GB2482882A

GB2482882A - Tide powered water raising apparatus with pivoted lever

Info

Publication number: GB2482882A
Application number: GB1013788.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chung Lun Yip
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-08-17
Filing date: 2010-08-17
Publication date: 2012-02-22
Also published as: GB201013788D0

Abstract

A wave or tide powered apparatus 1 comprises a storage container 2 for impounding water and lifting water. The container 2 is attached to one end of a pivoted lever (see-saw) 4, with a weighted float 3 attached to the other end. When the float 3 is lifted due to increased water level, the container 2 is lowered into the water so that it is filled. When the water level is reduced, the weighted float 3 falls, lifting the container 2 above the water level. Water is then allowed to flow through the outlet 2b to drive a water wheel.

Description

A HYDROELECTRICITY GENERATING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to hydroelectricity generating apparatus. More particularly, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a tidal hydroelectricity generating apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hydroelectricity is a result of potential energy of dammed water driving a water turbine and generator. Dams are built in the bay or river mouth. The dam forms a barrier that impounds water and serves the primary purpose of retaining water. Usually one or more turbine is provided near the bottom of the dam. The turbine is driven by the water that pours into the turbine. The amount of water that pours into the turbine is controlled by the dam.

The amount of potential energy in water is proportional to the different in height. The energy extracted from the water depends on the volume and on the difference in height between the source and the water's outflow.

Less common types of hydro schemes use water's kinetic energy or undammed sources such as undershot waterwheels.

A tidal power plant makes use of the daily rise and fall of water due to tides. Such sources are highly predictable. If conditions permit construction of reservoirs, the reservoir can also be dispatchable to generate power during high demand periods.

There are only few places that satisfy the requirements for building tidal power plant. Firstly, it requires big tidal fluctuation. Secondly, the landscape must allow impound of large amount of water. Thirdly, the land must be able to endure extensive construction work.

One common problem with all types of tidal power plants is their unreliability to provide continuous energy supply.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one of the above disadvantages and/or more generally to provide a reliable hydroelectricity generating apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is disclosed herein according to the invention, a hydroelectricity generating apparatus for use in the sea to generate electric energy from potential energy of water, comprising a storage for impounding water, having an inlet through which water fills the storage and an outlet through which impounded water leaves the storage; and a counterweight for counterbalancing weight of the storage and arranged to move by or with fluctuation of water level in the sea; wherein the storage and the counterweight are supported and interconnected for simultaneous movement in opposite upward and downward directions, such that storage is moveable by the counterweight in response to the fluctuation of water level in the sea.

It is preferable that the hydroelectricity generating apparatus comprises a turbine is positioned below the storage.

Preferably, the turbine, rotatable along a non-vertical axis, including at least one blade extending radially from a rotor, the blade having a free end, water entering the turbine being retained by the blade.

More preferably, the turbine sits in a base having a part cylindrical concave surface, the surface being lateral to the turbine and in close proximity to the free end of the blade, the surface cooperates with the free end of the blade to retain water on the blade as the blade moves with or by movement of the rotor.

Further more preferably, the turbine having two or more blades defining a space there between for holding an amount of water released from the storage through the outlet.

Yet more preferably, the storage and the counterweight are supported at opposite ends of a pivotal arrangement for simultaneous movement in opposite directions about a pivot.

More preferably, the storage is arranged to be at a relatively longer distance from the pivot than the counterweight.

Yet more preferably, the counterweight includes a load and a float.

Further more preferably, the load comprises iron or cement.

More preferably, the float comprises material with density lower than that of water.

Preferably, the outlet of the storage is connected to a pipe which guides water towards the turbine.

Yet more preferably, the pipe has an exit which is vertically aligned with the turbine.

Further more preferably, the outlet of the storage is guarded by a valve to control exit of water therefrom.

Yet further more preferably, the storage and the counterweight are of different weight.

More preferably, the storage and the counterweight are pivotally supported by a support structure having a pivot.

More preferably, the pivot is lockable by a lock to stop pivoting.

Yet more preferably, the outlet of the storage is provided at the bottom of the storage.

Further more preferably, the inlet of the storage is provide at the top of the storage.

Yet further more preferably, the lock is operable mechanically for locking the pivot and operable elect-rically for unlocking the pivot.

More preferably, the storage arid the counterweight are interconnected by a beam.

It is preferable that the hydroelectricity generating apparatus has a portion of the beam adjacent the counterweight bends away from the support structure, thereby increasing clearance between the counterweight and the support structure.

