U.S. patent application number 14/269158 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-05 for water relocation apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gary Lawrence Johnston. Invention is credited to Gary Lawrence Johnston.
Application Number | 20150316034 14/269158 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42239601 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150316034 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnston; Gary Lawrence |
November 5, 2015 |
Water Relocation Apparatus
Abstract
A water relocation apparatus is provided which uses water as a
means for transferring energy from the wind and sun into
electricity. Wind and the sun may be used to displace water from a
water container means. The water container means has a water
container member which may be partially submerged in a water supply
or reservoir, or it may be connected remotely. The water container
means also has a water transport member connected to it, through
which water from the water reservoir may move into the water
container member. The water from the supply or reservoir will move
into the water container member as the water displacement process
begins. A conventional windmill system may be used to mechanically
displace the water, or an evaporation system utilizing one or more
lenses may be used to evaporate the water. An electric generator
means may be operatively connected to the water container means in
such a manner that the movement of the water through said water
transport member may be used to generate electricity. In an
alternate configuration, a water condenser means may be connected
to the water container means in such a manner that the evaporated
water may be transformed back into liquid form and returned to the
reservoir or collected for possible residential, commercial, or
industrial uses. The various components of the water displacement
means and electricity generation means, along with the water
condenser means, may also be used in various combinations to
displace larger amounts of water.
Inventors: |
Johnston; Gary Lawrence;
(Cowarts, AL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Johnston; Gary Lawrence |
Cowarts |
AL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
42239601 |
Appl. No.: |
14/269158 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
60/398 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02E 10/725 20130101;
F03D 9/28 20160501; Y02E 10/72 20130101; Y02P 80/158 20151101; F04B
17/02 20130101; Y02P 80/22 20151101; F03D 9/008 20130101; Y02P
80/10 20151101; F03D 1/02 20130101; Y02E 60/17 20130101; Y02P
80/156 20151101; Y02P 80/24 20151101; Y02P 80/20 20151101; F24S
20/20 20180501; F03D 9/25 20160501; Y02E 60/16 20130101; F03D 9/14
20160501; Y02E 10/46 20130101; F24S 23/30 20180501; F03G 6/065
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F03D 9/00 20060101
F03D009/00; F03G 6/06 20060101 F03G006/06; F03D 9/02 20060101
F03D009/02 |
Claims
1. A water relocation apparatus comprising: a water container means
comprising a water container member for containing water within,
said water container member having an inlet-means for allowing
water from a water supply to enter said water container member,
said inlet means being located below the level of water is said
water container member; and as outlet means for allowing water from
said water container member to exit said water container member,
said outlet means being located above the level of said, water
within said water container member; and a water rotation means
having a water engaging member, an inlet, and an outlet; a water
displacement means positioned generally above said water container
member; said water displacement means being a conventional windmill
system, said windmill system used to displace water from within
said water container member of said water container means, through
said outlet of said water container member; an electric generator
means operatively connected to said water rotatable means of said
water container means and said water displacement means; whereby
the displacement of water within said water-container member
through said outlet of said water container member by said
conventional windmill system produces a water flow for creating a
rotation in said water engaging member of said water rotation
means, such that electricity is generated by said electric
generator means, thus water being used as a means to transfer
energy from the water displacement means to the electric generator
means.
2. The wafer relocation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said water
displacement means further comprising a frame structure means
having a base for supporting said water container means, a
displacement support member for support said water displacement
means, and a generator support for supporting said electric
generator.
3. The water relocation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said
electric generation means operatively connected to said engaging
member of said water rotation by a closed loop connection means,
such said rotation of said water engaging member cause electricity
to be produced by said electricity generation means.
4. The water relocation apparatus as claimed in claim 3, said water
rotation means further comprising a rotatable member mounted to
said water engagement member, said electricity generation means
further comprising a rotatable member mounted to an electric
generator, said rotatable members connected together by a closed
loop connection member such that said rotatable members rotate
simultaneously.
5. The water relocation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, whereby
various components of said water displacement apparatus may be
operatively connected together and may utilize a common inlet
means, such that larger amounts of water may be displaced
simultaneously in order that the water Sow rate through said inlet
means may be increased.
