Patent Application
20190048846
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
This section is intended to introduce selected aspects of the art, which may be associated with various embodiments of the present disclosure. This discussion is believed to assist in providing a framework to facilitate a better understanding of particular aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that this section should be read in this light, and not necessarily as admissions of prior art.
The present disclosure relates to the field of energy generation. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the generation of electrical energy through hydrokinetic flow through a large body of water. The present disclosure further relates to a dual turbine wherein the dual turbine comprises at least one tubular helical body forming a closed fluid circuit.
Naturally occurring fluid motion such as that found in wind and water currents contains kinetic energy that can be harnessed for useful consumption. The branch of physics concerned with such fluid motion can be broadly referred to as hydrokinetics.
Hydrokinetics has long been employed by machines, i.e., “water wheels,” that extract energy from falling water to perform useful functions. Such functions include grinding wheat and running belt-driven factories. More recently, hydrokinetics has been used to generate electricity. Conventional harnessing of hydrokinetic energy to produce electricity employs the use of turbines that are equipped with blades. The turbines are placed within a body of flowing water, which exerts a force on the turbine blades to turn a wheel. The rotation of the wheel produces a resultant torque that, in turn, is used to directly rotate an output shaft for driving a generator to produce electricity.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the amount of power that can be harnessed from a water wheel increases proportionally with the diameter of the wheel squared. Thus, large wheels generate significantly more power than small wheels. For example, increasing a turbine wheel diameter by a factor of 10 increases the power output by a factor of 100. Thus, assuming an efficiency of 100%, a water wheel that is forty feet in diameter has the capacity to produce the same amount of power as 100 wheels that are four feet in diameter.
Although larger water wheels are capable of producing more power, the rotational speed of a water wheel decreases as the diameter of the water wheel increases. For instance, doubling the diameter of a water wheel causes a reciprocal reduction in the rotational speed by one half. This has an effect on the power output.
Horsepower may be mathematically defined as:
HP=(T*RPM)/5,252
where HP=Horsepower;
Rearranging the HP equation to solve for torque gives:
T=(5,252*HP)/RPM.
It can be seen that as RPM decreases, torque, or the force required to turn the working shaft, increases.
Hence, although doubling the diameter of a water wheel or turbine increases the power output by a factor of four, the associated reduction in rotational speed means that the torque increases by a factor of eight. Stated another way, with increasing turbine size, the influences of heightened power levels and decreasing rotational speeds synergistically contribute to a need to produce large amounts of torque. The resultant torque load makes power transmission through large turbines more difficult and less efficient, particularly when substantial power output is required.
As power output reaches useful levels, such as 100,000 watts (which is equal to 134 HP) the torque generated requires very large, expensive mechanical gears to increase the RPM to a level that is capable of driving a useful generator.
The following chart illustrates the relationship between area, maximum wattage, maximum HP, revolutions per minute, and torque for various diameters of water wheels. This chart was calculated assuming an efficiency of 100%. While 100% efficiency is not currently achievable, the chart demonstrates the difficulties involved in using hydrokinetic energy to produce usable power. The torque quickly becomes unmanageable as useful power levels are achieved.
It is assumed that all input power numbers use the same fluid velocity.
As hydrokinetic power generation systems increase in size, conventional systems that rely purely on the mechanical transmission of power from the water turbine to the output shaft encounter increasingly difficult design challenges. Increasingly large and complex mechanical sub systems introduce losses, require maintenance, reduce system reliability, and may jeopardize the economic viability of the system. By way of example from the chart above, a 30-foot diameter turbine wheel immersed in flowing water that rotates at 4.66 RPM has a torque rating of 552,413 foot-pounds. A wheel with such a large torque rating would require an enormous gearbox to drive a generator at an output speed of 1,000 RPM. Such a gear box would be prohibitively cumbersome, expensive, and difficult to fabricate. Thus, use of water wheels or turbines to generate substantial amounts of power with conventional methods is largely impractical.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,763,386 ('386 patent), entitled “Large Water Turbine,” presents one embodiment of a hydrokinetic turbine that attempts to address the torque problem discussed above. The '386 patent is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference
The '386 patent employs a hydrokinetic wheel with an internal working fluid that drives an internal turbine to produce electricity. The wheel includes a hub, and a plurality of tanks equi-radially spaced about the hub. In operation of the wheel, internal working fluid drains gravitationally from the tanks at the top of the wheel and then through an internal turbine. From there, the working fluid drains into tanks at the bottom of the wheel. As the '386 water wheel rotates, the lower tanks, now filled with working fluid, move to the top of the water wheel, and the process is repeated. In this way, the internal turbine turns at a much greater rate as compared to that of the external water wheel, thereby reducing the effect of the torque problem.