Preferably, the portion of the beam adjacent the counterweight bends away from the support structure permitting an extension of distance between the counterweight and the support structure to increase torque when counterweight moves in the downward direction.

There is disclosed herein according to a second aspect of the invention, a hydroelectricity generating apparatus for use in the sea to generate electric energy from potential energy of water, comprising a base having a part-cylindrical concave surface; and a turbine in the base and rotatable along a non-vertical axis, including a rotor and at least one blade extending radially from the rotor, the blade having a free end, water entering the turbine being retained by the blade; wherein the surface is laterally next to the turbine and in close proximity to the free end of the blade, the surface cooperating with the free end of the blade to retain water on the blade so as to exert maximum force upon the blade to turn the rotor.

Preferably, the surface comprises rubber.

There is disclosed herein according to a third aspect of the invention a water power plant including at least two of the hydroelectricity generating apparatus as disclosed above.

Preferably, said at least two hydroelectricity generating apparatuses are connected in parallel with each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A is a diagram showing a front view of an embodiment of a hydroelectricity generating apparatus in accordance with the invention; Figure lB is a schematic illustration of the apparatus in Figure 1A; Figure 2A is the front view of the apparatus in Figures 1A and lB when water level of sea is high; Figure 22 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus in Figure 2A; Figure 2c is the front view of the apparatus in Figures 1A and lB when water level of sea is low; Figure 2D is a schematic illustration of the apparatus in Figure 2C; Figure 3A is a diagram of a front view of another embodiment of a hydroelectricity generating apparatus in accordance with the invention; Figure 3B is a schematic illustration of the apparatus in ) Figure 3A; Figure 4A is the front view of the apparatus in Figures 3A and 3B when water level of sea is high; Figure 4B is a schematic illustration of the apparatus in Figure 4A; Figure 4C is the front view of the apparatus in Figures 3A and 32 when water level of sea is low; Figure 4D is a schematic illustration of the apparatus in Figure 4C; Figure 5 is a diagram showing a pipe and a turbine for the apparatus in Figures 1A to 4D Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a water power plant including three or more hydroelectricity generating apparatus in Figures 1A to 4D; Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating connection of the three or more hydroelectricity generating apparatus of the water power plan in Figure 6; and Figure 8 is a side view of the turbine connecting with a transmission and a generator.

) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the attached figures, there are shown a hydroelectricity generating apparatus 1 for use in the sea to generate electric power from potential energy of sea water. The apparatus makes use of in and out of the tide to generate electric power. The apparatus 1 has a number of basic components, a storage 2, a counterweight 3, a beam 4, a support structure 8 and a turbine 5, a transmission 6 and a generator 7.

As shown in Figures 1A to 2D, the storage 2 is a rectangular container which impounds water. The storage 2 has opposite side walls 22a, 22b one taller than the other. The side wall 22b is taller than the side wall 22a to retain water contained in the storage 2 when the storage 2 is lifted as shown in Figure 1A. It has an inlet 2a at its top and an outlet 2b at its bottom as shown in Figure 1A. The outlet 2b is guarded by a valve 22. A pipe 2c has its one end connected with the outlet 2b. Another end of the pipe 2c is an exit 40 directing at the turbine 5. Water enters the storage 2 through the inlet 2a. Water inside the storage 2 leaves through the outlet 2b and enters the pipe 2c. The water travels through the pipe 2c and the exit 40 to the turbine 5 as shown in Figure 5.

The storage 2 and the counterweight 3 are supported and interconnected for simultaneous movement in opposite upward and downward directions so that the storage 2 is moveable by the counterweight 3 in response to the fluctuation of water level in the sea. The storage 2 is connected with the counterweight 3 by the beam 4.

In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 3A to 4D, the storage 2 is a bulbous container.

Referring to Figures 1A to 4D, the counterweight 3 counterbalances weight of the storage 2 and is moved up and down by or with fluctuation of the sea level during the in and out of the tides. As shown in Figure 6, in a preferred embodiment, the counterweight 3 includes a load 3a and a float 3b. The load 3a has to be heavy enough to support the weight of a filled storage 2 above sea level during low tides. The float 3b ensures the counterweight 3 is kept afloat 3b during high tides. The counterweight 3 has one load 3a positioned between two floats 3b.

In a further embodiment, the storage 2 has a containing capacity smaller than that of the counterweight 3. The load 3a of the counterweight 3 is made of cement or iron and the float 3b is formed from a material having a density lower than that of the sea water.