6. A water relocation apparatus comprising: a water container means
comprising a water container member for containing water within,
said water container member having an entrance area through which
beams from the sun may pass into said water container member, an
inlet means for allowing water from a water supply to enter said
water container member; and an outlet means for allowing evaporated
water from said water container member to exit said water container
member; a water displacement means positioned generally above said
water container member; said water displacement means being an
evaporation system for evaporating water from within said water
container member of said water container means, through said outlet
of said water container member; whereby beams from the sun may pass
into said water container member through said entrance area and
evaporate the water from within, such that said evaporated water
may move through said outlet of said water container member and
through said water condenser means, with said evaporated water
being sufficiently cooled as it travels through said condenser
means so that it returns to a liquid form.
7. The water relocation apparatus as claimed in claim 6 further
comprising a water condenser means connected to said outlet of said
water container member of said water container means.
8. The water relocation apparatus as claimed in claim 7, said water
displacement means further comprising a frame structure means
having a base for supporting said water container means, a
displacement support member for support said water displacement
means, and a condenser support for supporting said water condenser
means.
9. The water relocation apparatus as claimed in claim 7, said water
condenser means of said water displacement apparatus further
comprising a hollow coiled tube connected to said outlet of said
water container member for cooling evaporated water so that the
evaporated water is returned to liquid form as it travels inside;
and container collection means placed at the end of said hollow
coiled tube for collecting the resulting condensed liquid.
10. The water relocation apparatus as claimed in claim 6, said
evaporation system comprising at least one concentrating lens for
concentrating beams from the sun into the water located within said
water container member, causing water within said water container
member to be displaced by evaporation.
11. The water relocation apparatus as claimed in claim 10, said
evaporation system further comprising an additional channeling lens
for channeling beams from the sun onto said concentrating lens.
12. The water relocation apparatus as claimed in claim 6 whereby
various components of said water relocation apparatus may be
operatively connected together such that large amounts of water may
be evaporated simultaneously and may be changed to liquid form and
collected.
13. The water relocation apparatus as claimed in claim 6, said
evaporation system comprising at least one fresnel lens for
directing and concentrating beams from the sun into the water
located within said water container member, causing water within
said water container member to be displaced by evaporation.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/658,964, filed Feb. 17, 2010, which itself
is Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/186,352, filed Jul. 21, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,677,042, which
issued on Mar. 16, 2010. U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/186,352, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,677,042, is a Continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/667,584, filed Sep. 22, 2003, which
is now U.S. Pat. No. 6,920,757, issuing on Jul. 26, 2005. U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/667,584 is a Continuation-In-Part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/232,263, filed Aug. 29, 2002,
which is now U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,435, issuing on Nov. 25, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a liquid displacement apparatus
which has a displacement means for displacing or relocating liquid
contained within a liquid filled container member. The liquid
filled container member may be surrounded by a supply or reservoir
of liquid, or may be connected remotely. Preferably, the liquid
utilized by the apparatus is water. As the liquid or water is
removed from the container member, water from the water supply or
reservoir will move into the container member through an inlet
means, thus replenishing the displaced water. This movement of the
water from the container may be used to turn an electric generator,
and therefor generate electricity. The relocation or displacement
of water may be caused by different methods, including removal by a
conventional windmill system, or an evaporation system consisting
of a lens. Water is thus being used as a means for transferring
energy from the wind and sun to an electric generator. Water
evaporated from the water container by an evaporation system may be
let into the surrounding atmosphere, or may be channeled through a
condenser so that it may be converted back into liquid form and
collected for possible residential, commercial, or industrial use.
Water displaced by the windmill system and the evaporation system
may be returned to the supply or reservoir for re-use when an
electric generator is utilized.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is the object of this invention to provide a water
relocation apparatus which may provide an inexpensive and clean way
of producing electricity. The main purpose of this application is
to demonstrate an apparatus which performs the stated function, and
to demonstrate the many options and configurations this apparatus
may take on.
[0004] Briefly stated, the apparatus that forms the basis of the
present invention comprises basically a frame structure means, a
water displacement means, a water container means, and an
electricity generating means. The water displacement means may be a
conventional type of windmill system, or an evaporation system
using a lens or set of lenses. Accompanying the evaporation system
may be a water condenser means for converting evaporated water back
into liquid form. The water displacement means and the water
container means may all be mounted upon the frame structure means.
