GB2627984A

GB2627984A - Water-powered generator

Info

Publication number: GB2627984A
Application number: GB2303521.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Maxwell Preston William
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-03-10
Filing date: 2023-03-10
Publication date: 2024-09-11
Also published as: GB202303521D0; WO2024189308A1

Abstract

A water powered generator is disclosed comprising: a turbine 102 and a water tank 104 arranged for relative movement with each other. At least one activator tank 106 is coupled to the water tank and/or turbine via an activator arm 108. A locking system 110 is configured for selective holding the counterweight tank 106 at a height above ground. When the locking system is released the activator tank is allowed to drop due to gravity, which, in turn, causes relative movement between the reservoir 104 and the generator 102, in order to force water in the main tank 104 through the turbine to cause rotation of the turbine. The activator arm may lift the water tank to its raised position. The activator tank and/or water tank may be filled with tidal or river water. The generator arrangement allows power to be produced when required by a simple operation and can be scaled to suit local needs.

Description

Water-Powered Generator

Technical Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure relates to a water-powered generator, particularly but not exclusively, to a water-powered generator for generating electricity from natural water sources such as oceans and rivers.

Background of the Disclosure

There is a need for clean and sustainable energy generation. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and tidal power are increasingly being harnessed for energy generation. However, often such generators are large, complex and difficult to erect, deploy and maintain.

In addition, there is a need store the energy generated by such systems until such a time as it is required to be utilised.

It is therefore an aim of the present disclosure to provide a water-powered generator that addresses one or more of the problems above or at least provides a useful alternative.

Summary

In general, this disclosure proposes to overcome the above problems by providing a water-powered generator that is easily scalable, simple to build, deploy and maintain, and which can be operated to provide as much electricity as is required, when it is required.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a water-powered generator comprising: a turbine; a water tank, fillable with water, and arranged for relative movement with respect to the turbine; at least one activator tank coupled to the water tank and/or turbine via an activator arm; and a locking system configured for selective holding of the at least one activator tank at a height above ground; and wherein the locking system is configured for selective release to cause the at least one activator tank to drop due to gravity, which, in turn, causes relative movement between the water tank and the turbine, in order to force water in the water tank through the turbine to cause rotation of the turbine.

Thus, embodiments of this disclosure provide a water-powered generator that utilizes the gravity acting on at least one activator tank to force water through a turbine. Notably, the generator can be primed for use and then selectively activated, by releasing the locking system, when power is required. In addition, the generator can be assembled using only a few simple components, which can be easily maintained or replaced.

The generator may be used in a tidal setting or fed from a river or stream. Thus, the water may be seawater, freshwater, rain water, water from a river, water from a stream, water from a lake or water from a reservoir. As such, the water may not be chemically pure and may comprise one or more other liquids, elements, materials or components.

The water tank may comprise one or more valves to permit water to fill the water tank, for example, as a tide comes in. The valves may be located towards a lower portion of the water tank to prevent the water tank from floating as the tide comes in.

One or more of the at least one activator tanks may be Tillable with water. This is advantageous in that an amount of water in the at least one activator tank may be varied. For example, the at least one activator tank may initially be empty for ease of transport and assembly of the generator on-site. Moreover, the at least one activator tank may be configured to empty its contents after it has dropped due to gravity so as minimize a weight of the at least one activator tank prior to returning the at least one activator tank to the height above ground for a subsequent deployment. In a tidal setting, the generator may be configured such that a tide may be able to lift the at least one activator tank to the predetermined height, when empty. In a non-tidal setting, the generator may be configured to lifting the at least one activator tank to the predetermined height, when empty, for example using a hydraulic ram.

In some cases, one or more of the at least one activator tanks may comprise material other than water.

The activator arm may be configured to move the water tank with respect to the turbine when the at least one activator tank drops due to gravity. For example, the activator arm may raise the water tank with respect to the turbine when the at least one activator tank drops. In this case, the at least one activator tank (when dropped) will be configured to weigh more than the water tank (when filled with water), to provide the required movement of the water tank.

Two opposed activator tanks may be provided, each being located at an opposite side of the water tank. This ensures that the generator structure is balanced and therefore stable. In this case, the two opposed activator tanks (when dropped together) will, together, be configured to weigh more than the water tank (when filled with water), to provide the required movement of the water tank.

