U.S. patent application number 14/406220 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-21 for electrical generation system based on tidal flow.
This patent application is currently assigned to TIDAL FAN LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is TIDAL FAN, LLC. Invention is credited to Bradley Smith.
Application Number | 20160017860 14/406220 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51539317 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160017860 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Bradley |
January 21, 2016 |
ELECTRICAL GENERATION SYSTEM BASED ON TIDAL FLOW
Abstract
An electrical generation system based on tidal flow includes a
reservoir and a fluid inlet tube extending between a tidal source
and the reservoir. The inlet tube has at least one inlet turbine
generator disposed therein. The fluid inlet tube extends along a
first level. A fluid outlet tube extends between the reservoir and
the tidal source. The fluid outlet tube has at least one outlet
turbine generator disposed therein. The fluid outlet tube extends
along a second level vertically lower than the first level. During
high tide at the tidal source, tidal fluid flows from the tidal
source, into the fluid inlet tube, past the at least one inlet
turbine generator, and into the reservoir and during a low tide at
the tidal source, the tidal fluid flows from the reservoir, into
the fluid outlet tube, past the at least one outlet turbine
generator, and to the tidal source.
Inventors: |
Smith; Bradley; (Ambler,
PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TIDAL FAN, LLC |
Ambler, |
PA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
TIDAL FAN LLC
Ambler
PA
|
Family ID: |
51539317 |
Appl. No.: |
14/406220 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
July 25, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2014/048184 |
371 Date: |
December 7, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61858182 |
Jul 25, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
290/53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F03B 13/264 20130101;
Y02E 10/20 20130101; H02K 7/1823 20130101; F03B 13/26 20130101;
F03B 13/268 20130101; Y02E 10/30 20130101; E02B 9/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F03B 13/26 20060101
F03B013/26; E02B 9/08 20060101 E02B009/08 |
Claims
1. An electrical generation system based on tidal flow comprising:
a reservoir being upwardly biased by a biasing member; a fluid
inlet tube extending between a tidal source and the reservoir, the
inlet tube having at least one inlet turbine generator disposed
therein; and a fluid outlet tube extending between the reservoir
and the tidal source, the fluid outlet tube having at least one
outlet turbine generator disposed therein; wherein, during a high
tide at the tidal source, tidal fluid flows from the tidal source,
into the fluid inlet tube, past the at least one inlet turbine
generator, and into the reservoir and during a low tide at the
tidal source, the tidal fluid flows from the reservoir, into the
fluid outlet tube, past the at least one outlet turbine generator,
and to the tidal source.
2. The electrical generation system according to claim 1, wherein
the fluid inlet tube comprises a plurality of fluid inlet tubes
aligned adjacent to each other, wherein at least one of the
plurality of fluid inlet tubes has a different internal diameter
than another of the plurality of fluid inlet tubes.
3. The electrical generation system according to claim 2, wherein a
bottom internal surface of each of the plurality of fluid inlet
tubes extends generally along a horizontal plane.
4. The electrical generation system according to claim 2, wherein
the fluid outlet tube comprises a plurality of fluid outlet tubes,
such that the plurality of fluid outlet tubes is greater than the
plurality of fluid inlet tubes.
5. (canceled)
6. The electrical generation system according to claim 1, wherein
the reservoir comprises a plurality of reservoirs and wherein the
tidal fluid flows into each of the plurality of reservoirs
sequentially.
7. The electrical generation system according to claim 1, wherein
the tidal source has a mid-tide line, and wherein the fluid inlet
tubes are disposed generally above the mid-tide line.
8. The electrical generation system according to claim 7, wherein
the fluid outlet tubes are disposed below the mid-tide line.
9. The electrical generation system according to claim 8, wherein
the fluid inlet tubes and the fluid outlet tubes are vertically
movable.
10. The electrical generation system according to claim 1, further
comprising a reservoir interface providing fluid communication
between the reservoir and both of the fluid inlet tube and the
fluid outlet tube.
11. The electrical generation system according to claim 1, wherein
the fluid inlet tube is vertically adjustable.
12. The electrical generation system according to claim 1, wherein
the fluid inlet tube extends along a first level and the fluid
outlet tube extends along a second level vertically lower than the
first level.
13. The electrical generation system according to claim 12, further
comprising a flushing reservoir located vertically above the first
level and in fluid communication with at least one of the fluid
inlet tube and the fluid outlet tube.
