Description of patent application for industrial invention entitled: "Modular device for energy recovery from fluid distribution networks or apparatus". In the name of: ME.PA Cablaggi di Merlo Maurizio e C. S.a.S.

Description

The present invention relates to a modular device for energy recovery from fluid distribution networks or apparatus. More in particular, the present invention relates to a device that can be installed on networks or apparatus suitable for distributing or dispensing fluids, comprising a flow regulator connected to means that transform the mechanical energy produced into electrical energy. It is known that the problems related to energy consumption and consequent pollution currently have great importance. Besides the costs and pollution produced by combustion, the awareness that the so- called non-renewable resources may be available for still long periods but not forever, is increasingly widespread. The orientation towards alternative and renewable energy sources therefore is increasingly widespread, even among the single individuals, insofar as they are allowed to within the household or private scope, in the form of building insulation and autonomous production of electrical

energy and hot water, for example by photovoltaic panels and solar panels.

There also exists the possibility of exploiting the movement or the flow of fluid masses for producing clean energy and this takes place in large plants, such as those of the hydroelectric field.

For example, particular plants are known that comprise one or more turbines arranged along water distribution conduits; the installation does not relate to spring water collection conduits only, but also to those connecting to one another tanks or network sectors at a different pressure. In this latter case, the presence of a turbine in the conduit also has the function of reducing pressure, making the use of a specific valve unnecessary. "Clean", that is eco-compatible electrical energy, is produced through water turbining, by simply exploiting the water flow conveyed into the conduits.

A more simplified solution, for example usable on city water systems, envisages the recovery of the excess water load and the transformation thereof into electrical energy by the installation, also in this case, of small turbines built in equipment called hydro-valves. A solution of this kind, however, would not be feasible without strong pressure variations; in any case, the high cost of the plant and the overall dimensions thereof would be incompatible with

household or industrial installations. Within these scopes, on the other hand, water or compressed air distribution networks present in households and in plants give rise to countless situations wherein fluid conduction, if properly exploited, would lead to considerable energy recovery. Water systems with a limited extent and capacity, such as for example household or industrial installations, potentially constitute a considerable resource as regards the possibility of recovering energy from the flow of fluid within the conduits, but a hypothesis of this kind has no practical realisation.

The object of this invention is to obviate the drawback mentioned hereinabove. More in particular, the object of this invention is to provide a modular device for energy recovery from fluid distribution networks or apparatus especially suitable for household or industrial installations, in any case for networks or systems that concern single household or production units. A further object of the invention is to provide a device as defined above wherein energy recovery from fluid distribution networks may be graded based on specific requirements. Last but not least, another object of the invention is to provide a modular device for energy recovery suitable for

being easily installed in different points of a fluid distribution network or system, typically water. A further object of the invention is to provide a device as defined above having small dimensions and such as to be easily installed also on existing systems.

A further object of the invention is to provide the users with a modular device for energy recovery suitable for ensuring a high level of resistance and reliability over time, also such as to be easily and inexpensively constructed. These and yet other objects are achieved by the modular device for energy recovery from fluid distribution networks or apparatus of the present invention according to the main claim. The construction and functional features of the modular device for energy recovery from fluid distribution networks or apparatus of the present invention shall be better understood from the following detailed description, wherein reference is made to the annexed drawing tables showing some preferred and non-limiting embodiments thereof with various possible applications, and wherein: figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of the outer body of the device of the present invention according to a first exemplary embodiment;

figure 2 schematically shows a perspective partially cutaway view of the device of the present invention as a whole according to said first embodiment; figure 3 schematically shows the same device of the previous figure according to a shape variation of one of the components; figures 4 and 5 respectively show a front and side partially cutaway view of the device of the present invention according to the embodiment of figure 3; figures 6 and 7 respectively show a front and side partially cutaway view of the device of the present invention according to the embodiment of figure 2; figure 8 schematically shows a perspective exploded view of the modular device for energy recovery of the present invention according to an alternative and preferred embodiment; figure 9 schematically shows a perspective view of some possible embodiments of the mobile element seated within the bottom body of the same device; figure 10 schematically shows a plurality of possible configurations of the same device; figures 1 1 and 12 schematically show perspective views of two possible alternative applications of the device of the present invention to a fluid distribution header;