It is observed that the '386 patent requires a system with multiple tanks, a number of fluid pipes exiting each tank that feed to a central manifold, and a heavy frame that extends beyond the vanes to support the system of tanks. These aspects result in a cumbersome support structure and a significant increase in the weight of the system, which depletes overall efficiency. Accordingly, a need exists for an improved water turbine having a large diameter wheel with a simple and relatively light frame. A need further exists for a water turbine that is able to generate large amounts of electrical power without any mechanical speed step-up gears and with very few moving parts.
A hydrokinetic turbine for producing electricity is provided herein. The hydrokinetic turbine is configured to be submerged in a flowing body of water. Preferably, the hydrokinetic turbine is anchored to an ocean floor or a deep river bed such as through the use of at least two mooring lines. The mooring lines may be anchored directly to the ocean floor or river bed, or may be connected to a buoy that itself is anchored to the ocean floor or river bed.
The diameter of the hydrokinetic turbine may be scaled to any suitable size for the generation of the desired electrical output. The diameter may range from five to fifty feet. In one aspect, the diameter of the hydrokinetic turbine ranges from fifty feet to 250 feet.
In one aspect, the hydrokinetic turbine has a tubular body. Preferably, the tubular body is substantially helical (or helix-like) in shape. Two or more blades extend radially from a central pipe of the tubular body. The two or more blades operate as vanes that are configured to rotate the tubular body at a first speed in response to flowing water. The speed of the tubular body may be expressed as revolutions per minute, or “first RPM value.” The two or more blades reside equi-distantly about the central pipe of the tubular body. Vane supports secure the respective blades to the central pipe. In one aspect, the hydrokinetic turbine includes six or more blades placed radially about the central pipe.
In the hydrokinetic turbine, a volume of internal working fluid resides within the tubular body. Of interest, the central pipe is in fluid communication with the tubular body and forms a closed fluid circuit for the helical tubular body. The working fluid is preferably a clean aqueous fluid having bacterial and corrosion inhibitors.
An internal turbine is disposed within the central pipe. The internal turbine is configured to rotate in response to gravitational flow of the internal working fluid through the central pipe. As water flows through the central pipe, the internal turbine is configured to rotate at a second speed, or second RPM value that is higher than the first RPM value.
In one aspect, the tubular body is connected in two portions to the central pipe. A first portion serves as a first tank and is positioned on one end of the central pipe, while a second portion serves as a second tank and is positioned on an opposing end of the central pipe. Because the two portions form a single helical fluid circuit, a single volume of working fluid resides within the tubular body. The volume of working fluid flows cyclically into and out of each of the tank portions as the hydrokinetic turbine is turned, flowing through the central pipe once in each direction during each cycle.
In a second embodiment, a double helical arrangement is provided. In this arrangement, the tubular body defines four separate tank portions wherein a first volume of fluid resides within the first and third tank portions, while a separate second volume of fluid resides within second and fourth tank portions. This may be done through two separate tubular bodies residing in parallel, each having their own central pipe.
Alternatively, a single separate pipe utilizing check valves and separate flow channels may be provided to facilitate the gravitational movement of working fluid from tanks in the upper position to tanks in the lower position.
In either instance, the tubular body is configured to allow the first and second volumes of internal working fluid to drain from upper tank portions into the central pipe(s). As the internal working fluids pass through the central pipes, internal turbines are turned at high speed in order to generate electricity before draining into the lower tanks. Passing working fluid through the central pipes occurs twice per rotation.
In any embodiment, the first RPM may be between about 0.25 and about 2.50, inclusive, and the second RPM may be between about 100 and 1,000, inclusive. In an alternate embodiment, the first RPM ranges from about 0.50 to 1.50, and the second RPM ranges from about 500 to 800. In yet another embodiment, the first RPM ranges from about 2.50 to 10.00, and the second RPM ranges from about 700 to 5,000. The first RPM may be as high as 20 RPMs, while the second RPM may be as high as 10,000 RPMs.
The hydrokinetic turbine further includes a plurality of check valves, wherein each check valve is configured to direct internal working fluid in a single direction in response to gravitational forces. In one aspect, the hydrokinetic turbine offers a first check valve that is configured to direct internal working fluid from the first tank to the central pipe. The turbine also has a second check valve that directs internal working fluid from the central pipe back to the first tank. The first and second check valves may reside at opposing ends of the first tank.
A third check valve is also present. The third check valve is configured to direct internal working fluid from the second tank into the central pipe. This aspect also includes a fourth check valve that directs internal working fluid from the central pipe to the second tank. The third and fourth check valves are disposed at opposing ends of the second tank.
The hydrokinetic turbine additionally provides an internal shaft that is mechanically coupled to the internal turbine such that rotation of the internal turbine causes rotation of the internal shaft at about the same RPM as the internal turbine. The internal shaft extends out of the central pipe and is mechanically coupled to a generator. The generator produces electricity in response to rotation of the internal shaft. Preferably, the generator is equipped with a power cable that is configured to transmit electrical output from the generator.
The hydrokinetic turbine may be brushless, or may include a plurality of slip rings and a plurality of electrical brushes. The plurality of slip rings may be configured to rotate with the tubular body. The slip rings receive electrical output from the power cable. The electrical brushes do not rotate, but remain stationary and receive electrical output from the slip rings. In one aspect, the electrical output is eventually transmitted to a remote power station, electrical grid, or an isolated distribution system. The power station, electrical grid, or isolated distribution may be floating or may be located onshore.
So that the manner in which the present inventions can be better understood, certain illustrations, charts and/or flow charts are appended hereto. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only selected embodiments of the inventions and are therefore not to be considered limiting of scope, for the inventions may admit to other equally effective embodiments and applications.
In
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As used herein, the term “fluid” refers to gases, liquids, and combinations of gases and liquids. The term “fluid” may refer to water or other aqueous fluid.
For purposes of the present disclosure, it is noted that spatially relative terms, such as “up,” “down,” “right,” “left,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over or rotated, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.”
Wherever any of the phrases “for example,” “such as,” “including” and the like are used herein, the phrase “and without limitation” is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. Similarly “an example,” “exemplary” and the like are understood to be non-limiting terms.
The terms “substantially” or “about” allow for deviations from the descriptor that do not negatively impact the intended purpose. Descriptive terms are understood to be modified by the term “substantially” even if the word “substantially” is not explicitly recited. Therefore, for example, the phrase “wherein the lever extends vertically” means “wherein the lever extends substantially vertically” so long as a precise vertical arrangement is not necessary for the lever to perform its function.
The terms “helical” and “helical design” are intended to include any geometry that is helix-like, including a series of linear tubular bodies connected together by corner tubes.
The terms “comprising” and “including” and “having” and “involving” (and similarly “comprises”, “includes,” “has,” and “involves”) and the like as found in the Specification are used interchangeably and have the same meaning. Specifically, each of the terms is defined consistent with the common United States patent law definition of “comprising” and is therefore interpreted to be an open term meaning “at least the following,” and is also interpreted not to exclude additional features, limitations or aspects. Thus, for example, “a process involving steps a, b, and c” means that the process includes at least steps a, b and c. Wherever the terms “a” or “an” are used, “one or more” is understood, unless such interpretation is nonsensical in context.
The turbine 100 includes a tubular body 100. The tubular body is designed to hold a working fluid, which is preferably an aqueous liquid. In the illustrative arrangement of
It is further observed that the tubular body 100 has a helical design. In the view of
It is understood that when the term “helical” or the phrase “helical design” are used herein, such captures any geometry that is helix-like. From a mathematical standpoint, unless all of the turns in a pipe are of a circular nature and have the same radius, the pipe is not truly a helix. However, for purposes of the present disclosure any closed fluid circuit in the form of a helix or “
At the center of the tubular body 110 is a central pipe 180. The central pipe 180 is seen best in
In the view of
In the arrangement of
The pair of crossbeams 157 that connect the tubular body 110 to the central pipe 180 are more clearly visible in the view of
In operation, the water turbine 100 shown in
The construction and operation of known hydrokinetic turbines rely on traditional mechanisms of power transmission and speed change, such as gears and chains. As noted above, this becomes increasingly challenging and expensive as the turbine grows in size up to capacities attractive for commercial use. In contrast, the hydrokinetic turbines described herein become more efficient with increasing size, making turbine diameters of 50 feet, 100 feet, or even 250 feed practical and attractive options for providing power for commercial use.
