Gravitational Vortex Powerplant

In summary, a gravitational vortex powerplant is a hydro powerplant that harnesses the energy of a draining vortex in a cylinder tank. To design a turbine blade for maximum efficiency in this setup, research and references on turbine blade shape and potential energy should be consulted. However, it is important to note that this technology is still in its early stages and there may be limited information and working plants available for reference. Potential investors and cooperation with established organizations may also be necessary for further development.
  • #1
charlestchan
10
0
Anyone has ever came across this powerplant? I'm a final year mechanical student, and i was asked to design the turbine blade to harness tp obtain the maximum efficiency of the hydro vortex. I'll be glad if someone can help me out by giving me some vortex calculations,simulations or any related topics @_@. Thank you
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
What exactly is a gravitational vortex powerplant?
 
  • #3
Let's assume you have a cyclinder tank. You drill a hole at the bottom, middle of the tank. The water will drain out and have the effect of a vortex. Just like A Sink. I need the calculations for such vortex, and i also need to know how do i harness the maximum torque from such vortex.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #4



Look at this two examples, and let me know if you're able to help me out @_@
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #5
charlestchan said:
Anyone has ever came across this powerplant? I'm a final year mechanical student, and i was asked to design the turbine blade to harness tp obtain the maximum efficiency of the hydro vortex. I'll be glad if someone can help me out by giving me some vortex calculations,simulations or any related topics @_@. Thank you

Can you please show us your research on this school project so far? We do not do your homework or project assignments for you here. Show us your efforts so far, and if you have specific questions, we may be able to help.
 
  • #6
Assume that it is a free vortex, can i assume that V(entrance) = V(angular) ? I am also planning to use Bernoulli equation where Q1 = Q2 . That means inflow = outflow. However, The water will rise to a certain level before it became steady.

Apply Bernoulli at the Point Inflow And Point Outflow. We have

(V1^2 - V2^2) / 2g = H

H is the height of water when it became steady. When it became steady, Inflow = Outflow that means A1V1 = A2V2.

Since i control the inflow of the water, it means A1V1 is known. The hole at the bottom of the tank is drilled by me. I can find out A2. Therefore, I will obtain V2.

Can i just subtitute V1 and V2 into the bernoulli, and obtain the H? Because i am not very sure how high my tank should be. I don't want water to spill from the tank. Thank You
 
  • #7
charlestchan said:
Let's assume you have a cyclinder tank. You drill a hole at the bottom, middle of the tank. The water will drain out and have the effect of a vortex. Just like A Sink. I need the calculations for such vortex, and i also need to know how do i harness the maximum torque from such vortex.

The maximum energy that can be harnessed from such a system would be the total potential energy of the water before it started draining. All you need to do is add a turbine on the drain; there's no need to try "harnessing" the vortex because it doesn't have any more net energy than the system had to start with.

Sounds to me like you're barking up the wrong tree.
 
  • #8
well, the truth is that we are actually focusing on efficiency, and not trying to harness additional power. It is believed that this vortex powerplant enable us to harness more power than the usual hydro powerplant. Am I wrong?

As for my part, i was asked to design a blade to increase efficiency. Therefore, if there is any references on the shape of turbine blade which may affect its efficiency, i hope you will let me know. Thank you :)
 
  • #10
of course i did . I'm hope someone can give me some references so i know where i should refer when i want to design a turbine for such set up. It is really tough because i have no idea so far.
 
  • #11
If you have done so, you may also have noticed:
- patent claims by at least two persons/companies
(meaning: nobody will help you copy their design)
- a scarcity of actually working plants
- a lot of marketing hype. The vocabulary used is uncomfortably close to water and vortex mysticism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viktor_Schauberger) and green/environmentalist dogmatism (like "only micro hydroelectric power is good hydroelectric power").
- Everybody in the field is looking for investors.

There´s one (imho fairly reliable) third party report of ~40% hydraulic efficiency (~25% over all) for a comparable design here:
http://web.fhnw.ch/technik/projekte/eit/Herbst2010/CerGaf/ergebnisse.html
So claims of >80% hydraulic efficieny are ... remarkable.
Have you tried the Swiss cooperative? http://www.gwwk.ch/

The German wikipedia page has a few more links but nothing really new.
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasserwirbelkraftwerk

If you really want to design: the turbine works like an inverted centrifugal pump. Get yourself some CFD code for a centrifugal pump and start modifying.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #12
thanks pal. I got enough information ;)
 
  • #13
thanks pal. I got enough information
 

1. What is a Gravitational Vortex Powerplant?

A Gravitational Vortex Powerplant is a type of powerplant that harnesses the energy of a strong gravitational vortex, usually created by a large body of water or a waterfall. This energy is then converted into usable electricity.

2. How does a Gravitational Vortex Powerplant work?

In a Gravitational Vortex Powerplant, water from a natural source is redirected into a circular basin or reservoir. The water is then released into a central shaft, creating a strong vortex. This vortex turns a turbine, which in turn generates electricity.

3. What are the advantages of using a Gravitational Vortex Powerplant?

One of the main advantages of a Gravitational Vortex Powerplant is that it relies on a renewable and continuous source of energy - the force of gravity. It also has a low environmental impact and does not produce any harmful emissions.

4. Are there any limitations to using a Gravitational Vortex Powerplant?

One limitation of a Gravitational Vortex Powerplant is that it requires a significant source of water and a specific terrain to be effective. This means that it may not be suitable for all locations. Additionally, the construction and maintenance of these powerplants can be costly.

5. How is a Gravitational Vortex Powerplant different from other types of hydroelectric power plants?

Unlike traditional hydroelectric power plants that rely on a dam to create a reservoir of water, a Gravitational Vortex Powerplant uses the natural force of gravity to generate energy. This makes it a more sustainable and eco-friendly option for producing electricity.

Similar threads

Automotive Would someone help with a flow simulation?
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
5
Views
1K
Vortex Lattice Method - can anyone help?
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
1
Views
3K
What is the optimum pitch angle for ceiling fan blade design?
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
3
Views
3K
Data sources for Vehicle Dynamics Model validation?
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
4
Views
936
IDI diesel with swirl chambers
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
3K
Automotive Gas Turbines in Cars: Efficiency, Power & More
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
13
Views
3K
Exploring Fluid Mechanics: Project Ideas and Recent Developments
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
1
Views
2K
Automotive Alternative engines for a car?
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
8
Views
2K
Designing coal feeders for a powerplant.
    • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
3K
Help Identifying Source of Sliding Adhesion Coefficient Equation
    • General Engineering
Replies
3
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top