WO2010022451A1

WO2010022451A1 - Liquid driven turbo wheel

Info

Publication number: WO2010022451A1
Application number: PCT/AU2009/001098
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joe Agius
Original assignee: Water Torque Technologies Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2008-08-26
Filing date: 2009-08-26
Publication date: 2010-03-04
Also published as: AU2009287419A1

Abstract

A gravity fed liquid powered turbine comprising one or more liquid driven wheel(s). The wheel(s) having circumferentially positioned and spaced scoops specially adapted to optimize the rotation of the wheel(s) under recycling flow of liquid from an elevated outlet. There is liquid recycling means adapted for collecting liquid released from the scoops and one or more pump(s) for pumping liquid from the liquid collection means to the elevated outlet. The pump(s) operated by the rotation of the wheel(s).

Description

LIQUID DRIVEN TURBO WHEEL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Thfs invention relates to turbines in particular but not limited to a gravity fed liquid powered turbine used to produce a rotational force of extremely high torque.

BACKGROUND ART Hydro-electric generation of electricity is known.

In most instances the fait of liquid namely water in a reservoir to impinge upon the blades of a turbine to generate electricity is known prior art.

Use of water on water wheels in streams and brooks Is also known where such devices are used to drive shearing devices, mining equipment and water pumps.

In all the above prior art a running force of liquid is required either in a flowing stream or from an elevated position such as under a head of pressure in a reservoir. The use of running water or under gravity is a extremely efficient source of power to drive turbines or paddle wheels.

In all such cases the source of water is generally from an unlimited source, however due to recent droughts and shortage of water deriving power from water wheels and turbines has been severely curtailed.

There have been many examples of human endeavour to extract power from rotation. In most prior art examples, friction and gravity provide the main resistance forces to efficiency. While established laws of thermodynamics and Newtonian physics generally apply, there are.many examples where technology or more precisely, developments in technology have led to previously unbelieved or "irnpossibJe" results. Improvements to bearings and wheels in the bicycle industry are one such example. Improvements to low friction gearing and wheels with low rolling resistance have contributed to the increased efficiency in covering distances and velocities experienced. Recovery of kinetic energy in regenerative braking systems is also another example of where greater efficiency in energy extraction is a consequence of technology. The present invention is likewise another example in the quest to improve the workings of machines.^"

^• OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to seek to ameliorate or eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art or to at least provide the public with a useful choice. It is also a further object of the Invention to provide an efficient source of power from a confined and non-naturally flowing source of water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention resides in a gravity fed liquid powered turbine comprising on© or more liquid driven wheel(s) having an axle, said wheel(s) supported in a frame and characterized in that the improvement resides in or comprises: the wheel(s) having circumferentially positioned and spaced scoops specially adapted to optimize the rotation of the wheel(s) under recycling flow of liquid from an elevated outlet positioned above one or more of the scoops, liquid recycling means comprising liquid collection means adapted for collecting liquid released from the scoops as the wheel(s) rotate(s), and * one or more pump(s) for pumping liquid from the liquid collection means to the elevated outlet, the ρumρ(s) operated by the rotation of the wheel(s), wherein in operation, on initially rotating the wheel(s) to overcome inertia, liquid is pumped by the pump(s) from the liquid collection means to the outlet wherein the liquid falls onto the one or more scoops to cause the wheel(s) to rotate and operate the pump(s).

Preferably the wheel is of the radius wherein the weight of the liquid in the scoops produces a very high torque at the spindle shaft or axle of the wheel.

Preferably the liquid is water.

Preferably the shape and size of the scoops and the location of the scoops at the circumference of the wheel creates a lever effect that magnifies the downward gravitational force of the water.

Preferably the scoops hold the water entering the scoops without any loss of the water until it reaches the very bottom of the wheel thereby keeping a maximum load of water at the end of the lever effect to transfer and increase gravitational force to the central axle or spindle shaft.

In a preferred embodiment, the radius of the wheel is 1.75m in length and provides a leverage effect on average of 36:1 or more.

Preferably the wheel or turbine rotates at a sufficiently slow speed to allow the scoops to be filled to provide a maximal moment of force about the axle. This results in the turbine using more water at a slower rotational speed, to produce an optimal moment of force, Sultably, there is high ratio gearing means between the axle(s) of th© turbine(s) and an output shaft wherein the torque produced at the output shaft is substantially multiplied over that at the axle(s).

Preferably there is an expansion gearbox which is connected to the output shaft.

The output shaft of the expansion gearbox is coupled to a clutch mechanism which allows for the smooth and gradual transmission of the speed and torque of the gearbox output to an alternator or generator.

Preferably the pump is a small efficient electric operated pump which pumps water from the liquid, collection means comprising a sump tank back to the elevated outlet positioned above the scoops of the wheel.

The electric power generated by the alternator or generator is used to drive the electric pump to recycle the water used to drive the wheel.

Excess electricity generated by the alternator or generator can be fed into an electrical grid and used as household current or for other needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In order that the invention be put into practical effect reference will now be made to the accompanying illustrations wherein:

Figure 1 refers to a preferred schematic diagram of the invention. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the invention according to Figure 1.

Figure 3A and 3B show side elevation and perspective views of a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein there are a pair of water wheels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the invention according to Example 1. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the invention of Figure 1, Consistent enumeration has been used for corresponding parts and integers of both illustrations. There is shown a turbine wheel 10 supported in a fram© 11, having scoops 12, 14, and 16 which are filled by water falling from an elevated outlet 18. As the turbine rotates, rotational energy is transferred via a clutch mechanism 20 to the input shaft 22 of a gearbox 24. The gearbox is preferably an expansion gearbox whereby input rotational speed of the input shaft is multiplied and causes the rotation of the gearbox output shaft 26 at a higher speed than that of the input shaft. There is preferably a further clutch mechanism 28 separating the output shaft of the gearbox from the alternator or generator 30 (not shown). Electric power from the alternator or generator is used to power a small electric pump 32 to recycle water from the liquid collection means in the form of a tank 34 wherein liquid is pumped to the elevated outlet 18 for release onto the scoops or paddles of the turbine wheel. Excess current generated by the alternator or generator is then fed back to the grid or for other household use. The shafts of the turbine wheel 28 and gearbox 22 are supported in bearing blocks 36, 38 with couplers 40, 42, 44.