14. A method of generating electricity comprising: a. using the
electrical generating system according to claim 1; b. lowering the
reservoir and then allowing tidal flow into the fluid inlet tube
after the tide at the tidal source raises the elevation of the
tidal source above the top of the fluid inlet tube; and c. raising
the reservoir and then allowing tidal flow out of the reservoir
after the tide at the tidal source lowers the elevation of the
tidal source below the bottom of the fluid outlet tube.
15. (canceled)
16. The method according to claim 14, further comprising vertically
adjusting the fluid inlet tube based on a maximum projected height
of the tidal source.
17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the reservoir
comprises a plurality of reservoirs, and wherein the method further
comprises sequentially filling each of the plurality of reservoirs
during step b and sequentially emptying each of the plurality of
reservoirs during step c.
18. The method according to claim 14, wherein the fluid inlet tube
comprises a plurality of fluid inlet tubes, and wherein step b
comprises allowing the tidal flow through only one of the plurality
of fluid inlet tubes.
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the fluid outlet tube
comprises a plurality of fluid outlet tubes, and wherein step c
comprises allowing the tidal flow through some the plurality of
fluid outlet tubes.
20. A method of generating electricity comprising: a. using the
electrical generating system according to claim 1; b. allowing
tidal flow into the fluid inlet tube after the tide at the tidal
source raises the elevation of the tidal source above the top of
the fluid inlet tube; c. allowing tidal flow out of the reservoir
after the tide at the tidal source lowers the elevation of the
tidal source below the bottom of the fluid outlet tube; and d.
vertically adjusting the reservoir during steps b and c.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/858,182, filed on Jul.
25, 2014, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to a system and method for
generating electricity based on tidal flow.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Water turbines can be used to generate electrical power by
harnessing the hydraulic power generated by tidal flow. Because
tidal effects are known at locations throughout the world,
including the time and approximate height of both high and low
tides, electrical power generation systems that use water turbines
to generate electricity by tidal flow can be developed. Tidal flow
characteristics, however, do vary at a particular location. While a
tidal flow-based electrical generation system can be developed that
takes into account general characteristics of the tidal values,
variations in tidal heights tat that location can result in less
than optimum electrical generation.
[0004] It would be beneficial to provide an electrical generation
system that optimizes tidal flow characteristics.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Briefly, the present invention provides a system and method
for producing electrical energy based on tidal flow. The system
includes a reservoir for receiving and retaining tidal flow waters
from the sea at high tide and for discharging the tidal waters at
low tide. The system also includes a first flow tube for receiving
and directing water into the reservoir at high tide. At least one
turbine generator is located inside the first flow tube. A second
flow tube directs water from the reservoir back to the sea at low
tide. At least one turbine generator is located inside the second
flow tube.
[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the reservoir may be vertically
movable based on the amount of water inside the reservoir as well
as the height of the high tide and the low tide. Additionally, in
another exemplary embodiment, the first and second flow tubes may
be vertically adjustable based on the height of the high and low
tides.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
constitute part of this specification, illustrate the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, and, together with the
general description given above and the detailed description given
below, serve to explain the features of the invention. In the
drawings:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first exemplary embodiment
of an electrical generation system according to the present
invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a tidal water interface used
with the electrical generation system shown in FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3A is a front elevational view of turbine tubes used
with the electrical system shown in FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3B is a front elevational view of the turbine tubes
shown in FIG. 3A at high tide;
[0012] FIG. 3C is a front elevational view of the turbine tubes of
FIG. 3A at low tide;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a second exemplary embodiment
of an electrical generation system according to the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a tidal interface according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a reservoir interface
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 6A is a graph showing tide fluctuations at a given
location over a period of time;
[0017] FIG. 6B is a side elevational view of a turbine tube lift
system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a second exemplary embodiment
of an electrical generation system according to the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 8A is a side elevational view of a movable reservoir
system at the beginning of high tide according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 8B is a side elevational view of a movable reservoir
system at the end of high tide according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 8C is a side elevational view of a movable reservoir
system at the beginning of low tide according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 8D is a side elevational view of a movable reservoir
system at the end of low tide according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a third exemplary embodiment
of an electrical generation system according to the present
invention; and
[0024] FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of an exemplary
arrangement of a plurality of turbine inlet and outlet tubes
according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements
throughout. Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only
and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention.
The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned,
derivatives thereof and words of similar import. The embodiments
illustrated below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed. These embodiments are
chosen and described to best explain the principle of the invention
and its application and practical use and to enable others skilled
in the art to best utilize the invention.
