U.S. patent application number 15/224698 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-24 for hydroelectric in-pipe turbine uses.
The applicant listed for this patent is LEVIATHAN ENERGY HYDROELECTRIC LTD.. Invention is credited to Daniel FARB, Avner FARKASH, Ken KOLMAN, Joe VAN ZWAREN.
Application Number | 20160341065 15/224698 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43223172 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160341065 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FARB; Daniel ; et
al. |
November 24, 2016 |
HYDROELECTRIC IN-PIPE TURBINE USES
Abstract
An in-pipe turbine has uses in energy storage and circulation.
Specific applications are in storage systems working by elevation,
smart grid systems, pressure release, and heating/cooling
systems.
Inventors: |
FARB; Daniel; (Beit Shemesh,
IL) ; VAN ZWAREN; Joe; (Beit Shemesh, IL) ;
FARKASH; Avner; (Beit Shemesh, IL) ; KOLMAN; Ken;
(Beit Shemesh, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LEVIATHAN ENERGY HYDROELECTRIC LTD. |
BEIT SHEMESH |
|
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
43223172 |
Appl. No.: |
15/224698 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13322573 |
Mar 15, 2012 |
|
|
|
PCT/IB2010/052338 |
May 26, 2010 |
|
|
|
15224698 |
|
|
|
|
61180949 |
May 26, 2009 |
|
|
|
61224925 |
Jul 13, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F03B 1/02 20130101; F05B
2220/32 20130101; Y02B 10/50 20130101; F05B 2220/706 20130101; Y02E
60/16 20130101; F03B 1/04 20130101; F03B 15/06 20130101; F05B
2220/20 20130101; Y02E 10/20 20130101; F03B 13/06 20130101; F01D
15/10 20130101; F03D 9/10 20160501; F03B 13/00 20130101; Y02E 10/72
20130101; F05B 2220/602 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F01D 15/10 20060101
F01D015/10; F03B 15/06 20060101 F03B015/06; F03B 1/02 20060101
F03B001/02; F03B 1/04 20060101 F03B001/04 |
Claims
1. A system for storing excess energy, comprising: at least one
electricity producing in-pipe turbine, in communication with at
least one electrical grid through power lines, and in communication
with at least one water grid; and, at least one processor, the
processor configured for matching supply and demand between water
in the at least one water grid and electricity in the at least one
electrical grid, and responding to received sensor data from said
water and electrical grids by a subsequent matching of supply and
demand for water in the water grid and/or electricity in the
electrical grid and providing electricity to the electrical grid,
based on imbalance of supply and demand.
2. A method for storing excess energy and providing it on demand,
comprising: providing at least one in-pipe turbine, in
communication with the electrical grid and the water grid,
releasing energy stored in pressure and/or elevation in the water
grid, and a processor that receives data derived from water and
electrical sensors, said data flowing into the microprocessor from
both the water grid and electric grid simultaneously, said
microprocessor in communication with the two grids; receiving
sensor data from said water and electrical grids, and, responding
to the received data by a subsequent matching of supply and demand
for water in the water grid and/or electricity in the electrical
grid and providing electricity to the electrical grid, based on
imbalance of supply and demand.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the excess stored energy of the
system is released during peak hours.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the excess energy of the system
is stored within the water system.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein the water grid is associated with
a water source comprising: a utility or sewage system.
6. A method of decreasing pressure in a water system, comprising:
Providing an in-pipe turbine system, including a generator system,
nozzle, and blades, configuring the in-pipe turbine system to
reduce excess pressure to a predetermined amount.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein regulation of the in-pipe turbine
is based on at least one of: nozzle size, nozzle shape, shape of
blade, torque characteristics of the generator system, and
revolutions per minute characteristics of the generator system, and
said regulation contributes to determining the pressure drop of the
excess pressure to a predetermined amount.
