DE102018003241A1 - Apparatus and method for generating usable energy - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for generating usable energy with a device for increasing a potential energy of a fluid and with a device for converting kinetic energy into usable energy, in particular into mechanical or electrical energy, wherein a gravity driven Verdrängerkolbenteil with a by its own weight an initial position sink sinkable sinker, wherein the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil is switchable to a buoyant body, so that the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil is displaceable by means acting thereon fluid buoyancy forces back towards the starting position.

Description

The invention relates to a device for generating usable energy with a device for increasing a potential energy of a fluid and with a device for converting kinetic energy into usable energy, in particular into mechanical or electrical energy.

The invention further relates to a method for generating usable energy, in which a fluid is brought from a lower height level to a higher height level, so that the fluid has a higher potential energy, which then in kinetic energy and usable energy, in particular in mechanical and / or electrical energy is converted.

Generic devices are known from the prior art as pumped storage power plants, in which water is brought by means of a pumping device from a lower height level with a potential output energy to a higher height level, which then the water inherent in a higher potential energy. The pumped-up water is thus cached at the higher level, and the higher potential energy involved can be converted into kinetic energy when needed, as the water is returned to a lower level. The kinetic energy thus obtained can thus be converted into usable energy for humans, in particular in mechanical or electrical energy. However, this prior art has the disadvantage that this usually large reservoirs or the like are required with which to store the water at the higher height level between.

In addition, other hydroelectric power plants are known, which may be designed as a river, wave power, tidal current power plants or the like.

The disadvantage of such a regenerative power generation, however, are the relatively large and expensive construction of such hydroelectric power plants, which often go hand in hand with deep-going construction measures in nature.

The invention has for its object to further develop generic devices, in particular to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages in the production of usable or regenerative energy.

The object of the invention is achieved by a device for generating usable energy with a device for increasing a potential energy of a fluid and with a device for converting kinetic energy into usable energy, in particular into mechanical or electrical energy, wherein the device passes through a gravity driven Verdrängerkolbenteil with a sinkable by its own weight from a starting position sink body, wherein the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil is switchable to a buoyancy body, so that the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil is displaceable by means acting thereon fluid buoyancy forces back towards the starting position.

Advantageously, created by the present device is a structurally extremely simple and almost everywhere usable possibility to generate usable energy for humans, and only by means of the existing gravity, so regenerative.

In particular, in the present case, therefore, a very advantageous regenerative power generation is possible.

This is essentially due to the gravity-driven positive displacement piston part, as this will only effect potential energy increase of the fluid by the force of gravity acting on the positive displacement piston part, which can then be used to drive the kinetic energy conversion device into usable energy. In other words, this means that the fluid is brought to a higher height level by simply lowering the one hand designed as a sinker Verdrängerkolbenteils in direct return.

Thus, the potential energy initially inherent in the gravity driven displacer part is utilized by its gravitationally initiated descent to increase the potential energy of the fluid, preferably in direct return.

Thus, the idea underlying the invention is described.

Furthermore, the sinking body or the gravity-driven displacement piston part is at the same time preferably designed as a switchable buoyant body. Again, another important feature of the invention is to be seen.

It is this combination in particular that makes it possible to operate the device in such a way that energy which can be used by man for human energy can be generated by means of gravity.

The gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil can be used for switching or switching between the sinker and the buoyant body as Switching, for example, include a manipulated evacuation space.

This manipulatable evacuation space is preferably configured such that a fluid can be evacuated out of it so that the gravity-driven displacement piston part loses its mass and can thus be switched from an original sinking body to a buoyancy body.

The manipulatable evacuation space may in this case preferably be operatively connected to an expansion space of an expansion element of the gravity-driven displacement piston part, with the expansion element a sealing element being realized in order to be able to establish a seal between the gravity-driven displacement piston part and the cylinder part.

An overpressure within such an expansion element may preferably be adjusted in dependence on frictional effects between the expansion element and the cylinder part of the device.

Cumulatively or alternatively, the overpressure can be adjusted depending on sealing effects between the expansion element and the cylinder part of the device.

For example, compressed air or the like may be exchanged between the evacuation space and the expansion space of the sealing expansion member, depending on whether the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil in a gravity mode (compressed air in the expansion space) or in a buoyancy mode (compressed air in the evacuation space) to be operated.

The means for increasing a potential energy of a fluid may be substantially realized by the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil which is movably mounted in a suitable cylinder part.

The device for converting kinetic energy into usable energy is provided structurally simple, for example, by a generator.

In the present case, the gravity-operated displacement piston part has a displacement stroke between a top dead center (initial position) and a bottom dead center, wherein the displacement stroke corresponds in the opposite direction to a lift stroke.

It is understood that the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil can be designed differently, so that energy can be obtained in the context of the invention.

In this case, the gravity-driven displacement piston part can embody both a sinkable body sinkable in the fluid and a buoyant body ascending in the fluid, be it in a single component or composed of several components.