[0026] Reference herein to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment"
means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic
described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at
least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the
phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification
are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are
separate or alternative embodiments necessarily mutually exclusive
of other embodiments. The same applies to the term
"implementation."
[0027] As used in this application, the word "exemplary" is used
herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration.
Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not
necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other
aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended
to present concepts in a concrete fashion.
[0028] Additionally, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive
"or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless specified
otherwise, or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is intended to
mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X
employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X employs
A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In
addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and
the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one or
more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be
directed to a singular form.
[0029] The present invention uses tidal flow to operate a plurality
of water turbines, which, in turn, generate electricity. Rising
tidal waters are directed from a tidal water supply, through a
first turbine tube containing a first set of water turbines, and to
a storage reservoir. Similarly, lowering tidal waters are directed
from the storage reservoir, through a second turbine tube to a
second set of water turbines, and back out to the title water
supply. In an exemplary embodiment, a tidal flux of about 5 feet is
a minimum tidal flux desired in order to use the inventive
system.
[0030] Electrical generation will occur during the two periods of
water flow over the turbines. These two periods can be accurately
predicted each day, and are guaranteed to occur. The approximately
duration could be between two and about five hours each, depending
on location.
[0031] Additionally, the location of the inventive system is not
dependent on geography and can be a self-contained system that can
be installed anywhere with a tidal flow. The inventive system will
likely extend outward into a tidal basin or ocean and may be used
as a jetty, a breakwater, or other relatively environmentally
friendly addition to a coastline.
[0032] Output of the inventive system depends on sustained head
(water pressure) over each of the turbines in each turbine tube,
generated by the difference in elevation between tidal water and
the turbine tubes, which is directly proportional to the amount of
fluctuation between maximum and minimum sea level due to tides.
Locations with greater vertical distance between high and low tides
will produce more output because of the presence of more head
pressure in the system.
[0033] Generally, tidal fluctuation increases with distance from
the equator, although there are other factors as well. As a result,
location is a major factor in the determination of where to install
the inventive system.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, an electrical generation system 100
according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.
System 100 includes a tidal water interface 110, which controls
tidal water flow from a tidal water interface 110 into and out of
system 100; a turbine tube assembly 130, which contains the water
turbines that are operated by tidal water flow to generate
electricity; a reservoir interface 150, which controls tidal water
flow from a reservoir 170; and reservoir 170, which receives and
stores the tidal water at high tide and provides a water supply,
and returns the tidal water back to the tidal water basin 102.
System 100 may be coupled via an electrical generation system 180
to an electrical grid 190 that is used to distribute electricity
generated by operation of system 100.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, tidal water interface 110 may include
valves 112-114, controls 116, and filters 118. In an exemplary
method, valve 113 is only open during low tide. Additionally, tidal
water interface 110 may include a pool in front of filters 118 that
is relatively still and free from wave action. Because such a pool
is easily filled by or empties into the surrounding tidal waters,
the mean height of that pool will be equal to the mean height of
the surrounding tide. Additionally, tidal water interface 110
protects system 100 from significant wave and storm action. To
further protect against wave action, elbows 115 can be located on
the tidal side of valves 112, 113 to force tidal water into elbows
115 from the bottom, and to force the tidal water to make a 90
degree turn prior to reaching valve 112 for tidal water entering
system 100 and after exiting valve 113 for tidal water leaving
system 100.
[0036] Filters 118 are used to screen out foreign material, organic
or otherwise, that may harm other components and devices in system
100 (such as the valves and turbines). Tidal water interface 110
also protects system 100 from significant wave and storm action.
Further, tidal water interface 110 provides a pool of water that is
free from harmful objects and that is relatively still (i.e., no
significant wave action). Because tidal water interface 110 is
easily filled by or emptied into the surrounding waters, the mean
height of the water therein is generally equal to the mean height
of the surrounding tide. Such pooling effect without wave action
enables the high tide water to submerge an upper turbine tube 132
and flow through at maximum pressure and the low tide water to not
obstruct flow back into the tidal water from system 100.
[0037] Referring back to FIG. 1, turbine tube assembly 130 includes
one or more pairs of tubes 132, 134, each of which house a
horizontal series of water turbines 136 that are used to generate
electricity. Turbine tube 132 with the higher elevation is the high
tide tube, while turbine tube 134 with the lower elevation is the
low tide tube.
