Technical field The present invention relates to a power-generating device. In particular, the present invention relates to a power-generating device for use in a flowing body of fluid.

Background of the inventions As the world's population grows and energy demands increase, the strain on the supply of non-renewable energy sources such as coal oil and gas worsens. Further, the continued extraction and burning of non-renewable forms of energy are having an ever-greater environments! impact. As such, there is a demand for environmentally friendly and economically viable forms of electricity generation. Such forms of electricity generation inciude renewal forms of electricity generation, such as through solar, wind and hydro means.

Wate wheeis have been utilised as a device for generating power for hundreds of years. When the appropriate generating means are connected to a waterwheel, they provide for the generation of hydroelectricity using the flow of a body of fluid as a renewal energy source. The production cycle of hydroelectricity in this manner has been found to be more continuous than other hydro methods such as tidal power methods, which rely on changeable tidal flows, and other renewabie methods such as soiar panels or wind turbines, which rely on adequate sunshine and wind respectively. in comparison to these forms of renewabie energy generation, the flow of a body of fluid such as a river is relatively constant and as such offers the opportunity to provide a reliable source of renewal electricity generation.

Problems associated with the prior art inciude waterwheel devices that are overly heavy, expensive, environmentally invasive to install, inefficient, do not permit for adaption to changes in conditions and/or are permanent or require economically unviable cost to relocate

Therefore, there is a demand for an improved waterwheel device, It is an object of aspects of the present invention to address the above or other problems.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a power generating device comprising at least two waterwheels operable to be arranged in a flowing body of fluid, the device further comprising adjustment means operable to adjust the relative positions of the at least two waterwheels with regard to a flow of fluid such that the at least two waterwheels may be exposed to different portions of a flow of fluid, in use.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a power generating device comprising at least two waterwheels operable to be arranged in a flowing body of fluid, the device further comprising adjustment means operable to adjust an operational draft level of the at least two waterwheels.

Preferably, the adjustments means comprise attitude adjustment means operable to adjust the attitude of the device relative to the flowing body of fluid.

Preferably, the attitude adjustment means comprise at least one container and at least one pump, operable to pump a volume of liquid into or out of the tank such that the attitude of the device is changed relative to the flowing body of fluid. Preferably, the attitude adjustment means comprise at least two containers, preferably arranged on either side of the at least two waterwheels. Preferably, the at least two tanks are connected by baffle means, preferably operable to reduce a degree of rotation about a longitudinal axis of the device when the tanks comprise a volume of the fluid.

Preferably, the adjustment means further comprises at least one diverter adjustment means operable to adjust the draft level of an individual waterwheel.

Preferably, each waterwheel of the device has a respective diverter adjustment means, Preferably, each diverter adjustment means is arranged up-stream of the respective waterwheel. Preferably, each diverter member is arranged parallel to the axis of rotation of the respective waterwheel. The or each diverter member may be a panel, an angle of which with respect to a direction of water flow is adjustable.

Preferably, the diverter adjustment means comprise at least one diverter portion operable to be moved along a linear path from a first position to further positions. Preferably, the diverter adjustment means comprise at least one door portion operable to be moved from a first position to further positions by pivot or hinge means,

Preferably, the draft levels of the at least two waterwheeis of the device are adjustable without user intervention. Preferably, the draft levels can be adjusted according to pre-programmed settings. For example, if the rear waterwheel is registering suboptirnai RP but the rest of the waterwheeis registering optimal RPM, the device could be programmed to pump more liquid into the rear buoyancy tank and thus increase the draft level of the rear waterwheel, Alternatively or additionally, for example, in situations where some or all of the waterwheeis are registering sub- optimal RPM, it may be an indication that the draft level is too iow or too high, and/or that the velocity of the river flow is above or be!ow the predicted velociiy for that which the waterwheeis were designed, in such a situation the draft level of the individual waterwheeis can be altered and finely tuned by adjusting the position of the door adjustment means according to pre-programmed settings.

Optionally, the adjustments means are operable to be controlled manually by the user,

Advantageously, changing the relative position of the waterwheeis in the flow of fluid allows a first waterwheel to be driven and also a second waterwheel to be driven by different portions of the flow of fluid thereby maximising the efficiency of the device.

Waterwheeis are commonly designed for a specific veiocity of fluid. For example, for a stream moving with an average veiocity of 2m/s an undershot waterwheel would be designed to have a specific size, and a specific number and shape of paddles. The optimum depth to which the waterwheel should be submerged in the stream (the draft), when in use, would also be calculated. As such, for a stream with a fluid flow veiocity of 4m/s the waterwheel would have different measurements. These variations in measurement are required to provide the efficient transfer of kinetic energy from the fluid flow to the rotational energy of the rotating waterwheel. Maintaining the optimum draft level for a waterwheel when in use is therefore desirabie in order to facilitate the optimum transfer of energy. Therefore, an advantage of the present invention is the ability to control the drafts levels of the waterwheeis, permitting the optimum draft level to be substantialiy maintained in response to a change in conditions and as such to provide a more efficient generation of electrical energy.

Preferably, the device can be moved from one operating position to another simply by disconnecting the anchorage and power lines {if present) and towing or using seSf- propuision to navigate the device to a different point on the flowing body of fluid. Preferably, the device can be any size suitable for its intended operational location. Optionally, the device is sized such as to fit inside a high cube-type container. Optionally, the device has a maximum length, width and height of 12024 mm, 2340 mm and 2597 mm respectively. Preferably, the device comprises two or more waterwheeis, for example, the device may comprise two, three, four, five or more waterwheeis.

Preferably, each waterwheel is operable to rotate. Rotation of each waferwheef is preferably caused by a flow of fluid thereover. Preferably, the or each waterwheel comprises an axis of rotation. Preferably, the at least two waterwheeis each comprise an axis of rotation which is preferably generally parallel. Preferably, in use, a first of the at least two waterwheeis is arranged generally upstream of a second of the at least two waterwheeis. Preferably, the adjustment means are operable to adjust the relative heights of the at least two waterwheeis with regard to a flow of fluid. Preferably, a first of the at least two waterwheeis are exposed to an upper portion of a flow of fluid while, preferably a second of the at least two waterwheeis is exposed to a lower portion of a flow of fluid. Preferably, the power generating device comprises housing operable to house the at least two waterwheeis.

The power generating device is preferably operable to float on a body of fluid. Preferably, the fluid is water. Preferably, a body of water such as a river, stream etc. Preferably, the adjusting means is operable to adjust the attitude of the housing means.

The housing means may comprise funnelling means operable to funnel the How of fluid toward the at least two waterwheeis.

Preferably, the device is arranged in a body of fluid such that the axis of rotation of the at least two waterwheeis is generally perpendicular to the flow of the body of fluid, Preferably, the device comprises linking means operable to link two or more devices together.

Preferably, the at least two waterwheeis are orientated such that each waterwheel rotates about a substantially horizontai axis.

Preferably, the at least two waterwheeis comprise a core portion and blade portions. Preferably, the waterwheeis are of an undershot design, The at least two waterwheeis may be constructed from metal and/or plastic. Preferably, the at least two waterwheeis are constructed from COR-TEN (registered trade mark) steel and/or an acryiic polymer. Preferably, the at least two waterwheeis are constructed from COR-TEN (registered trade mark) steel and a clear acrylic polymer. Preferably, the at least two waterwheeis are constructed from Grade A COR-TEN (registered trade mark) steei and a clear acrylic polymer. Optionally, the at least two waterwheeis comprise stainless steel and/or 3CR12.

Preferably, the device comprises a hull, Preferably, the device further comprises a housing means attached to the hull.

