| US20130221673A1 | 2013-08-29 | |||
| US20090160192A1 | 2009-06-25 |
| CLAIMS: 1. A self-contained water-driven electricity generating system including: reservoir means for storing water; turbine means having a series of devices that sequentially contact the water in the reservoir means as the turbine means rotates; propulsion means for directing the water substantially horizontally to a submerged device of said series of devices so that the water propels the submerged device through the water; wherein the action of the devices moving sequentially through the water propelled by the propulsion means enables the generation of electricity by a generator. 2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the reservoir means has at least two compartments joined in such a way that water is able to flow through each compartment, the reservoir having a first end wall, a second end wall, a front wall, a rear wall and an underneath wall. 3. A system according to claim 2 wherein the reservoir means has a first compartment and a second compartment and a divider wall separating each of the first and second compartments. 4. A system according to claim 3 wherein a first opening exists between a first end of the divider wall and the first end wall and a second opening exists between a second end of the divider wall and the second end wall. 5. A system according to claim 4 wherein the water is propelled around the reservoir from one of the compartments through one of the openings, then through the other compartment and through the other of the openings to complete one cycle and then the cycle is repeated. 6. A system according to claim 2 wherein the reservoir has four compartments, a first aperture between a first compartment and a second compartment, a second aperture between the second compartment and a third compartment, a third aperture between the third compartment and a fourth compartment, and a fourth aperture between the fourth compartment and the first compartment. 7. A system according to claim 7 wherein the water is propelled through the compartments and apertures in the order set out in claim 6 to complete one cycle and then the cycle is repeated. 8. A system according to any one of the previous claims wherein the propulsion means is located in the same compartment as the turbine means. 9. A system according to any one of the previous claims wherein said turbine means includes a wheel having a pair of rims, a shaft, and a series of spokes radiating from a respective pivot point each attached to the shaft to a respective rim, wherein the series of devices are concentrically arranged around the shaft and located between each rim. 10. A system according to any one of the previous claims wherein each device of the turbine means is a bucket in which water is collected in order to assist in the rotation of a submerged bucket as the turbine means is rotated by the propelled water. 11. A system according to claim 10 such that as the water is propelled by the propulsion means, the force of the propelled water pushes against each bucket that is submerged in the water which rotates the shaft and therefore rotates the wheel. 12. A system according to any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the shaft is part of a frame, said frame also including a first stand and a second stand attached to and supporting said shaft and said turbine means such that the turbine means is positioned above at least one compartment. 13. A system according to claim 12 further including a gearbox and a belt that connects said gearbox to one end of the shaft, such that rotation of the shaft rotates the belt that in turn rotates gears in the gearbox. 14. A system according to claim 13 further including said generator and a further belt that connects said gearbox to said generator in order to drive said generator to produce electricity. 15. A system according to claim 14 further including baffle means located in the water between the propulsion means and the turbine means, said baffle means directing the flow of water from the propulsion means to a submerged bucket of the turbine means. 16. A system according to claim 15 wherein the baffle means includes a pair of baffles that have surfaces facing the propulsion means adapted to guide or direct said flow of water, said pair of baffles located adjacent the propulsion means. 17. A system according to any one of the previous claims wherein at any one time as the turbine means rotates, a device is fully submerged in the water, a leading device is exiting the water and a lagging device is entering the water. 18. A system according to claim 2 wherein the propulsion means is a propeller having two blades and positioned in the same compartment as the turbine means at least one metre from a respective end wall, said propeller powered by a propeller motor and a propeller shaft, wherein the propeller motor is provided with power from one or more batteries. 19. A system according to claim 2 wherein the turbine means includes two turbines, each turbine located in different compartments of the reservoir means. 20. A system according to claim 19 wherein the propulsion means includes two propellers, each propeller located in a respective compartment in which a corresponding turbine is located and positioned at least one metre from a respective end wall, each said propeller powered by a respective propeller motor and a respective propeller shaft, wherein each respective propeller motor is provided with power from one or more batteries or electricity generated by the system. 21. A system according to any one of the previous claims wherein the propeller means and the turbine means are adjustable in position within the reservoir means. 22. A system according to claim 10 or claim 11 further including cable means attachable between one of the buckets of the turbine means and a motor, said motor operating to pull the cable means and therefore pull on said one bucket in order to start rotation of the turbine means. |
TURBINE
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a system for producing electricity using the motive force of water. The invention specifically relates to a system of generating electricity through a turbine that is moved by the force of displaced water. The invention does not rely on gravity fed water flow.
Background of the Invention
In the past, there have been many systems used to harness forces in nature in order to generate electricity through the action of a turbine. Examples include sea water wave motion, where the power of the waves, in providing a moving medium of water, is converted into electricity through a turbine. Land-based systems include wind powered turbines that use the power of the wind in order to drive a turbine to operate a generator to convert that wind power into useful electricity. Other land-based systems use hydro-electric schemes. Hydro-electricity is a form of energy that harnesses the power of water in motion due to gravity, such as water flowing over a waterfall, in order to generate electricity. Most hydro-electric power plants have a reservoir of water, a valve or gate to control how much water flows out of the reservoir. There is also an outlet where the used water finishes up after flowing downwardly. Examples are where water spills over the top of a dam or flows down the side of a hill. This potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the water flows downwardly and that water can be used to turn blades of a turbine in order to generate electricity. The electricity is then distributed to users within and beyond the immediate region.
There are three different types of hydro-electric energy plants with the most common being a dam that is used to control the flow of water stored in a pool or reservoir. When more energy is required then water is released from the dam. Gravity then takes over and the water flows downwardly and through a turbine. A second type of hydro-electric plant is where it uses a series of canals to channel or control a flowing river so that the water in the river is directed to power turbines. Lastly a third type of plant is called a plant storage facility where energy produced from solar, wind and other forms of power is collected and then stored for future use at the plant. The plant stores energy by pumping water uphill from a pool at a lower elevation to a reservoir at a higher elevation. When there is a high demand for electricity, water located in the upper pool is released and, as it flows back down to the lower reservoir, it engages a turbine in order to generate further electricity.
Particular problems with the existing methods of generating electricity are that a specific location is needed where potential energy can be received, such as high areas of wind on land, a dam or a flowing river, or a location where large waves occur, which necessitates the investment of money and resources in that specific location in order to convert that mechanical energy into electricity. All the existing methods depend on the weather at the time - wind, rain (for flowing water), waves and sun. For solar applications, to generate enough electricity an area of long day time sun exposure is required. Another disadvantage is that there is generally a large distance between the source of the natural power, such as a river or area of high winds or large waves, to where the electricity is eventually used, which increases costs of electricity transmission and distribution.
There is a need to provide a cost-effective solution to electricity generation from the use of a natural resource, such as water, where such a system can be positioned at any location, but particularly close to where the electricity is to be consumed, and where such a system is not dependent on the weather and can operate at all hours.
Summary of the Invention
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a self-contained water-driven electricity generating system including: reservoir means for storing water; turbine means having a series of devices that sequentially contact the water in the reservoir means as the turbine means rotates; propulsion means for directing the water substantially horizontally to a submerged device of said series of devices so that the water propels the submerged device through the water; wherein the action of the devices moving sequentially through the water propelled by the propulsion means enables the generation of electricity by a generator.
Preferably the reservoir means has at least two compartments joined in such a way that water is able to flow through each compartment, the reservoir having a first end wall, a second end wall, a front wall, a rear wall and an underneath wall, in a particular embodiment, the reservoir means has a first compartment and a second compartment and a divider wall separating each of the first and second compartments. A first opening preferably exists between a first end of the divider wall and the first end wall and a second opening preferably exists between a second end of the divider wall and the second end wall. Preferably the water is propelled around the ; reservoir from one of the compartments through one of the openings, then through the other compartment and through the other of the openings to complete one cycle and then the cycle is repeated.
In another embodiment, the reservoir has four compartments, a first aperture between a first compartment and a second compartment, a second aperture between the second compartment and a third compartment, a third aperture between the third compartment and a fourth compartment, and a fourth aperture between the fourth compartment and the first compartment. The water is preferably propelled through the compartments and apertures in the order set out in the previous sentence to complete one cycle and then the cycle is repeated.
The propulsion means may be located in the same compartment as the turbine means.
The turbine means preferably includes a wheel having a pair of rims, a shaft, and a series of spokes radiating from a respective pivot point each attached to the shaft to a respective rim, wherein the series of devices are concentrically arranged around the shaft and located between each rim.
Each device of the turbine means is preferably a bucket in which water is collected in order to assist in the rotation of a submerged bucket as the turbine means is rotated by the propelled water. As the water is propelled by the propulsion means, the force of the propelled water preferably pushes against each bucket that is submerged in the water which rotates the shaft and therefore rotates the wheel.
Preferably the shaft is part of a frame, said frame also including a first stand and a second stand attached to and supporting said shaft and said turbine means such that the turbine means is positioned above at least one compartment. The system may further include a gearbox and a belt that comiects said gearbox to one end of the shaft, such that rotation of the shaft rotates the belt that in turn rotates gears in the gearbox. The system may further include said generator and a further belt that connects said gearbox to said generator in order to drive said generator to produce electricity.
The system may further include baffle means located in the water between the propulsion means and the turbine means, said baffle means directing the flow of water from the propulsion means to a submerged bucket of the turbine means. The baffle means may include a pair of baffles that have surfaces facing the propulsion means adapted to guide or direct said flow of water, said pair of baffles located adjacent the propulsion means.
According to an embodiment, at any one time as the turbine means rotates, a device is fully submerged in the water, a leading device is exiting the water and a lagging device is entering the water. The propulsion means is preferably a propeller having two blades and positioned in the same compartment as the turbine means at least one metre from a respective end wall, said propeller powered by a propeller motor and a propeller shaft, wherein the propeller motor is provided with power from one or more batteries.
The turbine means preferably includes two turbines, each turbine located in different compartments of the reservoir means. The propulsion means preferably includes two propellers, each propeller located in a respective compartment in which a corresponding turbine is located and positioned at least one metre from a respective end wall, each said propeller powered by a respective propeller motor and a respective propeller shaft, wherein each respective propeller motor is provided with power from one or more batteries or electricity generated by the system.
The propeller means and the turbine means may be adjustable in position within the reservoir means. The system may further include cable means attachable between one of the buckets of the turbine means and a motor, said motor operating to pull the cable means and therefore pull on said one bucket in order to start rotation of the turbine means.
Brief Description of the Drawings
A preferred embodiment of the invention will hereinafter be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a system for generating electricity from the motion of water according to a first embodiment and having four compartments;
Figure 2 is a perspective view from a different angle of the system of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the system of Figure 1 ; Figure 3A is an enlarged view of a water-propulsion system used in the system of Figure 1 and shown circled in Figure 3;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a system for generating electricity from the motion of water that uses one reservoir having a pair of compartments or sections;
Figure 5 is a perspecti ve view of the system of Figure 4 from a different angle; Figure 6 is a side-view of a part of the system of Figure 4 including a turbine means;
Figure 7 is a sectional view of the system of Figure 5 taken along the line AA in Figure 8;
Figure 8 is a plan view of the system of Figure 4;
Figure 8 A is an enlarged view of the water propulsion system used in Figure 4 and shown as circled in Figure 8; Figure 9 is a side view of the system of Figure 4 showing the equipment used to restart or move the turbine at initial use if required; and
Figure 10 is a side view of a part of the turbine means of the system of either Figures 1 or 4.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Figures 1 to 3 A, there is shown a self-contained system 2 used to generate electricity from the motion of water which includes a reservoir means 4, having four compartments 18, 20, 22 and 24, a turbine means 6 which is of the water wheel type, and propulsion means in the form of propeller 104 (Figure 3 A).
The reservoir 4 is filled to the appropriate height and volume of water to enable generally at least one device 10, in the form of a bucket, of the turbine means 6 to be fully submerged in the body of water 5. The body of water 5 (which is shown only in Figures 1, 5, 7 and 9 for clarity) flows substantially horizontally in a clockwise direction from first compartment 18 through first aperture or opening 28 (between first compartment 18 and a second compartment 20) to the second compartment 20, then through second aperture or opening 30 (between second compartment 20 and a third compartment 22) to the third compartment 22, then through third apeiture or opening 32 (between third compartment 22 and a fourth compartment 24) through to the fourth compartment 24. The body of water then flows through a fourth aperture or opening 26 (between fourth compartment 24 and the first compartment 18) back to the first compartment 18 which completes one cycle. The cycle is then repeated for as long as needed. Although the system 2 in Figure 1 to 3 A is set up for water to be propelled in a clockwise manner, it can alternatively be set up to be propelled substantially horizontally in an anti-clockwise manner.
Each of compartments 20, 22 and 24, for safety reasons, can have a cover positioned over the top of each compartment to prevent any unauthorised person entering or climbing into the compartments. Each cover may have an inspection hole and/or be removable to enable authorised people to view the compartment, add or remove water or undertake repair work. A locking device can be used to lock the cover to each compartment to prevent unauthorised removal or access to each compartment. Compartment 18 that has the turbine 6 may have a cover that extends along the top of compartment 18 from central transverse wall 59 up to the circumferential path of the buckets 10 as they rotate with shaft 60. A further cover may also extend along the top of compartment 18 from first end wall 36 up to the circumferential path of the buckets 10 as they rotate with shaft 60. A separate cover (or one that is integrated with the other two covers just described) can cover the periphery of the wheel 9 including the buckets 10 and possibly the gearbox 12 and generator 14. Such a cover can be lockable and have a hinged door or the like to provide access. The other two covers may have inspection holes. Each of the covers covering the compartments 18 to 24 and the cover around the turbine 6, gearboxl2, generator 14 and first and second stands 81, 83 are preferably made of a durable and strong material such as stainless steel.
In this embodiment the reservoir 4 has four compartments that are used, however as many compartments as are needed can be used even down to two compartments or even one compartment having a baffle, separating the sections or spaces, positioned and inside the compartment to provide a flow of water within that reservoir. The compartments can be installed in-ground, so that the top sections of the first side wall 34, first end wall 36, second side wall 38 and second end wall 40 are substantially level with the ground, or the most preferable option to have the compartments positioned on level ground, so that the system 2 is effectively above ground. This will be less costly, time-saving and easier to position.
The water is moved by propulsion means in the form of propeller 104 which has a pair of diametrically opposed blades 105 and 107 (Figure 3 A). The propeller 104 extends from first end wall 36 and is located in the first compartment 18 in which the turbine 6 is positioned. The propeller 104 is attached to propeller shaft 106 and extends from the interior side 49 of first end wall 36 into first compartment 18 by 1.0 metre to 2.0 metres, such that it is located in the upper half of first compartment 18 and adjacent first and second baffles 108 and 110. Its position is adjustable to suit the size of the compartment 18 and the size and location of the turbine means 6. Propeller shaft 106 is driven by propeller motor 16, which in turns rotates propeller 104, to move the water in a direction between the first and second baffles 108 and 110. The motor 16 is located on the outside of first end wall 36 with appropriate sealing between the motor 16, first end wall 36 and propeller shaft 106. The baffles 108 and 110 are curved outwardly (in plan view), from adjacent the rotational path of the devices, such as buckets 10, towards interior wall 55 and towards first side wall 34 respectively, in order to direct the water propelled by propeller 104 into the path of the buckets 10 that are attached to water wheel 9 that makes up part of the turbine 6. The connection of the motor 16 to the propeller shaft 106 through first end wall 36 includes sealed bearings on the first end wall 36 to protect from the ingress of water to the motor 16. The propeller 104 is made a suitable size and is powered by a suitably sized motor 16 in order to force enough water through gap 101 between baffles 108 and 110 to rotate wheel 9. Instead of, or in combination with, the propeller 104, a series of high-powered jets run by a motor (which can also be motor 16) can be used to displace the water through the gap 101 towards the buckets 10 of the turbine 6.
The turbine 6 shown in Figure 1 is positioned centrally in the first compartment 18 between first side wall 34 and interior wall 55, extending almost the complete width across the first compartment 18. Another embodiment can account for and take advantage of the flow of the body of water 5 around the compartments 18 to 24, where the force on the water created by propeller 104 makes the water ride up against the vertical surfaces of the various walls (similar to a centrifugal force). As the water flows through the fourth aperture 26, it moves rapidly against surface 48 into the path of propeller 104 and then against the surfaces of baffles 108, 110 facing propeller 104. By removing baffle 110 and moving the turbine 6 closer to interior surface 50 of first side wall 34, so that there is a larger gap between rim 66 of the turbine 6 and interior wall 55 compared to the gap between rim 68 and interior surface 50, the water entering first compartment 18 through fourth aperture 26 is able to be more efficiently directed into the submerged bucket(s) 10 to rotate the turbine 6. The propeller 104, shaft 106 and motor 16 would also be moved closer to first side wall 34. This embodiment may necessitate a smaller width and size of buckets 10.
Wheel 9 includes of a pair of circular rims 66 and 68 that are attached to respective pivot points, hubs or bearings 72 and 76, through a series of spokes 70 located between pivot point 72 and rim 66 and a series of spokes 74 located between pivot point 76 and rim 68. At a distal end of each of the spokes 70, 74 there are the series of buckets 10, in this case eight such buckets, connected between respective rims 66, 68, A shaft 60 connects the two pivot points 72 and 76 and is able to rotate under the force of the water pressing against each of the buckets 10 that are submerged in the water in compartment 18. Thus, as the submerged buckets 10 are pushed by the displaced water, the rims 66 and 68 rotate, and therefore the pivot points or bearings 72 and 76 rotate, which in turn rotates shaft 60.
The system 2 can have four separate compartments, as mentioned, that could be made from existing shipping containers and modified to be joined or combined together as shown in Figure 1. The shipping containers can be of a standard length, such as 20 feet or 40 feet. Once assembled together, the system will comprise first side wall 34, first end wall 36, a second side wall 38, a second end wall 40 and an underneath wall or panel otherwise known as a floor 58. Each of the compartments will generally be closed with a cover but can be open at the top initially for entry of water to fill each of the compartments to the required level. A central wall or panel 61, in two sections 54 and 55, extends from the first end wall 36 to the second end wall 40 at approximately in the middle and parallel to each of the first and second side walls 34 and 38. A central transverse wall 59, in two partitions 56 and 57, extends perpendicularly to first and second side walls 34 and 38 and at approximately half way between the end walls 36 and 40 to separate compartment 18 from compartment 20 and to separate compartment 22 from compartment 24. There are interior surfaces 43 and 45 to the second side wall 38. First end wall 36 has interior surfaces 47 and 49. First side wall 34 has interior surfaces 50 and 51 while second end wall 40 has interior surfaces 53 and 62. Located at the four corners associated with the four-compartment system are smooth rounded or oval-shaped sections with surfaces 42, 44, 48 and 52 in order to provide a smoother flow for the water to flow through and between the compartments 18, 20, 22 and 24. A frame 8 includes shaft 60, a first, near side, stand 81 comprising angled support structures 82 and 84 and a crossbar 86 between the support structures 82 and 84. On the other side of compartment 24 there is a second, far side, stand 83 of the frame 8 formed of angled support structures 88 and 90 and has a crossbar (not shown) between the support structures 88 and 90. The frame 8 is made of a suitable size and height to accommodate the width of the reservoir 4 or compartments (in a single reservoir application of Figure 4) and to allow for the size of the turbine wheel 9, to enable one of the buckets 10 to be submerged in the water as the wheel 9 rotates. The frame 8 and turbine 6 can be variable in size, to enable shaft 60 to be raised above the top of the reservoir 4 or compartments 18 and 24 at the correct working height. The shaft 60 is connected to the tops of each of the stands through brackets 93 and 95, but is still able to rotate through the brackets 93 and 95. At a near side, first end 85 of shaft 60 there is a pulley 94, around which belt or strap 92 loops. The belt 92 is also looped around a first pulley 97 (Figure 3) attached to a gearbox 12. The gearbox 12 is linked to the generator 14 through belt 98 which rotates between second pulley 96 on gearbox 12 and pulley 100 on generator 14. As the shaft 60 rotates, the rotating belt 92 operates the gearbox 12 which in turn, through belt 98, operates the generator 14 in order to produce electricity. The gearbox 12, which can be a standard gearbox, is required in order to convert the relatively slower speed of less than 100 rpm and large torque of the turbine 6 into a faster rotation for the generator 14.
Generally with the rotation of the water wheel 9 with its buckets 10, it will be in a clockwise direction as seen in Figure 1 from the first side wall 34 so that the interior volume of a submerged bucket 10 is filled and pushed by the water under the action of the propeller 104 and pushed directly into the path of the submerged buckets 10, between baffles 108 and 110. At any one time there is generally one bucket 10A (Figure 7) fully submerged in the water in compartment 18 and one bucket IOC about to enter the water and another bucket 10B, on the other side of the fully submerged bucket 10A, about to leave the water. With reference to Figure 7, bucket 10A is fully submerged with a full volume of water within bucket 10A, while leading bucket 10B and lagging bucket IOC are about half full or water. In this manner the pressure applied to the water wheel 9 is continuous and in that there is one bucket fully submerged at all times.
With reference to Figures 4 to 8A, there is shown a second embodiment of the system 2 having a reservoir 125 formed in two sections or compartments 124 and 126. The first and second compartments 124 and 126 are separated by a divider or baffle 140. The turbine 6 and buckets 10 are located in first compartment 124 with frame 8 straddling the reservoir 125. A first gap or opening 141 exists between a first end 142 of the baffle 140 and a second end wall 118 and a second gap or opening 143 is provided between a second end 144 of the baffle 140 and a first end wall 122. The system 2 has first side wall 116 with an interior face 127, underneath wall or floor 117, second end wall 118 with interior face 128, a second side wall 120 with interior face 129 and first end wall 122 with interior face 130. Again, at each of the corners 138, 132, 134 and 136 these are rounded in order to provide better laminar flow of water inside the reservoir 125 between compartments 124 and 126. The turbine 6 is, as with the previous embodiment, rotates in a clockwise direction as seen facing the first side wall 116. Propeller 104, supplied by power from propeller motor 16 (supported by support 17) through propeller shaft 106, directs the water entering via the gap 143 and through the baffles 108 and 110 directly into the submerged bucket 10A (Figure 7) of the water wheel 9 of the turbine 6. As with the previous embodiment, there is one fully submerged bucket 10A (Figure 7) and an adjacent leading bucket 10B about to leave the water, while a further adjacent lagging bucket 10C has just entered the water. Each of the levels in buckets lOB and IOC are about half full of water. The water then travels in a clockwise direction (Figures 5 and 8) from first section or compartment 124, through the gap 141, through second section or compartment 126 and then through the gap 143 and back to first section or compartment 124 to be then propelled further by the propulsion means in the form of propeller 104. This completes one cycle.
Likewise from the embodiment of Figure 1, each of compartments 124 and 126, for safety reasons, can have a cover over the top of each compartment, and a cover over the turbine 6 (and gearbox 12 and generator 14) to prevent any unauthorised person entering or climbing into the compartments.
Referring to Figures 9 and 10 there is shown a mechanism that is used to initially start movement of the water wheel 9, where not enough propulsion is able to be provided by propeller 104 to initially move a submerged bucket 10. Specifically, cable means in the form of a rope or other such similar device 150 is attached at one end of the rope to one of the buckets 10, for example at the side (or at the periphery around the opening) of one of the buckets 10 positioned on the upper part of wheel 9 where a lug can receive a loop at the end of the rope 150. Alternatively as shown in Figure 10, at an outer end 154 of spoke 70 that emanates from hub or pivot point 72 of the wheel 9, there is a lug or protuberance 153 onto which a loop at the end of rope 150 can attach. The other end of rope 150 is attached to a motor (not shown). At least some residual charge in one of three supplied batteries provides power to the motor (not shown) so that operation of the motor winds or pulls on rope 150 so as to pull down on the upper bucket 10 to which the rope 150 is attached. Eventually the rope 150 detaches from the lug 151 or protuberance 153 and that motor can be switched off. This starts the rotation of the water wheel 9 and shaft 60. While this is happening, the propeller 104 has already been operating for about 30 to 40 seconds to move the water against the submerged bucket 10 and to move volumes of water throughout the reservoir 125 under the action of the motor 16. The initial turning of the wheel 9 would make sure that at least one bucket 10 is submerged in the water and eventually power to rotate or move the submerged bucket would be taken over by the displaced water from the propeller 104 to continue rotation of the wheel 9 and further application of force or tension on the rope 150 is not needed. Again a residual amount of charge in the batteries can be used to provide power to motor 16 to drive the propeller 104. It is to be noted that this starting process may not be needed in situations where the propeller provides enough force on the body of water 5 to move the wheel 9.
Located on either or both sides of each bucket 10, clear of a respective rim 66 and 68 shown in the Figure 1 embodiment, are protuberances in the form of rubber seals 152 that can be positioned in a line. As the bucket 10 is submerged and brushes past an inner surface of wall 55 and inner surface 50 in compartment 18, they can prevent or at least impede any water flowing back against the movement of the wheel 9 to the propeller side of the wheel 9. This assumes that the dimensions of the seals 152 are such that they extend further outwardly compared with a respective rim 66 or 68. This has the advantage of attaining more pressure applied by the water to rotate each submerged bucket 10.
Each bucket 10 may also have a lip 155 extending inwardly from the top of the bucket 10, to assist in retaining the water collected and forced against the inside of a submerged bucket 10.
The system proposes to use three batteries that can be 12 to 24 V or up to 36V and even 72V, with one battery used to power motor 16 while the other two batteries are being charged using an alternator, supplied with electricity through the generator 14. All the batteries can be used to store electrical energy and/or provide power to a further propeller motor used to drive a further propeller associated with another turbine in the same system, but in a different compartment. The batteries can also be used to power the motor associated with cable means 150.
In the four-compartment system 2 shown in Figure 1, this can be adapted to have a further turbine 6 where its water wheel 9 is located in compartment 22, rotating in an anticlockwise direction as viewed from first side wall 34. A further propeller 104 can extend outwardly into the compartment 22 from second end wall 40 in order to force water coming through aperture 30 from compartment 20 to drive the cyclical motion of the water around the compartments 18 to 24. The further propeller is driven by a further motor which is mounted to the outside of second end wall 40 and has a propeller shaft between that further motor and the further propeller, extending about 1.0 to 2.0 metres into the upper half of the compartment 22. The further wheel or turbine 6 will have exactly the same arrangement as the existing turbine 6 located in compartment 18. Again a second gearbox and a second generator will be mounted beside compartment 22 with a belt extending from the extra turbine in order to generate rotational power to the second gear box which in turn has a belt connected between it and the second generator in order to make the second generator generate further electricity. Power to the additional propeller motor is provided by electricity generated by system 2 through generator 14. Some of the electricity generated by the first generator can be stored as charge in one or two of the batteries to eventually supply power to a larger motor, to dri ve either or both of the propellers. The second turbine can start after the first turbine is rotating. Once there is enough charge stored then this can be used by the second or further motor to power the second propeller. Any surplus energy that is generated through a single water wheel or both water wheels is distributed to the electricity network in and around the area where the system 2 is located or is stored.
The practical operation of the invention will be described hereinafter. The system 2 can be in separate components or fully assembled and transported to an area where there is a requirement to provide or store electricity. Once it is positioned at the required destination and after it is fully assembled and connected, water is added to the reservoir 4 either before covers are positioned over the compartments and turbine or through an inspection hole or holes at the tops of the compartments, being either the four-compartment version of Figure 1 or the two compartment embodiment shown in Figure 4. Water is filled to the required level, which at a bare minimum should be above one of the entire buckets 10 so that it is fully submerged at the most downwardly part of the rotation of the wheel 9 and the water is above the propeller(s). The initial rotation of the buckets 10 of the turbine 6 about the shaft 60 can be done through the cable 150 and separate motor described in relation to Figure 9 by the application of the motor to initially rotate one of the turbine buckets until the displaced water is able to move or push the submerged bucket. In the meantime, the motor 16 is powered by at least one charged battery of the original three batteries to drive propeller 104 via propeller shaft 106. This directs the water through the baffles 108 and 110 to impact against the submerged bucket 10. After a short while enough force is provided by the propeller 104, and this can be increased by providing another turbine in another compartment or section so that eventually a stronger current or flow of water is provided in the system 2. The system 2 will eventually enable the full rotation of the single or double turbine apparatus in order to generate electricity through either one or two generators. That electricity can either be stored in batteries or otherwise provided to a nearby electricity grid for consumers to consume that electricity. When the system 2 is no longer required it can be easily dismantled and packed up and transported to another location.
Another aspect to the invention is that centrifugal hammering can be provided by the blades 105 and 107 of the propeller 104. This is where a leading edge and a following edge of each blade has excess material that is half rounded, so that as the water is compressed or hit by the blades, the blades do not slip or slide against the water so that an effective amount of water is pushed by the blades in the forward direction towards the submerged bucket 10 of the turbine 6. The blades suck the water through at an angle so that as the water hits the edge of the blades, the water is hammered.
The system 2 can be scaled up or down depending on the application. For example the number and size of compartments used can be varied, the position within a compartment and size of the turbine 6 and propeller 104 can be varied and therefor the size of the buckets 10 and wheel 9 can be varied. The system 2 can be used to generate electricity for immediate use, back-up or stand by use. It can be moved and assembled where needed, in an industrial setting for example in a city or in a regional area. This saves on transportation costs, cabling/wiring and other infrastructure compared with existing systems. The compartments in the embodiment of Figure 1 are generally steel shipping containers, but can be other types of suitable containers. Similarly the reservoir of Figure 4 can be such a container, with a baffle dividing its two compartments made from plastics or metal. The buckets 10 can be made from any suitable plastics or metal, but preferably galvanised stainless steel. The frame 8 and wheel can be made from suitable metals. The embodiments described herein provide a clean, renewable, new and reliable system for generating electricity