The locking system may be configured for concurrent release of the two opposed activator tanks to cause the relative movement between the water tank and the turbine.

Multiple activator tanks may be provided around the water tank. For example, multiple activator tanks may form a circle around the water tank. This arrangement may help to provide strength and stability to the generator structure. In some cases, the arrangement may help to defuse the power of the tides, thereby helping to prevent coastal erosion. The multiple activator tanks may be configured to be dropped individually or in groups of two or more or all at once.

The locking system may be configured for concurrent release of any selected pair of opposed activator tanks from among the multiple activator tanks.

Depending on how much electricity is required, the generator may be configured for semi-continuous operation by sequentially refilling the water tank after it has been emptied and releasing different pairs of opposed activator tanks to push the water through the turbine.

The generator may further comprise a reservoir for receipt of the water after it has passed through the turbine. The reservoir may be configured to return the water back through the turbine and into the water tank. As such, the water in the water tank may be cycled through the turbine a number of times.

The reservoir may comprise a filter for filtering the water before returning filtered water back through the turbine. For example, the filter may be configured to remove micro-plastics and/or other contaminants.

The reservoir may be connected to the turbine via a fluid conduit. The fluid conduit may comprise one or more values to control flow from and/or to the turbine.

The locking system may comprise one or more hydraulic rams operable to selectively hold and release the at least one activator tank. In addition, the one or more hydraulic rams may be operable to lift the at least one activator tank to the height above ground (e.g. in a non-tidal version or for use when the tide is out or when power is required sooner than it would take to wait for the tide to lift the at least one activator tank to the required height). The one or more hydraulic rams may be configured to act on a portion of the activator arm.

The activator arm may be configured to lift the water tank when the at least one activator tank drops due to gravity. Alternatively, the activator arm may be configured to lower the turbine with respect to the water tank when the at least one activator tank drops due to gravity.

The water tank and/or the at least one activator tank may comprise a further turbine configured to rotate when the respective water tank and/or the at least one activator tank is emptied of water. Energy from a further turbine may be used to lift the at least one activator tank (e.g. by a hydraulic ram). In some cases, the water tank and/or the at least one activator tank may comprise a valve for entry and/or exit of water.

The water-powered generator may comprise a control system configured to control the locking system for selectively holding and releasing the at least one activator tank.

The water-powered generator may comprise a base and a top plate, wherein the turbine is fixedly attached to the top plate and the water tank is configured for movement with respect to the top plate. Alternatively, the turbine may be fixedly attached to the top plate and the top plate may be configured for movement with respect to the water tank. In some cases, a base may not be required and the generator may be provided directly on the ground or seabed. In which case, the ground/seabed may serve as a base.

The water-powered generator may comprise one or more guides extending between the base/ground/seabed and at least the top plate, the one or more guides being configured to guide movement of the water tank and/or the at least one activator tank.

The water-powered generator may comprise one or more limiters (e.g. in the form of a stop plate) to limit the height of the at least one activator tank when raised from the ground. For example, the limiter may be positioned such that the at least one activator tank is filled with water when the tide is in. The limiters may also serve to connect and thereby brace the guides together.

When configured for a land-based operation, the water-powered generator may comprise a water channel configured to continuously fill and refill the at least one activator tank with water from a river or stream.

The water-powered generator may comprise a generator coupled to the turbine for generating electricity on rotation of the turbine. The water-powered generator may comprise one or more batteries configured to be charged by the generator.

The turbine may be a wells turbine. In which case, the turbine may rotate due to movement of water through the turbine in a first direction and due to movement of water through the turbine in a second (e.g. opposite) direction.

The water tank and/or the at least one activator tank may be configured to collect rubbish and/or micro-plastics from the water. The water tank and/or the at least one activator tank may comprise a filter mesh extending across a water inlet such that when water enters the water tank and/or the at least one activator tank, rubbish is collected on the mesh. The mesh may be angled downwardly towards an outside of the generator for ease of collection and removal.

The water tank and/or the at least one activator tank may be configured for shellfish and/or seaweed farming.

The size and/or shape of the generator may be modified to suit local needs.

The generator may have a modular construction. For example, any one or more activator tanks may be included in the generator to suit local needs and/or location constraints. Thus the overall shape of the generators may be different.

According to a second aspect of this disclosure, there is provided an array of water- powered generators according to the first aspect. For example, a series of multiple water-powered generators may be provided in a particular location (e.g. along a shore line or around a farm, when fed from a stream). Each water-powered generator in the array may be operated independently of the others or two or more of the water-powered generators may be operated at substantially the same time, for example, using a wireless control system to operate the locking system. Accordingly, as much electricity as is required, can be generated at the time it is needed.

According to a third aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a method of generating power comprising: providing a water-powered generator according to the first aspect; arranging for the water tank to fill with water; holding the at least one activator tank at a height above ground; and selectively releasing the at least one activator tank to cause the at least one activator tank to drop due to gravity which, in turn, causes relative movement between the water tank and the turbine, to force water in the water tank through the turbine to cause rotation of the turbine.

The method may further comprise generating electricity on rotation of the turbine. The method may further comprise using the electricity to charge one or more batteries.

The method may further comprise channeling the water passed through the turbine into a reservoir.

The method may further comprise channeling the water from the reservoir back through the turbine and into the water tank.

The method may further comprise filtering the water in the reservoir before returning filtered water back through the turbine.

The method may comprise emptying and refilling the water tank as often as required. In some cases the water tank may be emptied at every low tide.

The method may further comprise: locating the water-powered generator in a tide; allowing the tide to fill the water tank; allowing the at least one activator tank to be lifted by the tide, when empty; locking the at least one activator tank at the height above ground; and allowing the tide to fill the at least one activator tank at the height above ground.

The method may further comprise producing drinking water from seawater by reverse osmosis, for example, by including filtering of the water in the water tank and/or reservoir.

The method of may further comprise: locating the water-powered generator in fluid communication with a river or stream; allowing the river or stream to fill the water tank; lifting the at least one activator tank; locking the at least one activator tank at the height above ground; and allowing the river or stream to fill the at least one activator tank.

The water-powered generator may be in fluid communication with a river or stream via a supply pipe. The supply pipe may comprise a filter to filter out micro-plastics, rubbish and/or other contaminants. The supply pipe may extend over a short or long distance.

Ideally, the supply pipe travels generally downhill from the river or stream to the water-powered generator so that gravity allows the water to flow along the supply pipe without the need for any pumps. However, if required, one or more pumps may be used.

The water-powered generator may be configured to operate continuously when fed from a constant water source such as river or stream.

The method may further comprise producing drinking water from polluted water, for example, by including filtering of the water in the supply pipe and/or water tank and/or reservoir.

The method may further comprise releasing the water from the at least one activator tank after it has been dropped and returning the (cleaned / filtered) water to the river or stream.

A water-powered generator located on land may be used in conjunction with a water-powered generator at a tidal location to supply the water-powered generator at the tidal location with water when the tide is out.

As mentioned above, prior art generators using renewable sources are often large, complex, difficult to erect, deploy and maintain and cannot always be used to generate electricity on demand.

Compared to such known systems, the present water-powered generator disclosed here has the following advantages: 1. Electricity can be produced when required by a simple operation 2. Size of the generator can be scaled to suit local needs 3. Can be supplied in modular parts for ease of transport and assembly on-site 4. Arrangement of the activator tanks can be customised to suit local needs 5. Circular arrangement provides strength and stability 6. Low maintenance due to simple construction and limited moving parts 7. Environmentally friendly design 8. Renewable and sustainable energy generation 9. Locatable on a shore for tidal operation 10. Can help to protect shorelines from coastal erosion by defusing the power of the tides 11. Can produce drinking water from seawater by reverse osmosis 12. Locatable on land for use with a stream or river 13. Can utilise a supply pipe and be located some distance from a stream or river 14. Can operate continuously when fed from a constant water source 15. Can clean polluted water for drinking by people or animals 16. Able to filter micro-plastic from water 17. Configured to collect rubbish for removal from water 18. Multiple generators can be operated together or separately 19. A land-based generator can be used in conjunction with a tidal generator to supply the tidal generator with water when the tide is out 20. Can charge batteries for communities on distant coastlines or rurally located villages to provide electricity for vehicles, tractors and other machinery.

Finally, the present water-powered generator disclosed here utilises a novel approach at least in that it can selectively utilize gravity to generate electricity on demand.

Brief Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Some embodiments of the disclosure will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A shows a side view of a water-powered generator in a first state, in accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 1B shows a side view of a lower portion of the water-powered generator of Figure 1A, in a second state.

Figure 2A shows a plan view of the water-powered generator of Figure 1B.

Figure 2B shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Figure 2A.

Figure 3 shows a plan view of another water-powered generator, in accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 4 a flow diagram of a method of generating power, in accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of an array of tidal-based water-powered generators, in accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of an array of land-based and tidal-based water-powered generators, in accordance with the present disclosure.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Generally speaking, the disclosure provides a water-powered generator that can be used in a tidal setting or land-based, when fed, for example, from a river or stream.

Figure 1A shows a side view of a water-powered generator 100 in a first state, in accordance with the present disclosure. The water-powered generator 100 is primarily configured for use in a tidal setting.

The water-powered generator 100 comprises a turbine 102 and a water tank 104, which is Tillable with water, and arranged for relative movement with respect to the turbine 102. Coupled to the water tank 104 there is at least one activator tank 106. In this case, there are two activator tanks 106 located at opposite sides of the water tank 104. Each activator tank 106 is coupled to the water tank 104 via an activator arm 108.

A locking system is provided for selective holding of each activator tank 106 at a height above ground (as shown in Figure 1B). As will be explained in more detail below, the locking system 110 is configured for selective release to cause the activator tanks 106 to drop due to gravity, which, in turn, causes relative movement between the water tank 104 and the turbine 102, in order to force water in the water tank 104 through the turbine 102 to cause rotation of the turbine 102 for the generation of electricity.

The locking system comprises one or more hydraulic rams 110 operable to selectively hold and release each activator tank 106. In addition, the one or more hydraulic rams 110 may be operable to lift the activator tanks 106 to the height above ground (e.g. in a non-tidal version or for use when the tide is out or when power is required sooner than it would take to wait for the tide to lift the activator tanks 106 to the required height). The one or more hydraulic rams 110 are configured to act on a portion of each activator arm 108. In the present example, one hydraulic ram 110 is configured to act on each activator arm 108.

In the example of Figure 1A, each activator arm 108 comprises a first portion 108a and a second portion 108b. The first portion 108a extends between a pivot structure 112 mounted on a base 114 of the water-powered generator 100 and a lower surface of the activator tank 106. The first portion 108a is configured to run along the lower surface of the activator tank 106 via a first roller 116a, when pivoted from the pivot structure 112.

The second portion 108b extends between the pivot structure 112 and a lower surface of the water tank 104. The second portion 108b is configured to run along the lower surface of the water tank 104 via a second roller 116b, when pivoted from the pivot structure 112. The first portion 108a is arranged at a fixed angle with respect to the second portion 108b such that when the first portion 108a is pivoted upwards (e.g. to raise the activator tank 106), the second portion 108b is pivoted downwards (e.g. to lower the water tank 104). Conversely, when the first portion 108a is pivoted downwards (e.g. to lower the activator tank 106), the second portion 108b is pivoted upwards (e.g. to raise the water tank 104). The hydraulic rams 110 of the locking system are configured to act to on the first portion 108a of the activator arm 108. In use, the hydraulic rams 110 will be operated to hold the activator tanks 106 at a height above ground and to selectively release the activator tanks 106, allowing the activator tanks 106 to fall and causing the activator arms 108 to raise the water tank 104 with respect to the turbine 102.

The water-powered generator 100 may comprise a control system (not shown) configured to control the locking system (e.g. hydraulic rams 110) for selectively holding and releasing the activator tanks 106. Optionally, the control system may be configured to control the hydraulic rams 110 to lift the activator tanks 106 (e.g. when the tide is out or for a land-based, e.g. river-fed, water-powered generator). The control system may be configured for wireless operation. For example, an operator may be able to input instructions for the control system via a mobile device. Accordingly, the mobile device may comprise an application configured to relay instructions from the mobile device to the control system of the water-powered generator 100 to selectively hold, release or lift the activator tanks 106. Status information relating to a state of the water-powered generator 100 may be relayed back to the mobile device via the application.