In a suitable embodiment, the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil, the sinker and the buoyant body can be made very compact as a single, multi-functional component, so one-piece.

In terms of design, the gravity-driven displacement piston part can be realized in a very compact manner if the gravity-operated displacement piston part has a density-manipulatable basic body. In this way, a switch between a sinker and a buoyancy body can be solved structurally simple.

Alternatively, the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil be composed of several parts.

It should be remembered that the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil comprises approximately a disc element or the like, by means of which the actual fluid displacement process takes place.

The gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil may further comprise an additional sink body, by means of which the weight mass required for sinking the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils can be introduced. The sinker may then be suitably secured to the disc member or the like.

Furthermore, the gravity-driven displacement piston part can have an additional buoyancy body which, in particular in interaction with the fluid, can generate the required lift on the gravity-driven displacement piston part.

It is understood that either the sinker or the buoyant body can be activated in order to drive the gravity driven Verdrängerkolbenteil according to the invention can. Alternatively, it is also possible that both the sinker and the buoyant body are activated accordingly to allow the required effects.

It will be appreciated that the gravity operated displacer piston member may also be provided from a combination thereof.

Further different constructions of the gravity-driven positive displacement piston part will be discussed in more detail later.

In any event, the potential energy of the fluid is subsequently converted to kinetic energy, directly driving the means for converting kinetic energy into usable energy.

It should be noted that in the context of the present patent application, the expression "in particular" should always be understood to mean that this expression introduces an optional, preferred feature. The term is not to be understood as "and" and not as "namely" or the like.

Furthermore, it should be noted that in the context of the present patent application indefinite articles and indefinite figures such as "a ...", "two ...", etc. should be understood as a rule as at least-information, ie as "at least one. .. "," at least two ... ", etc., unless it is clear from the context or the specific text of a particular passage that there is only" exactly one ... "," exactly two ... ", etc should be meant.

A preferred embodiment provides that the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil is arranged vertically movable in a cylinder part at least partially filled with the fluid, the cylinder part is divided by the Verdrängerkolbenteils in a Fluidverdrängerbereich and in a fluid return area.

By this vertical mobility, the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil can be optimally driven by gravity on the one hand and by buoyancy forces on the other hand.

In this respect, the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil is designed both as a sinker and as a buoyancy body.

The cylinder part can be designed differently. It may have a circular, oval, angular body or the like. Or be open or closed.

Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the cylinder part should be arranged perpendicularly, ie vertically, aligned, so that the gravitational force displacement piston part can move optimally up and down in the cylinder part.

Advantageously, the cylindrical shape or the cross section of the cylinder part is selected depending on the component shape of the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils, or vice versa.

In any case, the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil divides the cylinder part in a Verdrängerseite or discharge side (Fluidverdrängerbereich) and in an inlet side and the return side (fluid return area).

It is understood that the fluid can be brought by means of the device proposed here very different from the Fluidverdrängerbereich to a higher height level. For example, after driving a means to convert kinetic energy into usable energy, the fluid can be diverted into the environment. The Fluidverdrängerbereich this could be filled again with new fluid.

It is particularly expedient if the fluid displacer region and the fluid return region are fluidically connected to one another so that a fluid displaced from the fluid displacer region can be guided into the fluid return region and thus ultimately returned to the cylinder part. In this way, the device can be operated particularly ecologically, since the fluid is reusable, preferably in the sense of a closed circuit, in particular between the Fluidverdrängerbereich and the fluid return area.

Furthermore, the fluid can be brought out of the Fluidverdrängerbereich structurally with very little effort to a required higher height level, if the device or the cylinder part comprises at least one riser, which is fluidly operatively connected to the cylinder part such that the fluid located in the cylinder part means at least partially displaceable into the at least one riser and up to a higher potential energy level, the potential energy of the fluid thereby obtained being convertible to kinetic energy to drive the means for converting kinetic energy into usable energy.

Preferably, the lower opening of the riser pipe is arranged in the lower region of the cylinder part such that the riser pipe is operatively connected to an interior space, in particular to the fluid displacement area, of the cylinder part.

As a result, the fluid displaced out of the cylinder part by means of the gravity-driven displacer piston part can be structurally simply passed through the lower opening, that is to say the inlet opening of the Riser, through into the riser into and displaced to a higher height level.

The upper opening - outlet opening - of the riser, however, is conveniently located above the gravity driven Verdrängerkolbenteils and preferably protrudes beyond the cylinder part of the device, so as to obtain a sufficient head for the fluid.

Advantageously, the delivery height of the riser is selected in dependence on the weight of the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils, thereby ensuring that the fluid can be reliably displaced using the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils from the upper opening of the riser out.

It is understood that the present riser can be formed very different.

In order to keep the friction between the fluid and the inside of the riser as low as possible, it is advantageous if the inside is designed to be particularly smooth.

The inside may cumulatively or alternatively also have a friction-reducing coating or the like, or the material of the riser is selected accordingly.

