WO2013141826A2

WO2013141826A2 - Method for electric generation by using fluid channelling via sequential siphoning technique and device using the same

Info

Publication number: WO2013141826A2
Application number: PCT/TR2013/000083
Authority: WO
Inventors: Huseyin Avni CAKMAKCI
Original assignee: Cakmakci Huseyin Avni
Priority date: 2012-03-21
Filing date: 2013-03-20
Publication date: 2013-09-26
Also published as: WO2013141826A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a machine wherein declining inner atmospheric pressure differences are create by establishing sequential siphon connection between adjacent air tight pressurised chambers, fluid in said chambers is moved from one chamber to another with decreasing pressure and sprayed onto impulse turbines with wheels (Pelton, Turgo or Michell-Banki) to generate torque and this force is transformed into electricity.

Description

METHOD FOR ELECTRIC GENERATION BY USING FLUID CHANNELLING VIA SEQUENTIAL SIPHONING TECHNIQUE AND DEVICE USING THE SAME

Technical Field

The invention relates to electric generation by creating decreasing inner atmospheric pressure differences via establishing a sequential siphon connection between air-tight pressurised chambers and moving a fluid contained in said chambers from a chamber into another by means of decreasing pressure.

Prior Art

Energy production has become the most important issue in the world today with the largest number of R&D studies. In particular, extensive studies are being conducted to render green energy more efficient. Hydroelectric energy is especially prominent in Turkey which is rich in basins suitable for building and operating hydroelectric power plants.

However, these power plants attract unfavourable reaction due to their harm to the environment and failure to improve their efficiency within the limits of current technology.

In contemporary hydroelectric power plants, pressurised water flowing from a high level through a penstock hits against and turns the turbine wheels of the first chamber. The mechanical energy generated by the turbine of the first chamber is transformed into electrical energy by means of an alternator that is connected to the turbine. Water leaving the first chamber is called tailwater. The water mass with decreased pressure and flow rate leaves the turbine to mix into the stream freely and exits the basin. Being able to collect only a portion of the potential energy generated owing to the level of water, these systems are subject to discussions over their selection due to their harm on the environment, alongside their failure to produce sufficient energy.

The US 4,063,417 numbered patent document relates to a system that generates electric by circulating geothermal gases between air-tight chambers.

Purpose and Brief Description of the Invention

In order to increase the efficiency of electric generating systems that utilise water's kinetic energy, the invention aims at increase the efficiency of electric generating systems that utilise water load where water is sent to another turbine by, after water hits the turbine, channelling water by means of pressure in order to minimise energy loss.

A further aim is to generate electricity at different points by utilising it as a transportable energy plant.

It further aims to generate electricity in systems with scarce water through utilising a closed system.

In fluid channelling via sequential siphoning technique comprise the fluid in-between sequential chambers moving from one chamber to another with decreasing pressure in order to generate energy. It also comprises establishing siphon connection between sequential chambers and creating inner atmospheric pressure differences between said chambers declining at a certain rate.

Description of Figures

The figures required for a better explanation of fluid channelling via sequential siphoning technique developed with the present invention and their corresponding descriptions are listed below:

Figure-1 A perspective view of the closed cycle test system.

Figure-2 An inner-chamber isometric view of the closed cycle test system.

Figure-3 An upper view of the closed cycle test system.

Figure-4 An isometric view of the closed cycle test system.

Figure-5 A front view of the closed cycle test system.

Figure-6 A schematic view of the open cycle system operating on level difference principle.

Figure-7: A schematic view of a semi-open cycle system embodiment that may be employed in hydro structures where water is recycled.

Figure-8: A schematic view of a single chamber water conveyance embodiment in a closed cycle system.

Figure-9: A schematic view of the open cycle system operating without level difference principle

Figure-10: A schematic view of a multiple chamber water conveyance embodiment in a closed cycle system. Figure-11: A schematic view of a semi-open cycle system embodiment that may be employed in high elevation constructions where water is recycled.

Description of Features/Sections/ Parts Constituting the Invention

Parts and sections are numbered individually for a better explanation of fluid channelling via sequential siphoning technique according to this invention and description of each number is provided below.

1. Hydraulic pump

2. Main shaft

3. Fluid conveyance pipes

4. Nozzles

5. Impulse turbine wheels

6. Starter battery

7. Alternator

8. Belt and pulley

9. Automatic control panel

10. Fluid balancing valves

11. Bearings

12. Pressurised chamber

13. Pressurised chamber hatch

14. Chamber air pressure gauge

15. Enclosed gas

16. Fluid

17. External energy source

18. Atmospheric pressure inlet valves

19. Pressurised air compressor

20. Atmospheric pressure outlet valves 21. Water discharge pipe

22. Penstock

23. High-level water in the basin

24. Stream bed

25. High-level water reservoir

26. Circulation pump

27. Backfeed pump

Detailed Description of the Invention

The device employing the method for generating electricity by using fluid channelling via sequential siphoning technique basically comprises

• A hydraulic pump (1) that sends the fluid (16) to the first pressurised chamber (12) by pressurising it,

• A main shaft (2) embedded with bearings (11) that transmits the movement generated as the fluid (16) sprayed from the nozzles (4) moves the impulse turbine wheels (5) with a special hydrodynamic form,

• A starting battery (6) that actuates the hydraulic pump (1) in order to start the system,

• An alternator (7) that receives the shaft's (2) torque via a reducer in order to generate electricity,

• Fluid balancing valves (10) that are used to regulate the amount of fluid (16),

• Pressurised chambers (12) that contain the shaft, impulse turbine wheels (5), nozzles, fluid conveyance pipes (3) and bearings (11) and a pressurised chamber hatch (13) that ensures sealing,

• Enclosed gas (15) through which the pressure required for the fluid (16) is transmitted and chamber air pressure gauge (14) that measures ambient pressure,

• The volume of the fluid (16) at the bottom of the first pressurised chamber (12) increasing while the volume of the enclosed gas (15) decreases and the compressed enclosed gas' increased pressure quickly raising the fluid (16) pressure at the outlet point with the additional gas from the compressor (8), Fluid (16) through which kinetic energy is transmitted,

Atmospheric pressure inlet valves (18) that regulates the pressure differences between pressurised chambers (12) and

A compressor that increases the pressure in the pressurised chambers and pressure outlet valves (20) for releasing excess pressure.

The method for generating electricity by using fluid channelling via sequential siphoning technique comprises the steps of

• Pressurising the fluid (16) with the hydraulic pump (1),

• Bringing the pressurised chambers (12) to a predetermined pressure level by using a compressor (19),

• Regulating the pressure via the automatic control panel (9) in line with the measurements from chamber air pressure gauges (14) utilising atmospheric pressure inlet valves (18) and atmospheric pressure outlet valves (20),

• Turning the first impulse turbine wheel (5) with fluid sprayed from the nozzles (4),

• Tailwater from the first impulse wheel (5) accumulating at the bottom of the pressurised chamber (12),

• Ensuring the presence of a certain amount of fluid (16) at the bottom of all pressurised chambers (12) prior to the operation of the system,

• The volume of the fluid (16) at the bottom of the first pressurised chamber (12) increasing while the volume of the enclosed gas (15) decreases and the compressed enclosed gas' increased pressure quickly raising the fluid (16) pressure at the outlet point,

• The fluid at the bottom spraying from the second pressurised chamber's (12) inlet nozzle into the second impulse turbine wheel (5) and this cycle repeating as many times as the number of pressurised chambers (12).

Circulated by colliding against impulse turbine wheel (5), the fluid (16) accumulates at the bottom of the final pressurised chamber (12). The hydraulic pump (1) draws in the fluid (16) accumulated at the bottom of the final pressurised chamber (12) and sprays it from the inlet nozzle (4) of the first pressurised chamber (12). During the movement of the fluid (16), the amount of fluid (16) and the atmospheric pressure values do not change. The system maintains the values within a constant range.

