CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional

Application No. 62/256,491, filed November 17, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No.

62/256,466, filed November 17, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/256,458, filed November 17, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/328,956, filed April 28, 2016, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference into this application for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a power generator that generates power based on fluid flow.

BACKGROUND

[0003] There exist numerous opportunities for pool system applications to utilize low- voltage, independent sources of electrical power. These include operation of pool components, control systems, and various monitors and communication systems. One type of product used to harvest electrical power in a fluid system is a small propeller-type generator. This generator is placed in the water return line flow of a pool system, and the flow of water through the generator generates a voltage. Such a generator has been met with limited success, largely due to the restriction and loss of flow that the generator creates in the water return line. Such flow restrictions interfere with the performance of the pool circulation system. Energy may also be harvested through flutter induced by fluid flow. Electrical energy can be collected from vibration, expansion, contraction, or movement of flexible or rotatable elements. For instance, the piezo-electric effect may be used to generate low-voltage responses to flutter in a fluidic medium.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] An embodiment of the present disclosure is a device for generating electrical power in response to a flow of fluid. The device includes a body defining an inner surface, an outer surface, and a passage extending through the body along a central axis. The passage is sized to receive the flow of fluid therethrough. The device includes a magnetic element positioned within the passage and further configured to freely rotate about the central axis within the passage in response to the flow of fluid through the passage. The device also includes a winding disposed at least partially on the outer surface of the body. Rotation of the magnetic element relative to the winding in response to the flow of fluid through the passage generates a voltage.

[0005] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a device for a pool system. The device includes a body housing for coupling to a fluid line in the pool system. The body defines an inner surface and a passage that extends along an axis for receiving a flow of fluid. The device includes a rotatable element positioned in the passage and configured to rotate about the axis in response to the flow of fluid through the passage. The device includes a plurality of curved bearing members coupled to the rotatable element so as to rotate with the rotatable element. At least one of the plurality of curved bearing members is a magnetic member. The device also includes a winding positioned between the plurality of curved bearing members and the inner surface of the body. Rotation of the rotatable element causes the plurality of curved bearing members to rotate relative to the winding so as to generate a voltage.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a device for generating electrical power. The device includes a housing and a body coupled to the housing. The body has a first end and a second end opposed to the first end along an axis. The body is configured to oscillate upon application of a force to the body applied by a fluid. At least a portion of the body is configured to generate a voltage in response to oscillation caused by application of the force to the body.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a method of generating electrical power in a pool system. The method includes causing a flow of fluid to pass through a conduit include a device for generating power. The device includes a body having an inner surface, an outer surface, a passage extending through the body along the inner surface. The method also includes, in response to the flow of fluid through the passage, causing a magnetic element positioned within the passage to rotate with respect to a winding disposed at least partially on the outer surface of the passage, wherein rotation of the magnetic element with respect to the winding generates a voltage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the present application, there is shown in the drawings illustrative embodiments of the disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

[0009] Figure 1 is a bottom perspective view of a device for generating electric power of an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 is a front perspective of a device for generating electric power of an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the device shown in Figure 2;

[0012] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the component assembly shown in Figure 4;

[0013] Figure 5 is a side view of a device for generating electric power of an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 6 is a schematic of a communication assembly in an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0015] Figure 7 is a schematic of pool system that includes one or more the devices illustrated in Figures 1-5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Embodiments of the present disclosure include devices for generating power in response to fluid flow, related systems, and related methods for generating electrical energy from fluid flow. The devices described herein are configured for use in a pool system. However, the devices are not limited strictly to use in pools.

[0017] Turning initially to Figure 7, an embodiment of a pool system 400 includes a pump 402, a filter 404, and a valve 406 where conduits from the drain 408 and heater 410 meet. The pool system 400 includes skimmers 412 and 414, a main drain 416, and a plurality of return lines 418 that terminate at retums 420 or return jets. The pump 402 will pull water from the pool 422 through a skimmer 412, 414 or main drain 416. The water is passed through a filter 404, and then filtered water is returned to the pool 422 under pressure through returns 420 and 430 that control flow direction and flow rate. Returns are also referred to as pool jets and are generally mounted on the pool wall below the surface. The return can include pop-up cleaning heads 430 as needed. The water is returned to the pool 422 through the pool jets 420 to create circulation and mixing of the pool water. The pool 400 may also include one or more communication assemblies 950a that permit communications between different components and an external computing device (not shown). The devices described herein can be used to power the communications assembly and/or other pool components.

[0018] Referring to Figure 1 , a device 100 may include a body 104, a rotatable element 120, and a winding 128 around the body 104. The rotatable element 120 may include a magnetic element 136. The device may generate voltage as the rotatable element spins with respect to winding 128 in response to fluid flow. The device may include a bridge rectifier 130 and electrical conduits 132a and 132b coupled to winding. The bridge rectifier 130 may convert the generated alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). The device may further comprise a battery and/or capacitor. The device may optionally include a communications assembly. In one example, the device 100 may yield an output up to between 2 V DC about 10 V at 0.25 to 1.0 amps.

[0019] Referring to Figure 1 , the body 104 is configured to be coupled to pool component of a pool system. In one example, the body 104 may be attached to a wall mount, a water outlet, water inlet, nozzle, down jet or other type of pool component that is in-line with a source of fluid. The device 100 can be removably fixed to the pool component or permanently fixed to the pool component. In one example, the body is connected to a water return nozzle (not shown) in a swimming pool. The body may be affixed to the outside of the nozzle or the inside of the nozzle. The body 104 may have engagement members, such as threads, tabs, detents, or other structures for mounting the body 104 to the pool component.

[0020] The body 104 has an outer surface 108, an inner surface 1 12, and a passage 116 that extends along the inner surface along axis Al . The rotatable element 120 is positioned within the passage 1 16 and configured to rotate in the passage 1 16. The body 104 may be formed of a material that includes a polymer or a material that includes a metal. In one example, the material used to form at least part of the body is substantially transparent. In another example, the body may be formed of more than one material.

[0021] The passage 116 may be sized to receive fluid. The passage may be constructed to vary in size and dimensions. As illustrated, passage 1 16 has a substantially round or oval cross section shape (that is perpendicular to the axis Al). The passage may also have a rectangular or square cross section or a variety of other shapes. The passage is scalable, as is the entire device, and the exact dimensions may depend on the intended use of the device. In one example, the device may be used within a conduit of pipe of a pool. In such an example, the passage may be several inches in diameter, for example, between about 0.5 inches and about 24 inches. The passage diameter is between about 0.5 inches and about 4 inches in diameter. In one example, the passage diameter may be approximately 2.125 inches. The passage may be a smooth passage, or it may have features, such as protrusions, notches, obstructions, or other structures.

[0022] Referring to Fig. 1, the device 100 may include a rotatable element 120 positioned within the passage 1 16. The rotatable element 120 is configured to rotate about axis Al in response to fluid flowing through the passage. In one example, the rotatable element is an impeller. As illustrated, the impeller has a core, an outer ring disposed around the core. The outer ring has an external surface that faces the inner surface of the body. The impeller includes at least two blades 124 that extend from the core to the outer ring. The impeller may be positioned in such a way that when fluid flows through the passage, the fluid pushes against the one or more blades of the impeller and rotates the impeller.

[0023] Referring to Fig. 1 , the device 100 may include a magnetic element 136.

Referring to Fig. 1 , magnetic element 136 may be at least part of the rotatable element 120. Alternatively, a magnetic element 136 may be attached to the rotatable element 120. In one example, the magnetic element 136 may be a low friction coated cast neodymium magnet. In one example, the magnetic element 136 may include a low friction coating, such as

polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), Teflon, or similar material.

[0024] Continuing with Fig. 1 , a magnetic element 136 may be fixedly attached to the rotatable element 120 such that when the rotatable element 120 revolves around an axis Al that is substantially perpendicular to the flow of fluid through the passage 1 16, the magnetic element 136 also rotates around the same axis. In one example, the magnetic element 136 may be in the form of a magnetic coating. The magnetic coating may be positioned on at least a part of the rotatable element 120. The magnetic coating may include a rare earth magnet, for example neodymium.

[0025] In operation, electrical energy is generated from the relative movement between a magnetic element 136 and a winding 128. In one example, the magnetic element may move relative to the winding. Referring to Fig. 1 , the magnetic element 136 moves within passage 116 relative to the winding 128. In one example, the magnetic element 136 may remain stationary if the winding moves relative to the magnetic element. The magnetic element 136 may be positioned at a distance away from the winding such that when the magnetic element and the winding change position relative to each other, electric current is generated. For instance, the magnetic element 136 should fall within close proximity to the magnetic field.

[0026] An embodiment of the present disclosure comprises increasing the magnetic field required to generate sufficient power output configured to eliminate the need for close proximity between the magnet element and windings. In one example, the device includes cast rare earth magnet. Such material is suitable that has the potential for storing large amounts of magnetic energy, such as, for example, potentially BHmax - 512 kJ/m3 or 64 MG Oe. Such material should resist demagnetization. The magnetic element can be made into the desired shape and placed in the body. The shape is adaptable to create a rotating magnetic field with minimal flow restriction driven of water flow. Placement of windings exterior to the body can help reduce flow restrictions. An exemplary device has obtained up to 3.5 V(rectified AC) and 0.5 amp output using standard pipe gauge typical of pool return lines. However, the devices can generate between 1.0 V to 5.0 V. Even higher voltage may be possible, such as 10V.

[0027] The device 100 may include an optional communication assembly 950a (not numbered). The communication assembly 950a may include a transmitter 952a, a receiver 954a, a communication assembly controller 956a, and a power source 958a. The device 100 can power and/or charge the power source 958a The transmitter 952a may communicate with a receiver 954a and with a receiver of a another communications assembly. The device 100 may include a plurality of communication assemblies. Alternatively, the communication assembly 950a may include a plurality of transmitters 952a, receivers 954a, power sources 958a, and/or communication assembly controllers 956a. In one example, communication assembly is a visual light communication assembly. In such an example, the transmitter is at least one light source, and the receiver is at least one sensor for detecting light. In such an example, the transmitter is configured to switch the light source on and off in order to generate a signal having encoding therein data. Alternatively, the communication assembly may include components for physical wired communication or wireless communication, such as Bluetooth and the like.

[0028] Another embodiment of a device for generating power is shown in Figures 2-4. As shown, device 200 may include a body 204, a rotatable element 216, a plurality of curved bearing members 232, and a winding 220. As shown, the device 200 may include an outer race 236 disposed around the rotatable element 216. The device 200 also includes a bridge rectifier 240, a power source 244, an electrical conduit 252, and an optional communications assembly 950a(Figure 6). An optional circuit mount 237 may be used to housing the electric components. [0029] Referring to Figs. 2-4, the body 204 is configured to be coupled to pool component of a pool system. In one example, the body 204 may be attached to a wall mount, a water outlet, water inlet, down jet or other type of pool component that is in-line with a source of fluid. The body 204 may have engagement members, such as threads, tabs, detents, or other structures for mounting the body 204 to the pool component. The device 200 can be removably fixed to the pool component or permanently fixed to the pool component. The body 204 has an inner surface 208 and a passage 212 that extends through the body 204 along the axis Al . The passage 212 receives the source of fluid and houses other parts of the device 200. As illustrated, the portion of passage adj acent to an outlet end of the body 204 is sized to receive the rotatable element 216, the outer race 236, and the optional circuit mount 237 if present.

[0030] As shown in Figs. 2-4, the rotatable element 216 comprises an inner race 230 and a blade assembly 226 coupled to the inner race 230. The rotatable element 216 is rotationally positioned in the body 204 of the device 200. The rotatable element 216 is configured to rotate about the axis Al in response to fluid impinging the blade assembly 226. In one example, the rotatable element 216 may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axis Al and the direction of flow of fluid through the passage 212. The rotatable element may include one or more materials. In one example, the rotatable element may be formed of a polymeric material or a metallic material. In one example, the material used to form at least part of the rotatable element is substantially transparent.

[0031] The inner race 230 includes an interior surface that defines an opening 231 that extends along the axis Al and an exterior channel that holds the curved bearing members 232. In one example, the exterior channel may include walls spaced around the circumference of the inner race 230. The distance between adjacent walls is sized to receive one curved bearing member 232. The walls can maintain the curved bearing member 232 in place along the inner race 230 with respect to each other.

[0032] The blade assembly 226 includes a mount 227 and a plurality of blades 228 coupled to the mount 227. The mount 227 is mounted to one side of the inner race 230 such that the blades 228 extend into the opening 231. Both the mount 227 and the inner race 230 defining the opening 231. The mount 227 and inner race 230 may be separate parts as illustrated or they may for a monolithic unit. The blades 228 are positioned radially around a center point of rotatable element 216, for example a point through which axis Al passes. As illustrated, the blades 228 are helical type blades. However, any blade type may used. When fluid flows through the passage, the fluid pushes against the plurality of blades 228 and rotates the rotatable element 216.

[0033] Referring to Figs. 2-4, the device 200 includes winding 220. As illustrated, the winding is positioned within passage 212 between the inner surface of body 204 and the rotatable element 216. In an altemative embodiment, the winding may be positioned outside the body forward or rearward of the inner face 230. The winding 220 may be a typical winding of conductive wires as is known in the art. In one example, the device may include a plurality of windings 220 that electrically coupled together via conduits 252. The winding 220 may be electrically coupled to the bridge rectifier 240.

[0034] Continuing with Figs. 2-4, the device 100 has a plurality of curved bearing members 232. The plurality of curved bearing members 232 are coupled to the rotatable element 216 via the inner race 230 and are positioned to proximate to the winding 220. The curved bearing members 232 permit rotatable element 216 to rotate relative to the winding 20. As illustrated, the curved bearing members 232 are substantially spherical. Each curved bearing members 232 can rotate about its respective center while also rotating along with the rotatable element 216, as will be described further below. In an altemative embodiment, the curve bearing members may be cylindrically shape.

[0035] The curved bearing members 232 may include at least one magnetic bearing member 224 and at least one non-magnetic bearing member 225. In one example, a plurality of curved bearing members 232 are magnetic bearing members 224. For example, there may be 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, or another suitable number of magnetic bearing members 224. The magnetic bearing members 224 may comprise a rare-earth element, such as neodymium. The non-magnetic bearing members 225 may be ceramic. However, other materials that non-magnetic may be used. The ratio of magnetic bearing members to non-magnetic bearing members may vary as needed. The ratio of magnetic bearings to non-magnetic bearings may be, for example, 1 : 1, 2: 1, 3: 1 , 4: 1, 1 :2, 1 :3, 1 :4, or another suitable ratio. In one example, the ratio of magnetic bearings 224 to non-magnetic bearings 232 is 1 : 1.

[0036] As shown in Figs. 2-4, the device 200 includes a bridge rectifier 240 and a power source 244. The bridge rectifier 240 may convert the generated AC voltage into direct current (DC). The generated voltage may be transferred from the device to either a storage unit (e.g. external battery) or to another component via one or a plurality of conduit 252. The device may also include light emitting element 248 coupled to the power source 248. The bridge rectifier 240, the battery 244, the light emitting element 248, and the electrical conduit 252 may be positioned on the along the optional circuit mount 237 as illustrated. In an alternative embodiment, the lighting element 248 and the electrical conduit 252 may be positioned on the outer race 236.

[0037] The device 200 may include an optional communication assembly 950a (not numbered). The communication assembly 950a may include a transmitter 952a, a receiver 954a, a communication assembly controller 956a, and a power source 958a. The device 200 can power and/or charge the power source 958a. The transmitter 952a may communicate with a receiver 954a and with a receiver of a another communications assembly. The device 100 may include a plurality of communication assemblies. Alternatively, the communication assembly 950a may include a plurality of transmitters 952a, receivers 954a, power sources 958a, and/or

communication assembly controllers 956a. In one example, communication assembly is a visual light communication assembly. In such an example, the transmitter is at least one light source, and the receiver is at least one sensor for detecting light. In such an example, the transmitter is configured to switch the light source on and off in order to generate a signal having encoding therein data. Alternatively, the communication assembly may include components for physical wired communication or wireless communication, such as Bluetooth and the like.

[0038] Continuing with Figs. 2-4, a flow of fluid may pass through the passage 212. As the fluid passes, it engages with the one or more blades 228 positioned on the rotatable element 216. The flow of fluid may impact the blades in such a way as to create enough force to move the blades. The blades 228 move in response to the applied force, and, since the blades 228 are fixedly attached to the rotatable element 216, the rotatable element 216 also moves. The rotatable element may rotate around the axis Al that passes through the center of the rotatable element 216. The axis Al is substantially parallel to the direction of the flow of fluid through passage 212. The rotatable element 216 may rotate in a first direction around axis Al (e.g. clockwise) with the blades are in a first orientation. Alternatively, the rotatable element 216 may rotate in a second direction around axis Al (e.g. counterclockwise) when the blades are in a second orientation. As the rotatable element rotates, one or more magnetic bearings 224 also rotate with respect to winding 220, thereby generating a voltage. Rotation of the magnetic bearing member(s) 224 with respect to the winding 220 generates a magnetic field that, in turn, generates current in the winding. In one aspect, the magnetic bearing is spherical and may rotate as the rotating element rotates around axis Al . In one example, the curved bearing members 232 are not fixed as they rotate around the axis Al . In other words, each magnetic bearing 224 may rotate as the rotatable element (and thus all of curve bearing members) rotate. This, in turn, may create an unexpected magnetic field flux and improve voltage generation over typical generators. In some examples, however, the magnetic bearings are positioned such that rotation and generated magnetic field of one magnetic bearing does not substantially influence the rotation and magnetic field of another magnetic bearing.

[0039] The devices 100, 200, and 300 have a number of advantages. Many existing electrical generators have components that are center of the fluid flow stream. This obstructs the flow fluid, which decreases flow output power, as well as increases pressure within the fluid conduit. The devices 100 and 200 are configured to minimize obstruction of fluid flow. For example, the rotatable element 120, 216 are positioned circumferentially around an outer boundary the fluid flow path. In another example, the rotatable element is placed within the fluid flow path, but the rotatable element is small enough so as to not significantly obstruct flow. By minimizing flow obstruction, the performance of the pool system components can be optimized.

[0040] Turning to Figure 5, a device 300 is shown that generates power. The device 300 may harvest power from two pool energy sources: flow water flutter induced by the pump into the water flow, and joint and pipe vibration/expansion and contraction induced by pressure fluctuations in the pool system. As illustrated, the device 300 has a housing 301 and a body 302 coupled to the housing 301. The housing 301 may be attached to a pool component that is inline with a flow of fluid. The housing 301 may also include electrical components for harvesting power. For instance, the housing 301 may include a transducer (not shown) coupled to the body, a connector 314a, 314b electrically coupled to the transducer, and a bridge rectifier (not shown) coupled to the connector. The bridge rectifier converts the voltage from an alternating current voltage into a direct current voltage.

[0041] The body 202 has a first end 306 and a second end 310 spaced from to the first end 306 along an axis A2. The body 302 may be a flexible enough to bend and flex in response fluid flow or flutter or other vibrations. The body 302 may include a material with piezoelectric properties. In one example, the entire body 302 is composed of a material with piezoelectric properties. Alternatively, part of the body 302 may include material with piezoelectric properties. In one example, part of the body 302 or the entire body 302 may be coated with a material that has hydrophobic properties. In one example, part of the body 302 or the entire body 302 may be coated with a material that has dielectric properties. [0042] The body 302 may also include magnetic elements. In one example, when a magnetic field is generated substantially close to the body 302, one or more magnetic elements positioned on the body 302 may move in response to the magnetic field. In one example, the magnetic elements is fixedly attached to the body such that movement of the magnetic element also moves the body. In another example, a magnetic field that moves the magnetic element on the body also moves the piezoelectric material, creating an electrical charge. In use, the body 302 is entirely submerged in a fluid. Altematively, a portion of the body 302 may be submerged in fluid.

[0043] The device 300 may include an optional communication assembly 950a (Figure 6). The communication assembly 950a may include a transmitter 952a, a receiver 954a, a communication assembly controller 956a, and a power source 958a. The device 300 can power and/or charge the power source 958a The transmitter 952a may communicate with a receiver 954a and with a receiver of a another communications assembly. The device 100 may include a plurality of communication assemblies. Alternatively, the communication assembly 950a may include a plurality of transmitters 952a, receivers 954a, power sources 958a, and/or

communication assembly controllers 956a. In one example, communication assembly is a visual light communication assembly. In such an example, the transmitter is at least one light source, and the receiver is at least one sensor for detecting light. In such an example, the transmitter is configured to switch the light source on and off in order to generate a signal having encoding therein data. Alternatively, the communication assembly may include components for physical wired communication or wireless communication, such as Bluetooth and the like.

[0044] Embodiments of the present disclosure include devices capable of power generation. Each device may be positioned within a flow of fluid, such that the flow of fluid passes through the device and generates electrical power. The devices may be attached to an output of fluid from a system, an input of fluid into a system, or both. The devices may be positioned in series within a same flow of fluid, the generators may be positioned at separate flows of fluids, or they may be positioned in a combination of both. Multiple devices may be interconnected amongst each other, or they may be independent of each other. Optionally, some devices may be interconnected to one another while some generators are stand-alone. One or more devices may be configured to communicate with one or more of the other generators. One or more devices may also, or alternatively, be configured to communicate with other components within the system. In one example, a system has one or more devices in an operational configuration while one or more devices are in a non-operational configuration. A system may turn generators on or off either altogether or separately.

[0045] Embodiments of the present disclosure include devices that whereby electrical power may be transferred from the device to another location. Some of the power generated may be transferred to a power source, such as a battery. The power may be transferred through wires or wirelessly. In one example, a portion of the generated electricity may be transferred to one or more components while another portion of the generated electricity may be transferred to a power storage unit. In one example, the devices are used in a swimming pool, and the fluid is water. Pool components may include a water pump, return lines, return fitting, return jets, filter, motor, skimmer, pool lighting, computers, or other components common in the swimming pool industry.

[0046] It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed system and technique. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but not to exclude such from the scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated.