CA2624070A1 - Mobile system for generating electricity from water currents - Google Patents
Mobile system for generating electricity from water currents Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2624070A1 CA2624070A1 CA002624070A CA2624070A CA2624070A1 CA 2624070 A1 CA2624070 A1 CA 2624070A1 CA 002624070 A CA002624070 A CA 002624070A CA 2624070 A CA2624070 A CA 2624070A CA 2624070 A1 CA2624070 A1 CA 2624070A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- converter
- turbine
- water
- blades
- paddles
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- 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
- F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
- F03B17/00—Other machines or engines
- F03B17/06—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head"
- F03B17/061—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" with rotation axis substantially in flow direction
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2240/00—Components
- F05B2240/40—Use of a multiplicity of similar components
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2240/00—Components
- F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
- F05B2240/93—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a structure floating on a liquid surface
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2240/00—Components
- F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
- F05B2240/97—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a submerged structure
-
- 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
- Y02E10/20—Hydro energy
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
Abstract
A mobile modular system for producing electricity from water currents is disclosed. Each module contains a submersible water current energy converter and a self-adjusting buoyant mooring mechanism. A converter consists of a pair of contra-rotating vertical axis wing-type turbines, connected to electrical generators, and a water flow accelerator.
Each turbine comprises a hub, which is mounted via bearings to the protecting housing, a plurality of radial wings, and an arrangement of paddles with mutually perpendicularly oriented floatable and sinkable blades. The hub and wings are filled with a buoyant material to eliminate the vertical load applied to axis bearings. The system module is capable of self-adjusting to the optimal position in a river current vertically and horizontally. It uses a simple anchoring means and can be easily relocated. An array of modules may be connected to an underwater transmission line to create a robust and cost-effective power generation system.
Each turbine comprises a hub, which is mounted via bearings to the protecting housing, a plurality of radial wings, and an arrangement of paddles with mutually perpendicularly oriented floatable and sinkable blades. The hub and wings are filled with a buoyant material to eliminate the vertical load applied to axis bearings. The system module is capable of self-adjusting to the optimal position in a river current vertically and horizontally. It uses a simple anchoring means and can be easily relocated. An array of modules may be connected to an underwater transmission line to create a robust and cost-effective power generation system.
Description
Mobile system for generating electricity from water currents FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to modular systems for producing electricity from the kinetic energy present in flowing water.
BACKGROUND
"I'he renewable energy sources are important in order to guarantee a sustainable power production in the future. Hydropower is the largest and the most applied renewable energy source in the production of electricity. Today conventional hydropower is constrained by land use, environmental concerns and high up-front capitalization. The renewable energy technology, such as hydrokinetic energy systems, is a valuable part of the overall solution.
These systems generate electricity from the kinetic energy present in flowing water. They may operate in rivers or manmade channels. Hydrokinetic systems utilize the water stream's natural pathway. No dam or impoundment is needed, therefore there is no major civil work to change the landscape, disturb the local ecology or uproot communities.
"I,here are no toxic by-products produced in the generation of electric power.
As long as the water flows, the hydrokinetic systems produce electricity or mechanical energy.
The most desirable to implement or cost-effective hydrokinetic system must produce the required amount of electricity and be optimal in terms of cost, size, weight, and reliability. Another essential quality of such a system is its modular design.
A modular hydrokinetic system is made of a number of standardized units or modules that can be fitted together to construct a large power system in a variety of ways. An additional advantage of a modular technology is that particular modules may be interchanged, added to or removed from the system as required. Such gives a time advantage for installation, modification, repairs and maintenance, thereby insuring that the system is more cost-competitive.
Further, there are a very large number of streams and small rivers, which do have significant water flows. It would be advantageous to have a modular constructed flexible hydrokinetic system that is suitable to use a variety of both deep and shallow water flows.
Thus there is a need for a robust hydrokinetic energy system that meets the above-mentioned criteria. The present invention is intended to satisfy that need.
This invention relates to modular systems for producing electricity from the kinetic energy present in flowing water.
BACKGROUND
"I'he renewable energy sources are important in order to guarantee a sustainable power production in the future. Hydropower is the largest and the most applied renewable energy source in the production of electricity. Today conventional hydropower is constrained by land use, environmental concerns and high up-front capitalization. The renewable energy technology, such as hydrokinetic energy systems, is a valuable part of the overall solution.
These systems generate electricity from the kinetic energy present in flowing water. They may operate in rivers or manmade channels. Hydrokinetic systems utilize the water stream's natural pathway. No dam or impoundment is needed, therefore there is no major civil work to change the landscape, disturb the local ecology or uproot communities.
"I,here are no toxic by-products produced in the generation of electric power.
As long as the water flows, the hydrokinetic systems produce electricity or mechanical energy.
The most desirable to implement or cost-effective hydrokinetic system must produce the required amount of electricity and be optimal in terms of cost, size, weight, and reliability. Another essential quality of such a system is its modular design.
A modular hydrokinetic system is made of a number of standardized units or modules that can be fitted together to construct a large power system in a variety of ways. An additional advantage of a modular technology is that particular modules may be interchanged, added to or removed from the system as required. Such gives a time advantage for installation, modification, repairs and maintenance, thereby insuring that the system is more cost-competitive.
Further, there are a very large number of streams and small rivers, which do have significant water flows. It would be advantageous to have a modular constructed flexible hydrokinetic system that is suitable to use a variety of both deep and shallow water flows.
Thus there is a need for a robust hydrokinetic energy system that meets the above-mentioned criteria. The present invention is intended to satisfy that need.
DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
In a hydrokinetic energy system, the kinetic energy of flowing water is transformed into inechanical energy by use of an underwater turbine. The mechanical energy is then utilized to turn a generator and produce electrical energy.
'I,here are several different types of underwater turbines. In general, underwater turbines of the prior art have been of two main classes, namely:
- Turbines having a horizontal axis of rotation;
- Turbines, which have a vertical axis of rotation.
The art of interest will be discussed in the order of their perceived relevance to the present invention.
Horizontal Axis Hydro Turbines 'I'his category covers devices, which are known as Submersible Propeller Water Turbines or Underwater Windmills. The design of these turbines consists of a concentric hub with radial blades, similar to that of a windmill. Mechanical power is applied directly or through a speed increaser to an electric generator.
A propeller turbine generally has a runner with three to six blades in which the water contacts all of the blades constantly. The pitch of the blades may be fixed or adjustable.
When submerged in a fast moving water source, the propeller is rotated by the force of the passing water.
Examples of Horizontal Axis Hydro Turbines are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6472768, 6267551, 6254339, 6168373, 5798572, 5226804, and 4613279.
Such companies as Verdant Power, UEK Corporation, Marine Current Turbines Ltd.
are also pursuing similar technologies for underwater power generation.
lnformation is available on their websites at:
ht~//wtivw.verdanthower.com/'Tech/lowimpact.shtm( http,,!/uekus.com/index.htnil http://www.marineturbines.com/home.htm respectively.
Propeller style generators work well for locations with fast moving, relatively deep streams. Clearly, devices such as these are simply too large for use in streams of shallow waters. Additionally, they suffer from low efficiency, poor starting torque and bearing problems.
Vertical Axis Hydro Turbines Currently known the most efficient prototype of the Vertical Axis Hydro Turbine, which the applicant is aware of, was invented by Edouard Petrounevitch and disclosed in the International Patent Application No PCT/CA2006/000326 for Modular System for Generating Electricity from Moving Fluid.
The embodiments of this system comprise a set of interconnected modules. Each module contains a fluid flow energy converter positioned in a protecting housing. A
converter consists of a vertical axis underwater hydro-turbine and a water flow accelerator. The turbine has an arrangement of paddles with mutually perpendicularly oriented floatable and sinkable blades. Such orientation of blades provides a positive feedback minimizing the blades' friction while maximizing a drag force and maximizing the turbine's efficiency. A water flow accelerator funnels incoming water current through the working part of the turbine and protects the resting part of the turbine from moving water. It further decreases the blades' friction and increases the fluid velocity through the turbine thereby enhancing the power output of the converter. An array of interconnected modules can be used to create versatile configurations of robust submersible hydroelectric power systems, which are inexpensive to build, install, maintain and dismantle.
It would be advantageous to further improve the efficiency of this system by:
- Eliminating the vertical load applied to vertical axis bearings;
- Additional acceleration of the incoming water flow;
- lmproved configuration of the turbine blades;
- Vertical and horizontal self-adjustment of system modules to an optimal position in a path of the water flow.
Furthermore, there is a need for a mobile hydro-systems module, which does not require complex anchoring mechanisms and can be easily relocated.
In this respect, the water current energy conversion system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides a cost-effective solution primarily developed for the purpose of generating electricity from shallow water currents.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The main object of the present invention is to create a new and more practical system for harvesting kinetic energy of water currents, by overcoming the drawbacks of the known systems.
Another object of the invention is to increase the entire system efficiency through the increase of turbine efficiency. This is achieved by employing a wing-type vertical axis hydro turbine with a zero vertical load applied to axis bearings and having an arrangement of the turbine blades, hub, and radial wings in an innovative way.
It is a further object of the invention to produce a system module for generating electricity which is capable of self-adjusting to an optimal position in the water current, consequently further increasing the entire system efficiency.
Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to produce a new robust and cost-effective system module for generating electricity from shallow water currents, which does not require complex anchoring mechanisms and can be easily relocated, hence providing a vast number of possible site-locations for installation of such a device.
In a hydrokinetic energy system, the kinetic energy of flowing water is transformed into inechanical energy by use of an underwater turbine. The mechanical energy is then utilized to turn a generator and produce electrical energy.
'I,here are several different types of underwater turbines. In general, underwater turbines of the prior art have been of two main classes, namely:
- Turbines having a horizontal axis of rotation;
- Turbines, which have a vertical axis of rotation.
The art of interest will be discussed in the order of their perceived relevance to the present invention.
Horizontal Axis Hydro Turbines 'I'his category covers devices, which are known as Submersible Propeller Water Turbines or Underwater Windmills. The design of these turbines consists of a concentric hub with radial blades, similar to that of a windmill. Mechanical power is applied directly or through a speed increaser to an electric generator.
A propeller turbine generally has a runner with three to six blades in which the water contacts all of the blades constantly. The pitch of the blades may be fixed or adjustable.
When submerged in a fast moving water source, the propeller is rotated by the force of the passing water.
Examples of Horizontal Axis Hydro Turbines are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6472768, 6267551, 6254339, 6168373, 5798572, 5226804, and 4613279.
Such companies as Verdant Power, UEK Corporation, Marine Current Turbines Ltd.
are also pursuing similar technologies for underwater power generation.
lnformation is available on their websites at:
ht~//wtivw.verdanthower.com/'Tech/lowimpact.shtm( http,,!/uekus.com/index.htnil http://www.marineturbines.com/home.htm respectively.
Propeller style generators work well for locations with fast moving, relatively deep streams. Clearly, devices such as these are simply too large for use in streams of shallow waters. Additionally, they suffer from low efficiency, poor starting torque and bearing problems.
Vertical Axis Hydro Turbines Currently known the most efficient prototype of the Vertical Axis Hydro Turbine, which the applicant is aware of, was invented by Edouard Petrounevitch and disclosed in the International Patent Application No PCT/CA2006/000326 for Modular System for Generating Electricity from Moving Fluid.
The embodiments of this system comprise a set of interconnected modules. Each module contains a fluid flow energy converter positioned in a protecting housing. A
converter consists of a vertical axis underwater hydro-turbine and a water flow accelerator. The turbine has an arrangement of paddles with mutually perpendicularly oriented floatable and sinkable blades. Such orientation of blades provides a positive feedback minimizing the blades' friction while maximizing a drag force and maximizing the turbine's efficiency. A water flow accelerator funnels incoming water current through the working part of the turbine and protects the resting part of the turbine from moving water. It further decreases the blades' friction and increases the fluid velocity through the turbine thereby enhancing the power output of the converter. An array of interconnected modules can be used to create versatile configurations of robust submersible hydroelectric power systems, which are inexpensive to build, install, maintain and dismantle.
It would be advantageous to further improve the efficiency of this system by:
- Eliminating the vertical load applied to vertical axis bearings;
- Additional acceleration of the incoming water flow;
- lmproved configuration of the turbine blades;
- Vertical and horizontal self-adjustment of system modules to an optimal position in a path of the water flow.
Furthermore, there is a need for a mobile hydro-systems module, which does not require complex anchoring mechanisms and can be easily relocated.
In this respect, the water current energy conversion system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides a cost-effective solution primarily developed for the purpose of generating electricity from shallow water currents.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The main object of the present invention is to create a new and more practical system for harvesting kinetic energy of water currents, by overcoming the drawbacks of the known systems.
Another object of the invention is to increase the entire system efficiency through the increase of turbine efficiency. This is achieved by employing a wing-type vertical axis hydro turbine with a zero vertical load applied to axis bearings and having an arrangement of the turbine blades, hub, and radial wings in an innovative way.
It is a further object of the invention to produce a system module for generating electricity which is capable of self-adjusting to an optimal position in the water current, consequently further increasing the entire system efficiency.
Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to produce a new robust and cost-effective system module for generating electricity from shallow water currents, which does not require complex anchoring mechanisms and can be easily relocated, hence providing a vast number of possible site-locations for installation of such a device.
