US20030037824A1

US20030037824A1 - Enhanced fluid motion

Info

Publication number: US20030037824A1
Application number: US10/196,450
Authority: US
Inventors: Denis Aubin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-07-16
Filing date: 2002-07-16
Publication date: 2003-02-27

Abstract

In a continuous liquid flow process, recycling open surface liquid flow is raised from a supply/return reservoir below the floor to uniform, level, design elevation in an open tower or chamber, for the purpose of developing enhanced kinetic energy in floor level discharge. In a unique combination of liquid flow and the gravity force, the process is initiated and maintained at the energy cost of providing rise of the liquid to average elevation, while, in constant discharge, recovery of potential energy develops out of the maximum elevation and the pressure difference between surface level and floor level discharge.

Description

BACKGROUND—FIELD OF ENDEAVOR

While our energy needs continue to expand, remaining sites of natural energy potential become fewer and less promising with the passing years. Natural sources of hydro power become an ever smaller portion of total energy production, and less desirable power generation forms continue to increase more rapidly in response to our needs. In the nature of major social and technological changes, the pendulum is at an extreme, but the process presented will provide the impetus for a swing back toward a technology closer to nature.

Conversion of free flowing water in rivers, streams, and estuaries to useable energy has been the subject of continuing efforts over the years, but a notable lack of success has attended these efforts, and this is seen in their failure to attract significant capital investment or development. Construction of huge, multi purposes dams has been successful, but given the huge investment, and the tracts of otherwise valuable land acreage required, dam technology is still poor competitor in the energy field.

The POWER TOWER, a re-circulating process free of the vagaries of the natural process, with wide flexibility as to location, capacity and performance, emulates but improves on the natural process. It performs in a way that nature will applaud, but man has not heretofore accomplished. No longer will it be necessary to dismantle our planet as we transport the nuts and bolts of energy from the middle east to the middle west—from New Caledonia to New Jersey. The POWER TOWER makes possible the economic development of small scale, regional and community energy facilities which will locate energy production where energy is needed, eliminating, in time much of the undesirable, and wasteful long distance transport of energy and energy components of the present technology.

In a dual assault on this plunder and waste, the POWER TOWER process offers significant energy savings over the present methods of producing energy; while reducing energy utilization in important areas. The long distance transport of energy and energy components; and the transport of bulk liquids over long distances will see dramatic reduction. Perhaps we can utilize this enormous shipping capacity to correct the imbalance that sends millions to bed each night in hunger, while food rots in storage half a world away. That is the intention of the process.

We can not continue to dedicate the fruits of the planet to the further benefit of the few with the least of needs. If we are to continue to provide for, and improve the quality of life of our people, every development of the resources of the planet must serve to raise up those who are most in need. Nothing more is required. Nothing less is acceptable.

The fruits of the TOWER process will be manifold, and they are hereby reserved and dedicated to the many who for so long have paid for the enrichment of the few. Perhaps it cannot make the ‘poor’ man ‘rich’—that is neither intended nor necessary; but surely it can make him less ‘poor’.

Nature has wisely provided that this energy source utilize a combination of natural elements that man is unable to pillage or privatize—the indestructible elements of gravity and water which are clearly beyond his reach. These two inexhaustible natural elements will respond to our needs for the new millennium and beyond, supplying a new source of energy, while cleansing the environment of the devastation imposed by prior technology.

This process can survive mankind, so perhaps it will help mankind survive.

The POWER TOWER is not an ‘end’. The process is an important ‘next-step’ in an evolutionary process that was interrupted when the entrepreneur and the scientist were distracted to other technologies and water flow technology was reduced to second-class status. For the first time, a clean energy process is offered that will reduce, and even reverse, these undesirable aspects of current technology.

The pollution of our air and water, and the destruction of natural resources that followed was not adequately anticipated. Those who came before left a legacy of natural goodness from which we should select, nurture, and replace, but instead we plunder and pollute, removing over the short term, resources that can never be replaced, over any term. Our legacy to those who follow is the horror of nuclear waste that will devastate coming generations for thousands of years. Needless to say, these few current generations do not have the right to so deny future generations of a just share in the natural goodness of the planet.

The combination of water and gravity has been an important force in the history of modern man, and it is not surprising that his early technical and engineering achievements were in the management and transport of his water supply. The gravity force played a prominent role in those early accomplishments. Among man's early tools, water wheels applied the gravity driven motion of the river directly to the machines of a burgeoning industrial era, and later water flow turned the turbines of the electrical industry that provided the power that ran the machines. Emulating the natural process, the POWER TOWER may provide for our energy needs for the foreseeable future. A new energy is presented to all mankind in a form that may be permanently reserved for no man, not merely to those who by accident of birth or circumstance, control a critical territory, natural resource or inordinate wealth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A process is offered in this application that will help supply our energy needs far into the future. For the first time, we are offered a true source of energy that produces energy at a rate of return exceeding the cost of development; for the first time, an energy process returns more to the planet than it removes; for the first time we are given the opportunity to reduce, and even reverse, the environmental and economic insult that has marked the history of current technologies.

Objects realized in the successful development of this process include:

a constant re-circulating, clean liquid flow process that will drive the turbines of the electrical power industry utilizing production and operating costs usually associated only with natural water flow facilities;

the use of combined natural and mechanical force where practical, effecting further reduction of operating costs and the increased rate of output per dollar of capital investment;

the more economical flow of bulk liquids in transport through large, open surface pipe lines, aqueducts, and canals, utilizing less than the previously required energy;.

the virtual elimination of the pollution of our air and water associated with current technology with a dramatic reduction, in the destruction of natural resources;

the ability to economically utilize efficient, high grade, clean, operating fuels, supplemented as appropriate in a process that permits credible re-use of production for current operations;

the possible and probable early development of regional and community power facilities, eliminating over time, the undesirable long distance transmission of energy and energy components;

the possible and probable development of small scale facilities for production of electrical power for commercial, residential and automotive use.

