U.S. patent application number 10/595364 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-25 for turbine housing and floatation assembly.
Invention is credited to Isidro U. Ursua.
Application Number | 20070020097 10/595364 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34432224 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070020097 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ursua; Isidro U. |
January 25, 2007 |
Turbine housing and floatation assembly
Abstract
The invention relates to a turbine housing comprising a housing
(2) body having a first end (8), second end (12) and a central
region (4), wherein the housing body comprises a bore running
therethrough, and wherein the bore tapers from a first larger
cross-section at and/or in the region of the first and second ends
to a second, smaller cross-section towards the central region. The
turbine housing may also include a fluid flow restriction means
arranged (34, 40) in use to restrict fluid speed, direction or
location within the turbine housing.
Inventors: |
Ursua; Isidro U.; (Markina
City, PH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ADAMS EVANS P.A.
301 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 2180
TWO WACHOVIA CENTER
CHARLOTTE
NC
28282-1991
US
|
Family ID: |
34432224 |
Appl. No.: |
10/595364 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
October 13, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/PH04/00010 |
371 Date: |
April 12, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
415/213.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02E 10/20 20130101;
F03B 17/063 20130101; F05B 2240/12 20130101; F05B 2240/14 20130101;
F05B 2240/932 20130101; F05B 2250/324 20130101; F03B 17/062
20130101; F03B 13/264 20130101; F05B 2250/323 20130101; F05B
2240/13 20130101; Y02E 10/30 20130101; F05B 2250/50 20130101; F05B
2240/97 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
415/213.1 |
International
Class: |
F01D 25/28 20060101
F01D025/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 13, 2003 |
PH |
1-2003-000483 |
Claims
1. A turbine housing comprising a housing body having a first end,
a second end and a central region, wherein the housing body
comprises: a bore running therethrough, and wherein the bore tapers
from a first larger cross-section at and/or in the region of the
first and second ends to a second, smaller cross-section towards
the central region; and fluid flow restriction means comprising two
moveable members, one each located towards the first and second end
of the housing, and arranged such that one of the first and/or
second fluid flow restriction means moves to the first position
when the other of the second and/or fluid flow restriction means
moves to the second position.
2. A turbine housing as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
cross-section of the bore in the central portion is selected from
the group of shapes consisting of rectangular, cylindrical, oval or
square.
3. A turbine housing as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein the shape
of the first and second end is selected from the group of shapes
consisting of frusto-conical, frusto-pyramidal or trumpet
shaped.
4. A turbine housing as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein the
cross-sectional shape of the central portion of the housing is
selected from the group of shapes consisting of rectangular or
square, and the shape of the first and second end comprises a
flared extension of the rectangular or square cross-sectional shape
of the central portion of the housing.
5. A turbine housing as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first and
second end comprise a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet
respectively.
6. A turbine housing as claimed in claim 1 wherein the central
portion of the housing comprises means to house a turbine or a
rotatable shaft of the turbine.
7. A turbine housing as claimed in claim 6 wherein the central
portion of the housing comprises a bore of uniform cross-section,
and suitably the means to house a turbine or rotatable shaft if
located substantially centrally within the central portion.
8-9. (canceled)
10. A turbine housing as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fluid flow
restriction means restricts speed and/or direction of fluid flow
through the housing.
11-13. (canceled)
14. A turbine housing as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a
movement limiting means operably co-operable with the means to
restrict fluid flow, such that the means to restrict fluid flow is
limited between the first and second positions only.
15. A turbine housing as claimed in claim 14 wherein the movement
limiting means comprises an arresting pin which serves to prevent
the movement limiting means from restricting fluid flow from moving
out of the range of the first and second positions.
16. A prime mover comprising a turbine housing as claimed in claim
1, on which is mounted a turbine.
17. A prime mover as claimed in claim 16 further comprising means
to connect the turbine housing to a fixed structure.
18. A prime mover as claimed in claim 17 wherein the means to
connect the turbine housing to a fixed structure comprises means to
connect the turbine housing to an ocean, river or sea bed.
19. A prime mover as claimed in claim 18 mounted within a
floatation unit, arranged in use to enable the prime mover to float
in a fluid medium.
