US20110006530A1 - Electricity generating arrangement - Google Patents
Electricity generating arrangement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110006530A1 US20110006530A1 US12/919,297 US91929709A US2011006530A1 US 20110006530 A1 US20110006530 A1 US 20110006530A1 US 91929709 A US91929709 A US 91929709A US 2011006530 A1 US2011006530 A1 US 2011006530A1
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- Prior art keywords
- water conduit
- secondary water
- primary
- conduit
- primary water
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 47
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 201
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 19
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
- F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
- E02B9/00—Water-power plants; Layout, construction or equipment, methods of, or apparatus for, making same
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03B—INSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
- E03B7/00—Water main or service pipe systems
- E03B7/07—Arrangement of devices, e.g. filters, flow controls, measuring devices, siphons or valves, in the pipe systems
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
- F03B17/00—Other machines or engines
- F03B17/06—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head"
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2220/00—Application
- F05B2220/60—Application making use of surplus or waste energy
- F05B2220/602—Application making use of surplus or waste energy with energy recovery turbines
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2240/00—Components
- F05B2240/40—Use of a multiplicity of similar components
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/50—Hydropower in dwellings
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/20—Hydro energy
Definitions
- This invention relates to an electricity generating arrangement.
- an electricity generating arrangement comprising:
- an inlet valve is located within the secondary water conduit, adjacent the inlet, and an outlet valve is located within the secondary water conduit, adjacent the outlet.
- the secondary water conduit comprises a substantially elongate portion that runs substantially parallel to the primary water conduit.
- the turbine comprises either a fin arrangement or a threaded screw.
- the primary water conduit is part of a residential/municipal water distribution system.
- the primary water conduit is defined by a natural conduit carrying water, such as a river.
- a method of fitting an electricity generating arrangement to a primary water conduit comprising:
- water flowing through the primary water conduit can enter the secondary water conduit, flow through the secondary water conduit and exit the secondary water conduit so as to rejoin the primary water conduit, so that under the influence of the water flowing through the secondary water conduit, the turbine can rotate so as to drive the generator to generate electricity.
- the method includes fitting an inlet valve within the secondary water conduit, adjacent its inlet, and fitting an outlet valve within the secondary water conduit, adjacent its outlet.
- a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of fitting an electricity generating arrangement to a primary water conduit, the primary water conduit comprising a pressure reducing device, the method comprising:
- the method includes fitting the pressure reducing device adjacent the primary water conduit, in parallel with the rotatable turbine.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic top view of an electricity generating arrangement according to a first example embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 connected to a reticulation grid
- FIG. 3 shows a flow chart representing a method of fitting an electricity generating arrangement to a primary water conduit, according to a first example embodiment
- FIG. 4 shows a schematic top view of an electricity generating arrangement according to a second example embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 5 shows a schematic top view of an electricity generating arrangement according to a third example embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 shows a flow chart representing a method of fitting an electricity generating arrangement to a primary water conduit, according to a second example embodiment.
- an electricity generating arrangement 10 comprises a secondary water conduit 12 , typically in the form of a pipe, fitted to a primary water conduit 14 , which, again, is typically also in the form of a pipe.
- the secondary water pipe 12 defines an inlet 16 for allowing water flowing through the primary water pipe 14 to enter the secondary water pipe 12 .
- the secondary water pipe 12 further defines an outlet 18 for allowing water flowing through the secondary water pipe 12 to exit the secondary water pipe 12 so as to rejoin the primary water pipe 14 , as indicated by the arrows in the figure.
- the primary water pipe 14 typically includes a pressure reducing device, such as a pressure reducing valve 20 , as is well known in the art.
- a rotatable turbine 22 is located within the secondary water pipe 12 , the turbine 20 being connectable to a generator 24 so that under the influence of the water flowing through the secondary water pipe 12 , the turbine 22 can rotate so as to drive the generator 24 to generate electricity for distribution or storage.
- an inlet valve 26 is located within the secondary water pipe 12 , adjacent the inlet 16
- an outlet valve 28 is located within the secondary water pipe 12 , adjacent the outlet 18 .