The electricity generating means and a water condenser means may
also mount upon the frame structure means. However, it may be
possible to mount the water displacement means, the water container
means, the electricity generating means, and the condenser means,
upon individual frame structure means, or upon one another.
[0005] The design of the apparatus is such that the water
displacement means removes water from the water container means,
causing water to flow from the water supply or reservoir into the
water container member through an inlet means. The inlet may be
connected to a water rotation means which is operatively connected
to an electricity generating means, so that this water movement
into the water container means generates electricity. Similarly the
water rotation means and the electricity generating means may
connect to an outlet means of the water container means, so that
water exiting the water container member may be used by the water
rotation means and the electricity generating means to generate
electricity. In either case, the water displaced by the apparatus
may be used to generate electricity in a very clean and efficient
manner.
[0006] When a conventional windmill system is used to displaced
water, energy from the wind is used to mechanically displace water.
As with most conventional windmill systems, the system may utilize
a type of wind vane so that it rotates to engage the wind in
whatever the direction the wind is blowing. When an evaporation
system is used, a lens or series of lenses may be used to direct
and concentrate beams from the sun to heat water inside the water
container means. As the water inside the water container means
heats up, the evaporation process will begin to occur, and the
evaporated water will move out of the water container means through
an opening or outlet means. In both systems, the water container
means may have an inlet submerged in, or connected to, a water
supply or reservoir. As the water inside the water container means
begins to be displaced, water will begin to move into the water
container means through the inlet, thus turning the electric
generator.
[0007] When an evaporation system is used, the evaporated water may
be channeled through a conventional water condensation means, so
that the evaporated water may be converted back to a liquid form.
The water may be returned to the water supply or reservoir, or it
may be captured and treated for possible residential, commercial,
and industrial uses. There may also be many other uses for the
water displacement apparatus, which will be obvious for someone in
a similar industry.
[0008] As mentioned previously, the basic function of this
apparatus is to use water as a means for transferring energy from
the sun and wind to an electric generator. Areas which have a
sufficient amount of sun, wind, and water, such as the gulf coast
region, can utilize the apparatus as a clean and inexpensive way of
generating electricity. And in the case of the evaporation system,
the apparatus may be utilized to purify water.
[0009] Other objects, features, and advantages for this invention
will be apparent from the following detailed description and the
appended claims, references being made to the accompanying drawings
forming a part of the specification, wherein like reference
numerals designate corresponding parts of the several views.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1A is a front view of the water relocation apparatus
using a conventional windmill system as a water displacement
means.
[0011] FIG. 1B is a side view of the water relocation apparatus
using a conventional windmill system as a water displacement
means.
[0012] FIG. 1C is a top view of the water relocation apparatus
using a conventional windmill system as a water displacement
means.
[0013] FIG. 1D is a front view of the water relocation apparatus
using an evaporation system as a water displacement means.
[0014] FIG. 1E is a side view of the water relocation apparatus
using an evaporation system as a water displacement means.
[0015] FIG. 1F is a top view of the water relocation apparatus
using an evaporation system as a water displacement means.
[0016] FIG. 2A is a front view of the frame structure means of the
water displacement apparatus.
[0017] FIG. 2B is a side view of the frame structure means of the
water displacement apparatus.
[0018] FIG. 2C is a top view of the frame structure means of the
water displacement apparatus.
[0019] FIG. 3A is a front view of a conventional windmill system
used as a water displacement means for the water displacement
apparatus.
[0020] FIG. 3B is a side view of a conventional windmill system
used as a water displacement means for the water displacement
apparatus.
[0021] FIG. 3C is a top view of a conventional windmill system used
as a water displacement means for the water displacement
apparatus.
[0022] FIG. 3D is a front view of an evaporation system used as a
water displacement means for the water displacement apparatus.
[0023] FIG. 3E is a side view of an evaporation system used as a
water displacement means for the water relocation apparatus.
[0024] FIG. 3F is a top view of an evaporation system used as a
water displacement means for the water relocation apparatus.
[0025] FIG. 3G is a bottom view of an evaporation system used as a
water displacement means for the water relocation apparatus.
[0026] FIG. 4A is a front view of the water container means of the
water relocation apparatus.