Preferably, the housing means comprises two side parts, arranged such that their longitudinal axes are substantially perpendicular to a horizontai axis of the at least two waterwheeis. β

Optionaliy the side parts are connected to each other on!y by the axis of the at ieast two waterwheels. Preferably, the side parts are connected to each other by connecting means additional to the axis of the waterwheels, Optionaliy, the housing means may comprise a cover which may give the device a substantially rectangular or cuboidai shape.

The housing means can optionally further comprise a top part. Preferably, the side parts and top part of the housing means are arranged to form a partially-enclosed interior space within the device. Preferably, the side parts and top part of the housing means are arranged to form a rectangular or cuboidai space that is partially enclosed, such thai it is enclosed on three sides. Preferably, the housing and the hull are arranged to form a partially-enclosed interior space within the device. Preferably, the housing and the hull are arranged to form a rectangular or cuboidai space that is partially enclosed, such that it is enclosed on three sides.

Preferably, the at Ieast two water heels are at Ieast partly contained within the partially enclosed space. Preferably, the at least two waterwheel are completely contained within the partially enclosed space.

Preferably, the waterwheels are arranged not to extend below the bottom of the device. Preferably, the at Ieast two waterwheels are arranged such as the edges of the waterwheel blades when in use are substantially flush with the bottom of the device.

Preferably, the side parts of the housing means are constructed of metal. Preferably, the side parts of the housing means are constructed from COR-TEN (registered trade mark) steel and/or stainless steel.

Preferably, one of the side parts contains at ieast one porthole. Preferably, each of the side parts contains at Ieast one porthole.

By the term 'porthole ¹ it is meant that there is provided sn the housing means surface a means for viewing the interior of the device. Preferably, the top part of the housing means is constructed from plastic, Preferably the top part of the housing means is constructed from an acrylic polymer.

Preferably, the top part of the housing means contains at ieast one porthole. Preferably, the at Ieast one porthole has a closable shutter on the external side of the porthole. Preferably, the external shutter comprises locking means. Preferably the locking means comprises means for securing a padlock. Preferably, the locking means comprises means for securing a deadbolt. Preferably, the top part of the housing means contains at Ieast one access means which may be suitable for human entry to the interior space of the device. Preferably, the at Ieast one access means is a hinged panel access means. Preferably, the hinged panel access means comprises locking means. Preferably the locking means comprises means for securing a padlock. Preferably, the locking means comprises means for securing a deadbolt.

Preferably the device is generally buoyant when placed on a body of fluid, Preferably, each side part of the housing means provides buoyancy means

Preferably, each side part of the housing means is at least partially hollow, such that it provides the suitable degree of buoyancy for the device.

Optionally, one or both side parts of the device can provide no buoyancy means and buoyancy means may be provided by further buoyancy providing means thai is attached to the one or both of the side parts. Such further buoyancy means can include inflatable buoyancy means.

Optionally, one or both side parts of the device can provide insufficient buoyancy means, wherein further buoyancy means are provided by providing means that is attached to the one or both of the side parts. Such further buoyancy providing means can include inflatable buoyancy means.

Preferably the device comprises attitude adjusting means to allow the device to be reversibly moved from a position where the longitudinal axis of the device is substantially horizontal to a position where the longitudinal axis of the device has a gradient, preferably a negative gradient in a body of fluid, such that the end of the device facing the flow of the body of fluid is at a higher level than the opposite end of the device. Preferably, the attitude variability is controlled by the degree of flow of the body of fluid.

"Declined", when used herein, means that the end of the device facing the fiow of the body of fluid, when the device is in operation, is higher than the opposite end of the device.

Preferably, the device further comprises a flow meter. Preferably, the flow meter is attached to a side part of the hull in such a way that ¾ is submerged in the fluid. Preferably, the device comprises of multiple flow meters, each at a different depth. Preferably, the device comprises one or more retractable flow meters.

Preferably, the device further comprises a movable weight means, such movable weight means being operable to reversibiy distribute additional weight to different areas of the device.