- the valves 26 , 28 may take the form of a non return valve and/or pressure reducing valve, depending on a number of factors, such as the size of supply and location, the water pressure and the anticipated water flow speed.
- one or more booster pumps may be fitted, if and when needed.
- the secondary water pipe 12 comprises a substantially elongate portion 30 that runs substantially parallel to the primary water pipe 14 .
- the turbine 22 comprises either a fin arrangement or a threaded screw.
- the primary water pipe 14 is part of a residential/municipal water pipe system.
- the water pipe system may be part of a local government, government, semi-government or privately owned water distribution network.
- the primary water pipe is defined by a natural conduit carrying water, such as a river.
- pumps may be fitted to pump the water out of the river, through the secondary water pipe, and then back into the river.
- FIG. 2 shows the relationship between the electricity generating arrangement 10 shown in FIG. 1 and an electrical reticulation grid or network.
- FIG. 2 shows the secondary water pipe 12 , turbine 22 and generator 24 , as described above.
- the generator 24 may be housed within a suitable power station 42 , with connection cables 44 extending from the generator 24 to a transformer station 46 .
- overhead cables 48 connect the transformer station 46 to a mast 50 , and then from the mast 50 to another transformer station 52 .
- a further overhead cable 54 may carry the electricity to another mast 56 , which can then further distribute the electricity as needed.
- underground cables 58 , 60 may also be used to carry the electricity to a transformer station 46 or 52 , and then onto a mini substation or directly to a consumer.
- the reticulation network may be designed in any one of a number of well-known ways, with the grid shown in FIG. 3 representing only one illustrative way of doing this.
- This method 70 comprises stopping the flow of water through the primary water pipe, as indicated by block 72 .
- the method 70 then comprises defining an outlet and an inlet in a side wall of the primary water pipe, as indicated by block 74 .
- the method 70 concludes by fitting a secondary water pipe to the primary water pipe, as indicated by block 76 .
- the secondary water pipe defines an inlet that can be in fluid communication with the outlet defined in the primary water pipe.
- the secondary water pipe further defines an outlet that can be in fluid communication with the inlet defined in the primary water pipe.
- the secondary water pipe houses a rotatable turbine, the turbine being connectable to a generator, so that water flowing through the primary water pipe can enter the secondary water pipe, flow through the secondary water pipe and exit the secondary water pipe so as to rejoin the primary water pipe, so that under the influence of the water flowing through the secondary water pipe, the turbine can rotate so as to drive the generator to generate electricity.
- the method includes fitting an inlet valve within the secondary water pipe, adjacent its inlet, and fitting an outlet valve within the secondary water pipe, adjacent its outlet.
- an electricity generating arrangement 80 comprises a main secondary water conduit 82 , typically in the form of a pipe, fitted to a primary water conduit 84 , which, again, is typically also in the form of a pipe.
- the main secondary water pipe 82 defines an inlet 86 for allowing water flowing through the primary water pipe 84 to enter the main secondary water pipe 82 .
- the main secondary water pipe 82 further defines an outlet 88 for allowing water flowing through the main secondary water pipe 82 to exit the main secondary water pipe 82 so as to rejoin the primary water pipe 84 , as described above.
- the primary water pipe 84 typically includes a pressure reducing device, such as a pressure reducing valve 90 , as is well known in the art.
- a plurality of additional secondary water conduits 92 , 94 extend across the ends of the main secondary water pipe 82 so as to define a parallel arrangement of secondary water pipes 82 , 92 and 94 .
- Rotatable turbines 96 , 98 and 100 are located within the secondary water pipes 82 , 92 and 94 , respectively.
- Each turbine. 96 , 98 and 100 is connectable to a generator 102 , 104 and 106 so that under the influence of the water flowing through the secondary water pipes 82 , 92 and 94 the turbines 96 , 98 and 100 can rotate so as to drive the generators 102 , 104 and 106 to generate electricity.
