CA1072752A - Solar power generator and water purifier - Google Patents
Solar power generator and water purifierInfo
- Publication number
- CA1072752A CA1072752A CA293,695A CA293695A CA1072752A CA 1072752 A CA1072752 A CA 1072752A CA 293695 A CA293695 A CA 293695A CA 1072752 A CA1072752 A CA 1072752A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- boiler
- water
- globular
- steam
- level
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/02—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by heating
- C02F1/04—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by heating by distillation or evaporation
- C02F1/14—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by heating by distillation or evaporation using solar energy
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G6/00—Devices for producing mechanical power from solar energy
- F03G6/06—Devices for producing mechanical power from solar energy with solar energy concentrating means
- F03G6/065—Devices for producing mechanical power from solar energy with solar energy concentrating means having a Rankine cycle
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
- Y02A20/124—Water desalination
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
- Y02A20/124—Water desalination
- Y02A20/138—Water desalination using renewable energy
- Y02A20/142—Solar thermal; Photovoltaics
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
- Y02A20/20—Controlling water pollution; Waste water treatment
- Y02A20/208—Off-grid powered water treatment
- Y02A20/212—Solar-powered wastewater sewage treatment, e.g. spray evaporation
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
- Y02E10/46—Conversion of thermal power into mechanical power, e.g. Rankine, Stirling or solar thermal engines
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Y02W10/00—Technologies for wastewater treatment
- Y02W10/30—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies
- Y02W10/37—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies using solar energy
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Heat Treatment Of Water, Waste Water Or Sewage (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A combined solar power generator and water purifier is provided herein. It includes a hollow globular boiler anchored atop a body of water to be purified. The globular boiler includes automatically controlled, siphoning, water inlet means disposed adjacent an upper half of the globular boiler, an upwardly directed steam outlet conduit originating from an upper half of the globular boiler, and a refractor lens window disposed within an upper half of the globular boiler. Controllable means are provided for directing the sun's rays towards the refractor lens window to generate heat to boil water in the boiler. A primary turbine is disposed at a level above that of the boiler, the turbine being connected to the steam outlet conduit and being driven by steam under pressure from the boiler. Steam condenser means are connected to the primary turbine for dissipating residual heat in the steam effluent from the turbine and for condensing such steam as substantially pure water. A reservoir is connected to the condenser means and is disposed at a level which is lower than that of the primary turbine, but at a level which is higher than that of the globular boiler, for receiving such substantially pure water. A secondary turbine is disposed at a level which is lower than that of the reservoir but which is higher than that of the globular boiler. The secondary turbine is connected to the reservoir and is driven by water from the reservoir. Pure water effluent means are provided from the secondary turbine for use wherever pure water is received.
Such solar power generator is thus very energy efficient.
A combined solar power generator and water purifier is provided herein. It includes a hollow globular boiler anchored atop a body of water to be purified. The globular boiler includes automatically controlled, siphoning, water inlet means disposed adjacent an upper half of the globular boiler, an upwardly directed steam outlet conduit originating from an upper half of the globular boiler, and a refractor lens window disposed within an upper half of the globular boiler. Controllable means are provided for directing the sun's rays towards the refractor lens window to generate heat to boil water in the boiler. A primary turbine is disposed at a level above that of the boiler, the turbine being connected to the steam outlet conduit and being driven by steam under pressure from the boiler. Steam condenser means are connected to the primary turbine for dissipating residual heat in the steam effluent from the turbine and for condensing such steam as substantially pure water. A reservoir is connected to the condenser means and is disposed at a level which is lower than that of the primary turbine, but at a level which is higher than that of the globular boiler, for receiving such substantially pure water. A secondary turbine is disposed at a level which is lower than that of the reservoir but which is higher than that of the globular boiler. The secondary turbine is connected to the reservoir and is driven by water from the reservoir. Pure water effluent means are provided from the secondary turbine for use wherever pure water is received.
Such solar power generator is thus very energy efficient.
Description
z ~i This lnvention relates to a solar po~er generator apparatus for harnessing energy from ths sun and for purifying (i.e., desalination7 etc.) water in the use of such apparatus. This invention is related to applicant's copending application Serial No. 293,792.
Electricity is one of the most widely used forms of energy.
It is kn~wn that electricity may be produced by hydroelectric generators, combustion engines powered by expensive fuel, e.g. oil or natural gas, or by electromotive steam engines powered by coal, or by the use oE
nuclear energy. These procedures suffsr the deficiency that they may use diminishing non-renewable resources, and of pollution of the environ-ment. It is also known that purification of water is very important for agricultural, domestic and industrial uses, but that the expense of purification is quite often prohibitive.
It would therefore be advantageous if pure water and electri-city could be simultaneously produced with the advantages pointed out above but with fewer of the aforementioned disadvantages.
Many proposals have been made to achieve these ends. In one proposal, that provided by Canadian Patent No. 145,581 issued January 28, .
1913 to R.A. Fessenden, apparatus was provided for obtaining power from the sun'g radiant energy, wh~ch included the combination of a reservoir and a working fluid therein exposed to be heated by the sun's radiant energy, means for protecting such fluid against loss of heat by convec-tion, a low pressure turbine and means to operate it by that fluid, and an upper fluid reservoir and a lower fluid reservoir combined to store energy generated by the turbine. The problem which that inventor apparently desired to solve was that of protection of the working fluid against heat loss by conveotion.
In another system, that provided by Canadian Patent No. 505,536 issued September 7, 1954 to Agnew, the patentee attempted to provide improved apparatus that utilized the energy of solar rays for effecting a temperature differential between a quantity of water or other liquid , "" '' ' ''; " ~ `, ,' ` "`' ' `' ~ ' :10'7;~ S~
and the atmosphere thereaho~e, to conduct the re~ult~nt Yapors to a higher level, and then to condense the vapors and store the liquid thus provided. The vapors crea~ed power to generate electric current. A
heat exchange was effected between a source of water supply and a quan-tity of the water obtained from the supply to increase vaporization of the quantity of water. This was apparently solved by a solar engine including the combination of a reservoir, a basin for receiving liquid from the reservoirj a differential-pressure condùit extending from the reservoir to the basin for passing liquid into the latter, a transparent dome for the basin ~comprising a plurality of flat sheets for trans-mdtting solar rays to evaporate the liquid in the basin), a closed-circuit thermo-siphon heat exchanger extending from the reservoir and into the liquid in the basin for increasing the evaporative rate of the liquid, an upwardly directed duct extending from the dome to conduct the evaporated liquid to a level above, and at a substantially lower atmospheric pressure, than that of both the reservoir and the basin, a condenser at the upper end of the duct to condense the vapors, means for removing free air from the condenssr, a storage reservoir elevated above the first-mentioned reservoir, and a differential-pressure conduit leading from the condenser to the storage reservoir. The problem apparently to be solved by this pate~tee was to avoid the detrimental effect on the heat exchange characteristics of the presence of free air in the condenser circuit.
In a third system, that provided by Canadian Patent No.
669,504 issued August 27, 1963 to Po~olny, the patentee desired to pro-vide an arrangement for storing some of the heat energy from the sun so that it might be utilized during the intervals when the device was not exposed to the radiant heat oE the sun; and also to provide a power-plant in which a chemical compound was used which could be separated into its constituents electrically, together with an arrangement for storing the constitutents, to be later combined chemically for producing . r~ 2 -1~
.. : : :: :. , ::; . - : , :: :
::~ ., : ,: .:: :.~, .,, . .. ,, :
~7zt-~s2 electrical energy for the powerplant. These ends were apparently met by a solar energy powerplant including the combination of a boiler, a mirror for concen-trating radiant heat on the boiler, a turbine powered by vapor under pressure from -the boiler, and a generator driven by the turbine in combination with an electrolysis device for separating a compound into its constituents are combined to produce electrical energy, and control means for selec-tively con-necting the generator to the electrolysis device and to a load or connecting the fuel cell to the load. The problem thus apparently solved by this patentee was to store the sun's energy in the form of constituents of a chemical which could later be recombined to provide electrical energy.
It is seen therefore that the primary object of providing purification of water coupled with generation of electrical energy both in the daytime and at night has not yet been solved. However, by the present invention, this can be achieved by using a primary energy supply which is inexpensive, limitless and pure, namely the sun, in conjunction with the particular construction to be described hereinafter.
Thus, by one broad aspect of this invention, a combined solar power generator and water purifier is provided comprising:
(a) a hollow globular boiler anchored atop a body of water, the boiler including automatically controlled, siphoning, water inlet means disposed adjacent an upper half of the globular boiler, an upwardly directed steam outlet condui-t originating from an upper half of the globular boiler, and a refractor lens window disposed within an upper half of the globular boiler; (b) con-trollable means for directing the sun's rays towards the refractor lens window to generate heat to boil water in the globular boiler; (c) a primary turbine is disposed at a level above that of the globular boiler, connected to the steam -3- :
~L0~ 52 utlet conduit and being driven by steam under pressure from -the boiler; (d) s-team condenser means connected to the -turbine for dissipating residual hea-t in the steam which has been dis-charged from the primary turbine and for condensing the steam as substantially pure water; (e) a reservoir connected to the condenser means and disposed at a level which is lower than the primary turbine but preferably at a level which is higher than the globular boiler, for receiving such substantially pure water; (f) a secondary turbine disposed at a level lower than the reservoir but preferably higher than -that of the globular boiler, connected to the reservoir and being driven by water from the reservoir; and (g) pure water effluent means from the secondary turbine.
By one variant thereof, -the siphoning water inle-t comprises:
an inverted "L" leg including a segment extending hori~ontally from said upwardly directed steam outlet conduit; and connected to a segment extending downwardly to said body of water, to pro-vide a flow path between said steam outlet conduit and said body of water; a connecting leg between the vertical segment of the inverted "L" leg and the globular boiler; a valve in the connecting leg; and a float system connected to the valve and adapted to open the valve to permit water flow from the body of water to the glob-ular boiler when the water level in the boiler is lowered to a pre-determined level, and to close the valve to interrupt water flow from the body of wa-ter to the globular boiler when the level of water in the globular boiler reaches a desired equilibrium level.
By a further variant, the steam condenser means includes a radiator connected to the primary turbine for simultaneously re-covering useful heat from -the steam and for partially condensing the steam to water, and a condenser connected to the radiator for substantially completely condensing the steam to water.
By another variant, the solar power generator includes a valve for controlling the flow of water from the reservoir to the secondary turbine.
:
By yet another variant, the solar power generator lncludes a valve automatically sequenced for periodic openlng to permit flow of water from the reservoir to the secondary turbine, and for periodic . ~4a-: ~i .: ~ . - . :. . . . , , , :~ ~
sz clo~ing to cut off such water flo~.
By a still further variant, the means (g) co~rises a para-boloid reflector mounted on a post.
In the accompanying dra~ings, the single Figure is a schematic drawing of a solar power generator of one aspect of this invention as a combined desalination wa~er purification plant and as an electrical power generatlng plant.
The embodiment of the inven1:ion illustrated is applicable wherever sunlight reaches and wherever a body of water, whether saline, brackish, impure or clean, is availab:Le.
Generally, this solar power generator includes a ra~ collector which collects the rays of the sun, partially converges them and refracts them through a refractor lens which completes the convergence and yields high te~peratures, which vaporizes the water in the boiler and produces steam that drives the day generator. The steam is then con-ducted through the radiatOr where most of its sensible heat will be released, then to the condenser where the remainder of the sensible heat and its latent heat will dissipate and the vapor will condense.
The condensate will accumulate in the reservoir. Thls water will be pure distilled wateru It will be released at night to drive the night generator.
The pure water leaving the night generator may now be used ln homes, factories, and agricultural projects.
As seen in the drawing, the heart of the present invention is the globular boiler lQ. The globular boiler lO comprises a hollow globular vessel ll anchored atop a body of water 12, the boiler including a trap door l~ for acces~ to the i~terior of globular boiler 10 for the servicing thereof. The level 14 of the water in vessel ll is the same as the level 15 of the main body of water.
A siphoning, make-up water assembly 20 is provided including .. ... . . . .
: ,. : . .. - , . , :: . .
. . ~ .. : -.: .. ,,. . :, : , : :. ' .' .: : , ,: ' : ' ' :: .. :`'. .
an inverted "L" shaped leg provided by a vertical segment 21a and horizontal segment 21b connected be-tween the body of` wa-ter 12 and the upwardly directed steam outlet conduit 22, and a horizontal connecting leg 23 between vertical segment 21a and globular ;
vessel 11. The operation of the make--up water assembly 20 will be described hereinafter.
The upwardly direc-ted steam outlet conduit 22, the suction legs 21a and 21b and -the connecting leg 23 are each enveloped with insulation 24 to minimize heat loss by radiation.
Steam outlet condu~t 22 leads to primary generator 25, pro-vided with a steam~run turbine blade 26 which -turns shaft 27 for the generation of electricity in the usual manner. The out-flow steam lines 28 from generator 25 comprise a radiator 29, provided with radiator fins 29a for the simultaneous partial condensation of steam of dissipation of heat from the steam lines 28. Radiator 29 can alternatively, although not shown, be a water cooled heat exchanger system, with the flow of water being caused by a steam pump, using effluent steam from the generator 25.
Radiator 29 leads to condenser 30, also provided with radiator fins 31, (or which a water cooled heat exchanger), where the condensation of the steam to water can be substantially completed. Effluent from the condenser 30 is to a reservoir 32.
The reservoir 32 is adapted to release its contents through sluice 33, controlled by valve 34 (which may be an automatic timed solenoid valve or a hand valve) to a secondary generator 35 to run a water-powered turbine blade 36 which turns shaft 37 for the generation of electricity in the usual manner. The outflow of pure water from effluent line 38 can be used for a varie-ty of purposes.
The input of energy for the operation of the solar generator is by the mechanism of a paraboloid reflector 40 1~27SZ
mounted on a post 41. ~y suitable control of reflector 40, rays 42 of the sun 43 are caused to impinge as a parallel stream in-to refractor lens 44. The rays concentrated by refractor 44 generate heat to cause -the water in globular boiler 11 to boil.
Steam as it passes upwardly through steam outlet conduit 22 causes an aspirated suction -to be set up in suction legs 21a and 21b. When sufficient water has been boiled out of globular boiler 11, float 45 lowers to open check valve 46. This permits water to flow through suction legs 21a and connecting leg 23 to boiler 11. When -the correct equilibrium water level is reached, float 45 automatically shuts off the resupply of water.
Steam rising through steam outlet conduit 22 drives turbine 26 to generate electricity, is condensed to water in tubes 28 and condenser 30 and is stored in reservoir 32. Then it can perform additional useful work while flowing down through turbine 36 to generate more electricity. The effluent water is more useful as well because it is pure.
Electricity is one of the most widely used forms of energy.
It is kn~wn that electricity may be produced by hydroelectric generators, combustion engines powered by expensive fuel, e.g. oil or natural gas, or by electromotive steam engines powered by coal, or by the use oE
nuclear energy. These procedures suffsr the deficiency that they may use diminishing non-renewable resources, and of pollution of the environ-ment. It is also known that purification of water is very important for agricultural, domestic and industrial uses, but that the expense of purification is quite often prohibitive.
