US20190170112A1 - Method and apparatus for transporting and storing power - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for transporting and storing power Download PDFInfo
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- US20190170112A1 US20190170112A1 US15/892,013 US201815892013A US2019170112A1 US 20190170112 A1 US20190170112 A1 US 20190170112A1 US 201815892013 A US201815892013 A US 201815892013A US 2019170112 A1 US2019170112 A1 US 2019170112A1
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- drum
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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
- 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"
- F03B17/062—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" with rotation axis substantially at right angle to flow direction
- F03B17/065—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" with rotation axis substantially at right angle to flow direction the flow engaging parts having a cyclic movement relative to the rotor during its rotation
- F03B17/067—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" with rotation axis substantially at right angle to flow direction the flow engaging parts having a cyclic movement relative to the rotor during its rotation the cyclic relative movement being positively coupled to the movement of rotation
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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
- F03B11/00—Parts or details not provided for in, or of interest apart from, the preceding groups, e.g. wear-protection couplings, between turbine and generator
- F03B11/02—Casings
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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
- F03B13/10—Submerged units incorporating electric generators or motors
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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
- F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
- F03B13/14—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy
- F03B13/141—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy with a static energy collector
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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
- F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
- F03B13/14—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy
- F03B13/22—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the flow of water resulting from wave movements to drive a motor or turbine
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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
- 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"
- F03B17/061—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" with rotation axis substantially in flow direction
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
- H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
- H02K7/18—Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g. with turbines
- H02K7/1807—Rotary generators
- H02K7/1823—Rotary generators structurally associated with turbines or similar engines
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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
- F03B11/00—Parts or details not provided for in, or of interest apart from, the preceding groups, e.g. wear-protection couplings, between turbine and generator
- F03B11/08—Parts or details not provided for in, or of interest apart from, the preceding groups, e.g. wear-protection couplings, between turbine and generator for removing foreign matter, e.g. mud
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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
- F05B2240/10—Stators
- F05B2240/12—Fluid guiding means, e.g. vanes
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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
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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
- F05B2260/00—Function
- F05B2260/02—Transport, e.g. specific adaptations or devices for conveyance
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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
- F05B2260/00—Function
- F05B2260/40—Transmission of power
- F05B2260/406—Transmission of power through hydraulic systems
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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
- F05B2260/00—Function
- F05B2260/42—Storage of energy
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- 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
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- 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
- Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient
Abstract
Provided is a hydro farm having two or more energy generating devices having movable vanes that can automatically retract when not in the flow of water and re-deploy when entering the flow of water to generate usable electrical and/or mechanical energy from the energy potential of flowing water. The hydro farm can supply usable electricity or mechanical energy from slow but steadily flowing bodies of water. The hydro farm can also be used to charge portable energy storage structures, such as trailers, that can be delivered to an area remote from the hydro farm via truck or other transportation modes.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/593,659, filed on Dec. 1, 2017; the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present disclosure relates generally to the field of hydro-electric and hydro-mechanical energy generation. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the use of a small scale generator to convert the energy potential from flowing water to usable electrical or mechanical energy. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a more efficient and portable energy generator that can generate electrical or mechanical energy using a water rotor or water turbine having retractable vanes.
- The use of renewable energy sources is increasingly important in today's society. The most common past solutions for renewable energy tend to fall into one of three categories: hydro-electric or hydro-mechanical energy, solar energy, and wind energy. Solar energy is generally costly, solar panels can be unsightly, and can require a large amount of land to install a solar facility. Additionally, solar panels degrade in performance every year. Wind energy requires large wind turbines that can also be unsightly, take up large areas of land, and also degrade in performance year to year. Another concern raised by the use of wind turbines is their environmental impact with wind turbines killing over 200,000 birds annually.
- Generating electricity or mechanical energy through the use of flowing water, however, is much more efficient and costs substantially less than wind turbines or solar power. Compared to air, water can have up to 800 times the energy per square inch due to its greater density. There is interesting potential in the further use of hydro-electric and hydro-mechanical power on a smaller scale in that a river. For example, the Nile, which flows at an average rate of 4 mph for over 1,000 miles, can drive small generators that are easily placed, replaced, maintained and/or moved allowing electrical or mechanical energy to be delivered to smaller communities and individuals nearly anywhere in the world. Take, for example, many communities in Africa do not have electrical power and rely on generators if they can afford them, provided they can find access to purchase diesel fuel to power these generators. Other more remote settlements or villages may not have access to generators or fuel; therefore they have little or no access to electrical power. As most of these villages are settled near fresh water, generally a river or stream, a solution is needed to harness the power of these smaller rivers and streams to generate electricity on a small scale and make electrical and mechanical power more accessible to those who live too far away from, or cannot afford to be part of a larger scale system. Alternatively, persons in more developed countries may utilize the present device to generate power to run their own homestead, therefore not relying on large scale power production from a utility company. In some areas and communities, connecting these devices to the power grid and contributing to the overall production of power, could earn a user a stipend or other incentive from the utility companies.
- In some instances, villages or settlements may have settled or exist at a distance away from a flowing body of water that would make it impractical to run electrical transmission lines from the present device to the desired area of use. In these instances, a way to reliably capture and transport stored power in the form of battery power can be critical to providing electricity to individuals and communities in such a location.
- In one aspect, the present disclosure may provide a hydro farm having: two or more portable energy generating devices further having: a body; a cylindrical drum contained within the body and rotatable about a substantially transverse axis; a stationary cam; and at least one movable vane connected to outer surface of the drum; wherein the at least one vane is movable to a plurality of positions between a deployed state and a stowed state; and wherein the two or more energy generating devices are in serial connection with each other.
- In another aspect, the present disclosure may provide a method of supplying power comprising the steps of: installing a hydro farm comprising one or more portable energy generating devices within a flowing body of water; directing a stream of flowing water over a rotatable drum within the energy generating device; deploying at least one movable vane into the flow of water over the drum; capturing the potential energy from the flowing water with the at least one movable vane; converting potential energy from the water flowing over the drum into rotational energy to rotate the drum; capturing the rotational energy of the drum with a generator; directing the flow of energy from the generator through a power cord; connecting the power cord to storage battery; charging the storage battery using the one or more energy generating devices; disconnecting the power cord from the storage battery; transporting the storage battery to a location in need of power remote from the hydro farm; connecting the storage battery to the electrical supply grid for the remote location; and discharging power from the storage battery into the electrical supply grid for the remote location.