- the generated electricity may either be distributed locally via a local cable distribution network, as indicated by arrow 108 , or the voltage may be stepped up using suitable transformers 110 for long distance distribution over a high voltage network, as indicated by arrow 112 .
- an electricity generating arrangement 120 comprises replacing a pressure reducing device, which is typically fitted within a primary water conduit 122 , with a rotatable turbine 124 .
- the turbine 124 may then in turn be connected to a generator 126 , so that water flowing through the primary water conduit can drive the generator 126 to generate electricity.
- the generated electricity may either be distributed locally via a local cable distribution network, as indicated by arrow 128 , or the voltage may be stepped up using suitable transformers 130 for long distance distribution over a high voltage network, as indicated by arrow 132 .
- a pressure reducing device such as a pressure reducing valve 134 , may be fitted adjacent the primary water conduit 122 , so as to be substantially in parallel with the rotatable turbine 124 .
- a secondary/by-pass may be fitted in parallel with the primary water conduit 122 , for use when the turbine 124 is not operational.
- FIG. 6 which is related to the arrangement shown in FIG. 5 , a further aspect of the present invention provides a method 140 of fitting an electricity generating arrangement to a primary water conduit, the primary water conduit comprising a pressure reducing device.
- the method 140 comprises stopping the flow of water through the primary water conduit, as indicated by block 142 , and then replacing the pressure reducing device within the primary water conduit with a rotatable turbine.
- the turbine is connectable to a generator, so that water flowing through the primary water conduit can drive the generator to generate electricity.
- the method 140 may further include fitting the pressure reducing device adjacent the primary water conduit, in parallel with the rotatable turbine.
- the present invention discloses an electricity generating arrangement that is relatively quick, easy and inexpensive to setup.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
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- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
- Hydraulic Turbines (AREA)
Abstract
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an electricity generating arrangement comprising at least one secondary water conduit fitted to a primary water conduit, the secondary water conduit defining an inlet for allowing water flowing through the primary water conduit to enter the secondary water conduit and an outlet for allowing water flowing through the secondary water conduit to exit the secondary water conduit so as to rejoin the primary water conduit. The arrangement further comprises at least one rotatable turbine located within the secondary water conduit, each turbine being connectable to a generator so that under the influence of the water flowing through the secondary water conduit, the turbine can rotate so as to drive the generator to generate electricity. In an example embodiment, an inlet valve is located within the secondary water conduit, adjacent the inlet, and an outlet valve is located within the secondary water conduit, adjacent the outlet.
Description
- This invention relates to an electricity generating arrangement.
- There are many different ways of generating electricity. With the ever-growing shortage of natural resources, there is a continuous need of finding alternative ways of generating electricity. The well-known alternative ways make use of water, solar energy or wind to ultimately generate electricity. Each of these options have their disadvantages, with cost and long timeframes for installing and commissioning the associated equipment making these alternative ways not feasible in situations where electricity is needed urgently.
- It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an arrangement that makes use of flowing water to generate electricity, but that is relatively quick, easy and inexpensive to setup.
- According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an electricity generating arrangement comprising:
-
- at least one secondary water conduit fitted to a primary water conduit, the secondary water conduit defining an inlet for allowing water flowing through the primary water conduit to enter the secondary water conduit and an outlet for allowing water flowing through the secondary water conduit to exit the secondary water conduit so as to rejoin the primary water conduit; and
- at least one rotatable turbine located within the secondary water conduit, each turbine being connectable to a generator so that under the influence of the water flowing through the secondary water conduit, the turbine can rotate so as to drive the generator to generate electricity.
- In an example embodiment, an inlet valve is located within the secondary water conduit, adjacent the inlet, and an outlet valve is located within the secondary water conduit, adjacent the outlet.
- In an example embodiment, the secondary water conduit comprises a substantially elongate portion that runs substantially parallel to the primary water conduit.
- In an example embodiment, the turbine comprises either a fin arrangement or a threaded screw.
- In an example embodiment, the primary water conduit is part of a residential/municipal water distribution system.