[0038] Upper turbine tube 132 receives tidal water from tidal water
interface 110 during high tide. During high tide, valve 112 is open
to allow tidal water into upper turbine tube 132, while valve 113
is closed to prevent tidal water from entering lower turbine tube
134.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, in an exemplary embodiment, the
highest elevation of tube 132 is at maximum high tide elevation, so
that turbine tube 132 can be completely submerged at high tide.
During this time, reservoir 170 fills up with water that flows
though upper turbine tube 132. In one embodiment, water in
reservoir 170 only fills up to the tide's mid point level. At low
tide, the water in reservoir 170 can now be allowed to exit system
100. The elevation of reservoir 170 is higher than that of lower
turbine tube 134, such that water from reservoir 130 exits through
lower turbine tube 134.
[0040] The top of the elevation of lower turbine tube 134 is equal
to the bottom elevation of upper turbine tube 132, or, at the
midpoint of low and high tide. Tube 132 has a diameter such that
the bottom of tube 132 is at the midpoint of low and high tide. If
top of tube 132 is completely submerged at high tide, maximum flow
is achieved due to maximum difference in atmospheric pressure
pushing on the pool of water at tidal water interface 102 and the
empty reservoir 170 at the other end of tube 132.
[0041] The elevation of lower tube 134 is just above low tide, such
that flow out of tube 134 is not obstructed by tidal water. Maximum
flow (and electrical output) can occur due to the difference in
atmospheric pressure on the water in reservoir 170 versus the
pressure of the empty space at tidal water interface 102 created by
low tide.
[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, tubes 132, 134 can be perfectly
horizontal. The dimensions and elevations of tubes 132, 134 take
advantage the location's tidal flux. Maximum output of system 100
occurs when the diameter of each tube 132, 134 is approximately one
half of the flux, and tube assembly 130 is located within the flux
elevations.
[0043] Referring back to FIG. 1, turbines 136 can be identical in
both tubes 132, 134, and may be designed and manufactured for only
one-direction of flow. Turbines 136 in upper tube 132 are arranged
for flow from right to left as shown in FIG. 1, while turbines 136
in lower tube 134 are arranged for flow from left to right as shown
in FIG. 1 such that water will only flow past turbines 136 in one
direction.
[0044] Turbine spin rate (and electricity generation) is directly
related to height differential between tides (tidal flux).
Atmospheric pressure forces the tidal water to a lower elevation by
flowing through turbine tubes 132, 134 (depending on whether the
tide is flowing in at high tide or flowing out at low tide) and
past the turbine blades. A larger tidal flux creates a greater a
height differential, enabling a larger volume of water to flow from
a higher elevation to a lower elevation, through turbine tubes 132,
134. More pressure per square unit can be exerted on the turbine
blades with increasing tidal flux and available volume of
water.
[0045] The basic concept stands: What flows in at high tide, must
flow out at low tide. Turbines 136 generate electricity on the flow
in and the flow out. The turbines' blades fill up the space inside
each tube 132, 134, and rotate as the tidal water flows over them,
in both directions. Each turbine 136 in a respective turbine tube
132, 134 is positioned for the one direction the water will flow.
Turbines 136 in upper turbine tube 132 are pointed for the tidal
water flow into system 100, while turbines 136 in lower turbine
tune 134 are pointed in the opposite direction for flow out of
system 100. Upper turbine tube 132 carries tidal water flow
reservoir 170 at high tide, causing turbines 136 in upper turbine
tube 132 to rotate. Lower turbine tube 134 carries tidal water out
of reservoir 170 at low tide, causing turbines 136 in lower turbine
tube 134 to rotate. In between tides, no water is flowing through
either tube 132, 134, and no electricity is being generated.
[0046] While one pair of turbine tubes 132, 134 is shown, those
skilled in the art will recognize that system 100 may include more
than one pair of turbine tubes 132, 134. Regardless of the number
of turbine tubes 132, 134, it is understood that reservoir 170 has
to be large enough to handle the volume of tidal water allowed to
enter system 100.
[0047] While turbine tubes 132, 134 are each shown as one
contiguous tube, those skilled in the art will recognize that
turbine tubes 132, 134 can be built in sections, with one turbine
136 located in each section, such that, if required, a tube section
can be removed to perform maintenance on the turbine.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3A-3B, reservoir 170 receives
the tidal water that flows through upper turbine tube 132 at high
tide. Like turbine tubes 132, 134, it is desired that reservoir
assembly 170 also has exact elevations. The collected tidal water
must be able to return to tidal water interface 110 at low tide by
virtue of being at a higher elevation in reservoir assembly 170
than tidal water interface 110 at low tide.
