RU2772095C2 - Maximum increase of energy extraction from moving fluid mediums - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: power industry.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to methods and systems for extracting energy from moving fluid mediums. The system for extracting kinetic energy from moving masses of fluid contains an encapsulating agent designed to encapsulate fluid included in the encapsulating agent, a movable baffle inside the encapsulating agent having multiple flaps, multiple rollers to guide the movable baffle, and a slowdown agent designed to reduce the velocity of the encapsulated fluid to zero velocity, transferring kinetic energy initially in the incoming fluid medium to the slowdown agent.

EFFECT: invention is aimed at maximizing energy extraction from moving fluid mediums.

16 cl, 16 dwg

Description

PRIOR ART

Prior art devices for extracting energy from masses of moving or flowing fluids typically use the immersion of one or more blades in the moving fluid. The blades are connected to a rotating shaft. The extraction of energy in the flowing fluid is attempted to be optimized through proper design and orientation of the blades. A portion of the energy extracted by the vanes from the moving fluid is supplied by causing the shaft connected to the vanes to rotate with a torque that is usually some fraction of the energy contained in the moving fluid, but still enough to deliver some energy. to a load connected to the shaft, such as a pump, generator or. Examples of such prior art energy recovery devices are wind turbines, water turbines, steam turbines, impellers, and the like.

While such prior art extraction devices have a long and successful history, they are not efficient enough in some cases, and not convenient enough in others. For example, the well-known Betz law states that a wind turbine can theoretically extract only a maximum of 59% of the wind energy that enters the turbine. In practice, the extracted energy never exceeds 70-80% of the theoretical Betz limit; thus the best energy that can be expected from operating wind turbines is between 41 and 47% of the available energy. Wind turbines, like solar energy harvesters, are intermittent and most can actually only harvest power when the wind speed is between about 2.5 and 25 meters/second (m/s). Those of skill in the art - upon request - confirm that the total expected supply from all such devices now visible will be no more than about 30% of the energy actually available to be extracted from the moving fluids impinging on them. The most depressing recognition involves tidal sea movements, and power from "hydro" sources is hardly included in "competent" power source projects anymore.

Recent attempts to extract energy from the seas are various "wave machines"; each uses the vertical rise of a sea wave as an input, sometimes to drive a generator directly, or to do so by means of various forms of hydraulic and pneumatic devices. Due to the lack of efficiency of each device, they are often combined into chains or a collection of nodes packed in one container.

PR for the entire area (an essential tool in attracting investment) has become excessive, and the truth is very difficult to determine. The actual results of the various attempts are so far from being loudly claimed that the June 2010 issue of Popular Mechanics, in its excellent overview of the renewable energy situation, reveals "Myth #5 - Tidal energy is an unattainable goal" on page 74.

No environmentalist group has yet realized (with horror) what our coasts would be like if a serious effort was made to obtain some of our energy needs from various wave devices - and endless buoys and articulated chains of large metal boxes would cover nearby seas. Scotland has declared itself the "Saudi Arabia of Marine Energy" and a commendable effort to classify and find the best solutions in this area is being made there. They list (via www.bwea.com/marine, note: "bwea" is now known as "RENEWABLESUK"), "three main ways" to extract energy from tidal or other "currents", such as "Cross Flow Turbines ", "Reciprocating hydrofoils" and "Axial turbines". Popular Mechanics claims that "an array of axial turbines (at least 3) "working over 9,000 hours" in 2008, in the New York East River, "produced 70,000 kWh"; if this is correct, then each an axial turbine produced approximately 70,000/(3×9,000)=2.6 kWh... The "capacity" of such a turbine is shown in the advertisement, also given there as 35 kW British Petroleum - now known for another most unfortunate reason - not so long ago promoted its initials BP as "Beyond Petroleum" ... Then, perhaps not surprisingly, it seemed that the prudent oilmen rejected, in fact giving up, the hope that something other than fossil fuels could probably even produce a significant part of the world's annual electricity consumption of 15406 terawatt hours ...

(2004 CIA World Fact Book) Note: 1 terawatt hour = 1,000,000,000,000 watt hours.

Many more competent sources reflect a 1995 report to the Office of Science and Technology of the British House of Commons (Marine Forecasting Committee), which claims that if only 0.01% of the energy of the seas was extracted, this would equal 5 times the size of the entire world need for energy...

Moving masses of fluids, especially only in the seas, can produce all the energy we need. This application hopes to start a movement towards extracting significantly more, more serious amounts of energy from each installation, and perhaps hasten the inevitable conclusion: "Yes, we can! become less and less dependent on fossil fuels, mainly from now on. ..

BENEFITS

As an understanding of the magnitude of the difference between the present "basic efforts" and what the present application is trying to achieve:

The cross section of an assembly of 3 axial turbines (such as those depicted in the Popular Mechanics overview on page 74) placed on a common triangular frame is approximately 50 feet wide (3 x 15 feet wide for each turbine), by about 30 feet high = a rectangle in 1500 square feet facing fluid flow. The volume of flow given by a rectangular cross section of this size, and a flow rate of 2.5 meters per second, with which the depicted turbines were obviously considered, have an energy content of approximately 1000 kW. The 3 turbines occupying it, if running at 100% efficiency non-stop, only take 3x35=105 kW or about 1 tenth (10%)... In real life, probably about 35-50 kW for these 3, or less than one twentieth (5%) available from that portion of the fluid stream. If the efficiency of our method and systems applied here only rises to 30%, we would get an order of magnitude several times greater than the present "basic method", obtaining a minimum of 330 kW or so. When we build the actual nodes and measure and correct our results, it is sincerely believed that we will achieve 50 to 85% efficiency, thus getting 500 kW to 850 kW from the same fluid flow segment now occupied by a combination of three turbines, which reference is made to one of the present "basic methods". But, even if our efficiency is only 30%, the energy that our method and systems can get from the seas makes them look like a no longer neglected giant in renewable energy. And, unlike the various wave machines that would so clutter up our shores and seas as to make their placement simply unacceptable, our systems can be completely submerged, invisible from shore or sea, can be placed deeper, below navigational routes; waterproof chambers for power generation can be part of the assemblies if required.

SUMMARY OF SOME ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

This summary is not intended to state all of the main features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as a definition of the entire scope of the claimed subject matter.

All embodiments are based on Newton's teachings for the transfer of energy and momentum (whether from one particle, or their basic combinations to another body of mass): a selected portion of the fluid mass moving at its natural given velocity V is brought to full, or almost complete, stop; the "stopping" device receives, is the recipient, the total kinetic energy - 1/2 m(V squared) - originally contained in that part of the flowing fluid, and supplies this energy either directly for useful use immediately, or stores it in an energy sink for subsequent use.

Part of the flowing fluid medium is encouraged to pass through the housing (tunnel); The cross-sectional area of this "tunnel" (square feet) and the square of the speed of the flowing fluid determine an order of magnitude value of the energy to be extracted.

An obstruction of negligible mass (movable partition wall), functioning like a floating element, covering the entire cross section of the tunnel and mounted on a roller carriage freely moving on at least four railroad-like rails - placed in the path of the incoming fluid flow - and actuated like a piston in the cylinder, by means of the incoming fluid flow.

After setting the obstacle in motion at, or nearly at, the current speed of the flowing fluid, the obstacle slows down to zero, or nearly zero, speed - prompting the entire volume of fluid in the tunnel (or any other encapsulation means) behind it - to also slow down to zero, or almost zero, speed - transferring all, or almost all, energy associated with speed to the retarding agent.

The retarding means can be virtually any efficient system that ensures that it receives and transmits, in a highly efficient manner, the full amount of mechanical energy taken from the obstruction and the mass of fluid trapped in the tunnel (or other encapsulated vehicle) behind it, directly to the user, or an energy sink from which the user(s) then draws it.

Two of many such retarding means are shown here: one uses a rapidly changing gear ratio between the obstacle and the output flywheel; the other provides the ability to stop the obstacle by exchanging energy with a drain to store potential energy, from where the user(s) then take it.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will become even more apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or may be learned by practicing the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For additional clarity of various aspects of some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a more specific description of the invention will be given with reference to its specific embodiments, which are shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only illustrative embodiments of the invention and, therefore, should not be construed as limiting its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a moving volume of fluid;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a method for extracting energy from a flowing fluid;

Fig. 3A is a plan view of the energy recovery device;

Fig. 3B is a side view of the energy extractor according to Fig. 3A;

Fig.4A shows a moving obstacle with open shutters;

4B shows a moving obstacle with closed shutters;

Fig. 5A shows an end view of the coil;

Fig. 5B shows a side view in longitudinal section of the coil;

Figure 6 shows an end view in cross section of the rotary coupling assembly;

Fig. 7 shows a currently preferred embodiment of an energy recovery apparatus, also referred to as a "TWO-STROKE FLUID-POWERED ENGINE";

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative energy recovery device;

Fig. 9 shows an example of an energy storage and retrieval device; and

10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation method of the control device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the figures, in which similar constructions will be given with similar reference symbols. It should be understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of some embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention, they are also not necessarily drawn to scale.

1 shows a moving volume of fluid 100. In at least one application, a fluid is any substance that continuously deforms or flows under an applied force. Fluids are a variety of material phases and include liquids, gases, plasmas and, to some extent, plastic solids. In particular, fluids show properties such as no or only slight resistance to deformation (viscosity), and the ability to flow (also described as the ability to take the form of a container). Examples of fluids include liquids such as water and gases such as air.

One skilled in the art will understand that fluid 100 has a mass (M). Additionally, as fluid 100 moves, the fluid will have a velocity (V) and an associated kinetic energy (KE), which can be calculated as KE=1/2*M*V ² . In addition, the fluid contains other energy; together, the energy of fluid 100 that can be extracted is the mechanical energy of fluid 100. It should also be clear to one skilled in the art that the speed of fluid 100 will be different from the speed of individual particles in fluid 100. That is, individual particles will have speed, which may be other than the speed of the fluid 100.

In at least one application, fluid 100 may be encapsulated. In particular, fluid 100 may be part of a larger fluid flow that has been restricted in some way to extract energy. For example, the larger fluid flow may include wind, river water flow, ocean currents, tides, sewage, or any other fluid flow. Restricting a portion of the larger fluid flow may allow more predictable energy recovery.

Figure 1 shows that the fluid 100 can be encapsulated in the tunnel 105. However, a person skilled in the art should be clear that the fluid 100 can be encapsulated in any most convenient way. For example, fluid 100 may be encapsulated on all or most sides, such as in tunnel 105. Additionally or alternatively, fluid 100 may be encapsulated by a collection of surfaces that is designed to slow down the flow of fluid 100 or otherwise contain fluid 100 to some manner.

FIG. 1 also shows that fluid 100 may be directed toward movable obstruction 110. In at least one application, contact between fluid 100 and movable obstruction 110 may displace movable obstruction 110 along tunnel 105 between inlet 115 and exit 120. Thus as movable obstruction 110 moves from inlet 115 to exit 120, fluid 100 transfers mechanical energy to movable obstruction 110.

Figure 1 further shows that the mechanical energy of the movable obstacle 110 and the mechanical energy of the fluid 100 behind the movable obstacle 110 can be extracted into mechanical energy through the variable connection 125. In at least one application, the mechanical energy stored in the variable connection 125 can include rotational energy.

In at least one application, the variable connection 125 has little effect on the movable obstruction 110 (provides a relatively small load) at first, allowing the fluid 100 to pass into the tunnel 105 at a speed equal to or nearly equal to the speed it would have if the tunnel 105 and movable obstacle 110 were absent. When the movable obstruction 110 is accelerated by the influent fluid, it moves to the right towards the exit 120 and the changing joint 125 increases its load or acts harder on the movable obstruction 110 and slows or loads the movement of the movable obstruction 110 and fluid 100 in an increasing manner. Finally, this results in stopping the movement of the movable obstacle 110 and the fluid 100 bounded behind, as described below.

In at least one application, stopping fluid movement in tunnel 105 transfers the mechanical energy contained in fluid volume 100 through connection 125 to load 130. If load 130 is a flywheel, mechanical energy from fluid 100 is applied to the flywheel, and the flywheel speed increases. In at least one application, more than one load 130 may be coupled to connection 125. Other loads may be coupled to connection 125 and the resulting increased mechanical power may be applied to load(s) 130.

In at least one application, load 130 may include a generator coupled to an electrical grid, pump, or other power consumer. One of ordinary skill in the art would also appreciate that load 130 may include any device capable of holding or utilizing mechanical energy transmitted from fluid 100. For example, load 130 may include generators, pumps, potential energy reservoirs, and any other useful device.

2 is a block diagram showing a method 200 for extracting energy from a flowing fluid. In at least one application, the flowing fluid contains mechanical energy that can be converted into electrical energy or otherwise used to perform work. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the moving fluid may be the moving fluid 100 of FIG. 1; however, the moving fluid is not limited to the moving fluid 100 of FIG.

Figure 2 shows that the method 200 includes a restriction 205 fluid. In at least one application, the restricted fluid is the first part of the flowing fluid. In particular, the restricted fluid may include any portion of the flowing fluid that is used to extract energy. For example, fluid restriction 205 may include placing a pipe or tunnel into a flowing fluid. In particular, the tunnels may be closed at their tops, bottoms and sides, and open at their ends, so that fluid can flow through them. Additionally or alternatively, the tunnels may be open on one or more sides if these one or more sides are not required to guide the moving fluid.

FIG. 2 also shows that method 200 includes placing 210 a movable obstacle in a confined fluid. In at least one application, the movable obstacle includes a first surface. In particular, the first surface may be designed to resist a flowing fluid. That is, the first surface may be designed to provide energy transfer, whereby the flowing fluid begins to move the movable obstacle. In at least one application, a movable obstacle is placed in the path of a restricted fluid. In particular, the confined fluid is induced to collide with the first surface of the movable obstacle. Such an arrangement may allow maximum energy transfer as the confined fluid is prevented from flowing around the movable obstruction.

Figure 2 further shows that the method 200 includes opening 215 the first surface for the flow of a limited fluid. In at least one application, opening 215 of the first surface to flow of the restricted fluid may take place in the first position. In particular, the first position may be near the location where the fluid is restricted. For example, if fluid is restricted in a tunnel, then the first position may be at or near the entrance of the tunnel.

In at least one application, opening 215 the first surface to the restricted fluid flow includes closing one or more dampers. In particular, the shutters may include a pressure-resistant surface and edge. The pressure-resisting surface may be configured to be flush with adjacent dams to form a surface that is substantially fluid-tight. In contrast, the edge is designed to offer minimal fluid resistance. The shutter may be positioned to increase or decrease the resistance to the restricted fluid, as desired.

In at least one application, the first restricted fluid moves the movable obstacle. In particular, the first confined fluid increases the speed of the movable obstacle. If the first movable obstruction remains in the confined fluid long enough, the first movable obstruction reaches the speed, or nearly the speed, of the flowing fluid. That is, the confined fluid flows unhindered or nearly unhindered behind the movable obstruction.

Figure 2 also shows that the method 200 may include deceleration 220 of the movable obstacle. In at least one application, the movable obstacle decelerates to zero or near zero speed in the second position. The deceleration of the movable obstacle transfers the mechanical energy from the movable obstacle and the limited fluid to the deceleration mechanism. The transferred energy can then be converted into electrical energy or energy in other usable forms.

In at least one application, method 200 may further include placing a second movable obstruction in the flowing fluid. In particular, the first movable obstruction and the second movable obstruction may be configured to reciprocate with or against the fluid flow. For example, the first movable obstacle moves towards the first position while the second movable obstacle moves towards the second position and vice versa.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be performed in a different order. Moreover, the noted steps and steps are provided as examples only, and some of the steps and steps may be optional, combined into fewer steps and steps, or expanded into additional steps and steps without departing from the gist of the disclosed embodiments.

3A and 3B show a device 300 for extracting energy. Fig. 3A shows a top view of the device 300 for extracting energy; and FIG. 3B is a side view of the energy extractor 300. In at least one application, the energy extraction device 300 may be used to extract energy from a moving fluid. A person skilled in the art should be clear that the moving fluid may be a moving fluid 100 according to Fig.1; however, the moving fluid is not limited to the moving fluid 100 of FIG.

On FIG. 3A and 3B show that the energy extraction device 300 may include two tunnels 305a and 305b (collectively, "tunnels 305"). In particular, the tunnels 305 may be closed at their tops, bottoms, and sides, and open at their ends, so that fluid can flow through them. Additionally or alternatively, the tunnels 305 may be open on one or more sides if those one or more sides are not required to guide the moving fluid. Tunnels 305 may be adjacent to each other, as shown in FIG. 3A and 3B, or one may be placed above the other.

On FIG. 3A and 3B show that the energy extraction device 300 may include two movable obstacles 310a and 310b (collectively "movable obstacles 310") that are configured to reciprocate with and against fluid flow in the tunnels 305. In particular, the movable obstacle 310b moves towards the entrance of the tunnel 305b, while the movable obstacle 310a moves towards the exit of the tunnel 305a and vice versa.

3A and 3B show that movable obstacles 310 can be supported in their respective tunnels 305 by a plurality of rollers 315. resistance. One skilled in the art should appreciate that allowing the moveable obstructions 310 to move with minimal resistance will save more energy to be extracted, as discussed below.

3A and 3B show that the energy extraction device 300 may include a guide element 320, such as a loop of chain or wire, located in the space between the tunnels 305. In at least one application, the guide element 320 extends along the length of the tunnels. 305 and is supported by a pair of rotating sprockets 325 that are located at the ends of the tunnels 305. In particular, the sprockets 325 can keep the guide member 320 taut. Additionally or alternatively, the sprockets 325 may allow the guide member 320 to be easily moved as needed.

3A and 3B show that movable obstacles 310 may further include pins 330a and 330b (collectively "pins 330") that extend towards the space between tunnels 305 through slots 335a and 335b (collectively "slots 335"). and are in contact with guide 320. In at least one application, pins 330 and guide 320 work together to ensure that movable obstacles 310 reciprocate relative to each other. In particular, the movement of the movable obstacles 310 is synchronized by the guide 320. The pin 330a is inserted into or connected to the lower portion of the guide 320. The pin 330b is inserted into or connected to the upper portion of the guide 320. Thus, when the movable obstacle 310a moves towards tunnel exit 305a, the lower section of the guide element 320 also moves towards the exit; and, when the movable obstacle 310b moves towards the entrance of the tunnel 305b, the upper portion of the guide member 320 also moves towards the entrance. Thus, the movable obstacles 310 are constrained to move in opposite directions by being urged on by the guiding member 320.

On FIG. 3A and 3B show that the device 300 for extracting energy may include a shaft 340 located outside the tunnels 305. In particular, the shaft 340 may be located near the entrance of the tunnels 305 and may pass through both tunnels 305. In at least one application, shaft 340 is supported by bearings 345 attached to rigid support members such as the outer walls of tunnels 305. Figures 3A and 3B show that shaft 340 may be coupled to an energy extraction and storage device 350. The energy extraction and storage device 350 is designed to extract energy when the shaft 340 rotates, as discussed below.

3A and 3B show that the movable obstacles 310a and 310b may comprise a plurality of movable shutters 355a and 355b (collectively, "shutters 355"). In at least one application, the shutters 355 are movable between closed and open positions. In particular, when the movable obstacles 310 move upstream with the fluid flow, the shutters 355 close, and when the movable obstacles 310 move upstream in the fluid flow, the shutters 355 open. For example, shutters 355 may include a pressure-resistant surface and edge. The pressure-resisting surface may be configured to be flush with adjacent dams to form a surface that is substantially fluid impermeable. In contrast, the edge is designed to offer minimal fluid resistance.

3A and 3B show that the tunnels 305 may include stops 360a and 360b (collectively "the stops 360") at the entrances of the tunnels 305a and 305b, respectively, and the stops 365a and 365b (collectively "the stops 365") at the exits of the tunnels. 305a and 305b, respectively. In at least one application, stops 360 and stops 365 are positioned across the bottom portion of the entrance and exit of tunnels 305. When movable obstacles 310a and 310b reach their end of travel at the exit of tunnels 305, push rods 370a and 370b (collectively "push rods 370") respectively abut stopper 365 causing shutters 355a and 355b to open, as discussed below. When the movable obstacles 310 reach their end of travel at the entrance of the tunnels 305, the push rods 370 abut against the stop 360, causing the shutters 355 to close, as discussed below.

3A and 3B show that the energy extraction device 300 may include cables 375a and 375b (collectively "cables 375") attached to shaft 340 at a location adjacent to conical coils 380a and 380b (collectively "coils 380" ) that are connected to shaft 340. Cables 375a and 375b are also attached to movable obstacles 310a and 310b, respectively, using cleats 385a and 385b (together "brackets 385"), respectively. In at least one application, the surfaces of the spools 380 may be provided with a helical groove to guide the cables 375 and prevent slippage when the cables 375 are rewound on the spools 380.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that cables 375, energy extraction and storage device 350, shaft 340, and coils 380 may form a variable connection 125 and load 130 of FIG. 1; however, the variable connection 125 and load 130 of FIG. 1 are not limited to the cables 375, the energy extraction and storage device 350, the shaft 340, and the coils 380.

In at least one application, when either cable 375a or cable 375b is pulled at the first speed, the effective diameter of the attached spool 380 decreases, thereby increasing the rotation of the shaft 340 at an incremental speed relative to the first speed. When the fluid passes into the tunnels 305, it will move at the initial speed V1. When the fluid encounters moving obstacles 310, the speed is reduced to a slower speed V2. The decrease in fluid velocity is a decrease in the mechanical energy of the fluid. Since energy is stored, this reduction in the mechanical energy of the fluid is transferred through the cables 375 to the shaft 340, thereby increasing the mechanical energy in the shaft 340. its mechanical energy, increases by an amount equal to the decrease in mechanical energy experienced by the decelerating fluid and the movable obstacle 310.

By way of example, and not limitation, the operation of the energy recovery device 300 will be described. The presence of the fluid flow causes the movable obstruction 310a to move towards the exit (towards the top in FIG. 3A; to the left in FIG. 3B) of the tunnel 305a by the mechanical energy of the flowing fluid. The movable obstacle 310a exerts a tensile force on the cable 375a, which activates the locked state of the coil 380a and causes the shaft 340 to rotate at ever increasing speeds against the load imposed by the energy extraction and storage device 350. The inertial resistance to this rapid increase in rotation in the energy extraction and storage device 350 increases the "reverse pull" on the movable obstacle 310a, slowing its movement and hence the flow of water through the tunnel 305a; this combination of actions, slowing or even stopping the flow in the tunnel while increasing the force that rotates the shaft 340, supplies fluid mechanical energy to the energy extraction and storage device 350. The initial motion of the movable obstacle 310a is also slowed down, and the mechanical energy associated with the mass of the movable obstacle is also supplied to the energy extraction and storage device 350.

When the movable obstacle 310a moves towards the exit of the tunnel 305a, the pin 330a causes the guide member 320 to rotate. When the guide element 320 rotates, it causes the pin 330b, and thus the movable obstacle 310b, to move towards the entrance of the tunnel 305b. When the movable obstacle 310b moves towards the entrance of the tunnel 305b, 380b rotates on the shaft 340, as described below, whereby the cable 375b is wound on the coil 380b.

When the movable obstacle 310a reaches the stop 365a, the push rods 370a cause the shutters 355a on the movable obstacle 310a to open, as described below. Simultaneously, the push rods 370b abut against the stopper 360b, thereby closing the shutters 355b on the movable obstruction 310b, as described below. The flow now exerts force on the movable obstruction 310b, causing it to move towards the exit of the tunnel 305b and turning the shaft 340, thereby supplying mechanical energy to the energy extraction and storage device 350. This cycle repeats ad infinitum.

The full mechanical energy of the movable obstacle and fluid is extracted from them when they are brought to a complete stop, as described below, in conjunction with the energy extraction and storage of the energy extraction and storage device 350. Rotational energy is imparted to the energy extraction and storage device 350 via cable 375a, spool 380a, and shaft 340 as movable obstacle 310a slows down as it travels further downstream. The same thing happens with cable 375b, cone 380b, and shaft 340 when movable obstacle 310b slows down as it travels further downstream. These rotational energies are extracted by the energy extraction and storage device 350 into rotational energy for generators or the like.

When a movable obstruction with closed gates moves in a tunnel, which can be from a few feet to whatever length is considered best for a given installation (with flow rate as one determinant of tunnel length), all fluid behind the movable obstruction is captured and moved with the same speed, like a moving obstacle. Thus, the well-known relationship between kinetic energy, mass and speed is applied, i.e., the extracted kinetic energy is equal to 1/2 of the total mass of the movable obstacle 310 and the trapped fluid, as well as the difference between the initial, highest speed of the fluid and the movable obstacle 310 squared, and the final velocity of the fluid and the movable obstacle 310 squared. This kinetic energy is applied to the device 350 for extracting and storing energy, as described below.

Fluid moving through tunnels 305a or 305b from inlet to outlet when shutters 355a or 355b on either movable obstruction 310a or 310b are open represents a pull on the movable obstructions 310 as they return back toward shaft 340. This is a pull. to the reversing movable obstacle reduces the overall efficiency of the energy recovery device 300. This decrease in productivity can be eliminated by providing additional dampers 390a and 390b (collectively "dampers 390") at the entrances to the tunnels 305a and 305b, respectively. These additional dampers 390 prevent fluid from flowing onto the reversing movable obstructions 310. The dampers 390 may be motor-driven and controlled by a control device 395a and 395b (collectively, "control device 395"), or they may be connected to the same parts and be activated together with dampers 355.

The shutter assemblies 390a and 390b operate as follows: when the movable obstacle 310a moves towards the tunnel entrance 305a, the shutters 355a on the movable obstacle 310a open and the shutter assembly 390a closes, thereby preventing any flow of fluid to the movable obstacle 310a, when it returns back to the tunnel entrance 305a. When the movable obstruction 310a moves away from the entrance of the tunnel 305a, the shutters 355a on the movable obstruction 310a close and the shutter assembly 390a opens, allowing the full force of the fluid flow to be applied to the movable obstruction 310a and the passage of the fluid into the tunnel 305a. Closing the tunnel entrance when the movable obstruction 310a returns back to the entrance stops the flow of water into the tunnel and prevents most of the fluid from colliding with the movable obstruction 310a. The shutters 390b operate in a similar manner for the movable obstruction 310b in the tunnel 305b. This action can actually increase the flow rate in an open tunnel, increasing the mechanical energy available for extraction.

On FIG. 4A and 4B show a moving obstacle, such as the moving obstacle 310 of FIGS. 3A and 3B. 4A shows a moving obstacle with shutters 355 open; and FIG. 4B shows moving obstacle 310 with shutters 355 closed. In at least one application, moving obstacle 310 can be used to transfer mechanical energy from a flowing fluid, as described below.

4A and 4B show that the shutters 355 are rotatably coupled to the pin 405. In at least one application, the fingers 405 are rotatably coupled to the stem 410. When the stem 410 is in its lower position, the fingers 405 and the shutters 355 rotated clockwise placing the shutters 355 in their "open" position. When rod 410 is in its upper position, fingers 405 and shutters 355 are rotated counterclockwise, placing shutters 355 in their "closed" position.

Movable obstacles 310 further include movable push rod assemblies 370. When the push rods 370 are urged to move towards the movable obstacles 310, the bar 410 is urged to move downward, placing the shutters 355 in their open position. When the push rods 370 are urged to move towards the movable obstacles 310, the bar 410 is urged to move upward, placing the shutters 355 in their closed position. When the flaps 355 are open, they provide minimal resistance to the fluid and it flows freely between them. When the flaps 355 are closed, they prevent fluid from flowing between them, and fluid pressure on the flaps 355 tends to keep them in their closed position.

Figures 5A and 5B show an enlarged view of the coil 380. Figure 5A shows an end view of the coil 380; and FIG. 5B shows a longitudinal side view of coil 380. One skilled in the art will appreciate that coil 380 can provide a variable connection, such as variable connection 125 of FIG. 1; however, the variable connection 125 of FIG. 1 is not limited to coil 380.

5A and 5B show that coil 380 may include an outer conical section that rotates on shaft 340. Coil spring 505 is housed in open area 510 in coil 380. Spring 505 surrounds shaft 340. At its inner end, a spring 505 is attached to the shaft 340 by a binding connection 515, such as welding, screw, clamp, or the like. Spring 505 is attached to coil 380 by a similar connection 520. Thus, as shaft 340 rotates in coil 380, spring 505 is wound more or less tightly around shaft 340. Spring 505 is pretensioned such that when there is no relative rotational force applied to coil 380 and shaft 340, the spring 505 returns to its original position. The home position can be either tightly wound or heavily unwound, depending on the preload of the spring 505.

FIGS. 5A and 5B also show that coil 380 may include a one-way, rotary clutch assembly 525. The clutch assembly 525 allows the coil 380 to rotate in only one direction on the shaft 340, as described below. Spring 505 is oriented and pretensioned such that when coil 380 is rotated a certain number of times and then released, spring 505 will cause coil 380 to return back to its initial position of rotation relative to shaft 340.

Figure 6 shows an end view in cross section of the node 525 rotary coupling. In at least one application, a rotary clutch assembly 525 is included in a coil 380. The clutch 525 includes an outer sleeve 605, an inner shaft 610, a plurality of roll pins 615, and a plurality of compression springs 620 that cause the pins 615 to move toward the sleeve 605. In some designs, pins 615 are replaced by balls. As shaft 610 rotates counter-clockwise, sleeve 605 friction causes pins 615 to move against springs 620. When springs 620 are compressed, pins 615 provide a loose fit between shaft 610 and sleeve 605, and shaft 610 rotates freely in sleeve 605. When shaft 610 rotates clockwise, the springs 620 cause the balls 615 to move towards the sleeve 605, forming a wedge that blocks the shaft 610 and the sleeve 605 relative to each other, preventing any relative rotation between these two elements.

Figure 7 shows an example of an alternative device 700 for extracting energy. In at least one application, the energy extraction device 300 may be used to extract energy from a moving fluid. A person skilled in the art should be clear that the moving fluid may be a moving fluid 100 according to Fig.1; however, the moving fluid is not limited to the moving fluid 100 of FIG.

Figure 7 shows the currently preferred embodiment; it shows that the device 700 for extracting energy may include two or more adjacent tunnels 705a and 705b (together "tunnels 705") placed in a moving fluid. In particular, the tunnels 705 may be closed at their tops, bottoms, and sides, and open at their ends, so that fluid can flow through them. Additionally or alternatively, the tunnels 705 may be open on one or more sides if one or more sides is not required to guide the moving fluid. Tunnels 705 may be located next to each other, as shown in Fig.7A and 7B, or one may be placed on top of the other.

Figure 7 also shows that the device 700 for extracting energy includes rails 710a and 710b (together "rails 710") placed in the tunnels 705a and 705b. In at least one application, rails 710 are substantially parallel to fluid flow in tunnels 705. In particular, tunnels 705 can direct fluid flow and rails 710 can be aligned with the direction of fluid flow.

Figure 7 further shows that the device 700 for extracting energy may include movable obstacles 715a and 715b (together "movable obstacles 715") in the tunnels 705a and 705b, respectively. In at least one application, the movable obstacles 715 are reciprocating with and against the flow in the tunnels 705. In particular, the movable obstacle 715b moves towards the entrance of the tunnel 705b, while the movable obstacle 715a moves towards the exit of the tunnel 705a and vice versa.

FIG. 7 also shows that movable obstacles 715a and 715b can be supported in their respective tunnels 705 by roller carriages 720a and 720b (collectively "roller carriages 720"), respectively. In particular, the roller carts 720 may hold the movable obstacles 715 in the tunnels 705 and may allow the movable obstacles 715 to move in the tunnels 705 with minimal resistance. One skilled in the art would appreciate that allowing the moveable obstructions 715 to move with minimal resistance would save more energy to be extracted.

Figure 7 further shows that a guide element 725, such as a loop of chain or wire, may be located in the space between the tunnels 705. located at the ends of the tunnels 705. In particular, the sprockets 730 can keep the guide element 725 taut. Additionally or alternatively, the sprockets 730 may allow the guide member 725 to be easily moved as needed.

FIG. 7 also shows that the movable obstacles 715a and 715b may comprise a plurality of movable shutters 735a and 735b (collectively "shutters 735"). In at least one application, shutters 735 are movable between closed and open positions. In particular, when the movable obstacles 715 move upstream with the fluid flow, the shutters 735 close, and when the movable obstacles 715 move upstream in the fluid flow, the shutters 735 open. For example, shutters 735 may include a pressure-resistant surface and edge. The pressure-resisting surface may be configured to be flush with adjacent dams to form a surface that is substantially fluid impermeable. In contrast, the edge is designed to offer minimal fluid resistance.

Figure 7 further shows that the movable obstacle 715a and 715b may include buffers 740a and 740b (collectively "buffers 740"), respectively. In at least one application, buffers 740a and 740b may contact retarders 745a and 745b (collectively, "retarders 745"), respectively. In particular, buffers 740 can prevent damage to movable obstacles 715 due to any contact between movable obstacles 715 and retarders 745.

In at least one application, the retarders 745 are designed to slow moving obstacles 745. In particular, the retarders are attached to the rails 710. Thus, the retarders 745 can receive mechanical energy from the movable obstacles 715 and the encapsulated fluid moving the movable obstacles 715. For example, the retarders 745 may include springs and other potential energy storage systems, or other devices that are configured to slow moving obstacles 715, many of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 7 also shows that retarders 745a and 745b are attached to racks 750a and 750b (collectively "racks 750"), respectively. In at least one application, the rack 750a is supported between the carrier roller 755a and the one-way clutch gear 760a, and the rack 750b is supported between the carrier roller 755b and the one-way clutch gear 760b. When the buffers 740 contact and deform the retarders 745, the gears 760 and rack 755 hold the retarder 745 in the deformed position (latched by a latch 751 or the like), thus retaining the mechanical energy transmitted to the retarder 745. When the obstacle 715b begins its return back towards the entrance of the tunnel 705b and the buffer 740 achieves sufficient clearance from the deformed retarder 745b, further movement of the obstacle 715b releases the latch 751 by pulling on the wire 752 that connects the obstacle 715 to the latch 751. This release causes the retarder 745b to "activate" by springing back to its undeformed position.

This rapid expansion pulls the rack 750b towards the tunnel entrance 705b, which in turn rotates the one-way clutch gear 760b (counterclockwise here) and stores the energy taken by the retarder 745b from decelerating both the obstruction 715b and the fluid mass. medium captured in the tunnel 705b behind him - in the output shaft 340.

7 shows that shaft 340 may be coupled to flywheel 765. Flywheel 765 may in turn be coupled via an infinitely variable clutch 775, if desired, to a load where rotational energy is converted into electrical power or other usable energy. The flywheel 765 and associated components may be housed in a watertight housing, with the shaft 340 entering through a standard watertight rotary seal; a small air pump may be included to maintain the inside of said body at a pressure slightly higher than the fluids outside to keep the inside dry.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an alternative device 800 for extracting energy. In at least one application, the energy extraction device 800 can be used in fluids that recede and flow, such as ocean tides, winds that change direction, and the like. The movable obstacle 805 is limited to move in the frame 810, which is contained in the tunnel 815 indicated by dotted lines. The movable obstacle 805 is supported by a plurality of rollers 820. The movable obstacle 805 includes a first surface 825a and a second surface 825b opposite the first surface. In at least one application, the movable obstruction 805 is moved in a first direction by fluid flow in the first direction which presses against the first surface 825a. When the direction of the fluid flow is reversed, the movable obstruction moves in the second direction by the fluid flow in the second direction, which presses against the second surface 825b.

Figure 8 shows that the device 800 for energy extraction may include a shaft 240, which is supported by bearings 245 mounted on the frame 810. In at least one application, the shaft 240 is connected to the device 350 for storing and extracting energy, which either stores the energy it receives or can extract the energy into electrical energy or energy in other usable forms.

8 also shows that the energy extracting device 800 may include a pair of conical coils 380a and 380b mounted on a shaft 240. In at least one application, the coils 380a and 380b operate to store mechanical energy transmitted through a limited medium to a moving obstacle as described above. A pair of cables 375a and 375b is attached to the floating element 805 by means of clevises 385a and 385b at one end. At the other end, cables 375a and 375b are attached to spools 380a and 380b, respectively.

FIG. 8 further shows that the energy extractor 800 may include a turntable 830. In at least one application, the turntable 830 may support the energy extractor so as to rotate it into the most preferred orientation relative to fluid flow. environment through tunnel 815. A pair of submersible catamaran pontoons 835 can be used to help align tunnel 815 with fluid flow. An optional drive source 840 receiving directional commands from a vane-like device immersed in fluid can be used to orient the fluid flow tunnel 815.

In operation, movable obstruction 805 moves back and forth in tunnel 815 in response to fluid flowing into and out of tunnel 815. Coils 380a and 380b operate alternately to rotate shaft 240 and rewind cables 375a and 375b as described above. As described above, the mechanical energy resulting from the deceleration of the movable obstacle 805 is also supplied to the device 350 along with the mechanical energy contribution from fluid deceleration.

Figure 9 shows an example of a device 350 for storing and retrieving energy. In at least one application, energy storage and retrieval device 350 can be used to increase the torque required to rotate shaft 340. In particular, it works with increasing diameter coils 380 to slow moving obstacles. By slowing down the movement of the movable obstacles, the mechanical energy available in the movement of the mass, including the movable obstacle and the fluid confined behind the movable obstacle, is reflected in an increase in torque applied to the shaft 340. This increased torque is absorbed by the energy storage and retrieval device 350.

Figure 9 shows that the device 350 for storing and retrieving energy may include a gear 905 attached to the shaft 340. In at least one application, the gear 905 drives the gear 910; gear 910 is supported on shaft 915 and flywheel 920. Shaft 915 drives generator 925a, the output of which is connected to load 930. Shaft 915 is pulled through generator 925a and passes through clutch 935 and second generator 925b and a predetermined number of subsequent clutches 935b, generators 925c . Although the shaft 915 passes through the second generator 925b, it is connected to the generator 925b only when the clutch 935 is activated. That is, when clutch 935 is not activated, shaft 915 rotates as it passes through generator 925b without rotating the rotor in generator 925b. Thus, when clutch 935 is not activated, generator 925b does not supply any power to load 930, nor does it generate a torque load on shaft 915. When clutch 935 is activated, shaft 915 turns the rotor in generator 925b and causes it to supply power to load 930 while providing additional torque load on shaft 915.

In at least one application, flywheel 920 stores mechanical energy and, along with generator 925a, provides the initial inertial acceleration resistance that coils 380 attempt to impose. Clutches 935 are electrically activated by the node 940 control. Clutches 935 are connected to generators 925b-925c, which are mounted so as to rotate freely on shaft 915. Upon receiving a command from the control device 940, clutches 935 either connect to shaft 915 and apply torque to the shafts of generators 925a, or they rotate by inertia on the shaft 915 and do not apply torque to the generators 925a. When clutch 935 is rotatably connected to shaft 915, generator 925a rotates and generates an electrical current that is applied to load 930, adding to the rotation of shaft 915. When control device 940 activates additional clutches 935, additional generators 925a apply more current to load 930, causing more torsional resistance on shaft 915. Load 930 may be a power grid, a pump, or any of a number of other devices that are provided to use electrical energy.

Figure 9 shows that the device 350 for storing and retrieving energy may include a sensor 945 speed and position. Sensor 945 may include optical or magnetic absolute position encoders, for example. Sensor 945 measures the position and speed of moving obstacles and confined fluids. The sensor 945 is connected to the control node 940, which is provided to activate the clutches 935 under given conditions.

In at least one application, since the movable obstacles begin to move under the influence of the flowing fluid, the pull applied by the energy storage and retrieval device 350 is small. This allows the fluid to flow at (or nearly) free flow. When the movable obstacles reach the end of their travel, it is desirable to slow their speed to near zero in order to transfer to shaft 340 the maximum amount of change in mechanical energy in the mass of the energy extractor and in the mass of fluid trapped behind them to shaft 340. As a result, more generators 925 are brought into service, thereby increasing the power delivered to load 930 while increasing resistance to torque applied to shaft 340 and slowing moving obstacles.

Fig.10 is a block diagram showing an example of the method of operation of the device 940 control. At the beginning, block 1000, the controller 940 is reset. Next, the sensor is read, block 1005, and the position and speed of the moving obstacles are determined. If the speed at any given position is too high, block 1010, the controller 940 activates one of the clutches, connecting one generator to the shaft 915, block 1015, and the sensors are read again, block 1005. If the speed at any given position is too slow, the block 1020, the controller disengages one of the clutches 940, disconnecting one generator, block 1025, and the sensors are read again, block 1005. If the speed of the moving obstacles is neither too fast nor too slow, and the moving obstacles are not at the end of their travel, block 1030, the sensors are read again, block 1005, and the loop continues. If the movable obstacles are at the end of their travel, block 1030, the controller 940 resets, block 1035, and the sensors are read again, block 1005. Execution by the commands and queries in FIG. 10 continues indefinitely during the operation of the embodiments.

11A, 11B, and 11C show an example of a flow direction switch 1100. In at least one application, the flow direction switch 1100 can detect the direction in which the fluid is flowing and adjust the energy extraction device accordingly. In particular, the switch 1100 may cause the power extractor to maximize the amount of energy extracted by the adjustable portions of the power extractor and provide self-sensing capability for—for example—fluid flow direction changes during tidal flow redirection. .

It is obvious that the device of Figure 7 could be modified to have retarders positioned in such a way, or modified in activation that the obstacles 715 would be able to store energy carried in tunnels by moving fluids at either end of the tunnel - so how changes in tide and ebb move the entrance to the tunnels from one end to the other. This or a similar modification, in conjunction with FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C, allows automatic non-stop operation to extract energy from moving fluids, regardless of direction, such as tidal direction. This can also be achieved by placing the device on a railroad-like rotunda and leaving the embodiment operating unidirectionally as shown and described above.

11A, 11B and 11C show that switch 1100 may include two vanes 1105a and 1105b (collectively "vanes 1105"). In at least one application, the vanes 1105 are oriented such that when one vane is exposed to the flowing fluid, the other vane offers minimal resistance to the flowing fluid. In particular, the vanes 1105 may be oriented perpendicular to each other such that one vane is exposed to the fluid flow while the other vane is edged with respect to the fluid flow. FIG. 11B shows that when the first blade 1105a is exposed to flow, the second blade 1105b exhibits little resistance to the flow. FIG. 11C shows that when the second blade 1105b is exposed to flow, the first blade 1105a exhibits little resistance to the flow.

11A, 11B, and 11C also show that the switch 1100 may include a shaft 1110. In at least one application, the shaft 1110 is rotated by the vanes 1105 as the direction of flow changes. In particular, the vanes 1105 are attached to the shaft 1110. When the flow changes direction, the shaft 1110 rotates, changing the orientation of the shaft 1110. One skilled in the art will understand that if the shaft 1110 is limited to only 90 degrees of rotation, then one of the vanes 1105 will always be exposed to the flow, and the other will always be at the edge of the flow.

11A, 11B, and 11C show that the switch 1100 may include two actuating lugs 1115a and 1115b (together "activating lugs 1115") attached to the shaft 1110. In at least one application, the actuating lugs 1115 are configured in this manner. that they can determine whether the shutters 355 in the movable obstruction 310 are open or closed when the movable obstruction 310 is urged to move towards the switch 1100. In particular, if the fluid flow is in the direction shown in FIG. into contact with lever arm 1120a, closing the shutters. In contrast, if the fluid flow is in the direction shown in FIG. 11C, then the actuating protrusion 1115b will come into contact with the lever arm 1120b to open the shutters.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential features. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and non-limiting. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and not by the above description. All changes that fall within the meaning and equivalence range of the claims are to be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims (53)

1. A system for extracting kinetic energy from moving fluid masses, the system comprising: an encapsulating means configured to encapsulate the fluid included in the encapsulating means; a movable septum within the encapsulating means having a plurality of shutters; a plurality of rollers for guiding the movable partition and retarding means configured to reduce the speed of the encapsulated fluid to zero velocity by transferring kinetic energy initially in the incoming fluid to the retarding means. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the retarding means is a sink of inertial energy. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the retarding means is a potential energy sink. 4. A system for extracting energy from moving fluids, the system comprising: an encapsulating means configured such that if a fluid enters the encapsulating means, movement of the fluid is restricted, the encapsulating means having an upstream end and a further downstream end, and the encapsulating means comprising: a first movable baffle, the first movable baffle including a plurality of shutters, at least one pin and at least one push rod; a plurality of rollers for guiding the first movable partition; a guiding element, wherein said at least one pin is inserted into the guiding element to guide the first movable partition; and - at least one limiter located on the downstream end of the encapsulating means, wherein the first movable baffle is movable further downstream within the encapsulating means in a flowing fluid from an upstream end to a downstream end such that said at least one push rod will abut against said at least one stopper to cause said plurality of shutters to open to allow the first movable baffle to return to an upstream position; and a retarding means connected to the movable partition, the retarding means being configured to: reduce the speed of the encapsulated fluid to zero velocity and transfer kinetic energy initially in the incoming fluid to the retarding means. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the retarding agent includes: a connecting element configured to transfer energy from the movable partition and the flowing fluid to the energy sink. 6. The system according to claim 4, in which the encapsulating means contains the first tunnel, wherein the first tunnel is oriented so that the flowing fluid in the first tunnel induces the movable partition to move along the guide element. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the encapsulating agent further comprises: second tunnel and the second movable partition, and the second movable partition is placed in the second tunnel. 8. The system according to claim 7, in which: the first movable baffle moves upstream as the second movable baffle moves downstream; and the first movable baffle moves upstream as the second movable baffle moves upstream. 9. The system of claim 6, further comprising a rotatable support member, the rotatable support member allowing the tunnel to change orientation. 10. The system of claim 5, wherein the energy sink includes one of: flywheels; pumps or generators. 11. The system of claim 4, wherein said plurality of rollers are provided to assist movement of the movable partition along the guide member. 12. The system according to claim 5, in which the connecting element includes shaft, and the shaft includes: - a coil having a spring; and - one-way clutch; as well as a cable having a first end attached to a shaft and provided for winding on a reel or unwinding from a reel, and a second end attached to the first movable partition, wherein: moving the first movable partition in the first direction unwinds the cable from the reel and the clutch captures the specified shaft, thereby causing the specified shaft to rotate; and when moving the movable partition in the second direction, the spring induces the cable to rewind on the coil and the clutch disengages from the shaft. 13. The system of claim 12 wherein the coil is tapered, the tapered shape acting as a variable transmission ratio between the movement of the movable baffle and the rotational speed of the shaft. 14. The system according to claim 4, further comprising: a sensor, and the sensor is designed to monitor the speed and position of the movable partition; and a control unit, wherein the control unit can regulate the load on the movable partition. 15. A system for extracting energy from moving fluids, the system comprising: an encapsulating means configured such that if fluid enters the encapsulating means, movement of the fluid is limited to one direction; a movable septum containing a plurality of shutters, and the movable septum: (i) at least partially located inside the encapsulating means and (ii) is made with the possibility of its movement through the encapsulated fluid; retarding means configured to reduce the speed of the movable partition and the encapsulated fluid to zero speed; and an energy sink configured to receive kinetic energy from the retarder initially in the incoming fluid. 16. A method for extracting kinetic energy from moving masses of a fluid medium, the method comprising: encapsulating the fluid, wherein the fluid is encapsulated using an encapsulating agent; using the encapsulated fluid to move a movable septum having a plurality of shutters, in a closed position, into the first end of the encapsulating means; reducing the speed of the encapsulated fluid to zero speed, and the speed is reduced using a retarding means that transfers kinetic energy initially in the incoming fluid to the retarding means; and moving said plurality of shutters to an open position to allow the movable partition to move to the second end of the encapsulating means.

Images