20. A prime mover as claimed in claim 19 wherein the floatation
unit comprises means to enable entrapment of air within the
floatation unit and means to enable control of release of air
trapped within the floatation unit to enable the prime mover to
float or sink in a fluid medium to a desired depth.
21. A prime mover as claimed in claim 19 or 20 wherein the
floatation unit further comprises a waterproof shell, arranged in
use to protect a mounted turbine's electrical components from the
fluid medium.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to turbine housings and to power
enhancement of prime movers, and in particular to prime movers
which harness energy from free flowing fluid. The invention also
extends to a method of increasing generated energy of prime
movers.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Renewable and non-polluting sources of energy are currently
in high demand. Traditional sources of generating power such as the
combustion of fossil fuels, including coal, natural gas and oil,
are becoming less and less favored due to their environmental
disadvantages. The combustion of coal, oil or gas generates large
quantities of carbon dioxide, oxides of sulfur and nitrogen, and
other pollutant gases, which may contribute to global warming, acid
rain, air pollution and a number of other environment and health
damaging effects. World reserve of coal, oil and natural gas are
also thought to be relatively low, and may run out in the
foreseeable future.
[0003] Other sources of energy include nuclear fission, whereby
atoms of radioactive elements are bombarded with a neutron source,
which splits the radioactive element into an element or elements of
smaller atomic mass, generating massive quantities of energy in the
process. Unfortunately, the use of radioactive materials means that
environmentally safe methods of disposal of waste are difficult to
achieve. The radioactive waste generated is commonly stored in
sealed containers and then buried in restricted access landfill
sites or dumped at sea. There have been many occurrences of
radioactive waste leaking from these containers and damaging the
local environment. The damage caused by radioactive waste may be
irreversible and the radiation generated by the waste may last
decades. Thus, there is strong desire to produce or increase power
production of non-polluting and renewable energy sources. Known
non-polluting and renewable energy sources include tidal-powered
electricity generators, and wind powered electricity generators.
These types of generators generally employ turbines that are
designed to translate the linear motion of wind or tidal water
current into rotational motion of a turbine through a central hub,
which is connected to a suitable energy generator.
[0004] For a particular or specific turbine subjected to a free
flowing fluid for power extraction purposes, power generated by the
turbine will entirely be dependent on the speed of the fluid when
the mass is constant. The higher the site speed of the flow of
fluid, the higher is the power generated by a specific or
particular turbine subjected to that fluid flow.
[0005] Therefore, the maximum power produced by turbines used for
wind, river, or tidal flow power extraction are dictated by the
existing fluid speed; determined by the conditions set by the
environment.
[0006] One of the aims of preferred embodiments of the present
invention is to overcome or mitigate at least some of the
disadvantages or limitations imposed by the existing environmental
conditions, in particular the actual site speed available from the
fluid or medium from which power is extracted. The addition of a
turbine casing or a turbine housing designed to increase fluid
speed and which at the same time, directs the fluid to hit the
turbine blades/buckets at the correct angle, maximizes power output
that could not readily be available if the turbine were submerged,
without the use of a casing. Amplifying the actual existing site
fluid speed, power extracted by the turbine blades/buckets will
have a dramatic increase of turbine power output as the speed or
fluid velocity is squared in the kinetic energy equation.
[0007] In a vertical access turbine like an annenometer, viewed
from the top, power is produced from one half the operating area.
From the other half section, the blades/buckets advance through the
incoming fluid producing counter-rotative forces that has to be
subtracted from the power generated. Thus, eliminating the
counter-rotative forces produces dramatic increase in power
output.
[0008] A second aim of preferred embodiments of the present
invention is to over come or mitigate at least some of the
disadvantages imposed by this counter-rotative forces that greatly
influence turbine efficiency.
[0009] A third aim of preferred embodiments of the present
invention is to overcome or mitigate at least some of the problems
of fluid speed control encountered in harnessing power from free
flowing fluids.
[0010] Machines operating in the open seas are subjected to extreme
environmental weather conditions. High waves, winds, typhoons, as
well as tidal waves are major considerations in the design of the
machine that can withstand these forces. Thus, because of these
considerations, widespread use of the open sea for power extraction
becomes prohibitive.