[0049] Optionally, as shown FIG. 4, system 100 can include a rain
water collection system 140 that may use to flush turbine tubes
132, 134, as well as turbines 136. Turbines 136, valves 112, 113,
and other components of system 100 come in contact with tidal water
(seawater) during the inflow and outflow processes during operation
of system 100. Due to corrosive nature of this type of water,
critical sub-components of system 100 will benefit if flushed
periodically by rain water. Rain water is assumed to be "clean"
enough water to remove tidal water particles that, if left alone,
can cause damage over time. Rain water collected naturally also
reduces the need for system 100 to be connected to costly public
water.
[0050] Rain water collection system 140 includes a flushing
reservoir that collects and stores rain water vertically above the
elevation of inlet turbine tube 132. Rain water is held back from
entering turbine tubes 132, 134 by valves 114, 142, 145 and
controls 116, 144, 147, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, no seawater is in turbine tubes
132, 134 during the flush. A mixture of seawater with the flushing
rainwater offsets the "pure" and cleansing effects of the salt free
rainwater. Typically, valves 114, 142 are closed, retaining
rainwater in a rainwater collecting basin 146. Several cycles of
operation of system 100 may go by (i.e., days, weeks) without any
flushing. A system operator determines a desired time to flush
either upper tube 132 or lower tube 134, depending on perceived
cleanliness of either tube 132, 134, as well as the quantity of
rain water that is in rain water basin 146. In a practical
scenario, flushing can be alternated between upper tube 132 and
lower tube 134 such that rain water collection system 140 is
alternately in fluid communication with either inlet tube 132 or
outlet tube 134. While upper tube 132 and lower tube 134 are being
flushed, filters 118, 156, 159 can optionally be flushed as
well.
[0052] The valve system will control when and how much rain water
can enter either turbine tube 132, 134. When the valves open,
"clean" rain water will flow over and through the components,
flushing off tidal water particles. An exemplary time for this to
occur is when there is no tidal water in tubes 132, 134, which is
in between cycles of inflow & outflow (in between high tide and
low tide). However, this water can also be combined with the tidal
water flow to contribute to the generation of electricity. If
excess rain water is collected, that water can be released into
either end of system 100. Using controller 147 to operate valve 145
can direct rain water from tube 132 directly to tube 134. Releasing
excess rain water into system 100 at the end of high tide (the
inflow cycle) can extend the duration of the electricity generation
because the rain water flows in, rotating turbines 136 inside tube
132, and then flows out to the sea, also rotating turbines 136
inside tube 134. Because the rain water is less dense than tidal
water, the rainwater will not turn turbines 136 as fast as tidal
water. Therefore, system operations can call for the rain water
release only at optimal times.
[0053] Rainwater collection system 140 is constructed above the
elevation of turbine tubes 132, 134 so that, once valves 114, 144
are opened, gravity is the only force needed to flush system 100.
Rainwater collection system 140 can be at a fixed elevation, as
there is no need for rainwater collection system 140 to be raised
or lowered. No energy should be needed to collect the rain water,
but an optional filtration system built into may accompany the
collection process to ensure no harmful materials or particles are
collected that can be released further into system 100. Finally,
rain water collection system 140 can be designed as a "closed"
collection system, to minimize rain water escape due to
evaporation.
[0054] In an exemplary method, valves 114, 144 only open during low
tide. To cleanse upper turbine tube 132, valve 114 is opened at low
tide, usually when there is flow out from reservoir 170, or because
reservoir 170 is otherwise empty. During this phase, there is no
seawater present in upper turbine tube 132. The flushing rainwater
enters upper turbine tube 132 at filters 112 and flows past
turbines 136 in upper turbine tube 132, cleansing turbines 136 and
upper turbine tube 132. The rainwater then flows into reservoir
170, where the rainwater can be stored until discharged through
lower turbine tube 134 and out to sea.
[0055] To cleanse lower turbine tube 134, valve 142 is opened at
low tide, after any water from reservoir 170 has flowed through
lower turbine tube 134 and out to sea. The flushing rainwater
enters lower turbine tube 134 at filters 152 and flows past
turbines 136 in lower turbine tube 134, cleansing turbines 136 and
lower turbine tube 134. The rainwater then flows out to sea.
[0056] Reservoir interface 150 is shown in more detail in FIG. 6.
Reservoir interface 150 includes a valve 152 that is in fluid
communication with upper turbine tube 132 and can be closed via a
controller 154. Valve 152 can be closed to isolate upper turbine
tube 132 from reservoir 170. A filter 156 is located downstream of
valve 152 and can be used to filter any contaminants not captured
by filter 118 in tidal water interface 110.
[0057] Reservoir interface 150 also includes a valve 157 that is in
fluid communication with lower turbine tube 134, and can be closed
via a controller 158. A filter 159 is located upstream of valve 157
and can be used to filter any contaminants flowing from reservoir
170. A valve 142 provides fluid communication between rainwater
collecting system 140 and valve 157 to allow rainwater from
rainwater collecting system 140 to flow through and flush lower
turbine tube 134 when valve 142 is open. Valve 142 includes a
controller 144 that is used to open and close valve 142.
[0058] Alternatively, although not shown, valve 142 may be in fluid
communication with reservoir 170 and may also flush any
contaminants in reservoir 170 to filter 159 prior to flushing lower
turbine tube 134.
[0059] Referring back to FIG. 1, reservoir 170 is used to collect
tidal water flowing through upper turbine tube 132 from the sea
during high tide and to return to tidal water to the sea through
lower turbine tube 134 during low tide. Reservoir 170 may be an
open container. Alternatively, reservoir 170 may be covered in
order to restrict entry of debris into reservoir 170 from the
external environment. Further, as shown FIG. 1, reservoir 170 may
be located below a soil elevation line, meaning that reservoir 170
is buried below ground level.
[0060] Although not shown, a control structure may be located
within the proximity of system 100 that houses all of the controls
for operation of system 100. An operator 182 located within the
control structure may manually control operation of system 100 by
opening and closing valves 112, 113, 114, 142, 152, 154 to allow or
restrict water flow through turbine tube assembly 130.
Additionally, operator 182 monitors operation of turbines 136 to
ensure proper operation of turbines 136 and generation of
electricity. Electric grid 190 is electrically connected to
turbines 136 via electrical generation system 180 and captures and
transmits electrical energy generated by turbines 136 for
transmission and eventual use.
[0061] High and low tides are not exactly the same mean elevation
every cycle (24 hours, 52 minutes). The location of the sun and
moon in relation to the earth affect these levels. Other factors
are at play as well, such as the geography of the sea floor near
the area, as well as weather conditions. If the elevations of
turbine tubes 132, 134 are fixed, they might not be at the absolute
optimal vertical positions for the current tidal cycle.
[0062] A vertical movement of turbine tubes 132, 134 will allow for
fine tuning of the elevation of turbine tubes 132, 134 to
accommodate different mean elevation levels. While a standard
height of high tide and low tide for particular location may be
known, the heights do vary, such as, during periods of severe
weather that may generate tidal surges, increasing the height of
high and/or low tide. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, an
exemplary high tide chart for a particular location, in this case,
Boston, Mass., illustrates that, while high tide is generally
around 10 feet, high tide fluctuates between about 9 feet and about
11 feet. Similarly, low tide may fluctuate about 1 or 2 feet.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 6B, in order to accommodate for such
fluctuation, turbine tubes 132, 134 can optionally be vertically
adjusted to account for varying tidal heights at the particular
location. Turbine tubes 132, 134 may be mounted on hydraulic
pistons 137 that are computer programmed or controlled by operator
182 in order to raise and lower in order to optimize the level of
turbine tubes 132, 134 relative to the actual tidal height or
maximum projected tidal height. The raising of turbine tubes 132
can be done before allowing tidal flow into turbine tubes 132 and
the lowering of turbine tubes 134 can be done before allowing tidal
flow out of reservoir 170 and into turbine tubes 134. While
hydraulic pistons 137 are shown, those skilled in the art will
recognize that other lifting mechanisms may be used to adjust the
vertical height of turbine tubes 132, 134. For example, a spring
mechanism or other biasing member may be used to support turbine
tubes 132, 134. Springs (not shown) may be at maximum extension,
with the dry weight of each tube 132, 134 and the turbines 136
inside the respective tubes 132, 134 partially compressing the
springs to a maximum respective tidal height. To accommodate a
lower tidal height, the springs may be compressed further by
pulling down on each of tubes 132, 134 as required. Such pulling
may be by linear screw drives (not shown) or winched cables
connected to the bottoms of tubes 132, 134. To raise tubes 132,
134, the screw drive may be reversed or the cable may be released.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that such mechanisms are
exemplary only, and numerous other suitable mechanisms may be used
to raise/lower tubes 132, 134.