'I'hese and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
SiJMMARY OF THE INVENTION
'The present invention provides a mobile system for producing electricity from the kinetic energy present in flowing water. The system may operate in rivers or manmade channels.
"I"he embodiments of the system comprise a set of interconnected modules. Each module contains a submersible water current energy converter and a self-adjusting buoyant mooring mechanism. A converter consists of a pair of contra-rotating vertical axis wing-type turbines, connected to electrical generators, and a water flow accelerator which can have either a common channel for both or a dedicated channel for each turbine.
Each turbine comprises a hub which is mounted via bearings on an inner vertical axis to the protecting housing, a plurality of radial support wings attached to the hub, a plurality of paddle support members fixedly and symmetrically mounted on upper and lower sides of support wings, two sets of paddles, and a plurality of radial stop wings attached to the hub.
'The first set of paddles with floatable blades is located above the radial support wings, as the second set of paddles with sinkable blades is located below the radial support wings.
'I'he paddle support members hold the paddles. The stops, built in said paddle support members, and radial stop wings limit the free rotation of the paddles within a ninety degree angle.
The paddles comprise a pair of sinkable or floatable blades having a rectangular-like geometry with the arc-shaped outer edges. The blades are asymmetrically fixed by their leading edges to the shafts at both ends in a mutually perpendicular orientation. Such orientation of blades provides a positive feedback minimizing the blades' friction and maximizing the turbine's performance. The blades' geometry allows interception of the incoming water flow nearly completely, thus further enhancing the turbine's efficiency.
The hub, radial support wings, radial stop wings, and paddle shafts are filled with a buoyant material to eliminate the vertical load applied to vertical axis bearings, thus decreasing the bearing friction force and increasing the power output of the converter.
A pair of electrical generators and speed increasers transforms the rotational energy of turbines into electricity.
A V-shaped water flow accelerator with a gradually decreasing rectangular cross-section directs incoming water flow through the working parts of turbines, blocking the opposite parts of turbines from moving water and urging said turbines to turn in mutually opposite directions. An inlet of the accelerator, having the form of a rectangular pyramid, is covered by filter panels to prevent clogging of the module and fish entrapment. The small cross-section area of the accelerator's outlet is incorporated into the front panel of the turbine unit.
A turbine unit's protecting housing comprises a strong steel frame, which supports the turbines, speed increasers and electrical generators. Two counter-rotating turbines are mounted side by side in order to neutralize the twisting moment produced by each turbine.
The system module is capable of self-adjusting to the optimal position in water current vertically and horizontally, consequently further increasing the entire system efficiency.
It uses a simple anchoring mechanism and can be easily relocated. Such gives a time advantage for installation and maintenance.
'The array of these modules may be connected to an underwater transmission line, thus providing versatile forms of robust hydroelectric power systems which are inexpensive to build, install and maintain.
The present invention, unlike previous efforts to generate electricity from moving water, is practical and economical because its design uses a new water current energy converter, which surpasses the efficiencies of other known free-flow hydro energy devices. It covers a wide market segment around the globe - areas with shallow river or channel currents.
There are two preferred embodiments of the system.
The embodiment A is the system assembly comprising an array of interconnected modules employing a water current energy converter, which contains a pair of contra-rotating vertical axis wing-type turbines, and a water flow accelerator with a common funneling channel for both turbines.
The embodiment B is the system assembly comprising an array of interconnected modules employing a water current energy converter, which contains a pair of contra-rotating vertical axis wing-type turbines, and a water flow accelerator with a dedicated funneling channel for each turbine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG.1 is a schematic view of a self-adjusting system module for harvesting the kinetic energy from water currents;
FIG.2 is a plain frontal view of the water current energy converter with a common funneling channel for both turbines;
FIG.3 is a top view of FIG. 2;
FIG.4 is a frontal view of the vertical axis wing-type hydro turbine;
FIG.5 is a top view of FIG.4;
FIG.6 is a frontal view of the paddle;
FIG.7 is a side view of FIG.6;
FIG.8 is a top view of FIG.6;
FIG.9 is a schematic view of a mooring configuration;
FIG.10 is a plain frontal view of the water current energy converter with a dedicated funneling channel for each turbine;
FIG.I 1 is a top view of FIG.10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiment A
The embodiment A is the system assembly comprising an array of interconnected buoyant unidirectional modules. Each module employs a water current energy converter, which contains a pair of contra-rotating vertical axis wing-type turbines, and a water flow accelerator with a common funneling channel for both turbines.
'The system module (FIGS.1 through 3) is capable of self-adjustment to changing water flow conditions. It contains a submerged water current energy converter and a self-adjusting buoyant mooring mechanism.
A converter includes a detachable turbine unit 21, positioned in a protecting housing, and a detachable water flow accelerator 22.
A turbine unit 21 (FIGS.2 and 3) consists of a pair of contra-rotating vertical axis wing-type turbines 23 and 24, connected to the detachable electrical generators 25 and 26 respectively.
Each turbine (FIGS.4 and 5) comprises a hub 27, which is mounted via bearings on an inner vertical axis 28 to the protecting housing 29, a plurality of radial support wings 30, attached to the hub 27, a plurality of paddle support members 32 fixedly and symmetrically mounted on upper and lower sides of support wings 30, two sets 33 and 34 of paddles with mutually perpendicularly oriented asymmetric blades 35 and 36 that are fixed to the shafts at both ends, and two sets 37 and 38 of radial stop wings attached to the hub 27.
The first set 33 of paddles with floatable blades is mounted via bearings built in the paddle support members 32 located on the upper side of support wings 30. The second set 34 of paddles with sinkable blades is mounted via bearings built in the paddle support members 32 located on the lower side of support wings 30.
1'he stops, built in paddle support members 32, and radial stop wings 37 and 38 limit the free rotation of paddles 33 and 34 within a ninety degree angle. Generally, each set may comprise any number of paddles (preferably three) made from any suitable material, such as steel, aluminum, plastic or fiberglass, which provides sufficient buoyancy for the floatable blades, and reasonable gravity for the sinkable blades.
As shown in FIGS.6 through 8, the blades 40 are asymmetrically fixed by their leading edge 41 to the shaft 42 at both ends in a mutually perpendicular orientation.
Such orientation of blades provides a positive feedback minimizing the blades' friction and maximizing the turbine's performance.
'I'o ensure the most efficient utilization of the water current, the blades 40 should preferably have a rectangular-like geometry with the arc-shaped outer edges 43. The distance between parallel leading 41 and trailing 44 edges should not exceed the half of the turbine's radius.
The high efficiency of the presented turbine comes from creating the maximum drag force by vertically oriented blades on the power generating side 45, and practically zero frictional force produced by horizontally oriented blades on the resting side 46 of the turbine (FIGS.4 and 5). The blades 40 extend beyond radial support wings 30, thus increasing torque to spin the turbine.
When the water is not flowing, the sinkable blades of the lower paddles, located below radial support wings 30, are partially open via the force of gravity, thus creating 45-degree angles between their surfaces and the vertical axis of the turbine.
When water flows against the partially opened blades on the power generating side of the turbine, the water current applies as an opening force against the blades. Two forces (gravity and water flow) start to turn the blades on the power generating side toward their vertical position. The cross flow area is increasing and the turbine begins spinning.
At the same time, because of their mutually perpendicular orientation, the blades on the opposite sides of'the paddles are turning toward their horizontal position, decreasing the frictional force.
This creates a positive feedback resulting in further increasing the turbine's spinning.
When the blades reach the vertical position, stops, built in paddle support members 32, and radial stop wings 38 prevent paddles from turning further. As a result, the vertically oriented blades create the maximum drag force while the frictional force of the horizontally oriented blades is negligible, thereby maintaining high efficiency of the presented turbine.
The upper paddles, located above radial support wings 30, work in a similar way. The only difference is that a buoyant force applies to the floatable blades of the upper paddles instead of a gravitational force applied to the sinkable blades of the lower paddles.
The hub 27, radial support wings 30, radial stop wings 37, 38 and paddle shafts are filled with a buoyant, foam-like material. Because of the Archimed's force created by a foam-like material inside, no vertical load is applied on vertical axis bearings, thus considerably increasing the power output of the converter.
A turbine unit 21 employs two counter-rotating turbines mounted side by side in order to neutralize the twisting moment produced by each turbine. Such arrangement allows the system module to automatically maintain an optimum heading to the river stream. This configuration also has the advantage of being able to use a simple but effective mooring mechanism.
The turbine unit's protecting housing 31, shown in FIGs.I through 3, is a strong steel frame, having a shape of the right prism, which supports the turbines 23 and 24, and electrical generators 25 and 26. The flat screen panels cover the frame's side, front, top and bottom entrances. These panels serve both to improve the efficiency of the converter, by creating a funneling channel together with the flow accelerator 22, and to protect the turbine unit from debris.
A pair of electrical generators 25 and 26 transforms the rotational energy of turbines 23 and 24 into electricity. The belts 51 and 52 rotatably couple the generator pulleys 53 and 54 to the turbine pulleys 55 and 56 respectively. These belts and pulleys serve as speed increasers to connect slowly spinning turbines to electrical generators. The belts in the present example are timing belts. Alternatively, other driven means, as well as any suitable submersible electrical generators may be employed.
Power available from a turbine increases as the cube of the water flow velocity. If the velocity is doubled, the available power then increases by a factor of eight.
It is therefore important to make use of velocities that are as high as possible, which would enable the number of turbines to be significantly reduced, and this would have a marked effect on the capital cost. This is achieved through the use of the V-shaped water flow accelerator 22 (FIGS.1 through 3).
Screen panels 61 and 62 cover the right and left sides of the accelerator. The top and bottom sides of the accelerator are covered by a pair of screen panels 63 and 64.
An inlet of the accelerator has the form of a rectangular pyramid 65 covered by filter panels, made of steel net, to avoid clogging of the converter by debris and fish entrapment.
The small outlet area 66 of the accelerator 22 is incorporated into a central opening of the front screen panel of the turbine unit 21. This water flow accelerator directs incoming water flow through the working parts of a left and a right turbines urging them to turn in mutually opposite directions and blocking the resting parts of the turbines from moving water. It increases the water velocity through the turbines, further decreases the blades' friction and reduces resistance to the turbine rotation, thereby enhancing the power output of the converter.
A self-adjusting buoyant mooring mechanism (see FIGS. 1 and 9) includes a pontoon 70, a converter-lifting winch 71, which is incorporated into the stern part of the pontoon, a whee172, positioned at the centre of the bottom side of the inlet area of the converter 73, a pair of wheels 74 and 75, attached to the bottom side of the outlet area of the converter 73, and mooring line 76 running from the front part of the converter 73 to the anchor 77.
The front part of the pontoon 70 is pivotally secured to the top side of the inlet area of the submerged water current energy converter 73. The winch rope 781imits the range of the vertical rotation of the outlet part of the converter from 0 to preferably 30 degrees.
It is known that the speed of the water stream on the surface is highest, but it drops down fast with increasing the depth. A buoyant mooring mechanism allows an inlet of the tilted converter to be placed closer to the water surface in order to utilize both the kinetic energy of a faster-moving surface water layer and the potential energy inherent in the water level difference, thus increasing the water flow velocity through the turbine unit.
Further, a buoyant mooring mechanism allows the converter to operate optimally under the influence of varying water levels 79 (FIG. 9) subject to various external factors such as rainfall or drought.
Securely moored to the river or channel bed, the system module orients itself into the water current like a boat at anchor. It is cheap and simple to assemble, dismantle and transport for relocation.
One or more modules can be placed in a river or channel for the purpose of generating electricity or pumping water. The electricity produced by the system is transmitted through the flexible underwater cables to the shore. After employing the appropriate voltage regulators and transformers, the generated power is then supplied to the consumers via the power-distributing network.
tJnlike the previous efforts to generate electricity from moving water, the present invention surpasses the efficiencies of other known free-flow hydro energy devices because its design uses a new water current energy converter, capable of self-adjusting to an optimal position in the water flow vertically and horizontally, and having a zero vertical load on turbine axis bearings. Torque is gained by an increase in horizontal distance instead of an increase in vertical distance, which allows it to be used in shallow water currents with a very low head. This technology drastically reduces material strength requirements for the turbine blades, system weight and cost.
Consequently, it adapts perfectly for the wide market segment - areas with shallow and/or slow water currents, therefore providing a significant advantage to the prior art.
Embodiment B
The embodiment B is the system assembly comprising an array of interconnected buoyant unidirectional modules. Each module is analogous to that described in the embodiment A. The only difference is that a water current energy converter employs a water flow accelerator with a dedicated left funneling channel 81 for a left turbine and a dedicated right funneling channel 82 for a right turbine (see FIGS. 10 and 11).
T'he present invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims.
SiJMMARY OF THE INVENTION
'The present invention provides a mobile system for producing electricity from the kinetic energy present in flowing water. The system may operate in rivers or manmade channels.
"I"he embodiments of the system comprise a set of interconnected modules. Each module contains a submersible water current energy converter and a self-adjusting buoyant mooring mechanism. A converter consists of a pair of contra-rotating vertical axis wing-type turbines, connected to electrical generators, and a water flow accelerator which can have either a common channel for both or a dedicated channel for each turbine.