As shown in Figures 1A to 4D, the support structure 8 supports the storage 2, the counterweight 3 and the beam ) 4 above seabed. Along length of the beam 4 there is a pivot 9 that pivotally connects the beam 4 to the support structure 8. Distance lOa between the pivot 9 and the storage 2 is longer than the distance lOb between the pivot 9 and the counterweight 3 such that a relatively small movement of the counterweight 3 will bring about a relatively large movement of the storage 2. The arrangement allows vertical displacement of the storage 2 by movement of the counterweight 3 by or with the fluctuation of sea level.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 1A, 2A, 2C, 3A, 4A and 4C a portion lOb of the beam 4 between the pivot 9 and the counterweight 3 has a bend 20 thereby increasing clearance between the counterweight 3 and the support structure 8. Effect of this arrangement is to allow the storage 2 to travel to the required height without the need to build a taller support structure 8.

Also, the distance between the pivot 9 and counterweight 3 is limited by the seabed. The bend 20 permits the counterweight 3 to be connected further away from the pivot 9. The longer the distance between the pivot 9 and the. counterweight 3, the lesser the force is required to produce a required amount of torque. In other words, to produce the required torque, mass of the counterweight 3 can be reduced by increasing the distance between the ) pivot 9 and the counterweight 3.

Referring to Figure 5, the turbine 5 is provided below the outlet 2b of the storage 2 and is aligned with the exit 40 of the pipe 2c. The turbine 5 includes a rotor 5a and eight blades 5b each extending radially from the rotor 5a. The blades 5b move with the rotor 5a when it rotates. The eight blades 5b define eight spaces 5c on the rotor 5a. Shape of each space 5c is an inverted funnel. Each of these spaces 5c receives sea water from the exit 40.

The turbine 5 is supported by a base 11. The base 11 has a concave depression ha on a side wall. The concave depression ha complements shape of the turbine 5. The part-cylindrical concave depression].la is lined with a lining lib made of rubber. The rubber lining hib is in close proximity to free ends 5b' of the blades 5b. The rubber lining hib is close enough to substantially seal the space Sc but without disrupting rotation of the -13 -turbine 5. The rubber lining lib is long enough to extend from the free end 5b' blades 5b1 to the free end Sb' of the next blade 5b2.

Referring to Figure 8, the turbine 5 is connected to a transmission 6 which in turn connected to the generator 7.

When the tide is in, the counterweight 3 is kept afloat ) by the buoyancy of the sea water as shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 4A and 4B. As the beam 4 pivots, the storage 2 is at least partly dipped into the sea water. When the tide keeps rising, the storage 2 is descended to below the sea level as the counterbalance 3 rises. Sea water flushes into the storage 2 through the inlet 2a. At this stage, the outlet 2b is closed by a valve 22. When the tide is out, the counterweight 3 descends with the sea level. The storage 2 is lift above sea level as shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 2C, 2D, 3A, 3B, 4C and 4D.

The support structure 8 has a releasable lock 23 as shown in Figures lB. 2B, 2D, 3B, 4B and 4D. After the storage 2 has been lift to a desired position 30 as shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 2C, 2D, 3A, 3B, 4C and 4D, the releasable lock 23 is operable mechanically to lock the pivot 9 to maintain the storage 2 in position 30. Potential energy is stored in the water inside the storage 2. The valve 22 is then opened. Water inside the storage 2 leaves the storage 2 into the pipe 2c to the turbine S. The storage 2 is maintained in position 30 until the storage 2 is emptied. This ensures the storage 2 will not be lowered as the water is poured out of it. The potential energy of all the water stored in storage 2 is maintained.

When the valve 22 is opened, water inside the storage 2 enters the space 5c of the turbine 5 through the exit 40.

When a first space 5c is substantially filled, it moves ) away from the pipe 2c towards the lining lib by the action of gravity. The subsequent and adjacent second space 5c' is moved underneath the pipe 2c to receive water there from. When two or more spaces 5c are substantially filled, this creates a torque enough to keep the rotor 5a rotates.

When the rotor 5a and the blades 5c rotate in direction X as shown in Figure 5, water inside the first space 5c is retained therein by the lining jib. Once passed the lining lib, water is poured out of the first space 5c.

The empty space 5c is then in turn for re-fill. In this way, no water is wasted.

The potential energy in the water is transformed into a force that rotates the turbine 5, drives the transmission 6 and the generator 7.

Once the Storage 2 is emptied or substantially emptied, a signal is sent to a control centre (not shown) . This triggers the control centre to send an unlock signal to the lock 23 which is then operable electrically to release the pivot 9. The valve 22 is then closed.

When the tide is in again, the emptied or substantially emptied storage 2 is dipped into the sea for more sea water.

