WO2022173493A1 - Production d'hydroélectricité en utilisant les changements de densité de colonne d'eau pour induire un écoulement vertical - Google Patents

Production d'hydroélectricité en utilisant les changements de densité de colonne d'eau pour induire un écoulement vertical Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022173493A1
WO2022173493A1 PCT/US2021/061864 US2021061864W WO2022173493A1 WO 2022173493 A1 WO2022173493 A1 WO 2022173493A1 US 2021061864 W US2021061864 W US 2021061864W WO 2022173493 A1 WO2022173493 A1 WO 2022173493A1
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water
flow
turbine
density
air
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PCT/US2021/061864
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English (en)
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Hutcheson MATT
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Matt Hutcheson
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04F—PUMPING OF FLUID BY DIRECT CONTACT OF ANOTHER FLUID OR BY USING INERTIA OF FLUID TO BE PUMPED; SIPHONS
    • F04F1/00—Pumps using positively or negatively pressurised fluid medium acting directly on the liquid to be pumped
    • F04F1/18—Pumps using positively or negatively pressurised fluid medium acting directly on the liquid to be pumped the fluid medium being mixed with, or generated from the liquid to be pumped
    • F04F1/20—Pumps using positively or negatively pressurised fluid medium acting directly on the liquid to be pumped the fluid medium being mixed with, or generated from the liquid to be pumped specially adapted for raising liquids from great depths, e.g. in wells

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a process and method for inducing vertical flow, upward, within an extended-length water column by producing changes in water density throughout a volume within the column through water aeration.
  • the induced (vertical) flow of water within an extended water column that is the present invention is accomplished through water aeration, with compressed ambient air, which is directed toward inducing water flow rates sufficient to generate hydropower through force applied to a hydraulic turbine.
  • the force applied to the turbine is then converted into electrical energy.
  • Hydroelectricity is defined by the production of electric power from the kinetic energy contained within and produced from water.
  • the cost of hydroelectricity is low (in comparison to coal or gas especially when externalities are factored in), highly mutable based on conditions and demands and constitutes one of the cleanest functioning power sources, together with solar and wind derived power, once said power has been harnessed, utilized and recycled.
  • hydropower i.e., extracting energy from water
  • water wheels or “watermills” used by early Greek societies to mill and grind flour from wheat wherein the kinetic energy of water is transferred to mechanical/rotational energy. That energy is then transferred to an automated function (e.g., grinding) that was previously only accomplished through manual exertion.
  • an automated function e.g., grinding
  • this direct transference of energy is limited to a strict conveyance of power and energy to an immediate use and local implementation.
  • seawater s salt content makes it intrinsically corrosive to metallic parts and, indicative of its natural flow, the movements of ocean water change constantly and are highly mutable.
  • dam and river derived hydroelectric power is limited to locations having higher than average flow rates and those water sources having significant changes in elevation sufficient to economically produce ample hydropower energy.
  • Large areas of inland, coastal, and flat terrain can traditionally only utilize this hydropower via long transmission lines across great distances.
  • This dam system is classified as the US’s largest reservoir in terms of water capacity.
  • This man-made potable water, agricultural water, and hydroelectricity source straddling the Nevada- Arizona border, services some 40 million people in the western US and Mexico.
  • Lake Mead has become extremely stressed and now stands depleted to under 40 percent of its capacity.
  • Low water levels are constantly taxed and further exacerbated by several concomitant factors: (1) increased population demands on an ever- decreasing supply of surface area water (indicative of generalized, climate induced regional warming), (2) low snowpack runoff feeding the Colorado River, and (3) an unrelenting, prolonged drought over the entirety of its catchment basin, placing downward pressure on an ever-dwindling supply, a new and unfortunate hallmark of arid regions across the Southwest.
  • Certain remediation strategies have been employed to overcome dependence upon nature and the natural replenishment of water to higher elevations.
  • PSH pumped-storage hydroelectricity
  • Offshore wind’s density is even less desirable.
  • Ocean Wind is a one-gigawatt project slated for ninety turbines over 160,000 acres of offshore area necessitating the sequestration of roughly 250 square miles.
  • Vineyard Wind is an eight- hundred-megawatt project, encompassing eighty -four turbines over the same 160,000 acreage development. Again, Vineyard Wind equally requires over 250 square miles to realize its projected potential.
  • this type of energy density is untenable and simply not compatible with the concomitant goals of more energy in less space provided by fossil fuels’ model.
  • Head constitutes the difference in elevations of surface water level and the water source utilized providing flow and energy to a turbine structure.
  • the system head dictates the amount of potential energy in the accessed water that can be converted from potential to kinetic energy and then into electric energy (as represented below).
  • electric energy as represented below.
  • To achieve a heightened head greater pressure is exerted on a water column within a defined space (a riser pipe or pipes), in relation to the ambient water level, causing increased flow velocities, though areas with extremely high head values often have smaller volumes of water to deliver.
  • Flow Velocity is the next crucial constituent and consideration in the conversion of force (kinetic energy) of water into electrical power wherein the water must reach the turbine at a sufficiently significant velocity to induce and maintain significant turbine rotation or turbine actuation and maintained operation.
  • Systems with high head or delivering flow through a restricted feeder (nozzle) system tend to have greatly increased flow velocity, though they may lack sufficient flow volume (described in greater detail below).
  • VFR Volumetric Flow Rate
  • Mass Flow Rate is the true and accurate measure of deliverable power from the water source (i.e., reservoir or river, traditionally) to the turbines. This considers all the above factors and adds a mass component of the energy being delivered. Pressure exerted by the head, its effect on both flow velocity and volume flow rate, and the gross mass of the water all combine to produce a power factor that dictates the energy available for conversion to electricity. This mass determinant is a critical factor also addressed in the wellbore wherein pressure in the formation must be overcome by the mass (i.e., density) of an injected mud and the downward pressure applied. Manifestly, inadequacies or insufficiencies in any of these critical measures (head, flow velocity, VRF and/or MFR) can lead to an overall lower mass flow rate and reduced power producing capacity and ability of a hydroelectric system.
  • a contained fluid system such as the one shown in FIG.2
  • a closed and empty pipe is lowered into a fluid body of water and opened, or if an otherwise empty pipe is lowered into a body of water
  • the water will enter the pipe and flow upwards until the level in the pipe equilibrates to the fluid level outside the submerged pipe.
  • This is deemed hydrostatic pressure defined wherein equilibrium comes from the equal densities of the fluid inside and outside of the pipe, the mass of the overlying fluid, and the effects of atmospheric pressure and gravity. All these being equal in this contained system, hydrostatic pressure equilibrium is reached, and vertical flow will cease.
  • a riser pipe or plurality of riser pipes may be lowered to a sufficient depth in substantially any body of water of sufficient depth and volume, whether natural or manmade, to cause a column of water to be contained within.
  • Compressed atmospheric air is then injected into the riser pipe or pipes at a volume and rate sufficient to decrease water density of a section or volume of water within the riser pipe(s) to raise the head elevation within the pipe(s) beyond measured surface level (whether sea level or other surface elevation).
  • necessary pressure and flow characteristics are created to transform water’ s potential energy to kinetic energy of the advancing water and then into electrical energy via actuation (and pressure maintained upon) finned turbines placed in the water flow.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a typical prior art hydroelectric dam.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a submerged riser pipe in a body of water with corresponding pressures.
  • FIG. 3 shows a representational maintained well bore.
  • FIG. 4 is a wellbore experiencing “blowout”.
  • FIG. 5 depicts a representation of the present invention producing upward, vertical flow.
  • the traditional method includes a Hydroelectric Dam 100, wherein the Reservoir 115 displays an elevation higher than that of both the Penstock 120 and the River 150. This is important in that water existing in the Reservoir 115 will naturally seek a lower elevation (e.g., the River 150), through the Intake 118 and into and through the Penstock 120, past the blades of the Turbine 125 and into the River 105, as a result of both gravitational pull B and ambient air pressure A.
  • a Hydroelectric Dam 100 wherein the Reservoir 115 displays an elevation higher than that of both the Penstock 120 and the River 150. This is important in that water existing in the Reservoir 115 will naturally seek a lower elevation (e.g., the River 150), through the Intake 118 and into and through the Penstock 120, past the blades of the Turbine 125 and into the River 105, as a result of both gravitational pull B and ambient air pressure A.
  • the turning of the Turbine 125 blade converts the kinetic energy of the water 105 into electrical energy through a power Generator 130 contained in a Powerhouse 140 (wherein a transformer, not shown, is generally utilized) which conveys electricity via a Long- Distance Power Line or Lines 145 to the ultimate user.
  • a Powerhouse 140 wherein a transformer, not shown, is generally utilized
  • FIG. 2 is an example and representation of the present invention 200 whereby surface level of a fluid 210 (e.g., water) within a cylindrical pipe 205 is shown as level zero feet (above sea level or surface level) or, typically designated “sea level”, and level or depth of fluid intake 220 is negative 4000 (-4000) feet or 4000 feet below surface zero.
  • this depth is strictly representational wherein greater or lesser depths may be designated in operation wherein adjustments in overall length (height) of the riser pipe may be necessitated by the depth of a body of water, force of compressed air required and the like.
  • Surface pressure 210 as illustrated is 1 ATM (14.7 PSI) and pressure at intake 220 is 121.26 ATM (1782.06 PSI).
  • head 230 is equal to surface level 210 wherein ambient atmospheric air 240 and gravitational pull 250 maintain a consistent downward pressure on the volume of water contained with a riser pipe 260.
  • FIG. 3 is representative of a traditional wellbore 300 drilled into a pressurized fluid containing reservoir or formation 310.
  • the downward pressure 320 of the injected drilling mud (not shown) mass is equal to the upward pressure 330 applied by the reservoir fluids 310, hydrostatic pressure equilibrium is reached. But as is the case in FIG.
  • the reservoir or formation 310 pressure exceeds the downward pressure 320 applied by the drilling mud and gravity and reservoir or formation 310 fluid is then able to enter the wellbore and travel to the surface.
  • the key to maintaining a controlled wellbore 300, like that in FIG. 3, versus an out-of-control blowout like that in FIG. 4 can be explained by simple physical factors - downward pressure and the density of the drilling fluid. If the pressure and mud density are sufficient, then the reservoir fluid is not forced out of the wellbore 300. If the pressure and density are insufficient, upward flow of pressurized fluid moves beyond a “surface elevation” and thus exceeds hydrostatic pressure equality.
  • a riser pipe 500 or collection or plurality of riser pipes, generally commensurate with the cylindrical pipe 205 in FIG. 2 and pipe of a wellbore 300 depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, is lowered to a sufficient depth (depicted representationally as 4000 feet) in any body of water of sufficient depth and volume, whether natural or manmade, wherein compressed atmospheric air 510 is injected at intake 220 into the riser pipe 500, or series of pipes, and an area of water is aerated by injected air 510 at a volume and rate sufficient to decrease fluid density of a section or volume of water within the riser pipe(s) sufficient to artificially raise the head elevation 230 within the pipe(s) beyond measured surface level (whether sea level or other surface elevation) 520.
  • the air pressure 240 applied by the accessed water at the bottom 220 opening of the riser pipe or pipes 500 remains constant and/or intermittently adequate to support continued flow, as the accessed body of water acts as an inherently “infinite” source of the invention’s most critical asset - water.
  • aeration, or injection of gas at designated “points” into the riser pipe may be introduced at intake 220 via one to a plurality of air injectors, with sufficient volume and pressure, to induce upward, vertical flow 550. It is also within the contemplation of inventor to provide aeration into the riser pipe at some depth above intake 220 and a depth less than 4000 feet (or an appropriate designated depth) to further control upward, vertical flow 550 wherein said aeration “points” may be used to initiate flow, facilitate flow, expedite flow or, in certain cases, retard flow.
  • said point or points of insertion may be shortened or lengthened as to accommodate said pipe shortening or lengthening.
  • multiple inputs may be required at the intake portion of the riser pipe 500 and/or insertion points may exist at multiple points along the length of the riser pipe 500 to facilitate or expedite said upward, vertical flow 500.
  • the pressure of compressed air may need to be adjusted to accommodate the depth of a point or points of insertion delivery within said column of water.
  • riser pipe length and insertion points may be adjusted as to accommodate and/or overcome both resistive forces on the compressed air wherein, once flow is initiated, less aeration vis-a-vis a lesser density volume may be used to maintain upward, vertical flow.
  • various lengths and diameters of pipes, numerous compressed air insertion points, variable compressed air pressures and volumes, gaseous fluid other than air, or a combination thereof may be used simultaneously, contemporaneously, in series or in parallel as to better regulate vertical flow 550 (ex. volume and rate) received at a turbine or turbines.