- In an alternate example embodiment, the primary water conduit is defined by a natural conduit carrying water, such as a river.
- According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of fitting an electricity generating arrangement to a primary water conduit, the method comprising:
-
- stopping the flow of water through the primary water conduit;
- defining an outlet and an inlet in a side wall of the primary water conduit; and
- fitting a secondary water conduit to the primary water conduit, the secondary water conduit defining an inlet that can be in fluid communication with the outlet defined in the primary water conduit, the secondary water conduit defining an outlet that can be in fluid communication with the inlet defined in the primary water conduit, the secondary water conduit housing a rotatable turbine, the turbine being connectable to a generator,
- so that water flowing through the primary water conduit can enter the secondary water conduit, flow through the secondary water conduit and exit the secondary water conduit so as to rejoin the primary water conduit, so that under the influence of the water flowing through the secondary water conduit, the turbine can rotate so as to drive the generator to generate electricity.
- In an example embodiment, the method includes fitting an inlet valve within the secondary water conduit, adjacent its inlet, and fitting an outlet valve within the secondary water conduit, adjacent its outlet.
- According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of fitting an electricity generating arrangement to a primary water conduit, the primary water conduit comprising a pressure reducing device, the method comprising:
-
- stopping the flow of water through the primary water conduit; and
- replacing the pressure reducing device within the primary water conduit with a rotatable turbine, the turbine being connectable to a generator, so that water flowing through the primary water conduit can drive the generator to generate electricity.
- In an example embodiment, the method includes fitting the pressure reducing device adjacent the primary water conduit, in parallel with the rotatable turbine.
-
FIG. 1 shows a schematic top view of an electricity generating arrangement according to a first example embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the arrangement shown inFIG. 1 connected to a reticulation grid; -
FIG. 3 shows a flow chart representing a method of fitting an electricity generating arrangement to a primary water conduit, according to a first example embodiment; -
FIG. 4 shows a schematic top view of an electricity generating arrangement according to a second example embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 shows a schematic top view of an electricity generating arrangement according to a third example embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 6 shows a flow chart representing a method of fitting an electricity generating arrangement to a primary water conduit, according to a second example embodiment. - Referring first to
FIG. 1 , anelectricity generating arrangement 10 comprises asecondary water conduit 12, typically in the form of a pipe, fitted to aprimary water conduit 14, which, again, is typically also in the form of a pipe. Thesecondary water pipe 12 defines aninlet 16 for allowing water flowing through theprimary water pipe 14 to enter thesecondary water pipe 12. - The
secondary water pipe 12 further defines anoutlet 18 for allowing water flowing through thesecondary water pipe 12 to exit thesecondary water pipe 12 so as to rejoin theprimary water pipe 14, as indicated by the arrows in the figure. - The
primary water pipe 14 typically includes a pressure reducing device, such as apressure reducing valve 20, as is well known in the art. - Significantly, a
rotatable turbine 22 is located within thesecondary water pipe 12, theturbine 20 being connectable to agenerator 24 so that under the influence of the water flowing through thesecondary water pipe 12, theturbine 22 can rotate so as to drive thegenerator 24 to generate electricity for distribution or storage. - In an example embodiment, an
inlet valve 26 is located within thesecondary water pipe 12, adjacent theinlet 16, and anoutlet valve 28 is located within thesecondary water pipe 12, adjacent theoutlet 18. Thevalves - In addition, although not shown in
FIG. 1 , one or more booster pumps may be fitted, if and when needed. - In an example embodiment, the
secondary water pipe 12 comprises a substantiallyelongate portion 30 that runs substantially parallel to theprimary water pipe 14. - In an example embodiment, the
turbine 22 comprises either a fin arrangement or a threaded screw. - In an example embodiment, the
primary water pipe 14 is part of a residential/municipal water pipe system. In particular, the water pipe system may be part of a local government, government, semi-government or privately owned water distribution network. - In an alternate example embodiment, the primary water pipe is defined by a natural conduit carrying water, such as a river. In this embodiment, pumps may be fitted to pump the water out of the river, through the secondary water pipe, and then back into the river.
- Turning now to
FIG. 2 , the relationship between theelectricity generating arrangement 10 shown inFIG. 1 and an electrical reticulation grid or network is shown.FIG. 2 shows thesecondary water pipe 12,turbine 22 andgenerator 24, as described above. Thegenerator 24 may be housed within asuitable power station 42, withconnection cables 44 extending from thegenerator 24 to atransformer station 46. From thetransformer station 46,overhead cables 48 connect thetransformer station 46 to amast 50, and then from themast 50 to anothertransformer station 52. Afurther overhead cable 54 may carry the electricity to anothermast 56, which can then further distribute the electricity as needed. - Alternatively, or in addition,
underground cables transformer station FIG. 3 representing only one illustrative way of doing this. - Turning now to
FIG. 3 , amethod 70 of fitting an electricity generating arrangement to a primary water pipe will be described. Thismethod 70 comprises stopping the flow of water through the primary water pipe, as indicated byblock 72. Themethod 70 then comprises defining an outlet and an inlet in a side wall of the primary water pipe, as indicated byblock 74. Themethod 70 concludes by fitting a secondary water pipe to the primary water pipe, as indicated byblock 76. - As described above, the secondary water pipe defines an inlet that can be in fluid communication with the outlet defined in the primary water pipe. The secondary water pipe further defines an outlet that can be in fluid communication with the inlet defined in the primary water pipe. The secondary water pipe houses a rotatable turbine, the turbine being connectable to a generator, so that water flowing through the primary water pipe can enter the secondary water pipe, flow through the secondary water pipe and exit the secondary water pipe so as to rejoin the primary water pipe, so that under the influence of the water flowing through the secondary water pipe, the turbine can rotate so as to drive the generator to generate electricity.
- In an example embodiment, although not shown in
FIG. 3 , the method includes fitting an inlet valve within the secondary water pipe, adjacent its inlet, and fitting an outlet valve within the secondary water pipe, adjacent its outlet. - Turning now to
FIG. 4 , a variation of theelectricity generating arrangement 10 shown inFIG. 1 is disclosed, in which a plurality of turbines and generators is provided. In particular, anelectricity generating arrangement 80 comprises a mainsecondary water conduit 82, typically in the form of a pipe, fitted to aprimary water conduit 84, which, again, is typically also in the form of a pipe. - The main
secondary water pipe 82 defines aninlet 86 for allowing water flowing through theprimary water pipe 84 to enter the mainsecondary water pipe 82. The mainsecondary water pipe 82 further defines anoutlet 88 for allowing water flowing through the mainsecondary water pipe 82 to exit the mainsecondary water pipe 82 so as to rejoin theprimary water pipe 84, as described above. - The
primary water pipe 84 typically includes a pressure reducing device, such as apressure reducing valve 90, as is well known in the art. - Significantly, a plurality of additional
secondary water conduits secondary water pipe 82 so as to define a parallel arrangement ofsecondary water pipes -
Rotatable turbines secondary water pipes generator secondary water pipes turbines generators arrow 108, or the voltage may be stepped up usingsuitable transformers 110 for long distance distribution over a high voltage network, as indicated byarrow 112. - In a further version of the invention, turning now to
FIG. 5 , an electricity generating arrangement 120 comprises replacing a pressure reducing device, which is typically fitted within aprimary water conduit 122, with arotatable turbine 124. Theturbine 124 may then in turn be connected to agenerator 126, so that water flowing through the primary water conduit can drive thegenerator 126 to generate electricity. As described above, the generated electricity may either be distributed locally via a local cable distribution network, as indicated byarrow 128, or the voltage may be stepped up usingsuitable transformers 130 for long distance distribution over a high voltage network, as indicated byarrow 132. - A pressure reducing device, such as a
pressure reducing valve 134, may be fitted adjacent theprimary water conduit 122, so as to be substantially in parallel with therotatable turbine 124. - In one version of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 5 , a secondary/by-pass may be fitted in parallel with theprimary water conduit 122, for use when theturbine 124 is not operational. - Turning now to
FIG. 6 , which is related to the arrangement shown inFIG. 5 , a further aspect of the present invention provides amethod 140 of fitting an electricity generating arrangement to a primary water conduit, the primary water conduit comprising a pressure reducing device. Themethod 140 comprises stopping the flow of water through the primary water conduit, as indicated byblock 142, and then replacing the pressure reducing device within the primary water conduit with a rotatable turbine. As described above, the turbine is connectable to a generator, so that water flowing through the primary water conduit can drive the generator to generate electricity. - Although not shown in
FIG. 6 , themethod 140 may further include fitting the pressure reducing device adjacent the primary water conduit, in parallel with the rotatable turbine. - Since it is envisaged that the primary water pipe will form part of a residential/municipal water pipe system, the present invention discloses an electricity generating arrangement that is relatively quick, easy and inexpensive to setup.