[0011] A fourth aim of preferred embodiments of the present
invention is to overcome or mitigate at least some of the
disadvantages or limitations imposed by those extreme environmental
conditions.
[0012] Another aim of preferred embodiments of the invention is to
overcome or mitigate at least one problem of the prior art, whether
expressly disclosed herein or not.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a turbine housing comprising a housing body having a
first end, a second end and a central region, wherein the housing
body comprises a bore running therethrough, and wherein the bore
tapers from a first, larger cross-section at and/or in the region
of the first and second ends, to a second, smaller cross-section
towards the central portion.
[0014] Preferably the cross-section of the bore in the central
portion is rectangular, cylindrical, oval, square, or any other
suitable cross-sectional shape. In preferred embodiments, the
cross-section of the central portion of the bore is rectangular or
circular.
[0015] Preferably the shape of the first and second end is
frusto-conical or trumpet shaped. Alternatively, if the
cross-sectional shape of the central portion is rectangular or
square, preferably the shape of the first and second end comprises
a flared extension of the rectangular cross-sectional shape.
[0016] Preferably the first and second end comprise a fluid inlet
and fluid outlet respectively.
[0017] Suitably the central portion comprises means to mount a
turbine, or a rotatable shaft of a turbine. Preferably the central
portion comprises a bore of uniform cross-section, and suitably the
means to house a turbine or rotatable shaft is located subtantially
centrally within the central portion.
[0018] Length-wise, along the centerline of the central portion of
the housing, at the middle of the housing, for a vertical axis
turbine, is where the shaft of a turbine is preferably to be
installed or mounted. For a horizontal axis turbine, lengthwise,
along the centerline of the housing, also in middle of the central
portion housing, is where the turbine mountings are preferably to
be located. Hereunto, it will be the casing of a vertical axis
turbine that will be discussed, as design configurations are the
same on both.
[0019] In actual manufacture, the turbine housing may be divided
into five sections. Two identical inlet/outlet units are cut at the
first and second ends. Next, are two identical conducting duct
portions cut from both the resulting ends, the remaining middle
portion becomes the turbine-housing portion. Together, the duct
portions and turbine-housing portion comprise the central portion
of the turbine housing. Both sides of the turbine housing portion
are preferably double walled, with the inner walls, tapering
sidewise towards both openings forming a venturi. Center of the
housing of this turbine housing portion is where the vertical shaft
of the turbine is preferably to be located and held by bearing
assemblies.
[0020] Between the turbine housing portion and the inlet and outlet
portions, is where the conducting duct portions are installed. The
conducting duct portion is preferably a rectangular tubular
section, open at both ends each with flanges for bolted connections
to the flange end of one of the inlet or outlet portions at one
end, with other end bolted to the flange of the turbine housing
portion. This type of connection also applies to the other side of
the turbine housing portion similar in arrangement outward to form
a symmetrical assembly.
[0021] The bore of the second, smaller cross-sectional portion of
the inlet and outlet portions preferably has a flange that joins
the flange of conducting duct portion at one end. The other large
cross-sectional size end is preferably a flaring opening that
serves as the fluid intake/exhaust depending upon which way the
fluid is coming from. In use, when free flowing fluid is allowed to
enter at one end, it progresses inside and come out from the other
end. The process is reversed when the exit side becomes the
entrance.
[0022] When the housing is submerged in a free flowing fluid such
that one end is facing the fluid flow, the fluid enters the inlet
portion. The slowly decreasing volume of fluid flowing from the
first, larger cross-sectional part of the bore to the second,
smaller cross-sectional part of the bore causes the fluid to
increase in speed. As the fluid passes the conducting duct portion,
the fluid speed is stabilized. The conducting duct portion delivers
the fluid to the entrance of the turbine housing portion where the
fluid speed is further increased. At the throat of the venturi (in
the turbine housing portion) where the fluid speed is maximum,
power is extracted.
[0023] As the fluid comes out of the venturi's throat, the
increasing cross-sectional size from the central portion of the
bore to the larger cross-sectional size of the bore at the second
end causes the fluid to reduce in speed. The fluid is then deliverd
to the conducting duct portion of the other side to stabilize the
fluid speed. As the fluid enter and progresses inside the adjoining
outlet portion, the slowly increasing area of the outlet portion
further reduces the speed to a slightly lower speed than the
outside main stream fluid speed, this allows the main stream to
suck the fluid coming out of the whole housing.