Description
STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT
INVENTOR
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/180,949, named PROVISIONAL
May 2009: RENEWABLE ENERGY INVENTIONS, filed May 26, 2009 and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/223,925, named Provisional
July 2009 Renewable Energy Inventions, filed Jul. 13, 2009.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] Not applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0003] Not applicable
THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0004] Not applicable
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC
OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM
(EFS-WEB)
[0005] Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates to ways in which an in-pipe
turbine can have new uses, particularly with storage and
circulation of energy. They all have a unified connection; such a
turbine is an excellent means for working with water and electrical
systems individually and separately. These uses will be described
in the patent application.
Related Art
[0007] Not applicable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The invention is herein described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional diagram of an hourglass-like
storage system.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a conveyor belt-like storage
system.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a thermosyphon.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a diagram of the matching of water and electrical
grids.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a different cross-sectional view of
an hourglass-like storage system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention relates to the uses and applications
of an in-pipe turbine in fluid systems.
Definitions
[0015] The current patent application deals with fluids. Unless
otherwise stated, it refers to any kind of fluid: water, oil, gas,
etc.
[0016] The principles and operation of an in-pipe turbine within a
fluid system according to the present invention may be better
understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying
description.
[0017] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an
hourglass-like storage system. Here is presented the system of
elevating a substance, particularly a solid, for the purpose of
storing energy. The ideal substance would be sand, and, in one
embodiment, the structure would be like all hourglass with two
storage containers (1, 2) with at least one turbine (3) in the
middle. Two in-pipe turbines could be used in series for higher
efficiency. In another embodiment, said turbine would have a
bidirectional input and unidirectional output gear (4) attached to
the generator (5) so that the generator can generate energy from
both sides of the "hourglass." At least one gating structure (6, 7)
to open and close the storage containers for access to the turbine
should also be present. The device, when finished discharging
energy, would gradually tilt back up as the energy used for storage
is produced. A track (8) or a gear (9) in conjunction with a motor
would enable incremental return to full storage capacity.
Incremental return is important for storing whatever spare energy
is present in a system, while continuous production of energy from
storage is important for the user. Box (10) represents the
electronic control that would receive instructions to store and
release electrical energy. The solid or sand can also be wet. Here
are some density values:
TABLE-US-00001 Sand, wet 1922 Sand, wet, packed 2082 Sand, dry 1602
Sand, loose 1442 Sand, rammed 1682 Sand, water filled 1922 Sand
with Gravel, dry 1650 Sand with Gravel, wet 2020
[0018] An hourglass-type of structure is not the only solution.
FIG. 2 illustrates a conveyor system to elevate the substance to
the top of a high pipe (11) in such a system. At least one turbine
(12) in the pipe or attached to the pipe provides electricity. The
substance empties into a conveyor belt of any kind, here
represented as a coal-mining cart on wheels (13), which then
ascends a track (14). This is representative only. It dumps its
load at the top (15) into the pipe or a collector at the top. Gates
at a number of spots can regulate the production of electricity,
and the conveyor belt can operate little by hole as electricity
becomes available.
[0019] Such systems can operate on or off grid.
[0020] Because these systems can be made relatively small and can
operate with many different substances, some of which are denser
than water, they enable great flexibility for grid control. They
can also be used in desert areas. Deserts are defined as areas with
an average annual precipitation of less than 250 millimetres (10
in) per year
[0021] Water systems have a need for many gauges, meters, etc. in
order to operate the system. A new use is proposed for an in-pipe
turbine--the generation of power for such applications. Any type of
off-grid power generation is presented. The use of battery chargers
and batteries connected to the generator and the turbine in order
to hold electricity in cases of intermittent flow is presented. In
addition, these individual uses can be connected to a smart water
grid.
[0022] An in-pipe turbine has a new use as a pressure reduction
valve equivalent to reduce excess pressure in the piping system.
Its use in conjunction with a pressure valve to assure a steady
input or output of pressure from the combined turbine and pressure
valve system is hereby presented.