Preferably, the flow meter is electronically or mechanically connected to the movable weight means. Preferably, the fiow meter is calibrated such that when the flow rate is below a certain value the movable mass is positioned such as to give the longitudinal axis of the device a substantially horizontal attitude. Preferably, when the fiow monitor measures a flow rate above a certain value, the movable weight is positioned further towards the end of the device that faces downstream when the device is in operation.

Preferably the device comprises gearing means. Preferably, the device comprises one gearing means per waterwheel. Preferably, the gearing means are configured to connect a waterwheel and generating means such that the gearing produces a gear multiplying effect on the rotational motion generated by the waterwheel.

Preferably the gearing means is operable to effect a substantially 90° change in the axis of rotation. Preferably the device comprises generating means suitable to transform the rotational energy into electrical energy. Preferably, the device comprises one generating means per waterwheel, Preferably the device comprises anchoring means, Preferably the device comprises a first anchoring member. Preferably the first anchoring means is the only anchoring means. Preferably, the first anchoring means comprises a tether operable to be secured to securing means on a fixed point. Preferably, the first anchoring means is attached to the device towards the end of the device that is orientated to face the flow of the body of fluid. Preferably, the device contains secondary anchoring means. Preferably, the anchoring means comprises cross-anchoring means.

Preferably, the device further comprises means capable of providing propulsion preferably sufficient to move the device in a body of fluid.

Preferably, the device further comprises steering means.

Preferably the device is configured the convert at least part of the energy in the flow of a body of fluid into electrical energy.

Preferably, the waterwheel device is for use in any flowing body of fluid, More preferably, the device is for use in rivers, steams, estuaries, or similar relatively narrow waterways, Optionally, the device is for use on a tidal body of fluid such as an ocean.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a power generating system the system comprising a power generation device according to any preceding aspect of the present invention arranged on a flowing body of fluid. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of power generation, comprising placing and anchoring the invention as described on a flowing body of liquid. Brief description of the drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a cross sectional view through a power generation device;

Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of a power generation device

Figure 3 shows a cross sectional side view of a third embodiment of a power generation device. Figure 4 shows a cross sectional top view of a fourth embodiment of a power generation device

Figure 5 shows a side-view of a waterwheei design suitable for a non-tidal flowing body of water

Figure 8 shows a side-view of a waterwheei design suitab!e for a tidal flowing body of fluid

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

Referring firstly to figure 1 there is shown a power generating device 102, comprising a body 104 and four waterwheels 108, 108, 110 and 1 12. Each waterwheei 106, 108, 110 and 1 12 comprises a body 1 14 being generally circular in cross-section and a plurality of generally radially extending arms 116. The radially extending arms comprise a leading edge 118 and a trailing edge 120. The leading edge having a generally arcuate face and being operable in use to be driven by contact flow of fluid as will be described here under.

Each waterwheei 106, 108, 110 and 112 is arranged such that axes of rotation thereof are aligned generally parallel to each other. Each waterwheei 108, 108, 110 and 1 12 comprises gearing 122 which is operable to translate rotational movement of the waterwheei to a generator 124, the generator 124 being operable to translate the rotational movement to electrical energy as is known in the art, As shown in figure 1 the generating device, in use is situated on a flowing body of fluid with the device being arranged with regard to the direction of flow such that fluid contacts the first waterwheei 108, the second waterwheei 108, the third waterwheei 110 and the fourth waterwheei 112 in series.

Furthermore, the attitude of the device 102 as shown in figure 1 with line X is operable to be adjusted with regard to the flow of the fluid as shown by arrow Ύ ^: by the use of attitude adjusting means. In this manner, the portion of the flowing body of fluid to which the waterwheels 108, 108, 1 10 and 1 2 are exposed can be adjusted such that the amount of kinetic energy transferred from the flowing fluid to the waterwheei can be maximised. The device 102 further comprises anchoring means operable (not shown) to secure the device to substantially the same point in space on the flowing body of liquid.

The device 102 further comprises at least one tank having a volume (not shown) operable to store a portion of the flowing body of liquid. The device 102 further comprises at least one pumping means (not shown) operable to pump a volume of fluid into and out of the at !east one tank such that the attitude of the device can be controlled by adjusting the weight of a section of the device. The section of the device to which fluid can be added or removed comprises a portion of the rear half of the device,

The device 102 further comprises spring dampened feet (not shown).

Referring now to figure 2, there is shown a second embodiment of a generating device 202. The generating device comprises a body 204 and four water wheels 208, 208, 210 and 212. Generally, the device 202 operates in a similar manner to the device described above. In particular the attitude of the device 202 is adjustable with regard to the flow of the body of fluid to thereby maximise the power generation from the flowing body of fluid. The device 202 further comprises door adjustment means 214, 218, 218 and 220, operable to alter the draft level on individual waterwheels 208, 208, 210, 212 respectively. The door adjustment means are operable to be moved from a first position to further positions wherein various degrees of the door member can be submerged in flowing body of fluid. The door adjustment means operated m this manner permit further control of the draft level on each waterwheel present in the device when in use. Additionally, the door adjustment means 214, 216, 218 and 220 provide a safety feature wherein the door member can be submerged in the flowing body of fluid such that the substantially all of the respective waterwheel ceases to be submerged in the flowing body of fluid. This safety feature, for example, allows for the flow of fluid to be substantially prevented from impacting the respective waterwheel when the velocity of the f ow is above safe operational limits. Additionally, the same feature allows for the rotation of the waterwheels to substantially cease when to use to permit repairs on the respective waterwheel whilst the remainder of the waterwheel of the device continue to function. Optionally, the door adjustment means have a final position wherein substantially all of the respective waterwheel is not submerged in the flowing body of fluid.

The door adjustment means comprise at feast one door or panel portion operable to be moved along a linear path from a first position to further positions. The door adjustment means comprise at least one door or panel portion operable to be moved from a first position to further positions by pivot or hinge means.

A generating device made in accordance with the present invention allows for a generating device with improved efficiency and also allows the user to adjust the attitude of the device depending on the strength of the flow of the body of fluid.

Referring now to figure 3, there is shown a power generating device 302, comprising a body 304 and six waterwheels 306, 308, 310 _S 312, 314 and 316. Each waterwheel 306, 308, 310, 312, 314 and 316 has a shape substantially as described in the first embodiment.

Each waterwheel 306, 308, 310, 312, 314 and 316 is arranged such that the axes of rotation thereof are aligned generally parallel to each other. Each waterwheel 306, 308, 310, 312, 314 and 316 comprises gearing 322 which is operable to translate rotational movement of the waterwheel to a generator 328 in the manner as described above. Each waterwhee! 306, 308, 310, 312, 314 and 316 comprises a door adjustment means 318 arranged upstream ΐο the respective waterwhee!. The door adjustment means operate substantially as described above. Each of the six door adjustment means 318 further comprise an hydraulicai!y powered moveable piston attached thereto and which is operable to move the respective door adjustment means from a lowered position, wherein the door adjustment means is submerged in the flowing body of fluid, into a raised position wherein the door adjustment means is not submerged in the flowing body of fluid. The device 302 further comprises trash grills 324 and 326 arranged across the faces of the device thai face upstream and downstream respectively. When in use the trash grills 324 and 326 are operable to prevent oversized objects, such as branches and wildlife, from entering the device with the flowing body of fluid. As shown figure 3, the generating device, in use, is situated on a flowing body of fluid with the device being arranged with regard to the direction of flow, as shown by arrow 'Ζ', such that fluid contacts the first waterwhee! 306, the second waterwhee! 308, the third waterwhee! 310, the fourth waterwheel 312, the fifth waterwhee! 314 and the sixth waterwhee! 316 in series.