[0024] In preferred embodiments, the housing comprises means to
restrict fluid flow through the housing body, hereinafter referred
to as "fluid flow restriction means".
[0025] Preferably the fluid flow restriction means comprises means
to restrict fluid flow through pre-defined areas of the housing
body. Alternatively and/or additionally, the fluid flow restriction
means may restrict speed and/or direction of fluid flow through the
housing.
[0026] In preferred embodiments, the fluid flow restriction means
comprises a moveable member, moveable between a first position in
which fluid flow is restricted axially along the housing body to,
for example, one side of the housing body, and a second position in
which fluid flow is not substantially restricted along the housing
body.
[0027] Suitably, the fluid flow restriction means comprises a
pivotable member, pivotable between the first and second positions.
Preferably, the pivotable member is moveable between the first and
second positions by action of fluid flowing through the bore.
[0028] In preferred embodiments, the fluid flow restriction means
comprises two moveable members, one each located towards the first
and second ends of the housing, and arranged in use such that one
of the first and/or second fluid flow restriction means moves to
the first position when the other of the second and/or first fluid
flow restriction means moves to the second position.
[0029] Thus, in preferred embodiments, fluid entering the first end
may impinge on the first fluid flow restriction means, and be
restricted to flowing along a restricted portion of the central
portion of the bore of the housing body in order to increase the
velocity of fluid arriving at a turbine housed in the central
portion. Conversely, fluid flowing out of the housing body may
impinge the second fluid flow restriction means, moving it from the
first or second position, such that fluid flow is not substantially
restricted in velocity and direction out of the second end.
[0030] There may be a movement limiting means operably co-operable
with the fluid flow restriction means, such that the fluid flow
restriction means is limited between the first and second positions
only. The movement limiting means may for example, comprise an
arresting pin or other such member, which serves to prevent the
fluid flow restriction means from moving out of the range of the
first and second positions.
[0031] In preferred embodiments, adjacent to the wall, close to the
forward flange of the conducting duct portion of the turbine
housing, right side of the inflow during intake operation, a fluid
flow restriction means in the form of a pivot pin is mounted in the
conducting portion. The pivot pin serves as support and pivot for a
straight or a curvilinear rectangular plate. This pin allows the
fluid flow restriction means to swing in during inflow, or to swing
out during outflow. Rollers (not shown) are provided along the
bottom part of the fluid flow restriction means for ease of
operation.
[0032] In the conducting duct portion, lengthwise, close to the
conducting duct portion inner flange, an arresting pin is attached
to the turbine housing. The arresting pin arrests the inward swing
of the fluid flow restriction means during the inflow to limit the
inward travel and hold it in place approximately at the center
during the whole intake operation. The arresting pin acts as a
stopper, and its location position the fluid flow restriction means
to directs the whole fluid mass or inflow toward correct angle of
attack of the fluid in relation to the blades/buckets of the
turbine to maximize power extraction. The other purpose of the
fluid flow restriction means is to preferably block one half of the
turbine section to provide a lower fluid speed area where the
advancing blade/bucket portion of turbine goes against the incoming
fluid flow.
[0033] Diverting one half of the mass of the inflow, causes one
half of the fluid pathway to be blocked. This blockade create a
reduce fuid speed downstream, along the blocked pathway, hence
produces low resistance against the advancing or power subtractive
blades/buckets, thereby increasing net power production due to
lesser subtractive forces.
[0034] With the fluid flow restriction means installed in the
conducting duct portions, during intake, the fluid flow restriction
means produces a choking effect to the already accelerated fluid
flow coming out from the intake/exhaust portion that feeds the
intake side of the conducting duct portion. The fluid speed is
further increased inside the conducting duct portion by the aid of
the choking effect of the fluid flow restriction means. The turbine
housing portion which houses a venturi maximize the speed. At the
point of maximum fluid speed inside the venturi, power is extracted
before it is allowed to expand through the increasingly widening
area of the venturi at the opposite end of the turbine housing
portion. The added speed introduced to the flow of the fluid
produces additional power that could be extracted by the turbine,
compared to the power it could produced without the use of the
turbine housing.
[0035] As the fluid enters the adjoining conducting duct portion
down stream of the turbine housing portion, the fluid hits the
inboard face of the fluid flow restriction means which is at closed
position resting on the arresting pin. The pressure exerted on the
inboard face, pushes the fluid flow restriction means to slide
open, allowing more room in this conducting duct portion to lower
and stabilize the fluid flow. The fluid flow is then guided
smoothly by the fluid flow restriction means through the
intake/exhaust portion outlet. Ultimately, the fluid joins the
mainstream running outside the whole assembly.
[0036] Thus, the speed of the fluid outside the turbine speed
accelerator assembly is preferably multiplied several times before
power is extracted. Directing and concentrating the mass of high
speed fluid where it is most needed increases available power. At
the same time, reducing the fluid speed encountered by the
advancing blades/buckets, minimizes the subtractive forces thereby
appraiseably increasing turbine effeciency.
[0037] During operation, when the fluid flow changes its direction,
fluid enters from the former exhaust end. The fluid flow
restriction means at this time, at this end is at open position.
Instead of the fluid flow pushing the fluid flow restriction means
against the inward face, it now pushes at the opposite side or
outward face of he fluid flow restriction means by the incoming
fluid flow coming from this end. This allows the fluid flow
restriction means to swing inward and pivot towards the close
position to be stopped and rest against the arresting pin. The
fluid flow restriction means remains closed all the time during
in-take operation to create a choking and blocking effect to
increase fluid speed at one section, and a low speed fluid flow at
the blocked section. The fluid, now inside the conducting duct
portion, is guided by the fluid flow restriction means to the
turbine housing portion for power extraction. The process
cotinually reverses every time the fluid direction reverses.
[0038] When the ocean is used as the medium, the turbine housing
may be mounted or supported by permanent pylons (not shown) that
are permanently embedded into the ocean floor, or suspended without
permanently situated infrastructures by the use of at least one
floatation unit that work under the inverted cup principle. The
trapped air in the floatation unit preferably holds the turbine
housing and floatation assembly afloat. At least one air release
control valve and at least one air charging valve are preferably
mounted on top of each floatation unit to released or trapped the
air inside the floatation units charging or releasing air inside
the floatation unit will make the entire turbine housing and
floatation assembly float or sink, or to float under water at
whatever depth is so required.
[0039] To prevent a mounted tubine's alternator/generator,
accessories, electrical controls, and other components from the
hazards of the elements, a weatherproof shell may be provided,
preferably supported by hinges and latches lock the shell in place
when closed. A retractable hydraulic jack is preferably connected
to the shell at one end, with the other end anchored to the ground
level to provide a method of hydraulically opening and closing the
shell as it is required. The shell in the closed position
preferably provides an air space to prevent water from reaching
water sensitive areas while the turbine is operating under water
with shell closed and locked.
[0040] In the submerged position the air relief valve is preferably
closed. Water is present inside the floatation unit, partly or
completely occupying the space inside it, depending at which depth
it is desired to float. When compressed air is re-introduced
through the air charging valves into the floatation unit, the air
entering inside the floatation unit preferably pushes the water
inside it out through the open lip at the bottom of the floatation
unit to make the turbine housing and floatation assembly float at
any desired depth.
[0041] To hold the turbine housing and floatation unit at
approximately the same location in the area, steel chains/cables
with calculated slack are preferably attached to at least two
anchors located at two different positions on the seabed. Attached
to the fore is at least one anchor chain/cable, aft of the turbine
housing and floatation assembly the other anchor chain/cable is/are
attached. Thus the turbine housing and floatation assembly is
preferably tethered at both fore and aft and is allowed to move
forward or backward only depending on the direction of the tide
flow and is prevented to turn around, dictated by the cable/s
slack, to avoid fouling of the electrical cables. Thus, the opening
of the turbine housing will preferably be facing against the flow
of the fluid and will be self adjusting in relation with the fluid
flow, regardless of where the fluid flow is coming from.
[0042] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is
provided a turbine housing as described hereinabove on which is
mounted a turbine or rotatable shaft.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how
embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, preferred
embodiments will now be described with reference to the
accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:
[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a first preferred
embodiment of the turbine housing of the invention.
