WO2000009815A1

WO2000009815A1 - Apparatus and method for harnessing energy

Info

Publication number: WO2000009815A1
Application number: PCT/AU1999/000658
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen Mccorkill
Original assignee: Prism Pty. Ltd.
Priority date: 1998-08-12
Filing date: 1999-08-12
Publication date: 2000-02-24
Also published as: AUPP524198A0

Abstract

An energy harnessing apparatus (1) comprising first and second containers (2a, 2b) connected together by connecting means (17), the first container (2a) having first outlet means (5a) for draining matter from the first container (2a) and the second container (2b) having second outlet means for draining matter from the second container (2b); fill means (24) for filling the first and second containers (2a, 2b) and harnessing means (36) for harnessing energy from movement of the first and second containers (2a, 2b), wherein the fill means (24) fills the first container (2a) with matter and the second outlet means (5a) drains the second container (2b) of matter therein, thereby causing the first container (2a) to move and causing the harnessing means (36) to harness the energy from the movement of the first container (2a), the fill means (24) subsequently fills the second container (2b) with matter and the first outlet means (5a) drains the first container (2a) of matter therein, thereby causing the second container (2b) to move resulting in the harnessing means (36) harnessing energy from the movement of the second container.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HARNESSING ENERGY

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for harnessing energy. More particularly, the preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus and a method for harnessing energy by generating electricity from the movement of water from one level to another.

BACKGROUND ART

It is known to produce electricity from water in a hydroelectric scheme by diverting water from a water reservoir through pipes to turbines. The flow of the water causes the turbines to turn which, in turn, turn generators which generate electricity.

This method of generating electricity is an effective method of harnessing the energy which is released as the water flows from one level having a high potential energy to another level having a lower potential energy. As the water flows from the position of higher potential energy to lower potential energy, the mechanical energy of the flowing water is turned into electrical energy.

However, this particular method of generating electricity suffers from various disadvantages. For example, such a hydroelectric scheme is complex in design and expensive to implement and operate.

The present invention attempts to overcome one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided an energy harnessing apparatus comprising: a first container and a second container connected together by a connecting means, the first container having first outlet means for, in use, draining matter from the first container and the second container having second outlet means for, in use, draining matter from the second container; fill means for, in use, filling the first container and the second container with matter; and harnessing means for, in use, harnessing energy from movement of the first container and the second container, wherein, in use, the fill means fills the first container with matter and the second outlet means drains the second container of matter therein, thereby causing the first container to move and causing the harnessing means to harness the energy from the movement of the first container, and the fill means subsequently fills the second container with matter and the first outlet means drains the first container of matter therein, thereby causing the second container to move resulting in the harnessing means harnessing the energy from the movement of the second container.

It is preferred that, in use, the matter is conveyed to the fill means and then from the fill means, alternatively, to the first container and the second container so as to cause the first container and the second container to move.

The fill means is preferably comprised of a fixed section and a suspended section.

The suspended section is preferably comprised of an inlet section connected to the fixed section, a holding section for holding matter conveyed to the suspended section and an outlet section for conveying the matter from the holding section to the first container and the second container.

The outlet section is preferably comprised of a first outlet pipe for conveying the matter from the holding section to the first container and a second outlet pipe for conveying the matter from the holding section to the second container. It is preferred that the second outlet means drains the matter from the second container once the fill means has filled the first container, thereby commencing the movement of the first container. Similarly, it is preferred that the first outlet means drains the matter from the first container once the fill means has filled the second container, thereby commencing the movement of the second container.

It is further preferred that the apparatus also comprises a first track for guiding the movement of the first container and preferably a second track for guiding the movement of the second container.

The harnessing means is preferably comprised of an electricity generator connected to first container and the second container for converting movement of the first container and the second container to electrical energy.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of harnessing energy comprising the steps of:

(a) connecting a first container and a second container together by a connecting means; (b) filling the first container with matter and draining the second container of matter to cause movement of the first container;

(c ) filling the second container with matter and draining the first container of matter to cause movement of the second container; and

(d) harness energy from the movement of the first container and from the movement of the second container.

It is preferred that the energy is harnessed by generating electricity from the movement of the first container and the second container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings :

Figure 1 illustrates an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention installed on a dam wall;

Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the preferred embodiment of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows details of a front view of a first preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; and

Figure 4 shows details of a front view of a second preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention employ the energy stored in a water reservoir behind a dam wall to generate electricity. As a result of the effect of gravity, water in a reservoir has a potential energy which, when it flows to a low level, can be harnessed to generate electricity or harnessed as mechanical energy for use in various applications.

Note that in the preferred embodiments of the present invention water from a water reservoir is used to generate electricity. However, it is obvious that other suitable substances can also be employed, such as other fluids or even solid substances. For example, sand may be a suitable substance. Equally, instead of using water in a water reservoir, water from other sources, such as water from storage tanks or water from a waterfall at a cliff - face, may also be used. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate one of the preferred embodiments of the apparatus 1 of the present invention installed on a dam wall 30 which dams a reservoir 32 of water.

A first preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 3.

The apparatus 1 is comprised of a first container 2a and a second container 2b which are preferably of equal volume and weight and of similar configuration. The containers 2a, 2b are preferably constructed of light weight material, such as aluminium or plastic material, capable of holding therein a volume of a substance, such as water in this application. The containers 2a, 2b may be of any practical shape, such as cylindrical, cubic or more complex, as shown in Figure 3. It is preferred that the containers 2a, 2b are sealed closed so that the water cannot spill or leak therefrom.

The first container 2a is preferably provided with a first inlet means comprising an inlet port 4a for letting water into the container 2a. The first container 2a is preferably further provided with a first outlet means which is comprised of a drain valve 5a. The drain valve 5a is preferably capable of sealing the bottom of the first container 2a to hold the water in the first container 2a and is also capable of draining the water from the first container 2a when required.

The second container 2b is of a similar construction to first container 2a, as just described, and includes a second inlet means, preferably comprised of inlet port 4b, and a second drain means, preferably comprised of a drain valve 5a.

The containers 2a, 2b are connected together by a connecting means preferably comprised of a tether 17. The tether 17 is connected to the containers 2a, 2b at anchor points 3a, 3b on the containers 2a, 2b. As a result of this arrangement, the containers 2a, 2b are capable of acting as counterweights against each other. The tether 17 is preferably made of a high strength- to-weight material. (Note that the tether 17 in Figure 3 is shown as broken so as to fit all features on a page.)

It is further preferred that a winch 6 is provided on the tether 17 for changing the length of the tether 17. For example, the winch 6 may be attached between the tether 17 and the anchor point 3b so as to wind the tether 17 into the winch 6, thereby enabling the effective length of the tether 17 to be varied. However, other methods may also be used within the scope of the invention to vary the length of the tether 17.

The first preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 3 is preferably further comprised of a fill means 24 for filling the containers 2a, 2b with water. The fill means 24 preferably comprises a fixed section 37 and a suspended section 38.

The fixed section 37 of the fill means 24 is preferably comprised of a pipe 7. One end 33 (as shown in Figure 2) of the pipe 7 is preferably submerged in water in the reservoir 32. The remainder of the pipe 7 then passes over the top 8 of the dam wall 30 to the lee side 35 of the dam wall 30. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) , the pipe 7 may pass through the dam wall 30 to the lee side 35 of the dam wall 30.

The suspended section 38 of the fill means 24 is preferably comprised of a inlet section 10, a holding section 11 and an outlet section 39.

The inlet section 10 is preferably comprised of a pipe forming a telescopic sleeve around the other end 34 of the pipe 7 of the fixed section. The inlet section 10 and the pipe 7 are preferably provided with seals (not shown) to allow the inlet section 10 to slide along the pipe 7 while maintaining a water tight seal between the inlet section 10 and the pipe 7.

The holding section 11 preferably comprises a holding tank attached to the inlet section 10. The holding section 11 is preferably made of the same material as the containers 2a, 2b and is preferably the same volume as the containers 2a, 2b.

A retaining valve 13 is preferably provided between the inlet section 10 and the holding section 11 to control the flow of water from the pipe 7 to the holding section 11. When the retaining valve 13 is open, water can flow from the reservoir 32, through the pipe 7 and inlet section 10 into the holding section 11. When the retaining valve 13 is closed, the flow of the water into the holding section 11 is stopped.

It is preferred that the holding section 11 is provided with breather valves 14a, 14b, such as ball valves, to vent air to and from the holding section 11 as the holding section 11 is drained or filled with water.