The water-powered generator 100 further comprises a top plate 120 parallel to the base 114. The turbine 102 is fixedly attached to the top plate 120 and the water tank 104 is configured for movement with respect to the top plate 120. Alternatively, the turbine 102 may be fixedly attached to the top plate 120 and the top plate 120 may be configured for movement with respect to the water tank 104. In some cases, the base 114 may not be required and the generator may be provided directly on the ground or seabed. In which case, the ground/seabed may serve as the base 114.

The water-powered generator 100 comprises multiple guides in the form of guide rods 122 extending between the base 114 (or alternately the ground/seabed) and at least the top plate 120, the guide rods 122 are configured to guide movement of the water tank 104 and the activator tanks 106. The top plate 120 may serve to connect and thereby brace at least some of the guide rods 122 together.

The water-powered generator 100 also comprises limiters in the form of stop plates 124 to limit the height of the activator tanks 106 when raised from the ground. For example, the stop plates 124 may be positioned such that the activator tanks 106 are filled with water when the tide is in. The stop plates 124 may also serve to connect and thereby brace at least some of the guide rods 122 together. In some embodiments, the stop plates 124 may be connected to the top plate 120, e.g. as an extension thereof The water-powered generator 100 may comprise a generator (not shown) coupled to the turbine 102 for generating electricity on rotation of the turbine 102. The water-powered generator 100 may also comprise one or more batteries (not shown) configured to be charged by the generator.

The turbine 102 may be a wells turbine. In which case, the turbine 102 may rotate due to movement of water through the turbine 102 in a first direction (e.g. flowing from the water tank 104) and due to movement of water through the turbine 102 in a second (e.g. opposite) direction (e.g. flowing back into the water tank 104).

The water-powered generator 100 also comprises a reservoir 130 for receipt of the water after it has passed through the turbine 102. The reservoir 130 is configured to return the water back through the turbine 102 and into the water tank 104. As such, the water in the water tank 104 may be cycled through the turbine 102 a number of times.

The reservoir 130 comprises a filter for filtering the water before returning filtered water back through the turbine 102. For example, the filter may be configured to remove micro-plastics and/or other contaminants.

The reservoir 130 is connected to the turbine 102 via a fluid conduit 132. The fluid conduit 132 comprises a value 134 to control flow from and/or to the turbine 102.

As illustrated in Figure 1A, the reservoir 130 is mounted on some of the guide rods 122 via a mount 136. Notably, water is permitted to flow into the water tank 104 and activator tanks 106 beneath the reservoir 130.

As shown in Figure 1A, water (1/1) may be permitted to flow out of the activator tanks 106 via outlets 140. In some embodiments, further turbines may be provided at the outlets 140 to generate further electricity on exit of the water. The outlets 140 may comprise valves, which may be controlled by the control system for selectively releasing the water from the activator tanks 106.

The water tank 104 also comprises one or more inlets 144 located towards the lower surface of the water tank 104 to permit water to flow into the water tank 104 when the tides comes in, which helps to prevent the water tank 104 from floating on the tide.

In Figure 1A, a tide level is indicated at level TO, which corresponds to low tide. With the locking system released, the hydraulic rams 110 are compressed and the activator tanks 106 are in a lowered resting state. In this configuration, the water tank 104 is raised towards the top plate 120. When the activator tanks 106 are empty, they will float as the tide rises and be raised as far as the stop plates 124 to a height above the ground/seabed. In this position, the locking system will be activated and the hydraulic rams 110 will be locked to maintain the activator tanks 106 at this height. This configuration is shown in Figure 1B, when the tide is at a height T1. Notably, as the activator tanks 106 are raised by the tide, the water tank 104 is lowered due to the configuration of the activator arm 108 and the inlets 144 are positioned below the tide level T1. As such, the water tank 104 will begin to fill with water from the tide. As the tide rises further, e.g. to T2, water will be permitted to enter the water tank 104 and the activator tanks 106 from above. In this position, the water-powered generator 100 is primed for generating electricity. When the tide lowers, the locking system will maintain the water-powered generator 100 in the configuration shown in Figure 1B.