It would therefore be advantageous if pure water and electri-city could be simultaneously produced with the advantages pointed out above but with fewer of the aforementioned disadvantages.
Many proposals have been made to achieve these ends. In one proposal, that provided by Canadian Patent No. 145,581 issued January 28, .
1913 to R.A. Fessenden, apparatus was provided for obtaining power from the sun'g radiant energy, wh~ch included the combination of a reservoir and a working fluid therein exposed to be heated by the sun's radiant energy, means for protecting such fluid against loss of heat by convec-tion, a low pressure turbine and means to operate it by that fluid, and an upper fluid reservoir and a lower fluid reservoir combined to store energy generated by the turbine. The problem which that inventor apparently desired to solve was that of protection of the working fluid against heat loss by conveotion.
In another system, that provided by Canadian Patent No. 505,536 issued September 7, 1954 to Agnew, the patentee attempted to provide improved apparatus that utilized the energy of solar rays for effecting a temperature differential between a quantity of water or other liquid , "" '' ' ''; " ~ `, ,' ` "`' ' `' ~ ' :10'7;~ S~
and the atmosphere thereaho~e, to conduct the re~ult~nt Yapors to a higher level, and then to condense the vapors and store the liquid thus provided. The vapors crea~ed power to generate electric current. A
heat exchange was effected between a source of water supply and a quan-tity of the water obtained from the supply to increase vaporization of the quantity of water. This was apparently solved by a solar engine including the combination of a reservoir, a basin for receiving liquid from the reservoirj a differential-pressure condùit extending from the reservoir to the basin for passing liquid into the latter, a transparent dome for the basin ~comprising a plurality of flat sheets for trans-mdtting solar rays to evaporate the liquid in the basin), a closed-circuit thermo-siphon heat exchanger extending from the reservoir and into the liquid in the basin for increasing the evaporative rate of the liquid, an upwardly directed duct extending from the dome to conduct the evaporated liquid to a level above, and at a substantially lower atmospheric pressure, than that of both the reservoir and the basin, a condenser at the upper end of the duct to condense the vapors, means for removing free air from the condenssr, a storage reservoir elevated above the first-mentioned reservoir, and a differential-pressure conduit leading from the condenser to the storage reservoir. The problem apparently to be solved by this pate~tee was to avoid the detrimental effect on the heat exchange characteristics of the presence of free air in the condenser circuit.
In a third system, that provided by Canadian Patent No.
669,504 issued August 27, 1963 to Po~olny, the patentee desired to pro-vide an arrangement for storing some of the heat energy from the sun so that it might be utilized during the intervals when the device was not exposed to the radiant heat oE the sun; and also to provide a power-plant in which a chemical compound was used which could be separated into its constituents electrically, together with an arrangement for storing the constitutents, to be later combined chemically for producing . r~ 2 -1~
.. : : :: :. , ::; . - : , :: :
::~ ., : ,: .:: :.~, .,, . .. ,, :
~7zt-~s2 electrical energy for the powerplant. These ends were apparently met by a solar energy powerplant including the combination of a boiler, a mirror for concen-trating radiant heat on the boiler, a turbine powered by vapor under pressure from -the boiler, and a generator driven by the turbine in combination with an electrolysis device for separating a compound into its constituents are combined to produce electrical energy, and control means for selec-tively con-necting the generator to the electrolysis device and to a load or connecting the fuel cell to the load. The problem thus apparently solved by this patentee was to store the sun's energy in the form of constituents of a chemical which could later be recombined to provide electrical energy.
It is seen therefore that the primary object of providing purification of water coupled with generation of electrical energy both in the daytime and at night has not yet been solved. However, by the present invention, this can be achieved by using a primary energy supply which is inexpensive, limitless and pure, namely the sun, in conjunction with the particular construction to be described hereinafter.
Thus, by one broad aspect of this invention, a combined solar power generator and water purifier is provided comprising:
(a) a hollow globular boiler anchored atop a body of water, the boiler including automatically controlled, siphoning, water inlet means disposed adjacent an upper half of the globular boiler, an upwardly directed steam outlet condui-t originating from an upper half of the globular boiler, and a refractor lens window disposed within an upper half of the globular boiler; (b) con-trollable means for directing the sun's rays towards the refractor lens window to generate heat to boil water in the globular boiler; (c) a primary turbine is disposed at a level above that of the globular boiler, connected to the steam -3- :
~L0~ 52 utlet conduit and being driven by steam under pressure from -the boiler; (d) s-team condenser means connected to the -turbine for dissipating residual hea-t in the steam which has been dis-charged from the primary turbine and for condensing the steam as substantially pure water; (e) a reservoir connected to the condenser means and disposed at a level which is lower than the primary turbine but preferably at a level which is higher than the globular boiler, for receiving such substantially pure water; (f) a secondary turbine disposed at a level lower than the reservoir but preferably higher than -that of the globular boiler, connected to the reservoir and being driven by water from the reservoir; and (g) pure water effluent means from the secondary turbine.
By one variant thereof, -the siphoning water inle-t comprises:
an inverted "L" leg including a segment extending hori~ontally from said upwardly directed steam outlet conduit; and connected to a segment extending downwardly to said body of water, to pro-vide a flow path between said steam outlet conduit and said body of water; a connecting leg between the vertical segment of the inverted "L" leg and the globular boiler; a valve in the connecting leg; and a float system connected to the valve and adapted to open the valve to permit water flow from the body of water to the glob-ular boiler when the water level in the boiler is lowered to a pre-determined level, and to close the valve to interrupt water flow from the body of wa-ter to the globular boiler when the level of water in the globular boiler reaches a desired equilibrium level.
By a further variant, the steam condenser means includes a radiator connected to the primary turbine for simultaneously re-covering useful heat from -the steam and for partially condensing the steam to water, and a condenser connected to the radiator for substantially completely condensing the steam to water.
By another variant, the solar power generator includes a valve for controlling the flow of water from the reservoir to the secondary turbine.
:
By yet another variant, the solar power generator lncludes a valve automatically sequenced for periodic openlng to permit flow of water from the reservoir to the secondary turbine, and for periodic . ~4a-: ~i .: ~ . - . :. . . . , , , :~ ~
sz clo~ing to cut off such water flo~.
By a still further variant, the means (g) co~rises a para-boloid reflector mounted on a post.
In the accompanying dra~ings, the single Figure is a schematic drawing of a solar power generator of one aspect of this invention as a combined desalination wa~er purification plant and as an electrical power generatlng plant.
The embodiment of the inven1:ion illustrated is applicable wherever sunlight reaches and wherever a body of water, whether saline, brackish, impure or clean, is availab:Le.
Generally, this solar power generator includes a ra~ collector which collects the rays of the sun, partially converges them and refracts them through a refractor lens which completes the convergence and yields high te~peratures, which vaporizes the water in the boiler and produces steam that drives the day generator. The steam is then con-ducted through the radiatOr where most of its sensible heat will be released, then to the condenser where the remainder of the sensible heat and its latent heat will dissipate and the vapor will condense.
The condensate will accumulate in the reservoir. Thls water will be pure distilled wateru It will be released at night to drive the night generator.
The pure water leaving the night generator may now be used ln homes, factories, and agricultural projects.
As seen in the drawing, the heart of the present invention is the globular boiler lQ. The globular boiler lO comprises a hollow globular vessel ll anchored atop a body of water 12, the boiler including a trap door l~ for acces~ to the i~terior of globular boiler 10 for the servicing thereof. The level 14 of the water in vessel ll is the same as the level 15 of the main body of water.
A siphoning, make-up water assembly 20 is provided including .. ... . . . .