The outlet section 39 is preferably comprised of a first outlet pipe 18a and a second outlet pipe 18b at the bottom of the holding section 11. It is preferred that the outlet section 39 is further provided with outlet valves 12a, 12b between the holding section 11 and the outlet pipe 18a, 18b to control the flow of water out of the holding section 11 through the outlet pipes 18a, 18b. When the outlet valve 12a is open, water can flow from the holding section 11 through the outlet pipe 18a and when the outlet valve 12b is open, water can flow from the holding section 11 through the outlet pipe 18b. When the outlet valves 12a, 12b are closed, water cannot flow from the holding section 11.

The suspended section 38 is preferably suspended from winches 16a, 16b by wires 15a, 15b which are attached to the holding section 11. The winches 16a, 16b are fixed relative to the fixed section so that the suspended section can be lowered or raised relative to the fixed section 37.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 3, is further provided with harnessing means 36 for harnessing the energy released by movement of water from the reservoir 32. The harnessing means 36 is preferably comprised of first ratchet gear 19 and second ratchet gear 20. The tether 17 is passed over the gears 19, 20 in the manner shown so that the containers 2a, 2b are suspended from the gears 19, 20 in a counterweight arrangement.

The gears 19, 20 are preferably primary ratchet gears which are engagable in opposite directions. That is, when the first container 2a descends, the first ratchet gear 19 engages as it rotates anti- clockwise while the second ratchet gear 20 free- wheels. In contrast, when the second container 2b descends, the second ratchet gear 20 engages as it rotates clockwise while the first ratchet gear 19 free-wheels.

The harnessing means 36 is preferably further provided with counter-rotating gear 21 which is driven by the second ratchet gear 20.

It is preferred that the harnessing means 36 is further provided with a generator 25 having a fly-wheel 26. The fly-wheel 26 may be connected directly or by gears to the generator 25. The flywheel 26 is preferably connected to the first ratchet gear 19 by a first drive belt 22 and to the counter-rotating gear 21 by a second drive belt 23.

In use, the apparatus 1 is installed at a suitable site. For example, in the preferred installation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus 1 is installed on the dam wall 30 at the water reservoir 32. This is done by attaching the harnessing means 36 to the top 8 of the dam wall 30 and placing the pipe 7 over the top 8 of the dam wall 30 such that the one end 33 of the pipe 7 is submerged in the water in the reservoir 32 and the other end 34 extend to the lee side 35 of the dam wall 30. The suspended section 38 of the fill means 24 is then suspended from the top 8 of the dam wall 30 from the winches 16a, 16b such that the inlet section 10 is connected to the pipe 7. The containers 2a, 2b are suspended from the first and second ratchet gears 19, 20 using the tether 17 as previously described. The length of the tether 17 is adjusted using the winch 6 so that when one of the containers 2a, 2b is at a top position proximate the holding section 11, the other of the containers 2b, 2a is at the bottom of the dam wall 30.

As dam walls are usually not completely vertical, it is also preferred that vertical tracks 40a, 40b are provided on the dam wall 30 and the containers 2a, 2b are provided with guides, such as wheels (not shown) , to run on the tracks 40a, 40b. Consequently, as the containers 2a, 2b move up and down the dam wall 30, they are guided by the tracks 40a, 40b.

In operation the holding section 11 is positioned at a level such that the holding tank is in a position below the water level 9 in the reservoir 32. Initially, water is pumped manually from the water reservoir 32 through the pipe 7 to fill the pipe 7 and to thereby establish a syphoning action causing the water to be capable of flowing from the reservoir 32 into the holding section 11 or the lee side 35. Alternatively, the pipe 7 may pass straight through the dam wall 30 to avoid the need for establishing a syphoning action.

In some circumstances, such as where the dam wall 30 is too high above the water level 9, a pump 41 may be provided to assist the syphoning action.

Initially one of the containers 2a, 2b is placed in the top position, that is, in the example shown in Figures 1 and 3, container 2b is placed in the top position where the container 2b is proximate the holding section 11 such that the outlet pipe 18b of the holding section 11 is above and close to the inlet port 4b of the container 2b. At this point in time the drain valve 5b is closed and the drain valve 5a of the first container 2a is open to drain any water therein.

To commence operation, the retaining valve 13 and the outlet valve 12b are opened to fill the holding section 11 with water by syphoning water from the reservoir 32. Once the holding section 11 is filled, the retaining valve 13 is closed and the outlet valve 12b is opened. This causes the water in the holding section 11 to drain from the holding section 11 through the outlet pipe 18b into the second container 2b. When the holding section 11 is empty, the outlet valve 12b is closed.