Each turbine comprises a hub which is mounted via bearings on an inner vertical axis to the protecting housing, a plurality of radial support wings attached to the hub, a plurality of paddle support members fixedly and symmetrically mounted on upper and lower sides of support wings, two sets of paddles, and a plurality of radial stop wings attached to the hub.
'The first set of paddles with floatable blades is located above the radial support wings, as the second set of paddles with sinkable blades is located below the radial support wings.
'I'he paddle support members hold the paddles. The stops, built in said paddle support members, and radial stop wings limit the free rotation of the paddles within a ninety degree angle.
The paddles comprise a pair of sinkable or floatable blades having a rectangular-like geometry with the arc-shaped outer edges. The blades are asymmetrically fixed by their leading edges to the shafts at both ends in a mutually perpendicular orientation. Such orientation of blades provides a positive feedback minimizing the blades' friction and maximizing the turbine's performance. The blades' geometry allows interception of the incoming water flow nearly completely, thus further enhancing the turbine's efficiency.
The hub, radial support wings, radial stop wings, and paddle shafts are filled with a buoyant material to eliminate the vertical load applied to vertical axis bearings, thus decreasing the bearing friction force and increasing the power output of the converter.
A pair of electrical generators and speed increasers transforms the rotational energy of turbines into electricity.
A V-shaped water flow accelerator with a gradually decreasing rectangular cross-section directs incoming water flow through the working parts of turbines, blocking the opposite parts of turbines from moving water and urging said turbines to turn in mutually opposite directions. An inlet of the accelerator, having the form of a rectangular pyramid, is covered by filter panels to prevent clogging of the module and fish entrapment. The small cross-section area of the accelerator's outlet is incorporated into the front panel of the turbine unit.
A turbine unit's protecting housing comprises a strong steel frame, which supports the turbines, speed increasers and electrical generators. Two counter-rotating turbines are mounted side by side in order to neutralize the twisting moment produced by each turbine.
The system module is capable of self-adjusting to the optimal position in water current vertically and horizontally, consequently further increasing the entire system efficiency.
It uses a simple anchoring mechanism and can be easily relocated. Such gives a time advantage for installation and maintenance.
'The array of these modules may be connected to an underwater transmission line, thus providing versatile forms of robust hydroelectric power systems which are inexpensive to build, install and maintain.
The present invention, unlike previous efforts to generate electricity from moving water, is practical and economical because its design uses a new water current energy converter, which surpasses the efficiencies of other known free-flow hydro energy devices. It covers a wide market segment around the globe - areas with shallow river or channel currents.
There are two preferred embodiments of the system.
The embodiment A is the system assembly comprising an array of interconnected modules employing a water current energy converter, which contains a pair of contra-rotating vertical axis wing-type turbines, and a water flow accelerator with a common funneling channel for both turbines.
The embodiment B is the system assembly comprising an array of interconnected modules employing a water current energy converter, which contains a pair of contra-rotating vertical axis wing-type turbines, and a water flow accelerator with a dedicated funneling channel for each turbine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG.1 is a schematic view of a self-adjusting system module for harvesting the kinetic energy from water currents;
FIG.2 is a plain frontal view of the water current energy converter with a common funneling channel for both turbines;
FIG.3 is a top view of FIG. 2;
FIG.4 is a frontal view of the vertical axis wing-type hydro turbine;
FIG.5 is a top view of FIG.4;
FIG.6 is a frontal view of the paddle;
FIG.7 is a side view of FIG.6;
FIG.8 is a top view of FIG.6;
FIG.9 is a schematic view of a mooring configuration;
FIG.10 is a plain frontal view of the water current energy converter with a dedicated funneling channel for each turbine;
FIG.I 1 is a top view of FIG.10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiment A
The embodiment A is the system assembly comprising an array of interconnected buoyant unidirectional modules. Each module employs a water current energy converter, which contains a pair of contra-rotating vertical axis wing-type turbines, and a water flow accelerator with a common funneling channel for both turbines.
'The system module (FIGS.1 through 3) is capable of self-adjustment to changing water flow conditions. It contains a submerged water current energy converter and a self-adjusting buoyant mooring mechanism.
A converter includes a detachable turbine unit 21, positioned in a protecting housing, and a detachable water flow accelerator 22.
A turbine unit 21 (FIGS.2 and 3) consists of a pair of contra-rotating vertical axis wing-type turbines 23 and 24, connected to the detachable electrical generators 25 and 26 respectively.
Each turbine (FIGS.4 and 5) comprises a hub 27, which is mounted via bearings on an inner vertical axis 28 to the protecting housing 29, a plurality of radial support wings 30, attached to the hub 27, a plurality of paddle support members 32 fixedly and symmetrically mounted on upper and lower sides of support wings 30, two sets 33 and 34 of paddles with mutually perpendicularly oriented asymmetric blades 35 and 36 that are fixed to the shafts at both ends, and two sets 37 and 38 of radial stop wings attached to the hub 27.
The first set 33 of paddles with floatable blades is mounted via bearings built in the paddle support members 32 located on the upper side of support wings 30. The second set 34 of paddles with sinkable blades is mounted via bearings built in the paddle support members 32 located on the lower side of support wings 30.
1'he stops, built in paddle support members 32, and radial stop wings 37 and 38 limit the free rotation of paddles 33 and 34 within a ninety degree angle. Generally, each set may comprise any number of paddles (preferably three) made from any suitable material, such as steel, aluminum, plastic or fiberglass, which provides sufficient buoyancy for the floatable blades, and reasonable gravity for the sinkable blades.
As shown in FIGS.6 through 8, the blades 40 are asymmetrically fixed by their leading edge 41 to the shaft 42 at both ends in a mutually perpendicular orientation.
Such orientation of blades provides a positive feedback minimizing the blades' friction and maximizing the turbine's performance.
'I'o ensure the most efficient utilization of the water current, the blades 40 should preferably have a rectangular-like geometry with the arc-shaped outer edges 43. The distance between parallel leading 41 and trailing 44 edges should not exceed the half of the turbine's radius.
The high efficiency of the presented turbine comes from creating the maximum drag force by vertically oriented blades on the power generating side 45, and practically zero frictional force produced by horizontally oriented blades on the resting side 46 of the turbine (FIGS.4 and 5). The blades 40 extend beyond radial support wings 30, thus increasing torque to spin the turbine.
When the water is not flowing, the sinkable blades of the lower paddles, located below radial support wings 30, are partially open via the force of gravity, thus creating 45-degree angles between their surfaces and the vertical axis of the turbine.
When water flows against the partially opened blades on the power generating side of the turbine, the water current applies as an opening force against the blades. Two forces (gravity and water flow) start to turn the blades on the power generating side toward their vertical position. The cross flow area is increasing and the turbine begins spinning.