Furthermore, the attitude of the device 302 as shown in figure 3 with !ine 'X' is operable to be adjusted with regard to the flow of the fluid as shown by arrow Ύ by the use of attitude adjusting means. The attitude adjusting means is controlled by the inverter controi room 328. In this manner, the portion of the flowing body of f!uid to which the waterwhee!s 306, 308, 310, 312, 314 and 318 are exposed can be adjusted such that the amount of kinetic energy transferred from the flowing fluid to the waterwheel can be maximised.

Preferably, the device 302 further comprises at least one tank having a volume (not shown) operable to store a portion of the flowing body of liquid. The device 302 further comprises at least one pumping means (not shown) operable to pump a volume of fluid into and out of the at least one tank such that the attitude of the device can be controlled by adjusting the weight of a section of the device. Preferably, the section of the device to which fluid can be added or removed comprises a portion of the rear half of the device. Referring now to figure 4, there is shown a power generating device 402. The generating device comprises two spaced parallel floatation means 404 and 406 and six water wheels 408, 410, 41 412, 414 and 418, each represented in figure 4 by a black box. Generally, the device 402 operates in a similar manner to the devices described above, In particular each waterwheel of the device 408 _» 410, 411 , 412, 414 and 416 further comprise a rod 418 projecting along the axis of rotation of each waterwheel 408, 410, 41 1 , 412, 414 and 418, said each respective rod being arranged such that each rod is operable to support the weight of the respective waterwheel. Each rod is attached to the body of the device 402 by a bearing 422 and a shaft iock 424 on one side of each respective waterwheel and on the opposite side of the respective waterwheel to a box housing gearing means 420 ,

Referring now to figure 5, there is shown a design for a waterwheel 502 suitable for use in a device as described particularly when the device is intended for use on non- tidal flowing bodies of fluid. The waterwheel 502 comprises a body 504 being generally circular in cross-section and a plurality of generally radially extending arms 508. The radially extending arms comprise a leading edge 510 and a trailing edge 512. The leading edge having a generally arcuate face and being operable in use to be driven by contact flow of fluid as described above. The waterwheel 502 further comprises a centrally located aperture 508 suitable for insertion of a rod as described above.

Referring now to figure 6, there is shown a design for a waterwheel 802 suitable for use in the device as described above particularly when the device is intended for use on tidal flowing bodies of fluid. The power generating device comprising waterwheel 802 works in a similar manner to the devices described above. In particular, the waterwheel 602 comprises substantially linear blade portions 804, operable to receive a flowing body of fluid such as to rotate efficiently about their respective substantially horizontal axes in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction, the direction of rotation dictated by the direction of flow of the body of liquid.

In one embodiment not shown in the figures the device comprises flow detection means operable to detect the rate of flow of the body of fluid. The flow detection means is operable to communicate with attitude adjustment means to thereby automatically adjust the attitude of the device with regard to the body of fluid in response to the flow detected. Example 1

DESIGN CALCULATIONS FOR NO-HEAD LOW-HEAD WATER WHEELS

Spouting velocity

Found from the stream speed, in metres per second and the gravitational constant according to the following relationship:

StreamSpeed = 1.25 M/Sec

SpoutVelocity - StreamSpeed ² /2 x 9,81 M/Sec

SpoutVelocity = 0.08 M/Sec

This may be considered as a 'Head' at which the water is acting upon the wheel. Head = SpoutVelocity

Optimum wheel diameter

Is three to six times the 'Head' or diameter of between D _es s1 = SpoutVelocity x 3 M and D _89i 2 = SpoutVelocity x 6 M.,that is D _esi 1 - 0,24 to D _esS 2 = 0.48 A wheel diameter greater than D _sst 2 - 0.48 will, for these parameters, afford no improvement in performance.

Wheel Outside diameter

Try OD - 2.6 M, then the Working Diameter of the wheel is WD = OD - SpoutVelocity Working circumference will be WorkCirc ~ WD x π

WorkCirc = 7.92 M

B!ade spacing

Will be less than 'Head' , approximate number of blades requires to be:

AppNoBlades ^WorkCirc SpoutVe!ocity

AppNoBlades = 99.42

Wheel Speed

Most efficient energy transfer occurs when wheel speed Is between 67% and 90% of water speed, so allowing for slow flow days, wheel linear peripheral speed, times 60, divided by working circumference will give speed of wheel in revolutions per minute.

RPM = StreamSpeed X 0.6687 x 60/WorkCirc RPM = 6.32

Actual power of Wheel

The power is directly dependent upon WheelWidth = 1.25 M & the wheel having submerged depth Head ^» · 0.08 M ,

Design Watts ~ WheelWidth x Head x StreamSpeed x 9.81

Design Waits -1.22

An efficiency factor of 70% should be allowed and effective power production taken as Rated Power = DesignKWatts x 0.7

RatedPower = 0.85

Paddle design.

Place Ipaddle tip flush with bottom of rig. Use a curved paddle blade with radius equal to Head = 0.08 . & enclosing approx. 80° of arc.

Inclination of this chord of arc to be as 'intuitively' offset from the vertical. Submerge the blade tip by a depth equal to Head = 0,08 M,

Example 2 DESIGN CALCULATIONS FOR NO-HEAD LOW-HEAD WATER WHEELS Spouting velocity

Found from the stream speed, in metres per second and the gravitational constant according to the following relationship:

StreamSpeed = 2.0 M/Sec

SpoutVelocity = StreamSpeed ^£ /2 x 9.81 M/Sec

SpoutVelocity = 0,2 M/Sec

This may be considered as a 'Head' at which the water is acting upon the wheel. Head = S outVelocity

Optimum wheel diameter

Is three to six times the 'Head' or diameter of between D^l ~ SpoutVelocity x 3 M and D _e8t 2 = SpoutVelocity x 6 M.,that is D _est 1 = 0.81 to D _ESt 2 = 1.22. A wheel diameter greater than D _est 2 = 1.22 will, for these parameters, afford no improvement in performance. Wheel Outside diameter

Try OD = 2.6 M, then the Working Diameter of the wheel is WD = OD - SpoutVe!ocity Working circumference will be WorkCirc = WD x π

WorkCirc = 7.53 M

Blade spacing

Will be less than 'Head' _s approximate number of blades requires to be:

AppNoBlades ^WorkCirc/SpoutVelocity

AppNoBlades - 38.92

Wheel Speed

Most efficient energy transfer occurs when wheel speed is between 67% and 90% of water speed, so allowing for slow flow days, wheel linear peripheral speed, times 60, divided by working circumference will give speed of wheel in revolutions per minute,

RPM = SfreamSpeed X 0,8867 x 60iWorkCirc

RPM = 10.63

Actual power of Wheel

The power is directly dependent upon WheelWidth = 1.25 M & the wheel having submerged depth Head - 0.2 M ,

DesignKWatts - WheelWidth x Head x StreamSpeed x 9.81

DesignKWatts - 5

An efficiency factor of 70% should be allowed and effective power production taken as Rated P owe r = Desig n KWatts x 0.7

RatedPower = 3.5

Paddle design.

Place ipaddle tip flush with bottom of rig. Use a curved paddle blade with radius equal to Head - 0.2 M. & enclosing approx. 80° of arc.

Inclination of this chord of arc to be as 'intuitively' offset from the vertical. Submerge the blade tip by a depth equal to Head = 0.2 M.

Example 3

DESIGN CALCULATIONS FOR NO-HEAD LOW-HEAD WATER WHEELS Spouting velocity

Found from the stream speed, in metres per second and the gravitational constant according to the following relationship:

SireamSpeed = 3.0 M/Sec

SpoutVeiocity - SireamSpeed¾ x 9.81 M/Sec

SpoutVelocity■■· 0.46 M/Sec

This may be considered as a 'Head' at which the water is acting upon the wheel. Head = SpoutVelocity

Optimum wheel diameter

Is three to six times the 'Head' or diameter of between D _est 1 = SpoutVelocity x 3 and D _est 2 ~ SpoutVelocity x 6 .,that is D _est 1 - 1.38 to D _est 2 ~ 2.75. A wheel diameter greater than D _eat 2 - 2.75 will, for these parameters, afford no improvement in performance.

Wheel Outside diameter

Try OD = 2.6 M, then the Working Diameter of the wheel is WD = OD - SpoutVelocity Working circumference will be WorkCirc = WD x π

WorkCirc = 6.73 M

Blade spacing

Will be less than 'Head' approximate number of blades requires to be:

AppNoBlades -WorkCirc SpoutVelocity

AppNoBlades = 14.68

Wheel Speed

Most efficient energy transfer occurs when wheel speed is between 87% and 90% of water speed, so allowing for slow flow days, wheel linear peripheral speed, times 80. divided by working circumference will give speed of wheel in revolutions per minute.

RPM = StreamSpeed X 0.8667 x 80 WorkCirc

RPM = 17.84 Actual power of Wheel The power is directly dependent upon WheeiWidth - 1.25 M & the wheel having submerged depth Head = 0.46 M ,

DesignKWatts = WheelWidth x Head x StreamSpeed x 9.81

DesignKWatts =16,88

An efficiency factor of 70% should be allowed and effective power production taken as RaiedPower = DesignKWatts x 0.7

RatedPower - 11.81

Paddle design,

Place !paddle tip flush with bottom of rig. Use a curved paddle blade with radius equal to Head = 0,48 M. & enclosing approx, 80° of arc.

Inclination of this chord of arc to be as 'intuitively' offset from the vertical. Submerge the blade tip by a depth equal to Head = 0.46 M, Example 4

DESIGN CALCULATIONS FOR NO-HEAD LOW-HEAD WATER WHEELS Spouting velocity

Found from the stream speed, in metres per second and the gravitational constant according to the following relationship;

StreamSpeed = 4 M/Sec

SpoufVelocity = StreamSpeed ² /2 x 9.81 M/Sec

SpoufVelocity = 0.82 M/Sec

This may be considered as a 'Head' at which the water is acting upon the wheel. Head = SpoutVelocity

Optimum wheel diameter

Is three to six times the "Head' or diameter of between D _esi 1 = SpoutVelocity x 3 M and D@ _8t 2 = SpoutVelocity x 6 .,that is D _est 1 = 2,45 to D _est 2 = 4.89 A whee! diameter greater than D _est 2 = 4.89 will, for these parameters, afford no improvement in performance. Wheel Outside diameter Try OD - 2.6 M, then the Working Diameter of the wheel is WD - OD - SpoutVeiocity Working circumference will be WorkCirc = WD x π

WorkCirc - 5,81 M Blade spacing

Wi be less than 'Head' _: , approximate number of blades requires to be:

AppNoBlades =WorkCirc/SpoutVelocity

AppNoBlades ~ 6.87 Wheei Speed

Most efficient energy transfer occurs when wheel speed is between 67% and 90% of water speed, so allowing for slow flow days, wheel linear peripheral speed, times 80, divided by working circumference will give speed of wheel in revolutions per minute.

RPM = StreamSpeed X 0.6667 x 60/WorkCirc

RPM - 28.54

Actual power of Wheel

The power is directly dependent upon Whee!Width = 1.25 M & the wheel having submerged depth Head = 0.82 ,

DesignKWatts = WheelWidth x Head x StreamSpeed x 9.81

Design KWatts =40

An efficiency factor of 70% should be allowed and effective power production taken as RatedPower = DesignKWatts x 0.7

Rated Power = 28

Paddle design.

Place Ipaddle tip flush with bottom of rig. Use a curved paddle blade with radius equal to Head ~ 0.82 M. & enclosing approx. 80° of arc.

Inclination of this chord of arc to be as Intuitively' offset from the vertical. Submerge the blade tip by a depth equal to Head = 0.82 M,

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All of the features disciosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive,

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disciosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.