[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the preferred
embodiment of the turbine housing shown in FIG. 1.
[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a second preferred
embodiment of the turbine housing shown in FIG. 3.
[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of the second preferred
embodiment of the turbine housing of the invention.
[0048] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a floatation
assembly of the third preferred embodiment of the turbine a of the
invention.
[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the turbine housing
and floatation assembly of the third preferred embodiment shown in
FIG. 5, when the turbine housing is mounted in the floatation
assembly with the shell close.
[0050] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the turbine housing
and floatation assembly of the third preferred embodiment shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6, when the turbine housing is mounted in the
floatation assembly with the shell open.
[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the turbine housing and
floatation assembly of the third preferred embodiment of the
present invention, afloat and anchored on the sea bed with shell
open.
[0052] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the turbine housing and
floatation assembly of a fourth preferred embodiment of the present
invention, submerged and anchored on the sea bed with the shell
closed.
[0053] FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of a vertical access turbine
of the prior art, in relation with the present invention showing
the forces generated by the incoming fluid on the blades/buckets as
the blades/bucketts advances against the moving fluid.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE
INVENTION
[0054] Referring firstly to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a preferred
embodiment of a turbine housing 2, comprises a hollow housing body
comprising a turbine housing portion 4, two conducting duct
portions 6 and 10, an inlet portion 8 and outlet portion 12, having
a bore running therethrough. The turbine housing portion 4 and two
conducting duct portions 6 and 10 form a central portion of the
husing 2. The two portions 8 and 12 form the first and second ends
of the housing. The cross-section of the turbine housing 2 is
rectangular in this example, but could also either be square, oval,
or circular, for example. The housing comprises a first end 32 and
a second end 58 having a bore of a first larger cross-section
tapering to a second smaller cross-section in the bore of the units
4, 6 and 10.
[0055] The turbine housing portion 4 is a hollow box open at both
ends with a removable top plate 60. The removable top plate 60 is
the access when installing turbine 62 inside this box. It is
provided with inside double walling 14 along each side, mounted
perpendicular from the bottom plate 16, originating and attached
vertically to the turbine housing portion 4 opening flange 18 and
flange 20 of the turbine housing portion 4. The shape of the double
wlling 14 is half an ellipse reckoned from the top view, the two
vertical walling 14, together forms a venturi.
[0056] At the center of top plate 60 and bottom plate 16, the top
and bottom bearing support (not shown) of a turbine shaft 22 of the
vertical axis turbine 62 is located. Proper clearances are provided
between double wall 14 and the blades of the rotating turbine
62.
[0057] The conducting duct portions 6 and 10 are just ducts or
boxes open at both ends. The conducting duct portions 6 and 10
joins the turbine housing portion 4 flanges 18 and 20 as against
flanges 24 and 38 of the conducting duct portions respectively.
Both the other end of the conducting duct portions 6 and 10 joins
the inlet and outlet portions 8 and 12 flanges 28 and 30
respectively. The inlet and outlet portions 8 and 12 comprise a
first larger cross-section at the first end 32 and second end 58
tapering to a smaller cross-section in the central portion of the
housing 4, both have a wide flaring end 32 and 58 that serves as an
enlarged opening for intake or exhaust for the fluid during
operation.
[0058] Use of the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 will now be
described.
[0059] The whole turbine housing 2 is submerged and oriented into a
free moving fluid such that the opening hole 32 of the inlet unit 8
is directly facing the incoming fluid, the fluid enters the opening
hole 32, progresses inside and come out of the opening 58 to join
the fluid flow passing outside the turbine housing 2.
[0060] During operation, when the fluid enters opening 32, the
fluid progresses inside the inlet portion 8. The cross-sectional
area of the bore is gradually reduced from the inlet 8 through the
conducting unit portion 6 to accelerate to increase the fluid
speed. The fluid is then delivered and enters into the conducting
duct portion 6 to smoothen the fluid flow before it is allowed to
enter the turbine housing portion 4. The venturi inside the turbine
housing portion 4 further increases the fluid speed delivered by
the conducting duct portion 6; at this maximum fluid speed, power
is extracted.
[0061] The high-speed linear motion of the fluid inside the turbine
housing portion 4 is converted by the turbine 62 into rotational
motion of shaft 22, and is transmitted to a gearbox 50, which
amplifies the rotational speed, then is transmitted to an
alternator 52 that convert the forces into electrical output.
[0062] The fluid, after hitting the blades of turbine 12, is
allowed to reduce speed as the fluid passes through the venturi's
throat inside the turbine housing portion 4. The fluid is then
smoothen inside the conducting duct portion 10 before it enters the
outlet unit 12. The progressively widening area of the bore inside
the outlet unit 12, reduces the fluid speed further as it continue
to pass into the outlet unit 12. The fluid coming out at opening
58, once again joins the flow of fluid passing outside the turbine
housing 2.
[0063] Thus, the use of the turbine housing 2 increases the
prevailing fluid speed outside the turbine housing 2, to produce an
increase of available power for prime mover's extraction.
[0064] The process is reversed when the fluid flow changes its
direction, this time, entering through opening 58 of the outlet
unit 12, to come out through opening 32 of the inlet unit 8.
[0065] Use of the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 3, 4 and 10 will
now be described.
[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a second embodiment of the
turbine housing 2, includes all the elements of the embodiment
described for FIGS. 1 and 2, but also includes means to manage the
fluid flow entering the turbine housing portion 4, in the foprm of
fluid flow restriction means in the form of plates 34 and 40
installed inside the conducting duct portions 6 and 10. The fluid
flow restriction means 34 and 40 are either straight rectangular
plates, or are curvelinear plates, shaped to form a smooth
curvature to guide, increase the speed, and direct the flow of the
fluid. When the inlet portion 8 opening 32 is facing the fluid
flow, the entering fluid increases in speed as it passes through
the narrowing space of the bore of the inlet portion 8. The fluid
enters the conducting unit 6, passing along the outward face 90 of
the plate 34, the fluid speed increases further and is directed to
hit the blades/buckets of turbine 62 where it is most needed, to
produce optimum power extraction. Afterwards, the fluid speed is
gradually reduced inside the turbine housing portion 4 as it
progresses outward from the venturi's throat as a result of the
venturis' effect of the double walling 14.
[0067] Inside the conducting duct portions 6 and 10 are pivot pins
46 and 48, arresting pins 42 and 44, used by the plates 34 and 40
respectively, as pivots and as closing travel arresters.
[0068] Downstream of the fluid flow restriction means atinner
surface 92, the fluid path is blocked. The block produces a slower
fluid speed encountered by the advanacing blades/buckets of the
turbine 62 resulting to a much lower subtractive forces; hence,
much larger net power can be extracted.
[0069] The fluid output of the turbine housing portion 4 enters the
conducting duct portion 10 to impinge on the inward face 56 of the
fluid plate 40 that is resting against the arresting pin 44. The
fluid plate 40 then slide open by the aid of rollers (not shown)
attached at the bottom edge of the fluid plate 40, pivoting on the
pivot pin 48. This allows the fluid to reduce speed some more, so
it could now easily pass through the outlet portion 12, through
opening 58, and be sucked by the mainstream fluid flowing outside
the turbine housing 2.
[0070] When the tide flow reverses, fluid flow the fluid inside the
fluid accelerator assembly 2 also reverses.
[0071] The now opened plate 40 will be impinged on the outward face
54 by the incoming fluid. Plate 40 then will be pushed to move
inside towards the closed position, until the closing motion is
stopped as the inward face 56 of the plate means 40 hits the
arresting pin 44. The cycle will then keep repeating every time the
direction of the fluid flow reverses.
[0072] Use of the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 will
now be described.
[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8, a third embodiment of
the turbine housing 2 of the invention, includes all elements
described in FIGS. 3 and 4, but include floatation assembly 80 to
make the turbine housing 2 float. The floatation assembly 80, is
composed of at least one floatation unit 82, preferably, at least
two floatation units 82, separated by superstructure and flooring
84, such that when the two floatation units 82 are bolted and
joined, the turbine housing 2, will be mounted to straddle the
floatation assembly 80, sandwiching the whole body lengthwise. When
bolted to the superstructure and flooring 84, the turbine housing 2
becomes an integral unit of the turbine housing and floatation
assembly 94. Mounting is made such that, the turbine housing 2 is
lower than the top of the superstructure and flooring 84, suitably
to make it totally underwater while the super structure and
flooring 84 is well above the water.