At the same time, because of their mutually perpendicular orientation, the blades on the opposite sides of'the paddles are turning toward their horizontal position, decreasing the frictional force.
This creates a positive feedback resulting in further increasing the turbine's spinning.
When the blades reach the vertical position, stops, built in paddle support members 32, and radial stop wings 38 prevent paddles from turning further. As a result, the vertically oriented blades create the maximum drag force while the frictional force of the horizontally oriented blades is negligible, thereby maintaining high efficiency of the presented turbine.
The upper paddles, located above radial support wings 30, work in a similar way. The only difference is that a buoyant force applies to the floatable blades of the upper paddles instead of a gravitational force applied to the sinkable blades of the lower paddles.
The hub 27, radial support wings 30, radial stop wings 37, 38 and paddle shafts are filled with a buoyant, foam-like material. Because of the Archimed's force created by a foam-like material inside, no vertical load is applied on vertical axis bearings, thus considerably increasing the power output of the converter.
A turbine unit 21 employs two counter-rotating turbines mounted side by side in order to neutralize the twisting moment produced by each turbine. Such arrangement allows the system module to automatically maintain an optimum heading to the river stream. This configuration also has the advantage of being able to use a simple but effective mooring mechanism.
The turbine unit's protecting housing 31, shown in FIGs.I through 3, is a strong steel frame, having a shape of the right prism, which supports the turbines 23 and 24, and electrical generators 25 and 26. The flat screen panels cover the frame's side, front, top and bottom entrances. These panels serve both to improve the efficiency of the converter, by creating a funneling channel together with the flow accelerator 22, and to protect the turbine unit from debris.
A pair of electrical generators 25 and 26 transforms the rotational energy of turbines 23 and 24 into electricity. The belts 51 and 52 rotatably couple the generator pulleys 53 and 54 to the turbine pulleys 55 and 56 respectively. These belts and pulleys serve as speed increasers to connect slowly spinning turbines to electrical generators. The belts in the present example are timing belts. Alternatively, other driven means, as well as any suitable submersible electrical generators may be employed.
Power available from a turbine increases as the cube of the water flow velocity. If the velocity is doubled, the available power then increases by a factor of eight.
It is therefore important to make use of velocities that are as high as possible, which would enable the number of turbines to be significantly reduced, and this would have a marked effect on the capital cost. This is achieved through the use of the V-shaped water flow accelerator 22 (FIGS.1 through 3).
Screen panels 61 and 62 cover the right and left sides of the accelerator. The top and bottom sides of the accelerator are covered by a pair of screen panels 63 and 64.
An inlet of the accelerator has the form of a rectangular pyramid 65 covered by filter panels, made of steel net, to avoid clogging of the converter by debris and fish entrapment.
The small outlet area 66 of the accelerator 22 is incorporated into a central opening of the front screen panel of the turbine unit 21. This water flow accelerator directs incoming water flow through the working parts of a left and a right turbines urging them to turn in mutually opposite directions and blocking the resting parts of the turbines from moving water. It increases the water velocity through the turbines, further decreases the blades' friction and reduces resistance to the turbine rotation, thereby enhancing the power output of the converter.
A self-adjusting buoyant mooring mechanism (see FIGS. 1 and 9) includes a pontoon 70, a converter-lifting winch 71, which is incorporated into the stern part of the pontoon, a whee172, positioned at the centre of the bottom side of the inlet area of the converter 73, a pair of wheels 74 and 75, attached to the bottom side of the outlet area of the converter 73, and mooring line 76 running from the front part of the converter 73 to the anchor 77.
The front part of the pontoon 70 is pivotally secured to the top side of the inlet area of the submerged water current energy converter 73. The winch rope 781imits the range of the vertical rotation of the outlet part of the converter from 0 to preferably 30 degrees.
It is known that the speed of the water stream on the surface is highest, but it drops down fast with increasing the depth. A buoyant mooring mechanism allows an inlet of the tilted converter to be placed closer to the water surface in order to utilize both the kinetic energy of a faster-moving surface water layer and the potential energy inherent in the water level difference, thus increasing the water flow velocity through the turbine unit.
Further, a buoyant mooring mechanism allows the converter to operate optimally under the influence of varying water levels 79 (FIG. 9) subject to various external factors such as rainfall or drought.
Securely moored to the river or channel bed, the system module orients itself into the water current like a boat at anchor. It is cheap and simple to assemble, dismantle and transport for relocation.
One or more modules can be placed in a river or channel for the purpose of generating electricity or pumping water. The electricity produced by the system is transmitted through the flexible underwater cables to the shore. After employing the appropriate voltage regulators and transformers, the generated power is then supplied to the consumers via the power-distributing network.
tJnlike the previous efforts to generate electricity from moving water, the present invention surpasses the efficiencies of other known free-flow hydro energy devices because its design uses a new water current energy converter, capable of self-adjusting to an optimal position in the water flow vertically and horizontally, and having a zero vertical load on turbine axis bearings. Torque is gained by an increase in horizontal distance instead of an increase in vertical distance, which allows it to be used in shallow water currents with a very low head. This technology drastically reduces material strength requirements for the turbine blades, system weight and cost.
Consequently, it adapts perfectly for the wide market segment - areas with shallow and/or slow water currents, therefore providing a significant advantage to the prior art.
Embodiment B
The embodiment B is the system assembly comprising an array of interconnected buoyant unidirectional modules. Each module is analogous to that described in the embodiment A. The only difference is that a water current energy converter employs a water flow accelerator with a dedicated left funneling channel 81 for a left turbine and a dedicated right funneling channel 82 for a right turbine (see FIGS. 10 and 11).
T'he present invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims.
Claims (5)
1. A mobile system for generating electricity from water currents, wherein a vertical axis wing-type turbine consists of:
a. A hub which is mounted via bearings on an inner vertical axis to the protecting housing and filled with a buoyant material to decrease the load applied to said vertical axis bearings b. A plurality of radial support wings attached to said hub and filled with a buoyant material to decrease the load applied to said vertical axis bearings c. The paddle support members fixedly and symmetrically mounted on upper and lower sides of said support wings d. The set of paddles mounted via bearings built in said paddle support members located on the upper side of said support wings; said paddles comprising a pair of floatable blades, having a rectangular-like geometry with the arc-shaped outer edges; said floatable blades asymmetrically fixed by their leading edges to both ends of a shaft in a mutually perpendicular orientation; said shaft being filled with a buoyant material to decrease the load applied to said vertical axis bearings e. The stops, built in said paddle support members located on the upper side of said support wings, limiting the free rotation of said paddles with said floatable blades within a ninety degree angle f. A plurality of radial stop wings attached to said hub above said support wings and limiting the free rotation of said paddles with said floatable blades within a ninety degree angle; said radial stop wings being filled with a buoyant material to decrease the load applied to said vertical axis bearings g. The set of paddles mounted via bearings built in said paddle support members located on the lower side of said support wings; said paddles comprising a pair of sinkable blades, having a rectangular-like geometry with the arc-shaped outer edges; said sinkable blades asymmetrically fixed by their leading edges to both ends of a shaft in a mutually perpendicular orientation; said shaft being filled with a buoyant material to decrease the load applied to said vertical axis bearings h. The stops, built in said paddle support members located on the lower side of said support wings, limiting the free rotation of said paddles with said sinkable blades within a ninety degree angle i. A plurality of radial stop wings attached to said hub below said support wings and limiting the free rotation of said paddles with said sinkable blades within a ninety degree angle; said radial stop wings being filled with a buoyant material to decrease the load applied to said vertical axis bearings.