A coating can be done for example with Teflon or the like.

Advantageously, the fluid used in the present device is matched to the coating on the inside or on the material of the riser.

Furthermore, a plurality of riser pipes may be provided, which are arranged circumferentially distributed around the cylinder part on the device.

In order to be able to provide enough potential energy with the fluid to operate the device for converting kinetic energy into usable energy, the upper opening of the riser pipe is preferably arranged above the cylinder part or the fluid return region.

In particular, a drive unit of the means for converting kinetic energy into usable energy can be structurally very well and effectively operated with a kinetic energy inherent in the fluid when the upper opening of the riser and / or the higher height level of the fluid is at a height distance from top dead center of the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils, this height distance is greater than the Verdrängerhub the present device, in particular the means for increasing a potential energy of a fluid or the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils.

The device can be operated particularly effectively when the height distance is more than 1.5 times or twice the displacement stroke.

Another very good embodiment provides that the means for converting kinetic energy into usable energy between the upper opening of the riser and the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil is effectively arranged, so that the flowing out of the upper opening of the riser fluid preferably directly to drive the device can be used for converting kinetic energy into usable energy or for driving the drive unit thereof.

As already described above, it is advantageous if the displacement piston part is set up to be switchable between a gravity-driven sink body for sinking the displacement piston part in the fluid and a buoyancy body for ascending.

Preferably, the positive displacement piston part is set up so that the sinker can sink downwards due to its own weight in the fluid alone.

A positive displacement piston part switchable according to the invention can in this case be provided in a very different way if the gravity driven displacement piston part comprises a switchable device for preventing or allowing fluid flow through the displacement piston part and / or past the displacement piston part.

Such a switchable device can be realized structurally different.

A related advantageous embodiment variant may possibly be configured such that the gravity-driven displacement piston part has a variable outer diameter. In this way, it can be ensured that the gravity-driven displacement piston part, in its gravity operating state, that is, when the gravity-driven displacement piston part, due to its own weight, sinks downwards in the fluid due to gravity, interacts on its circumference with the cylinder part with sufficient sealing effect.

In a very simple case, the variable outer diameter can be replaced by an at least partially inflatable gravity driven Verdrängerkolbenteil be realized.

The excess pressure required for this purpose can be selected as a function of a frictional effect between the gravity-driven displacement piston part and the cylinder part.

The term "sufficiently sealing" in the sense of the invention means that the fluid displacer area is spatially separated from the fluid return area by means of the gravity-driven displacement piston part so that the fluid can be displaced through the at least one riser into a desired higher height level.

On the other hand, with a correspondingly reduced outer diameter, a reduced circumference of the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils and thus a gap between the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil and the cylinder part can be achieved, whereby in a buoyancy operating state of the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils the Fluidverdrängerbereich and the fluid return area can be spatially and fluidly interconnected.

By means of the variable outer diameter, the gravity-driven displacement piston part can therefore be switched between a sinker body and a buoyant body.

Cumulatively or alternatively, the gravity-driven displacer member may include a closable and openable fluid passage for spatially isolating or both interconnecting the fluid displacer portion from the fluid return portion.

Also by means of the closable and openable fluid passage, the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil is switchable between a sink body to a buoyant body.

Cumulatively or alternatively, the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil be designed at least partially for the fluid semipermeable. In this way it can be ensured that the fluid can not get into the fluid return region from the fluid displacement region through the gravity-driven displacement piston part during the gravity operating state, but vice versa in the buoyancy operating state.

In general, care should be taken in the present case that the friction between the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil and the cylinder part is optimized, so that a gravitational initiated or buoyancy-induced movement of the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils is braked against the cylinder part by the lowest possible friction effects.

It is understood that there are a number of design possibilities to significantly reduce such friction effects, for example, by means of particularly smooth surfaces of the component surfaces rubbing against each other.

Such smooth surfaces may be, for example, polished or coated surfaces. It is intended to a Teflon coated surface or the like.

Advantageously, generic coatings can be provided both on the gravity-driven displacement piston part and on the cylinder part, or just on one of these components.

Preferably, however, a small gap between the peripheral surface of the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils and the inside of the cylinder part may be present in order to reduce friction effects.

This small gap, for example, more than 0.1 mm or 0.5 mm, whereby on the one hand a sufficiently large distance is provided to avoid critical friction effects. On the other hand, leakage losses from the fluid displacement area to the fluid return area can be well controlled.

Preferably, the small gap is less than 1 mm in order to rule out any negative leakage losses between the Fluidverdrängerbereich and the fluid return area as possible.

Advantageously, the amount of the small gap depending on the outer diameter of the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils and / or be selected from the achievable with the riser head, whereby particularly well matched conditions can be achieved.

In order to be able to move the gravity-operated displacement piston part in an ordered manner relative to the cylinder part, it is advantageous if the device comprises a guide device by means of which the gravity-driven displacement piston part is movably mounted on the cylinder part.

Such a guide device may in this case comprise a rail system in which the gravity-driven displacement piston part is mounted approximately as a slide on rail elements of the cylinder part.

Or the guide device has roller or ball elements, by means of which the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil can be at least partially supported on the inside of the cylinder part.

Advantageously, the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil may be formed bulbous on its outer circumference, so that a sealing surface between the cylinder and the part is designed as possible only line-shaped, with this line-shaped sealing surface extends in the circumferential direction of an outer circumferential surface of the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils.

By the presently furnished device succeeds despite some frictional resistance, an effective operation.

Independently equipped devices which can be used according to the invention can, independently of one another, advantageously achieve the present object, namely:

A device for generating usable energy with a cylinder part, which comprises a fluid, with a Verdrängerkolbenteil which is arranged drivable in the cylinder part by gravity, with at least one riser, which is fluidly operatively connected to the cylinder part, that in the Cylinder part is displaceable at least partially into the riser into a higher potential energy level, and with a generator by means of which the potential energy of the fluid is convertible into kinetic energy, wherein the Verdrängerkolbenteil comprises an activatable buoyant body in the fluid against gravity ascend.

A generic device can advantageously be further developed by a displacer piston part designed as activatable buoyant body alone, so that this feature combination is already advantageous without the other features of the invention.

A device for generating usable energy with a cylinder part, which comprises a fluid, with a Verdrängerkolbenteil which is arranged drivable in the cylinder part by gravity, with at least one riser, which is fluidly operatively connected to the cylinder part, that in the Cylinder part fluid is at least partially displaced into the riser into a higher potential energy level, and with a generator by means of which the potential energy of the fluid is converted into kinetic energy, wherein the Verdrängerkolbenteil has a variable diameter.

For example, the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil this is simply designed inflatable, at least partially.

A generic device can advantageously be further developed by a displacer piston part designed with a variable outer diameter alone, so that this feature combination is already advantageous without the other features of the invention.

Device for generating usable energy with a cylinder part, which comprises a fluid, with a Verdrängerkolbenteil which is arranged drivable in the cylinder part by gravity, with at least one riser, which is fluidly operatively connected to the cylinder part, that in the cylinder part located fluid can be displaced at least partially into the riser to a higher potential energy level, and with a generator by means of which the potential energy of the fluid is converted into kinetic energy, wherein the Verdrängerkolbenteil has a fluid-permeable activated body.

Just by a fluid-permeable activatable positive displacement piston part, a generic device can advantageously be further developed, so that this combination of features is already without the other features of the invention is advantageous.

The object of the invention is also achieved by a method for generating usable energy in which a fluid is brought from a lower level (initial level) to a higher level (higher level), so that the fluid has a higher potential energy, which subsequently in kinetic energy and in usable energy, in particular in mechanical and / or electrical energy is converted, wherein the method is characterized in that the fluid is at least partially brought to a higher height level by means of a sinking in this fluid due to gravity sinking to drive a device for generating usable energy from kinetic energy, wherein the sinking body is displaced after descending from its original starting position out by means of the buoyancy of the fluid acting on the sinking buoyancy forces back towards the initial position of the sinker.

By means of this method, usable energy can be generated solely by utilizing gravity and by utilizing buoyancy forces for human beings.

In an alternative solution, the fluid could also be used only as a buoyancy aid for the gravity-driven sinker. In this case, this gravitational sinking body can then be directly mechanically operatively connected to a device for converting kinetic energy into usable energy, in particular into mechanical or electrical energy, so that this device for converting kinetic energy into usable energy from the gravity-driven sinker also bypasses a Device for increasing a potential energy of a fluid is drivable. For this purpose, the gravity-driven sinker is mechanically operatively connected to a drive unit of the means for converting kinetic energy into usable energy when the gravity-driven sinker sinks downwardly in the fluid. Before, during or after the switching of the gravity-driven sinking body into a buoyant body, the mechanical operative connection between the drive unit and the gravity-driven sinker can be released, for example, and the gravity-driven sinker rises again due to the buoyancy forces acting on it.

Advantageously, in the present case, the sink body is switched over in a suitable manner into a buoyant body.

Expediently, for the simple implementation of the present method, a device for increasing the potential energy thus has a gravitational sinking body, which is preferably switchable to a buoyant body, wherein by means of the sinker, however, a fluid at least partially to a higher potential energy can be brought to the device for Turning kinetic energy into usable energy.

A switching over of the sinking body can be achieved by the sinker, for example, changing its outside diameter such that an interaction with respect to a cylinder part can be manipulated.

Such a variable outer diameter can be realized for example by an inflatable sink body, which is variable with respect to its interacting with a cylinder part outer diameter.

Advantageously, the inflatable sinker or a suitably designed gravity driven Verdrängerkolbenteil is inflated with an overpressure, which is selected in dependence on a friction with respect to the cylinder part. This makes it possible to ensure that the gravity-driven displacement piston part or a sinking body in this respect is movable vertically within the cylinder part of the present device solely on account of the influence of gravity or buoyancy forces.

Cumulatively or alternatively, the sinking body can be transformed by means of density change into a buoyant body.

In any case, it is presently particularly advantageous if work is performed on a device for generating usable energy from kinetic energy by gravitational lowering of the sinking body, since the method can be operated particularly effectively.

In addition, it is expedient that usable energy is generated when the gravity-driven sinking body decreases due to gravity down.

In order to minimize any energy losses in the present device, it is expedient if this is operated with an energy cycle in which a gravitational sinking of the sinker causes a potential increase in energy of the fluid, wherein the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, such that by means of the kinetic energy a means for converting kinetic energy into usable energy can be driven.

As already described, the sinker is expediently configured as a displacement piston part.

Thus, an easily implemented method variant provides that the fluid is displaced into at least one riser by means of a gravity-driven displacer part arranged in a cylinder part and brought to a higher level than the initial layer level, the potential energy inherent in the fluid being at the higher level is converted into kinetic energy, wherein means of the kinetic energy means for converting kinetic energy into mechanical or electrical energy is driven.

The displacer piston part is adapted to be switchable from a sinker into a buoyant body or vice versa.

Advantageously, the positive displacement piston part has an activatable buoyant body in order to be able to ascend in the fluid against gravity.

The device for converting kinetic energy into human-usable energy, in particular into mechanical or electrical energy, may comprise a generator by means of which the kinetic energy can be correspondingly converted.

Advantageously, by means of the present device and the present method, it is possible in particular to dispense with reservoirs, stagnant waters, flowing waters, wave forces, tidal currents or the like.

For the purposes of the invention, potential energy or kinetic energy, which can be converted into usable energy, is provided by means of gravity, which is always present independently of the location.

Depending on the size of the device, different power outputs can be realized, these different power outputs depending on the interaction between gravity effect and buoyancy effect.

The present device is advantageously almost everywhere and at any time emission-free applicable, in particular independent of available wind or solar energy, ie 24 hours every day.

Advantageously, a generation of electrical energy can be carried out directly at a consumer location, so that expensive network systems, substations with partly interference-prone transformers or the like can be omitted.

Also often consuming approval procedures, such as in wind or hydroelectric plants, can be avoided by the present device.

By way of example, the modular design makes it possible to cover an electrical power of approximately 0.5 KW to over 350 KW.

It is understood that features of the solutions described above or in the claims can optionally also be combined in order to implement the presently achievable advantages and effects in a cumulative manner.

In the present case, it can not be ruled out that a particularly effective operation of the present device can be achieved by a combination of a multiplicity of the features described here.

Other features, effects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the description that follows, in which is shown and described by way of example a selection of embodiments of the present device.

Components which in the individual figures at least substantially coincide with respect to their function may in this case be identified by the same reference symbols, the components not having to be numbered and explained in all the figures.

• 1 schematisch eine Ansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Erzeugen von nutzbarer Energie mit einem schwerkraftbetriebenen Verdrängerkolbenteil mit einem Sinkkörper, wobei der schwerkraftbetriebenen Verdrängerkolbenteil in einen Auftriebskörper umschaltbar ist;
• 2 schematisch eine Ansicht der in der 1 gezeigten Vorrichtung mit einem schwerkraftbetriebenen und Außendurchmesser manipulierbaren Verdrängerkolbenteil;
• 3 schematisch eine Ansicht der in der 1 gezeigten Vorrichtung mit einem alternativen schwerkraftbetriebenen und Außendurchmesser manipulierbaren Verdrängerkolbenteil; und
• 4 schematisch eine Ansicht der in der 1 gezeigten Vorrichtung mit einem alternativen schwerkraftbetriebenen und schaltbar fluiddurchlässigen Verdrängerkolbenteil.

In the drawing show:

• 1 1 schematically shows a view of a device for generating usable energy with a gravity-driven displacement piston part with a sink body, wherein the gravity-driven displacement piston part is switchable into a buoyancy body;
• 2 schematically a view of the in the 1 shown device with a gravity-driven and outer diameter manipulatable Verdrängerkolbenteil;
• 3 schematically a view of the in the 1 shown device with an alternative gravity-driven and outer diameter manipulatable Verdrängerkolbenteil; and
• 4 schematically a view of the in the 1 shown device with an alternative gravity-driven and switchable fluid-permeable Verdrängerkolbenteil.

The in the 1 to 4 shown in various embodiments device 1 Primarily serves to generate energy that can be used by humans with the aid of gravity, which is always independent of the location G ,

For this purpose, the device 1 essentially a facility 2 for increasing a potential energy of a fluid 3 as well as a facility 4 for converting kinetic energy into usable energy.

The fluid 3 this can be water in the simplest case. But there are also other liquids used, for example, friction-reducing acting liquids.

