GB2463291A

GB2463291A - Hydro electric apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2463291A
Application number: GB0816419A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Raymond Keith Jackson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-09-09
Filing date: 2008-09-09
Publication date: 2010-03-10
Anticipated expiration: 2028-09-09
Also published as: GB2463291B; GB0816419D0

Abstract

Apparatus 401, and a method of manufacturing said apparatus, for the production of hydro-electricity comprises a trough (bucket) 402 having a length, a width 405, a depth 406 and an open region 408, the trough 402 being pivotally connected to a track 403 by a pivoting connection means such that the trough 402 is able to pivot about a point 404 which is at a substantially central width position and between 0 depth and 0.5 depth of a maximum depth 407 of the trough 402, the open region 408 of the trough 402 being at 0 depth and an inner bottom surface of the trough 402 being at its maximum depth 407. The trough 402 may be configured to drive an electrical generator, and the track 403 may be configured to move the trough 402 from an upper position 412 at which it receives fluid to a lower position 413 at which it pivots about point 404 and releases the fluid. The trough 402 may have an elongated length, substantially curved length and width edges/surfaces, and a plurality of dividers located within the trough 402.

Description

Production of Hydroelectricity

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application represents the first application for a patent directed toward the invention and the subject matter.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to apparatus for the production of hydroelectricity and a method for manufacturing apparatus used for the production of hydroelectricity.

io Background of the Invention

The production of hydroelectricity is known. However, it is desirable to increase the efficiency when producing hydroelectricity.

Brief Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for the production of hydroelectricity comprising: a trough having a length, a width and a depth and having an open region for receiving and releasing a fluid, a means for pivotally connecting said trough to a track for driving an electrical generator, said track being configured to rotate to move said trough from an upper position at which it receives said fluid to a lower position at which it releases said received fluid; wherein said means for pivotally connecting said trough to said track allows said trough to pivot about a pivot position located at a substantially central width position and between 0 depth and 0.5 depth of a maximum depth, said maximum depth defined by the inner bottom surface of said trough.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing apparatus for the production of hydroelectricity comprising the steps of: manufacturing a trough with an elongated length and substantially curved width edges, such that an open region is located on said trough at 0 depth of a maximum depth, said maximum depth defined by the inner bottom surface of said trough; attaching to said trough at a pivot position a means for pivotally connecting said trough to a track, wherein said pivot position is located at a substantially central width position and between 0 depth and 0.5 depth of a maximum depth, said maximum depth defined by the inner bottom surface of said trough; and inserting into said trough a plurality of dividers.

Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawings Figure 1 shows an example of an environment suitable for the installation of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an example of prior art;

Figure 3 shows an example of a known configuration of a trough; Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows further detail of trough 402; Figure 6 shows further features present on trough 402; Figure 7 shows a cross sectional view of trough 402 along line 603 of Figure 6; Figure 8 shows a front view of an embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 shows a side view of trough 402 in an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 1 0 shows a front view of the alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 shows a side view of the alternative embodiment, illustrating the location of the wall, the guide rail and the track in relation to one another; and Figure 1 2 shows barrier 419 in further detail.

Description of the Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention Figure 1 An example of an environment suitable for the installation of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. In this example a weir 1 01 is shown in which water travels from a substantially higher position 1 02 to a substantially lower position 103. It should be noted that there are many other suitable environments for the installation of the present invention, for example reservoir overflows, waterfalls or any environment in which water travels from a substantially higher position to a substantially lower position.

Figure 2 An example of prior art is shown in Figure 2. Trough 201 is pivotally connected to a track 205, track 205 being configured to rotate allowing the movement of trough 201. Trough 201 receives water 204 in an upper position 202. The weight of the water 204, along with gravitational forces, present in trough 201 causes trough 201 to descend into a lower position 203. Water 204 is then released from trough 201 at lower position 203; whereafter trough 201 is rotated back to upper position 202 so that the cycle may be repeated.

The movement of track 205 drives an electrical generator and therefore produces hydroelectricity.

Figure 3 The features of trough 201 are shown in detail in Figure 3.

Trough 201 has a length 301, a width 302 and a depth 303, as well as an open region 304 in which a fluid, for example water, may be received and released. As previously stated in Figure 2, trough 201 is pivotally connected to track 205. This is achieved by a connecting means 305, which pivotally connects trough 201 to track 205.

The inner bottom surface 306 of trough 201 defines the maximum depth of trough 201.

Figure 4 An embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 4.

Apparatus 401 is used to produce hydroelectricity and is shown in use in an appropriate environment. Each trough is pivotally connected to track 403, track 403 being configured to rotate allowing the movement of the troughs. Trough 402 will be used as an example to further describe the detail of each of the troughs of apparatus 401.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention trough 402 is pivotally connected to track 403 at a pivot position 404, which is located substantially centrally with regard to the width 405 of trough 402. With regard to the depth 406 of trough 402 pivot position 404 is located between 0 depth and 0.5 depth of the maximum depth 407, the maximum depth 407 being defined by the inner bottom surface of trough 402. Open region 408 defines 0 depth of trough 402.

In an alternative embodiment pivot position 404 is located between at 0.4 depth of the maximum depth 407, the maximum depth 407 being defined by the inner bottom surface of trough 402. Open region 408 defines 0 depth of trough 402. Trough 402 will be described in further detail with reference to later Figures.

In a preferred embodiment each trough of apparatus 401 is rotated in clockwise direction 409 by receiving and releasing a fluid, such as water 410. However, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments each trough could be rotated in an anticlockwise direction. In order to receive water 41 0 trough 402 must be in upright position 411 with open region 408 facing upwards.

Trough 402 receives water 41 0, via open region 408, when it is located in receiving location 41 2 of apparatus 401. The weight of the water 410, along with gravitational forces, present in trough 402 causes trough 402 to descend into releasing location 41 3 of apparatus 401.

Trough 402 is then moved into tipped position 414, using a tipping mechanism, this causes water 410 to be released from open region 408. The tipping mechanism will be described further with reference to later Figures.

As trough 402 continues to rotate in direction 409, the tipping mechanism moves trough 402 into overturned position 41 5. Whilst in overturned position 415 the open region 408 of trough 402 is facing downwards, which allows for more adequate drainage of trough 402, thus decreasing the weight of trough 402. In addition, overturned position 41 5 increases the aerodynamic properties of trough 402. The more adequate drainage and therefore decreased weight of trough 402 along with the increased aerodynamic properties contributes to increased speed of rotation and therefore the efficiency of apparatus 401. At location 41 6 of apparatus 401, the tipping mechanism moves trough 402 back into an upright position 41 7 in anticipation of receiving water 410 at receiving location 412.

In this illustrated embodiment, track 403 is located to rotate around four (4) wheels, such as wheel 41 8. However, a greater or lesser number of wheels may be used; the exact number may thus vary between applications.

Barrier 41 9 is located in an upstream position, substantially in front of apparatus 401, so as to act to prevent debris entering apparatus 401 and causing damage. Barrier 419 will be described further with reference to Figure 1 2.

Figure 5 Features of trough 402 are shown in detail in Figure 5. Trough 402 has a length 501, a width 405 and a depth 406, as well as an open region 408 in which a fluid, for example water, may be received and released. Open region 408 is located at 0 depth of a maximum depth, where the inner bottom surface of trough 402 defines the maximum depth of trough 402. As previously stated in Figure 4 trough 402 is pivotally connected to a track, at a pivot position.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention trough 402 has a series of dividers such as divider 502 positioned within, increasing the stability of trough 402 as well as limiting the movement of the water within trough 402. As illustrated in Figure 5 the length 501 of trough 402 is elongated, and curved. As well as having curved length edges, illustrated by edge 503, trough 402 also has curved width edges, illustrated by edge 504. These curved edges are found to increase the strength of the trough 402, increase the aerodynamic properties of trough 402 and to direct water into the corresponding trough present below trough 402.

As previously states trough 402 is connected to a track at a pivot position, this connection is made possible by pivotally connecting means 505. In a preferred embodiment pivotally connecting means 505 extends through trough 402 along length 501, as illustrated in Figure 5, thereby increasing the strength of pivotally connecting means 505. In a preferred embodiment pivotally connecting means 505 comprises a rod fabricated from stainless steel and trough 402 fabricated is from a carbon plastic material. Connecting means 505, comprising of a rod, is welded to the track thereby connecting the trough 402 securely to the track.

In alternative embodiments trough 402 is fabricated from stainless steel, a plastics material or any other natural or manmade material and connecting means 505 is fabricated from a plastics material or any other natural or manmade material.

Figure 6 Features present on trough 402, which enable the tipping mechanism to function as described in Figure 4, are shown in Figure 6.

In the present embodiment of the invention trough 402 further comprises a square shaped fixing 601, which is secured to pivotally connecting means 505 on a width edge such as width edge 504. The fixing 601 may then be secured to the track thereby fixing trough 402 to the track. A series of bars such as bar 602, are fixed to pivotally connecting means 505 at intervals between dividers, such as divider 502. Bars, such as bar 602 will be described further with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

In alternative embodiments fixing 601 could be circular, triangular, hexagonal or any other shape allowing fixing 601 to fix trough 402 to the track.

Figure 7 A cross sectional view of trough 402, along line 603 of Figure 6, is shown in Figure 7. Bar 602 is attached to pivotally connecting means 505 and extends downwards at an angle until it reaches the inner surface of trough 402. The angle at which bar 602 extends downwards may range from between 5 degrees to 90 degrees from vertical. A projection, such as projection 701 is secured within trough 402.

Projection 701 is positioned directly above where bar 602 reaches the inner surface of trough 402. As trough 402 is rotating around the track as previously described in Figure 4 projection 701 acts as a brace for bar 602 and supports the tipping of trough 402.

Figure 8 A front view of an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 8. Both ends of trough 402 are securely fixed to track 403 at a pivot position using pivotally connecting means 505 and fixing 601.

Fixing 601 is secured to pivotally connecting means 505 and also secured to track 403 thereby fixing trough 402 to track 403.

In order to receive water 410 trough 402 must be in upright position 411 with open region 408 facing upwards. Trough 402 receives water 41 0, via open region 408, when it is located in receiving location 41 2 of apparatus 401. The weight of the water 41 0, along with gravitational forces, present in trough 402 causes trough 402 to descend into releasing location 41 3 of apparatus 401. As trough 402 continues to rotate along track 403 it is tipped into position 414, causing water 410 to be released from open region 408. A series of bars, such as bar 602, are braced against a series of projections, previously described in Figure 7, thereby supporting the tipping of trough 402. As trough 402 continues to rotate, the trough 402 moves into an overturned position and is supported by the series of bars.

Whilst in this overturned position the open region 408 of trough 402 is facing downwards. After further rotation around track 403 trough 402 moves back into an upright position in anticipation of receiving water 410 at receiving location 412.

Figure 8 also illustrates how curved length edge 503 and curved width edge 504 directs water 41 0 into the trough below, thus reducing the volume of water lost increasing the weight of the trough and therefore driving the rotation of apparatus 401.

Figure 9 An alternative embodiment of the present invention, showing a side view of trough 402 is illustrated in Figure 9. Pivotally connecting means 505 is located substantially centrally with regard to the width 405 of trough 402. With regard to the depth 406 of trough 402 pivotally connecting means 505 is located between 0 depth and 0.5 depth of the maximum depth 407, the maximum depth 407 being defined by the inner bottom surface of trough 402. Open region 408 defines 0 depth of trough 402.

A further feature of trough 402 is guide wheel 901, which is secured to trough 402 and located at the top right-hand corner of trough 402. Guide wheel 901 is an alternative apparatus used to aid in the tipping mechanism of apparatus 401.

Figure 10 A front view of an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1 0. Both ends of trough 402 are securely fixed to track 403 at a pivot position using pivotally connecting means 505. Track 403 and guide rail 1 002 are attached to wall 1 001. The guide wheel (not shown) as previously described in Figure 9, engages with guide rail 1002 allowing trough 402 to be guided into the appropriate position during rotation.

In order to receive water 410 trough 402 must be in upright position 411 with open region 408 facing upwards. Trough 402 receives water 41 0, via open region 408, when it is located in receiving location 412. The weight of the water 410, along with gravitational forces, present in trough 402 causes trough 402 to descend into releasing location 41 3. As trough 402 continues to rotate along track 403, the guide wheel engages with guide rail 1 002 causing trough 402 to be tipped into position 414, causing water 410 to be released from open region 408. As trough 402 continues to rotate trough 402 moves into an overturned position, whilst in an overturned position the open region 408 of trough 402 is facing downwards. The engagement of the guide wheel with guide rail 1 002 causes trough 402 to be moved into the overturned position. As trough 402 rotates further along track 403 the guide wheel disengages from guide rail 1002 causing trough 402 to return to an upright position in anticipation of receiving water 41 0 at receiving location 41 2.

Figure 1 0 also illustrates how curved length edge 503 and curved width edge 504 directs water 41 0 into the trough below, thus reducing the volume of water lost increasing the weight of the trough and therefore driving the rotation.

Figure 11 A side view of wall 1 001, illustrating the location of guide rail 1 002 and track 403 in relation to one another is shown in Figure 11.

Track 402 is located around four wheels, such as wheel 41 8, which are secured to wall 1 001. Guide rail 1 002 is also attached to wall 1 001 and is positioned closest to the troughs, allowing the guide wheel of the troughs to engage with guide rail 1 002. The guide wheel of a trough engages with guide rail 1002 when the trough reaches releasing location 41 3 and disengages when the trough reaches location 41 6, previously described with reference to Figure 4.

Figure 12 Barrier 41 9 is described in further detail in Figure 1 2. In a preferred embodiment apparatus 401 is installed in a weir 1 01 allowing water to travel in direction 1 202, moving from a substantially high position 102 to a substantially lower position 103. It should be noted that there are many other suitable environments for the installation of the present invention, for example reservoir overflows, waterfalls or any environment in which water travels from a substantially higher position to a substantially lower position.

Barrier 419 comprises a series of individual barriers, such as barrier 1 201. Each individual barrier is secured into place, for example onto the riverbed or the bed of the reservoir. Each of the individual barriers are positioned upstream to apparatus 401 and act to shield it from debris, such as debris 1 203 and 1 204, that are pulled along in the current of the water. Each barrier is positioned such that barrier 41 9 forms a line moving diagonally in front of apparatus 401. However barrier 41 9 only shields apparatus 401 and does not shield the rest of the weir allowing pieces of debris to continue in its path flowing with the current of the water.

The series of individual barriers are positioned to allow gaps, such as gap 1205, to be present. These gaps allow water to enter apparatus 401 but are small enough to prevent debris entering the apparatus. In a preferred embodiment a 1 0cm gap is present between each barrier. Each individual barrier is curved in shape this allows the water be directed along the curve pushing debris along the line of barriers until it is eventually released from the barrier and rejoins the current of the water.

In a preferred embodiment the barriers are fabricated from concrete and are secured into place using concrete. In alternative embodiments the each individual barrier could be fabricated from stainless steel or a plastics material.

Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus for the production of hydroelectricity comprising: a trough having a length, a width and a depth and having an open region for receiving and releasing a fluid, a pivotally connecting means configured to connect said trough to a track for driving an electrical generator, said track being configured to rotate to move said trough from an upper position at which it receives said fluid to a lower position at which it releases said received fluid; wherein said pivotally connecting means allows said trough to pivot about a pivot position located at a substantially central width position and between 0 depth and 0.5 depth of a maximum depth, said open region of said trough being located at 0 depth and said maximum depth being defined by the inner bottom surface of said trough.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pivotally connecting means extends along the whole length of said trough.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said trough further comprises a fixing configured to be secured to said pivotally connecting means, when said pivotally connecting means protrudes from the width edges of said trough.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said fixing is further configured to be secured to said track, thereby fixing said trough to said track.
5. Apparatus according to claims 3 and 4, wherein said fixing is square in shape.
6. Apparatus according to claim 3 when dependent upon claim 2, wherein said trough further comprises a series of bars positioned within said trough and fixed to said pivotally connecting means; and said bars are configured to extend downwards at an angle until they reach the inner surface of said trough.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said trough further comprises a series of projections secured within said trough; and said projections are configured to brace said bars when said trough pivots around said pivot position.
8. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said bars extend downwards at an angle ranging from 5 degrees to 90 degrees from vertical.
9. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said apparatus for the production of hydroelectricity further comprises guide rails; and said trough further comprises guide wheels secured to said width edges of said trough; whereby said guide rails and said guide wheels are configured to move from an engaged state, allowing said trough to pivot into a overturned position thereby releasing water, to a disengaged state allowing said trough to pivot into an upright position thereby allowing said trough to receive water.
10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said pivot position is located at a substantially central width position and at 0.4 depth of a maximum depth, said maximum depth defined by the inner bottom surface of said trough.
11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said trough comprises a substantially elongated length.
1 2. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said trough comprises substantially curved width edges.
1 3. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said trough comprises substantially curved length edges.
14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said trough further comprises a plurality of dividers positioned within said trough.
1 5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said pivotally connecting means comprises a rod.
16. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said trough is fabricated from a carbon plastic material.
1 7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said trough is fabricated from a metal or a plastics material.
1 8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said apparatus for the production of hydroelectricity further includes a barrier; said barrier comprising a series of individual barriers, located in front of said apparatus for the production of hydroelectricity, and configured to prevent debris entering said apparatus for the production of hydroelectricity.
1 9. A method of manufacturing apparatus for the production of hydroelectricity comprising the steps of: manufacturing a trough with an elongated length, substantially curved length edges and substantially curved width edges, such that an open region is located on said trough at 0 depth of a maximum depth, said maximum depth defined by the inner bottom surface of said trough; attaching to said trough at a pivot position a pivotally connecting means configured to pivotally connect said trough to a track, wherein said pivot position is located at a substantially central width position and between 0 depth and 0.5 depth of a maximum depth, said maximum depth defined by the inner bottom surface of said trough; and inserting into said trough a plurality of dividers.
20. A method according to claim 1 9, wherein said method for attachment of said pivotally connecting means allows said pivotally connecting means to extend along the whole length of said trough.
21. A method according to claim 1 9 or claim 20, further comprising the step of: securing a fixing to said pivotally connecting means, when said pivotally connecting means protrudes from said width edges of said trough.
22. A method according to claim 21 when dependent upon claim 20, further comprising the steps of: inserting a series of bars within said trough and securing said bars to said pivotally connecting means; said bars are configured to extend downwards at an angle until they reach the inner surface of said trough; and securing a series of projections within said trough; said projections are configured to brace said bars when said trough pivots around said pivot position.
23. A method according to claim 22, wherein said method of securing a series of bars to said pivotally connecting means allows said bars to extend downwards at an angle ranging from 5 degrees to 90 degrees from vertical.
24. A method according to claim 1 9 or claim 20, further comprising the steps of: securing guide wheels to said width edges of said trough; said guide wheels being configured engage with a guide rod, allowing said trough to pivot into a overturned position thereby releasing water; and said guide wheels being configured to disengaged with said guide rod allowing said trough to pivot into an upright position thereby allowing said trough to receive water.
25. A method any of claims 19 to 24, wherein said method for attaching said pivotally connecting means to said trough comprises a pivot position located at a substantially central width position and at 0.4 depth of a maximum depth, said maximum depth defined by the inner bottom surface of said trough.
26. A method according to any of claims 1 9 to 25, wherein said method for attaching said pivotally connecting means comprises the attachment of a rod.
27. A method according to any of claims 19 to 26, wherein said trough is fabricated from a carbon plastic material.
28. A method according to any of claims 19 to 27, wherein said trough is fabricated from a metal or a plastics material.
29. A method of manufacturing said trough substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures.
30. Apparatus for producing hydroelectricity substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures.