GB2491905A

GB2491905A - Variable buoyancy float energy generator

Info

Publication number: GB2491905A
Application number: GB1112485.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neil Halcrow Lindsey; Fareed Roland Primus
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-06-13
Filing date: 2011-07-20
Publication date: 2012-12-19
Also published as: GB201109892D0; GB201112485D0

Abstract

An electricity generator comprises a float with a cavity which can be filled with gas or flooded. When flooded it will sink (position D). An injection of air or other gas into the cavity of the submerged float via a port displaces the liquid through openings A and B. The float then rises to position C. The location of blowhole A (see figure 2) allows the gas to escape as the float reaches horizontal, automatically changing the buoyancy of the float to negative so that it sinks again. The float is connected to an arm or linkage to produce rotary motion that can be harnessed to produce energy. The source of the compressed gas is not discussed.

Description

FLOAT

The present invention relates to a float for an electricity generating system.

With the environmental and political pressures to generate electricity in an efficient and clean manner, it is desirable to achieve alternative methods that do not involve burning of thssil fuels. It is known that gravity and associate buoyancy effects can he utilised to create an output of useful energy. The present invention provides an effective environmentally sound approach.

2. According to the present invention there is a body alTanged to sink and ascend in a liquid, the concept being: -a means to optionally reduce and increase the buoyancy of the body; -wherein movement of the body through the effect of gravity and or buoyancy causes motion in an associated linkage or arm.

3. The arm or linkage may drive any energy producing equipment utilising the effects of gravity acting on the body and subsequently the buoyancy effect associated with the increased buoyancy of the body thereby causing the body to rise. It is therefore apparent that the energy can be removed from the system in both upward and downward motion of the body.

4. The body preferably comprises a cavity therein. The body may take the form of any regular or irregular polygonal) spherical or lcnticular three dimensional shape.

The body may also comprise one or more inlets to the cavity and an arrangement to selectively enable access to thc cavity through the inlet.

5. The means to optionally reduce and increase the buoyancy of the body preferably comprises means to inject gas into the cavity.

6. The means to inject gas into the body cavity can be achieved via a physical connection to the vessel.

7. A plurality of bodies can be used to give continuous motion when the body is connected to a linkage or arm.

8. The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows the relative positions of the float immersed in a fluid.

When immersed in a fluid the float sinks to the position shown as D, as the fluid floods into the hollow cavity through cut-out B which is positioned at the base of the float.

When submerged (position D) an injection of compressed air or other gas via the port is trapped at the port end of the float, this displaces the fluid therein via cut-outs A and B. This causes the buoyancy of the float to change, causing the float to rise to the position shown as C in the fluid.

As the float approaches a horizontal plane in the fluid (fluid level) the gas exhausts automatically through the blowholc (A) cut-out which is positioned at the top front face of the float.

The automatic exhausting of gas is also assisted by angle Z which is shown in Figure 2. Angle (Z) ensures the blowhole (A) will break the surface of the fluid before the rest of the float, giving the entrapped gas an easy escape route thus promoting gas exhaustion to atmosphere Figure 2 shows diagrammatically the angle Z of the float to the perpendicular.

Linkage attachment would encompass this angle to maintain positioning.

Angle Z promotes easy exhaustion of gas from the float chamber.

As the gas exhausts through the blowhole, fluid once again floods the cavity via cut-out B, causing the float to sink continuing the cycle.

Referring also to figure 1 the float comprises a non return valve positioned on or near the port which may be selectively opened to enable injected gas to flow into the float. Ph air inlet and non return valve arc arranged such to prevent hack feed into the injection system. When in use this will allow the float to sink under its own weight when filled with fluid and subsequently rise when fluid is forced from the float.

It should be noted that the dimensions and ratios of the float are not finite as the basic design can be adapted according to the required application.

Figure 3 shows a two dimensional representation of the float in its "Teardrop" form although as described in paragraph 4 line 1 other variations of shape can be used.

Figure 4 shows a one dimensional representation of the "Teardrop" form.

Figure 5 shows a variation of the design shape as mentioned in paragraph 4 line 1. Claim

Claims

I.A float when attached to a linkage or arm will generate electricity comprising: -a body arranged to sink and ascend in a liquid; -means to optionally reduce and increase the buoyancy of the body; -wherein movement of the body through the effect of gravity and or buoyancy causes rotation when adjoined to a linkage or arm.
2.A body according to claim I wherein the body comprise a cavity therein.
3.A body according to claim 2 wherein the body comprises one or more inlets to the cavity, further comprising an arrangement to selectably enable access to the cavity through the inlet.
4.A body according to any preceding claim wherein the means to optionally reduce and increase the buoyancy of the body comprises means to inject gas into the cavity.
5.A device according to any preceding claim wherein an arm or linkage is provided to extend between any drive and the body.
6.A device according to claim 4 and 5 wherein the means to inject gas into the body cavity includes any physical embodiment in which gas can be passed.
LA device according to any preceding claim comprising a plurality of bodies.
8.A device according to claim 6 wherein the control arrangement controls gas injection into the body cavity and fluid access into the body cavity.
9.A device as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.