The alternating closed cycle system, which is a closed system and where the invention does not lose the fluid (16) used, is a turbine machine comprising multiple impulse wheels (5) that are mounted in parallel to each other on a main shaft (2). Impulse turbine wheels (5) are placed in cylindrical air-tight pressurised chambers (12). Inlet and outlet points are opened on each pressurised chamber (12). Fluid outlet points located at the bottom of pressurised chambers (12) are diagonally connected to the inlet nozzles (4) of the next pressurised chamber (12). Used as connection elements, the fluid conveyance pipes (3) function as a siphon.

The hydraulic pump (1) is actuated by the starter battery (6) or power from an external energy source (17). Afterwards, the system recharges the starter battery (6) for further operation. The torque generated on the main shaft (2) turns belt and pulley/reducer (8). The alternator (7) which receives sufficient rotational speed from belt and pulley (8) generates electricity.

In order to ensure system's smooth operation, hydraulic pump (1) should be stopped periodically for cooling. For this reason, single motor systems operate discontinuously. Uninterrupted systems, on the other hand, pumps with twin motors are used for cooling in turns. Hydraulic pump (1) is a unit that comprises elements such as filter, motor and snail and pressurises the fluid (16) to send it into the first pressurised chamber (12). It is controlled with a switch located on it. Motor may be of any type such as electric, diesel, gasoline or the like. The hydraulic pump (1) may be driven with multiple motors.

Belt and pulley (8) is placed on one end of the main shaft (2). The main shaft (2) accommodates the impulse turbine wheels (5). It transmits rotational movement to the alternator (7) as torque.

Fluid conveyance pipes (3) are high pressure resistant pipes mounted on the inlet and outlet sections of the pressurised chambers (12). They transmit the fluid (16) that is pressurised by the hydraulic pump's (1) movement from chamber to chamber. Nozzles (4) are conical spraying elements that spray the pressurised fluid (16) from fluid conveyance pipes (3) on impulse turbine wheels (5) at an optimal rate and an appropriate angle. It drives the impulse turbine wheels (5) to turn. Impulse turbine wheels (5) consist of blades with a special hydrodynamic form and a disc. It transmits the kinetic energy that is generated as a result of pressurised fluid jet's impact on the blades to the main shaft as momentum.

The starting battery (6) annuls the necessity to connect to the mains for operating the system. It provides the energy that supplies the movement of system's hydraulic pump (1) and the automatic control panel (9). Once the system is actuated, the starting battery (6) is first charged and then deactivated through the automatic control panel (9). A portion of the energy generated at this stage is used for inner consumption, while the rest is directed to the mains by the automatic control panel (9).

The alternator (7) is a synchronised electric generator. It transforms torque with increased rotation into electrical energy.

Belt and pulley (8) increases the rotation of the torque from the main shaft (2) to a desired rotation rate. In the system, belt and pulley (8) group may be substituted by a reducer or gearwheel elements.

The automatic control panel (9) is an electronic control panel. It controls the system's starting and stopping activities. It detects the pressure differences on the chamber air pressure gauges (14) and controls fluid balancing valves (10). It checks the charge status of the starting battery (6) and opens/closes charging switch automatically. It directs the energy remaining after inner consumption to the mains.

Fluid balancing valves (10) periodically regulates the disturbed balance of the fluid at the bottom that may occur in the pressurised chambers (12) due to friction forces or undesired cavitation in the hydraulic conveyance pipes (3). Fluid balancing valves (10) are opened and closed periodically for a certain period of time with a command signal received from the control panel. After opening/closing, the level of fluid (16) at the bottom between the pressurised chambers returns to the initial balanced working conditions.

The bearings (11) are the elements connecting the main shaft (2) to the pressurised chambers (12). It allows the main shaft (2) to turn between pressurised chambers (12) without leaking fluid (16) and enclosed gas (15).

Pressurised chambers (12) are chambers with hatches containing the elements consisting of a main shaft (2), impulse turbine wheels (5), nozzles (4), fluid conveyance pipes (3) and bearings.

While the pressurised chambers (12) may be directly connected with the siphon pipes sequentially, units and systems that regulate the performance of the channelled fluid (16) may also be included inside or outside the pressurised chambers. For instance, air separation units or pressure tanks may be used separately or integrated units.

The pressurised chamber hatch (13) is an air-tight cover through which parts are inserted into or taken out of the pressurised chamber (12). It allows changing parts for maintenance and control purposes.

The chamber air pressure gauge (14) is a measurement tool that measures atmospheric inner pressure in the pressurised chambers (12). It helps keeping the inner pressure required for the machine's operation within a certain range.

The air in the atmosphere is preferred as the enclosed gas (15) used. Under special environmental conditions, gas mixtures of different qualities compensating said conditions may also be used.

The fluid (16) is a liquid exhibiting fluid properties that is chosen according to the environmental conditions of the place of utilisation. Generally, hydraulic oil or water is preferred as the fluid (16). Electric energy provided by means of various energy sources such as wind turbines, fuel cells, mains, or solar panels may constitute examples for the external energy source (17).

The atmospheric pressure inlet valves (18) periodically regulate the disturbed balance of the fluid at the bottom that may occur in the pressurised chambers (12) due to undesired cavitation. The atmospheric pressure inlet valves (18) are automatically opened and closed periodically for a certain period of time with a command signal received from the control panel. After opening/closing, the pressurised air slope between the pressurised chambers (12) is kept within the required range.

The pressurised air compressor (19) is a screw compressor generating the pressurised air that should be contained in the pressurised chambers (12).

The atmospheric pressure outlet valves (20) are a valve group used for limiting undesired potential atmospheric pressure increase in the pressurised chambers (12) and controlled by the automatic control panel (9).

In the disclosed operation period, after a certain operation time, the balance of the fluid at the bottom in the pressurised chambers (12) may be disturbed due to friction forces or undesired cavitation in the hydraulic conveyance pipes (3). Fluid balancing valves (10) are used to distribute fluid (6) to the pressurised chambers (12) in a balanced manner. Chamber air pressure gauges (14) measures inner atmospheric pressure in each pressurised chamber (12) and notifies the automatic control panel (9) of the change in bottom fluid reserves. The automatic control panel (9) detects the changes in inner atmospheric pressure and issues the fluid balancing valves (10) a command. The fluid balancing valves (10) are periodically opened and closed in an automatic manner. After opening/closing of the balancing valves (10), the pressurised air and the level of fluid (16) at the bottom between the pressurised chambers balance automatically and return to the initial balanced working conditions.

Increasing wheel size, increasing the fluid's (16) flow volume and pressure, increasing internal atmospheric pressure in the chamber, taking measures against friction and increasing the number of wheels enhances the system's torque and energy generation efficiency.

A device using the method for electric generation by using fluid channelling via sequential siphoning technique may be designed in a rectangular, annular, polygonal, square or elliptical form and so that it may work in a vertical position.

Each pressurised chamber (12) may be produced separately as a module and then mounted on the same main shaft (2) together with the others. The product capacity may thus be arranged modularly.

The present design may be planned and operated as sequential units in series. This design may be operated as parallel units by driving with a single hydraulic pump (1).

In order for the method for electric generation by using fluid channelling via sequential siphoning technique and the device using the same to initiate the first movement without a battery, the system may be designed integrally with a pressure tank. The system's staring energy may be generated with pressurised drive force provided by the pressure tank.

In order to generate higher flow volume with lesser unit energy consumption, the power of the hydraulic pump (1) may be opted to be higher and the pressure may be generated by the hydraulic pump (1) and directed into the pressure tank to transfer the fluid (16) to the pressurised chambers (12) via the pressure tank.

The device may be combined with various energy systems such as solar panels and wind turbines to be applied as hybrid systems.