  • compressed air may be used to decrease the flow received at the turbine as to increase efficiency or protect vital components of the turbine or turbines and/or the ratio of air to water (i.e., amount of air injected in to said water) may be adjusted to regulate flow.
  • any number of turbines e.g., impulse, reaction, radial flow, axial flow, mixed flow, low to high flow, etc.
  • any number of turbines e.g., impulse, reaction, radial flow, axial flow, mixed flow, low to high flow, etc.
  • the primary driving force behind the concept is a differential in fluid density created inside a riser pipe or series of riser pipes 500 in relation to outside a riser pipe or pipes 500.
  • seawater has an average density of approximately 1027.3 kg/m 3 , ranging from 1020 kg/m 3 to 1029 kg/m 3 , depending on temperature and salt content and since liquids are essentially incompressible, at near surface depths, this does not change appreciably, within the context of the present invention, with moderate variances in depth or pressure.
  • Salinity may also have an effect on density of seawater, yet, at temperatures salinity of 35 g/kg and 1 atm pressure, the density of seawater is approximately 1023 kg/m 3 - 3.5% salinity being an accepted average.
  • salt content Moving from briny water, through saline and brackish water, to fresh water, salt content can vary from less than 0.05% to between 26 to 28% (equating to a density of 1050 kg/m 3 or higher. Atmospheric air compressed to 2,000 psi has a density of approximately 170.0 kg/m 3 .
  • the fundamental formula for combined density of fluids is as follows:
  • the density of the combined fluid is equal to the density of each fluid individually multiplied by its percentage composition of the combination, both gaseous fluid and liquid fluid, represented above as p C .
  • p C the density of each fluid individually multiplied by its percentage composition of the combination, both gaseous fluid and liquid fluid
  • the reduction in fluid density within an individual riser pipe 500 is a direct result of an increase in the pressure differential in relation to an external liquid fluid (i.e., salt, or fresh water infused with gaseous air) wherein internal aqueous fluid contains a measurable percentage of ambient air (gaseous fluid) above that of the fluid surrounding said riser pipe 500.
  • an external liquid fluid i.e., salt, or fresh water infused with gaseous air
  • internal aqueous fluid contains a measurable percentage of ambient air (gaseous fluid) above that of the fluid surrounding said riser pipe 500.
  • This may be duplicated in a plurality of riser pipes in combination or groups existing at various depths and locations. Fluids inherently flow from a high-pressure environment to a low-pressure environment, seeking equilibrium. In the case of the air infused fluid in the riser pipe 500, this means upward flow of air infused water toward the surface and into the open atmosphere, thus raising the head level 520 of the water column above ambient water level 210 as shown in FIG.
  • fluid will flow continuously from a high pressure (from the base of riser 220, constant pressure applied from external ambient water) to medium pressure (pressure decreasing as depth decreases inside riser pipe or pipes), to low (atmospheric) pressure (whereby fluid can continue past ambient water surface level due to described flow).
  • high pressure from the base of riser 220, constant pressure applied from external ambient water
  • medium pressure pressure decreasing as depth decreases inside riser pipe or pipes
  • low pressure atmospheric pressure
  • movement may be initiated at any depth sufficient to create adequate upward flow but may also be facilitated and controlled via aeration at any depth above the point of initiation of aeration.
  • the increase in head elevation is a function of altering opposing pressure forces in the riser pipe or pipes water column.
  • the pressure caused by the external aqueous fluid e.g., seawater or fresh water
  • the pressure caused by the external aqueous fluid works in the same way as the high-pressure reservoir fluid from FIG. 4 ultimately leading to well blowout 450.
  • Formation fluids can be seen in FIG. 4 seeking out a lower pressure environment superiorly in the lower density drilling fluid, continued migration along a reduced pressure gradient path until reaching the surface and beyond.
  • the key difference between the FIG. 4 reservoir pressure and FIG. 5 aqueous fluid pressure is that the fluid pressure in FIG.
  • seawater can be physically made to flow vertically (vertical fluid flow 550) in a pipe (or pipes) 500, beyond hydrostatic pressure equilibrium at surface level 210 via the use of injected atmospheric air 510, the question remains whether sufficient flow can be generated to adequately rotate a utility grade commercial turbine.
  • the flow itself must meet the four physical requirements discussed earlier: (1) head, (2) flow velocity, (3) volume flow rate, and (4) mass flow rate.
  • Head 230 level When fluid is in a state of hydrostatic pressure equilibrium, Head 230 level is zero (as illustrated in Fig. 2). In this process, the point of equilibrium is surface level 210. However, with a change in water column density within a riser pipe 500, in relation to the external pressure forces of ambient fluid, the Head 230 changes to an elevation above surface level (e.g., above zero) at level 520.
  • pressure equals the fluid density, times depth, times the gravity constant.
  • This function requires pressure measure in Pascals and depth units in meters: If depth is converted from 4,000 feet to meters, the depth is 1,219.2 meters. The density of seawater at this depth is 1027.3 kg/m 3 , so the pressure at this depth (again, units are in Pascals) calculates as follows: This in turn calculates to 1,782.06 psi at 1,219.2 meters of seawater depth at depth
  • This pressure value calculates to 815.41 psi at 1,219.2 meters of riser pipe fluid depth, a difference of 966.65 psi between the two systems.
  • This pressure differential is what induces the flow of aerated fluid within an individual riser pipe 500, as fluids will migrate from a higher-pressure environment to a lower pressure environment seeking equilibrium.
  • Head elevation may be calculated that is created by the density reduction in the riser column. This process produces upward vertical flow 550 where the force of gravity is inverse to the force of flow.
  • a net Head must be calculated whereby the difference between the created head elevation and sea level is treated as a positive Head elevation (i.e., above a base surface level).
  • the upward pressure in the riser pipe is calculated as 12,286,869.22 Pascals (the upward pressure exerted by the external fluid system at the base opening of the pipe), and the downward pressure is calculated as 5,622,023.08 Pascals (the pressure exerted downward by the mass of fluid in the riser pipe).
  • This net pressure differential is 6,664,846.14 Pascals at surface level (P).
  • the new Head elevation (H) can be calculated as follows:
  • the new Head elevation in the system is now 1,445.35 meters (4,742 feet).
  • optimal Head for this type of hydroelectric system has been determined to range from 200 meters to 1,800 meters (higher or lower elevation not necessarily being
  • Head elevation can be obtained from the current provided method.
  • Friction loss is a measure of head elevation lost due to frictional forces over the length of a flow conduit (i.e., an individual riser pipe) determined as a function of loss of head (H) divided by the length (L) of the conduit. Friction loss (S) is calculated using the below formula:
  • the net head is calculated to be 1,445.35 meters. This, subtracted from the total depth head of 1,219.2 meters, renders a loss of head equal to 346.22 meters. Divided by the riser pipe length of 1,219.2 meters, the friction loss (S) equals 0.1855:
  • the friction loss is divided by a factor known as the Darcy Friction Factor which is that quotient divided again by the diameter of the conduit (in meters). The square root of this value is then taken to yield the Flow Velocity.
  • the Darcy Friction Factor is derived from a number of flow characteristics related to turbulence, but for the purposes of this model a pre-calculated value of 0.023576 will be used.
  • This Flow Velocity is known as “Average Flow Velocity” which is a measure of the average flow velocity across the entire length of a conduit. It does not consider variances of velocity within the system, but for the purposes of modeling it is suitable. Traditionally, most high efficiency hydroelectric systems, such as this model, require much higher flow velocities (in excess of 150 m/s for some turbine styles in large facilities).
  • volume flow rate (Q) is calculated using the Flow Velocity (V) and the cross-section area of the conduit (A), which is calculated as follows:
  • V Flow Velocity
  • the Flow Velocity is increased by four times with the reduction of conduit diameter to 7.19 m/s.
  • the mass flow rate (discussed below) must be maintained as to deliver sufficient kinetic energy to the turbine for actuation and maintained rotational velocity.
  • Sufficient flow to maintain adequate turbine spin though is still required to be much faster than the initial actuation force to maintain spin of the turbine to efficiently produce electrical energy.
  • the typical solution to attaining a final ‘high’ Flow Velocity, while still maintaining mass flow rate, is to divide the total flow into smaller diameter nozzles at the point of contact within the turbine.
  • Flow Velocity of 150 m/s or more By sizing the nozzles to 0.13 m (5 inches), that goal has been reached. With such a high volumetric flow rate, very subtle decreases to the nozzle diameter size yields large gains in Flow Velocity. Modern turbine feeding nozzles are usually adjustable by several inches or more to yield the desired or peak Flow Velocity.
  • Volume Flow Rate is the volume of fluid that passes through a system in a given amount of time. While Head is important for determining the potential energy available for delivery, and flow velocity dictates the rate at which that potential energy is converted into kinetic energy for delivery to the turbine, the Volume Flow Rate is the measure of how much energy is actually available to be transferred. In a hydroelectric system, water can be delivered at high speed and high pressure, but if there is insufficient (flow) energy to turn the turbine then no energy is transferred to the turbine and no electrical power is generated.
  • volume Flow Rate Conclusion: The proposed system approximates, meets, and can even exceed the Volume Flow Rate needs of a traditional hydroelectric power station. 4) Mass Flow Rate
  • Mass Flow Rate is an amount of energy transferred in a unit of time. Since the measure of volume flow rate is in seconds, mass flow rates are as well - the primary difference being the matter unit is kilograms instead of cubic meters.
  • the volume flow rate has been calculated as 8.406 m 3 /s, and the density calculated as 470.06 kg/m 3 .
  • MFR Mass Flow Rate
  • the Mass Flow Rate at the powerful Bieudron Hydroelectric Power Station mentioned above is 25,000 kg/s (25 m3/s volume flow rate, 1,000 kg/m3 density), but the proposed system, while not generating this MFR, the present invention is still capable of producing adequate mass flow rate to drive utility grade hydroelectric equipment and supply appreciable amounts of hydroelectric power.
  • both the water and air are unadulterated and unmolested and the ocean and air act as an “infinite” source of air-induced and air-facilitated hydraulic power.
  • a lesser distance from surface zero may be employed for insertion of compressed air into the system whereby said compressed air may traverse downward some depth above the primary insertion point thereby designating a point at which air may be inserted into a column of water within a pipe that is above the initial intake (i.e., above a pipe’s most terminal point). This use of a lesser depth may create efficiencies within the system after the initial aeration phase.
  • a riser pipe lowered to a sufficient depth in a body of water, natural or manmade, together with an initiator (compressed atmospheric air) introduced into said pipe at a requisite depth to induce flow allows for targeted air injection.
  • water density is lessened by aerating a portion or segment of the riser pipe’s fluid, injecting air into an adequate volume of water to decrease the fluid’s density within the pipe and artificially raising the head elevation within the pipe beyond measured surface level wherein said depth may be at some depth (1) less than the depth of the terminal pipe opening but (2) sufficient to cause decreased water density within the riser pipe, allowing less dense water to travel upward and denser marine water to flow into the pipe, replacing said less dense fluid and induce vertical flow.
  • aeration at one to a plurality of locations and/or areas of a riser pipe or pipes as to facilitate and or control (increase, decrease stop and start) water flow rates taking into consideration water depth, internal and external water pressure (within and outside of the pipe contained volume), interior and exterior water mass, internal and external water viscosity, internal water velocity, aerated and nonaerated flow rates, aerated and nonaerated water ratios of air to water, water temperature and, potentially, internal and external water salinity.
  • inventors contemplation to utilize various sensors to monitor riser pipe depth, water pressure, water temperature, internal and external to the riser pipe, water and air density, water and air rations, water salinity, and flow rates within the riser pipe as to monitor, regulate and analyze water makeup and efficiency. Additionally, inventor may use the various sensors to monitor air to water ratios and aerated, and non-aerated, water densities, externally and internally at any point along the interior or exterior of the body of said cylinder. It is further within the contemplation of inventor to utilize the electrical power generated by the turbine to create a small electrical field capable of removing salts and minerals from seawater.
  • This ‘electrochemically mediated seawater desalination’ is a membrane free system requiring small amounts of electrical currents to accomplish desalination.
  • inventor is not immediately opposed to any membraned, membrane-less, distillation, osmosis, thermal applications, or a combination thereof, that make otherwise non- potable water suitable for human consumption, industrial use, animal husbandry and irrigation purposes.
  • the present invention consists of a means of aerating an area and volume of aqueous liquid (e.g., marine water) from a depth or depths through a contained column of water wherein said area and volume is aerated to achieve a density lower than liquid surrounding the contained column of water sufficient to induce and produce upward, ascending flow.
  • aqueous liquid e.g., marine water
  • the present invention consists of a means of aerating an area and volume of water, natural or manmade, from an adequate depth through, for example, an extended cylindrical conduit (e.g., a riser pipe) wherein said area and volume of water is aerated with injected ambient air to achieve a lower density volume of water (as compared to externally residing non-aerated water) sufficient to induce upward, ascending flow of the aerated water and supplying adequate force to operate an electrical energy creating turbine.
  • an extended cylindrical conduit e.g., a riser pipe
  • the present invention consists of a means of aerating an area and volume of water, natural or manmade, from an adequate depth through, for example, an extended cylindrical riser pipe or plurality of pipes wherein said area and volume containing water is aerated to achieve lower density than the surrounding ambient water sufficient to induce upward, ascending flow and supplying sufficient force to operate a turbine for electrical power generation.
  • the present invention consists of a means of aerating an area or areas and volume or volumes of aqueous fluid (i.e., water) from a sufficient depth through an extended column of fluid (i.e., cylindrical riser pipe or plurality of pipes) wherein said area and volume (are areas and volumes) of fluid is/are aerated with compressed ambient air delivered to a sufficient depth within said column to achieve an “artificially” low density sufficient to induce upward, ascending flow and supplying sufficient force to operate a turbine for electrical power generation wherein said volume of water is then returned to said marine water.
  • aqueous fluid i.e., water
  • the present invention consists of a means of aerating an area and volume of water within a column from a sufficient depth and through an extended cylindrical riser pipe or plurality of pipes wherein said area and volume is aerated with compressed air supplied at a sufficient depth within said riser pipe or pipes to achieve a lower density than the external water residing exteriorly and surrounding said column which is sufficient to induce upward, ascending flow.
  • Said upward and ascending water used to supply adequate force to operate a turbine for electrical power generation whereby said electrical power generation may be sufficient to operate an air compressor for compressed air supply and water aeration.
  • the above method of ambient air induced water aeration via insertion of transportable and compressed air, whereby air is inserted at the most terminal (deepest) portion of said cylindrical riser pipe.
  • the above method of water aeration, via insertion of compressed ambient air may be achieved (1) whereby air is inserted at the most terminal (deepest submerged) portion of said cylindrical riser pipe and/or (2) whereby compressed air may be introduced at a depth above the most terminus portion of said cylindrical riser pipe to initiate, regulate or maintain flow.
  • the above method of water aeration, via insertion of compressed air whereby compressed air is inserted at a depth at any position or depth along said riser pipe occurs above the terminus (deepest point) of said cylindrical pipe sufficient to induce regulate or maintain upward, ascending flow in the cylindrical pipe.
  • the above method of water aeration via insertion of compressed air, whereby air is inserted at a specific point, depths, plurality of points or plurality of depths at or above the terminus (deepest point) of said cylindrical pipe sufficient to induce upward, assisting ascending flow in the cylindrical pipe.
  • Said aerated insertions existing at specific points, depths, plurality of points or plurality of depths, which may be actuated simultaneously, sequentially or a combination thereof, as to affect changes in water density in a water column commensurate with desired head levels, flow velocities, volume flow rates and mass flow rates.
  • the said (marine) water aeration via insertion of compressed ambient air, whereby air is inserted at a depth or plurality of depths at or above the terminus of said cylindrical pipe sufficient to induce upward, assists flow ascension in the water column enclosed with a cylindrical pipe (or similar containment device and conduit) whereby insertion of compressed air is delivered at or within the vicinity of the terminus, or other points along said conduit, in order to adjust the density and velocity of ascending water.
  • Adjustments to the composition, density and speed of the ascending fluid may therefore allow for variations in force and speed as to upregulate or downregulate wear on the turbine, speed of rotation and ultimately energy production levels.
  • the above method of marine water aeration via insertion of compressed air, whereby compressed air is inserted at a depth or plurality of depths at or above the terminus of said cylindrical pipe sufficient to induce upward, ascending flow in the cylindrical pipe wherein flow, density, or a combination thereof in the cylindrical pipe may be monitored by sensors.
  • upward, ascending flow in the cylindrical pipe may be further monitored by sensors testing for both internal and external temperatures, internal and external pressures within and around said cylindrical pipe and/or flow rates within said cylindrical pipe.