[0023] The method of decreasing the pressure before and after a
propeller is hereby claimed, wherein a combination of at least
nozzle size, nozzle shape, type (including shape, for example) of
blade, and torque/rpm characteristics of the generator system are
used to change the pressure precisely from entry to exit.
[0024] A new use for the city, utility, etc. sewage or fresh water
system can be to hold energy within the system and release the
fluids for energy during peak hours or other times of need. A
series of in-pipe turbines connected to the electrical grid and the
water grid through a microprocessor that also receives data derived
from water and electrical sensors enables the interaction of two
grids for the purpose of storing excess energy and providing it on
demand. Currently, many utilities pump water up at night or at
other non-peak times, but the new business method is the release of
electricity during peak hours from within the water system, not
merely an external storage facility. Use in the water system is
defined as use in a location where the water is in conduit to
perform the system's customary work of providing water to customers
or treating it.
[0025] Computerized matching of supply and demand for water in the
water system and/or electricity in the electrical system is a new
use presented here.
[0026] The placement of a turbine in the condensation stage of a
thermosyphon, as shown in FIG. 3, or any heating and cooling
system, is hereby presented. This could provide a continuous supply
of renewable energy from heat exchange. The earth (16) is
relatively warm in cold climates at all times, and relatively cool
in hot climates by day and warm at night. The level of the turbine
(17a) is in one embodiment placed above the level of the fluid (18)
which is at the bottom, so that the condensation above it (19) can
move downwards (17) through it more easily. The situation can be
artificially created, as by placing the system in sand. In the
desert, at night, the air cools faster. It should be constructed so
that the water in the cooler air condenses over the turbine and
drips through it. That may involve selectively insulating the area
where the evaporation to gas occurs, and decreasing the insulation
(or increasing the circulation of cold air) over where the
condensation area occurs.
[0027] Heating and cooling systems have a continuous flow of fluid,
and the turbine can be placed in the downward conduit.
[0028] FIG. 4 is diagram of the matching of water and electrical
grids. It shows how the components of a smart electrical and smart
water system are connected. (Note: In the industry, a water grid is
used synonymously and vernacularly to describe the conveyance
system of pipes and other objects such as valves and tanks that are
part of this system. In this usage, it is not meant to mean an
electrical system.) Arrows show interactions. Double arrows show
interactions in both directions. Solid lines show connections.
Dotted lines show function. Non-electrical actions comprise data. A
smart electrical grid (20) is connected to a microprocessor (22)
and a smart water grid, or water conveyance system, (21) is
attached to a microprocessor (23). These two microprocessing
systems are connected to each other to trade information and
commands in both directions. Element (27) indicates matching and
information sharing between them. This indicates the purpose and
the result of the operations. In-pipe turbines (24) are optionally
connected to and part of the smart water grid (21). They also
supply electricity under the control of the water grid's
microprocessor via electrical connectors (25) to the smart
electrical grid (20). The in-pipe turbines (24) may be corrected to
battery chargers and batteries (28) for local operations und
electrical storage. The smart electrical system (20) can be
connected to its own storage system (26). Element (25a) indicates
that electrical connectors exist between the two mid systems. This
enables the matching of element (27).
[0029] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an hourglass-like storage system from
another perspective to makes the structure clearer. Elements (29)
and (30) are the containers. Element (31) is a pipe or connector
structure. The gates of FIG. 1 are now shown here so that the
picture is less cluttered. A motor (32), mounted on a support
structure (33), here shown as legs in one embodiment, is fixedly
connected to the center of the "hourglass" with element (34), which
also shows a customary use of a central shaft, but it need not be
done in that manner. The whole motor system is shown in dotted
lines to show them clearly as an accompaniment to the motor. The
power generation mechanism is shown more clearly in this
perspective. The turbine (35) in the pipe is connected via a shaft
(36) as is standard in the art to a generator (38) usually via a
gear (37). The generator often has its own shaft (39) connected to
the gear (37). As electrical wire (40) conveys the electricity from
the generator.