For a closed system, environmental conditions should be specified prior to the explanation of the working method. In order for the system to operate at an ideal performance level, the ambient temperature values should not be at boiling and freezing point limits of the fluid (16). Unless these environmental conditions are present, additional measures should be taken to keep the temperature of the fluid (16) used within the range of control values.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, an open cycle system embodiment of the invention without recirculation involves utilisation of features such as a water discharge pipe (21), a penstock (22), high-level water in the basin (23) and a stream bed (24) alongside the basic features of the invention, namely an impulse turbine (5), conveyance pipes in siphon form (3), automatic control panel (9), pressure inlet valves (18), pressurised air compressor (19), air pressure gauges (13), pressurised chambers (12), an alternator (7) and pressure outlet valves (20).

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the pressurised high-level water in the basin (23) enters from the inlet nozzle of the first pressurised chamber (12) and is sprayed from the first pressurised chamber (12) onto the impulse turbine wheel (5). Since fluid (16) is discharged to outer environment from the last pressurised chamber (12), the first pressurised chamber (12) and the last pressurised chamber (12) are not connected to each other. Except for the last pressurised chamber (12), atmospheric pressure value and the fluid (16) amount do not change during the fluid (16) movement. The system keeps the values within a constant range.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the number of impulse turbines (5) is determined the tailwater's initial entry pressure and flow volume through the penstock (22). Impulse turbines (5) are located within pressurised chambers (12). There are water inlet and outlet points to connect fluid conveyance pipes (3) that provide water transfer between pressurised chambers (12).

Water from the penstock (22) enters through the inlet point of the first pressurised chamber (12) with pressure. Water entry pressure is always greater than the chamber inner pressure. Water sprayed onto the impulse turbine (5) in the first chamber flows from the turbine to the bottom of the chamber as tailwater. Tailwater accumulates at the bottom of the chamber until it reaches a certain volume. Water accumulates at the bottom in every chamber at a certain volume to establish certain inner atmospheric pressure conditions. The outlet point for bottom water located on the first pressurised chamber (12) is connected with the water inlet point of the second chamber (12). Any pressure resistant pipe can be used as the connection element. This connection provided between inlet and outlet points also serves as a siphon. Water passes through the siphon (2) with pressure to hit turbine (5) blades and create torque on the turbine (5) shaft. The torque generated turns the alternator (7) shaft. Reaching a sufficient rotational speed, alternator (7) generates electricity and transmits it to the mains through existing wiring.

Water coming constantly through the penstock increases the bottom water volume in the first pressurised chamber (12). The air volume in the chamber decreases due to compression and atmospheric inner pressure increases. The ambient atmospheric pressure pressurises the water by compressing the bottom water. The automatic control panel (9) opens pressurised air inlet valves (4) for additional pressurised air from the compressor (19) in order to reach desired atmospheric pressure value. With increased hydraulic pressure, the bottom water enters into the second pressurised chamber through the next chamber's inlet point by means of the pipe (2) functioning as a siphon.

There is an automatically occurring inner atmospheric pressure difference between two sequential pressurised chambers (12). As the bottom water moves from the first pressurised chamber (12) towards other pressurised chambers (12), chamber (12) inner atmospheric pressure values drop gradually. According to the embodiment of the invention, when the chamber (12) pressure becomes unsuitable for electricity production, water in the last pressurised chamber is released freely to the stream bed (24).

In the disclosed operation cycle, after a certain operation time, the balance of the fluid at the bottom and inner atmosphere pressure in the pressurised chambers (12) may be disturbed due to undesired cavitation. In this fluid movement, pressure inlet (18) and outlet valves (20) are used to continue the cycle without a change in the water flow volume and chamber inner atmospheric pressure values.

Chamber air pressure gauges (13) measure chamber pressure and transmit the pressure change to the automatic control panel (9). The automatic control panel (9) issues the pressure inlet valves (18) a command to keep chamber air pressure within the required range. Additional pressurised air is provided into the pressurised chambers (12) by automatically opening/closing the pressure inlet valves (18). When necessary, the automatic control panel discharges air by opening/closing the pressure outlet valves (20). After this process, hydraulic and atmospheric pressure slope between the pressurised chambers (12). By this means, the tailwater from the first turbine (5) loses its pressurised flow momentum gradually until the last discharge point and reaches the stream bed (24).

