GRANTED UTILITY MODEL PATENT

Technology Title: Paddle Aerator with Energy Autonomy

Inventors:

Vinícius Menezes de Oliveira (Lattes CV)
Rilene Carolina Goelzer (Lattes CV)
Douglas Garcia Göebel Junior (Lattes CV)
Carlos Eduardo Augusto Marconato (Lattes CV)
Letieri Rodrigues Ávila (Lattes CV)

Academic Unit: Center for Computational Sciences – C3

Overview: It is well known that the operation of paddle aerators requires electrical power to drive the motor. In the first case, this entails the inconvenience of relying on submerged or overhead electrical wiring for operation. In the second case, it requires payment for electricity from the distribution grid to power the system. To address these issues, the present utility model was developed, in which the required electrical energy is generated by photovoltaic modules integrated into the aerator’s structure, eliminating dependence on the electrical grid and thereby significantly reducing energy consumption while promoting sustainable use. This is achieved through the inclusion of two photovoltaic modules and a battery bank mounted on the aerator’s floating structure, enabling energy generation and storage sufficient for continuous operation. Thus, this Utility Model refers to a floating paddle aerator powered by energy generated from photovoltaic modules installed on its structure. The energy is stored in a battery bank and is intended for use in aquaculture, providing an alternative method for tank aeration using renewable electrical energy.

Technological Advantage: This utility model integrates the functions of collecting solar energy through two photovoltaic modules and storing it in a battery bank within a paddle aerator, thereby enabling more sustainable energy consumption and lower operational costs. The aerator consists of a floating structure with two photovoltaic modules mounted perpendicularly to the main structure (1), placed on an additional supporting structure (2) to ensure stability; it also includes a battery bank (3) and counterweights (4) to collect and store sufficient energy for the aerator’s operation, without requiring connection to the central power grid.

Patent Status: Granted. UTILITY MODEL PATENT NO. BR 20 2017 026267 2, issued on June 27, 2023.

Abstract: Available at this link.