Referring now to Figure 3A and 3B there is shown a side elevation and perspective views of a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein there are a pair or water wheels 50, 52 which are normally connected by a chain drive (not shown). In particular, both Figure 3A and 3B show an arrangement wherein there is a high ratio gearing means between the lower water wheel 52 and an expansion gearbox 54 which comprises a small gear 56 on the axle 58 of the water wheel 52 driving a large gear 60 connected to the gearbox. The torque multiplying factor here enables a large amount of torque to be transferred to the gearbox which drives an electrical generator 62 which provides power for the pump (not shown). It will be obvious that the water wheels can be linked by a chain mechanism wherein there could be an indefinite number of water wheels so linked to provide a torque multiplier effect

VARIATIONS

In a preferred example, the turbine can handle a maximum of six thousand (6000) litres of water a minute (6000L/min.).

In a preferred example, if each scoop or bucket on the wheel holds 29.4 litres and there are 204 buckets, the turbine is estimated to be rotating at approximately 3 revolutions per minute (3rpm).

Two water wheels each with 20 scoops or buckets each holding 29.4 litres, can process 1176 litres per minute (i.e.65.14 litres x 2 wheels). This is calculated to by the maximum weight of water the wheels will carry when rotating at 3rpm.

Tests have also shown that when only a quarter of the recycling pump's capacity is utilised, the turbine has a capacity of 750 litres per minute. Each scoop or bucket will hold 2.757 litres When the turbine is rotating at 4rpm. Two water wheels with twenty (20) buckets each at 2.757 litres per bucket have a capacity to process 110.2B litres per minute (i.e. 2 wheels x 55.14 litres/wheel). At this rate of weight and rotation the projected energy output is 11 horsepower (11hp).

The inventor believes that the frame of the water wheel, gears, gear box and dynamo consumes 9hp. With the addition of the 9hp and 11hp, the water wheel's power is equal to a total of 20hp.

It must be borne in mind that the quarter usage of the pump is of one pump only. Consequently, the use of two pumps would make this amount only 12.5% of the full capacity that this water wheel is capable of carrying. This system is designed to use two pumps which would mean this 12.5% is equal to 1/8 of the 100% capacity of work the water wheel, can produce. AII this indicates that the 20hp x 8 will provide a total of 160hp running at its full capacity with the two pumps at the one time.

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims this specification the word "COmPn¹Se" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other addftives, components, integers or steps

Claims

1. A gravity fed liquid powered turbine comprising: one or more liquid driven wheel(s) having an axle, said wheel(s) supported in a frame and characterized in that the improvement resides in or comprises: the wheel(s) having circumferentially positioned and spaced scoops specially adapted to optimize the rotation of the wheel(s) under recycling flow of liquid from an elevated outlet positioned above one or more of the scoops; liquid recycling means comprising liquid collection means adapted for collecting liquid released from the scoops as the wheef(s) rotate(s); and one or more pump(s) for pumping liquid from the liquid collection means to the elevated outlet, the pump(s) operated by the rotation of the wheel(s), wherein in operation, on initially rotating the wheel(s) to overcome inertia, liquid is pumped by the pump(s) from the liquid collection means to the outlet wherein the liquid falls onto the one or more scoops to cause the wheel(s) to rotate and operate the pump(s).

2. The gravity fed liquid powered turbine of claim 1 , wherein the scoops hold the liquid entering the scoops without any loss of the liquid until it reaches the very bottom of the wheel thereby keeping a maximum load of liquid at the end of the lever effect to transfer and increase gravitational force to the central axle or spindle shaft.

3. The gravity fed liquid powered turbine of claim 1, wherein the radius of the wheel is 1.75m in length and provides a leverage effect on average of 36:1.

4. The gravity fed liquid powered turbine of claim 1 , wherein the wheel or turbine rotates at a sufficiently slow speed to allow the scoops to be filled to provide a maximal moment of force about the axie, thereby resulting in the turbine using more liquid at a slower rotational speed to produce an optimal moment of force.

5. The gravity fed liquid powered turbine of claim 1, wherein there is high ratio gearing means between the axle(s) of the turbine(s) and an output shaft wherein the torque produced at the output shaft is substantially multiplied over that at the axle(s).

6. The gravity fed liquid powered turbine of claim 5, wherein there is an expansion gearbox connected to the output shaft.

7. The expansion gearbox of claim 6, wherein the output shaft of the expansion gearbox is coupled to a clutch mechanism which allows for the smooth and gradual transmission of the speed and torque of the gearbox output to an alternator or generator.

8. The gravity fed liquid powered turbine of claim 1, wherein the pump is a small efficient electric operated pump which pumps liquid from the liquid collection means comprising a sump tank back to the elevated outlet positioned above the scoops of the wheel.

9. The alternator or generator of claim 6, wherein the electric power generated is used to drive the electric pump to recycle the liquid used to drive the wheel.

10. The alternator or generator of claim 6, wherein the excess electricity generated can be fed into an electrical grid and used as household current or for other needs. .

11. The gravity fed liquid powered turbine as claimed in any of the above claims wherein the liquid is water.

12. A gravity fed liquid powered turbine substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawings,