FR2757904A1 - ASYMMETRIC HYDRODYNAMIC ENERGY CONVERTER - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a set of devices made up of a balance, a wheel or a chain, rotating around an axis (22) transforming a pressure force into motive energy which can be transformed into electrical energy; by the fact that a pressure (3) creates under the effect of the force of gravity exerted on a heavy piston or obtained by the evolution of a gas, or by a vapor pressure; contribute to expel a weight fluid (1) contained in a tank (2 bottom) then being at the bottom; either from the balance wheel, or from the wheel or chain, and to raise this weight fluid in a reservoir (2 high) arriving at the same time at the top of these, and being in depression (5); so that the weight of these reservoirs forces the balance, the wheel or the chain to turn, thus supplying motive energy which can be transformed into electrical energy.

Description

DESCRIPTION
the present invention relates to a set of devices called converters, making it possible to convert one or more sources of thermal energy, and in particular solar energy either alone or in combination with a fuel, into motive and, or, electrical energy.

 Depending on the operating mode used, this assembly can also store, in the form of potential energy, before transformation into electrical energy, all or part of the useful thermal energy: for an unlimited duration, economically and without loss over time; it is also possible to transform electrical energy into reserve energy.

 Traditionally heat, thermal energy, is transformed into electrical energy within thermal power stations whose mode of operation involves significant discharges of water, in the form of steam, in such quantities that it is not rare that the climate of an area, which can exceed several tens of kilometers in radius is affected; very often unpleasantly (cold, humidity) for the surrounding populations; and more broadly, is a factor aggravating the greenhouse effect.

 Other discharges in the form of heated liquid water can, moreover, disturb the thermal equilibrium of neighboring rivers and modify or even destroy the flora and fauna.

 In all cases, the operation of such thermal power plants consumes enormous amounts of water; greatly limiting the possibility of installing thermal power plants of this type in arid areas, often associated with strong sunshine: free, inexhaustible and non-polluting source of thermal energy; the abundance of sun and the climate which results from it often being the cause of a great poverty; make the possibility of transforming this solar energy into usable energy such as, for example, electrical energy all the more essential and interesting; thus transforming the source of poverty into a source of wealth.

 On the other hand, solar energy is, by nature, available only during the day: and sometimes irregularly; it is therefore advantageous to be able to have a means enabling this energy to be stored, possibly over long periods without loss, and to be able to use it at the appropriate time, for example at night, or at any other time as required, and this, economically.

 The set of converters, objects of this invention, makes it possible to transform a source of heat, of thermal energy, into motive and, or, electrical energy, without having the drawbacks associated with conventional power plants. Depending on the operating mode used, it can also transform this same electric current into reserve energy.

 It can operate in a closed circuit without external discharges (with regard to the cooling circuit). Not consuming water; this type of energy converters can equip arid zones with low water resources.

 I1 is particularly suitable for the use of solar energy, which can, depending on the operating mode used; between stored economically without loss and without time limit.

 It can operate with several associated energy sources, for example sun and gas (hydrogen, bio-methane or other); the irregularity of sunshine is therefore no longer an obstacle to the use of solar energy.

 Depending on the embodiment used, it can store, without time limit or energy loss, in the form of potential energy, solar energy, stored in period of sunshine, to restore it, for example at night, or in the absence of Sun.

 Its operation does not generate any pollution (in the case of solar energy or a non-polluting fuel such as hydrogen), allows its installation, without nuisance, even near inhabited areas.

 Its simplicity of design, linked to a particularly low cost and reduced maintenance, is an additional advantage for developing countries, which often have strong sunshine, of which it can be a source of free energy and the nucleus d '' an economic start-up pole.

 According to the embodiment of the present invention, the device can operate continuously; it will then be of the "wheel or" chain "type, somewhat reminiscent of the appearance of a noria, and can run on solar energy during the day.

 By storing part of the energy produced during the day as potential energy; it can reuse this energy at night and thus operate twenty four hours a day without consuming anything other than solar radiation. But it can also work. at night with another source of energy (preferably gas, but also fuel or other).

 A particularly simple embodiment "å pendulum" with alternative operation; phases where the balance is charged with potential energy, alternating with phases where it restores this energy; usable: either immediately, at the end of storage; either later, with no time limit, depending on the motive and / or electrical energy needs; happens to be particularly adapted to the developing country with low technological resources.

The "pendulum" type can operate alone, twenty four hours a day, only with solar energy, by having pendulums with low storage operating during the day: associated with pendulums with larger storage, which can operate on demand. , at night or according to energy needs. The pendulum type, however, has the disadvantage of an alternative and non-continuous operation like the chain or the wheel, linked to a ratio, efficiency-size, less favorable than that of the chain and the wheel, but compensated by a simpler design, and therefore lower cost; its simplicity of design could very well; although it is not the aim, to transform a simple wood fire into electrical energy
The "chain" or "wheel" types are more intended for realizations producing a large amount of energy, constant and continuous, the "pendulum" type can be used discontinuously, more punctually, to meet more demand. modest.

The three types of converters are therefore perfectly complementary. Although they can only operate on solar energy, all three can be powered by several energy sources, either simultaneously, one energy in addition to another, or alternately; which is particularly interesting in the case of solar energy,
In the latter case, for which this set of systems has been specially designed, it is possible, depending on the operating mode used, to reserve a certain amount of solar energy during the day: to use it at night or at any time. other time when it would be desirable; in the absence of sunshine for example.

 On the other hand, each of the three types of converters can operate in two modes; a steam mode, converting a heat source into electrical energy, and a hydrogen mode converting, either directly the heat source into hydrogen and electricity; or transforming part of the electric current produced into hydrogen.

 In steam mode, in the three types of "chain wheel or balance" converters the sun can be focused by orientable mirrors or heliostats or by paraboloid mirrors, on a converging lens which will concentrate this solar radiation within a home, home can also be heated; either in addition to solar energy, or exclusively, by another source of energy, gas, fuel or other.

 This operating mode will be called here "steam mode"; as opposed to "hydrogen mode", which will be detailed later and which is more specifically intended to provide, in the case of the use of solar energy; storage energy, in the form of hydrogen. These two operating modes can be applied to the three types of converters; pendulum, wheel, or chain, with which they can be combined, depending on whether one wants to produce electrical energy; put it in reserve, or use this reserve.

 The three types can also, in addition to the hydrogen mode; by combining them, for example with a hydraulic power station, a water tower; or by compressing air, store highly processed solar energy for an indefinite period.

 Dissociation of hydrogen from water is certainly the most interesting storage solution; indeed in this case - which will be detailed later - the dissociation of water into hydrogen and oxygen, can be done in a particularly economical way from an energy point of view: and this by two different means; a first means by direct heating of the water, to a temperature above 1200, in a balance, a wheel, or a chain, operating in steam mode; direct process, assuming a very high temperature; but being able, in addition to the hydrogen put in reserve, to produce electric current; the other way is to take part of the electric current produced during the day; and by electrolysis, to transform it, by dissociation of the water molecule, into hydrogen and oxygen; which can be used after storage as fuel, in one of the three converters (balance, wheel or chain) operating in steam mode. This process is particularly interesting, by the fact that part of the electric current used by electolysis, can be restored, by the converter itself. Indeed, the dissociation of water into its two components, hydrogen and oxygen, takes place within a pendulum, a wheel, or a chain, specially fitted for this purpose; this dissociation process thus makes it possible to recover at the end of the process, a non-negligible part of the electric current supplied at the start.

 Regarding the "steam mode" operating mode, whether for "chain, wheel or balance" type converters, the basic principle is the same.

 In contact with the hearth, a fluid is heated (I would call it for this reason "thermal fluid") so as to be vaporized, so that the vapor pressure thus created, is exerted on a (other) fluid (which can be either the same or different in nature and which I would call here "fluid weight"). This weight fluid is raised, by the vapor pressure thus created, to a height such that it acquires potential energy. On the other hand, the condensing vapor contributes, combined with the pressure created by the vaporization of the thermal fluid, to create the pressure difference proper to cause this weight fluid to rise. The weight fluid, once reassembled, descends with the balance, wheel, or chain assembly, releasing its potential energy and can actuate, for example, an electric alternator, that is for general operation.

 The simplest "pendulum" converter consists of a pendulum, made up of a tube connecting two reservoirs located in opposition at each end of the tube, and therefore of the pendulum; one of the tanks located at one end is higher than the other which is, for example, placed on the ground. In the middle, the pendulum rests; by a point of rotation, a horizontal axis, around which it can tilt in a vertical plane; on a frame anchored to the ground; the general appearance of the whole can evoke the mental image of a children's seesaw, or a seesaw of circus acrobats, with a much greater difference in height between the two ends of the pendulum.

 In the initial position, the bottom balance tank is full of weight fluid; the high tank is empty, but in depression, because the vapor of thermal fluid which was there it is condensed; the pendulum is thus, in stable equilibrium; the full and heavy tank being for example placed on the ground, the empty and lighter tank, at the other end of the pendulum, is at a certain height, essentially a function of the length of the pendulum and the height of the point of rotation; the pendulum is locked in this position.

 The weight fluid, contained in the low reservoir, is, according to a particular embodiment, separated by a piston, from a thermal fluid, which is heated and thus partially vaporized so as to create a pressure, which combined with depression, due to the condensation of steam, prevailing in the upper tank, is sufficient to push the piston and thus expel the weight liquid; from the bottom tank to the top tank. A non-return valve or a valve prevents the liquid weight from going down; it then suffices to unlock the balance - either immediately, several hours or several days later, depending on requirements - for it to topple over, and to use the potential energy thus released to run an electric alternator.

During the tilting the low tank rises, the vapor it contains is condensed; so that once this tank got to the top, its internal pressure gave way to a depression -
The pendulum position has then been reversed, but it is ready to start a new cycle.

 This pendulum system, of very simple design, is particularly intended for occasional use; it is particularly aimed at countries with low technological resources for which it can allow an introduction to the use of electricity, at a lower cost and probably a better yield, than photovoltaic panels; without the consumption or supply of fuel or the pollution of a generator; in industrialized countries it can also interest isolated habitats.

 In hydrogen mode, it can convert either heat or part of the electric current into hydrogen and oxygen: this operating mode will be detailed later.

 In the case of the chain and the wheel, the basic principle is the same as for the balance wheel; but the detail of operation, whether in steam or hydrogen mode, is a little more complex; while offering two types of converters that are more efficient than the balance, however, they are simple to build and maintain.

 In the case of the wheel, one can, to facilitate the visualization of the overall shape, imagine a cartwheel with spokes, of large diameter; each radius, or more precisely each diameter, would be, in the case of this invention, replaced by a pendulum of the type described above, it is in fact a set of pendulums associated within a wheel, the point of pivoting of the balance corresponding to the center of rotation of the wheel.

 Each diameter of the wheel is therefore composed of a tube connecting two tanks, each located at one end of the tube, the middle of which merges with the axis of rotation of the wheel; the axis of rotation is horizontal and rests on a frame anchored to the ground, each diameter of the wheel being able, with all the other diameters, depending on the rotation of the wheel, to occupy a vertical, horizontal position, and all intermediate positions.

 The operation of each of the diameters is identical to that of a balance described above. If we consider a diameter of the wheel, which arrives, by rotation around its axis, in the vertical position, its low reservoir corresponds to the lowest point of the wheel. At this level the liquid weight contained in the low tank is driven, by the pressure exerted by the pressure due to the vaporization of the thermal fluid, towards the opposite tank which arrives simultaneously at the top of the wheel, and that the condensation of the steam that 'it contained put in depression. Thus, each time a tank arrives at the bottom of the wheel it is emptied: and simultaneously that which arrives at the top of the wheel is filled; so that all the tanks located on one side of the wheel, the ascending side, are kept empty, while simultaneously, all those located on the other side, the descending side, are kept full: the wheel is thus thus maintained permanently out of balance, being kept always heavier on one side than on the other: which forces it to turn.

 To make this possible, during the downward phase, the thermal fluid is heated, the pressure inside the tanks increases, but the closing of the valves connecting together two opposite tanks, forbidden to the liquid weight, contained in a descending tank, to join the opposite tank; the latter being simultaneously on the ascending side of the wheel, after its passage at the lowest point thereof; it has therefore been emptied of its weight fluid, driven out by the vapor pressure released by the heated thermal fluid, completely filling the volume of the ascending tanks, this vapor is, throughout the ascending phase of the wheel, condensed, so that once the ascending tanks have arrived at the top, a sufficient vacuum - a vacuum - prevails there so that: in combination with the overpressure prevailing in the bottom tanks, the opening of the valve connecting two opposite tanks, allows the liquid weight from low tanks to high tanks. The rotation of the wheel being continuous, this phenomenon is uninterrupted, and allows the wheel to be kept in constant imbalance, which precisely ensures its rotation.

 A particular adaptation to the wheel, which will also allow the chain to be produced; consists in replacing the tubes (diameters) connecting the opposite tanks, with a peripheral pipe connecting all the tanks together, which will be connected to this pipe by means of a valve, open at the appropriate time, to allow the fluid weight of the tanks arriving at the bottom of the wheel, to pour into the tanks arriving, at the same time, at the top of it. To use the image of the cartwheel, instead of putting the tanks, located on the periphery of the wheel, in communication by the two opposite spokes constituting a diameter, connecting two tanks: these are connected together, no longer by the spokes, but by what can be compared to the tire of the wheel, replaced, here, by a pipe, connected to each of the tanks by means of a valve, and which, going around the wheel , just like the bandage would, connect all the tanks together.

 This set of means already allows the realization of a thermal power station, the energy of which transformed into mechanical energy can be either used directly, for example for pumping, or directly transformed into electrical energy, usable as it is or stored after transformation. .

 Compared to a conventional thermal power plant, in addition to the fact that this process - this is the wheel - is particularly designed for solar energy, another advantage is to have a duration, a space of time, between the pressurization phase and the time-delayed phase where the vacuum due to condensation is actually used; space time which is precisely taken advantage of, to ensure the condensation of the vapor, which does this directly inside the tanks, in closed cycle without external discharges; unlike a conventional thermal power station, the condensation of which must be "immediately simultaneous" with the pressurization phase to allow the turbine to rotate; and whose condensation towers release large quantities of water vapor into the atmosphere, which in addition to undesirable effects at the local level, aggravates the greenhouse effect.

 The following “chain” type embodiment will make it possible to further increase the duration of the time space between the pressurization phase and the useful phase of the vacuum; space time used to condense the vapor.

The chain, which functions like the wheel, has the general appearance of a noria, of the type that we see, for example in the south of Spain, which are generally actuated by a draft animal and which are used to raise water from a well. The resemblance must be interpreted, because in the case of these norids it is the full cups which go up, filled with water from the well, and the empty cups which go down. In the case of the "chain" yes we are interested here, it will be the opposite - the full buckets go down, and the voids go up - but the image of the noria is interesting to facilitate the visualization of the functioning of the chain
The buckets of the noria (Spanish) are replaced, on this type of chain converter, by tanks, of the type of those which equip the balance wheel or the wheel, which is mentioned above. The steam pressure, inside the full tanks, arriving at the bottom of the chain, will expel the weight fluid contained in these tanks, passing through a peripheral pipe, towards the empty and depressed tanks arriving simultaneously at the top of the chain : all the tanks being connected together by the peripheral pipe, having the same function as that of the wheel, (the analog of the tire), are put in communication by the appropriate opening of the valves, which is provided with each tank-pipe connection peripheral.

 The descending tanks are thus always kept full, while the rising tanks are simultaneously kept empty: so that the chain is always heavier on one side than on the other, which forces it to turn; this rotation can be used to set an alternator in motion and thus produce electric current.

 The chain, even more than the wheel; or a set of chains, operating in parallel, are converters quite suitable for constituting true thermal power stations, and particularly solar power.

 If this type of converter is installed near a hydraulic reservoir, or a kind of water tower, we can very well use solar energy during the day to raise the water in the reservoir, allow it time that we want, and use this water as we would with a conventional hydraulic power plant, to produce electric current according to demand.

 In an arid zone with no significant hydraulic reserves, a water tower can replace it with the advantage of being able to operate in a closed circuit, without loss: we can also very well use this direct energy, to compress water. air, and store it in suitable tanks: to thus have a potential energy with unlimited storage without loss, usable at will to feed a compressed air turbine and thus make turn an electric alternator.

 One can also transform the electric current thus obtained, into hydrogen, by electrolysis of water, within one of the three converters: wheel, balance, or chain; operating in hydrogen mode, this hydrogen, an ideal fuel because it is non-polluting, can then, after storage: refuel a balance, a wheel or a chain operating again in steam mode.

Solar energy, in its direct or transformed form, can then supply, twenty-four hours a day, one or more electric generators or alternators.

 The chain is particularly well suited, to be used directly as a thermal water pump, including solar, and to store, for example, in hydraulic form, solar energy, reusable, at will, as needed.

 The wheel and especially the chain can also, in a single operation, operate, partially to produce energy, by making, for example rotate an alternator, and at the same time put a certain amount of energy in reserve by operating as pump. This is possible, for example in the case of the chain, by letting down certain full tanks, arriving at the top of the chain; (for example two out of three tanks), the weight of these tanks makes the chain rotate, which can then power an alternator; and simultaneously by dumping the contents of the other reservoirs, which will have been previously sampled at the bottom of a water reserve, in this same water reserve; for example a water tower, therefore located at a certain height: representing a certain amount of potential energy that can be used for example at night.

 Another possibility to use the movement of the chain as a pump for reserving potential energy is to couple it to a chain, all the tanks of which will operate in full mode, as if to supply electrical energy; a quite classic noria, animated by the movement of the main chain, and raising the water from the bottom of a water reserve upwards, thus putting a certain amount of potential energy in reserve.

 We can thus both, with the same chain or the same wheel feed an electrical network, and put in reserve, an amount of energy that we will use later, we will see later how this is also possible with the one or the other of the three converters, operating in hydrogen mode.

 For more significant embodiments, it is possible to associate a set of chains with a hydraulic dam whose chains, operating on solar energy, will be able to compensate, at least partially, for the turbinated water, by raising it in the water reserve: solar energy can thus be stored easily, economically, without loss and without time limit; the irregularity of sunshine is therefore no longer an obstacle to the use of solar energy.

 In the case of the pendulum, as in the case of the wheel and chain operating in steam mode, it is necessary, simultaneously, to ensure the condensation of the steam; it can be done; essentially in the case of the balance, simply by direct heat exchange, through the wall of the balance tanks. It is also possible; and this is almost essential in the case of the chain and the wheel, to add a circuit containing a coolant, comprising a phase where the coolant cools the tanks, to condense the vapor which they contain, phase at during which the coolant heats up; followed by a cooling phase of this same liquid during which it can, at first, transfer part of its heat to the cylinders (tanks equipped with a piston) during their heating period; to be coated completely cooled, either by direct heat exchange with the ambient medium, or by means of a secondary cooling liquid which will then be cooled by heat exchange with the ambient medium. In all cases, as regards cooling operations, no quantity of water, whether liquid or in the form of vapor or any other fluid, is neither consumed nor discharged outside; everything takes place in a closed circuit.

 In the three types of converter, balance wheel, wheel and chain, the tanks can be pressurized directly, by heating the fluid weight they contain; which in this case also plays the role of thermal fluid, being partially vaporized: this is of a particularly simple construction and maintenance, which has, in itself, an advantage, but however requires that the tanks rotate in such a way that when the weight fluid is expelled, it is indeed on the side of the tank valve; since it is heavier than the vapor which overcomes it, which therefore always occupies the top of the tank.

 It is also possible, for the three types of converters, to divide each tank in two by a piston, on one side of which is the weight fluid, (on the side of the outlet valve), and on the other side of the piston, thermal fluid, (on the fireplace side). In this case the tanks become cylinders each provided with a piston, which technologically implies a perfect seal between the piston and the walls of the cylinder; disadvantage which can be eliminated by replacing or supplementing the piston with a flexible structure, a sealing membrane, enveloping the fluid weight. These three solutions, piston, waterproofing membrane or electricity.

I have already mentioned above the existence of another operating mode: the "hydrogen mode", which also applies to the three types of achievement, balance, wheel, or chain, the overall operation of which remains unchanged . In this case, the aim is to put in reserve, in the form of hydrogen, a certain amount of electricity produced during the period of sunshine, to dispose of it in the period of non-sunshine.

 In the case of operation in steam mode, whatever the types of converters used, the pressure necessary for the ascent of the weight fluid is ensured, by the vapor pressure due to the vaporization of a thermal fluid: this mode of operation allows, transform a heat source into an electric current.

In the case of using a conventional fuel, this is sufficient. But the aim of this set of devices, being the creation of non-polluting and economical thermal power stations: which presupposes the use of a heat source that meets these criteria; and therefore solar energy; which by definition is only available during the day, and sometimes even irregularly; the use, in this case, of the only type of operation in steam mode, whether with a pendulum, a wheel or a chain, would at most allow: if we reject the different means of direct storage (reserves of 'water) already mentioned; to produce electric current only during the day; it is therefore particularly advantageous to be able to have a means of storing solar energy, efficient in order to have it, for example, at night, or at will depending on the demand for electricity.

 This is made possible by associating with the steam operating mode; a hydrogen operating mode, usable on the three types of converters; whose objective is to transform an unused part of the electric current produced during the day, into hydrogen, an ecological fuel par excellence: and of high energy efficiency.

 The particularity of one of the means of transforming electric current, by electrolysis, into hydrogen; made possible by the use of a pendulum, wheel, or chain; lies in the fact that the use of one of these three converters makes it possible to recover, at the end of the process, in addition to hydrogen and oxygen, a non-negligible part of the electric current supplied at the start.

 This is made possible by the fact that the gas pressure, resulting from the dissociation of the water molecule into its components, hydrogen and oxygen; is used, instead of vapor pressure, in one or other of the three converters already described; what allows, just like with steam, to ensure the functioning of a pendulum, a wheel, or a chain, (called for this reason, with hydrogen) is therefore to produce electric current, in addition stored hydrogen and oxygen.

 The overall operation of a balance wheel, wheel or chain in hydrogen production mode: differs very little from operation in steam mode; although there are two ways to achieve this.

 A first means, therefore, consists in electrolyzing water, added with an appropriate electrolyte, for example sodium hydroxide; it suffices for this to have a type of reservoir provided for this purpose, supplied with electric current, preferably direct, and containing a determined quantity of electrolytic mixture; the passage of electric current has the effect of dissociating water into these gaseous components, the pressure of which is used to ensure the ascent of a liquid weight, according to the same mechanisms as those already mentioned above, and concerning the operation in mode steam.

 In this particular case the pendulum type tank, of a pendulum, of a wheel, or of a hydrogen chain, is divided into two compartments, if one wants to collect hydrogen and oxygen separately, by a partition, here vertical, electrically insulated, provided with an orifice, in the lower part, so as to ensure electrical continuity within the electrolytic mixture, between the two compartments: as in the preceding reservoirs, there may or may not be a piston: and possibly replace this piston with a flexible membrane: which is the case described here.

 Under the effect of the dissociation of water, into hydrogen and oxygen, the gas pressure within the tanks arriving at the bottom of the wheel, of the chain, or of the pendulum, strongly increases: it is enough then, as in the operation steam, to open the valves connecting the low tanks under overpressure and the high tanks simultaneously under vacuum; so that the fluid weight rises from the low tanks to the high tanks: which once filled, weigh down the balance, the wheel, or the chain on one side, which forces them to tilt, or to turn.

 Simultaneously the low tanks will have emptied their liquid weight; the gas mixture while occupying the entire volume. The separation into two of the reservoirs has the effect of being able to separate the hydrogen from the oxygen, and correspondingly of being able to collect them separately: it then suffices, by means of a pipe provided for this purpose, to pump, for example using of a compressor, this hydrogen and this oxygen; this pumping is done, as far as possible, so as to leave inside the tanks, which during this time will be reassembled, and arrived at the top of the wheel, chain, or balance; a minimum pressure, so that it does not oppose the filling pressure of the high tanks, by the weight fluid.

 There is an explosive way, to make this pressure almost zero; by igniting the residual gases, hydrogen and oxygen, within the high tanks, this has the effect of creating an explosion, consuming entirely the hydrogen and oxygen, and leaving only a small amount of reconstituted water: and an almost perfect vacuum, suitable for sucking up the weight liquid, from the low tanks; and this combined with the high pressure prevailing in these same tanks, has the effect of being able to raise the weight fluid: which is the aim sought.

 The operation of a balance wheel, wheel or chain, in this hydrogen mode by electrolysis thus makes it possible to recover, using one of these processes, a large part of the electricity supplied at the start, at the same time. time, that a quantity of energy storable in the form of hydrogen, is reusable in a steam converter.

 There is a second way of dissociating hydrogen from water, this time not using the electric current already produced: but in a superheated steam mode; which can also be used thanks to a pendulum, a wheel, or a chain.

Indeed the water molecule can be dissociated into its components thanks to a high temperature, higher than 1200-C, which requires a temperature much higher than that necessary to ensure the operation of the three converters in simple vapor mode
it is however possible, thanks to the three converters already described, balance wheel, wheel and chain to complete the operation in steam mode, by an operation also producing hydrogen: it is enough for that to overheat, either within the low tanks, or during the rise of the tanks emptied of their weight fluid, water or steam, beyond 1200-C to have a hydrogen oxygen dissociation; Although energy-intensive, this solution has the advantage of supplying hydrogen during an operating cycle in steam mode, at the same time as electric current, without going through electrolytic hydrogen mode.

 Obtaining such temperatures supposes, on the other hand, in the case of the use of solar energy, to have means suitable for obtaining these temperatures which are not necessary, in the case of a simple steam mode; as well as materials suitable for these high temperatures. On the other hand oxygen and hydrogen are found mixed, and not separated as in the case of 1 electrolysis.

 Once the tanks arrive at the top of one of the three converters and after pumping the hydrogen and oxygen therein, it is, as in the case of electrolysis, possible to create an almost perfect vacuum by detonating the residual gas mixture in the tanks; this obviously supposes, and is valid for electrolysis, as for overheating; have tanks that are strong enough so that they do not burst under the effect of the explosion.

 It is of course also possible to conserve the hydrogen and the residual oxygen, whether in the case of electrolysis, or of! overheating, without exploding them; in this case they will simply be expelled from the high tanks (and taken up by a compressor), to their respective storage; by the arrival of the weight fluid flowed back from the low tanks, under the effect of the prevailing internal pressure. In this case a small part of hydrogen and additional oxygen is recovered; on the other hand, the absence of depression close to vacuum at the level of the high tanks, presupposes, at the height of the fluid of equal weight, a pressure at the level of the low tanks, much greater; which requires an electrical consumption, in the case of electrolysis, or heat in the case of overheating, also greater, but in exchange provides more hydrogen and oxygen.

 The choice between the different solutions will be made according to the objectives to be expected; depending on whether it is preferable to have more electric current available immediately: or a larger hydrogen reserve: potential electric reserve for later.

 The hydrogen thus produced can of course be used as fuel, associated with oxygen, therefore particularly energetic; to supply a balance, a wheel, or a chain operating in steam mode, and thus again produce electric current: and on the other hand the electric current restored by a converter in hydrogen mode can very well supply either the same or another hydrogen mode converter. It is thus possible to create in this way, sets of converters supplying each other either with electricity or with hydrogen to produce either electricity from hydrogen or hydrogen from the electricity.

 The production of hydrogen can also be used as automobile fuel and thus considerably reduce pollution, especially in urban areas.

 We therefore have at our disposal, three types of energy converters, transforming a heat source; and especially solar, in electricity: the pendulum, the wheel, and the chain; each one being able to meet different requirements, from the most modest in the case of the balance wheel to the most efficient in the case of the chain.

 Each embodiment can operate according to two modes of operation; steam, or hydrogen production; and in the latter case, either by electrolysis or by overheating; with explosive phase or not; this leaves a very wide choice of possible combinations, if only with the use of solar energy.

If we add to this, although this is not the aim, the fact that any fuel can fuel the steam mode; the field of use of such converters widens further.

 The attached drawings illustrate the different types of energy converters; as well as a few details: with regard to the general operation, they concern both the steam mode and the hydrogen mode.

 Figure 1 illustrates the embodiment of the pendulum converter.

 FIG. 2 illustrates the embodiment of the chain converter.

 Figure 3 is a detail of a section made in a vertical plane, perpendicular to the representation of Figure 2, when a tank arrives exactly vertical to the pulley supporting the chain. (which is not the case in the case of the cutting line in FIG. 2).

 Figure 4 is a simplified embodiment of the chain, in this particular case, thermal fluid and weight fluid are combined; in this drawing the cooling system is not shown, any more than the boiler and the hearth.

 FIG. 5 represents a particular type of tank, known as a pendulum, in which the piston has been replaced by a double sealing membrane enclosing an insulator.

 FIG. 6 represents a detail circled in FIG. 2.

 FIG. 7 illustrates a twin-cylinder electrolysis tank, pendulum, adaptable to the pendulum, to the wheel or to the chain, in the case of operation in hydrogen mode by electrolysis without explosion of the residual gas mixture.

 FIG. 8 represents a model of pendulum single-cylinder electrolysis tank with explosive phase.

 FIG. 9 illustrates a detail of an electromagnetic lock with automatic engagement, as well as of the "roller piston" of the reservoir of FIG. 8.

 The operation of the wheel is not shown or detailed; but it is identical to that of the chain: it suffices to imagine a chain whose pulley would occupy all the space included inside the chain, giving it a circular shape.

 According to these drawings, Figure 1 illustrates the operation of the pendulum.

 The balance consists of a tube (33) closed by a valve (20) connecting between them two reservoirs (2) forming a cylinder because enclosing a piston (8): the starting position of the balance corresponds to position A; it is supported on its horizontal axis (22) placed on the frame (31) secured to the ground (32): the pendulum is locked in this position, so that it cannot tilt: the low tank, corresponding to this position, is named Alb; (position A, state 1, situation b, for low). The top tank (h) is, for the same reasons, named Alh. At this stage, the reservoir Alb is full of the weight fluid (1); the thermal fluid (4) is largely vaporized (3), (the source of heat, solar, fuel, the boiler as well as the hearth are not shown), the vapor pressure (3) is very strong.

 At the other end of the balance tank Alh is empty, the vapor it contained has been condensed, it has returned to the liquid state (4), a vacuum, a vacuum (5), reigns within the tank.

 The valve (20) is still closed; as soon as this valve is open, under the effect of the strong thrust of the vapor pressure (3) within the reservoir Alb, and simultaneously, of the vacuum (5) prevailing within the reservoir Alh, the piston (8) goes expel the fluid weight (1) from the reservoir Alb, which will go back into the reservoir Alh and fill it; as soon as this operation is completed, the valve (20) is closed. The balance can remain in this position as long as it remains locked, but the contents of the tanks are no longer the same, the position of the pistons either. The tank Alb is changed to state 2, and becomes A2b, the fluid weight (1) it contained has given way to steam (3), this tank is now much lighter.

On the other hand, the Alh reservoir, which during this time passed to the state
A2h, is much heavier, since the vacuum (5) it contained has been replaced by the weight fluid (1); the thermal fluid (4) has been pushed back to the end of the tank.

The pendulum is now in unstable equilibrium; the heaviest tank being at the top, the lightest at the bottom, it is charged with potential energy, it can remain thus until one needs this energy, it is enough to unlock it so that it rocks and releases this potential energy, we can then use this rotation around the axis (22) to, for example, rotate an alternator. The balance then moves to position B; The reservoir
A2b rises, once the vapor it contains is condensed, it becomes Blh: the tank A2h descends and becomes Blb; here, in Figure (1), the thermal fluid (4 of Blb) is shown in the liquid state; In this detail, the state of the tank Blb is the same as that of the tank Alb, the position of the pendulum is reversed but we return to the initial equilibrium state, and the cycle can start again.

 The operation of the pendulums being relatively slow, the cooling does not pose any particular problems: they can be fitted either with a fin device (56) similar to the air cooling system of the combustion engines of small motorcycles; or a liquid cooling device like that detailed below and concerning the operation of the chain type converter.

 By associating several pendulums, either in parallel, one beside the other, pivoting around a common axis, or in series, one above the other, their respective point of rotation being for example along the same mast, the various pendulums being able to be connected together by a system of connecting rods; or by combining these two processes, we can by this very simple system, build real thermal power plants.

 In the case of using solar energy, energy can be stored to use it as needed; we can then build large capacity pendulums, which can take an entire day to accumulate the necessary vapor pressure within the low tank, to ensure the ascent of the weight fluid inside the high tank, even if it means supplementing this pressure by heat given off by the combustion of any fuel at the end of the day; and thus accumulate a potential energy, which can be released at night, or at any other convenient time.

 The whole night to condense the steam from the rising tank; this one will then have to be protected from the solar heat during the day: a cooling system which can possibly accentuate the condensation before the rise of the fluid weight (1) at the end of the day, this cooling can be ensured by a system similar to that concerning cooling of the secondary coolant in the chain, the external walls of the tanks and more particularly the upper wall which can be coated with an absorbent surface (15) (example of the chain, FIGS. 3 and 6) impregnated with a liquid of cooling, this cooling the walls of the tank by evaporation, and condensing on the walls of the containment (16). from where it falls in rain on the absorbent surface.

 The containment can then be under vacuum to accelerate evaporation at the absorbent surface (15): this cooling mode is more precisely described below for the chain type converter.

 Although a combination of several pendulums operating in series and in parallel can already allow the realization of true thermal power plants, 'for important achievements; the "chain" type described below, or the "wheel" type will be more appropriate; especially the chain type, especially by associating it with a water reserve to store potential energy; the wheel and the chain can either be used as a pump (water, for example), or to rotate an alternator, or do both simultaneously, and this with the same wheel, or the same chain.

In the latter configuration, part of the useful energy can be converted into electricity, the other part can be stored, for example in a water reserve, to be used later; which makes large solar power plants quite achievable, without suffering the hazards due to the irregularity of the sunshine. On the other hand, just like the pendulum; the wheel and chain can also operate in hydrogen mode.

 Figure 2 illustrates the operation of the chain; the overall operation is the same in steam mode and in hydrogen mode, the peculiarities of the latter will be detailed later.

 In addition to this FIG. 2, FIG. 3 illustrates a section made along a vertical plane, perpendicular to the sheet of paper representing FIG. 2, at the level where a tank would be located exactly vertically above the pulley (23) in In this FIG. 3, the weight fluid is not shown, the primary coolant (12) is shown, with regard to the cooling circuit around the cylinder, only in the tube (11) bearing this reference 12.

 In addition to these two figures: Figure (6) illustrates a detail in Figure 2, corresponding to the right circle.

 With reference to these drawings (fig. 2, 3 and 6); and more particularly in the general plan of FIG. 2, the chain consists of a supporting structure (24) suspended from a pulley (23) which can rotate around a horizontal axis (22) placed on a frame (not shown) integral with the ground; the axis (22) of the pulley (23) rests on the frame by means of bearings; on the axis can be fixed secondary pulleys to drive, for example, an alternator.

The frame, the main pulley (23) and its axis (22) supports the entire weight of the chain, the rotation of which will allow the pulley to rotate.

 To do this, on the supporting structure (24) of the chain, which can be flexible and articulated (25), are hung tanks (2) which will always be kept full on one side, and simultaneously empty on the other : which makes the chain always heavier on one side than on the other, which forces the full tanks to descend, as soon as they arrive at the bottom, they are emptied; and the voids to go up, as soon as they reach the top, they are filled. The chain is thus forced to rotate, causing the pulley (23) to rotate, and possibly that of an alternator. All this is done in the following way.

 ble fluid weight (1) filling the tanks, which I would call cylinders (2) here because they are equipped with a piston (8), is; when a cylinder arrives at the bottom of the chain (2 down), raised, by a pressure force: passing through a peripheral pipe (6), opened by means of a valve (7); in the cylinder (2 high) arriving at the top of the chain, the corresponding valve (7) of which is simultaneously open; all the other valves in this circuit are closed (example 20) only the cylinders (2 low) and (2 high) are connected by the pipe (6), the content of the other cylinders is isolated.

 The weight fluid (1) is raised, from the tank (2 bottom), by a pressure exerted, here, by the vapor (3) of a thermal fluid (4) heated in a boiler (9) contiguous to a hearth (10 ); this pressure pushing the piston (8), from the cylinder (2 down) driving out the weight fluid (1), contained in this cylinder; this being combined with a depression resulting from the condensation of the vapor (3), creating a partial vacuum (5) in the cylinder (2 top) arriving simultaneously at the top of the chain: this depression sucks the piston (8) of the cylinder ( 2 high) allowing this cylinder to fill with the fluid weight (1) arriving via the pipe (6) and open valves (7) from the cylinder (2 bottom). The chain being in rotation, each cylinder (2 bottom) is replaced by the following, and it is the same for the cylinder (2 top): and each time a cylinder occupies the respective positions (2 bottom) and (2 top); the operation described above, namely, the filling of the cylinder (2 high) with the weight fluid (1) from which the cylinder (2 bottom) is emptied, is repeated. In this way the cylinders (2) on the down side of the chain are always kept full of the weight fluid (1), while those on the up side being emptied of the weight liquid and filled with steam (3) are much lighter. The chain, thus kept permanently always heavier on one side than on the other, is forced to turn.

 On the descending side of the chalne the thermal fluid (4) is heated, so that the vapor pressure (3) which it releases, combined with the partial vacuum (5); ensures a pressure difference between the cylinder (2 high) and the cylinder (2 low) sufficient to cause the rise of the weight fluid (1). Simultaneously on the ascending side of the chain, while the cylinders are filled with steam (3), this is condensed within the cylinder, the latter being cooled by a primary coolant (12) (see fig. 3) circulating all around the cylinders whose walls are traversed by a cooling circuit (11). This primary coolant (12) is itself cooled by a secondary coolant (13, bottom of fig. 2) by means of a spiral (14, fig 6, 2 and 3) in which the coolant circulates. primary cooling (12), this spiral (14) rotating at the same time as the chain passes through the secondary cooling liquid (13, fig. 2), the spiral (14) in flexible tube is coated with an absorbent surface (15 Figs. 3 and 6) which soaks on each pass through the secondary coolant (13), the evaporation of which cools the primary coolant (12) contained in the spiral.

 The spiral (14) (see Figure 6) and the secondary coolant (13) are enclosed in a sealed containment enclosure (16, fig. 3 and 6) whose wall is bristling with condensation fins (17). The secondary coolant (13) condenses on the walls of these condensation fins (17) in heat exchange with the ambient external environment, and flows by gravity to the bottom of its confinement enclosure (16).

 Junction pipes (18) (see fig. 3 and 6) fitted with valves (19) connect, at each cylinder, the primary cooling circuit (11) to the spiral (14). The opening of these valves (19) ensures a double circulation of the primary coolant (12): A first circulation in the pipes (11) of the walls of the cylinders (2) which takes place in the opposite direction to the rotation of the chain : the objective of this first circulation is to cool the walls of the ascending cylinders, the circulation of the primary cooling liquid (12) is then descending; and to heat the walls of the descending cylinders, the circulation of the primary coolant is then ascending. During this first circulation, while descending and cooling the ascending cylinders, the primary coolant heats up: it loses part of this heat by rising and heating the descending cylinders.

It cools during the second circulation in the spiral (14) which is in the opposite direction to the first circulation, that is to say in the same direction as the rotation of the chain. the circulation of this primary coolant will be ensured by a pump or circulator as follows.

 As soon as the first cylinder (2 top, fig.2), arriving at the top of the chain, is filled with the weight fluid (1), thus becoming 2 top: the primary coolant (12) leaves; by the pipe (18 fig. 2, 3 and 6) and thanks to the opening, at this precise moment, of the valve (l9 fig. 3 and 6) the first circulation (11) around the cylinders, it is then hot , to join the spiral (14) - second circulation - during which it cools by traversing the entire length of the spiral, which soaks; turning at the same time as simultaneously; at the level of the last cylinder (top 2), arriving at the top of the chain just before its main valve (20), still closed, opens, and it begins to fill with weight fluid.

 The secondary valves (19) are only opened twice: when they occupy the respective positions corresponding to the tank (2 top) and the tank (2 top, Figure 2); outside the respective positions of these two tanks they are closed.

In order to prevent the primary coolant from short-circuiting the circulation of the spiral by joining these two reservoirs by the shortest route, and in order to force it to take the longest route; a valve (91, fig. 6) is located on the spiral, let's start from the junction between the pipe (18) and the spiral (14). There are therefore as many valves (91) as such junctions.

All of its valves will be permanently open except one; that corresponding to the junction of the tank (2 first, top, figure 2).

Each time a valve (91) arrives in the position relative to this reservoir: it closes, to open again, at the moment, the next reservoir arrives in the respective position 2 first and that its valve ( 91), this in turn closes: when, on the other hand, the valve (19) opens.

 All these valves can be of electromagnetic types with centralized electronic controls, with the exception of the balance valve which can, if necessary, be manual.

 In the first phase of the first circulation, the primary coolant (12) is cold, it cools the cylinders filled with steam, on the rising side of the chain in order to allow the condensation of the steam (3) and thus allow the reduction of the pressure within the ascending cylinders, in doing so this primary coolant heats up and it descends while the empty cylinders rise; arrived at the bottom of the chain it goes up around the descending full cylinders, whose walls it heats while losing some of its heat; arrived at the top of the chain, at the level of the first cylinder (2 prem.high) full of the weight fluid (1) this primary coolant (12) leaves the first circulation around the cylinders, to join without spiral the spiral (14 ) or it will cool down, and the cycle starts again.

 As for the secondary coolant (13); due to the force of gravity, it is simply held at the bottom of its confinement enclosure (16), passing within it the absorbent surface (15) of the spiral (14) is impregnated therewith; its evaporation all along the spiral, cools the primary coolant (12) circulating in the spiral. The secondary coolant (13) transfers its heat by condensing on the condensation fins (17) which is provided with the wall of the containment (16) and returns to the liquid state. To allow faster evaporation of the secondary coolant (13) permeating the absorbent surface (15) with which the spiral is provided: the pressure within the confinement enclosure (16) can be lowered and adjusted according to the nature secondary coolant (13); itself chosen as a function of the outside temperature at the level of the condensation fins (17): these different choices conditioning that of the primary coolant (12).

 According to the embodiment presented in FIG. 2, the weight fluid (1) and the thermal fluid (4) are distinct; and separate by a piston (8); this can make it possible to choose a particularly dense weight fluid; which allows, for equal performance, to make shorter chains; and to choose a different thermal fluid according to its thermal qualities.

 In order to avoid a heating of the weight liquid (1) and therefore an energy loss, an insulating and flexible structure (21, fig.3) following the movements of the piston, can be added inside the cylinders, so as to cover the walls, without adhering to them, so that the walls of the cylinders are covered with them, when they are full of the liquid weight; descending side of the chain, thus isolating the liquid weight from the wall of the cylinder being reheated and that the ascent of the piston (8) simultaneously raising this insulating structure (21) uncovers these same walls thus allowing heat exchanges between the primary coolant (12) and the interior of the ascending cylinders then filled with steam to be condensed.

 According to the embodiment presented in FIG. 4, the weight fluid (1) and the thermal fluid (4) are combined; in this case it is not necessary to have a piston: construction and maintenance are thereby simplified: but with equivalent production with the previous embodiment; the energy consumption can meter more important because it is necessary here to heat all the liquid weight. In this figure 4 the cooling circuit is not shown; it can be designed according to the same principle as that described above and concerning the embodiment of FIG. 2.

In this figure 4 the tanks are found to be suspended inside the chain instead of outside, the two configurations are possible, the general principle of operation remains the same in both cases.

 Figures 2 and 4 have just been described according to the operation in "steam mode"; in this case the pressure suitable for ensuring the ascent of the liquid weight (1) from the low tanks to the high tanks, is ensured by a vapor pressure (3) due to the vaporization of a thermal fluid (4), which can be the same as the weight fluid.

 In "hydrogen overheating mode" this does not change; if it is not the temperature which will have to be higher than 1200-, and all the more important as the pressure within the low tanks is important; in order to dissociate the water, (which will then be the thermal fluid used); in its hydrogen and oxygen components; and the materials used, which will obviously have to withstand this important temperature.

 In "hydrogen mode by electrolysis" the heating and vaporization of the thermal fluid are suppressed; they no longer provide the pressure necessary for the rise of the fluid weight (1) which is then replaced by the release of gas, caused, in this specific case, by the electrolysis of water, mixed with an electrolyte (for example of soda) which then occupies the place, until it devolves to the thermal fluid (4); in tanks designed for this purpose (Figures 7 and 8).

 The depression in the upper tanks, which in "steam mode" is due to the condensation of water vapor; is, in "hydrogen mode by electrolysis" ensured by the suction of hydrogen and oxygen, possibly supplemented by the explosion of the residual mixture of these two gases; which has the effect of ensuring the vacuum (5) suitable for ensuring the ascent, within the high tanks, of the weight fluid (1) coming from the low tanks, under overpressure.

 Regarding the cooling system; it is possible to remove it, at least in one case, that of operating in hydrogen mode by electrolysis, without explosive phase.

 Apart from these operating features (replacement of the vapor pressure by a gas pressure resulting from electrolysis; condensation of the vapor, replaced by the suction of the gaseous mixture and possibly the combustion or the explosion of the residual mixture) and some specific arrangements which will be detailed later (figs. 7 and 8), concerning the construction of the reservoirs and the addition of additional peripheral pipelines, (to bring the electrolytic mixture to the reservoirs, and to extract the hydrogen and oxygen therefrom); the operation of the chain as described in the commentary to FIGS. 2 and 4 is identical in steam mode and in hydrogen mode.

 These remarks also apply to the balance wheel and the wheel.

 Figure (5) illustrates the principle of a particular embodiment of the tanks (2), which can be used in the case of the balance wheel, wheel or chain; it is indeed pendulum, it is suspended from a bracket (26) by an axis (27) around which it can oscillate in a controlled manner, which can be locked in the desired position; the advantage of this particular configuration, is to allow the boiler (9) to be, by pivoting the tank (2) around the axis (27) always at the lowest point of the tank, like the fluid thermal (4) is; due to gravity, also always at the lowest point of the tank, this allows the thermal fluid to be at the heart of the boiler (9) located above the hearth (10). Here the boiler also has a fir-shaped heat exchanger (28) in order to increase the exchange surface between the heat of the hearth (10) and the thermal fluid (4).

 The detail of the hearth is not represented, but one can very well imagine, that the solar radiation is focused there, or that a gas burner, in addition, comes to heat this hearth (10); an additional advantage of the pendulum tank is to be able to orient the hearth, optimally, with respect to solar radiation, being able to be focused there by a series of mirrors, and concentrated by a converging lens; the tank can then be tilted and locked in the ideal position.

 Another feature of the reservoir shown in Figure 5 is that the piston has been replaced by a flexible double sealing membrane (29), between the two walls of which has been placed an insulator (21). In addition to this sealing membrane (29) replacing the piston (8 fig. 3), and eliminating, the problems of forces due to the friction of the piston against the walls of the cylinder (2), as well as the inevitable wear to this level, linked to possible sealing problems; an additional advantage offered by this sealing membrane, is to increase the exchange surface between the walls of the tank and the steam (3) under pressure which it contains, this makes it possible to bring the walls and steam to the same temperature , and to avoid a problem of premature condensation, which could occur in the case of the piston, at the moment when this one drives out the fluid weight (I), (for example in the bottom of the chain) and or the very hot vapor comes into contact with the cylinder walls. The insulator (21) between the two walls of the membrane (29) is there, to limit the heat exchanges between the vapor (3) and the weight fluid (1).

In the case of the pendulum tank, a junction tube (30) connects the tank (2) to the peripheral pipe (6) not shown in this figure 5.

 Figure 6 being a detail of Figure 2 has already been commented; it will be noted, however, the departure and arrival of the junctions (55) of the cooling circuit (11) joining together the circuits of each of the cylinders.

 FIG. 7 illustrates a particular mode of reservoir intended to equip, a balance, a wheel, or a chain, operating according to the "hydrogen" mode by electrolysis: that is to say transforming part of the electric current produced during the day, in the case in particular, of the use of solar energy, in hydrogen; in order to have a fuel, which can supply according to the steam mode, as already described one of the three converters, chain, wheel, or pendulum: in period of non-sunshine; at night, for example; and thus, to have solar thermal power stations, which can operate twenty four hours a day.

 In this figure 7, the tank (2) is divided into two compartments, (H2 and 02): one having a double volume of the other, by an insulating partition (34), electrically insulated (35) from the other walls of the reservoir and provided, at its base, with an orifice (36) of electrical continuous, through which the electrolytic mixture (37) can circulate, for example water plus soda. One of the walls of the tank (2-), as well as the bottom of the tank up to the insulator (35) constitute the cathode of the electrolyser tank, they are connected by an electrical conductor (38) to the pole less than a continuous electrical circuit; the other wall, (2+) as well as the other half of the bottom, constitute the anode, and are connected (39) to the positive pole of the same electrical circuit.

 Pipes (40) supply electrolytic mixture (37) from the bottom, each compartment (02) and (H2) of the tank. Other pipes (41) connected to a compressor (located outside the chain), allow suction, via valves (42), which will then be open (they are closed in the drawing) ,, the oxygen and hydrogen contained in this type of tank. These pipes (40) and (41) are respectively connected to a flexible collecting pipe, (not shown) but going around the chain or the wheel, as does the pipe (6) also flexible: with this difference almost that 'they must, moreover, be connected: as regards the line (40) to the reserve of electrolytic mixture supplying the cylinders; and as regards the pipes (41); each independently, in the storage, either of oxygen, or of hydrogen: by way of a compressor. These respective storages will preferably be external to the chain.

 The tank of this figure 7 is of the pendulum type, which allows the electrolytic mixture (37) to remain in the bottom of the tank, at the same level as the electrical continuity orifice (36). In this figure the tank is shown, when, being at the bottom of the pendulum, or arriving at the bottom of the wheel or chain; the gas pressure is at its maximum; and the valve (7), allowing the fluid weight (1) to rise up, filling, via the pipe (6), the tanks arriving simultaneously at the top of the converter, has just been opened; here this tank being provided with two membranes (29) tight and flexible in place of the piston, these, emptying under the effect of gas pressure (H 2 and 0 2), expel the liquid weight (1) that 'they contain, and which, being evacuated through the pipe (30) and the open valve (7) joined by the peripheral pipe (6) (which is not shown here) one of the tanks arriving at that time at the top of one of the three converters (review if necessary, general operation of the balance wheel and chain, comments on Figures 1 and 2).

 As soon as the weight fluid (1) is completely evacuated from the bottom tanks, the valve (7) is immediately closed (20), the sealing membranes (29) are completely pressed against the top of the tank (example fig. 8). volume of the tank then being almost entirely occupied by oxygen (02) and hydrogen (H2); aspiration (by a compressor) of these two gases can begin; this is done during the ascending phase of the reservoirs, along the chain or the wheel, through the pipes (41); the valves (42) then being open. This pumping has the effect of lowering as much as possible the internal pressure of the two compartments (H2 and 02) of the tank, which during this time will be raised with the chain, to reach the top of the latter; vacuum being then maximum, each compartment can have its waterproofing membrane filled with the weight fluid (1), rising from the bottom reservoirs of the chain, thanks to the opening of the valve (7) via the pipe (6).

 As we have already seen above, it is possible to accentuate the depression in the upper tank by burning the hydrogen and the residual oxygen therein; if this solution is chosen; and if it is done according to the detonating mode; it must be ensured that the tank is provided for this purpose, so that it can remain 1 explosion.

 This is the case illustrated in Figure 8; this one represents a single cylinder, single compartment tank; but this type of construction can very well be applied to the case of FIG. 7, with two compartments, so. to separate hydrogen and oxygen.

 The reservoir of FIG. 8 is designed to operate, with a balance, a wheel or a chain, according to the hydrogen mode by electrolysis, like that of FIG. 7, but unlike the latter, without separation of the hydrogen and the 'oxygen, and with explosive phase; in this figure 8, the main piston (8) is raised to the maximum, the liquid weight (1) has been driven from the tank, the valve (20) is closed; this reservoir has risen upward and is almost at the top of the wheel or chain, it is soon ready to be filled with weight fluid, and the explosion can occur in order to obtain an almost perfect vacuum.

 In this case the walls of the tank (2) have been reinforced, so as to absorb the shock of the explosion (48) of the residual hydrogen-oxygen mixture: which in this specific case are already mixed, since the tank is single-cylinder. In the thickness of its double wall, it is possible to circulate a coolant in order to condense the vapor released by the partial vaporization of the electrolytic mixture. This vaporization can be caused by heating due to the explosion.

 To absorb the explosive shock, while recovering the energy thus released, the reservoir of FIG. 8 is equipped with a second piston (44), which I would therefore call "shock-absorbing piston"; this role being played by the fact that it compresses, at the time of the explosion of the detonating mixture (48), an air mass (49) against the lower wall of the tank, this air compression action dampens; on the one hand, the explosive shock, and on the other hand: stores the energy released by this explosion; the fact that this damping piston (44) is equipped with an automatic locking system (45, see also fig. 9), which can be electromagnetic; which instantly blocks the damping piston (44) in the position, which will have been predetermined in advance, as a function of its stroke at the time of the explosion; thereby enclosing the compressed air (49) while reserving the released energy.

 All this happens in the tanks arriving at the top of one of the three converters (balance wheel, wheel or chain): just before the valve opens (20 closed, 7 open), which connects the high and low tanks, allows the liquid weight (1) to rise from the low tanks, converters, to the high tanks; filling them, while the explosion of the residual hydrogen oxygen mixture, will have left an almost perfect vacuum (5) within these tanks; which is the desired goal, having the effect of supporting the ascent of the weight fluid.

 As we have already seen above, the explosion also compressed air, thanks to the action of the damping piston (44), this one having been blocked by the action of the bolts (45) and the bolt (51): thus remains locked until it returns to the bottom of the converter.

 While going down; the electrolysis of the electrolytic mixture (37), which resumed as soon as the filling of the high reservoirs was completed, continues: arrived at the bottom of the device, the pressure due to the gassing of hydrogen and oxygen is at its maximum, it is then that the opening of the valves (20 closed then 7 open) of the high and low tanks, allows the fluid weight to go up, by the pipe (6) under the effect of this pressure, in the high tanks, in depression, of the converter.

 It is at this point that the shock absorbing piston (44), which remains locked, has again retained the energy previously stored, in the form of compressed air. I1 then suffices to unlock it, by releasing the latches (45) so that, under the internal pressure of compressed air, the damping piston (44) rises inside the cylinder, thus adding this pressure to the gas pressure due to the release of hydrogen oxygen; all expelling the weight fluid from the low tanks to the high tanks.

 During the ascent of the tanks, on the rising side of the converters, the electrolysis is stopped; unless you want to obtain more hydrogen and oxygen: in this case it can be continued, until this gas mixture is pumped, to be compressed and stored; it can also, if necessary later, depending on its subsequent use, be liquefied.

 Arrived at the top of the chain, the high tanks are ready to start a new cycle.

 If you want to collect hydrogen and oxygen separately, this particular construction (fig. 8) of the tanks for the explosive phase, must be done in each of the compartments of a tank with two compartments, like the one represented in figure 7.

 This type of tank (fig. 8) provided for the explosive phase can also be used, no longer in the case of converters in hydrogen mode by electrolysis, but in the case of hydrogen mode by overheating; the electrical supply device must then be replaced by a very high temperature boiler (above 1200 ° C).

 In both cases, whether it is making hydrogen by electrolysis or overheating: the hydrogen mode makes it possible at the same time to make hydrogen, oxygen, and electric current, by supplying the movement of the converter.

 The production of electricity coming, in the case of electrolysis, to evade the consumption that requires the electrolytic reaction: in the case of overheating, this electric production partly compensates for the additional energy that it implies; if this is done using solar energy; this electrical production, concomitant with that of hydrogen and oxygen, is an additional benefit which this kind of converters allows.

 In the case of the use of tanks, or here of cylinders with rigid pistons; in order to limit as much as possible the energy losses by friction, between the pistons and the walls of the cylinders, it is possible to equip the friction surface between these two elements, with rollers or rollers.

 This is detailed in Figure 9. Rollers or rollers (46 a and 46 b) equip the edge of the pistons, main piston (8 fig. 8) and damping piston (44 fig. 8 and 9), in contact with the walls of the cylinder (2); in this case the seal is no longer ensured by the piston itself, the volume of the weight liquid is enclosed in a flexible sealing membrane (29 fig. 8) as well as the volume of compressed air (47 fig. 8 and 9). In the case of electrolysis, the rollers (46) must be made of electrically insulating materials: in order to prevent the direct passage of current from the anode (2+) to the cathode (2-).

 In the case of FIG. 9, the lock (45) is of the electromagnetic type, moved by a coil (50), it is provided with a spring bolt (51), quite conventional. This particular arrangement allows the piston (44), when expelled by the explosion (48 fig. 8) of the detonating mixture to automatically block after the roller (46 b) is beyond the bolt (51), which returned by its spring (52), prevents the roller from going up: and thus locks the damping piston (44), thus kept locked until it is necessary, once arrived at the bottom of one of the converters, (balance wheel, wheel or chain) to unlock it using the electromagnetic lock (45). The bolt and the bolt (51), then returning to their initial position (that drawn in this figure), immediately after the damping piston (44) is raised.

 This lock system involves the presence of a seal (53), at the bolt, and if necessary (54) enveloping the entire lock in order to prevent any leakage of the hydrogen oxygen mixture.

 The proportions of the drawings depend on the size of the sheets of paper and the regulatory framework; and not calculated according to the real dimensions that the balance, the chain or a particular detail of the assembly may have. In particular, the number of tanks represented on the chains (fig. 2 and 4) may in reality be much greater.

 The height of the chains is a function of the pressure available (gas pressure, or vapor pressure) and of the desired energy production.

 In steam mode operation: since the size of the tanks determines their cooling time and the intensity of the vacuum available in the tanks arriving at the top of the converters, it is preferable, at equal volume, to have several small tanks, rather than a single large one: except in the case of pendulums with daytime storage, restoring their potential energy at night.

 This constraint disappears with the use of converters in hydrogen mode, without an explosive phase, since the cooling circuit is no longer necessary.

 This set of converters, balance wheel, wheel and chain, is essentially intended to produce electric current: by eliminating most of the nuisances associated with conventional thermal power plants generally very polluting; more specifically, it was devised for the rational use, twenty four hours a day, of solar energy: a free, inexhaustible and non-polluting source of energy; particularly abundant in developing countries, the use of which could reverse the process of impoverishment.

 On the other hand this type of converters is particularly interesting for ia production of hydrogen, fuel7 in particular automobile, of the future, and even of the present because it also non-polluting and inexhaustible; and the use of which would largely solve the problems of urban pollution.

The following relates to the novelty introduced for the second filing under internal priority of the above (already filed on December 16, 1996).

 The main general operation remains the same, what changes is the means of pressurizing the weight fluid; which is here, unconventional, in the sense that the usual laws of physics are generally interpreted.

 Figures 10 and 11 show this new.

 Figure 10 shows the general principle by introducing the novelty, Figure 11 relates to a slightly different embodiment, and shows some additional details.

In the case of these two figures 10 and 11 the pressure within the cylinders is no longer ensured by steam or by a gas resulting from an electrolysis, but by the weight of a heavy piston, calculated in such a way that it exerts sufficient pressure to ensure the ascent of the liquid weight at the top of the chain, or of the wheel; this pressurization of the weight fluid comes from the gravity force exerted on the heavy piston, which on the descending side of the wheel is above the weight fluid, compressing it, forcing it to escape through the valve d '' a cylinder arriving at the bottom of the chain, on the downward side, when the latter is opened at the same time as that of the cylinder arriving at the top of the downward-facing chain, which is in depression due to the fact that its heavy piston also attracted by the force of gravity, tends to create a vacuum within the of this cylinder; vacuum which combined with the pressure exerted in the bottom cylinder, contributes to ensuring the ascent of the fluid weight contained in the last cylinder arriving at the bottom of the chain or of the wheel on the downward side, in double line of discontinuity sharing Figure 11 in two; a single wheel of which one would only see the upper part and the lower part; the rest can be imagined easily knowing the functioning of the system as described in the first part of this patent filing
Agreement: the references common to the different embodiments have the same number; references to the novelty introduced here will begin with 100.

 In FIG. 10 the heavy pressurizing piston (108) has a weight calculated in such a way that under the influence of the gravitational force (110) which it undergoes, it exerts on the liquid weight (1) a pressure sufficient to ensure the ascent of this liquid from cylinder 2 down to cylinder 2 up; itself previously put under vacuum by the same gravity force (110) exerted on the pistons (108) after turning the cylinder, then in ascending phase; the heavy pistons being found, in this case, located below the cylinders, create, by the force of gravity which they undergo, a depression within the ascending cylinders.

 For example, for a chain fifty meters high with a cylinder cross-sectional area of 1.83 m2, the weight of each piston (110) should be 91.5 tonnes, if the weight fluid used is water.

 It is noted that the weight of the piston depends only on the height of the chain, the cross-section of the cylinder, and the density of the fluid weight used; is does not depend on the useful volume, and therefore on the weight, of the fluid weight on board; this last criterion conditioning the stroke of the piston within the cylinder; while the amount of energy that such a chain can produce depends on the volume and therefore on the weight of fluid weight on board.

This constitutes the whole point of this principle of pressurizing the cylinders; which is a practical application of a law of physics known as the "paradox of
Pascal".

Using the same data as above, if the weight of the fluid weight on board (here water) is 274.4 tonnes, and the revolution time corresponding to a half-turn of the chain of one minute, the energy power developed by such a string, would be 2.2
Megawatt.

 It is obvious that for the same weight of heavy piston (110) one can double, or triple or multiply more the weight of fluid on board weight and increase in the same proportions the power of the system; the same result can also be obtained by increasing the speed of rotation.

 Particular care will be taken to ensure that the power developed by the alternator exerts sufficient electromechanical braking on the rotation of the chain; so that the filling and emptying of the tanks can be carried out under the conditions required to ensure proper operation of the system.

 It is also possible to replace the heavy piston with a column of liquid having the same function and exerting either the necessary pressure or the required vacuum.

 Figure 11 shows a different arrangement of the tanks (2) which are here perpendicular to the chain.

 The operation remains the same; except that here the filling and emptying of the tanks can only be done when they arrive vertically, in reciprocal opposition, inside the high pulley. carrier; and the passive low pulley (123), added in this new process to accompany the movement of the chain.

 Note on this figure 1 1 two membranes, (111 and 112) intended to ensure the tightness concerning the weight fluid (1) for the membrane 111; and vacuum sealing, when the cylinders rise, for the membrane 112.

 Heavy pistons can be fitted with casters and a locking system as shown in figure 9.

 It will also be noted, in the peripheral pipe (6) the addition of valves (109) 'intended to ensure that the ascent of the weight fluid, from the low tanks to the high tanks, takes place in the same direction as the rotation of the wheel or thatch, in order to avoid possible hydrodynamic braking.

 Like the previous ones, this new device is intended to provide a particularly economical source of energy; since gravity, the only primary energy source used here, is free and available on any planet with a sufficient gravitational field; which is the case of the earth, but also of Mars.

 The implementation of this new system that can convert free energy into energy usable by humans promises much less polluted tomorrows, and can ensure the energy independence of all countries; especially developing countries; which should result in a better distribution of the wealth of humanity, and the end of a certain number of conflicts related to the energy dependence of certain countries towards others.

Claims (8)

DO YOU RESELL? i Set of HLspositifs per: net-t dt trsnsforurlr a source of energy in another caracterize in side that it comprises a set of means internal to a pendulum (fig. 1) a wheel, or a chain (fig. 2 and 4); (called all three here * "energy converters") capable of transforming an external source of energy, thermal or electrical, into a pressure force exerted within a low reservoir (Alb, fig. l for the pendulum; 2 bottom, fig. 2 and 4 for the chain), on a weight fluid (1), causing the ascent of this fluid, within the high tanks (A2h, fig.l; or 2 top, fig .2 and 4), simultaneously placed under vacuum, (5) and arriving at that time at the top of one of the three converters (balance fig.l, wheel, or chain fig.2 or 4); the rise of this fluid by means of a tube (33, fig.l) or a peripheral pipe (6, fig.2 and 4), placed in communication with the tanks (2) by the opening of valves (7 ); the rise of this fluid weight (1) resulting in emptying the bottom tanks of the balance (Alb, fig.l), of the chain (2 bottom, fig.2 and 4), or of the wheel, and simultaneously fill their tall tanks, (A2h, fig.l ) (2 high fig.2 and 4); this has the effect of lightening the balance (fig.l) or the chain (fig.2 and 4) on one side, while making it heavier on the other; all of which results in tilting the pendulum, or in turning the wheel or chain; thus releasing motive energy, which can power an alternator or an electric current generator. 2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that this set of means is located inside a pendulum (Figure 1) comprising a tube (33), closed by a valve (20); connecting together, two tanks (2), forming cylinders, each divided into two volumes by a piston (8); these tanks or cylinders, located at each end of the tube (33) which can tilt around a horizontal axis (22) placed on a frame (31) secured to the ground (32); the balance being inclined, the low reservoir (Alb) being able to be placed on the ground, enclosing on the side of the piston located towards the tube (33) a fluid weight (1) chosen according to its density and on the other side of the piston a thermal fluid (4) chosen according to its thermal qualities; the weight fluid (1) occupying most of the volume of the reservoir (Alb) and the thermal fluid (4) on the other hand, this being heated by an external heat source the vaporizer (3) creating on this side of the piston (3) a pressure much higher than that prevailing in the opposite upper tank (Alh), filled with condensed vapor returned to the liquid state (4), creating a vacuum (5); this pressure difference between the two tanks / being such, once the valve (20) open, to ensure the ascent of the weight fluid (1) from the low tank (Alb) to the high tank (Alh), pushing the piston ( 8) thus filling this reservoir, (passing to state A2h), with fluid weight (1) and thereby emptying of this same fluid the low reservoir (Alb), passing to state A2b, being then filled with steam (3); the valve (20), being closed as soon as this operation is completed, preventing the weight fluid (1) from coming back down, thus keeping the balance locked, in unstable equilibrium, the empty and light tank at the bottom, the full and heavy tank at the top, loaded potential energy which can be released on demand, by unlocking the balance wheel, causing it to tilt, providing driving energy which can be; either used as is or transformed into electrical energy by a generator or alternator; the balance then having tilted and finding itself inverted (position B), identical to the starting state, thus ready for a new cycle. 3) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that this set of means is located inside a chain (Fig.2) rotating in closed loop on itself, vertically, passing over a pulley (23 ) rotating around a horizontal axis (22) supported by a fixed frame, supporting the weight of this chain, consisting of an articulated carrying structure (24) (25) supporting over its entire length an alignment of sealed tanks (2) fixed to the support structure (24) and communicating through an orifice of this structure, with a pipe (6) circulating all around the chain, connecting together the different reservoirs (2) containing a weight fluid (1) separated within of the reservoir, by a sealed ptston (8), of a thermal fluid (4); the weight fluid (1) weighing down the chain on one side, forcing it to turn, thus bringing the full tanks (example 2 below) at the bottom of the chain, where undergoing the vapor pressure (3) of the thermal fluid ( 4) partially vaporized (3) under the effect of a heat source (10); this steam pressure (3) then pushing the piston (8) and filling the steam tank; thus chasing the weight fluid (1) pouring out thanks to the opening of the valve (7) in the pipe (6) and rising under the effect of this high pressure at the top of the channel at the tank (2 top) ; this one is simultaneously in depression due to the condensation of the vapor (3) leaving room for a vacuum (5) sucking through the piston (8) the weight fluid (1) entering through the valve ( 7) simultaneously open, but closing, as soon as the filling is completed; keeping the tanks full, with the valves closed (20), on the descending side of the chain, in opposition to the ascending side, with the empty tanks, provided with valves (20) immediately closed, immediately the tanks (2) emptied at the bottom chain; thus keeping the chain always heavier on the descending side than on the ascending side; forcing it to rotate thus providing a source of motor energy. 4) Device according to the preceding claims characterized in that this set of means is located inside a wheel consisting of the same elements as the chain; the pulley (23) then occupying all the space between the ascending side and the descending side of the chain, giving the latter a circular shape; this wheel works in the same way as the chain. 5) Device according to the preceding claims which can be applied to the pendulum, the wheel or the chain; characterized in that the piston (8) separating the tanks (2) into two separate volumes is eliminated, the overall operation remaining identical, with the exception of the weight fluid (1) then also playing the role of thermal fluid (4 ), (see Figure 4); when the valve (7) of the tank arriving at the bottom opening, allowing the expulsion of the fluid (1 and 4) located on the side of this valve, immediately closing all of this fluid in liquid phase (4) elapsed, thus enclosing the vapor (3) at the origin of the pressure in the tank.  D LSpOS il F melon claims them: Ofl previous pr r, e. as a whole, characterized in that the vapor pressure (3) exerted within the bottom tanks of a pendulum (Alb, fig. 1), of a wheel or of a chain (2 bottom, fig .2 and 4) and suitable for ensuring the ascent of the weight fluid (1) within the high tanks (A2h, fig. 1) (2 high, fig. 2 and 4); is replaced by the pressure of the gases (H2 and 02, fig. 7), resulting from the molecular dissociation of a fluid, which may be water; dissociation, obtained either by overheating (greater than 1200 'for water) or by electrolysis of an electrolytic mixture (37, fig. 7); the gases thus released (H2 and 02 fig. 7) ensuring the pressure and occupying the proper volume to allow the ascent of the weight fluid (1), from the bottom tanks of the pendulums (Alb, fig. l) of the wheels or chains ( 2 bottom, fig. 2 or 4) to the high tanks (A2h, fig. 1) (2 top fig. 2 and 4) of these same energy converters; these gases possibly being hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (02), resulting from the dissociation of the water molecule; their pressure (3) within the bottom tanks of the wheel balancers or chains, acting on the weight fluid (1) therein: to ensure the ascent within the tall tanks; being supplemented by a depression (5) within these same high tanks, which can be ensured, by the aspiration of these gases by a compressor, aspiration created a partial vacuum (5) which can be completed by the explosion (48, fig .8) of the residual mixture of these gases, in tall tanks solidly constructed and fitted out for this purpose. 7) Device according to claims 7 characterized in that the explosion (48 fig.8) of residual gases from; either overheating of the water, or electrolysis of an electrolytic mixture (37) makes it possible to compress a gas (49) which may be air within the cylinder (2), by means of a piston (44), pushed by the explosion; may have its contact surface with the walls of the cylinder (2) fitted with rollers (46 a and 46 b, fig. 9); and its sealing provided by a flexible membrane (47), impermeable to gas; this piston (44) being able to be blocked automatically, thanks to a conventional electromagnetic lock (45) fitted with a spring bolt (51)  (52); this gas (49) being compressed against a wall of the cylinder, arriving at the top of a balance wheel or chain; thus storing, thanks to this compressed gas (49), the energy released p.wr the explosion (43); preserved, thus, until these same indres (2), arrived at the bottom of one of these three converter; the opening of the electromagnetic lock (45) then releasing the piston (44) thus allows the pressure released by the gas initially compressed (49) by this same piston (44), to be added to the pressure of the gases from the electrolysis, by driving the weight fluid (1) contained in the bottom reservoirs of the converters, towards the reservoirs arriving simultaneously at the top of these same converters. 8) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tanks are of the pendulum type (FIG. 5) which can be oriented at will around the axis (27) of a bracket (26) secured to the structure carrier (24). 9) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tanks can be equipped with a cooling circuit (11), traversed by a primary coolant (12), cooling within another cooling circuit, here a spiral (14) which can be coated with an absorbent surface (15) imbibed with a secondary cooling liquid (13) contained in a confinement enclosure (16; sealed, which can be under vacuum and fitted with condensation fins (17). 10) Device according to claims 1, 2, 3, and 4 characterized (Fig. 10 and 11) in that the pressurization of the cylinders (2) and in particular of the low cylinder 2 suitable for ensuring the ascent of the weight fluid within of the upper cylinder 2 is ensured by the only gravity force (110) exerted on a heavy piston (108) or on a column of liquid, being alternately above the fluid weight (1), the cylinders then being located on the side descending from the chain or wheel; imparting to this fluid the necessary pressure, taking into account the weight of the piston (108) calculated for this purpose, suitable for ensuring the ascent of the fluid weight from the cylinders 2 low towards the cylinders 2 high, and alternately below the cylinders, these being then the ascending side of the chain or of the wheel, emptied of the weight fluid; creating due to gravity (110) being exerted on these heavy pistons (108), a depression, within these cylinders, capable of sucking the weight fluid within the cylinders arriving in position 2 up; the tightness of the weight fluid and the vacuum being respectively ensured by sealing membranes (111 and 112 fig. 11).