The operation of one section of a production sized facility is chosen for an illustration of the process. In this description, the water quantity 6.0-cubic meters per second is described in a 3.0-meter elevation of flow through such a section, of the width 1.0-meter and length 18.0-meter. Multiple such sections will be nested together to surround a turbine runner or other facility for required output. Five such typical industrial-sized sections would provide gross output exceeding 1000 horsepower.

The POWER TOWER process is a new and unique perception and management of energy flow in the elevation of flowing liquid.

A liquid flow process raises re-circulating liquid flow from a supply/return reservoir below floor level to design surface level in an open channel or rectangular tower section. Constant incoming flow “utilizes ‘work’related to the AVERAGE distance of rise. ”

Gravity imposed pressure from surface level drives all flow to discharge through a floor level discharge outlet; and “energy recovery is related to this MAXIMUM level of rise. ”Kinetic energy is acquired as in total flow from surface level

D. J. Aubin, November 2001

DESCRIPTION . . . DISCUSSION—PRIOR ART

Energy Potentials

In the gradual rise of water or other suitable liquid, through floor level into an open channel or tower, the initial incoming flow fills the chamber, distributing the incoming flow through the entire range of rise from floor level to surface level. As it is traditionally viewed, whatever the final elevation to which any given particle is raised, it represents a ‘potential’ energy related to that elevation. A second form of potential energy is represented in the pressure imposed to that particle by the height of the water above, and these energy forms are constant through the chamber. Recovery of this energy is historically viewed as average levels of either the potential of elevation, or as pressure potential—but never both. Energy recovery, therefore, is historically seen as an average of the total energy in the body of water.

While, there is sufficient rationale for the continued recognition of these dual forms of potential energy, however, the POWER TOWER process presents an alternative method of effecting their conversion to kinetic useful energy. The process recovers, not the ‘average’ energy in the body of water—typically seen as the only recovery possible, but the maximum energy, reflected in constant pressure from a stable surface level to a constant floor level discharge flow.

In this process, ‘Enhanced Kinetic Energy’ is born!

in continuous flow, energy is recovered in the discharge reflecting the combined total of the potential energy in the body of water, as exhibited in the constant pressure from surface level imposed at floor level discharge.

In a re-cycling system, the return rise of the flow occurs in the form of a constant “first filling” in which incoming flow is constantly raised through the ‘average’ distance from the floor level inlet to surface level;

Energy per unit mass in the level flow of the open stream is always a combination of:

Kinetic Energy=v ²/2, in the velocity of the stream; and

Potential Energy=P/ _p, in the average elevation above the streambed.

Initial efforts in this work were directed toward improving the share of kinetic energy as compared to ‘potential energy’ in a given stream flow.

In the observation of ‘Gflow’, an open flow stream developed in this effort, it was developed that for a given quantity, energy utilized in achieving rise into the head varies in ways more important than science had previously recognized.

This important discovery is the subject of this discussion.

DRAWING FIGURES INCLUDED IN THIS APPLICATION

FIG. 1 of [0038] 6: Drawing page 1. A Section View of the preferred embodiment presents an illustration of flow through a tower such as described in the application. Mechanical force raises the liquid into the chamber and flow is then gravity driven to floor level discharge and imposed to the receiving device. Flow is raised to design surface level against the ‘upstream’ wall, as rising input is diverted by gravity force to lateral and downward flow.
FIG. 2 of [0039] 6: Drawing page 1. In this illustration of an alternative embodiment, the POWER TOWER process is structured over the top of a large pipeline or aqueduct. Liquid in flow is raised from the source carrier and thereafter returned downstream with improved momentum acquired in flow through the POWER TOWER process.
FIG. 3 of [0040] 6: Drawing page 2. illustrates the flow of three representative particles upward and through the system. Particle A rises to surface level and acquires energy in the descent to discharge; Particle C achieves negligible rise, acquiring energy in gravity driven flow to low pressure; Particle B is the ‘typical’ particle, rising to ‘average’ elevation it achieves discharge energy in gravity driven descent to discharge enhanced by lower pressure below.
FIG. 4 of [0041] 6: Drawing page 2. This graphic provides the reader with a view through the process illustrating the ‘waterfall’ effect as rapid velocity of the streamlines contract for flow through the outlet. Darker, more intense lines reflect area of lowest pressure in the system leading into the discharge outlet.
FIG. 5 of [0042] 6: FIG. 6 of 6: Drawing sheet 3. These illustrations of the Gflow stream, paired with the POWER TOWER, are more fully discussed in an epilogue at Page 18. Each of these water flow systems is illustrated in the same structure with the same quantity of flow, and identical factors of pressure, force and utilization of input energy. These illustrations portray actual trials that we have performed in connection with this work. The stream in FIG. 5 exhibits the traditionally expected responses in every respect throughout the procedure. The dramatic and startling difference in output energy of the POWER TOWER is in keeping with the theory and physical conditions discussed in this application. These experiments are easily duplicated, and we can be sure they will very quickly be ongoing in high school and college classrooms throughout the country. It remains now for the skeptic to analyze these procedures as they are portrayed here, and to provide a rational and credible explanation for any difference in interpretation or results, should there be any.