[0064] Further, instead of a hard connection between turbine tubes
132, 134 and tidal water interface 110, as well as reservoir
interface 150, a "soft" connection may be provided. Such a soft
connection may be in the form of flexible tubes 138 or other
flexible connections at either end of turbine tubes 132, 134 that
maintain fluid communication between turbine tubes 132, 134 and
tidal water interface 110 and reservoir interface 150 as turbine
tubes 132, 134 raise and lower. It is desired that turbine tubes
132, 134 remain horizontally level at all times.
[0065] In an alternative embodiment of a system 200 according to
the present invention, shown FIG. 7, instead of a single reservoir
170, a reservoir 270 can be an array of static, equally subdivided
reservoirs 272a-272i, forming separate chambers. Although nine
reservoirs 272a-272i are shown, those skilled in the art will
recognize that more or less than nine reservoirs 272a-272i may be
used. As shown FIG. 7, reservoirs 272a-272i are distributed in an
exemplary fan pattern, although those skilled in the art will
recognize that other patterns and configurations of reservoirs
272a-272i may be used. Each of individual reservoirs 272a-272i are
connected to reservoir interface 150, such as through individual
valves (not shown).
[0066] A benefit of the multiple reservoirs 272a-272i is to allow
for sequential valve-initiated control over the inflow and outflow
of tidal water, as well as better operations and maintenance of the
system (e.g. individual reservoirs can be closed for maintenance,
cleaning, etc.). For example, reservoir 272a may fill first and
then, when reservoir 272a is approximately 95% capacity, a valve
(not shown) between reservoir 272a and reservoir interface 150
closes, while a valve (not shown) between reservoir 272b and
reservoir interface 150 opens, precluding the tidal flow from
entering reservoir 272a and allowing the tidal flow to enter
reservoir 272b. The total volume of reservoirs 272a-272i is at
least sufficient to receive and retain all of the water flowing
through system 200 at high tide. Alternatively, other operational
configurations can be used. By way of example only, because of
differing head pressure due to the height of the tide, reservoirs
272a-c can be sequentially filled, then reservoirs 272d-f can be
simultaneously filled, and reservoirs 272g-i can be serially
filled.
[0067] Similarly, at low tide, each of reservoir 272a-272i can be
operated to discharge water sequentially. Alternatively, at least
some of reservoirs 272a-272i can be operated to discharge water
simultaneously, increasing the flow rate through lower turbine tube
134 and providing more flow through turbines 136 within lower
turbine tube 134, if desired. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that the operation and emptying of reservoirs 272a-272i
can be calibrated to ensure maximum head and fluid flow through
turbines 136 in lower turbine tube 134.
[0068] Still alternatively, as shown FIGS. 8A-8D a system 300
according to the present invention includes a reservoir system 370
that uses a reservoir 375 that can be mounted and upwardly biased
on a biasing member, such as a spring 376, or an array of springs
376 (only one spring 376 shown). Further, while one reservoir 375
is shown, reservoir system 370 contemplates multiple reservoirs
375, similar to reservoirs 272a-272i, shown with respect to
reservoir 270. Reservoir system 370 requires connections, such as
flexible tubes 378, between reservoir 375 and reservoir interface
150 to account for the change in elevation of reservoir 375 as
reservoir 375 fills and empties with tidal water.
[0069] Spring-biased reservoirs 375 can extend and control the
duration of out-flow of tidal water with inputting any outside
energy to direct the water from reservoirs 375 to lower turbine
tube 334. Such a feature is desired because extending the duration
of out-flow extends the duration of electricity generation. Maximum
rotational velocity of turbines 136 is proportional to the amount
of head at normal atmospheric pressure, and to electrical output.
Spring-biased reservoirs 375 take advantage of the assumption that
maximum rotational velocity of turbines 136 is achieved before all
reservoirs 375 are simultaneously allowed to exit the system by
opening all valves. Valves, such as the valves 157 in reservoir
interface 150, are programmed to control this flow from each
reservoir 375 sequentially (if more than one reservoir 375 is
used), and maximum head/turbine rotational velocity/electrical
output can be achieved with just a portion of valves 157 being
open.
