System for Converting Hydrokinetic Energy to Mechanical Energy

Abstract

A system for converting hydrokinetic energy into mechanical energy. The system includes a holding tank, a housing containing a turbine, and a power take-off connected to the turbine for providing mechanical energy to outside the system. At least one mixing chamber with a discharge opening is connected to the housing for receiving a fluid therefrom. A gas is communicated into the mixing chamber, which causes a circulatory flow of the fluid within the holding tank that is used to spin the turbine.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The present invention, as well as further objects and features thereof, are more clearly and fully set forth in the following description of the preferred embodiment, which should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 discloses a partial sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows partial sectional view an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a partial section view of the regulating tank along section line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

Claims

1. An system for converting hydrokinetic energy into mechanical energy comprising: a holding tank adapted to contain a volume of fluid;at least one mixing chamber having a discharge opening disposed within said holding tank;a housing having an intake opening, said housing being connected to said at least one mixing chamber to provide fluid communication thereto;a turbine contained within said housing and oriented to rotate when a fluid flows through said housing;a power take-off connected to said turbine; anda gas source in communication with the interior of said at least one mixing chamber.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a fluid volume contained by said holding tank and wherein said intake opening of said housing and said discharge opening are disposed within said fluid volume.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said gas source is an air compressor having at least one air hose with an end disposed in said at least one mixing chamber.

4. The system of claim 1 further comprising a splined shaft connected to said power take-off.

5. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a discharge line connected to said intake opening of said housing; anda supply line having an intake opening disposed within said tank; said supply line being communicably connected to said discharge line.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein said gas source is an air compressor having at least one air hose with an end disposed in said at least one mixing chamber.

7. The system of claim 5 further comprising a splined shaft connected to said power take-off.

8. The system of claim 5 further comprising a fluid volume contained by said holding tank and wherein said intake opening of said supply line is disposed within said fluid volume.

9. The system of claim 5 further comprising: a regulating tank interposed between said supply line and said discharge line and having a tank outlet;a vacuum pump connected to said tank outlet; andactuation means operably connected to said vacuum pump for actuating said vacuum pump when at least a predetermined volume of a gas has accumulated within said regulating tank.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein said actuation means comprises a float switch having a float, said float switch being disposed within said regulating tank and operably connected to said vacuum pump.