a. A hub which is mounted via bearings on an inner vertical axis to the protecting housing and filled with a buoyant material to decrease the load applied to said vertical axis bearings b. A plurality of radial support wings attached to said hub and filled with a buoyant material to decrease the load applied to said vertical axis bearings c. The paddle support members fixedly and symmetrically mounted on upper and lower sides of said support wings d. The set of paddles mounted via bearings built in said paddle support members located on the upper side of said support wings; said paddles comprising a pair of floatable blades, having a rectangular-like geometry with the arc-shaped outer edges; said floatable blades asymmetrically fixed by their leading edges to both ends of a shaft in a mutually perpendicular orientation; said shaft being filled with a buoyant material to decrease the load applied to said vertical axis bearings e. The stops, built in said paddle support members located on the upper side of said support wings, limiting the free rotation of said paddles with said floatable blades within a ninety degree angle f. A plurality of radial stop wings attached to said hub above said support wings and limiting the free rotation of said paddles with said floatable blades within a ninety degree angle; said radial stop wings being filled with a buoyant material to decrease the load applied to said vertical axis bearings g. The set of paddles mounted via bearings built in said paddle support members located on the lower side of said support wings; said paddles comprising a pair of sinkable blades, having a rectangular-like geometry with the arc-shaped outer edges; said sinkable blades asymmetrically fixed by their leading edges to both ends of a shaft in a mutually perpendicular orientation; said shaft being filled with a buoyant material to decrease the load applied to said vertical axis bearings h. The stops, built in said paddle support members located on the lower side of said support wings, limiting the free rotation of said paddles with said sinkable blades within a ninety degree angle i. A plurality of radial stop wings attached to said hub below said support wings and limiting the free rotation of said paddles with said sinkable blades within a ninety degree angle; said radial stop wings being filled with a buoyant material to decrease the load applied to said vertical axis bearings.
2. A mobile system for generating electricity from water currents, wherein a submersible water current energy converter consists of:
a. A turbine unit housing having a front side, a back side, a top side, a bottom side, a right side, and a left side b. Screen panels covering the front, top, bottom, right and left sides of said housing;
said front screen panel having an opening in the center part of said panel for the entrance of a flow of water into said housing c. A right and a left turbine of Claim 1 rotatably supported by the top and bottom sides of said housing d. A right and a left electrical generator attached to said housing e. Means for transmitting the torque developed by said right and left turbines to said right and left electrical generators respectively f. A V-shaped water flow accelerator with a common funneling channel for both said right and left turbines; said common funneling channel having a gradually decreasing rectangular cross-section; an inlet of said accelerator having the form of a rectangular pyramid covered by a plurality of filter panels to prevent clogging of said converter; the small outlet area of said common funneling channel incorporated into said opening of said front screen panel for directing an incoming water flow through the working inner parts of said right and left turbines, blocking the opposite parts of said right and left turbines from moving water and urging said right and left turbines to turn in mutually opposite directions g. Screen panels covering the top, bottom, right and left sides of said accelerator.
a. A turbine unit housing having a front side, a back side, a top side, a bottom side, a right side, and a left side b. Screen panels covering the front, top, bottom, right and left sides of said housing;
said front screen panel having an opening in the center part of said panel for the entrance of a flow of water into said housing c. A right and a left turbine of Claim 1 rotatably supported by the top and bottom sides of said housing d. A right and a left electrical generator attached to said housing e. Means for transmitting the torque developed by said right and left turbines to said right and left electrical generators respectively f. A V-shaped water flow accelerator with a common funneling channel for both said right and left turbines; said common funneling channel having a gradually decreasing rectangular cross-section; an inlet of said accelerator having the form of a rectangular pyramid covered by a plurality of filter panels to prevent clogging of said converter; the small outlet area of said common funneling channel incorporated into said opening of said front screen panel for directing an incoming water flow through the working inner parts of said right and left turbines, blocking the opposite parts of said right and left turbines from moving water and urging said right and left turbines to turn in mutually opposite directions g. Screen panels covering the top, bottom, right and left sides of said accelerator.
3. A mobile system for generating electricity from water currents comprising a plurality of buoyant modules, wherein each of said modules contains:
a. A submerged water current energy converter of Claim 2 b. A self-adjusting buoyant mooring mechanism for providing additional acceleration of the incoming water flow, that includes a pontoon pivotally secured to the top side of the inlet area of said converter, thus enabling the free opposite end of said converter to rotate within an angle preferably ranging between 0 and 30 degrees, limited by the converter-lifting winch incorporated into the stern part of said pontoon, a wheel positioned at the centre of the bottom side of the inlet area of said converter, a pair of wheels attached to the bottom side edges of the outermost stern part of said converter, and mooring lines running from the front part of said converter to an anchor
a. A submerged water current energy converter of Claim 2 b. A self-adjusting buoyant mooring mechanism for providing additional acceleration of the incoming water flow, that includes a pontoon pivotally secured to the top side of the inlet area of said converter, thus enabling the free opposite end of said converter to rotate within an angle preferably ranging between 0 and 30 degrees, limited by the converter-lifting winch incorporated into the stern part of said pontoon, a wheel positioned at the centre of the bottom side of the inlet area of said converter, a pair of wheels attached to the bottom side edges of the outermost stern part of said converter, and mooring lines running from the front part of said converter to an anchor
4. A mobile system for generating electricity from water currents, wherein a submersible water current energy converter consists of:
a. A turbine unit housing having a front side, a back side, a top side, a bottom side, a right side, and a left side b. Screen panels covering the front, top, bottom, right and left sides of said housing;
said front screen panel having openings in the right and left parts of said panel for the entrance of a flow of water into said housing c. A right and a left turbine of Claim 1 rotatably supported by the top and bottom sides of said housing d. A right and a left electrical generator attached to said housing e. Means for transmitting the torque developed by said right and left turbines to said right and left electrical generators respectively f. A V-shaped water flow accelerator with a dedicated right funneling channel for said right turbine and a dedicated left funneling channel for said left turbine; said right and left funneling channels having a gradually decreasing rectangular cross-section; a single common inlet for both of said right and left funneling channels in the form of a rectangular pyramid covered by a plurality of filter panels to prevent clogging of said converter; the small outlet area of said right funneling channel incorporated into said right opening of said front screen panel for directing incoming water flow through the working outer part of said right turbine, blocking the opposite part of said right turbine from moving water and urging said right turbine to turn in the clockwise direction; screen panels covering the top, bottom, right and left sides of said right funneling channel; the small outlet area of said left funneling channel incorporated into said left opening of said front screen panel for directing incoming water flow through the working outer part of said left turbine, blocking the opposite part of said left turbine from moving water and urging said left turbine to turn in the counterclockwise direction; screen panels covering the top, bottom, right and left sides of said left funneling channel.