In one aspect, the diameter of the water turbine 100 is small and ranges from five to fifty feet. In another aspect, the diameter of the hydrokinetic turbine ranges from ten to forty feet. Alternatively, the diameter of the turbine may be between fifteen and thirty feet. In one embodiment, the diameter of the hydrokinetic turbine is up to 100 feet. For marine applications in an ocean such as the Gulf of Mexico, it is preferred that the diameter of the water turbine 100 be as large as 250 feet.
As discussed above, traditional turbine systems are unable to harness this energy due to the torque that is generated by a slowly rotating turbine wheel. For example, using the horsepower equation defined above, and assuming a rotation speed of one RPM, a 1,000 watt generator, which is equivalent to 1.34 horsepower, generates an overwhelming 7,040 foot-pounds of torque. However, running the same generator at 1,000 RPM generates only 7.040 foot-pounds of torque.
As discussed in more detail below, the present invention achieves a high RPM through rotation of a secondary, internal turbine (485 and 685 of
As the water turbine 100 rotates at a low RPM, one of the two tanks 112 or 116 becomes elevated. In response, the internal working fluid falls from the elevated tank to flow through the central pipe 180. The flow of working fluid through the central pipe 180 drives the internal turbine 485 at a high RPM. After driving the internal turbine 485, the working fluid gravitationally drains into the lower of the two tanks.
The internal turbine 485 is connected to a generator (shown at 670 in
In the arrangement of
A plurality of blades 350 extend radially from a center region of the tubular bodies 310, 311. A first generator box 372 is shown connected to the central pipe 380 of the first tubular body 310.
In operation, each of the tubular bodies 310, 311 is partially filled with an internal working fluid (shown in
The internal turbine residing within central pipe 380 includes an output shaft that extends into electrical generator 372. Similarly, the internal turbine residing within central pipe 381 includes an output shaft that extends into electrical generator 373. Rotation of the shafts turns corresponding shafts with the respective generators 372, 373 to generate electrical power.
The benefit of the water turbine 300 arrangement of
It is observed that while
As with the tubular body 110 of water turbine 100, the tubular body 410 of
A first volume of internal working fluid 422 is shown in a portion of the tubular body 410 that forms the first tank 412. Similarly, a second volume of internal working fluid 426 is shown in a portion of the tubular body 410 that forms the second tank 416. The internal working fluid 422, 426 is fluidically sealed from the body of water in which the tubular body 410 of an associated water turbine is submerged, or at least substantially submerged.
It is noted that four check valves 460 are used along the tubular body 410. The check valves 460 operate to control the direction of flow of the internal working fluid 422, 426 in a single direction through the tubular body 410, including the central pipe 480. The arrows of the respective check valves 460 indicate the direction of fluid flow through the valves 460 within the central pipe 480. Of interest, the check valves will work regardless of which way the tubular body 410 spins in response to current.
Air bypass lines 497 are seen between the two tanks 412, 416. In operation, the air bypass lines 497 allow for gas to pass from a tank that is filling 416 to a tank that is draining 412.
An internal turbine 485 is also shown in
In the arrangement of
In
It is noted that when a turbine, such as turbine 100 of
Returning to
In
In
In
In
It is noted here that the location of the four check valves (CV1, CV2, CV3 and CV4) may be adjusted. In the views of
Water turbine 600 also includes four check valves, indicated as 661, 662, 663 and 664. The check valves 661, 662, 663, 664 are positioned lateral to the crossbeams of the tubular body 610. Water turbine 600 also includes a pair of bypass air lines 697. The air lines 697 are shown at the top and bottom of the tubular body 610.
Two crossbeams continue transversely across the diameter of the tubular body 610 (seen more clearly in
In operation, the water turbine 600 of
Mechanical energy generated through the slow rotation of the water turbine 600 is captured by an output shaft (not visible in
The water turbine system 700 includes a water turbine 710. The water turbine 710 is in accordance with any of the hydrokinetic turbines 100, 300 or 600 described above. Thus, the water turbine 710 will include a large, helical (or, optionally, double-helical) tubular body that holds a volume of working fluid. A first thrust bearing 763 is shown coupled to a first connection housing 761. The connection housing 761 will comprise a shaft (not shown) that is bearingly connected to the thrust bearing 763 on one end, and fixedly is attached to the back of the water turbine 710 at the opposite end. Thus, the connection housing 761 turns with the water turbine 710.
