WO2008145971A2 - Apparatus and method for power generation and for liquid filtration - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for power generation and for liquid filtration Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008145971A2
WO2008145971A2 PCT/GB2008/001761 GB2008001761W WO2008145971A2 WO 2008145971 A2 WO2008145971 A2 WO 2008145971A2 GB 2008001761 W GB2008001761 W GB 2008001761W WO 2008145971 A2 WO2008145971 A2 WO 2008145971A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
liquid
aeration chamber
arrangement
turbine
inlet
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2008/001761
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2008145971A3 (en
Inventor
David John Hughes
Original Assignee
David John Hughes
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB0710136A external-priority patent/GB0710136D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0710847A external-priority patent/GB0710847D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0720539A external-priority patent/GB0720539D0/en
Application filed by David John Hughes filed Critical David John Hughes
Publication of WO2008145971A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008145971A2/en
Publication of WO2008145971A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008145971A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D61/00Processes of separation using semi-permeable membranes, e.g. dialysis, osmosis or ultrafiltration; Apparatus, accessories or auxiliary operations specially adapted therefor
    • B01D61/02Reverse osmosis; Hyperfiltration ; Nanofiltration
    • B01D61/025Reverse osmosis; Hyperfiltration
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D61/00Processes of separation using semi-permeable membranes, e.g. dialysis, osmosis or ultrafiltration; Apparatus, accessories or auxiliary operations specially adapted therefor
    • B01D61/02Reverse osmosis; Hyperfiltration ; Nanofiltration
    • B01D61/10Accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02FTREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/44Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by dialysis, osmosis or reverse osmosis
    • C02F1/441Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by dialysis, osmosis or reverse osmosis by reverse osmosis
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03BMACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B17/00Other machines or engines
    • F03B17/02Other machines or engines using hydrostatic thrust
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03BMACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B17/00Other machines or engines
    • F03B17/02Other machines or engines using hydrostatic thrust
    • F03B17/04Alleged perpetua mobilia
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03GSPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G7/00Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
    • F03G7/10Alleged perpetua mobilia
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D2313/00Details relating to membrane modules or apparatus
    • B01D2313/24Specific pressurizing or depressurizing means
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D2313/00Details relating to membrane modules or apparatus
    • B01D2313/36Energy sources
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02FTREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2103/00Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
    • C02F2103/06Contaminated groundwater or leachate
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02FTREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2103/00Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
    • C02F2103/08Seawater, e.g. for desalination
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02FTREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2201/00Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C02F2201/001Build in apparatus for autonomous on board water supply and wastewater treatment (e.g. for aircrafts, cruiseships, oil drilling platforms, railway trains, space stations)
    • YGENERAL 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
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02ATECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A20/00Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
    • Y02A20/124Water desalination
    • Y02A20/131Reverse-osmosis

Definitions

  • FIG. 1 With reference to Figure 1 there is shown a power generation apparatus 1 for use in open water.
  • Waste water exiting at outlet 33 could be used as an aid to water filtration (by reverse osmosis) , and could also aid carbon dioxide collection in sea water.
  • a water turbine could be used instead of an air turbine.
  • a reverse osmosis filter could replace the air turbine.

Abstract

Apparatus for power generation comprising a turbine arrangement, an aeration chamber (5) which is in the flow path of the turbine arrangement (7), and an aerator (4), the apparatus being such that, in use an inlet (7a) of the turbine arrangement is located in communication with an upstream head of liquid, and the aerator urges gas into the aeration chamber so as to cause the liquid to drive the turbine arrangement.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR POWER GENERATION AND FOR LIQUID FILTRATION
Field of invention
The present invention relates generally to power generation and to liquid filtration.
Summary of the invention
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for power generation comprising a turbine arrangement, an aeration chamber which is in the flow path of the turbine arrangement, and an aerator, the apparatus being such that in use an inlet of the turbine arrangement is located in communication with an upstream head of liquid, and the aerator urges gas into the aeration chamber so as to cause the liquid to drive the turbine arrangement.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of generating power comprising urging gas into an aeration chamber, which causes liquid therein to be of reduced density, the aeration chamber being in the flow path of a turbine arrangement, and an inlet of the turbine assembly being in communication with a head of liquid.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for filtration of a liquid comprising a filter arrangement, an aeration chamber which is in the flow path of the filter arrangement, and an aerator, the apparatus being such that in use an inlet of the filter arrangement is located in communication with an upstream head of liquid, and the aerator urges gas into the aeration chamber so as to cause the liquid to pass through the filter arrangement. According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of filtering a liquid comprising urging gas into an aeration chamber, which causes liquid therein to be of reduced density, the aeration chamber being in the flow path of a filter arrangement, and an inlet of the filter arrangement being in communication with a head of the liquid.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for power generation comprising a turbine arrangement, a venturi arrangement, an aeration chamber and an aerator, and in use, an inlet of the aeration chamber is located in communication with an upstream head of liquid, and an inlet of the turbine arrangement is in communication with atmosphere, such that, in use, the aerator causes gas to enter the aeration chamber and aerate liquid therein, aerated liquid then flows towards an outlet of the apparatus, the liquid flows past the venturi arrangement causing a reduction in gas pressure, and the pressure differential with atmospheric pressure causes gas to enter the inlet of the turbine arrangement and so drive the turbine arrangement.
Brief description of the drawings
Various embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a power generator located in open water,
Figure 2 is a schematic side view of a power generator located in a bore-hole,
Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a water filtration apparatus located in open water, Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a water filtration apparatus located in a bored well in a beach,
Figure 5 is a schematic side view of a water filtration apparatus located in a deep aquifer,
Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a power generation apparatus located in open water; and
Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the apparatus of Figure 6 in a drilled well.
Detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention
With reference to Figure 1 there is shown a power generation apparatus 1 for use in open water.
The apparatus 1 comprises an outer conduit 2, an inner conduit 3, an air/water mixing chamber 5, a turbine 7 and a compressor 4.
The turbine 7 is located below the open water level and so has impinging on it a head of water. The turbine 7 is provided with one or more inlet ports 7a which allow water to flow therethrough and exit into the mixing chamber through turbine outlet 7b. The compressor is operative to urge air down the inner conduit and into the mixing chamber. This will result in the water in the mixing chamber being aerated and accordingly less dense. This difference in density between the water in the mixing chamber and the open water results in the head of water present at the inlets 7a urging a flow of water so as to drive the turbine. The flow of water passes through the apertures in an upper plate 6 of the mixing chamber up through the outer conduit which exits into the open water. Alternatively the aerated could be collected and filtered for use as potable water.