When electricity is required, the control system can be operated to release the locking system and allow the hydraulic rams 110 to collapse under the weight of the activator tanks 106, which are filled with water. As the activator tanks 106 fall due to gravity, the activator arms 108 will raise the water tank 104 against the top plate 120 which will force the water in the water tank 104 through the turbine 102 and into the reservoir 130. The water in the reservoir 130 can be filtered and then channelled back through the turbine 102 to generate further electricity and to refill the water tank 104.

For stability, the water-powered generator 100 of Figures 1A and 1B is designed to release two opposing activator tanks 106 at the same time. Thus, the total weight of two activator tanks 106, when filled with water, is designed to be greater than the weight of the water tank 104 when filled with water. Accordingly, the size of the activator tanks 106 can be determined relative to the size of the water tank 104.

When the water tank 104 has been refilled (either with water from the reservoir 130 or from another tide), two further opposing activator tanks 106 may be dropped to continue the process of generating electricity until all of the activator tanks 106 have been emptied. Once any activator tanks 106 have been dropped, they can be emptied via the outlets 140, then raised and filled when the next tide comes in, ready for subsequent release.

In some cases, it may be advantageous, for example, due to local geography, to drop only a single activator tank 106 at once. In which case, the weight of a single activator tank 106, when filled, should be configured to be at least as much as the weight of the water tank 104, when filled.

In some cases, it may be advantageous to drop more than two activator tanks 106 at once. For example, two or more opposed pairs of activator tanks 106 may be dropped at once. In some cases, all activator tanks may be dropped at once to create a higher pressure through the turbine 102.

Advantageously, the activator tanks 106 are dropped when the tide is out (or at least low) so that the full weight of water in the activator tanks 106 can be used to pressurize the water the water tank 104 through the turbine 102.

In some examples, the activator tanks 106 could be coupled to the turbine 102 instead of or in addition to the water tank 104, via another activator arm (not shown). In this case, release of the activator tanks 106 may case the turbine 102 to move (e.g. downwardly) relative to the water tank 104 to force water in the water tank 104 through the turbine.

Figure 2A shows a plan view of the water-powered generator 100 of Figure 1B with two opposed activator tanks 106 on opposite sides of the water tank 104. Any number of activator tanks 106 can be installed to form a circle 200 around the water tank 104. Ideally, for a balanced operation, activator tanks 106 may be installed in multiples of two, as permitted by the installation location.

Figure 2B shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Figure 2A. This view shows the spaces inside the water tank 104, the turbine 102 and the activator tanks 106.

In particular, it can be seen that there is a fixed plate 220 attached to the top plate 120 via mounts 222. The fixed plate 220 is designed to fit within the water tank 104 and to force the water in the water tank 104 to enter the turbine 102 when the lower surface of the water tank 104 is raised by the activator tanks 106.

In addition, each activator tank 106 comprises a mesh filter 210 forming a top surface through which water can enter the activator tank 106 but on which any rubbish may be collected. Advantageously, the mesh filter 210 is angled outwardly for each of removal of any collected rubbish (by a person or robot).

In some cases, the space inside the activator tanks 106 may be utilised for shellfish or seaweed farming.

Figure 3 shows a plan view of another water-powered generator 300, in accordance with the present disclosure. The water-powered generator 300 is largely similar to the water-powered generator 100 but with some modifications to make it suitable for non-tidal use. For example, water-powered generator 300 may be provided on land and may be fed with water from a river or stream via a supply pipe 302. Accordingly, only the differences between the water-powered generator 300 and the water-powered generator 100 will be described.

The water-powered generator 300 comprises a circular water channel 304 configured to continuously fill and refill the activator tanks 106 with water from the supply pipe 302.

The water channel 304 comprises spouts 306 arranged over each activator tank 106 to pour water into each activator tank 106. Although not shown, the water tank 104 may be filled with surplus water from the activator tanks 106 and/or the water tank 104 may be filled with water exiting the activator tanks 106 after they have been dropped.

