure with flowing water, from city water supply pipelines to small rivers or irrigation canals. This suggests a somewhat broad potential market across utility and infrastructure sectors. However, the description is conceptual and provides no market data, so it is unclear how widespread and economically viable deployment would be.
Regulatory Context
As a renewable energy and electrical generation device, it would be subject to standard energy, utility, and safety regulations (e.g. electrical equipment codes, water resource management rules). It does not involve high-risk domains like medical or aviation, so regulatory barriers are likely routine (permits, environmental assessments) rather than major. The provided text does not address regulation.
Trends Impact
This invention fits global trends toward sustainability, decarbonization, and distributed renewable energy. By harvesting untapped renewable power from water flows, it aligns with environmental conservation and efficiency improvements. It resonates with initiatives to reduce fossil fuel dependence and improve infrastructure efficiency.
Limitations Unknowns
Key unknowns include the device’s power output, efficiency at various flow speeds, and economic feasibility. The provided information omits performance data, installation cost, maintenance needs, and how it affects the water system. Without these details, it is unclear how effective or practical the invention will be in real-world settings.
Rating
The invention addresses renewable energy generation from water flows and strongly aligns with sustainability goals, but uses conceptually familiar hydro turbine technology. Its strengths include environmental benefits and versatility in using existing water infrastructure. Weaknesses include limited evidence of performance or distinct advantage, and the concept is relatively easy for others to replicate. The score reflects moderate problem importance and sustainability impact, balanced by uncertainties in feasibility, market adoption, and intellectual property scope.
Problem Significance ( 6/10)
The invention targets generating clean energy from low-speed water flows, addressing the need to use renewable power without building large dams. This is a real environmental and energy challenge, but the text does not indicate a major urgent crisis. The problem is moderately important (with clear sustainability benefits) but not portrayed as an immediate high-stakes issue.
Novelty & Inventive Step ( 6/10)
The concept combines known elements (water-driven impellers, magnets for generation) in a specific configuration aimed at low-velocity flows. The use of a hollow impeller and vane structure is somewhat distinctive but water turbines are well-established technology. Without prior-art details, this seems a moderate innovation rather than a breakthrough new principle.
IP Strength & Breadth ( 5/10)
No claim details are provided. The idea appears focused on a particular design for water-powered generation. It may offer some protection, but water turbine and magnet-generator concepts are common. Likely the patent would be narrower, covering specific configurations. The strength is unclear without claim specifics.
Advantage vs Existing Solutions ( 6/10)
This system offers a clear benefit over conventional hydro (no dams needed, lower environmental impact) and could use flows that typically go unused. However, compared to other small-scale hydro devices or green energy, the advantages are qualitative. The patent claims improved efficiency at low flow, but no data is given. It seems a useful alternative rather than a radical improvement.
Market Size & Adoption Potential ( 5/10)
Potential applications exist in water utilities, irrigation, and renewable energy, suggesting a sizable number of possible installations. However, the market size is not specified and adoption would depend on cost, performance, and infrastructure compatibility. Without market data, this appears a moderately scaled opportunity with unknown uptake barriers.
Implementation Feasibility & Cost ( 7/10)
Technically, the device uses mature components (impellers, magnets, stators) and standard fabrication, suggesting feasibility. It doesn't require a major scientific breakthrough. However, engineering details (efficiency, durability, materials) are not provided. Development is plausible with moderate effort and cost, but actual performance is uncertain.
Regulatory & Liability Friction ( 8/10)
This is standard renewable energy equipment and would encounter routine energy, electrical safety, and water regulations. It is not in a highly regulated sector like medical devices. Regulatory requirements (permitting, environmental review) are likely manageable. Liability risks seem low beyond normal industrial standards.
Competitive Defensibility (Real-World) ( 4/10)
The core idea (water-driven turbine with electricity generation) is easy to understand and others could design similar systems. Unless covered broadly by claims, it seems straightforward for competitors to create alternatives. Any advantage is likely temporary unless combined with unique technology not described here.
Versatility & Licensing Potential ( 7/10)
The design can be applied to various water-flow contexts (pipelines, small rivers, irrigation channels), so multiple industries (utilities, agriculture, industrial) could use it. This suggests a decent range of licensees. The core concept is still within one general category (water energy) but with several use cases. It’s not extremely narrow nor broad like a cross-industry platform.
Strategic & Impact Alignment ( 8/10)
The innovation directly supports global sustainability and renewable energy trends by enabling low-impact power generation. It aligns well with decarbonization and efficiency goals. The social/environmental impact is clearly positive in context of clean energy.