DESCRIPTION . . . DISCUSSION

In a continuous water flow process that features floor level input and discharge, a unique relationship is developed between the quantity of flow, and the manner of upward flow developed by the force imposed. In the broad, virtually unlimited environment of open stream energy flow activity, there is an extremely narrow window of opportunity within which it is possible to acquire with floor level input and discharge, of a given flow quantity, a previously unrecognized and undeveloped “second exposure” of water flow to the gravity force. The surprising result of this is the POWER TOWER, a flow process developed in this work, in which a series of ordinary liquid flow procedures combine a given quantity of liquid flow with the gravity force, and thereafter harvest an energy crop that doubles the energy typically expected of the force imposed. Obscured in a very limited area of flow activity, the process has escaped the attention of the scientist, and has not heretofore been adequately examined in the investigation of liquid flow potential. [0043]
Ignoring losses of an incidental nature, which we do throughout this work, the energy initially used, and the energy later recovered, in any mechanical process, are identical, and no marriage of energy factors in any effort to achieve energy ‘gain’ has ever been successful. Such a marriage, however, is consummated in this work. [0044]
The length of stream flow—per unit time—and the elevation of surface level, are totally a response to the velocity of the stream, and they readily change in length and elevation to respond to changes in velocity. Every free flowing stream has the capacity to rise or fall within its streambed and channel to a higher or lower surface level, consistent with changes in the velocity of the stream at the point of observation. [0045]
Mental experiments are easily conducted in which the stream stretches out with ever increasing velocity to virtually infinite length and molecular elevation, or conversely to ever lesser length, decreasing velocity, and higher surface elevation. In the real world, there are limitations on this activity, but in the abstract, we can observe the stream, gradually slowing and rising in elevation until it has come to a standstill at its original ‘head’. In the quid pro quo world of energy, a stream flow has exchanged its velocity to re-develop the head from which it came. Having re-acquired this surface elevation, the stream is now standing still as a column of water—having re-configured itself entirely back to a ‘potential’ kind of energy. [0046]
At precisely the midway point between the “all velocity” kinetic energy flow on the one hand; and the theoretical standing head that is “no velocity”, on the other, there is a point at which the happy medium of equilibrium exists. [0047]
At that point, the ‘work’ used to develop the head is being transmitted forward to the stream in exactly equal levels of kinetic and potential energy. This is water “seeking its own level”. This is the Gflow stream noted above. In a channel appropriate to the volume, surface level of this stream is always 50% of the surface level of the ‘head’ from which it flows, and the velocity always reflects kinetic energy equal to the potential energy that remains ‘standing’ in the surface elevation of the stream. Examination of these activities resulted in the development of the POWER TOWER process, that does not leave 50% of its energy ‘standing around’ in the stream. Water flow with this same ‘head’ and the same input force develops ALL the energy in the stream, and it will soon play an important part in our lives. [0048]
The quantity and upward force in the development of ‘head’ for the Gflow stream, contains the potential for energy gain, but it is not found at any other point in the broader environment of stream activity. When the right combination is present, so is the potential for energy gain. [0049]
In the modular width ‘b’=1.0-m of the TOWER process, there are a virtually infinite number of combinations of ‘Q’, (quantity) and ‘y’, (rise) that may be utilized to achieve this favored form of flow, and it is totally reflected in traditional equations and characteristics that define the entire process by which it occurs. Gflow, the stream noted above, is the same in most respects as the traditional ‘critical flow’ condition, and with the POWER TOWER, is structured around the same “basic equation” for that flow: ‘y’=(Q[0050] ²/g)¹⁻3: Where ‘y’ is surface elevation of the stream.
‘y[0051] _pt’=(Q²/g)¹⁻3, where ‘y_pt’=‘y power tower’=average rise into the tower. This condition can, of course, exist for any quantity, but it can only exist for that quantity when it is combined with appropriate ‘other conditions’, of upward pressure and force, particularly optimum rate and distance of rise into the chamber, with flow introduced from below.
Rise must never be allowed to occur in the form of a ‘fire hose jet’ or ‘fountain’. Energy gain is achieved when the flow is introduced upward into the chamber to achieve the rise defined in the equation,—no higher, and of course, no lower. Incoming flow must begin a smooth, gravity driven separation to lateral flow immediately upon rise above floor level of the chamber, and the dual form of rise and lateral flow that occurs, must remain thereafter, through the rise to surface level and on into ongoing operation. [0052]
The constant development of lateral flow develops a rise in which surface level is acquired at the energy cost of achieving rise to ‘average’ elevation, half the distance to surface level. To acquire this favorable form of rise, all conditions must be established as defined in the equation. [0053]
As any elevation of water, energy develops here in floor level discharge related to the pressure from surface level, contained in the entire body of water above. However, in this constant process, and only in this process, when conditions are imposed in accordance with the equation, surface level is acquired at energy cost related to developing rise to ‘average’level. Despite the fact that surface level is acquired at this two for one sale price, it imposes pressure to floor level as any like elevation of water—and it is this pressure that develops the energy in the discharge flow. [0054]
This is the POWER TOWER concept![0055]
Energy is utilized to raise the incoming flow to ‘average’ elevation—half the distance to surface level, but pressure into the floor level outlet is imposed by the full elevation of the water at surface level!! Force and energy in the discharge is therefore acquired at a rate double that of the force and energy required in the input!![0056]
This is the POWER TOWER concept![0057]
The design engineer has wide latitude in selecting the quantity for a new or modified system, but he must accept that the distance of rise, and other factors, are then dictated by the equation, pre-selected, and pre-approved, so to speak. All factors must, of course be fitted to the structure and facility provided. [0058]
The First Law of POWER TOWER dynamics: For the 6.0-m quantity of this discussion: [0059]
For any POWER TOWER flow system, the relationship of flow quantity and distance of rise above floor level shall be as determined in the basic flow equation: y[0060] _pt=(Q²/g)¹⁻³=average rise.
y[0061] _pt=(Q²/g)^1-3=average rise=1.54-m; and therefore
2y[0062] _pt=surface level=3. 08-m
This caveat is non-negotiable. [0063]
Conversely, quantity can be determined as a function of rise, but this is not the preferred procedure. Going forward, these values are rounded down to 1.50-m and 3.0-m respectively. Although the process may exist within ‘rounding’ distance of dead center, more significant departure from the equation protocol will abort the process, and should not be extended to the physical conditions. [0064]
The equation, ‘y’=(Q[0065] ²/g)^1-3, familiar in its mathematical expression of surface level of the ‘critical flow’ stream, defines surface elevation of the Gflow stream in the same manner. It is pointed out above that surface level of the stream with Gflow characteristics is always just 50% of surface elevation in the ‘head’, and head is the same in both Gflow and the POWER TOWER. The point, ‘y_pt’ (‘y_{power tower}’),—developed in the equation, is therefore the half way point in rise to surface elevation in the head, the mathematical ‘average’ rise for a given quantity. This point is readily utilized, then, to infer ‘2y_pt’ as total rise to surface elevation, and we do so throughout this work. Rise ‘2y_pt’—twice the ‘average’ elevation—is therefore, a function of the same upward flow, occurring in the same time frame, and developing rise to surface level as a normal function of ‘average’ rise. For a given quantity, average rise into the tower, and rise to surface level are thus defined in the equation.
In the 6.0-m[0066] ³/s trial we discuss, surface level of 3.0-m is acquired at the energy cost of raising the incoming flow to the average′ level of 1.50-m. The energy input to accomplish this rise to that level is ‘typically’ calculated:
MgH (Work)=6000 kg·9.81 m/s/s·1.5 m=9·10[0067] ⁴Nm/s (90kNm/s)
Energy develops in the discharge utilizing pressure from surface level 3.0-m: [0068]
Kinetic Energy=Mv[0069] ²/2=6000 kg·60(m/s)²/2 =1.8·10⁵Nm/s (180 kNm/s)
Thus, we see the powerful and startling consequences of the POWER TOWER process. [0070]
There should be no question. There is ONE, (1), UNO, rise for any quantity—and vice versa. The engineer must develop a devotion of spiritual proportions to the relationship between quantity of flow through the system, and average rise into the tower: [0071]
‘y[0072] _pt’=(Q²/g)¹⁻³is that relationship.
Going forward, we will be recognizing this important equation as ‘the equation’—but without the quotes. Although it is noted above that optimum conditions for energy gain produce equal levels of kinetic and potential energy in the stream, this does not imply that these conditions in the flow of the stream are optimum for any energy development process. They are not. It does mean that the quantity of flow and the upward force has been imposed to the head in a manner that would allow the stream to “smoothly” flow into a channel and acquire “its own level” (if this were otherwise allowed). It is not allowed in the tower process. These energy gain conditions do not occur in stream flow, nor do they occur, for that matter, any place else in tower flow. [0073]