The arrangement of the activator tanks 106 may be similar to those in the water-powered generator 100 and any number of activator tanks 106 (preferably in pairs) may be provided to suit circumstances. In Figure 3, twelve activator tanks 106 are provided around the water tank 104, in opposing pairs, to form a clock-like arrangement.

The supply pipe 302 comprises a filter to filter out micro-plastics, rubbish and/or other contaminants. The supply pipe 302 may extend over a short or long distance. Ideally, the supply pipe 302 travels generally downhill from the river or stream to the water-powered generator 300 so that gravity allows the water to flow along the supply pipe 302 without the need for any pumps. However, if required, one or more pumps may be used.

Operation of the water-powered generator 300 is generally the same as that for the water-powered generator 100 except that the hydraulic rams 110 need to be powered to raise the activator tanks 106 in the absence of the tide. Water from dropped activator tanks 106 may be fed through a turbine to power the hydraulic rams 110 before being fed back into the river or stream via a return channel (not shown). Accordingly, the water-powered generator 300 may be used to both generate electricity and to clean/filter the river water. Notably, the the water-powered generator 300 may be continuously operational as long as the river is supplied with rain water upstream.

Figure 4 a flow diagram of a method 400 of generating power, in accordance with the present disclosure. The method 400 comprises a step 402 of providing a water-powered generator, such as those described above. A step 404 comprises arranging for the water tank 104 to fill with water and step 406 comprises holding the at least one activator tank 106 at a height above ground. A step 108 comprises selectively releasing the at least one activator tank 106 to cause the at least one activator tank 106 to drop due to gravity which, in turn, causes relative movement between the water tank 104 and the turbine 102, to force water in the water tank 104 through the turbine 102 to cause rotation of the turbine 102. A step 410 comprises generating electricity on rotation of the turbine 410.

In the case of a tidal application, the method may further comprise locating the water-powered generator 100 in a tide; arranging for the tide to fill the water tank 104; arranging for the at least one activator tank 106 to be lifted by the tide, when empty; locking the at least one activator tank 106 at the height above ground; and arranging for the tide to fill the at least one activator tank 106 at the height above ground.

In the case of a non-tidal application, the method may further comprise locating the water-powered generator 300 in fluid communication a river or stream; arranging for the river or stream to fill the water tank 104; lifting the at least one activator tank 106 (e.g. using the hydraulic rams 110); locking the at least one activator tank 106 at the height above ground; and arranging for the river or stream to fill the at least one activator tank 106.

Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of an array 500 of tidal-based water-powered generators 100, in accordance with the present disclosure. In this case, there are eight water-powered generators 100 provided on a shoreline of an island 502, each of which is arranged to generate electricity using tidal water as described above.

In this case, each water-powered generator 100 may be operated independently of the others or they may be operated concurrently using a common control system. In some cases, as much electricity as may be required on the island 502, can be generated through select use of the water-powered generators 100.

Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of an array 600 of land-based 300 and tidal-based water-powered generators 100, in accordance with the present disclosure. In this case, a first land-based water-powered generator 300 is configured to be fed from a stream 602 via a supply pipe 604. In addition, a tidal-based water-powered generator is provided on a shoreline for tidal operation. However, there is also a feed pipe 606 channeling water passed through the land-based water-powered generator 300 to the tidal-based water-powered generator 100 to supply the water-powered generator 100 at the tidal location with water when the tide is out. In this case, the tidal-based water-powered generator 100 may further comprise a circular water channel 304 configured to fill and refill the activator tanks 106 with water from the feed pipe 606.

Aspects of the present disclosure can be employed in many different applications where on-shore or on-land water-power generation may be required.

The skilled person will understand that in the preceding description and appended claims, positional terms such as 'above', 'along', 'side', etc. are made with reference to conceptual illustrations, such as those shown in the appended drawings. These terms are used for ease of reference but are not intended to be of limiting nature. These terms are therefore to be understood as referring to an object when in an orientation as shown in the accompanying drawings.

Although the disclosure has been described in terms of preferred embodiments as set forth above, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative only and that the claims are not limited to those embodiments. Those skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and alternatives in view of the disclosure which are contemplated as falling within the scope of the appended claims. Each feature disclosed or illustrated in the present specification may be incorporated in any embodiments, whether alone or in any appropriate combination with any other feature disclosed or illustrated herein.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A water-powered generator comprising: a turbine; a water tank, fillable with water, and arranged for relative movement with respect to the turbine; at least one activator tank coupled to the water tank and/or turbine via an activator arm; and a locking system configured for selective holding of the at least one activator tank at a height above ground; and wherein the locking system is configured for selective release to cause the at least one activator tank to drop due to gravity, which, in turn, causes relative movement between the water tank and the turbine, in order to force water in the water tank through the turbine to cause rotation of the turbine.
The water-powered generator of any preceding claim wherein the at least one activator tank is fillable with water.
3. The water-powered generator of any preceding claim wherein the activator arm is configured to move the water tank with respect to the turbine when the at least one activator tank drops due to gravity.
4. The water-powered generator of any preceding claim wherein two opposed activator tanks are provided, each being located at an opposite side of the water tank.
The water-powered generator of claim 4 wherein the locking system is configured for concurrent release of the two opposed activator tanks to cause the relative movement between the water tank and the turbine.
The water-powered generator of any preceding claim wherein multiple activator tanks are provided around the water tank.
The water-powered generator of claim 6 wherein the locking system is configured for concurrent release of any selected pair of opposed activator tanks from among the multiple activator tanks.
The water-powered generator of any preceding claim wherein the locking system comprises one or more hydraulic rams operable to selectively hold and release the at least one activator tank.
9. The water-powered generator of any preceding claim wherein the activator arm is configured to lift the water tank when the at least one activator tank drops due to gravity.
10. The water-powered generator of any preceding claim further comprising a reservoir configured for receipt of the water after it has passed through the turbine, and wherein the reservoir is configured to return the water back through the turbine and into the water tank.
11. The water-powered generator of any preceding claim wherein the water tank and/or the at least one activator tank comprises a further turbine configured to rotate when the respective water tank and/or the at least one activator tank is emptied of water.
12. The water-powered generator of any preceding claim further comprising a control system configured to control the locking system for selectively holding and releasing the at least one activator tank.
13. The water-powered generator of any preceding claim further comprising a base and a top plate, wherein the turbine is fixedly attached to the top plate and the water tank is configured for movement between the base and the top plate.
14. The water-powered generator of claim 12 further comprising one or more guides extending between the base and the top plate, the one or more guides being configured to guide movement of the water tank and/or the at least one activator tank.
15. The water-powered generator of any preceding claim further comprising one or more limiters to limit the height of the at least one activator tank when raised from the ground.
16. The water-powered generator of any preceding claim further comprising a water channel configured to continuously fill and refill the at least one activator tank when the water channel is fed with water.
17. The water-powered generator of any preceding claim comprising a modular construction.
18. The water-powered generator of any preceding claim further comprising a generator coupled to the turbine for generating electricity on rotation of the turbine.
19. The water-powered generator of any preceding claim wherein the turbine is a wells turbine.
20. The water-powered generator of any preceding claim wherein the water tank and/or the at least one activator tank is configured to collect rubbish and/or micro-plastics from the water.
21. The water-powered generator of any preceding claim wherein the water tank and/or the at least one activator tank is configured for shellfish and/or seaweed farming.
22. An array of water-powered generators according to any preceding claim.
23. A method of generating electricity comprising: providing a water-powered generator according to any preceding claim; arranging for the water tank to fill with water; holding the at least one activator tank at a height above ground; selectively releasing the at least one activator tank to cause the at least one activator tank to drop due to gravity which, in turn, causes relative movement between the water tank and the turbine, to force water in the water tank through the turbine to cause rotation of the turbine; and generating electricity on rotation of the turbine.
24. The method of claim 19 further comprising: locating the water-powered generator in a tide; arranging for the tide to fill the water tank; arranging for the at least one activator tank to be lifted by the tide, when empty; locking the at least one activator tank at the height above ground; and arranging for the tide to fill the at least one activator tank at the height above ground.
25. The method of claim 19 further comprising: locating the water-powered generator in fluid communication a river or stream; arranging for the river or stream to fill the water tank; lifting the at least one activator tank; locking the at least one activator tank at the height above ground; and arranging for the river or stream to fill the at least one activator tank.