The electricity generated by the turbine can then be used and/or stored as required. Advantageously part of the generated electricity could be used to power the compressor, and so the compressor does not require an external power source for continued operation.
Now turning to Figure 2 there is shown a power generation apparatus 10 for use in a lined bored well 8. If the water level is near to ground level then no liner is required. Like features are denoted by like reference numerals. The apparatus 10 is essentially identical to the apparatus 1 , both in its construction and its method of operation, save that the outer conduit comprises a cranked discharge portion 2a. The cranked portion 2a directs aerated water into a spill tank/reservoir 9, from where the (degassed) water runs back into the well for re-use.
It will be appreciated that either of the above embodiments can be used in the sea, inland water, a lake, reservoir or beach well.
Advantageously the only waste product is aerated water; either fresh water or seawater. This 'waste water' may be used as an aid to water treatment of reservoir water, to aid CO2 collection by sea or for use in desalination plants (for reverse osmosis) .
With reference now to Figure 3 there is shown water filtration apparatus 20 comprising an outer conduit 12, an inner conduit 13, an air/water mixing chamber 5, a reverse osmosis filter 15 and a compressor 4. The apparatus 20 is located in open water and employs the same mechanism for causing upward flow of water as for the previous embodiments for power generation. By operating the compressor 4 air is forced down conduit 16, water is caused to flow through the filter 15, with filtered (ie potable) water ascending the inner conduit 13.
Unwanted materials collected by the filter 5 are flushed away by a flow of water in the annular volume surrounding the inner conduit 13.
With reference to Figure 4 there is shown a water filtration apparatus 22 located in a beach. Operation of the compressor 4 causes water seeping into the bored well to flow through the filter 15 and up through the inner conduit 13. Waste water is caused to flow up through the annular volume surrounding the inner conduit 13.
With reference finally to Figure 5 the apparatus 22 is located in a deep aquifer yielding poor quality water. The uppermost part of the bored well is provided with a steel liner.
In a variant embodiment of the above described embodiments a turbine and a liquid filter are located in communication with an air/water mixing chamber, such that, in use, power is generated and filtered water is obtained.
Figure 6 shows a further power generation apparatus 30 comprising an air turbine 36, an aeration chamber 34 and an inner conduit 37 connecting the turbine 36 and the aeration chamber 34. The power generation apparatus 30 further comprises a compressor unit 31 which is in communication with the inner conduit 37 by virtue of connecting conduit 39. An outer conduit 32 encloses the inner conduit 37, the air turbine and the aeration chamber 34.
In use, the apparatus 30 is located in open water such that inlet 34a of the aeration chamber is positioned underwater and inlet 36a is positioned above the water level and is open to atmosphere. In operation, the compressor unit 31 is activated to urge compressed air into the inner conduit 37. Air is thus forced into the aeration chamber 34 via openings 38. Water inside the aeration chamber is thus aerated and due to the pressure exerted on the aerated water, the aerated water rises in the annular space between the inner and outer conduits towards outlet 33. As the aerated water flows past the openings 38 a venturi effect is achieved wherein the air pressure of air inside the inner conduit 37 is reduced to below atmospheric pressure. This pressure differential causes atmospheric pressure to force a one-way valve 35 to an open condition. Air thus continues to be urged into the aeration chamber 34. Importantly, atmospheric air drawn in through the inlet 36a drives the turbine 36, so generating electricity. It will be appreciated that after a short while the compressor unit is deactivated and the apparatus requires no further external power input in order to continue to generate electricity.
Any waste air from the aerated water in the annular space is directed to atmosphere via the turbine 36.
Waste water exiting at outlet 33 could be used as an aid to water filtration (by reverse osmosis) , and could also aid carbon dioxide collection in sea water.
Figure 7 shows the apparatus 30 used in a drilled well. Waste water is passed into a degas tank 7 before recycling back into the well.
It will be appreciated that in a modified embodiment of apparatus 30 a water turbine could be used instead of an air turbine. Alternatively a reverse osmosis filter could replace the air turbine.