Claims (9)
1-10. (canceled)
11. An electricity generating arrangement comprising;
at least one secondary water conduit fitted to a primary water conduit, the primary water conduit being fitted with a pressure reducing valve, the secondary water conduit defining an inlet. before the pressure reducing valve, for allowing water flowing through the primary water conduit to enter the secondary water conduit, and an outlet for allowing water flowing through the secondary water conduit to exit the secondary water conduit so as to rejoin the primary water conduit after the pressure reducing valve, the flow of water through the secondary water conduit thus bypassing the pressure reducing valve of the primary water conduit; and
at least one rotatable turbine located within the secondary water conduit, each turbine being connectable to a generator so that under the influence of the water flowing through the secondary water conduit, the turbine can rotate so as to drive the generator to generate electricity.
12. The electricity generating arrangement of claim 11 , wherein an inlet valve is located within the secondary water conduit, adjacent the inlet, and an outlet valve is located within the secondary water conduit, adjacent the outlet.
13. The electricity generating arrangement of either claim 11 or claim 12 , wherein the secondary water conduit comprises a substantially elongate portion that runs substantially parallel to the primary water conduit.
14. The electricity generating arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the turbine comprises either a fin arrangement or a threaded screw.
15. The electricity generating arrangement of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary water conduit is part of a residential/municipal water distribution system.
16. The electricity generating arrangement of any one of claims 11 to 14 , wherein the primary water conduit is defined by a natural conduit carrying water.
17. A method of fitting an electricity generating arrangement to a primary water conduit, the primary water conduit being fitted with a pressure reducing valve, the method comprising:
stopping the flow of water through the primary water conduit;
defining an outlet and an inlet in a side wall of the primary water conduit, on opposite sides of the pressure reducing valve; and
fitting a secondary water conduit to the primary water conduit the secondary water conduit defining an inlet that can be in fluid communication with the outlet defined in the primary water conduit, the secondary water conduit defining an outlet that can be in fluid communication with the inlet defined in the primary water conduit, the secondary water conduit housing a rotatable turbine, the turbine being connectable to a generator,
so that water flowing through the primary water conduit can enter the secondary water conduit, flow through the secondary water conduit and exit the secondary water conduit so as to rejoin the primary water conduit, thus bypassing the pressure reducing valve of the primary water conduit, so that under the influence of the water flowing through the secondary water conduit, the turbine can rotate so as to drive the generator to generate electricity.
18. The method of claim 17 , which includes fitting an inlet valve within the secondary water conduit, adjacent its inlet, and fitting an outlet valve within the secondary water conduit, adjacent its outlet.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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ZA2008/01762 | 2008-02-25 | ||
ZA200801762 | 2008-02-25 | ||
PCT/IB2009/000277 WO2009106945A2 (en) | 2008-02-25 | 2009-02-17 | Electricity generating arrangement |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/IB2009/000277 A-371-Of-International WO2009106945A2 (en) | 2008-02-25 | 2009-02-17 | Electricity generating arrangement |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/284,243 Continuation-In-Part US20140265328A1 (en) | 2008-02-25 | 2014-05-21 | Electricity generating arrangement |
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US20110006530A1 true US20110006530A1 (en) | 2011-01-13 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/919,297 Abandoned US20110006530A1 (en) | 2008-02-25 | 2009-02-17 | Electricity generating arrangement |
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US (1) | US20110006530A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2279344B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009106945A2 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA200901070B (en) |
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GB2507044A (en) * | 2012-10-16 | 2014-04-23 | May Gurney Ltd | Pipeline turbine with pressure and flow control |
ITUA20161469A1 (en) * | 2016-03-08 | 2017-09-08 | Giorgio Filippini | DEVICE FOR DETECTION AND INTERCEPTION OF FLUID DISPERSIONS |
US20170314527A1 (en) * | 2014-10-23 | 2017-11-02 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Fluid system |
US20190271291A1 (en) * | 2016-09-20 | 2019-09-05 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Hydroelectric power generation system |
US11041476B2 (en) * | 2016-09-20 | 2021-06-22 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Hydroelectric power generation system |
US20210372067A1 (en) * | 2018-10-12 | 2021-12-02 | Sws Engineering S.P.A. | Spillway water system |
US11242836B2 (en) * | 2020-04-06 | 2022-02-08 | BGH Designs, LLC | Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing power generation |
US11946604B2 (en) | 2020-10-26 | 2024-04-02 | InPipe Energy, Inc. | Pipeline energy recovery system |
US12012712B2 (en) * | 2018-10-12 | 2024-06-18 | Sws Engineering S.P.A. | Spillway water system |
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US20120086204A1 (en) * | 2010-10-11 | 2012-04-12 | Cla-Val Co. | System and method for controlled hydroelectric power generation |
ITTO20100993A1 (en) * | 2010-12-14 | 2012-06-15 | Welt Company S R L | SYSTEM FOR HYDROELECTRIC ENERGY GENERATION |
WO2016185256A1 (en) * | 2015-05-21 | 2016-11-24 | Khachan Mohammad | Closed-circuit hot water piping system capable to reduce water consumption at a low cost |
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- 2009-02-17 EP EP09714497.6A patent/EP2279344B1/en not_active Not-in-force
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GB2507044A (en) * | 2012-10-16 | 2014-04-23 | May Gurney Ltd | Pipeline turbine with pressure and flow control |
US20170314527A1 (en) * | 2014-10-23 | 2017-11-02 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Fluid system |
US10352293B2 (en) * | 2014-10-23 | 2019-07-16 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Fluid system |
ITUA20161469A1 (en) * | 2016-03-08 | 2017-09-08 | Giorgio Filippini | DEVICE FOR DETECTION AND INTERCEPTION OF FLUID DISPERSIONS |
US20190271291A1 (en) * | 2016-09-20 | 2019-09-05 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Hydroelectric power generation system |
US11041476B2 (en) * | 2016-09-20 | 2021-06-22 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Hydroelectric power generation system |
US11118558B2 (en) * | 2016-09-20 | 2021-09-14 | Daikin Industries, Ltd. | Hydroelectric power generation system |
US20210372067A1 (en) * | 2018-10-12 | 2021-12-02 | Sws Engineering S.P.A. | Spillway water system |
US12012712B2 (en) * | 2018-10-12 | 2024-06-18 | Sws Engineering S.P.A. | Spillway water system |
US11242836B2 (en) * | 2020-04-06 | 2022-02-08 | BGH Designs, LLC | Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing power generation |
US11773817B2 (en) | 2020-04-06 | 2023-10-03 | BGH Designs, LLC | Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing power generation |
US11946604B2 (en) | 2020-10-26 | 2024-04-02 | InPipe Energy, Inc. | Pipeline energy recovery system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2279344B1 (en) | 2013-04-24 |
WO2009106945A4 (en) | 2010-09-23 |
WO2009106945A3 (en) | 2010-07-29 |
WO2009106945A2 (en) | 2009-09-03 |
ZA200901070B (en) | 2009-06-24 |
EP2279344A2 (en) | 2011-02-02 |
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