[0030] While the invention has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many
variations, modifications and other applications of the invention
may be made.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0031] The present invention successfully addresses the
shortcomings of the presently known configurations by providing
uses for turbines in water systems and water-energy systems.
[0032] It is now disclosed for the first time a power storage
system, comprising: [0033] a. A mechanism for the elevation of
particulate solids, [0034] b. A mechanism for the release of said
solids via a turbine to produce electricity.
[0035] In one embodiment, the system further comprises: [0036] c. A
system of incremental elevation of said solids for small input
units of electricity.
[0037] According to another embodiment, the system is on grid.
[0038] According to another embodiment, the system is off grid.
[0039] In one embodiment, the system further comprises: [0040] c.
Two containers, [0041] d. At least one turbine connecting them,
[0042] e. At least one gate between them.
[0043] In one embodiment, the system further comprises: [0044] f. A
bidirectional input and unidirectional output gear.
[0045] In one embodiment, the system further comprises: [0046] f. A
motorized system operative to change the position of the two
containers.
[0047] In one embodiment, the system further comprises: [0048] c.
At least one conveyor, [0049] d. A motorized system for said
conveyance, [0050] e. A pipe with an attached turbine.
[0051] It is now disclosed for the first time a system for the
electronic control of substantially incremental release and storage
of energy, comprising: [0052] a. A microprocessor operative to
receive data from and send instructions to a storage control system
using particulate solids
[0053] It is now disclosed for the first time a use of a water
system as an energy storage platform, wherein energy stored in
water elevation and/or pressure in the water system is released
when desired through a network of at least one hydroelectric
turbine.
[0054] It is now disclosed for the first time a microprocessor
control system, comprising a microprocessor with memory to which
data flows in from both the water grid and the electrical grid
simultaneously.
[0055] According to another embodiment, data containing control
instructions also flows out to the water grid.
[0056] It is now disclosed for the first time a business method for
the release of energy from storage in a water system during peak
hours through turbines.
[0057] It is now disclosed for the first time a system for the
delivery of water in a water system, comprising a microprocessor
performing computerized matching on of supply and demand for water
in the water system and/or electricity in the electrical
system.
[0058] It is now disclosed for the first time a network-controlled
system for transferring energy and/or stored energy between a water
grid and an electric grid, comprising: [0059] a. Electrical
connectors and power lines, [0060] b. Water and electrical
measurement devices, [0061] c. Microprocessor control devices,
[0062] d. Hydroelectric turbines.
[0063] It is now disclosed for the first time a use of an in-pipe
turbine to generate electricity for water system functions.
[0064] It is now disclosed for the first time a pressure valve
system, comprising: [0065] a. A pressure valve operating by
electricity, [0066] b. A substantially adjacent source of
electricity for said valve.
[0067] According to another embodiment, said source is a
hydroelectric turbine.
[0068] In one embodiment, the system further comprises: [0069] c.
Battery chargers and batteries.
[0070] It is now disclosed for the first time a use of an in-pipe
hydroelectric turbine as a pressure reduction valve equivalent.
[0071] According to another embodiment, the turbine blade system is
one of cups.
[0072] According to another embodiment, the turbine blade system is
one of propellers.
[0073] It is now disclosed for the first time a pressure control
system in a pipe, comprising: [0074] a. An in-pipe turbine, [0075]
b. A pressure regulation valve directly proximate to said
turbine.
[0076] It is now disclosed for the first time a thermosyphon,
comprising: [0077] a. A turbine in the conduit of the condensation
phase.
[0078] In one embodiment, the system further comprises: [0079] b.
Insulation over the area of evaporation.
[0080] It is now disclosed for the first time a heating or cooling
system, comprising: [0081] a. An in-pipe turbine in the downward
conduit.
* * * * *