The filling of the second container 2b with water makes it heavier than the first container 2a, which is empty, causing the second container 2b to descend along the track 40b down the dam wall 30 while first container 2a ascends along the track 40a.

As the second container 2b descends, the second ratchet gear 20, which ratchet is engaged, rotates clockwise and causes counter- rotating gear 21 to rotate. Counter-rotating gear 21 in turn rotates fly-wheel 26 also in an anti-clockwise direction via the second drive belt 23. The rotation of the fly-wheel 28 causes electricity to be generated by the generator 25.

Once the second container 2b reaches the bottom of the dam wall 30, the first container 2a is at the top position proximate the outlet pipe 18a.

The first container 2a is then filled in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the second container 2b. That is, container 2a is in a position proximate the holding section 11 such that the outlet pipe 18a of the holding section 11 is above and close to the inlet port 4a of the container 2a.

The drain valve 5a and outlet valve 12a are closed and the retaining valve 13 is opened to fill the holding section 11 with water by syphoning water from the reservoir 32. Once the holding section 11 is filled, the retaining valve 13 is closed and the outlet valve 12a is opened. This causes the water in the holding section 11 to drain from the holding section 11 through the outlet pipe 18a into the first container 2a. Once the holding section 11 is empty, the outlet valve 12a is closed again. Once the first container 2a is filled, the drain valve 5b of the second container 2b is opened to allow the water in the second container 2b to drain out. Once all the water is drained, the drain valve 5b is closed.

As a result of the draining of the water from the second container 2b, the first container 2a becomes heavier than the second container 2b and the first container 2a descend along the dam wall 30 along che track 40a.

This causes the second ratchet gear 20 to disengage and the first ratchet gear 19 to engage. As the first container 2a descends, the tether 17 causes the first ratchet gear 19 to rotate anti^¬ clockwise which continues to rotate the fly-wheel 28 in an anticlockwise direction via the first drive belt 22. This again causes electricity to be generated by the generator 25.

As each of the containers 2a, 2b get to the top, they are filled and the other of the containers 2a, 2b are drained, causing the motion of the two containers 2a, 2b up and down the dam wall 30.

In this way, by the alternate raising and lowering of the containers 2a, 2b, caused by the alternate filling and emptying of the containers 2a, 2b, electrical energy is generated by the generator 28. As a result of the arrangement of the gears 19, 20 and 21, the fly-wheel 28 is kept rotating in the same direction even though the tether 17 changes the direction of its movement .

As a result of the syphoning action, water is released from the reservoir 32 and the water, under the influence of gravity, causes electricity to be generated as long as there is a supply of water in the reservoir 32.

The generation can be stopped at any time by operating the winches 16a, 16b to raise the holding section 11 above the water level 9 in the reservoir 32. This cause the syphoning effect to stop and water will no longer flow from the reservoir 32 through the pipe 7. The position of the holding section 11 may also be changed in response to changes in the water level in the reservoir 32 to ensure the syphoning action continues.

Note that the length of the tether 17 can be changed using winch 6 to alter the distance travelled by the containers 2a, 2b.

It is preferred that the opening and closing of the valves 5a, 5b, 12a, 12b, 13, 18a and 18b are controlled mechanically depending on the position of the containers 2a, 2b. However, they may also be controlled electronically or any other suitable means.

A second preferred embodiment of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 4. Except as described below, the features of the second preferred embodiment are the same as the features of the first preferred embodiment described above. The features of the second preferred embodiment, shown in Figure 4, which are similar to the features of the first preferred embodiment, shown in Figure 3, have the same numerals.

The main difference between the first and second preferred embodiments resides in the harnessing means 36. The harnessing means 36, as shown in Figure 4, is preferably comprised of first ratchet gear 41 and second ratchet gear 42. The tether 17 is passed over the gears 41, 42 in the manner shown is Figure 4 so that the containers 2a, 2b are suspended from the gears 41, 42 in a counterweight arrangement. However, note that the tether 17 crosses over itself as is passes around the second ratchet gear 41.

The gears 41, 42 are preferably primary ratchet gears which are engagable in opposite directions. That is, when the first container 2a descends, the first ratchet gear 41 engages as it rotates anti -clockwise while the second ratchet gear 42 freewheels. In contrast, when the second container 2b descends, the second ratchet gear 42 engages as it rotates counter-clockwise while the first ratchet gear 41 free-wheels. The fly-wheel 26 is preferably connected to the first ratchet gear 41 by a first drive belt 43 and to the second ratchet gear 42 by a second drive belt 44.