Water discharge pipe (21) is a pipe that directs water from the system's last pressured chamber (12) to the stream bed (24). The penstock (22) is a water conveyance pipe that carries high-level water in the basin (10) to the first pressurised chamber (12) turbine at a certain slope angle

In a different embodiment of the invention, a portion of the energy obtained is returned to the high-level water in the basin (23) by using a water reservoir (25), a water pump (26) and a backfeed pipe (27).

In a further embodiment of the invention, high-level pressurised water in the basin (23) enters through the first pressurised chamber's (12) inlet nozzle and is sprayed onto the impulse turbine wheel (1) of the first chamber (12). The bottom water pressurised at the bottom of the first pressurised chamber (12) is channelled to the high-level water reservoir (25) via the fluid conveyance pipe (3). The tailwater accumulated in the reservoir is pumped to the basin (10) by the circulation pump (26) via the backfeed pipe (27). Chamber atmospheric pressure value and the fluid (16) amount do not change during the tailwater movement. Other elements complementing the system maintain their operating values within a constant range.

Claims

The method for generating electricity by using fluid channelling via sequential siphoning technique employing a device that comprises

• A hydraulic pump (1) or high-level water in the basin (23) to obtain pressurised fluid (16) and send it (16) to the first pressurised chamber (12),

• Pressurised chambers (12) that contain the impulse turbine wheels (5), nozzles (4), fluid conveyance pipes (3) and bearings (11) and a pressurised chamber hatch (13) that ensures sealing,

• Fluid (16) through which kinetic energy is transmitted,

• Atmospheric pressure inlet valves (18) that regulates the pressure differences between pressurised chambers (12) and

• A compressor (19) that increases the pressure in the pressurised chambers (12) and pressure outlet valves (20) for releasing excess pressure,

and characterised by comprising the steps of

• Transferring the pressurised fluid (16) to the pressurised chamber (12),

• Turning the first impulse turbine wheel (5) with fluid (16) sprayed from the nozzles (4),

• The volume of the fluid (16) at the bottom of the first pressurised chamber (12) increasing while the volume of the enclosed gas (15) decreases and the compressed enclosed gas' increased pressure raising the fluid (16) pressure at the outlet point by channelling,

• The fluid at the bottom spraying from the second pressurised chamber's (12) entry nozzle into the second impulse turbine wheel (5) and this cycle repeating as many times as the number of pressurised chambers (12),

• Alternator (7) generating electricity by using the torque provided from the impulse turbine wheel (5) and transmitted by the shaft.

2. A method according to Claim 1 characterised in that fluid (16) is sent to its first entry point to the pressurised chamber (12) with the help of a pump, in case it is intended to be reused.

3. A method according to Claim 1 or 2 comprising the step of the automatic control panel (9) regulating the pressure in line with the measurements from chamber air pressure gauges (14) utilising atmospheric pressure inlet valves (18) and atmospheric pressure outlet valves (20).

4. A device employing the method for generating electricity by using fluid channelling via sequential siphoning technique according to Claim 1 to 3, comprising

• An alternator (7) transforming the torque received from the shaft into electricity,

• An alternator receiving the torque from the main shaft (2) via belt and pulley (8) to generate electricity,

• Fluid (16) through which kinetic energy is transmitted,

• A compressor (19) that increases the pressure in the pressurised chambers (12) and pressure outlet valves (20) for releasing excess pressure, and characterised by comprising

• One or more than one pressurised chamber (12) sealed by a pressurised chamber hatch (13) which contains nozzles (4) spraying the pressurised fluid (16), the impulse turbine wheel (5) and a shaft transmitting the torque received from the impulse turbine and

• Fiuid conveyance pipes (3) mounted so as to create siphon effect between sequential pressurised chambers (12).

5. A device according to Claim 4 characterised by comprising an automatic control panel

(9) for keeping the pressure in the pressurised chambers (12) at a desired level.

6. A device according to Claim 4 or 5 characterised by comprising fluid balancing valves

(10) regulating the amount of fluid (16) entering into the pressurised chamber (12).