[0074] On top of the superstructure and flooring 84 is where the
turbine gearbox 50, alternator 52, hydraulic jacks 70, compress air
containers, compressors, hydraulic motors, electrical accessories
and controls (all not shown) are located. All of these accessories
are covered with a shell 64, such that when closed, hinges 66 and
latch 68 holds the shell 64 in-placed shell 64 when close create a
water tight chamber that protect the alternator 52 and other
required accessories from getting wet, during fully submerged
operation operation. The shell 64 is attached by hinges 66 to the
superstructure and flooring 84 to allow shell 64 to be opened or
closed at will, by means of hydraulic jack 70.
[0075] In use, when the turbine housing 2 and floatation assembly
94 is place on a free moving fluid such as a river or an oean, the
turbine housing 2 and floatation assembly 94 will float. The whole
superstructure 84 will be under the water surface except for the
superstructure flooring 84, which houses the gearbox 50, alternator
52, together with the electrical accessories (not shown), are all
above the water surface.
[0076] To prevent turbine housing 2 and floatation assembly 94
being carried by the flowing water, mooring chains 76 and 78 are
attached to both fore and aft mooring blocks 86 and 88 embedded on
the seabed. This mooring arrangement provide an ample means to
allow the turbine housing 2 and floatation assembly 94 to move fore
and aft only dictated by the direction of the water flow.
[0077] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the fourth embodiment of the
invention includes all the elements of the embodiment described for
FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8, but includes means to submerge the whole
turbine housing and floatation assembly 94 to continuously operate;
this time under the surface of the water.
[0078] At least one mechanically/electrically or pneumatically
controlled discharge valve 72 and at least one
mechanically/electrically or pneumatically controlled charging
valve 74 is installed on the top surface of the floatation unit
82.
[0079] In use, during normal operating condition, except for the
flooring 84, the rest of the floatation means assembly 80 is
submerged under the water surface.
[0080] During bad weather condition water surface becomes rough.
The continuously buffeting disturbances cause by the waves,
disrupts the smooth operation of the system. To avoid the
possibility of a mooring break or destruction, the whole turbine
housing and floatation assembly 94 is required to submerge to a
suitable water depth.
[0081] Before diving or under water operation is initiated, the
shell 64 is close through the use of hydraulic jack 70 and held
rigidly close by the aid of the latch 68 and hinges 66. The trapped
air inside the airtight shell 64 prevents the water from reaching
gearbox 50, alternator 52, and the rest of water sensitive
instruments and controls.
[0082] At floating position, the trapped air inside the floatation
unit 82 that makes the turbine housing and floatation assembly 94
float is vented out to the atmosphere through the
mechanically/electrically or pneumatically controlled discharge
valve 72. Allowing the release of the trap air inside the
floatation unit 82, the space vacated by the air permits the water
to enter through the open lip at the bottom of floatation unit 82.
As the buoyancy is lost, the turbine housing and floatation
assembly 94 starts to sink and be totally submerged. The desired
water depth where the turbine housing and floatation assembly 94 is
allowed to mentain is controlled by the amount or quantity of the
trapped air released.
[0083] In the submerged position, with the discharge valve 72
closed, a battery of compressed air canisters (not shown) charges
the floatation unit 82 through the charging valves 74. The water
occupying the space inside the floatation unit 82 is forced out by
the entering air, and the water is then pushed out through the open
bottom at the lip of the floatation units 82. As the air space
increases, the buoyancy of the turbine housing and floatation
assembly 94 increases. The amount of air charged determines the
level at which turbine housing and floatation assembly 94 will
float.
[0084] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and
documents which are filed concurrently with this specification in
connection with this application and which are open for public
inspection with this specification, and the content of all such
papers and documents are incorporated herein by references. All of
the features disclosed in this specification (including any
accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the
steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any
combination, except combinations where at least some of such
features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
[0085] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any
accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), maybe replaced by
alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar
purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a
generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[0086] The invention is not restricted to the details of the
foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or
any novel combination, of the feature disclosed in this
specification (including any accompanying claims, abstracts, and
drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the
steps of any method or process so disclosed.
* * * * *