A plurality of cables 719 extend from the front of the water turbine 710 to a second connection housing 765. The second connection housing 765 is coupled to a second thrust bearing 767. The connection housing 765 also comprises a shaft (not shown) that is bearingly connected to the thrust bearing 767 on one end, and is fixedly attached to the cables 710 at the opposite end. Thus, the second connection housing 765 also turns with the water turbine 710.
In operation, the first bearing 763 and the second thrust bearing 767 work in concert to allow the water turbine 710 and associated components to rotate as the blades (seen at 150, 350, and 650 of
A generator housing 770 is shown attached to the front of the water turbine 710. A multi-conductor power cable 735 extends from a generator within the generator housing 770 to the second connection housing 765. The power cable 735 transfers electrical energy from the generator housing 770 and through the second connection housing 765. The power generated from the generator within the housing 770 is then transmitted out of the system 700 to a station onshore (not shown) or to a floating station (not shown) via power cable 736, where the generated power is further directed for consumption.
The first and second connection housings 761, 765 each comprise seals that prevent the water in which the water turbine 110 is submerged from entering the turbine system. In one aspect, the second housing 765 comprises a plurality of slip rings that serve to transfer power from the rotating water turbine 710 to a plurality of stationary electrical brushes, thereby communicating electrical current. Power from the generator 770 is transmitted by the multi-conductor cable 735. Power may be transmitted through the slip rings which rotate at the same speed as the main water turbine 710. The non-rotating electrical brushes physically contact the slip rings, thereby permitting power from a rotating source to be transmitted to the shore or a floating station via cable 736.
It is understood that the water turbine 710 also includes a small, internal turbine, such as turbine 685 in
As will be evident to one of skill in the art, the number of slip rings and electrical brushes required will vary proportionally with the energy output. The thrust bearing 767 and slip ring assembly may or may not be underwater. In some aspects, the first bearing 763 connected to the cables at the first and second anchor points 791, 792 is underwater. Preferably, the whole of the rotating components of the water turbine system 710 is submerged.
In any event, the generated power can be connected to the electrical grid or used to power an isolated distribution system. Examples of a power distribution system include the electrical systems for an offshore oil rig, or for a floating FPSO, or for an offshore power station for marine vessels, or for an offshore power station for a floating offshore research facility or a military installation. In one aspect, the generated power is used to maintain a charge for batteries associated with marine vessels or floating structures.
As seen more clearly here, the central pipe 680 functionally divides the tubular body 610 into the first tank 612 and the second tank 616. The check valves 661, 662, 663, 664 are shown within the lateral portions of the two crossbeams 611, 621 of the tubular body 610. The internal turbine 685 surrounds a drive shaft 640. The drive shaft 640 extends through the central pipe 680 and into a generator 670, which is physically tethered to the front of the tubular body 610 via a pair of generator supports 671. Of course, it should be understood that the generator 670 may be disposed at the back of the tubular body 610 or at any practical location along the water turbine 600 so long as it is mechanically engaged to the drive shaft 640.
In an alternate aspect, the generator 670 may be separate from the tubular body 610. In one aspect, the generator 670 is disposed within or on one of the connection housings 761, 765.
In the embodiment of
Referring to
The rotation of the internal turbine 685 spins the drive shaft 640, which, in turn, drives the high speed generator 670 to harness substantial electrical power through cable 736. In this way, the present invention permits the use of large hydrokinetic turbines or water wheels without requiring expensive speed step up components, such as unwieldy gearboxes.
In one aspect of the present invention, the shaft of the large water turbine rotates at about 0.25 to 10 RPMs, inclusive, depending on the speed of the current. The internal turbine may rotate at a speed between about 100 and about 10,000 RPMs, inclusive. In another embodiment, the turbine rotates at between 1.0 and 5.0 RPMs while the internal turbine may be configured to rotate at between 500 and 800 RPMs. Preferably, the large water turbine rotates at about 5.0 RPMs, and the internal turbine rotates at about 5,000 RPMs.
Preferably, the hydrokinetic turbine includes a first tubular body and a second tubular body as provided in
As can be seen, an improved water turbine is provided. The water turbine of the present invention can be scaled such that it actually improves efficiency with increasing size. The water turbine captures hydrokinetic energy to lift an internal working fluid residing within a tubular, helical body. Gravitational forces act on the working fluid within this closed circuit to spin an internal turbine at very high RPMs, which drives a high speed electrical generator. Importantly, this hydrokinetic water turbine system operates with little or no carbon footprint and requires no fuel cost. All that is required is a strong water current.
The water turbine is designed to generate electrical power continuously in the presence of naturally-occurring or man-made water flow to produce electricity. Therefore, the water turbine of the present invention is capable of producing electrical energy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year Beneficially, the electrical generator may be designed to work regardless of the direction in which the water current is flowing. This is particularly beneficial when the water turbine is placed along a deep tidal basin.
A method is also disclosed, in accordance with various embodiments of the present general inventive concept, for generating electrical power through the use of a hydrokinetic turbine.
The method first includes submerging a hydrokinetic turbine, as discussed throughout this disclosure, within a flowing body of water, and anchoring the hydrokinetic turbine in the body of water with at least two mooring lines. The flowing body may be a river, an ocean (including a sea), a tidal basin, or any other body of water that has water currents or tidal motion. The hydrokinetic flow is then allowed to act on two more blades to rotate the tubular body at a first RPM value. Rotating at the first RPM causes the internal working fluid to flow gravitationally through the central pipe. While flowing through the central pipe, the internal working fluid rotates an internal turbine at a second RPM value that is higher than the first RPM value. The rotation of the internal turbine generates electrical power.
As the hydrokinetic turbine rotates, the method further provides for allowing a first volume of internal working fluid to at least partially drain from a first tank of the tubular body and into the central pipe. After rotating the internal turbine at the second, higher RPM value, the first volume of internal working fluid is allowed to substantially drain from the central pipe into the second tank. Upon draining into the second tank, the first volume of internal working fluid joins the second volume of internal working fluid.
The method additionally includes further rotation of the tubular body at the first RPM value as dictated by the water currents. The additional rotation of the tubular body causes the second volume of internal working fluid to at least partially drain from the second tank of the tubular body into the central pipe. After rotating the internal turbine at the second, higher RPM value, the second volume of internal working fluid is allowed to substantially drain from the central pipe and back into the first tank. Upon draining into the first tank, the second volume of internal working fluid joins the first volume of internal working fluid. Thus, the process of passing internal working fluid through the central shaft to drive an internal turbine continuously produces energy while the hydrokinetic turbine is submerged in flowing water.
The method also includes providing a plurality of check valves, wherein each valve directs the internal working fluid in a single direction through the helical (or helix-like) tubular body in response to gravitational forces. In one aspect, a first check valve directs the internal working fluid from the first tank to the central pipe. A second check valve is also used to direct the internal working fluid from the central pipe to the first tank. A third check valve is provided that directs the internal working fluid from the second tank into the central pipe. A fourth check valve is also provided to direct the internal working fluid from the central pipe to the second tank.
For the harnessing of electrical energy, the method also includes providing an internal shaft that is mechanically coupled to the internal turbine. Rotation of the internal turbine causes a reciprocal rotation of the internal shaft. A generator that is mechanically coupled to the internal shaft is also provided, such that rotation of the internal shaft causes the generator to produce an electrical output. The electrical output from the generator may be transmitted via a power cable. Optionally, an external shaft associated with the central pipe of the large water turbine is also coupled to a separate generator. Thus, rotation of the external shaft causes the separate generator to produce an additional electrical output that may be transmitted via the power cable.
The method optionally further includes transmitting the electrical power output(s) to a plurality of slip rings that rotate with the tubular body. A plurality of electrical brushes contact the plurality of rotating slip rings, which allows the electrical output to be transferred to the electrical brushes. Power in the form of electrical output may then be transmitted through the brushes to a remote power station, electrical grid, or an isolated distribution system via a cable or other source that may be appropriate for such transmission.
Variations of the present hydrokinetic water turbine may fall within the spirit of the claims, below. For example, as part of the method, the operator may desire to optimize the volume of working fluid within the tubular body as a percentage of the entire volume. This may take into account fluid temperature, fluid density variations, water current velocity and turbine design (including weight of the tubular body). The operator may also optimize the number and angular orientation of the vanes extending from a central region of water turbine.
It will be appreciated that the inventions are susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the spirit thereof.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 62/543,538 filed Aug. 10, 2017. That application is entitled “Large Water Turbine Having Helical Hydrokinetic Tanks” and is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62543538 | Aug 2017 | US |