[0027] FIG. 4B is a side view of the water container means of the
water relocation apparatus.
[0028] FIG. 4C is a top view of the water container means of the
water relocation apparatus.
[0029] FIG. 4D is a side view of the water engaging member of the
water displacement means.
[0030] FIG. 5A is a front view of the electricity generation means
of the water relocation apparatus.
[0031] FIG. 5B is a top view of the electricity generation means of
the water relocation apparatus.
[0032] FIG. 5C is a side view of the electricity generation means
of the water relocation apparatus.
[0033] FIG. 6A is a front view of the operation of the water
relocation apparatus using a convention windmill system as the
water displacement means.
[0034] FIG. 6B is a front view of the operation of the water
relocation apparatus using an evaporation system consisting of a
converging type lens as a water displacement means.
[0035] FIG. 7A is a front view of the water relocation apparatus
showing a water condenser means used in conjunction with an
evaporation system with the condensed water being saved for
possible residential, commercial, and industrial use.
[0036] FIG. 7B is a front view of the water relocation apparatus
showing a water condenser means used in conjunction with an
evaporation system and electric generator means to generate
electricity, with the condensed water being returned to the water
supply or reservoir.
[0037] FIG. 8A is a front view of the water relocation apparatus
using an evaporation system having a diverging type lens used in
conjunction with a converging type lens.
[0038] FIG. 8B is a front view of the water relocation apparatus
using an evaporation system having multiple converging type
lenses.
[0039] FIG. 9A is a front view of the water relocation apparatus
using a water supply or reservoir located remotely from the
apparatus.
[0040] FIG. 9B is a front view of the water relocation apparatus
returning water to the water supply or reservoir.
[0041] FIG. 10 is a front view of the water relocation apparatus
showing how multiple components of the water relocation apparatus
may be operatively connected together to displace or relocate
larger amounts of water.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0042] Before explaining in detail the present invention, it is to
be understood that the invention is not limited in its application
to the details of construction or arrangement of parts illustrated
in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of
other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various
ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description, and
not limitation.
[0043] As best can be seen by references to the drawings, and in
particular to FIGS. 1A-1F, the water relocation apparatus that
forms the basis of the present invention is designated generally by
the reference numeral 5, and includes a frame structure means 10, a
water container means 40, a water displacement means 20, and an
electricity generation means 30. As may be seen, the water
displacement means 20 may be a conventional windmill system 21 or
an evaporation system 22. The water container means 40, the water
displacement means 20, and the electricity generating means 30 are
all preferably mounted on frame structure means 10. However, each
could be mounted upon one other, to their own frame structure, or
some combination, and the apparatus would also operate as
intended.
[0044] As may been seen in FIGS. 2A-2C, frame structure means 10
may comprise a base 11, a displacement support member 12, and a
generator support member 13. The water container means 40 mounts on
the base 11. The water displacement means 20 mounts of the
displacement support member 12, while the electricity generation
means 30 mounts on the generator support member 13. Displacement
support member 12 and generator support member 13 mount to base
11.
[0045] As may be seen in FIGS. 3A-3F, the water displacement means
20 may be a conventional windmill system 21 for mechanically
displacing water, or may be an evaporation system 22 for displacing
water using the evaporation process. The evaporation system is
basically a converging type lens member 23, which concentrates
beams from the sun onto water within the water container means to
evaporate the water. Additional lenses, such as a diverging type
lens, or additional converging type lens mounted at angle, may be
added to increase the amount of beams from the sun which are
concentrated. Converging type lens member 23 has a lens support
member 24, which mounts the lens upon displacement support member
12.
[0046] FIGS. 4A-4D demonstrates the water container means 40, which
includes transport member 43, and a water rotation means 44 having
an inlet means 45. Water rotation means 44 includes a water
rotatable member 46 mounted to a water engaging member 47, which is
enclosed within the water rotation means 44. The water container
member 41, water transport member 43, water rotation means 44, and
water rotation inlet member 45 are hollow structures which allowing
water to move within. The water container member 41 is a generally
upright structure, while the water transport member 43 and rotation
inlet means 45 are generally horizontal structures. Water transport
member 43 may be seen to serve as an inlet means, allowing water to
enter the water container member 41 from water rotation means 44.
