GRANTED UTILITY MODEL PATENT

Technology Title: Autonomous Paddle Aerator

Inventors:

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

Academic Unit: Center for Computational Sciences – C3

Overview:
This Utility Model Patent integrates three key functions: solar energy harvesting, aeration, and autonomous movement across the pond. The first function is achieved through two photovoltaic modules that capture solar energy, which is then stored in a battery bank—enabling more sustainable electricity consumption and lower operational costs. The subsequent functions become feasible because the aerator’s paddles serve a dual purpose: aeration and propulsion.

Specifically, the paddles are divided into two subsets, each driven by an alternating current (AC) motor. Differential operation of these motors allows the aerator to move autonomously along the pond.

The aerator consists of two paddle sets that simultaneously perform aeration and displacement, two tubular shafts, two AC motors, two photovoltaic modules, a floating structure, two battery banks, a protective cover, and a counterweight structure to stabilize the batteries.

Patent Status: Granted. UTILITY MODEL PATENT NO. BR 20 2018 068740 4, issued on March 21, 2023.

Abstract: Available at this link.