figure 13 schematically shows a perspective view of the application of the device of the present invention along a water feeding conduit in a household appliance; figure 14 schematically shows a perspective view of the serial connection of a plurality of devices according to the invention; figure 15 schematically shows a perspective view of the device of the present invention whereto a filter is associated by way of an example; figure 16 schematically shows a perspective view of the device according to the invention applied to the inlet of the network of a service room; figure 17 schematically shows a longitudinal section of the device of the present invention arranged within a shower head provided with L.E.D. directly powered by the electrical energy created by the device itself; figures 18 and 19 schematically show perspective views of the device of the present invention applied by way of an example to the inlet and to the outlet of a pneumatic cylinder.

With reference to figures 1 to 7, the device applicable to fluid conduits for energy recovery of the present invention, globally indicated with reference numeral 10 at figures 2 and 3, comprises a tubular body 12 preferably of metal, provided with opposite inlets 14, 16 respectively for fluid

inlet and outlet. Said inlets are internally threaded, optionally externally, for allowing device 10 as a whole to be advantageously installed along a water conduit and screwed to opposite and aligned end sections portions of a consistently threaded tube, or fixed by nuts and/or sleeves to the same end portions. In the exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of the figures, the tubular body 12 externally defines a profile, for example hexagonal, and in substantially central position it exhibits an integral appendix 18 forming a pierced turret that communicates with the inside conduit of body 12, indicated with reference numeral 21 at figures 4 and 6. The top free end of turret 18 carries an integral flange 22 for the connection to body 12 of an equipment suitable for cooperating with the flow of water, air, gas or other fluid that crosses conduit 21 of the body itself for recovering energy. Said equipment, indicated with reference numeral 24 in figure 4, advantageously consists of a stepping motor, of the in se known type and provided with power supply cables 24' and with an impeller or fan fixed to the end of the shaft protruding from the motor-body; stepping motors of this kind are for example used for cooling electrical and/or electronic machines through said fan. Equipment 24 conventionally comprises an enclosure 26 for containing the motor unit, the shaft 28 whereof

extends and protrudes at the bottom, carrying at the end an integral impeller or fan 30. Enclosure 26 is provided, at the base or bottom face, with a counter-flange 32 for fixing to body 12 by said flange 22. Shaft 28 of equipment 24, once assembled, is arranged axially in turret 18, while the impeller or fan 30 constrained to the shaft itself abuts into conduit 21.

Preferably, in order to optimise the rotational movement of impeller 30 induced by the fluid flow along conduit 21 , the latter exhibits an expansion of its section, at at least one zone close to turret 18 and comprising a part of the same. Said expansion defines, for example, a cylindrical portion 34 wherein there is arranged at least a half portion of the impeller or fan 30. Said latter may exhibit any configuration, for example with radial blades as schematised at figure 2, or with blades developed with spheroid pattern, as schematised at figure 3. In the operating step, the fluid flow along conduit 21 sets impeller 30 in rotation, wherein the integral shaft 28 moves the stepping motor 24 or, alternatively, a dynamo or the like. The stepping motors, the electrical cables whereof traditionally used for its supply in this case are advantageously connected to an accumulator, transform the mechanical energy produced by impeller 30 into electrical energy which, through said cables, supplies the

accumulator itself. The electrical energy is collected from the latter, through in se known connections, for the required uses. The fluid flowing through conduit 21 may be water, either from the mains or under pressure, compressed air or other element at the liquid or gaseous state of a household, industrial or optionally agricultural network; the continuous or jolting flow of such fluid within conduit 21 , through the rotational movement imposed to impeller 30 and through motor or equipment 24, causes the recovery of mechanical energy and the transformation thereof into electrical energy usable for any purpose.

Figure 8 relates to an alternative embodiment of the modular device of the present invention. Said device, globally indicated with reference numeral 40 at figure 1 , comprises a bottom body 42, of any shape and size, which defines a cavity 44 communicating with a fluid inlet conduit 46 and with at least one outlet conduit 48 of the same. Preferably, the bottom body 42 has a cylindrical shape and is made of metal such as for example brass.

The inlet of cavity 44 is delimited by an integral flange 20', by way of an example quadrangular, similar to that of the embodiment described before. The fluid inlet and outlet conduits 46 are made integral with the bottom body 42 and are provided with an inner and/or outer thread for the connection to fluid distribution tubes or conduits,

typically water of a household network or of a production unit.

The bottom body 42 is connected to a stepping motor arranged within an enclosure 50, of in se known type, associated to an impeller or turbine 52 constrained, in the top part 52', to the free end of the shaft thereof (not shown). Said stepping motor preferably defines a cylindrical configuration as regards the outer enclosure 50 and at the bottom end, it carries an integral counter- flange 54 for connecting to flange 20' of the bottom body 42 by conventional screws 56 or the like. Once enclosure 50 of the stepping motor and the bottom body 42 have been constrained to one another, impeller 52 fixed to the shaft of the motor itself abuts within cavity 44 at the flow line that water or the fluid in general flow through, entering into the same body 42 from conduit 46 and coming out of conduit 48. The stepping motor is provided with conventional power supply cables 58, schematically illustrated at figure 13. The dispensing of fluid, collected downstream of device 40 of the present invention, causes the rotation of impeller 52 since the flow of the fluid itself into the conduit encounters the blades thereof. As a consequence, the shaft that protrudes from the top part 52' of impeller 52, moves the stepping motor; the electrical cables 58 supplying said motor are used in this case for the connection to an accumulator (not shown),

which is thus supplied by the effect of the transformation of mechanical energy into electrical energy. The accumulated electrical energy is used as needed for various applications, or it may be immediately fed to lighting or programming and control equipment.

Figure 9 schematically shows, by way of an example, some types of impellers usable as an alternative, according to the requirements and/or to the need of varying the fluid flow rate; it is clear that an impeller of the type indicated with reference numeral 60 at figure 9 is suitable for reducing the fluid flow rate to a considerably larger extent than an impeller like that indicated with reference numeral 62; those indicated with reference numerals 64 and 66 at the same figure 9 are further possible examples of usable impellers.

By way of a non-limiting example, figure 10 shows some possible embodiments of the modular device of the present invention, wherein the bottom body 42 defines as many options as regards orientation and number of fluid outlet conduits. For example, the solution indicated with reference numeral 68 exhibits a body 42 with dual "T" shaped outlet relative to the fluid inlet "E", solution 70 exhibits a dual outlet with parallel and orthogonal inlets relative to the fluid inlet, whereas in the solution indicated with reference numeral 72 the outlet is oriented vertically

relative to the inlet. The next possible embodiments from 74 to 80 respectively define solutions with 3 outlets, with dual "T" shaped outlet, with single outlet with right angle relative to the inlet and with dual direct outlet. In figures 1 1 and 12, the modular device 40 for energy recovery of the present invention is associated to a fluid distribution header 82, according to two possible alternative types of use. In particular, figure 1 1 shows a header 82 with multiple fluid outlets 84 and with a fluid inlet 86 whereto a device 40 for energy recovery according to the present invention is associated. At figure 12, on the other hand, a header 82' with fluid inlet 86' is provided with multiple outlets 84', on each of which there is applied a device 40 according to the invention. In this case, each device 40 will be connected by cables 58 shown at figure 13 to an accumulator or directly to a utility to be supplied; as needed, moreover, the different devices 40 will integrate an impeller or fan of the type indicated with reference numeral 52 at figure 8, or with reference numerals 60, 62, 64, 66 at figure 9 according to the specific requirements.

Figure 13 schematically shows the possible application of a device 40 according to the invention to conduit 88 which with the water from the water mains supplies a household appliance such as for example a washing machine 90, whereas figure 14 shows a type of use that

envisages the serial installation of a plurality of devices 40 along a same conduit 92. In the latter hypothesis, a solution corresponding to that of a pressure reducer occurs under the functional profile, while still having the advantage of being able to recover energy from each of said devices 40. In all cases, each device 40 can comprise a filter 94, as per figure 15, suitable for retaining impurities, arranged along the fluid inlet conduit 46 and stabilised therein in any known manner, for example by a screw 94'. Figure 16 schematically shows a further possible application of the modular device for energy recovery of the present invention. In this case, the single devices 40 are installed at the inlet of the distribution network of both hot and cold water of a service room, such as for example a bathroom. The daily and systematic use of the various sanitary fixtures installed in the room causes the water flow within the conduits indicated with reference numerals 96 and 98 and consequently activates the one or the other, optionally both devices 40, at the same time. Figure 17 shows the possible application of the device of the present invention to a shower head provided with L.E.D. (Light Emitting Diode). Also in this case, a bottom body 42 is provided in the shower head which defines a cavity 44 wherein enclosure 40' containing the stepping motor is arranged. There are equally provided a fluid inlet

conduit 46 and outlet conduits 48 of the same, which afterwards articulates in a plurality of holes.

Said body 40' is seated in the central body 100 of the shower head and is associated to an impeller that protrudes outwards, for example of the type indicated with reference numeral 52 at figure 8; in order to exploit the water flow entering the central body 100 of the shower head in the most suitable manner, body 40' is arranged therein in upturned position, as can be seen from figure 17, and impeller 52 protrudes outwards and upwards from the same body 40'.

The central body 100 of the shower head, associated in a known manner to plate 102 provided with holes for the water outlet, integrates a conventional circuit 102' of L.E.D., electrically supplied for example through the conventional cables 58 of the stepping motor.

In this embodiment, the recovery of mechanical energy that is transformed into electrical energy finds immediate use for supplying circuit 102' of L.E.D. which turn on when water is dispensed, provided that the rotation of impeller 52 is concurrently actuated. This solution is particularly advantageous as it avoids resorting to external electrical supply systems for circuit 102' which would be more complex requiring specific connections. Figures 18 and 19 refer to an example of a possible industrial application of the same device for energy

recovery of the present invention. In this hypothesis, α device 40 is applied to the fluid inlet conduit 104 (figure 18) or outlet conduit 106 (figure 19) of a cylinder 108, typically a pneumatic cylinder for example installed on a machine tool. In this case, the energy recovered can advantageously be used immediately in the same machine tool for supplying any mechanism, such as a relay, a limit switch or the like. If used in gas distribution systems, the device of the present invention requires minimum pressure, about 0.2 bar, to operate, as has been verified through experimental tests carried out by the applicant. As can be noticed from the above, the advantages comprised by the invention are clear. The modular device 10, 40 or 40' for energy recovery of the present invention allows exploiting the fluid flow without any drawbacks, especially mains water, transforming the mechanical energy into electrical energy that can be accumulated or used immediately. Said device is easily installable on existing plants and based on the type and/or number of impellers or of the stepping motor used, it may be calibrated for recovering energy to a greater or smaller extent. Moreover, the advantageous possibility of applying electrical circuits directly on the stepping motor, eliminating the traditional cables, should be taken into account.

While the embodiment described above to this end envisages the use of an impeller or turbine seated in the bottom body 42, it should be envisaged that, according to the dimension or height of said body and/or according to the section of the fluid inlet conduit 46, two overlapping impellers or turbines may be used, equal or differing from each other and suitably spaced, both fixed or fitted on the shaft of the stepping motor seated within enclosure 50. While the invention has been described hereinbefore with particular reference to some embodiments thereof made by way of a non-limiting example only, several changes and variations will appear clearly to a man skilled in the art in the light of the above description. This invention therefore is intended to include any changes and variations thereof falling within the spirit and the scope of protection of the following claims.