The device 2 for increasing a potential energy of the fluid 3 has a gravity driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 which is in a cylinder part 6 along the longitudinal axis 7 the cylinder part 6 is mounted vertically movable.

The gravity-driven displacement piston part 5 has such an outer diameter 8th that he is in the cylinder part 6 can easily move down and up.

The cylinder part 6 is by means of the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils 5 in a fluid displacement area 10 and in a fluid return area 11 divided.

During the fluid displacement area 10 always above the gravity driven Verdrängerkolbenteils 5 is arranged, the fluid return area is located 11 accordingly always below the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils 5 ,

Due to the fact that the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 along the longitudinal axis 7 of the cylinder part 6 is movable, are the Fluidverdrängerbereich 10 and the fluid return area 11 variable in terms of their respective volumes (not separately quantified).

In the head area 15 of the cylinder part 7 is the upper starting position 16 the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils 5 , in which the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 at the beginning of a gravity mode of operation 18 (see in particular also 2 to 4 ) of the device 1 , in particular the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils 5 , ie, before the gravity-driven displacement piston part 5 solely due to its own weight within the fluid 3 goes down.

The upper starting position 16 hereby immediately sets the top dead center (not numbered again) of the stroke 19 (see in particular also 2 to 4 ) of the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils 5 represents.

In a foot area 21 of the cylinder part 7 is the lower end position 22 the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils 5 , in which the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 at the end of the gravity mode 18 and at the beginning of a lift operating condition 23 the device 1 or the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils 5 located before the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 due to buoyancy forces back inside the fluid 3 rises to the top, in which case the fluid 3 serves as a buoyancy aid medium.

Accordingly, the lower limit position 22 the bottom dead center (not numbered again) of the stroke 19 (see in particular also 2 to 4 ) of the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils 5 ,

In this embodiment, the foot area includes 21 a laterally wider floor area 25 at the top 26 entry ports 27 (only quoted as an example) of riser pipes 28 (only shown by way of example in their entirety and numbered) are arranged.

The cylinder part 6 can depending on the design of several distributed on its circumference risers 28 have, but at least one riser 28 to that by means of the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils 5 from the fluid displacer area 10 displaced fluid 3 upwards along a through a riser 28 provided funding path 29 from a lower height level 30 to a higher height level 31 bring to.

In this respect, this has on the higher height level 31 displaced fluid 3 a higher potential energy, and this only with the help of gravity.

From this higher height level 31 can the fluid 3 from an exit opening 32 of the respective riser 28 back down towards the cylinder part 6 flow and in this case a drive unit 34 the device 4 to convert kinetic energy into usable energy before the fluid 3 at least in this embodiment again in the fluid return area 11 arrives.

The drive unit 34 this is between the upper outlet openings 32 and in particular the fluid return area 11 arranged.

Due to the extra weight of the back in the fluid return area 11 backflowing fluid 3 , which now also on the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 act, the latter is additionally down towards the lower end position 22 accelerated.

By the construction described here, with regard to the fluid 3 a closed circuit realized as the fluid 3 by means of the gravity-driven displacement piston part 5 through the riser pipes 28 on the one hand by the Fluidverdrängerbereich 10 in the fluid return area 11 and then on the other hand, by the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 through or past the fluid return area 11 again in the Fluidverdrängerbereich 10 arrives.

The device 1 This can be operated very effectively, since here is a vertical distance 35 between the upper starting position 16 the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils 5 and the higher height level 31 which is greater than the stroke 19 the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils 5 ,

In this embodiment, the height distance is 35 1.5 times the stroke 19 ,

The gravity-driven displacement piston part 5 is present as a gravitational sinker 40 designed so that it is solely due to its own weight and the gravity acting on it inside the cylinder part 6 can sink down.

The gravity-driven displacement piston part 5 but is also designed so that the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 or in particular the gravity-driven sinker 40 to a buoyancy body 41 is switchable, so that the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 after a function switch over against gravity with the help of buoyancy forces can rise again upwards.

This function switching can be done technically in different ways, such as with the other in the other 2 to 4 indicated embodiments shown is indicated.

The gravity-driven displacement piston part 5 has a to the shape of the cylinder part 6 adapted cylindrical outer circumference 43 on.

The gravity-driven displacement piston part 5 is supported by some on its outer circumference 43 existing sliding elements 44 which may alternatively be configured as roller elements, punctually on the inside 45 of the cylinder part 6 from.

This leaves a small gap 47 of about 0.5 mm between the gravity driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 and the cylinder part 6 , so that the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 opposite the cylinder part 6 friction optimized is performed.

The small gap 47 In this case, it can be designed to have a wide variety of forms, for example, it can essentially be configured to be circulating without interruption.

According to the in the 1 The embodiment shown in the fluid return area 11 temporary fluid 3 after the sinking of the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils 5 in the lower end position 22 into the fluid displacement area via a bypass line (not shown here) 10 back while the gravity-driven displacement piston part 5 after a function switch back up to its starting position 16 increases.

The function switching of the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils 5 this involves an evacuation of one of the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 existing evacuation room 48 of fluid 3 or similar.

This is the original sinker 40 in the buoyancy body 41 switched and the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 can be in which in the cylinder part 6 located fluid 3 climb up again.

In the upper starting position 16 Once again, the evacuation room 48 again with fluid 3 or the like flooded and the process starts again.

The device 4 for converting kinetic energy into usable energy is realized in this embodiment by a generator not shown here (not numbered here again), by means of which electrical energy is generated.

As shown by the 2 is the device 1 shown in a further embodiment, wherein in the 2 shown device 1 here except for the above-described bypass line and an alternative gravity driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 are constructed essentially identical, so that accordingly only the differences are described. In this respect, it is dispensed with a repeated explanation of the same or equivalent components to avoid repetition.

The main difference, however, is that the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 7 now a switchable device 50 for preventing or allowing fluid flow at the gravity driven displacement piston part 5 includes.

This switchable device 50 comprises a clampable or foldable membrane element 51 which is in the gravity mode 18 the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils 5 is clamped, so that the membrane element 51 or the gravity-driven displacement piston part 5 with a circumferential sealing ring 52 springy on the inside 45 the cylinder part is applied.

In this respect, the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 in the case of gravitational descent in the direction of the lower end position 22 fluid 3 displace in the previously described manner.

In the lower end position 22 , ie in the buoyancy mode 23 , becomes the foldable membrane element 51 folded and thus a spatial connection of Fluidverdrängerbereich 10 and fluid return area 11 past the gravity-driven displacement piston part 5 produced.

Now also the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 switched, leaving the evacuation room 48 As already explained above evacuated, increases the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 back up, the fluid 3 flows out of the fluid return area 11 out and past the gravity-driven positive displacement part 5 into the fluid displacer area 10 ,

Again in the upper starting position 16 arrived, the membrane element 51 unfolded again and the evacuation room 48 will be back with fluid 3 flooded, so that the process starts again.

The unfolding of the membrane element 51 For example, by means of an expansion element 52 be accomplished in the form of an inflatable sealing ring.

For example, this can be compressed air from the evacuation room 48 used since the evacuation room 48 in the gravity mode 18 the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils 5 with fluid 3 must be flooded.

In this respect, in this case, the compressed air of the evacuation space 48 in the inflatable sealing ring 52 be directed.

In the buoyancy mode 23 the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils 5 is the in the inflatable seal 52 used compressed air again, the evacuation space 48 from the fluid 3 to evacuate.

Due to the loss of compressed air, the inflatable sealing ring collapses 52 and the gravity-driven displacement piston part 5 loses against the cylinder part 6 its sealing effect.

In this respect, the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 also according to the in the 2 shown embodiment of a gravity-driven sinker 40 to a buoyancy body 41 or vice versa switchable.

As shown by the 3 is the device 1 shown in a further embodiment, wherein in the 3 shown device 1 here except for the above-described bypass line and an alternative gravity driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 are constructed essentially identical, so that accordingly only the differences are described. In this respect, it is dispensed with a repeated explanation of the same or equivalent components to avoid repetition.

The main difference, however, is that the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 7 an alternative switchable device 50 for preventing or allowing fluid flow at the gravity driven displacement piston part 5 includes.

The alternative switchable device 50 is here as a bellows 55 designed, which the sinking body 40 and the evacuation room 48 includes.

For the purposes of the invention, the bellows provides 55 an alternative expansion element of the gravity driven Verdrängerkolbenteils 5 represents.

In this respect, for example, compressed air between the evacuation space 48 and the expansion element 55 be moved back and forth to the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 between the gravity mode 18 and the buoyancy mode.

The gravity-driven displacement piston part 5 characterized in this embodiment by a line surface seal between the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 and the cylinder part 6 out, which by means of a circumferential sealing lip 56 on the bellows 55 is realized. The line surface seal achieves a friction-reduced seal.

It is understood that the bellows 55 can be realized by a variety of differently constructed components.

Particularly simple and inexpensive, such a bellows 55 be provided when the bellows 55 an inflatable sewer pipe closure comprises.

In this respect, the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 also according to the in the 3 shown embodiment of a gravity-driven sinker 40 to a buoyancy body 41 or vice versa switchable.

As shown by the 4 is the device 1 shown in a further embodiment, wherein in the 4 shown device 1 here except for the above-described bypass line and an alternative gravity driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 are constructed essentially identical, so that accordingly only the differences are described. In this respect, it is dispensed with a repeated explanation of the same or equivalent components to avoid repetition.

The main difference, however, is that the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 7 an alternative switchable device 50 for preventing or allowing fluid flow through the gravity-driven displacer piston member 5 includes.

The alternative switchable device 50 from the 4 includes a closable and openable fluid passage 60 that is in the gravity mode 18 the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils 5 closed, so this is the fluid 3 effectively from the Fluidverdrängerbereich 10 can displace within the meaning of the invention. Here is the evacuation room 48 with fluid 3 flooded.

For the buoyancy mode 23 the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteils 5 becomes the fluid passage 60 opened and the gravity-driven displacement piston part 5 can be from fluid 3 be flowed through. Here is the evacuation room 48 of fluid 3 evacuated.

In this respect, the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil 5 also according to the in the 4 shown embodiment of a gravity-driven sinker 40 to a buoyancy body 41 or vice versa switchable.

It should be explicitly pointed out at this point that features of the solutions described above and / or in the claims and / or figures can optionally also be combined in order to be able to implement or achieve cumulatively explained features, effects and advantages.

It goes without saying that the exemplary embodiments explained above are only first embodiments of the device according to the invention. In this respect, the embodiment of the invention is not limited to these embodiments.

All disclosed in the application documents features are claimed as essential to the invention, provided that they are new to each other individually or in combination with respect to the prior art.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Device for generating usable energy

2

Device for increasing a potential energy of a fluid

3

fluid

4

Device for converting kinetic energy into usable energy

5

Gravity-driven displacement piston part

6

cylinder part

7

longitudinal axis

8th

outer diameter

10

Fluidverdrängerbereich

11

Fluid return region

15

head area

16

starting position

17

head area

18

Gravity mode

19

stroke

21

footer

22

end position

23

Lift mode

25

floor area

26

top

27

entry ports

28

risers

29

conveying

30

lower height level

31

higher height level

32

output port

34

drive unit

35

height distance

40

sinkers

41

buoyancy

43

outer periphery

44

Sliding elements

45

inside

47

small gap

48

evacuation space

50

Switchable device

51

membrane element

52

Expansion element or sealing ring

55

Expansion element or bellows

56

circumferential sealing lip

60

closable and openable fluid passage 60

G

gravity

Claims (10)

Device (1) for generating usable energy with a device (2) for increasing a potential energy of a fluid (3) and with a device (4) for converting kinetic energy into usable energy, in particular into mechanical or electrical energy, characterized through a Gravity-driven displacement piston part (5) having a sink body (40) which can be lowered by its own weight from a starting position (16), wherein the gravity-driven displacement piston part (5) can be switched to a buoyancy body (41) so that the gravity-driven displacement piston part (5) acts by means of this Fluid buoyancy forces again in the direction of the starting position (16) is displaced. Device (1) according to Claim 1 characterized in that the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil (5) in a with the fluid (3) at least partially filled cylinder part (6) is arranged vertically movable, wherein the cylinder part (6) by means of the Verdrängerkolbenteils (5) in a Fluidverdrängerbereich (10) and is divided into a fluid return area (11). Device (1) according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the Fluidverdrängerbereich (10) and the fluid return region (11) are fluidly connected to each other operatively. Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3 characterized by at least one riser pipe (28) which is operatively connected to the cylinder part (6) in such a way that the fluid (3) located in the cylinder part (6) at least partially enters the at least one riser pipe (8) by means of the gravity-driven displacement piston part (5). 28) into a higher potential energy level, wherein the potential energy of the fluid (3) obtained thereby is convertible into kinetic energy to drive the means (4) for converting kinetic energy into usable energy. Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4 characterized in that said gravity driven positive displacement piston member (5) includes switchable means (50, 51, 55) for preventing or allowing fluid flow through said gravity driven displacement piston member (5) and / or past said gravity driven displacement piston member (5). Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil (5) has a variable outer diameter (8) and / or a closable and openable fluid passage (60). Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that the gravity-driven Verdrängerkolbenteil (5) has a density manipulatable body. A method of generating usable energy in which a fluid (3) is brought from a lower level (30) to a higher level (31) so that the fluid (3) has a higher potential energy, which is subsequently converted into kinetic energy and energy into usable energy, in particular into mechanical and / or electrical energy, characterized in that the fluid (3) at least partially by means of a sinking in this fluid (3) due to gravity sinking body (40) to a higher height level (30) is brought to drive a device (4) for generating usable energy from kinetic energy, the sinking body (40) after sinking from its original starting position (16) out by means of the fluid (3) acting on the sinker (40) Buoyancy forces against gravity again in the direction of the starting position (16) of the sinker (40) is displaced. Method according to Claim 8 , characterized in that work is performed on a device (4) for generating usable energy from kinetic energy by gravity-induced lowering of the sinking body (40). Method according to Claim 8 or 9 , characterized in that the fluid (3) by means of a gravity-driven, in a cylinder part (6) arranged Verdrängerkolbenteils (5) displaced into at least one riser (28) and in this case brought to a relation to the Ausgangslageniveau (30) higher layer level (31) whereby the potential energy inherent in the fluid (3) brought to the higher layer level (31) is converted into kinetic energy, the kinetic energy driving a means (4) for converting kinetic energy into mechanical or electrical energy.

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