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EP2032841A1 - Apparatus for conversion of energy - Google Patents

Apparatus for conversion of energy

Info

Publication number
EP2032841A1
EP2032841A1 EP07789537A EP07789537A EP2032841A1 EP 2032841 A1 EP2032841 A1 EP 2032841A1 EP 07789537 A EP07789537 A EP 07789537A EP 07789537 A EP07789537 A EP 07789537A EP 2032841 A1 EP2032841 A1 EP 2032841A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pump motor
ballast
accordance
buoyant member
pivot point
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP07789537A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Joe Spiteri-Sargent
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Gozo Enterprises Ltd
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB0615447A external-priority patent/GB0615447D0/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP2032841A1 publication Critical patent/EP2032841A1/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B17/00—Other machines or engines
    • F03B17/02—Other machines or engines using hydrostatic thrust
    • F03B17/04—Alleged perpetua mobilia

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for the conversion of hydraulic energy into kinetic energy, for example, for onward conversion into electrical energy by means of a conventional electrical generator driven by a hydraulic turbine.
  • Such renewable energy resources include solar power, tidal power, wind power, hydraulic power and the like, and many means of harnessing such power and using it to generate electricity has been proposed.
  • many of these energy conversion plants require specific weather conditions e.g. solar and wind power, or have local terrain or geographical requirements e.g. coastline or estuary location for tidal power, mountainous terrain for hydraulic power.
  • such energy conversion plants are often considered to damage the local landscape and often cause unacceptable local noise pollution e.g. wind turbines and the like.
  • a first aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for conversion of hydraulic energy into kinetic energy, the apparatus comprising: a. a tank containing a fluid; b. a pump motor submerged within the fluid, the pump motor pivotable within the tank about a fixed pivot point; c. a buoyant member contained within the pump motor; d. a ballast member contained within the pump motor, the ballast member containing a ballast tank; e. transfer means coupled to the buoyant member to transfer the upward movement of the buoyant member within the pump motor; and f. pressure differential means operable to move the ballast tank upwards within the pump motor, thereby causing rotational movement of the pump motor about the pivot point.
  • the operation of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is based on three separate functions, two of which obey fluid mechanics while the third obeys the mechanics of motion of an unstable body under water:
  • Function 1 is based on a buoyant member such as a body of air restrained in a vessel or housing underwater, in a state of non-equilibrium;
  • