POWER GENERATION FROM RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

TECHNICAL FIELD

[1] The present invention generally relates to devices that utilise renewable energy sources in an efficient way. More particularly, the present invention relates the apparatus for directing & accelerating fluid and combining multiple renewable energy sources, such as (a) directed and accelerated wind, (b) rainwater and/or molten snow, (c) solar radiation, for various purposes.

BACKGROUND & PRIOR ART

[2] Power generation through renewable energy is one of the most sought after ways to generate electricity. Renewable energy is advantageous over other means due to its peculiar characteristics. It is derived from natural resources, such as wind, water, solar etc., which are renewable and hence are inexhaustible. About one-fourth of the total energy production is through the renewable energy.

[3] As for wind energy, the power contained in the wind is directly proportional to its

Q velocity raised to the power 3 (oc V ). Hence, a wind stream blowing at twice the speed Q contains 8 times more power (= 2 ). For any given swept area of a horizontal axis wind turbine, accelerated wind hitting the blades produce more power compared to unaccelerated wind. Hydropower is generated by converting the potential energy contained in water stored at a certain height. In general, the rainwater collected at heights, for example, on the rooftops of tall buildings, can be collected and directed through suitably sized hydro turbines to generate electricity, and a few inventions in this regard exist to date.

[4] Combined use of wind, hydro and solar power is disclosed in selected prior arts. For example, CN109469585 provides a wind power, water and photovoltaic combined power generation device, wherein effective utilization of wind, light and water can be realized, and the power generation efficiency is claimed to be improved. IN202241023151 discloses a system of integrated solar power operated 24x7 motorized Vertical Axis Turbo Airrecirculating Wind Generator. WO2014181585 describes a hybrid wind power generator that can increase the amount of power generated by a solar panel. W02009047595 discloses a vertical-axis wind-powered system with photovoltaic cogeneration, for generating electric power. [5] The aforementioned fluid acceleration apparatuses are rarely omnidirectional. Not being omnidirectional, these are required to be aligned in the direction of the fluid flow for functioning. Some apparatuses use electronic equipment to detect wind flow direction, and effectively provide omnidirectional perspective. Few apparatuses, claiming to be omnidirectional, fail to capture the entire flow of the fluid, which incident upon them, due to deflection of the fluid near the surfaces and edges of the apparatuses. Moreover, directing the fluid through sharp bends potentially results in turbulences in the fluid stream, which may affect the effective output of the apparatus.

[6] To date, combined power generation from renewable energy sources is being done by integrating conventional devices into one common grid and storage system. A single apparatus capable of harnessing multiple sources of renewable energy is not commercially available.

[7] The conventional wind turbines do not utilize wind acceleration due to size and commercial limitations. In order to access wind streams with higher speeds, the wind turbines have to be installed at higher elevations. The present-day horizontal axis wind turbines reach a height of around 90 - 100 meters, with rotor diameters crossing 120 meters. This poses limitations in not only construction of blades with considerable size, but also in transportation and installation. At such heights, maintenance and repairs also become tricky and a costly affair.

[8] For optimum operation of the horizontal axis wind turbines, the rotor must always face the wind direction. Having the rotor at right-angles to the wind direction maximizes the energy captured. As the conventional wind turbines are not omnidirectional, and the wind constantly changes direction, a yaw system is needed to turn the rotor-nacelle assembly about a vertical axis, to keep the rotor always facing the wind. This is an unavoidable expense in terms of both money and energy, since a part of the generated power is used to operate the yaw system.

[9] As the sizes of the conventional wind turbines are going higher, with regards to both height and swept area, so is their visibility from long distances. This is augmenting the adverse visual impacts on the landscape. Moreover, noise pollution & shadow flickering causes discomfort and adverse health issues in the occupants of nearby settlements. Moreover, the large rotating blades also pose a big threat to birds. There is also a significant environmental impact being caused by the disposal of the decommissioned blades, as these are made of resin and fiberglass, which are difficult materials to reuse or recycle. The said disposal of decommissioned blades contribute to landfill problems. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[10] It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus configured for directing fluids from all directions, without sensors or any such components used for detection of changing wind or water directions.

[11] It is another object of the invention to provide the apparatus that accelerates the directed fluid for optimised performance even at lower fluid flow.

[12] It is yet another object of the invention to provide the apparatus configured to combine multiple sources of renewable energy in an effective and efficient way for various purposes.

[13] It is yet another object of the invention to provide the apparatus adapted to efficiently utilise wind at lower height and lower speeds.

[14] It is yet another object of the invention to provide the apparatus that efficiently produces electricity from wind, with a reduced level of noise pollution for the nearby inhabitants.

[15] It is yet another object of the invention to provide the apparatus that efficiently utlises fluid flow without being harmful for birds or flyers, as the rotating blades are not exposed to the direct flight paths of any avian life form.

[16] Accordingly, the apparatus is disclosed which is configured for directing & accelerating fluids from all directions and combining plurality of renewable energy sources in an effective and efficient way.

[17] The apparatus typically includes a top portion, a middle portion and a bottom portion. In a primary embodiment, a top portion of the apparatus includes a nacelle resting on a platform, a support frame supporting the platform and a basin joining the support frame. The nacelle houses set of components required for the functioning the said apparatus, such as a generator, a controller etc., and is provided with a top surface which is covered with plurality of solar photovoltaic cells. The support frame is provided with a gap at its periphery to allow free flow of any form of water to the bottom of the basin. Further, the basin is provided with a top surface covered with plurality of solar photovoltaic cells.

[18] In the same embodiment, the apparatus has a middle portion which contains a fluid direction & acceleration means. The fluid direction & acceleration means is configured to draw in flowing fluid from all or any directions and guide fluid for driving plurality of blades and a rotor. The fluid direction & acceleration means comprises of plurality of curvilinear shaped fluid guides circumferentially arranged, with at least one fluid inlet, and at least one fluid outlet. [19] The apparatus is adapted to be used at lower heights and lower fluid flow by means of the curvilinear fluid guides, which turns the horizontal fluid flow into vertical direction. Further, a peculiar arrangement of the curvilinear fluid guides along with the outlets and partitions effect an accelerated fluid flow that compensates lower heights and lower fluid speeds.

[20] In the same embodiment, a bottom portion of the apparatus includes a water collection & discharge means for collecting and discharging the any form water accumulated in the basin. The any form of the water includes rainwater, melted ice, dew or such. The water collection & discharge means comprises plurality of tubes configured to guide the any form of water from the basin, through the fluid guides, a water collection duct, and at least one water outlet for discharge of collected the any form of water. The water collection duct has top surface provided with plurality of solar photovoltaic cells.

[21] In addition to the wind energy and hydro energy, the apparatus is configured to use solar energy for enhanced effectivity. The basin, the top surface of the nacelle and the top surface of the water collection duct are covered with plurality of photovoltaic cells.

[22] The present invention further discloses a method of directing & accelerating fluids from all directions and combining plurality of renewable energy sources for efficient energy production by means of the apparatus described above.

[23] In an embodiment, the said apparatus may be a standalone apparatus. In other embodiments, the said apparatus may be used in addition to water turbines. The said apparatus will find applicability in any field where a fluid flow is obstructed and utilised for various purposes, for example, power production, heating or cooling applications, movement of components etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[24] Following figures illustrate the present invention and its various aspects.

Figure 1 shows a top view of an apparatus according to the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the apparatus according to the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a bottom view of the apparatus according to the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a cross-section view (Section A-A) of the apparatus according to the present invention, wherein various components are presented.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the apparatus from the top side.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the apparatus from the bottom side. Figure 7 is a comparative figure demonstrating existing technology and the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[25] Accordingly, the present invention provides an apparatus configured for directing & accelerating fluids from all directions and combining plurality of renewable energy sources in an effective and efficient way.

[26] The present invention further provides the apparatus that accelerates the directed fluid for optimised performance even at lower fluid flow.

[27] Further, the apparatus is disclosed herein which is configured to combine multiple sources of renewable energy effectively and efficiently for various purposes.

[28] The apparatus provided in the present specification is further adapted to efficiently produce electricity at lower height and lower fluid speeds.

[29] Finally, the present invention provides the apparatus efficiently utilises fluid flow without being harmful for birds or flyers, as the rotating blades are not exposed to the direct flight paths of any avian life form.

[30] The said apparatus may be comprehended by referring to figure 1-7 appended at the end of the specification. While figures describe the best embodiment and alternative forms of the present invention, they are intended to provide visual representation of the best embodiment and alternative forms of the present invention. The figures should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[31] The said apparatus (100) is illustrated in Figures 1-7. As shown in figures 1-7, the apparatus (100) comprises a nacelle (108) resting on a platform (107), a top surface of said nacelle (108) is provided with plurality of solar photovoltaic cells; a support frame (106) supporting said platform (107), said support frame (106) is provided with a gap (111) at its periphery to allow downflow of any form of water; a basin (101) joining said support frame (106), said basin (101) has a top surface (109) provided with plurality of solar photovoltaic cells; a fluid direction & acceleration means configured to draw in flowing fluid from all directions and guide fluid for driving plurality of blades (116) and a rotor (115) comprising: plurality of curvilinear shaped fluid guides (104, 105) circumferentially arranged on a partition (102) at a middle portion of said apparatus (100), at least one fluid inlets (120,121), at least one fluid outlet (113, 114); and a water collection & discharge means for collecting and discharging said any form of water accumulated in the basin (101) comprising plurality of tubes (119) configured to guide the any form of water from said basin (101) through said fluid guides (104, 105) and said partition (102), a water collection duct (103), and at least one water outlet (112) for discharge of collected the any form of water.

[32] Figure 1 illustrates the top view of the apparatus (100). While viewing from the top, the nacelle (108) may be seen resting on a platform (107). The nacelle (108) houses equipment which are relevant for the operation of the apparatus (100), which also includes the gearbox, the generator and other components required to run the equipment. The rotating shaft (117) from the rotor passes through a shaft housing (118), and connects to the generator housed in the nacelle (108).

[33] The top surface of the nacelle (108) is provided with plurality of solar photovoltaic cells, which are not shown in accompanying figures. The platform (107) is supported on the support frame (106), to which the basin (101) is joined. Further, the basin (101) has a top surface (109) provided with plurality of solar photovoltaic cells, which are not shown in accompanying figures. In addition to the solar energy, the apparatus considerably uses water as another form of renewable energy. The support frame (106) is provided with a gap (111) at its periphery to allow downflow of any form of water. The water may be rainwater, melted ice, dew or any other form available in the environment.

[34] This water is collected in the water collection & discharge means, present at the bottom portion of the apparatus (100). The water collection & discharge means are illustrated in Figures 2-6, wherein the said means comprises plurality of tubes (119) configured to guide the any form of water from the basin (101) through the fluid guides (104,105) and the partition (102), the water collection duct (103), and at least one water outlet (112) for discharge of collected the any form of water. The water accumulated in the basin (101) is guided by the plurality of tubes (119) to the water collection duct (103), and is eventually discharged through the water outlet (112). The water outlet (112) is preferably connected to a machinery which utilises this fluid, e.g. a hydro turbine (not shown in accompanying figures), which makes use of this discharged water to generate electricity. Additionally, the water collection duct (103) has a top surface (110) provided with plurality of solar photovoltaic cells, which are not shown in accompanying figures. Further, the water collection duct (103) hides the rotor (115) and the plurality of blades (116), and hence any nuisance that may potentially be caused by the blades to the nearby inhabitants as well as flyers and birds is avoided.

[35] One of the highlights of the present invention is a fluid direction & acceleration means, which is illustrated in Figures 2-6. The fluid direction & acceleration means is configured to draw in flowing fluid from all directions and guide fluid for driving plurality of blades (116) and a rotor (115). The fluid direction & acceleration means comprises plurality of curvilinear shaped fluid guides (104,105) circumferentially arranged on a partition (102) at a middle portion of said apparatus (100), at least one fluid inlets (120,121), and at least one fluid outlet (113,114).

[36] The fluid is entered into the apparatus (100) horizontally by means of the at least one fluid inlets (120,121). In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fluid inlets (120,121) include at least one inner fluid inlet (120) and at least one outer fluid inlet (121). The said inlets direct the fluid towards the curvilinear fluid guides (104,105), wherein the curvilinear fluid guides (104,105) turn the horizontal fluid flow into vertical flow. While doing so, the curvilinear fluid guides also accelerates the fluid flow by creating a ‘venturi effect’. The peculiar arrangement of curvilinear fluid guides create a constricted flow path for the fluids which creates this venturi effect. Such an accelerated flow compensates the lower fluid flow, if any, at any time or situation. The fluid flow is directed onto the blades (116) through the at least one outer fluid outlet (113) and the at least one inner fluid outlet (114).

[37] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of curvilinear fluid guides include plurality of outer fluid guides (105) and plurality of inner fluid guides (104). The outer fluid guides (105) divide the at least one outer fluid inlet (121) and at least one outer fluid outlet (113) into multiple sections. The inner fluid guides (104) divide the at least one inner fluid inlet (120) and at least one inner fluid outlet (114) into multiple sections.

[38] The present invention further discloses a method of directing & accelerating fluids from all directions and combining plurality of renewable energy sources for efficient energy production by means of an apparatus (100). The method comprises: a. collecting any form of water in a basin (101) and a water collection & discharge means; b. drawing in flowing fluid from all directions and guide fluid for driving plurality of blades (116) and a rotor (115) by means of a fluid direction & acceleration means; and c. utilising solar energy by plurality of photovoltaic cells provided on a top surface (109) of a basin (101), a top surface of a nacelle (108), and a top surface (110) of a water collection duct (103), belonging to said fluid direction & acceleration means.

[39] In an example, where the apparatus (100) may be utilised for power generation, the appropriately directed and accelerated fluid flow is incident on the blades (116), prompting the blades (116) and the rotor (115)to rotate in the preferred direction, which in turn operates the generator to generate electricity from wind. Due to the peculiar construction of the apparatus (100), considerable amount of electricity generation may be effected even at lower heights and lower fluid flow.

[40] Figure 7 outlines the advantages shown by the present invention. Typically, a conventional wind turbine has an average height H of 90 meters, rotor diameter RD of 125 meters. In this exemplary embodiment, the power generation device, which is preferably a wind turbine, may be constructed with a height H of 53 meters, rotor diameter RD of 14.4 meters with a basin diameter BD of 22.4 meters. The average power generated by the typical wind turbine is about 3 MW, whereas the average power generated by the turbine with the present apparatus (100) is about 1.2 MW, which is still good enough to be utilised on a commercial scale.

[41] The use of the said apparatus (100) for power generation is only one of its applicability. The apparatus (100) described and claimed herein may be a standalone apparatus for various purposes. In other embodiment, the apparatus (100) may be used in addition to the water turbines, Further, the apparatus (100) described and claimed herein is not limited to power generation, but may be utilised for several other purposes, which require obstruction and utilisation of the fluid flow. The apparatus (100) would be applicable in heating or cooling applications, movement of mechanical components or such.