In use, as the second container 2b descends, the second ratchet gear 42, which ratchet is engaged, rotates counter-clockwise. This causes the fly-wheel 26 also to rotate in an anti -clockwise direction via the second drive belt 44. The rotation of the flywheel 28 causes electricity to be generated by the generator 25.

In contrast, when the first container 2a descends, the second ratchet gear 42 disengages and the first ratchet gear 41 engages. As the first container 2a descends, the tether 17 causes the first ratchet gear 41 to rotate anti -clockwise which continues to rotate the fly-wheel 28 in an anti-clockwise direction via the first drive belt 43. This again causes electricity to be generated by the generator 25.

It should be noted that various changes, modifications and additions may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the timing of the opening and closing of the valves 5a, 5b, 12a, 12b, 13, 18a and 18b may be varied to improve the efficiency of the apparatus by preventing the tether 17 from being stationary for a substantial period of time when the tether 17 changed direction. For example, on of the containers 2a, 2b can be filled as it is still ascending so that it is full and ready to descend as soon as it reaches the top.

Furthermore, the valves 5a, 5b, 12a, 12b, 13, 18a and 18b may be replaced with any suitable means for controlling the flow of the matter, such as door flaps. It is also possible to combine a plurality of the apparatus, one above the other, so that water in the containers of one drain into contains of the apparatus below it.

Furthermore, instead of generating electricity, the harnessing means may be used to harness the mechanical energy for a simple pump, or some other desired function.

As a result, the above preferred embodiments provide a simple method of harnessing the energy from flowing water. The preferred embodiments are simple in design, cheap to implement, easy to run, readily transportable and can readily provide energy, such as electric energy.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", means the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not to the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

1. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) comprising: a first container (2a) and a second container (2b) connected together by a connecting means (17) , the first container (2a) having first outlet means (5a) for, in use, draining matter from the first container (2a) and the second container (2b) having second outlet means (5b) for, in use, draining matter from the second container (2b) ; fill means (24) for, in use, filling the first container (2a) and the second container (2b) with matter; and harnessing means (36) for, in use, harnessing energy from movement of the first container (2a) and the second container (2b) , wherein, in use, the fill means (24) fills the first container (2a) with matter and the second outlet means (5b) drains the second container (2b) of matter therein, thereby causing the first container (2a) to move and causing the harnessing means (36) to harness the energy from the movement of the first container (2a) , and the fill means (24) subsequently fills the second container (2b) with matter and the first outlet means (5a) drains the first container (2a) of matter therein, thereby causing the second container (2b) to move resulting in the harnessing means (36) harnessing the energy from the movement of the second container (2b) .

2. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein, in use, the matter is conveyed to the fill means (24) and then from the fill means (24) , alternatively, to the first container (2a) and the second container (2b) so as to cause the first container (2a) and the second container (2b) to move.

3. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fill means (24) is comprised of a fixed section (37) and a suspended section (28) .

4. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 3, wherein the fixed section (37) is comprised of a first pipe (7) for conveying the matter to the suspended section (28) .

5. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the suspended section (28) is comprised of an inlet section (10) connected to the fixed section (37) for conveying the matter from the fixed section (37) to the suspended section (28) .

6. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 5 when dependant on claim 4, wherein the inlet section (10) is comprised of a second pipe (10) connected to the first pipe (7) .

7. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the suspended section (28) is comprised of a holding section (11) connected to the fixed section (37) for holding the matter conveyed to the suspended section (28) .

8. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 7 when dependant on claim 5 or claim 6 , wherein the holding section (11) is connected to the inlet section (10) .

9. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the suspended section (28) is further comprised of an outlet section (25) for conveying the matter from the holding section (11) to the first container (2a) and the second container (2b) .

10. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 9, wherein the outlet section (25) is comprised of a first outlet pipe (18a) for conveying the matter from the holding section (11) to the first container (2a) and a second outlet pipe (18b) for conveying the matter from the holding section (11) to the second container (2b) .

11. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 10, wherein, in use, the matter is conveyed from the fixed section

(37) to the holding section (11) through the inlet section (10) and the matter in the holding section (11) is then conveyed by the first outlet pipe (18a) and the second outlet pipe (18b) , alternatively, to the first container (2a) and the second container (2b) , thereby causing the first container (2a) and the second container (2b) to move.

12. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the suspended section (28) is suspended from the fixed section (27) be suspension means (15a, 15b) .

13. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 12, wherein the suspension means (15a, 15b) comprise at least one wire (15a, 15b) .

14. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 13, wherein the length of the at least one wire (15a, 15b) is capable of being varied by means of at least one winch (16a, 16b) .

15. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, in use, the second outlet means (5b) drains the matter from the second container (2b) once the fill means (24) has filled the first container (2a) , thereby commencing the movement of the first container (2a) .

16. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, in use, the first outlet means (5a) drains the matter from the first container (2a) once the fill means (24) has filled the second container (2b) , thereby commencing the movement of the second container (2b) .

17. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection means (17) is comprised of a tether (17) connection the first container (2a) to the second container (2b) .

18. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 17, further comprising a winch (6) for varying the length of the tether (17) .

19. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first track (40a) for guiding the movement of the first container (2a) .

20. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second track (40b) for guiding the movement of the second container (2b) .

21. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the harnessing means (36) is comprised of an electricity generator (25) connected to first container (2a) and the second container (2b) for converting movement of the first container (2a) and the second container (2b) to electrical energy.

22. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 21, wherein the electricity generator (25) is connected to the first container (2a) and the second container (2b) by means of the connecting means (17) .

23. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the harnessing means (36) is further comprised of a first gear (19, 41) and a second gear (20, 42) .

24. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 23, wherein the connecting means (17) is connected to the first gear (19, 41) and the second gear (20, 42).

25. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the first gear (19) and the second gear (20) are each a ratchet gear, such that the first gear (19) engages when the first gear (19) rotates in a first direction and the second gear (20) engages when the second gear (20) rotates in a direction opposite to the first direction.

26. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 23, 24 or 25, wherein the harnessing means (36) further comprises a counter-rotating gear (21) which is connected to the second gear (20) such that the counter-rotating gear (21) rotates in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the second gear (20) .

27. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 26, wherein the harnessing means (36) further comprises a second drive belt (23) for connecting the counter- otating gear (21) to the generator (25) .

28. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the harnessing means (36) further comprises a first drive belt (22) for connecting the first gear (19) to the generator (25) .

29. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 28, wherein downward movement of the first container (2a) causes the second gear (20) to disengage and the first gear (19) to engage, such that the first gear (19) drives the generator (25) via the first drive belt (22) to generate electricity.

30. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 28 or 29, wherein downward movement of the second container (2b) causes the first gear (19) to disengage and the second gear (20) to engage, such that the second gear (20) drives the generator (25) via the counter-rotating gear (21) and second drive belt (23) to generate electricity.

31. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the first gear (41) and the second gear (42) are each a ratchet gear, such that the first gear (41) engages when the first gear (41) rotates in a first direction and the second gear (42) engages when the second gear (42) also rotates in the first direction.

32. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 31, wherein the harnessing means (36) further comprises a second drive belt (44) for connecting the second gear (42) to the generator (25) .

33. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the harnessing means (36) further comprises a first drive belt (43) for connecting the first gear (41) to the generator (25) .

34. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 33, wherein downward movement of the first container (2a) causes the second gear (42) to disengage and the first gear (41) to engage, such that the first gear (41) drives the generator (25) via the first drive belt (43) to generate electricity.

35. An energy harnessing apparatus (1) according to claim 33 or 34, wherein downward movement of the second container (2b) causes the first gear (41) to disengage and the second gear (42) to engage, such that the second gear (42) drives the generator (25) via the second drive belt (44) to generate electricity.

36. A method of harnessing energy comprising the steps of:

(a) connecting a first container (2a) and a second container (2a) together by a connecting means (17) ;

(b) filling the first container (2a) with matter and draining the second container (2b) of matter to cause movement of the first container (2a) ;

(c ) filling the second container (2b) with matter and draining the first container (2b) of matter to cause movement of the second container (2b) ; and

(d) harness energy from the movement of the first container (2a) and from the movement of the second container (2b) .

37. A method of harnessing energy according to claim 36, wherein the energy is harnessed by generating electricity from the movement of the first container (2a) and the second container (2b) .

38. A method of harnessing energy according to claim 36 or 37, wherein the first container and the second container are attached to a dam wall of a water reservoir and the matter comprises water from the water reservoir.