Water rotation inlet means 45 serves as an inlet for allowing water
to enter rotation means 44. The water transport member 43 is
connected to the water rotation means 44 so that water exiting
rotation means 44 may enter water transport member 43, and thus
into water container member 41. The water engaging member 47 is a
typical type of paddle wheel which rotates as water engages it.
Other types of water engaging members which perform the same
function are commonly known to exist, and are capable of serving
the same purpose as the type shown.
[0047] As may be seen in FIGS. 5A-5C, the electricity generation
means 30 includes a conventional electricity generator 31, which is
commonly known in the industry. The electricity generator 31 has a
rotatable member 32 mounted on the generator shaft.
[0048] FIG. 6A demonstrates the water relocation apparatus using a
conventional windmill system for its operation. The conventional
windmill system 21 mechanically displaces water from within water
container member 41. Also as with most conventional windmill
system, the system will be able to rotate to face the direction of
the wind, similar to a wind vane. As may be seen, the water
container means 40 may mount upon frame structure means 10, which
may be placed in a water supply or reservoir. The water container
member 41 may mount upon base 11, while the water displacement
means 20 may mount upon displacement support member 12. The water
container member is mounted so that the open end 42 of water
container member 41 is above the level of the water within. The
electricity generator means 30 may mount upon the generator support
member 13, above the water level, but water tight generators may
exist which are capable of being mounted below water level.
Conventional windmill system 21 operates in a typical fashion,
mechanically displacing or pumping water from water container
member 41, preferably back into the surrounding water supply or
reservoir, through an outlet member 48, or through open end 42. As
water is removed from the water container member 41, water will
travel into water container member 41 through water transport
member 43. Water will then move into water transport member 43 from
water rotation means 44. Water will then move from the water supply
or reservoir into water rotation means 44 through water rotation
inlet member 45. This movement of water through water rotation
means 44 produces rotation in water engagement member 47, and thus
water rotatable member 46. Rotatable member 46 is operatively
connected to rotatable member 32 of electricity generation means 30
through closed loop connection member 35. As water engagement
member 47 rotates, rotatable member 32 will rotate accordingly.
Rotatable member 32 is mounted to the shaft of electricity
generator 31 so that electricity is generated as it rotates.
Electricity generator 31 is a common type of generator well known
in the industry.
[0049] The conventional windmill system which may be used to pump
the water may be comprised of a reciprocating displacement pump
system commonly used throughout the world. It may include a typical
piston submerged in a water filled pipe, which displaces water from
the bottom of the pipe upward, as the piston moves upward and
downward. The piston itself may have a type of check valve which
allows water to move through the piston on the downward stroke, but
is retained above the piston on the upward stroke. Water may
re-enter the pipe through a second check valve located on the pipe
inlet, which opens as the piston moves upward, and closed as the
piston moves downward. This allows water to enter the pipe from a
water reservoir as the piston moves upward,
but keeps the water from exiting out the inlet as the piston moves
downward. Water moves through the check valve and into the pipe
through the action of atmospheric pressure. The reciprocating
action of the piston is created by the windmill through a crank
mechanism which is mounted to the rotating member at one end, and
to the top of the piston rod at the opposite end. As mentioned,
this type of reciprocating displacement pump system is very common,
and has been used successfully to displace water upward for many,
many years.
[0050] When a conventional windmill system is used as a water
displacement means, it is also possible to construct the apparatus
so that the flow of water through the apparatus is opposite of what
is shown. For example, the inlet of the water container member may
be connected directly to the water supply, while the outlet of the
water container member may be connected directly to the water
rotation means. In this configuration, the water will then flow out
of the water container member directly to the water rotation means,
with the water rotation means emptying the displaced water to the
water supply. Water flow will occur as long as some part of the
apparatus is open to the atmosphere. In still another scenario, the
apparatus may be supplied with enough water so that the water
supply is not necessary, at least until a later date. The outlet of
the water container member may connect to the inlet of the water
rotation means, while the outlet of the water rotation means may
connect to the inlet of the water container member. This closed
loop type of configuration will work as long as the water is
exposed to the atmosphere at some point, and water is occasionally
supplied back to the apparatus since some water loss is bound to
occur. In all three instances, water is removed from the water
container means by the water displacement means. It then flows
through the water rotation means, and then returns back into the
water container member. The only difference is the stage in which
the water supply is used. Also in all three instances, atmospheric
pressure is what pushes water into the water container member.
[0051] FIG. 6B demonstrates a second type of water displacement
means 20, which is an evaporation system 22. The operation of an
evaporation system is different in that it displaces water from
within water container 41 using the evaporation process. As seen,
evaporation system 22 may have a converging type lens member 23
which mounts, using lens support member 24, upon displacement
support member 12, so that converging type lens member 23 is
positioned above the open end 42 of water container member 41. As
beams from the sun hit converging lens member 23, the beams will be
concentrated into the open end 42 of water container member 41 and
onto the water contained inside. The concentrated beams will cause
the water inside water container member 41 to heat up, and the
evaporation process will begin once the water temperature reaches
and exceeds the boiling temperature of water. This is similar to
the way a magnifying glass may be used to concentrate sun beams
onto an object, so that the object becomes heated and, in some
cases, catches on fire. The evaporated water will then exit the
water container member 41 into the surrounding atmosphere through
open end 42. This evaporation or displacement of water will produce
the same movement of water through rotation means 44 as described
above for the conventional windmill system, which will in turn
produce electricity using electricity generator 30.
[0052] As may be seen in FIG. 7A, a water condenser means 70 may
also operate in conjunction with the frame structure means 10 and
the evaporation system 21. The water condenser means 70 includes a
condenser base support 71 mounted on base 11 of frame structure
means 10. In this configuration, the function of the apparatus is
to purify water for possible residential, commercial, and/or
industrial purposes. As may be seen, a condenser container 73 will
mount on condenser support base 71. In this configuration, the
water container member 41 will have a condenser clear cover 76 to
cover the previously open end 42 of water container member 41, so
that the evaporated water is directed through another open end 42,
which connects the water container member 41 to a hollow condenser
tube 75. Condenser tube 75 is a hollow tube which allows the
evaporated water to travel within. As water travels from water
container member 41 and through condenser tube 75, it is cooled
sufficiently by the air surrounding the tube so that it becomes
water again. Condenser tube 75 is supported by condenser support
member 72, which is mounted upon condenser base support 71. The
condensed water is collected in condenser container 73. The
evaporation system will again channel sun beams into a concentrated
area inside the water container member 41, through the clear cover
76. The water in the container will begin to evaporate, and the
evaporated water will naturally move upward. The condenser clear
cover 76 will direct the evaporated water into condenser tube 75.
Part of the condenser tube 75 may be a coiled tube, through which
the evaporated water moves. As the evaporated water moves through
the condenser tube 75, it will become cooled by the surrounding
air, and water will start to form. A different cooling medium, such
as dirt or water, may surround the tube coils to cool the
evaporated water faster. The water formed as a result of this
conversion may be treated and used for commercial uses, such as
drinking water, or industrial usage. There are other types of water
condensers commonly known in the industry, any of which may be used
with this system. The condenser means described herein is mainly
for demonstration purposes. As may be seen, when the apparatus is
used solely for water purification purposes, the water rotation
means is not necessary.
[0053] The water condenser means 70 may also serve as a type of
heat exchanger. This concept may be used to transfer heat from the
sun to a type of manufacturing process which utilizes steam. Heat
from the condenser tube 75 may be transferred to some other type of
system as a primary or supplemental source of heat energy.
[0054] As may be seen in FIG. 7B, the water condenser means 70 may
also be utilized when the apparatus is used to generate
electricity. The condenser means will act the same as described
above. In this configuration, the evaporated water may be added
back to the water supply or reservoir, so that it re-used. It could
also be captured into a container, if so desired. In this
configuration, electricity generator 31 and water rotation means 44
are necessary.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 8A, a diverging type lens member 25 may be
part of the evaporation system and will accept beams from the sun
at any angle, and channel those beams of sun downward onto
converging type lens member 22. Diverging type lens 25 has a
diverging lens support 26 which is used to mount diverging type
lens 25 above converging type lens member 22. The converging type
lens member 22 will accept these downward heat beams generated by
the diverging type lens member 25, in addition to those hitting it
directly from the sun, and concentrate the beams into a smaller
area. Also shown in FIG. 8A is a valve member 48 which may be part
of water container means 40, which allows the water container means
40 to be flushed. A large water hose may be connected to the water
container means and a large water storage tank. By opening the
valve and letting flush water from the storage tank enter the
system, debris such as sludge, dirt, or salt particles may be
removed from the system. Debris will accumulate at the bottom of
the system, especially when the evaporation system is used as a
water displacement means. The flush water is used to remove this
debris. Flush water will exit the apparatus either though the open
end 42 of the water container member 41, through the rotation inlet
member 45, or preferably through both. It would be also possible to
connect a pressurized water line to the inlet of the water rotation
means, or to the inlet of the water container member, depending
upon the configuration of the apparatus. This will allow the system
to be flushed forward so that the flush water will exit the
apparatus through the top of the water container member, or through
the exit valve, if one is utilized.
[0056] FIG. 8B shows how several converging lens type members 22
may be positioned above the open end 42 of water container member
41 so that sun beams from different angles may be concentrated to
evaporate water from within water container member 41. This
multiple lens configuration serves a similar function as the
addition of a diverging type lens. A single lens could be
manufactured which performs the same function the converging type
lens and either the diverging type lens or the multiple converging
lens configurations. There are lens in existence, such as a Fresnel
Lense, which may prove useful in the evaporation system.
[0057] FIG. 9A demonstrates a water supply or reservoir which does
not surround the water container means 40, but is connected through
rotatable inlet member 45. This may prove to be more desirable when
a water condenser means 70 is used with the apparatus. FIG. 9A also
shows a valve member 48 which may be part of water container means
40. Since the supply or reservoir is located remotely, the water
container means 40 may be flushed just by opening the valve member
48 and letting water exit the system. Debris, such as sludge or
salt particles, will then be easily removed from the system.
[0058] FIG. 9B demonstrates a water displacement apparatus which
returns water to the remote water supply or reservoir. In the case
shown, the water is being returned to a type of water container
member located downstream of the reservoir, which acts the same as
water being returned to the reservoir. If the reservoir is close
enough by, then the water may be returned directly to it. The water
may be returned to the remote supply or reservoir, and thus
re-used, when using a convention windmill system as the water
displacement means, or when an evaporation system is used as the
water displacement means and is used in conjunction with a
conventional condenser means. In either case, the return water
should be placed before the water rotation means in order for the
apparatus to function properly during the generation of
electricity.
[0059] FIG. 10 demonstrates how several components of the frame
structure means, the water displacement means, and the water
container means may be operatively connected together so that
larger amounts of water are displaced, and thus the movement of the
water through the water rotatable member is faster. Hundreds,
perhaps thousands of individual water displacement means 20 may be
joined together to displace water simultaneously. Several water
rotatable members may also be used so that the large flow of water
turns multiple generators simultaneously. Also, having a
conventional windmill system as part of a network of water
displacement means may also serve to flush out debris, such as
sludge or salt, which is left behind by an evaporation system. If a
conventional windmill system is place as the last or end member of
the configuration, it may be used to flush the entire transport
line of the overall system. During periods of low or no sunlight,
such as nighttime, only the conventional windmill system has a
chance of operating, and the apparatus may therefore be considered
self-flushing during windy and dark periods.
[0060] As mentioned previously and shown in the figures, the water
rotation means of the water container means is needed only when the
electricity generation means is part of the apparatus. It does not
need to be part of each water container means when multiple units
are connected together, as shown in FIG. 10, or when the apparatus
is used only for water purification, as shown in FIG. 7. As
mentioned, the basic function of this apparatus is to use water as
a means for transferring energy from the sun and wind to an
electric generator. Areas which have sufficient amounts of sun,
wind, and water, such as the gulf coast region, may utilize the
apparatus as an inexpensive way of generating electricity. Areas
which have a sufficient amount of sun and water may utilize the
apparatus to purify water for possible residential, commercial, or
industrial uses.
[0061] Many variations of the water displacement apparatus exist,
along with the configurations described above. While it will be
apparent that the preferred embodiment of the invention herein
disclosed is well calculated to fulfill the objects above stated,
it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to
modification, variation, and change without departing from the
proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.
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