a. A turbine unit housing having a front side, a back side, a top side, a bottom side, a right side, and a left side b. Screen panels covering the front, top, bottom, right and left sides of said housing;
said front screen panel having openings in the right and left parts of said panel for the entrance of a flow of water into said housing c. A right and a left turbine of Claim 1 rotatably supported by the top and bottom sides of said housing d. A right and a left electrical generator attached to said housing e. Means for transmitting the torque developed by said right and left turbines to said right and left electrical generators respectively f. A V-shaped water flow accelerator with a dedicated right funneling channel for said right turbine and a dedicated left funneling channel for said left turbine; said right and left funneling channels having a gradually decreasing rectangular cross-section; a single common inlet for both of said right and left funneling channels in the form of a rectangular pyramid covered by a plurality of filter panels to prevent clogging of said converter; the small outlet area of said right funneling channel incorporated into said right opening of said front screen panel for directing incoming water flow through the working outer part of said right turbine, blocking the opposite part of said right turbine from moving water and urging said right turbine to turn in the clockwise direction; screen panels covering the top, bottom, right and left sides of said right funneling channel; the small outlet area of said left funneling channel incorporated into said left opening of said front screen panel for directing incoming water flow through the working outer part of said left turbine, blocking the opposite part of said left turbine from moving water and urging said left turbine to turn in the counterclockwise direction; screen panels covering the top, bottom, right and left sides of said left funneling channel.
5. A mobile system for generating electricity from water currents comprising a plurality of buoyant modules, wherein each of said modules contains:
a. A submerged water current energy converter of Claim 4 b. A self-adjusting buoyant mooring mechanism for providing additional acceleration of the incoming water flow, that includes a pontoon pivotally secured to the top side of the inlet area of said converter, thus enabling the free opposite end of said converter to rotate within an angle preferably ranging between 0 and 30 degrees limited by the converter-lifting winch incorporated into the stern part of said pontoon, a wheel positioned at the centre of the bottom side of the inlet area of said converter, a pair of wheels attached to the bottom side edges of the outermost stern part of said converter, and mooring lines running from the front part of said converter to an anchor.
a. A submerged water current energy converter of Claim 4 b. A self-adjusting buoyant mooring mechanism for providing additional acceleration of the incoming water flow, that includes a pontoon pivotally secured to the top side of the inlet area of said converter, thus enabling the free opposite end of said converter to rotate within an angle preferably ranging between 0 and 30 degrees limited by the converter-lifting winch incorporated into the stern part of said pontoon, a wheel positioned at the centre of the bottom side of the inlet area of said converter, a pair of wheels attached to the bottom side edges of the outermost stern part of said converter, and mooring lines running from the front part of said converter to an anchor.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002624070A CA2624070A1 (en) | 2008-04-10 | 2008-04-10 | Mobile system for generating electricity from water currents |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002624070A CA2624070A1 (en) | 2008-04-10 | 2008-04-10 | Mobile system for generating electricity from water currents |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2624070A1 true CA2624070A1 (en) | 2009-10-10 |
Family
ID=41161160
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002624070A Abandoned CA2624070A1 (en) | 2008-04-10 | 2008-04-10 | Mobile system for generating electricity from water currents |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2624070A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2479402A (en) * | 2010-04-09 | 2011-10-12 | Robert Hugh Mcallister | Horizontal hydro generator |
| CN106523249A (en) * | 2016-11-29 | 2017-03-22 | 贵州电网有限责任公司电力科学研究院 | Branch micro-water-head floating type hydraulic electro-generating device of cascade hydropower station |
-
2008
- 2008-04-10 CA CA002624070A patent/CA2624070A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2479402A (en) * | 2010-04-09 | 2011-10-12 | Robert Hugh Mcallister | Horizontal hydro generator |
| CN106523249A (en) * | 2016-11-29 | 2017-03-22 | 贵州电网有限责任公司电力科学研究院 | Branch micro-water-head floating type hydraulic electro-generating device of cascade hydropower station |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US8177480B2 (en) | Modular system for generating electricity from moving fluid | |
| US6856036B2 (en) | Installation for harvesting ocean currents (IHOC) | |
| US9938958B2 (en) | Vertical axis wind and hydraulic turbine with flow control | |
| CA2841198C (en) | Arrangement for extracting energy from flowing liquid | |
| NO335484B1 (en) | Underwater ducted turbine | |
| US20110309624A1 (en) | Device and system for extracting tidal energy | |
| WO2007129049A1 (en) | Turbine for extracting energy from a flowing fluid | |
| IE86387B1 (en) | A vertical fluid flow turbine | |
| US9222460B2 (en) | Conveyor-type system for generating electricity from water currents | |
| JP2013024049A (en) | Small-scaled hydropower generation apparatus | |
| CA2624070A1 (en) | Mobile system for generating electricity from water currents | |
| GB2396888A (en) | Wind or water currect turbine | |
| CA2602288C (en) | Modular system for generating electricity from moving fluid | |
| KR100622629B1 (en) | Opening and closing door type turbine with vertical shaft and many wings for generating power using the flow of fluid | |
| CA2510171A1 (en) | Modular system for generating electricity from moving water | |
| CA2504776A1 (en) | Modular system for generating electricity from moving fluid | |
| EP3164597B1 (en) | Device for generating hydro-electric energy | |
| CA2642033A1 (en) | Conveyor-type system for generating electricity from water currents | |
| KR20120031984A (en) | Power generation system that combines hydropower and wind power | |
| CN201650565U (en) | Double-wheel half-hidden screen current power generation device | |
| JP3137084U (en) | Underwater rotor | |
| KR102065074B1 (en) | Generator Using Seawater | |
| JP2003247481A (en) | Running-water hydraulic power generator | |
| KR20230163314A (en) | Multi-helical sail variable wing turbine for tidal current power generation | |
| GB2601721A (en) | Fluid turbine |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20130402 |
|
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20170215 |