The Preferred Embodiment

The Process

An over view of the development and operation of the 6.0-cubic meter per second flow through a POWER TOWER section is presented here, with the further discussion of the prominent functions of the preferred embodiment: Input; Lateral flow; and discharge. Drawing FIG. 1, of the preferred embodiment, that we will be discussing, illustrates this basic POWER TOWER flow system in which the incoming flow is introduced upward from a supply reservoir, and it briefly describes flow through the system. For this quantity, the factors of rise developed above are repeated here: [0074]
Average rise=y[0075] _pt=(Q ²/g)^1-3=1.5-m (actual 1.54-m);
Surface level=2y[0076] _pt=3.0-m (actual 3.08-m).
Input energy utilization, is therefore calculated accordingly: [0077]
Input energy: (Mg)H; Work:=(6.0 kKg/s·10 m/s[0078] ²)·1.5 m =9·10⁴J. (90 kNm/s)
For optimum performance, optimum conditions must be in place, and they are presented here, now, for the development of the 6.0-m[0079] ³/s system. Going forward, we will describe the development of this quantity, in context, in flow upward and through the POWER TOWER process. The procedures and conditions are explicit for the trial described, but the format may be used to set up facilities of any size. Continued reference now to FIG. 1 of the preferred embodiment, drawing Page 1 will be helpful.
Input and Rise [0080]
In the illustrations, the rectangular open channel of the width, b=1.0-m, is divided in section view, into three imaginary vertical columns, numbered 1, 2, and 3, left to right; from upstream to downstream. These columns are identified by the somewhat over-lapping flow patterns that occur through them, and this discussion is also divided roughly into these same activities of the process: [0081]
1. Input/rising flow; 2. Lateral/downward flow; 3. downward/discharge flow. [0082]
Continuous flow of water, is raised by applied force to design surface level of 3.0-m and physical structure is assumed to be adequate for this rise to that elevation. At that level, the surface becomes level, uniform, and stable, with a tranquil appearance that belies the level of activity below. [0083]
A channel section of the modular width ‘b’=1.0-meter and total volume approximately three times the volume of anticipated flow through the system should be provided. For this trial, then, 3 times the 6 cubic meter volume of flow is 18.0-m[0084] ³, and with the 3.0-m elevation, calculates to a 6.0-m length. Neither this length, nor any safety margin that may be allowed, effects the development of flow characteristics.
Excluding inlet and outlet openings, the length of the floor, [0085] 12, provides separation for the transition of rising input to lateral and downward flow to discharge. Length of floor equal to the length of the inlet and outlet openings should be adequate. For this trial this inlet is approximately one third the 6.0-m overall length, with the discharge opening a further length of 0.75-m.
Upward force—equal to the downward gravity force—is applied in the incoming flow ‘work’ to raise this 6.0-m[0086] ³/sec flow to the average elevation of 1.50-m for this trial:
Force=F =Mg=6·10[0087] ⁴N. This is the minimum force required to raise the mass 6.0·10³kg, and
Pressure in the incoming flow must support rise to 2y, design surface elevation, at 3.0-m, and develop this required force. Rise to 3.0-m requires pressure: [0088]
P=F/a=3.0·10[0089] ⁴N/m²in the incoming flow.
This pressure applied in the flow and through the inlet area, ‘a’=F/P=2.0-m[0090] ²accomplishes the force required. Model sizes will require empirical design but may be inferred from actual model trial discussed going forward.
Area of the inlet is also properly established when the volume of an imaginary column of that area, extending upward from the inlet to design surface level, is equal to the volume of input. Inlet area for the 6.0-m[0091] ³/s quantity of this trial is thus verified:
Inlet area: ‘a’=Quantity/height;=(Q/H)=2.0-m[0092] ²as above.
Mechanical pumping means, located below the floor in a pump chase, [0093] 4, provides appropriate pressure and force to smoothly raise incoming flow through the floor in sector 1, to uniform surface level, 2y at design elevation, 6, 17. In the course of rise, a short reach of lateral/downward flow brings the incoming stream across tower sector 2, to floor level discharge, 7, at the base of the ‘downstream’ wall, sector 3. Discharge to the device served begins immediately with input, and originates thereafter from every level throughout the ongoing process. The constant lateral outflow from the rising incoming stream results in rise that occurs to the ‘average’ level of 1.50-m with total rise occurring to the 3.0-m elevation.
At every level in the rise from floor level to surface level, portions of input conclude their rise and are gravity driven into lateral flow and discharge, a critical feature of the POWER TOWER process. [0094]
Pressure and force are provided in the incoming flow to accomplish this rise; and the area of the floor level discharge outlet is calculated such that discharge cannot become total until this rise is accomplished. The equal and opposite conflict between the gravity force and the upward input force remains constant through the entire rise in the input sector, being an important element in developing lateral outflow from the rising input stream. In a form of rise that becomes constant through the entire operation, particles of flow are diverted laterally at every level between floor level and surface level. When conditions produce this form of rise, surface elevation is being acquired at the energy cost of acquiring flow to ‘average’ elevation, and conditions are in the energy gain mode. [0095]
Rise to design surface elevation of 3.0-m is thereby assured, and appropriate pressure from this level, [0096] 6, 17, is imposed at the outlet. This rise must occur, and as rising flow acquires surface level, discharging flow is fully applied to the receiving device or facility, 13, the process is ongoing, and flow is returned by gravity to the tail water reservoir; 14, maintained at surface level datum, 11.
The POWER TOWER process acquires and retains a uniform, stable surface at total energy head level, [0097] 17, and utilizes the maximum potential of this elevation of water to develop kinetic energy, without reserving 50%—or any portion of that energy—as in the ‘standing potential energy’ of typical stream flow. This maximum potential is present in the pressure imposed from the full surface level developed by the process into the floor level discharge outlet. This outlet is sized to permit total discharge only when this pressure is imposed. The flow velocity and area of the floor level discharge outlet are typically established by reference to the quantity of flow and the distance to surface level:
Outlet velocity: ‘v’={square root}2 gH=‘v’=7. 75 m/s; [0098]
Outlet Area ‘a’=Q/v=6 m[0099] ³/7.75 m/s ‘a’=0. 75M²
Discharge occurs now through the area of 0.75-m[0100] ²at the velocity of 7.75 m/s.
The all kinetic energy of the discharge flow: [0101]
Discharge Energy=Mv[0102] ²/2=1.8·10⁵Nm/s (180 kNm/sec)
Input Energy=MgH=9·10[0103] ⁴Nm/s (90 kNm/sec) Any energy development process is typically a ‘sink’ into which energy is poured at a faster rate than it is developed. The POWER TOWER process is a first ever reversal of this condition in which the development of energy exceeds the cost of production, when applied conditions are dictated by the equation.
The permitted variance from this relationship of quantity and rise as it is defined in the equation, is -0-, ‘Zero’. Zero tolerance is the target. The more nearly this relationship is achieved, the greater will be the efficiency of the system, and the costly inefficiencies that occur with departure from this protocol will be avoided. The input force is totally utilized in the rise of incoming flow, and it is utilized at just half the rate of force and energy developed by gravity in the floor level discharge. This will only prevail when all conditions are on target! To achieve it—Stay on the target!![0104]
The equation is visited again now, as we discuss further aspects of the process. [0105]
The Second Law of POWER TOWER dynamics: [0106]
For any POWER TOWER flow system, the relationship of flow quantity and distance of rise above floor level shall be as determined in the basic flow equation: y[0107] _pt=(Q²/g)^1-3=average rise. For the quantity 6.0-m³/s:
Y[0108] _pt=(Q²/g)^1-3=average rise=1.50-m; and therefore
2y[0109] _pt=surface level=3.00-m.
As noted earlier, these figures are rounded to 1.50-m and 3.0-m, for this discussion, but in a further caution, this form of ‘rounding’ should not be liberally extended to the physical process. [0110]
Nothing in this discussion should be taken to infer the rise of total input to surface level—it does not, and—except as a non-event, it is not relevant. [0111]
The extent to which return flow makes re-entry and upward flow in the chamber is a crucial element in the determination of energy utilization, and given floor level discharge, a decreasing rate of rise is inherent to this nature of upward flow. In traditional theory, this return flow will probably be seen as rising in total to surface level, utilizing input energy accordingly, but the effects of this form of floor level input and discharge have not been adequately considered. In reality, rise to surface level does not, and cannot, occur. Constant separation of the rising return flow to lateral flow and discharge, precludes any such rise. Only a small portion of the total quantity input to the system achieves rise “to” surface level. Clearly, flow “from” surface level is therefore limited to the extent of this rise. [0112]
The upward return flow is achieved with the minimum force required, against the constant and equal force of gravity—through a body of water that is otherwise in constant lateral and downward flow. It is a wonder that any flow rises to surface level. [0113]
Rise of the re-circulating return flow can occur only in the upward flow of the input sector, and clearly, the constant lateral flow out of this rising input stream prohibits any such total rise. At any rate, it is pressure imposed back to floor level from a stable surface elevation that develops force and energy in the discharge; and not the volume that flows to and from surface level. [0114]
The upward force of 6·10[0115] ⁴N, is the only applied force, and it is totally utilized in raising the flow to average level of 1.5-m and the further rise to surface level of 3.0-m There is no force provided to initiate lateral flow or flow to discharge. Discharge is a ‘gravity-driven’ process in which applied force has no role.

Lateral Flow

When all conditions are in place, the ‘distance’ of rise′, therefore, occurs on ‘average’, to approximately half the rise to surface level, and input energy factors are provided accordingly. From the earliest moments of the process, rapid downward flow into the discharge outlet, driven by surface level pressure of the moment, originates and sustains an area of low pressure flow through the outlet. This low pressure extends back upstream through the entire body of water, most particularly to the area immediately downstream of the rising input. Outside the rising input stream, the entire main body of water is in a form of lateral or downward flow to discharge, and the particle ‘bumped’ out of the rising input flow, immediately joins this flow. Given the opposing nature of the upward and downward forces in the rising flow stream, it is not surprising that constant lateral flow occurs out of that stream into the lower pressure downstream. Optimum rate of rise, provided by the input and gravity forces in the rising flow is necessary to accommodate the steady lateral flow that must occur out of the rising input flow. [0116]
The particle diverted out of the rising input becomes pressure head to the lower pressure below, particularly to the lowest pressure of the discharge outlet and immediately merges with flow already in motion at velocity consistent with flow from surface level to that point. At the same time, it becomes itself low pressure to the ‘head’ in the height of water above. [0117]
Lateral and downward flow to discharge begins immediately with incoming flow, increases through the rise in the input sector, and becomes total when the chamber fills to design surface level. [0118]
Without regard to the elevation at which it is diverted, the particle continues now with the surrounding flow, to merger with the ‘main’ discharge stream in flow to the discharge outlet. This main stream, originating at surface level, is supplemented in descent by merger with gravity driven lateral flow that has already acquired velocity consistent with flow from surface level to the point of merger, and the particle continues to gain velocity with the main stream to the outlet. Every incoming particle participates in this process. [0119]
The form of rise and discharge outlined here, can only occur when both input and discharge, suitably separated, occur at floor level, as in the POWER TOWER process. The flow thus diverted out of the rising input stream becomes an element of the discharge stream and is smoothly replaced by continuing new input. The constant diversion of a portion of upward flow directs virtually the entire input quantity into the lower pressure downstream from the rising input. Without regard to the height at which a particle is diverted, it immediately acquires velocity and potential energy consistent with that of the surrounding flow, which already reflects flow from surface level to that point. Combining the pressure head above, with the lower pressure below, every particle driven from the rising input is in flow now to discharge at the same velocity as flow that actually originates at surface level. [0120]

Discharge

Discharge begins almost immediately with inflow, but total discharge occurs, only when design surface level, in this instance 3.0-m, has been achieved. Despite the fact that rise occurs ‘on average’ only half way to surface level; and that it is accomplished ‘on average’ at energy cost calculated at this mid-level of rise, force and energy in the floor level discharge is directly related to full pressure of surface level into the floor level outlet, typical of any like elevation of water. From whatever level it flows, every particle crosses the threshold to discharge at the same velocity, AS IF in flow from surface elevation. Every particle acquires kinetic energy AS IF in flow from surface level Total kinetic energy in the discharge stream is not different in any respect from any like elevation of water, however acquired. [0121]
Once in flow to discharge, there is no prospect for the further rise of any particle, and the critical ‘distance of rise’ of input energy requirements has been established. This ‘waterfall’ to discharge, FIG. 4, drawing [0122] page 2, consists of streamlines originated in flow from surface level, supplemented by particles constantly ‘bumped’ out of the rising input, originating their discharge flow from every possible level in the chamber.
Constant gravity pressure from surface level drives the process, sustaining the critically important area of low pressure flow, and diverting every rising particle laterally and downward to merge with it. This diversion to lateral/downward flow is a response to forces in the incoming flow and pressure differences in the chamber, and must occur. [0123]
‘Average’ distance of rise is now constant to level 1.50-m, at the mass flow rate of rise of 1.50-m/s, and continuing at a smoothly decreasing flow rate to surface level at 3.0-m. Total floor level discharge occurs as stable surface level is achieved at elevation 3.0-m, and as the quantity of floor level input and discharge equalizes at that point, no further rise of surface level can occur. Continuing flow through the system to discharge and application to the device served is accomplished by the gravity force alone, without further participation of the applied force. [0124]
At the threshold of discharge, the entire pressure and gravity heads of every particle has been converted to velocity, and all exhibit the same velocity of 7.75 m/s, consistent with this point. Given that particles arrive at the discharge outlet in flow from every elevation in the chamber above, it is clear that this can occur only out of the pressure differences of the POWER TOWER scenario presented. Although typical energy factors and conditions are utilized to accomplish this ‘average’ rise, and subsequent descent, they have never before been considered in this particular configuration. Every particle is driven through discharge with the pressure 3.0·10[0125] ⁴N/m²that occurs into the outlet when uniform, level surface has been acquired across the chamber at design elevation of 3.0-m.
Constant pressure is imposed at discharge to every particle, as if it were in flow from surface level. Flow is applied to the device served, [0126] 13, and returned, by gravity, to the supply/return reservoir, 14. for recycling.
The startling energy results of the process are repeated here again in the third law: [0127]
The Third Law of POWER TOWER dynamics: [0128]
For any POWER TOWER flow system, the relationship of flow quantity and distance of rise above floor level shall be as determined in the basic flow equation: y[0129] _pt=(Q²/g)¹⁻³=average rise. For the quantity 6.0-m³/s energy aspects through the process:
Input: (Mg)H; Work:=(60 kKg/s·10m/s[0130] ²)·1.5m=9·10⁴J. (90 Nm/s)
Discharge: kinetic energy=K.E=Mv[0131] ²/2=1.8·10⁵Nm/sec=(180 kNm/s)