The apparatus 1 is self-contained and of a relatively small size with relatively simple construction. It does not require high tidal fluctuation for generating a sufficient amount of electricity.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, to establish a water power plant 31, plurality of apparatus 1, 1.', 1" are connected in series by pipe 2c to form a set 32. The outlets 2b, 2b', 2b" of each of the storage 2, 2', 2" are connected to respective pipe 2c, all leads to main pipe 13. The main pipe 13 has an exit 40 directing at the space 5c of the turbine 5. As the outlets 2b, 2b', 2b" are guarded by respective valves 22, 22', 22", water in each of the storages 2, 2', 2" can be utilized in turn by opening the valve 22, 22', 22'' in turn. The exit 40 of each of the pipes 2c is guarded by valve 14 for better control of the water flow.

Water can be stored in the respective storages 2, 2', 2" for later use and therefore provide a reliable and continuous source of energy. Water stored in the storages 2, 2', 2" are reserved for times when the magnitude of a subsequent tide is low and little water can be used.

Also the set 32 and power plant 31 can be easily disassemble and reassembled.

It should be appreciated that modifications and alterations obvious to those skilled in the art of hydroelectricity generating apparatus.

For example, the water power plant can include any number of the apparatus and any number of sets of the apparatus.

Claims

-17 -CLAIMS1. Hydroelectricity generating apparatus for use in the sea to generate electric energy from potential energy of water, comprising: a storage for impounding water, having an inlet through which water fills the storage and an outlet through which impounded water leaves the storage; and ) a counterweight for counterbalancing weight of the storage and arranged to move by or with fluctuation of water level in the sea; wherein the storage and the counterweight are supported and interconnected for simultaneous movement in opposite upward and downward directions, such that storage is moveable by the counterweight in response to the fluctuation of water level in the sea.
2. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising a turbine is positioned below the storage.
3. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the turbine, rotatable along a non-vertical axis, including at least one blade extending radially from a rotor, the blade having a free end, water entering the turbine being retained by the blade.
4. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the turbine sits in a base having a part cylindrical concave surface, the surface being lateral to the turbine and in close proximity to the free end of the blade, the surface cooperates with the free end of the blade to retain water on the blade as the blade moves with or by movement of the rotor.
5. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the turbine having two or more blades defining a space there between for holding an amount of water released from the storage through the outlet.
6. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the storage and the counterweight are supported at opposite ends of a pivotal arrangement for simultaneous movement in opposite directions about a pivot.
7. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the storage is arranged to be at a relatively longer distance from the pivot than the counterweight.
8. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the counterweight includes a load and a float.
9. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the load comprises iron or cement.
10. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the float comprises material with density lower than that of water.
11. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the outlet of the storage is connected to a pipe which guides water towards the turbine.
12. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the pipe has an exit which is vertically aligned with the turbine.
13. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the outlet of the storage is guarded by a valve to control exit of water therefrom.
14. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the storage and the counterweight are of different weight.
15. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claim 1 to 14, wherein the storage and the counterweight are pivotally supported by a support structure having a pivot.
16. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the pivot is lockable by a lock to stop pivoting.
17. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the outlet of the storage is provided at the bottom of the storage.
18. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the inlet of the storage is provided at the top of the storage.
19. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 16, wherein the lock is operable mechanically for locking the pivot and operable electrically for unlocking the pivot.
20. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the storage and the counterweight are interconnected by a beam.
2].. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in claims 20, wherein a portion of the beam adjacent the counterweight bends away from the support structure, thereby increasing clearance between the counterweight and the support structure.
22. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the portion of the beam adjacent the counterweight bends away from the support structure permitting an extension of distance between the counterweight and the support structure to increase torque when counterweight moves in the downward direction.
23. Hydroelectricity generating apparatus for use in the sea to generate electric energy from potential energy of water, comprising: a base having a part-cylindrical concave surface; and a turbine in the base and rotatable along a non-vertical axis, including a rotor and at least one blade extending radially from the rotor, the blade, having a free end, water entering the turbine being retained by the blade; wherein the surface is laterally next to the turbine and in close proximity to the free end of the blade, the surface cooperating with the free end of the blade to retain water on the blade so as to exert maximum force upon the blade to turn the rotor.
24. The hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein the surface comprises rubber.
A water power plant including at least two of the hydroelectricity generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims I to 24.
26. The water power plant as claimed in claim 25, wherein said at least two hydroelectricity generating apparatuses are connected in parallel with each other.
27. Hydroelectricity generating apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in figures 1 and 2, or in figures 3 and 4, or in figure 5 or in figures 6 to 8 of the accompanying drawings.