Claims

1. Apparatus for power generation comprising a turbine arrangement, an aeration chamber which is in the flow path of the turbine arrangement, and an aerator, the apparatus being such that in use an inlet of the turbine arrangement is located in communication with an upstream head of liquid, and the aerator urges gas into the aeration chamber so as to cause the liquid to drive the turbine arrangement.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the apparatus comprises a discharge conduit which is downstream of the aeration chamber, which in use, directs liquid from said chamber towards the level of the liquid.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or in claim 2 in which the aeration chamber is at least partially defined by an apertured wall portion which allows liquid to pass therethrough.
4 Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 which comprises an aeration conduit which connects the aerator to the aeration chamber, the aeration conduit being located inside the discharge conduit.
5. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which aeration chamber is in communication with, and downstream of, an outlet of the turbine arrangement.
6. A method of generating power comprising urging gas into an aeration chamber, which causes liquid therein to be of reduced density, the aeration chamber being in the flow path of a turbine arrangement, and an inlet of the turbine assembly being in communication with a head of liquid.
7. Apparatus for filtration of a liquid comprising a filter arrangement, an aeration chamber which is in the flow path of the filter arrangement, and an aerator, the apparatus being such that in use an inlet of the filter arrangement is located in communication with an upstream head of liquid, and the aerator urges gas into the aeration chamber so as to cause the liquid to pass through the filter arrangement.
8. Method for filtering a liquid comprising urging gas into an aeration chamber, which causes liquid therein to be of reduced density, the aeration chamber being in the flow path of a filter arrangement, and an inlet of the filter assembly being in communication with a head of the liquid.
9. Apparatus for power generation comprising a turbine arrangement, a venturi arrangement, an aeration chamber and an aerator, and in use, an inlet of the aeration chamber is located in communication with an upstream head of liquid, and an inlet of the turbine arrangement is in communication with atmosphere, such that, in use, the aerator causes gas to enter the aeration chamber and aerate liquid therein, aerated liquid then flows towards an outlet of the apparatus, the liquid flows past the venturi arrangement causing a reduction in gas pressure, and the pressure differential with atmospheric pressure causes gas to enter the inlet of the turbine arrangement and so drive the turbine arrangement.
10. Power generation apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.
11. A method of generating power substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.
12. Liquid filtration apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.
13. Method for filtering liquid substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.
PCT/GB2008/001761 2007-05-26 2008-05-23 Apparatus and method for power generation and for liquid filtration WO2008145971A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0710136.3 2007-05-26
GB0710136A GB0710136D0 (en) 2007-05-26 2007-05-26 apparatus and method for power generation
GB0710847A GB0710847D0 (en) 2007-06-06 2007-06-06 Apparatus and method for power generation for liquid filtration
GB0710847.5 2007-06-06
GB0720539A GB0720539D0 (en) 2007-10-18 2007-10-18 Apparatus and method for power generation and for liquid filtration
GB0720539.6 2007-10-18

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008145971A2 true WO2008145971A2 (en) 2008-12-04
WO2008145971A3 WO2008145971A3 (en) 2009-06-04

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2008/001761 WO2008145971A2 (en) 2007-05-26 2008-05-23 Apparatus and method for power generation and for liquid filtration

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012079171A1 (en) * 2010-12-14 2012-06-21 John Picard Madden Power generation using dual columns of liquid
ITNA20130006A1 (en) * 2013-01-29 2014-07-30 Angelo Ivan D METHOD AND PLANTS FOR THE GENERATION OF ELECTRICITY (OR MECHANICAL) FROM SUBMARINE PRESSURE.
WO2017089814A3 (en) * 2015-11-27 2017-07-06 Luke Chamberlain Generator

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH10323554A (en) * 1997-05-27 1998-12-08 Kyuzo Kamata Penstock having venturi phenomenon generation function
US20060070948A1 (en) * 2004-10-04 2006-04-06 Wickham Daniel E Aerobic bacterial generator for pond and fish culture facility water quality management
FR2877058A1 (en) * 2004-10-25 2006-04-28 Philippe Frauenfelder Water pressure creating device for operating turbines with constant movement, has silo whose conical base is divided into four, and water under pressure arriving in funnels, passing into pipes, and making to rotate turbines

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH10323554A (en) * 1997-05-27 1998-12-08 Kyuzo Kamata Penstock having venturi phenomenon generation function
US20060070948A1 (en) * 2004-10-04 2006-04-06 Wickham Daniel E Aerobic bacterial generator for pond and fish culture facility water quality management
FR2877058A1 (en) * 2004-10-25 2006-04-28 Philippe Frauenfelder Water pressure creating device for operating turbines with constant movement, has silo whose conical base is divided into four, and water under pressure arriving in funnels, passing into pipes, and making to rotate turbines

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012079171A1 (en) * 2010-12-14 2012-06-21 John Picard Madden Power generation using dual columns of liquid
ITNA20130006A1 (en) * 2013-01-29 2014-07-30 Angelo Ivan D METHOD AND PLANTS FOR THE GENERATION OF ELECTRICITY (OR MECHANICAL) FROM SUBMARINE PRESSURE.
WO2017089814A3 (en) * 2015-11-27 2017-07-06 Luke Chamberlain Generator
US11199174B2 (en) 2015-11-27 2021-12-14 Luke Chamberlain Generator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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