- In another aspect, the present disclosure may provide a method of supplying power and water comprising the steps of: installing a hydro farm comprising one or more portable energy generating devices within a flowing body of water; directing a stream of flowing water over a rotatable drum within the energy generating device; deploying at least one movable vane into the flow of water over the drum; capturing the potential energy from the flowing water with the at least one movable vane; converting potential energy from the water flowing over the drum into rotational energy to rotate the drum; capturing the rotational energy of at least one drum from at least one of the two or more energy generating devices with a generator; simultaneously capturing the rotational energy of at least one drum from at least one of the two or more energy generating devices with a mechanical pump; directing a flow of electrical energy from the generator through a power cord; simultaneously directing a flow of water from the mechanical pump through a water hose; connecting the power cord to storage battery; charging the storage battery using at least one of the two or more energy generating devices; and simultaneously directing the water hose to a location remote from the hydro farm and remote from the storage battery.
- A sample embodiment of the disclosure is set forth in the following description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are fully incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various examples, methods, and other example embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an external component and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale.
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FIG. 1 is a left side elevation view of a prior art device with flow analysis view; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the upper left front of the described device; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the upper left rear of the described device; -
FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the described device; -
FIG. 5 is left side elevation view of the described device; -
FIG. 6 is a top plan view depicting a flow analysis of the described device; -
FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the described device; -
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross section view taken along the axis identified inFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross section view of the described device, depicting a flow analysis; -
FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross section view depicting an alternative embodiment of the described device; -
FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross section view depicting alternative embodiment showing a different position of the drum and cycle and vane positioning control; -
FIG. 12 is an enlarged detail view of the area identified inFIG. 8 showing the vanes in a closed position; -
FIG. 13 is an enlarged detail view of the area identified inFIG. 8 showing the vanes in a deployed position; -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view from the upper left front side showing an optional debris grill embodiment; -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view from the upper left front side showing an alternate embodiment of the drum; -
FIG. 16 is a longitudinal cross section view taken along the axis identified inFIG. 15 ; -
FIG. 17 . is a cross section view taken along the axis identified inFIG. 16 ; -
FIG. 18 is a left side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the described device; -
FIG. 19 is a perspective view from the upper left of an alternate embodiment of the described device; -
FIG. 20 is a top plane view of the alternate embodiment of the described device; -
FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of the alternate embodiment of the described device; -
FIG. 22 is a front elevation view of the alternate embodiment of the described device; -
FIG. 23 is a cross-section view of the alternate embodiment taken along the axis identified inFIG. 22 ; -
FIG. 24 is a perspective view from the left rear of the cross-section shown inFIG. 23 ; -
FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the alternate embodiment of the described device; -
FIG. 26 is an operational cross-section view of a hydro farm employing multiple units of the described device; -
FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of a hydro farm employing multiple units of the described device. - Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.
- With reference to
FIG. 1 , a prior art device is shown similar to that which is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,512,816 and 9,739,253 to Ferguson. The prior art electrical generator or water rotor generally indicated at 10 consists of arotating drum 12 with three fixedvanes 14 and aramp 16. Thedrum 12 andramp 16 are spaced apart thereby defining atransverse gap 18. Thetransverse gap 18 is of sufficient size to allow clearance of fixedvanes 14. The prior art design, as illustrated inFIG. 1 , has fixedvanes 14 which create a high level of turbulence and drag. As noted inFIG. 1 , the top third of the rotation ofdrum 12 can be considered the power stroke zone whereby water flowing over the drum pushes the vanes and thereby rotatingdrum 12. This rotational energy is captured and stored as electrical energy. The downward movingvanes 14 at the rear ofdrum 12 begin moving against turbulent and/or stagnant water and create turbulence behind the blade causing drag on the fixed vane and the drum. Thevanes 14 in the bottom third or last third of the drum's rotation are now moving against water flow as seen in the flow diagramFIG. 1 , thereby causingvanes 14 to push water against the flow and creating additional drag on the front edge ofvane 14. The large distance defining thetransverse gap 18 allows significant water flow over the end oframp 16 and belowdrum 12 thereby further compounding this problem. The fixedvanes 14 of the prior art device are larger and have longer front fairings which contribute to the creation of turbulence and drag thereby robbing the prior art system of efficiency and raising the relative costs of the energy produced. - With reference to
FIGS. 2-18 , the apparatus for generating electricity, hereinafter referred to as energy generating device and identified asreference 20, includes a first orupstream end 22, and a second ordownstream end 24 defining therebetween a longitudinal direction.Energy generating device 20 includes afirst side 26 and asecond side 28 therebetween defining a transverse direction, and atop side 30 andbottom side 32 therebetween defining a vertical direction.Energy generating device 20 further comprisesramp 48,drums spoiler 38,ballast box 40, andgenerator 42.Drums more vanes 36. -
Ramp 48 consists ofupstream edge 47 which coincides withupstream end 22 ofenergy generating device 20.Ramp 48 also includes adownstream edge 49 withupstream edge 47 anddownstream edge 49 defining therebetween a longitudinal direction.Ramp 48 also includesfirst ramp sidewall 50 andsecond ramp sidewall 52 defining therebetween a transverse direction.Upstream edge 47 oframp 48 may be fluted and may be wider thandownstream edge 49. The fluting oframp 48 in connection withfirst ramp sidewall 50 andsecond ramp sidewall 52 helps collect and direct more water flow up and over theramp 48 and throughenergy generating device 20 which in turn results in more energy generation.Ramp 48 can also serve to accelerate the flow of water through theenergy generating device 20 which can further increase power production. As water begins to hit theramp 48, it is directed both upwards and sideways which results in more water attempting to escape from sides oframp 48. To combat this,first ramp sidewall 50 andsecond ramp sidewall 52 can increase in vertical height as you move from the upstream to the downstream direction to help capture the largest proportion of the volume of water moving overramp 48. Additionally, as water moves overramp 48, downforce can be generated which helps in keeping the device in place on the bottom of the body of water in which it is installed. - With reference to
FIGS. 9-11 and 16 , immediately downstream oframp 48 isdrum 34A.Drum 34A comprises a hollow, cylindrical drum having anoutside surface 35. Outsidesurface 35 ofdrum 34A anddownstream edge 49 oframp 48 defining therebetween atransverse gap 54.Drum 34A extends transversely betweenfirst side 26 andsecond side 28 ofenergy generating device 20 and is situated about an internal axle (not shown) allowingdrum 34A to freely rotate about the axle along a transverse axis.Drum 34A is mounted withinenergy generating device 20 such that it is positioned above the ground surface as shown inFIG. 9 , withoutside surface 35 ofdrum 34A and the ground defining therebetween avertical gap 68.Transverse gap 54 andvertical gap 68 allow for the flow of water over thedownstream edge 49 oframp 48 and throughvertical gap 68 exiting thedownstream end 24 ofenergy generating device 20.Drum 34A can haveend caps 69 transversely disposed at each of thefirst side 26 andsecond side 28 to add structural support to drum 34A. According to one aspect of the present disclosure,end cap 69 can include one ormore holes 70 which can allow water and air to flow in and out ofdrum 34A which can operate to assist with the installation ofenergy generating device 20 under the surface of the associated body of water. The displacement of air and filling ofdrum 34A with water also serves to reduce buoyancy thereby helping keepenergy generating device 20 on the bottom of the associated body of water. - With reference to
FIGS. 9-13 ,energy generating device 20 can have one ormore vanes 36 distributed aboutdrum 34A. As seen in the figures, fourvanes 36 are evenly distributed aboutdrum 34A. However, more or less than four vanes can be adapted for use in the system without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure herein.Vanes 36 include afirst vane sidewall 55, a second vane sidewall 56, a vanerear wall 57, aupstream edge 58, and aguide edge 59 combining to define a generally triangular shaped profile. Thewalls vanes 36 and vanerear wall 57 can be curved to sit flush againstoutside surface 35 ofdrum 34A when fully stowed.Upstream edge 58 can be opposite vanerear wall 57 and, in conjunction withfirst vane sidewall 55 and second vane sidewall 56, create a cup-like vane 36 which can catch water along the back side of thevane 36 as water flows upramp 48 and overdrum 34A thereby driving rotation ofdrum 34A about its axle. Cup-like vanes 36 are only deployed during a power stroke portion or about the upper one-fourth to one-third or more of rotation ofdrum 34A and are otherwise in a stowed position throughout the remaining two-thirds to three-quarters of the rotation ofdrum 34A about its axle. - Deployment of
vanes 36 can be accomplished through astationary cam 64 installed transversely outward of the end ofdrum 34A.Stationary cam 64 takes a generally inverted tear drop shape or guitar pick shape with a widerupper portion 65 and a narrowerlower portion 66.Stationary cam 64 interacts withvanes 36 on theguide edge 59 ofvane 36. Afirst roller bearing 60 and asecond roller bearing 61 are positioned along theguide edge 59.First roller bearing 60 further defines a hinge that allowsvanes 36 to rotate about an axis between stowed and deployed positions. Asvanes 36 approach the power stroke zone of rotation, defined as approximately the upper one-fourth to approximately one-third of the rotation ofdrum 34A,second roller bearing 61 makes contact with theouter edge 67 ofstationary cam 64 about the mid-line ofstationary cam 64. Asdrum 34A continues to rotate, thesecond roller bearing 61 is now guided byouter edge 67 ofstationary cam 64 and causesvanes 36 to rotate out of the stowed position to the fully deployed position asvanes 36 enter the power stroke zone of rotation. Asvanes 36 enter the power stroke zone of rotation,first roller bearing 60 also contactsouter edge 67 ofstationary cam 64 and in connection withsecond roller bearing 61, bothroller bearings guide vanes 36 through the power stroke zone of rotation while maintaining contact withouter edge 67 ofstationary cam 64. Asvanes 36 move out of the power stroke zone of rotation,first roller bearing 60 disconnects from theouter edge 67 ofstationary cam 64 whilesecond roller bearing 61 maintains contact with theouter edge 67. As thevane 36 completely exits the power stroke zone of rotation,second roller bearing 61 loses contact withouter edge 67 ofstationary cam 64 andvane 36 is returned to the fully stowed position through use of both water pressure behinddrum 34A and slight influence from aspring bracket 62 disposed onguide edge 59 ofvane 36 and atorsion spring 63 contained withinspring bracket 62. As best seen inFIGS. 12 and 13 , whenvanes 36 are fully stowed, as shown inFIG. 12 , thetorsion spring 63 is maintained withinspring bracket 62 in its open and free state. Whenvanes 36 are fully deployed, as shown inFIG. 13 ,torsion spring 63 is fully compressed withinspring bracket 62 and is held open by bothstationary cam 64 and by water pressure on theupstream edge 58 and upstream side of vanerear wall 57. This system allowsvanes 36 to only be deployed through the power stroke zone of rotation wherebyvanes 36 can catch the highest volume of water flowing overdrum 34A and thereby drive rotation ofdrum 34A. By stowingvanes 36 throughout the remaining two-thirds to three-fourths of the rotation ofdrum 34A, drag and turbulence behind and beneathdrum 34A is minimized and becomes negligible in the power generation. Although some resistance is inherent in the interaction betweencam 64 androller bearings vanes 36 andtorsion spring 63, the total of this resistance is significantly less than the turbulence and drag present in prior art systems, thus makingenergy generating device 20 more efficient than prior art generators. In systems having more than fourvanes 36, configurations are possible that allow two or more vanes to be within the power stroke zone of rotation at one time to provide additional torque and power improvements from a similarly sized system or to provide similar torque and power outputs from a system with a smaller overall size and footprint. The defined distance oftransverse gap 54 need not provide clearance for the full length ofvanes 36 as seen in prior art, but instead the size oftransverse gap 54 can be less than the total height or length ofvanes 36. The smaller gap provides for less water flowing down over thedownstream edge 49 oframp 48 thereby reducing the volume of water traveling throughvertical gap 68 flowing underdrum 34A. Asvanes 36 are stowed through this section, water flowing throughvertical gap 68 is unresisted and the difference in volume between water flowing throughvertical gap 68 underdrum 34A and the higher volume of water flowing overdrum 34A and through the power stroke zone can create a pressure differential possibly invoking Bernoulli's Principle which, if fast enough, may create some lift or upward force. Additionally, the smallertransverse gap 54 can cause the flow rate of water flowing underdrum 34A throughvertical gap 68 to increase which may cause that water becoming turbulent depending upon the input speed of the water. In that instance, turbulent water would help reduce friction along the bottom ofdrum 34A throughgap 68 which would lead to an overall increase of rotation speed ofdrum 34A. Furthermore, havingvanes 36 stowed at the bottom ofdrum 34A allowsvertical gap 68 to be shorter, which can makeenergy generating device 20 shorter overall and lowers the center of gravity ofenergy generating device 20, making the unit more stable. - With reference to
FIGS. 2-11 and 14-16 ,energy generating device 20 can have aspoiler 38 that substantially defines thetop side 30 of theenergy generating device 20.Spoiler 38 has anupstream edge 39 that is slightly curved upwards and slightly wider than remainder ofspoiler 38. The upward curve and slight increase in width ofupstream edge 39 helps direct water flow through theenergy generating device 20 and overdrum 34 in a manner that allowsvanes 36 to properly catch the water as it flows beneath thespoiler 38 and abovedrum 34A.Spoiler 38 is spaced vertically above deployedvanes 36 with minimal clearance in order to maximize the volume of water captured byvanes 36 as it passes through theenergy generating device 20. This configuration keeps water pressure onvanes 36 and prevents water from spilling overvanes 36 thereby maximizing output of the system. - With reference to
FIGS. 2-11 and 14-15 , but as best seen inFIGS. 2 and 3 , theenergy generating device 20 can have one ormore ballast boxes 40 located adjacent to thefirst side 26, thesecond side 28, or both the first andsecond side Ballast box 40 can have alid 41, which can be aperforated lid 41, which can allow water and air to flow in or out ofballast box 40 to reduce buoyancy ofenergy generating device 20 and help secureenergy generating device 20 on the bottom of the associated body of water in which it is placed. According to another aspect,ballast box 40 can be perforated.Ballast box 40 can be filled with any heavier than water substance including river rocks, bricks, or even cured cement. According to one aspect, river rocks or bricks could be removable and adjustable allowing the weight and weight distribution ofenergy generating device 20 to be adjusted appropriate to the desired installation and application conditions. - With reference to
FIGS. 2-9 andFIG. 15 ,energy generating device 20 can have one ormore generators 42 installed on thefirst side 26,second side 28, or first andsecond side Generator 42 can be of any type chosen by a person of skill in the art suitable for the desired application.Generator 42 consists generally of a device known to convert rotational energy fromdrum 34A to electrical energy which is then broadcast out and away fromgenerator 42 viapower cord 44 which can travel out of the associated body of water and into the desired end application.Power cord 44 can includeweights 46 which serve to keeppower cord 44 stationary along the bottom of the associated body of water to prevent snagging or catching on passing debris and to prevent or minimize interaction betweenpower cord 44 and any wildlife present in the associated body of water. - With reference to
FIGS. 10, 11, and 14 ,generator 42 andpower cord 44 can be replaced by a mechanically drivenpump 72 such as a water pump as seen inFIG. 14 . The mechanically drivenpump 72 can be of any type chosen by a person skilled in the art suitable for the desired application but is generally a pump able to harness rotational energy ofdrum 34A to directly drive the pump. One such example could be a water pump which can deliver water from the associated body of water in which energy generating device is placed throughwater hose 76. According to this aspect,water hose 76 can includewater hose weights 78 which, much likepower cord weights 46, serve to keepwater hose 76 stationary on the bottom of the associated body of water and to minimize interaction betweenwater hose 76 and wildlife present in the associated body of water. - With reference to
FIGS. 4, 7, 10, and 1 a, theenergy generating device 20 can include one ormore anchors 74 which can be buried in the bottom surface of the associated body of water.Anchor 74 can be spade-shaped and/or angled or otherwise configured in such a manner to resist movement ofenergy generating device 20. The addition ofanchor 74 can be especially important during periods of high flow rate for associated body of waters. For example, during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt runoff, rivers can increase their flowrate by a factor of two or more times andanchor 74 can help keep theenergy generating device 20 from shifting or moving along the bottom of a river during these times. - With reference to
FIG. 14 , anoptional grill 80 can be installed upstream ofdrum 34A and secured to the underside ofspoiler 38 and/or the reardownstream edge 49 oframp 48. Alternatively, grill 80 can be secured tosides Optional grill 80 can help deflect or remove debris from the water flow thereby minimizing the impact of waterborne debris entering theenergy generating device 20 and damaging or otherwise affecting the operation ofenergy generating device 20. According to one aspect,grill 80 can be angled or slanted to one or bothsides energy generating device 20 to further assist in deflecting debris.Grill 80 can be of varying mesh size as to catch or deflect debris of varying size depending upon the characteristics of the body of water in whichenergy generating device 20 is installed. According to another aspect,grill 80 can be configured to prevent wildlife from entering the water flow passing throughenergy generating device 20. - With reference to
FIGS. 15-17 , an alternative embodiment ofdrum 34A is shown and labeleddrum 34B.Drum 34B can have all or substantially all of the same characteristics and configurations asdrum 34A. However, drum 34B can also include one ormore dimples 82 on the outside surface 35B ofdrum 34B. Thesedimples 82 can serve to further decrease drag as water flows over and arounddrum 34B much like the way air drag is reduced on the surface of a dimpled golf ball. Thedimpled drum 34B could disrupt the boundary layer of water that clings to the outside surface 35B ofdrum 34B as water passes around and overdrum 34B. - With reference to
FIGS. 16 and 17 ,FIG. 16 shows a cutaway side view of theenergy generating device 20 along the line identified inFIG. 15 andFIG. 17 shows a cutaway overhead view along the line identified inFIG. 16 . Shown interior ofdrum 34B areoptional flywheels 84. One or more of theseoptional flywheels 84 can be installed inside thedrum 34B to add both weight and stability toenergy generating device 20.Flywheels 84 can serve as ballast to further secureenergy generating device 20 on the bottom of the associated body of water, butflywheels 84 can also serve the purpose of dampening vibration and helping maintain smooth and even rotation ofdrum 34B despite uneven flow surges or flutters in the rotation stroke ofdrum 34B. Although shown inFIG. 16 in connection withdrum 34B,flywheels 84 can be installed and utilized in an identical manner indrum 34A.Flywheels 84 can be constructed out of a thick metal plate and disposed in one or both ends ofdrum 34A or drum 34B interior of the end caps 69. According to another aspect, the end caps 69 can be constructed to serve as both the end caps 69 and asflywheels 84. According to this aspect, end caps 69 can be thickened metal plates. - With reference to
FIG. 18 , an alternative embodiment of thevanes 36 andstationary cam 64 is shown. As depicted inFIG. 18 ,vanes 86 andprecision cam 88 can replacevanes 36 andstationary cam 64, respectively. According to an aspect of this disclosure,vanes 86 do not rotate in and out of the deployed and stowed positions. Rather,vanes 86 articulate through use of asingle roller bearing 90 which follows atrack 92 formed in theprecision cam 88. As compared tostationary cam 64,precision cam 88 is substantially shaped as an inverse ofstationary cam 64 in that thelower portion 94 is wider than theupper portion 96 ofprecision cam 88. As can be seen inFIG. 18 , asdrum vanes 86 travel around theprecision cam 88 and are fully deployed during the top one-fourth to one-third of the rotational cycle and are retracted during the remaining two-thirds to three-quarters of the rotational cycle. According to this embodiment, the articulatedvanes 86 can begin to deploy before reaching the power stroke zone of rotation. Although this method of deployment can cause thetransverse gap 54 between thedownstream edge 49 oframp 48 and theoutside surface 35 ofdrum vanes 86 can effectively block water flow as they deploy through this small portion of the rotation. This embodiment still substantially stowsvanes 86 throughout the non-power stroke portions of the rotation of thedrum transverse gap 54 are negligible. According to afurther aspect vanes 86, although only four are shown inFIG. 18 , can likewise be modified in number and position according to the desired application ofenergy generating device 20 without deviating from the scope of the disclosure herein. - With reference to
FIGS. 19-25 , an alternative embodiment ofenergy generating device 20 is shown and generally indicated asenergy generating device 120.Energy generating device 120 can have substantially similar features asenergy generating device 20 and as used throughout similar reference numbers referred to similar structures with an addition of 100 to the series of reference numbers indicating the alternative embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 19-25 . For clarification and by way of example, first end orupstream end 122 ofenergy generating device 120 can correlate to first end orupstream end 22 ofenergy generating device 20.Energy generating device 120 can consist generally of similar structures asenergy generating device 20 with the exception of the additional or modified features as disclosed herein.Energy generating device 120 can have a more hydrodynamic form without deviating from the general scope of disclosure herein.Energy generating device 120 can further include a firstupper installation mount 182, a firstinstallation mount body 183, a secondupper installation mount 184, a secondinstallation mount body 185, a firstlower installation mount 186, a secondlower installation mount 188, and one or more series ofdrag teeth 190.Energy generating device 120 can be modular as seen inFIG. 25 with sections ofenergy generating device 120 being interchangeable or adjustable according to the desired application ofenergy generating device 120. The body ofenergy generating device 120 can be constructed of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as metal, plastic, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. According to one aspect, any metal parts ofenergy generating device 120 can be constructed of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, or other metal chosen by a person of skill in the art that can offer both structural rigidity and anti-rust or anti-corrosion properties. According to one aspect, the body ofenergy generating device 120 can be constructed of fiberglass or carbon fiber. - According to one aspect, components of
energy generating device 120 can be constructed and formed to add hydrodynamic properties to decrease drag and force on non-energy generating components ofenergy generating device 120. For example, generator 142 or mechanical pump 172 can take on an oval or elliptical shape or alternatively can be enclosed in an oval or elliptical shaped housing thereby reducing drag and turbulence created by water flowing over or past generator 142 or mechanical pump 172. Similarly,ballast box 140 andlid 141, which can also be aperforated lid 141, can take a hydrodynamic shape which can include tapering of the upstream end ofballast box 140 andlid 141. According to one aspect,ballast box 140 andlid 141 can be integrally formed withfirst sidewall 127,second sidewall 129, or first andsecond sidewalls first sidewall 127 andsecond sidewall 129 can extend up and meetspoiler 138 such thatdrum 134 is fully enclosed withinenergy generating device 120 thereby reducing or preventing water loss through gaps in the first andsecond sidewalls ballast box 140 can be perforated. - According to another aspect of the disclosure,
upstream edge 47 oframp 48 can include or consist of arubber flap 98 that extends beyond the first and second ramp sidewalls 50, 52 which can allow theupstream edge 47 oframp 48 to conform to the bottom of the associated body of water to prevent water from flowing underneath the ramp and subsequently underneath theenergy generating device 20 as a whole. According to another aspect,rubber flap 98 can have a downward angle to substantially embedupstream edge 100 ofrubber flap 98 into the bottom surface of the associated body of water. According to another aspect,upstream edge 100 ofrubber flap 98 can partially or substantially define theupstream edge ramp - According to another aspect,
grill 180 can extend the full length oframp 148, attaching toupstream edge 147 oframp 148 on its lower end,first sidewall 127 andsecond sidewall 129 on sides ofgrill 180, and toupstream edge 139 ofspoiler 138 on its top edge, respectively. Attachment of grill can be accomplished by any known fastening means as chosen by a person of skill in the art according to the desired application. According to one aspect,grill 180 can attach toenergy generating device 120 by way of clips. According to another aspect,grill 180 can attach toenergy generating device 120 by way of screws. - With reference to
FIGS. 23 and 24 ,energy generating device 120 can have one ormore vanes 136 disposed arounddrum 134 similar tovanes 36 ofenergy generating device 20.Vanes 136 can be constructed and operate in a manner substantially similar tovanes 36, including afirst vane sidewall 155, asecond vane sidewall 156, a vanerear wall 157,upstream edge 158, and guideedge 159.Guide edge 159 ofvane 136 can further include afirst roller bearing 160 and asecond roller bearing 161 which can operate substantially similar to first andsecond roller bearings energy generating device 20.Open cam 164 can replacestationary cam 64 inenergy generating device 120.Open cam 64 can operate substantially similar tostationary cam 64, however,open cam 164 can eliminate portions of thecam 164 that do not contact either thefirst roller bearing 160 orsecond roller bearing 161 during rotation ofdrum 134. The removal of materials fromcam 164 can lessen both material shipping weight and manufacturing costs. - With reference
FIG. 25 , an exploded view ofenergy generating device 120 is shown. Firstupper installation mount 182 and firstinstallation mount body 183 can form a continuous piece ending on its bottom side with a series ofdrag teeth 190. Similarly, secondupper installation mount 184 and secondinstallation mount body 185 can form a continuous piece ending withdrag teeth 190. Firstinstallation mount body 183 can substantially define a portion offirst sidewall 127 while secondinstallation mount body 185 can form a portion ofsecond sidewall 129. In construction, firstinstallation mount body 183 can be inserted withinfirst groove 192 offirst sidewall 127 while secondinstallation mount body 185 can be inserted withinsecond groove 194 ofsecond sidewall 129 thereby securing both firstinstallation mount body 183, secondinstallation mount body 185, and drum 134 withinenergy generating device 120.Spoiler 138 can be modified fromspoiler 38 to include a first upperinstallation mount opening 196 and second upperinstallation mount opening 198 which can allow firstupper installation mount 182 and secondupper installation mount 184 to pass throughspoiler 138, respectively. With reference toFIGS. 21 and 23 , when fully assembled, first and secondinstallation mount body energy generating device 120 with only firstupper installation mount 182, secondupper installation mount 184, and dragteeth 190 extending through the body ofenergy generating device 120. - According to one aspect, ramp 148 of
energy generating device 120 can extend the entire longitudinal span ofenergy generating device 120. The extension oframp 148 generally indicated asreference 148A can follow the outer contour ofdrum 134 such thattransverse gap 154 andvertical gap 168 become acontinuous channel 200 substantially defined with a starting point at thedownstream edge 149 oframp 148, a top wall consisting ofouter surface 135 ofdrum 134 and vanerear wall 157 whenvanes 136 are in the stowed position, and a downward or bottom surface being defined by theramp extension 148A.Ramp extension 148A provides additional protection fordrum 134 from debris located on, or uneven distribution of, the bottom surface of an associated body of water and can further direct the flow of water that spills overdownstream edge 149 oframp 148 underdrum 134 which can provide similar benefits to water flowing underdrum 34 as discussed previously. - In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure,
energy generating device 20 permits access to a reliable and renewable energy source for anyone living on or near a flowing body of water, such as a river. Theenergy generating device 20 described herein can range in size from asmall drum 34A having a diameter of less than three feet to greater than sixfoot diameter drums - Depending on size, the use of an individual system could generate enough electricity to power a range from small individual homes or cottages to a small village or community. Multiple systems could be deployed in a larger river, such as the Mississippi or the Nile. These multiple systems could work in concert as an energy farm or hydro farm 210 (used herein interchangeably and generally referred to as reference numeral 210) to produce enough energy to power a small town or city. The
energy generating device 20 disclosed herein has an added benefit of being installed at the bottom of a flowing body of water and being completely submerged. Therefore, it is not visible from the shore and can be placed out of travel and shipping lanes to prevent interaction with boat traffic. For systems deployingenergy generating device 20 along sideelectrical generator 42, the electrical output fromenergy generating device 20 could be transferred and stored with a battery or battery bank for later use or alternatively could be hooked directly into a power distribution grid from a public or private utility and distributed across the entirety of the grid as seen fit according to the desired use. Advantages of theenergy generating device 20 as disclosed herein include portability which, in this case, can be the ability to locate and relocateenergy generating device 20 with minimal effort allowing power to be supplied to more remote locations or for temporary applications. One such temporary application could be to deploy one or moreenergy generating devices 20 in an area of natural disaster relief to aid in recovery and restoration efforts. In many instances,energy generating device 20 could be installed in a flowing body of water in an area where fresh water is not easily obtained or delivered. In such an application,energy generating device 20 could be coupled withmechanical pump 72 andwater hose 76 to deliver fresh water over distance to irrigate fields or provide fresh drinking water to nearby villages or communities. - With reference to
FIGS. 26 and 27 , hydro farms 210 can be deployed in larger rivers, such as the Mississippi or the Nile.Energy generating device 120 can be modified to connect a series ofenergy generating devices power cord 44, 144 can be bundled together, or alternatively, combined into a single transmission cord.Individual power cords 44, 144 coming from individualenergy generating devices energy generating device single power cord 44, 144 exiting the lastenergy generating device individual power cord 44, 144 from each individualenergy generating device cord 44, 144 exiting the associating body of water. The exact configuration ofpower cords 44, 144 can be chose by a person skilled in the art without deviating from the scope herein. Similarly, in installations utilizingmechanical pump 72 or 172,water hoses 76 or 176 can likewise be chained or bundled according to the desired installation. Power cord 144 and water hose 176 can include weights (not shown) to secure power cord 144 or water hose 176 to the bottom of the associated body of water similar toweights power cord 44 andwater hose 76, respectively. Generally, as applied tohydro farms 210,energy generating devices energy generating devices FIG. 26 , hydro farms 210 placed in rivers utilized for recreational and commercial traffic, including swimming and boating, can be marked by buoys 202 delineating the outer edges of ahydro farm 210. Buoys 202 can be secured to the outermostenergy generating devices tether 204 that can be connected to any of the installation mounts disposed onenergy generating device upper installation mount energy generating devices FIG. 26 . On an opposite end,tether 204 can be connected to a buoy 202 of a type sufficient to notify water goers, including swimmers and boat traffic, of the presence ofenergy generating devices energy generating devices hydro farm 210 can be marked with buoys 202 or flags indicating their presence. This can be especially useful in instances where one or moreenergy generating devices - With further reference to
FIGS. 26 and 27 , in instances where a community or individual requires access to consistent energy flow, but is located at a distance impractical to run direct transmission lines orpower cords 44, 144 from ahydro farm 210 directly to the desired power output location, power can be generated and stored in a portable battery system such as abattery trailer 206.Battery trailer 206 can be a standard semi-trailer or truck trailer equipped with one or more rechargeable battery banks, individually or in a series, that can store power generated from ahydro farm 210. One example of a trailer is manufactured and provided by Electrovaya and can be available through www.electrovay.com. Such trailers can contain lithium ion batteries and can have a storage capacity up to 2.5 megawatts. - In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure,
energy generating device 20 provides significant advantages over prior art devices, such as those disclosed and described herein, in the use of deployable andstowable vanes drums energy generating device 20. Utilizing various configurations of vane distribution arounddrum - In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, the
stowable vanes drum energy generating device 20 as there is no need for additional ground clearance. Accordingly,energy generating device 20 can have a lower center of gravity and a lower overall profile which can serve to help keepenergy generating device 20 securely installed on the bottom of a flowing body water and prevents further damage or interaction with surface traffic in deployment scenarios where boats are likely to be present and can allow installation ofenergy generating device 20 in shallower bodies of water. - According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the added efficiency of the
energy generating device 20 and the stowable or articulatingvanes energy generating device 20 to be deployed in slower moving water than prior art devices and larger water rotors or turbines. For example, water moving at an average speed of four miles per hour over a long distance could be sufficient to keepenergy generating device 20 operational, whereas current solutions consisting of water rotary turbines or rotary propeller generators tend to require sustained water speeds over ten miles per hour to be effective. This allowsenergy generating device 20 to be deployed in conditions unsuitable for current known solutions and prior art water generators. - In operation,
energy generating device 120 operates substantially similar toenergy generating device 20 in that water flowing from the first end orupstream end 122 to second ordownstream end 124 ofenergy generating device 120 is directed upramp 148 and overdrum 134 thereby driving deployedvanes 136 through the power stroke zone of rotation ofdrum 134. Asvanes 136 exit the power stroke zone of rotation, they collapse becoming substantially flush withouter surface 135 ofdrum 134, remaining stowed as they move through the remainder of the rotation ofdrum 134 before re-deploying as they re-enter the power stroke zone of rotation ofdrum 134. Water flowing overdownstream edge 149 oframp 148, throughtransverse gap 154, and then throughchannel 200 can move faster throughchannel 200 than water flowing overdrum 134 thereby invoking Bernoulli's principle and may result in lift created, as previously discussed with reference toenergy generating device 20. - In further operation, installation of
energy generating device 120 can be assisted by firstupper installation mount 182, secondupper installation mount 184, firstlower installation mount 186, and secondlower installation mount 188 in that crane hooks or other lifting apparatuses can be attached to liftingmounts energy generating device 120 within an associated body of water. When installed in a body of water with a muddy or soft bottom surface,optional anchors 174 can be included to secureenergy generating device 120 in place. On a more compact bottom surface, dragteeth 190 can further prevent shifting or movement ofenergy generating device 120 once it is place. - In operation, a
hydro farm 210 is contemplated to charge one ormore battery trailers 206 simultaneously while additional chargedbattery trailers 206 are in use on site.Batter trailers 206 can then be transported bytruck 200 or by any other means as known in the art, such as train or ship, to a location in need. In extreme scenarios,battery trailers 206 can be airlifted into and out of areas that are inaccessible through other means. As thebattery trailers 206 that are in use become depleted,battery trailers 206 can be driven to thehydro farm 210 and exchanged for fully chargedbattery trailers 206. Applications of such a system can provide power clean, renewable power across a distance that is otherwise impractical to traverse with power transmission cables. These systems can also provide power in locations temporarily deprived of power, such as in areas of natural disaster recovery. Application ofhydro farms 210 utilizingenergy generating device - According to another aspect, the hydro farms 210 can be equipped to pump water into storage containers including portable storage containers, such as tanker trailers, which can deliver clean, fresh water in a manner similar to the
battery trailers 206 in that a continuous supply of clean water can be pumped into storage containers for later use and/or transport to a needed location. According to another aspect, hydro farms 210 can be set up and installed having a portion of theenergy generating devices energy generating devices - In instances of temporary installations, hydro farms 210 utilizing
energy generating device - In operation,
energy generating device 20 can be packaged and shipped in a smaller container having a smaller cube weight and therefore shipping costs due tovanes outer surface 35 ofdrum energy generating device 20 to be shipped and delivered to almost any location globally at less expense. Additionally, having the end user install ballast intoballast boxes 40 at the installation site further reduces manufacturing and delivery costs.Energy generating device 20 can be then assembled by the end user quickly and placed in the desired location within an associated body of water and operated normally with minimal installation time and effort. - In operation,
energy generating device 20 is operable to provide either electrical or mechanical energy by providingenergy generating device 20, assemblingenergy generating device 20, installingenergy generating device 20 into the associated body of water, securingenergy generating device 20 to the bottom of said body of water, fillingballast box 40 with appropriate ballast, and directingpower cord 44 or alternativelywater hose 76 to the desired location. - As used throughout this disclosure,
energy generating device 20 andenergy generating device 120 are contemplated to be interchangeable and aspects and embodiments described herein are contemplated to be equally applicable to eitherenergy generating device energy generating device 20 orenergy generating device 120 are not necessarily limited to that embodiment. - An embodiment is an implementation or example of the present disclosure. Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the invention. The various appearances “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or the like, are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments.
- If this specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.
- Additionally, any method of performing the present disclosure may occur in a sequence different than those described herein. Accordingly, no sequence of the method should be read as a limitation unless explicitly stated. It is recognizable that performing some of the steps of the method in an different order could achieve a similar result.
- In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
- Moreover, the description and illustration of various embodiments of the disclosure are examples and the disclosure is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
Claims (20)
1. A hydro farm comprising:
two or more portable energy generating devices further comprising:
a body;
a cylindrical drum contained within the body and rotatable about a substantially transverse axis;
a stationary cam; and
at least one movable vane connected to outer surface of the drum;
wherein the at least one vane is movable to a plurality of positions between a deployed state and a stowed state; and wherein the two or more energy generating devices are in serial connection with each other.
2. The hydro farm of claim 1 wherein the at least one vane further comprises:
a rear wall curved to sit substantially flush with the outer surface of the cylindrical drum when the at least one vane is in a stowed state;
a first closed end;
a second closed end, the curved rear wall, first closed end, and second closed end thereby forming a cupped shape; and
at least one roller bearing.
3. The hydro farm of claim 2 wherein the at least one movable vane is movable through interaction between the at least one roller bearing and the stationary cam.
4. The hydro farm of claim 3 wherein the at least one movable vane is pivotally connected to the drum and further comprises:
a torsion spring that biases the at least one vane towards the stowed state when the at least one roller bearing is not contacting the stationary cam.
5. The hydro farm of claim 4 wherein the two or more energy generating devices further comprise a ramp upstream of the drum wherein the ramp further comprises:
a first sidewall;
a second sidewall;
an upstream edge; and
a downstream edge;
and wherein the ramp is shaped to direct the flow of water over the drum.
6. The hydro farm of claim 5 wherein the two or more energy generating devices further comprise:
an electrical generator coupled to the drum and operable to convert rotational energy from the drum to electrical energy; and
a power cord for carrying the electrical energy away from the generator;
wherein the two or more energy generating devices are configured to simultaneously deliver electrical energy to a location remote from the two or more energy generating devices.
7. The hydro farm of claim 5 wherein the two or more energy generating devices further comprise:
a mechanical pump coupled to the drum and operable to convert rotational energy from the drum to mechanical energy to operate the mechanical pump to thereby pump water; and
a water hose for carrying the water away from the mechanical pump;
wherein the mechanical pump is configured to deliver water to a location remote from the two or more energy generating devices.
8. The hydro farm of claim 5 wherein the two or more energy generating devices are configured such that at least one of the energy generating devices delivers liquid to a location remote from the two or more energy generating devices, and at least one of the energy generating devices delivers electrical energy to a location remote from the two or more energy generating devices simultaneously.
9. The hydro farm of claim 6 wherein the at least two energy generating devices deliver electrical energy to a storage battery.
10. A method of supplying power comprising the steps of:
installing a hydro farm comprising one or more portable energy generating devices within a flowing body of water;
directing a stream of flowing water over a rotatable drum within the energy generating device;
deploying at least one movable vane into the flow of water over the drum;
capturing the potential energy from the flowing water with the at least one movable vane;
converting potential energy from the water flowing over the drum into rotational energy to rotate the drum;
capturing the rotational energy of the drum with a generator;
directing the flow of energy from the generator through a power cord;
connecting the power cord to storage battery;
charging the storage battery using the one or more energy generating devices;
disconnecting the power cord from the storage battery;
transporting the storage battery to a location in need of power remote from the hydro farm;
connecting the storage battery to the electrical supply grid for the remote location; and
discharging power from the storage battery into the electrical supply grid for the remote location.
11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of delivering a depleted storage battery to the hydro farm and connecting the depleted storage battery to the power cord after disconnecting the charged storage battery.
12. The method of claim 10 wherein the storage battery further comprises a battery trailer.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein the depleted storage battery and charged storage battery further comprise battery trailers.
14. The method of claim 10 wherein the hydro farm is configured to charge two or more storage batteries simultaneously.
15. A method of supplying power and water comprising the steps of:
installing a hydro farm comprising one or more portable energy generating devices within a flowing body of water;
directing a stream of flowing water over a rotatable drum within the energy generating device;
deploying at least one movable vane into the flow of water over the drum;
capturing the potential energy from the flowing water with the at least one movable vane;
converting potential energy from the water flowing over the drum into rotational energy to rotate the drum;
capturing the rotational energy of at least one drum from at least one of the two or more energy generating devices with a generator;
simultaneously capturing the rotational energy of at least one drum from at least one of the two or more energy generating devices with a mechanical pump;
directing a flow of electrical energy from the generator through a power cord;
simultaneously directing a flow of water from the mechanical pump through a water hose;
connecting the power cord to storage battery;
charging the storage battery using at least one of the two or more energy generating devices; and
simultaneously directing the water hose to a location remote from the hydro farm and remote from the storage battery.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising the steps of:
disconnecting the power cord from the storage battery;
transporting the storage battery to a location in need of power remote from the hydro farm;
connecting the storage battery to the electrical supply grid for the remote location; and
discharging power from the storage battery into the electrical supply grid for the remote location.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the steps of delivering a depleted storage battery to the hydro farm and connecting the depleted storage battery to the power cord after disconnecting the charged storage battery.
18. The method of claim 15 wherein the hydro farm is configured to charge two or more storage batteries simultaneously.
19. The method of claim 15 wherein the mechanical pump delivers water to one or more portable storage tanks.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising the steps of:
transporting the one or more portable storage tanks to a location in need of water remote from the hydro farm; and
dispersing water from the one or more portable storage tanks.
Priority Applications (1)
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US15/892,013 US20190170112A1 (en) | 2017-12-01 | 2018-02-08 | Method and apparatus for transporting and storing power |
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US201762593659P | 2017-12-01 | 2017-12-01 | |
US15/892,013 US20190170112A1 (en) | 2017-12-01 | 2018-02-08 | Method and apparatus for transporting and storing power |
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US20190170112A1 true US20190170112A1 (en) | 2019-06-06 |
Family
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US15/891,967 Active US10704530B2 (en) | 2017-12-01 | 2018-02-08 | Method and apparatus for generating electricity |
US15/892,013 Abandoned US20190170112A1 (en) | 2017-12-01 | 2018-02-08 | Method and apparatus for transporting and storing power |
US16/832,334 Abandoned US20200248669A1 (en) | 2017-12-01 | 2020-03-27 | Method and apparatus for generating electricity |
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US15/891,967 Active US10704530B2 (en) | 2017-12-01 | 2018-02-08 | Method and apparatus for generating electricity |
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US16/832,334 Abandoned US20200248669A1 (en) | 2017-12-01 | 2020-03-27 | Method and apparatus for generating electricity |
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US (3) | US10704530B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2019104432A1 (en) |
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CN113623114A (en) * | 2021-09-10 | 2021-11-09 | 兰州理工大学 | Underwater vane type power generation device |
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CN112576435B (en) * | 2021-01-14 | 2021-12-31 | 徐州市沂芯微电子有限公司 | Power generation equipment utilizing sea wave fluctuation at coast |
US20230400006A1 (en) * | 2022-06-13 | 2023-12-14 | Salvatore Deiana | Wave turbine |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20200248669A1 (en) | 2020-08-06 |
US10704530B2 (en) | 2020-07-07 |
US20190170111A1 (en) | 2019-06-06 |
WO2019104432A1 (en) | 2019-06-06 |
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