: ,. : . .. - , . , :: . .
. . ~ .. : -.: .. ,,. . :, : , : :. ' .' .: : , ,: ' : ' ' :: .. :`'. .
an inverted "L" shaped leg provided by a vertical segment 21a and horizontal segment 21b connected be-tween the body of` wa-ter 12 and the upwardly directed steam outlet conduit 22, and a horizontal connecting leg 23 between vertical segment 21a and globular ;
vessel 11. The operation of the make--up water assembly 20 will be described hereinafter.
The upwardly direc-ted steam outlet conduit 22, the suction legs 21a and 21b and -the connecting leg 23 are each enveloped with insulation 24 to minimize heat loss by radiation.
Steam outlet condu~t 22 leads to primary generator 25, pro-vided with a steam~run turbine blade 26 which -turns shaft 27 for the generation of electricity in the usual manner. The out-flow steam lines 28 from generator 25 comprise a radiator 29, provided with radiator fins 29a for the simultaneous partial condensation of steam of dissipation of heat from the steam lines 28. Radiator 29 can alternatively, although not shown, be a water cooled heat exchanger system, with the flow of water being caused by a steam pump, using effluent steam from the generator 25.
Radiator 29 leads to condenser 30, also provided with radiator fins 31, (or which a water cooled heat exchanger), where the condensation of the steam to water can be substantially completed. Effluent from the condenser 30 is to a reservoir 32.
The reservoir 32 is adapted to release its contents through sluice 33, controlled by valve 34 (which may be an automatic timed solenoid valve or a hand valve) to a secondary generator 35 to run a water-powered turbine blade 36 which turns shaft 37 for the generation of electricity in the usual manner. The outflow of pure water from effluent line 38 can be used for a varie-ty of purposes.
The input of energy for the operation of the solar generator is by the mechanism of a paraboloid reflector 40 1~27SZ
mounted on a post 41. ~y suitable control of reflector 40, rays 42 of the sun 43 are caused to impinge as a parallel stream in-to refractor lens 44. The rays concentrated by refractor 44 generate heat to cause -the water in globular boiler 11 to boil.
Steam as it passes upwardly through steam outlet conduit 22 causes an aspirated suction -to be set up in suction legs 21a and 21b. When sufficient water has been boiled out of globular boiler 11, float 45 lowers to open check valve 46. This permits water to flow through suction legs 21a and connecting leg 23 to boiler 11. When -the correct equilibrium water level is reached, float 45 automatically shuts off the resupply of water.
Steam rising through steam outlet conduit 22 drives turbine 26 to generate electricity, is condensed to water in tubes 28 and condenser 30 and is stored in reservoir 32. Then it can perform additional useful work while flowing down through turbine 36 to generate more electricity. The effluent water is more useful as well because it is pure.
Claims (7)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A combined solar power generator and water purifier comprising:
(a) a hollow globular boiler anchored atop a body of water, said boiler including automatically controlled, siphoning, water inlet means disposed adjacent the upper half of said globular boiler, an upwardly directed steam outlet conduit originat-ing from an upper half of said globular boiler, and a refractor lens window disposed within an upper half of said globular boiler;
(b) controllable means for directing the sun's rays towards said refractor lens window to generate heat to boil water in said boiler;
(c) a primary turbine disposed at a level above that of said globular boiler, connected to said steam outlet conduit and driven by steam under pressure from said globular boiler;
(d) steam condenser means connected to said primary turbine for substantially simultaneously dissi-pating residual heat in said steam effluent from said primary turbine and condensing said steam to substantially pure water;
(e) a reservoir connected to said condenser means, disposed at a level lower than the level of said primary turbine, for receiving said substantially pure water;
(f) a secondary turbine disposed at a level lower than that of said reservoir connected to said reservoir and being selectively driven by water from said reservoir;
and (g) pure water effluent means from said secondary turbine.
(a) a hollow globular boiler anchored atop a body of water, said boiler including automatically controlled, siphoning, water inlet means disposed adjacent the upper half of said globular boiler, an upwardly directed steam outlet conduit originat-ing from an upper half of said globular boiler, and a refractor lens window disposed within an upper half of said globular boiler;
(b) controllable means for directing the sun's rays towards said refractor lens window to generate heat to boil water in said boiler;
(c) a primary turbine disposed at a level above that of said globular boiler, connected to said steam outlet conduit and driven by steam under pressure from said globular boiler;
(d) steam condenser means connected to said primary turbine for substantially simultaneously dissi-pating residual heat in said steam effluent from said primary turbine and condensing said steam to substantially pure water;
(e) a reservoir connected to said condenser means, disposed at a level lower than the level of said primary turbine, for receiving said substantially pure water;
(f) a secondary turbine disposed at a level lower than that of said reservoir connected to said reservoir and being selectively driven by water from said reservoir;
and (g) pure water effluent means from said secondary turbine.
2. The solar power generator of Claim 1 wherein said siphoning water inlet comprises: an inverted "L" leg including a segment extending horizontally from said upwardly directed steam outlet conduit; and connected to a segment extending downwardly to said body of water, to provide a flow path be-tween said steam outlet conduit and said body of water; a con-necting leg between said vertical segment of said inverted "L"
leg and said globular boiler; a valve in said connecting leg;
and a float system connected to said valve and adapted to open said valve to permit water flow from said body of water to said boiler when the water level in said boiler is lowered to a pre-determined level, and to close said valve to interrupt water flow from said body of water to said globular boiler when the level of water in said globular boiler reaches a desired equil-ibrium level.
leg and said globular boiler; a valve in said connecting leg;
and a float system connected to said valve and adapted to open said valve to permit water flow from said body of water to said boiler when the water level in said boiler is lowered to a pre-determined level, and to close said valve to interrupt water flow from said body of water to said globular boiler when the level of water in said globular boiler reaches a desired equil-ibrium level.
3. The solar power generator of Claim 2 wherein said steam condenser means includes a radiator connected to said primary turbine for simultaneously recovering useful heat from said steam and for partially condensing said steam to water, and a condenser connected to said radiator for substantially completely condensing said steam to water.
4. The solar power generator of Claims 1, 2, or 3 including a valve for controlling the flow of water from said reservoir to said secondary turbine.
5. The solar power generator of Claims 1, 2 or 3 including a valve automatically sequenced for periodic opening to permit flow of water from said reservoir to said secondary turbine, and closing to cut off said flow.
6. The solar power generator of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said means (b) comprises a paraboloid reflector mounted on a post.
7. The solar power generator of claims 1, 2 or 3 in which said reservoir (e) is disposed at a level higher than the level of said globular boiler, and in which said secondary turbine (f) is disposed at a level which is higher than that of said globular boiler.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA293,695A CA1072752A (en) | 1977-12-22 | 1977-12-22 | Solar power generator and water purifier |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA293,695A CA1072752A (en) | 1977-12-22 | 1977-12-22 | Solar power generator and water purifier |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1072752A true CA1072752A (en) | 1980-03-04 |
Family
ID=4110361
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA293,695A Expired CA1072752A (en) | 1977-12-22 | 1977-12-22 | Solar power generator and water purifier |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1072752A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4388533A (en) * | 1981-03-20 | 1983-06-14 | Campbell Larry K | Power generating system |
| GB2495782A (en) * | 2011-10-23 | 2013-04-24 | Noel Mcwilliam | Solar energy and water treatment apparatus |
-
1977
- 1977-12-22 CA CA293,695A patent/CA1072752A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4388533A (en) * | 1981-03-20 | 1983-06-14 | Campbell Larry K | Power generating system |
| GB2495782A (en) * | 2011-10-23 | 2013-04-24 | Noel Mcwilliam | Solar energy and water treatment apparatus |
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