AN EPILOGUE

We discuss now the most representative of the various experiments conducted in the work presented here. Approaching the design of a system, the engineer has wide latitude in the selection of quantity or rise for the system, but he is best advised to make ‘quantity’ his first choice. Once having settled upon quantity or rise, latitude is lost, and the engineer is constrained to providing the rest of the characteristics by the dictates of the process. Departure in either direction from quantity of flow and distance of rise established in the equation can quickly lead to fatal failure in the process. [0132]
For a demonstration procedure the quantity of 2.5 liters per second was selected as a good ‘fit’ for the model test chamber available, and gave an excellent performance in every respect. The flow was raised in accordance with the conditions of the application to the average elevation of 5.4 cm, and surface elevation was achieved as anticipated at elevation 10.8-cm. These trials are represented on drawing [0133] page 3, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, as an analogy of typical stream activity with the POWER TOWER process. This drawing page should be available for ready reference through this discussion.
These trials were conducted with a 4.5-cm diameter (1.75-inch) submersible pump, gate valve—controlled for a constant output of 150 liters per minute, (2.5-ltr/s). This output to the process, in either case, was frequently verified by diversion of the flow to measuring vessels and was never in question. In these trials the pump was centrally located as shown, in the supply/return reservoir, basically to diffuse the rapid velocity out of the pump, but this is not a significant factor. Pumps have been otherwise located in other trials without a problem. At any rate, a more satisfactory diffusion of the velocity of output from the pump occurs with the pump located as shown. Volume of upward flow into the tower per unit time, of course, is significant, and frequently verified by physical measurements at the point of discharge, as noted above. [0134]
Satisfactory approximation of the flow pattern through the tower was determined by suspending a thin wire from floor level to surface level through the body of water, immediately downstream from the upward flow of the input. Narrow, ribbon-like streamers were suspended from the wire and this readily indicated the nature of the immediate lateral flow that occurs out of the rising input stream throughout the rise, a matter of concern related to the input force and energy. [0135]
This relatively simple procedure provided and verified the theoretical flow patterns described in the application, and shown in the drawings. [0136]
The appearance of flow through these trials is very much as described earlier in this work, and it is not a far reach to suppose that down the road with more sophisticated testing capability, there will develop an even greater similarity in the rise and flow to discharge of these two forms of free water flow. We look first at the stream. [0137]
Pumping means adjusted for the constant output of 150-Liters per minute (2.5-Lps). is provided in the pump chase, [0138] 4 in the supply/return reservoir below the floor, 14, from which this re-circulating flow is raised. Into the stream head, rise of the incoming flow to surface elevation 10.8- cm 6, 17, is totally unstable, developing lateral and downward flow into the channel throughout the entire rise out of every level. As surface level is acquired in the head at elevation 2y, 10.8-cm, lateral/downward flow out of the head into the channel is total. Surface level of this downward flow occurs at an angle of approximately 45-degrees into the channel, and this flow smoothly develops stream surface elevation of ‘y’=5.40-cm, at flow width ‘b’=6.25-cm, being the area 34-cm², proportioned to this size for this quantity of flow.
Potential energy in the head is consistent with the energy cost of rise: [0139]
P.E.=MgH=1.33 Nm/sec [0140]
Energy in the input that establishes this head is made up of the pressure 1.08·10[0141] ³N/m²imposed into the upward flow through the floor level inlet area 0.023m ^2,5 establishing the force 25-N in the upward flow.
Rise is achieved to the ‘average’ level of 5.4-cm utilizing the input ‘work’, MgH=1.33-Nm/s, (1.33-J)developing the potential energy MgH, as above. [0142]
Floor level [0143] 12, and datum level 11, represent starting level of rise, and surface level of the supply reservoir.
Down channel stream flow develops at surface elevation of 5.4-cm at velocity 0.73-m/s, exhibiting kinetic energy associated with this velocity, and total energy, including potential energy consistent with that of the input and head developed above: [0144]
Kinetic Energy=[0145] Mv ^2/2=0.67-Nm/s
Potential Energy=MgH=0.67-Nm/s; Total energy: 1.34-Nm/s. [0146]
Thus, this flow ‘work’, MgH, of 1.34 Nm/s (1.33-J) is established as the work of the input, carried into the potential energy of the head, [0147] 17, and forward again into stream flow, 13, as kinetic and potential energy anticipated for this nature of open surface flow.
The manner of this activity exhibits a rewarding continuity and agreement with the basic fundamental theory of this flow. This is of general interest, but it is even of more interest here, for its strong relationship to the POWER TOWER mode of flow which was developed in conjunction with it. Of special interest is the accomplishment of this flow by the ‘average’ pressure in the head that is transmitted forward into the channel. [0148]
The constant ‘average’ pressure from the head, 540-N/m[0149] ², is imposed laterally into the lower pressure of the stream that is at the constant ‘average’ pressure of 270 N/m². The constant flow to this pressure difference is totally responsible for the velocity of 0.73-m in the stream flow:
Velocity, ‘V’={square root}2P/[0150] _p={square root}0.54(m/s)²=0.73 m/s
This is the velocity of the kinetic energy in the stream, and the only velocity at which this quantity can flow at the theoretical surface level of 5.4-cm. [0151]
Now, for the FIG. 6 POWER TOWER trial, identical factors of input energy are utilized as in the stream flow, but the gate, [0152] 16, is lowered to reduce the area of floor level discharge, 7, to 17-cm²from the 34.0-cm²area of the stream flow. As seen in the index listing of characteristics below, discharge area is reduced by approximately 50% from the stream to the POWER TOWER process. This reduced area of discharge no longer permits total discharge, forcing the further rise of surface level. This further rise does not occur to a higher level, but as rise to stable surface level into the entire head area, filling out the entire chamber to a uniform, stable surface 2y at the design level of 10.8-m. With this uniform ‘head’ area at 2y stable at that level, total pressure of surface level is now transmitted in downward direction to the floor level outlet, making total discharge again possible. If the gate is gradually lowered with the stream flow mode ongoing, this steady rising and leveling of surface level can be observed as it occurs, bringing the surface to a level, uniform configuration at elevation ‘2y’, 6, 17. This same rise occurs also when the POWER TOWER process is commenced from scratch. While it may not appear so at first look, both of these trials are conducted in the same structure, the only difference being in the position of the gate, 16, lowered in the tower trial. Rise to surface elevation, 2y, is common to both procedures, with identical pressure and force provided in the input in either case.

However, with these same input energy factors and the modified discharge flow, a dramatic change takes place in the characteristics of the tower discharge flow. The totally different appearance of the tower and its surface level, is solely the result of the difference in discharge area, and the resulting difference in the form of rise that occurs.



PERTINENT CHARACTERISTICS	POWER TOWER	Gflow

Quantity of Flow		2.5-L/sec	2.5 L/sec
‘y’ = Q²/g)^1-3	y =	DNA	flow 5.4-cm
Surface level
	2y head	10.8-cm	10.8-cm
Pressure Input		1080-N/m²	1080-N/m²
Force in the Input	Mg =	25 N	25 N
Rise in Input (average)		5.4 cm	5.4 cm
‘Work’ Input	MgH	1.33-J	1.33-J
Kin. Energy in discharge	Mv²/2	2.66-Nm/sec	0.67-Nm/s
Pot. Energy in discharge	MgH	DNA	0.67-Nm/s

With the now total pressure from surface level driving the same quantity of discharge flow through an outlet decreased in area by 50%, velocity through the outlet is doubled to 1.47 m/s. There is no increase in input energy, and none is necessary. [0154]
The tower is now filled to 2y 10.8-cm and pressure in the discharge flow has now advanced from 540-N/m[0155] ²in the lateral stream flow, to 1080N/m²in floor level discharge.
Velocity appropriate to this pressure is imposed to the receiving device and the flow is returned to the supply return reservoir for recycling. Kinetic energy in the discharge has now doubled from the total energy of the stream, quadrupled if the kinetic energy only is considered in the stream. The kinetic energy in this trial: [0156]
Kinetic Energy. =Mv[0157] ²/2=2.66Nm/sec
The startling result of this process is seen in the development of energy in the discharge: ‘force times distance’ (1.8N)·(1.46 m) =2.66Nm/sec with ‘distance’ of the discharge flow typically represented by the velocity: v={square root}2 gH. [0158]
This energy out of the system would typically be considered as the maximum energy in the discharge of any such elevation of water under these conditions, and would excite no particular interest in the theorist. Nor in anyone else. [0159]
It might also be considered by the theorist as the minimum energy required to initiate and sustain the process. This is not accurate, however, and this will be immediately apparent to those who conduct physical trials such as those done in connection with this work. [0160]
In this flow to discharge, every particle participates as if in a 5:00PM crush to the Lincoln Tunnel in New York's lower Manhattan. Quite unlike the unfortunate motorist, however, the much more versatile particle in flow increases in velocity toward the tunnel, decreasing in size until all are able to simultaneously make the trip through the tunnel. [0161]
This is a gravity inspired and directed production. Given the ideal nature of our experimental world, the input force, consisting of the particle and its upward acceleration, could theoretically rise indefinitely, but ignoring incidental losses, the major deterrent to this occurrence would be gravity. Generally in such a system, an even-handed performance by the gravity force is anticipated—here a deterrent, there an assist, everything coming out even in the wash. No procedure has ever been devised to improve on this—until the POWER TOWER. The POWER TOWER has a special friend in the gravity force. [0162]
There is no further need now to suppose the impossible flow of every particle to and from surface level to explain the energy in the input and discharge. Nor is there reason to neglect the development of the kinetic energy—entirely as high pressure ‘head’ upstream and low pressure ‘sink’ downstream. As with paint through a spray gun, and other procedures that utilize the low pressure of rapid fluid flow in similar fashion, the reality of what occurs here becomes much more evident. Force and energy developed in the discharge exceed by double that required to initiate and sustain the process. The ‘force and distance’ relationship in the input activity, and its role in developing the discharge activity will not for much longer be obscured. [0163]
We leave it now to the skeptic—theorist—critic—to credibly explain that this will not perform as proposed here, and while he ponders for a reason why it cannot occur, he should keep in mind—it already has. [0164]
Thanks to gravity, energy is acquired in this flow that has not heretofore existed or been considered possible. [0165]
Nice friend to have, this gravity fella. [0166]
However, the relative simplicity of structuring physical trials that establish the validity of this process will very soon make disciples of the most ardent non-believer. [0167]
Some will lead, some will follow. [0168]
We will all get there. [0169]

Claims

1. I claim a process of free surface liquid flow management in which mechanical force, or any combination of mechanical and natural force, smoothly raises constant liquid flow into an open chamber or tower section, the quantity of said liquid flow per unit time being related to the input force as described in this application.

2. The process as claimed in 1 above in which the constant liquid flow is raised to design elevation through inlet means in the ‘upstream’ sector of the chamber floor from natural or provided supply maintained below the floor of the chamber, to which recycling flow is later returned.

3. The process as claimed in 1 above in which constant lateral flow is gravity driven out of the rising input in the course of rise, crossing the chamber to discharge means where momentum of the flow is imposed to a receiving facility, and returned to the supply reservoir for recycling.

4. The process described in 3 above including flow through a floor level discharge means at the base of the ‘downstream’ wall, said discharge outlet being sized relative to the input quantity and relative to the pressure imposed by the height of the liquid above, so as to develop and maintain a discharge flow volume equal to the volume of input when design surface level pressure is imposed, maintaining thereby a stable uniform, liquid level across the tower at design elevation.

5. The process claimed in 4 above that develops and provides constant gravity pressure to the said floor level discharge from surface level that is provided and maintained at the energy cost of raising the liquid to approximately average elevation, while constant recovery of pressure potential energy is acquired entirely out of the maximum elevation at surface level.

6. The process claimed in 5 above that develops kinetic energy in the discharge that is greater than heretofore accomplished with the given level of input force.