  • electrical power generated from turbines bay be utilized to operate desalination equipment which removes salt and other minerals from seawater and creates potable water and water suitable for agricultural irrigation.
  • water within a specific area of a column of water may be aerated, inducing upward, vertical flow wherein non-aerated water existing at a depth greater (e.g., deeper) than said aerated volume of water then ascends to “replace” said aerated water thus creating a reactionary upward “suction” flow, through induced vertical movement, thereby causing an inductive flow following said aerated volume and necessitating less aeration and less power (i.e., compressed air input) after the initial insertion.
  • a depth greater e.g., deeper
  • power i.e., compressed air input
  • the turbine itself is mutable between a series of different turbines including two primary turbines: reaction and impulse.
  • a reaction turbine creates power from both pressure and flow wherein each blade receives pressure and the cumulative effect of received pressure serves to rotate an axial shaft (e.g., a propeller). Too, an Archimedes screw can be seen to be a variation on this design which is utilized to induce axial rotation.
  • an impulse turbine s rotation is actuated and maintained wherein a water stream’s velocity induces rotation by acting on individual buckets, singularly, to create spin and release water (e.g., Pelton turbines).
  • electrical current once created may be stored in an onsite or offsite battery, used to operate an air compressor, transmitted to a generator, transmitted to a transformer, and/or utilized to desalinate water by the above electrochemical means described.
  • electrical current may be used or stored via the above methods and means singularly or in combination wherein all functions may occur simultaneously or sequentially.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne de manière générale un processus et un procédé pour induire un écoulement vertical, vers le haut, à l'intérieur d'une colonne d'eau à longueur étendue par la production de changements de densité à l'intérieur d'une colonne d'eau. Plus précisément, l'écoulement induit (vertical) de l'eau à l'intérieur d'une colonne d'eau étendue qui constitue la présente invention est accompli par l'aération de l'eau, avec l'air ambiant, qui est comprimé et injecté dans la colonne d'eau étendue induisant des débits d'eau ascendants suffisants pour générer une pression hydraulique et une énergie hydraulique, par le biais de la force radiale générée dans une turbine hydraulique. Un autre objectif de la présente invention est d'utiliser de l'eau infusée d'air, provenant d'une haute densité et de faibles profondeurs, pour créer et maintenir ledit écoulement vertical afin d'induire et de maintenir l'actionnement de la turbine par le biais desdits fluides inaltérés et recyclables - l'air et l'eau - pour la production d'énergie électrique.
PCT/US2021/061864 2021-02-09 2021-12-03 Production d'hydroélectricité en utilisant les changements de densité de colonne d'eau pour induire un écoulement vertical WO2022173493A1 (fr)

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US63/147,723 2021-02-09

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004013491A1 (fr) * 2002-08-05 2004-02-12 Hunt Robert D Generation d'energie par ejection
US20070166171A1 (en) * 2006-01-17 2007-07-19 Geyser Pump Tech. Co. Geyser pump
WO2012017243A1 (fr) * 2010-08-06 2012-02-09 Green Energy Incorporated Limited Pompe à émulsion d'air
WO2015190280A1 (fr) * 2014-06-12 2015-12-17 国立大学法人神戸大学 Pompe à émulsion d'air et procédé pour aspirer des sédiments sous-marins
IL269163B (en) * 2019-09-08 2020-05-31 Augwind Ltd A system for energy storage and electricity generation
US20200339456A1 (en) * 2017-12-19 2020-10-29 Gis Gas Infusion Systems Inc. High-efficiency airlift pump

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004013491A1 (fr) * 2002-08-05 2004-02-12 Hunt Robert D Generation d'energie par ejection
US20070166171A1 (en) * 2006-01-17 2007-07-19 Geyser Pump Tech. Co. Geyser pump
WO2012017243A1 (fr) * 2010-08-06 2012-02-09 Green Energy Incorporated Limited Pompe à émulsion d'air
WO2015190280A1 (fr) * 2014-06-12 2015-12-17 国立大学法人神戸大学 Pompe à émulsion d'air et procédé pour aspirer des sédiments sous-marins
US20200339456A1 (en) * 2017-12-19 2020-10-29 Gis Gas Infusion Systems Inc. High-efficiency airlift pump
IL269163B (en) * 2019-09-08 2020-05-31 Augwind Ltd A system for energy storage and electricity generation

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