[0070] As shown FIG. 8A, tidal water flowing in during high tide
flows through reservoir interface 150 and through flexible tube 378
to reservoir 375. As the tidal water enters reservoir 375, weight
of the tidal water in reservoir 375 compresses springs 376,
lowering reservoir 375 to the position shown in FIG. 8B. Flexible
tube 378 is able to move and expand with the movement of reservoir
375, allowing the tidal water to continue flowing into reservoir
375.
[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, the discharge of flexible tube
378 remains above the level of fluid in reservoir 375, so the flow
from tube 378 into reservoir 375 is never restricted by water in
reservoir 375. The discharge end of tube 378 can be mounted on a
float 378a so that the discharge end always floats above the
surface of fluid within reservoir 375.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 8C, the tidal water within reservoir 375
remains within reservoir 375 until low tide. At low tide, the tidal
water within reservoir 375 flows through flexible tube 379 and into
reservoir interface 150 for discharge through lower turbine tube
134. As the tidal water within reservoir 375 decreases by flowing
out of reservoir 375, springs 376 expand, raising reservoir 375 and
providing a head to assist discharging the tidal water from
reservoir 375.
[0073] FIG. 8D shows reservoir 375, after having discharged most of
the water within reservoir 375, through flexible tube 379 and into
reservoir interface 150 for discharge through lower turbine tube
134. In comparison to the location of reservoir 375 shown in FIG.
8C, in FIG. 8D, springs 376 have expanded, vertically raising
reservoir 375 to provide a higher head pressure for discharge of
the remaining water within reservoir 375.
[0074] In an alternative exemplary embodiment of a system 400,
shown FIG. 9, a reservoir 975 may be mounted on pistons 980.
Pistons 980 may be in fluid communication with an accumulator tank
982 that absorbs fluid from pistons 980 as pistons 980 are
compressed by the addition of tidal flow water into reservoir 975.
The weight of the water in reservoir 975 overcomes pressure within
pistons 980, compressing pistons 980. At low tide, as the tidal
water flows out of reservoir 975, the pressure within pistons 980
overcomes the weight of the water in reservoir 975, expanding
pistons 980, and raising reservoir 975 in order to optimize the
head pressure of the water remaining within reservoir 975 as the
water flows out to reservoir interface 150.
[0075] The fluid in pistons 980 and accumulator 982 may be air or
liquid, such as, for example, hydraulic oil. If the fluid is a
liquid, sufficient air is trapped in the top of accumulator 982 to
compress and allow the liquid from pistons 980 to flow into
accumulator 982.
[0076] While a single accumulator 982 is shown connected to a
plurality of pistons 980, those skilled in the art will recognize
that each piston 980 may incorporate its own accumulator 982.
Further, although not shown, system 300 and 400 may use a plurality
of separate reservoirs, similar to system 200.
[0077] In an alternative embodiment, shown FIG. 10, an electrical
generation system 1000, according to the present invention can
include a plurality of fluid inlet tubes 1002-1008 adjacent to each
other, such that fluid inlet tubes 1002-1008 have different
internal diameters. As shown in FIG. 10, fluid inlet tube 1002 has
a largest diameter, while fluid inlet tube 1008 has a smallest
diameter. A bottom internal portion of each of fluid inlet tubes
1002-1008 is located generally along the same horizontal plane
1010. Horizontal plane 1010 is located generally about the mid-tide
line, shown as dashed line 1012 in FIG. 10 such that fluid inlet
tubes 1002-1008 are disposed generally above mid-tide line
1012.
[0078] Electrical generation system 1000 also includes a plurality
of fluid outlet tubes 1020-1030, at least some of which have
different internal diameters. The plurality of fluid outlet tubes
1020-1030 is greater than the plurality of fluid inlet tubes
1002-1008. As shown FIG. 10, fluid outlet tube 1020 has a large
diameter, while fluid outlet tube 1030 has a smallest diameter. A
top internal portion of at least some of fluid outlet tubes
1020-1030 is located generally along the same horizontal plane
1032, which is located below horizontal plane 1010 and mid-tide
line 1012.
[0079] The plurality of fluid outlet tubes 1020-1030 is greater
than the plurality of fluid inlet tubes 1002-1008 in order to
enable all of the tidal water that flows into system 1000 through
fluid inlet tubes 1002-1008 during high tide to flow out of system
1000 through fluid outlet tubes 1020-1030 during low tide. As shown
FIG. 10 at least some of fluid outlet tubes 1026, 1030 can be
located vertically below other fluid outlet tubes 1022, 1024,
1028.
[0080] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention
as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *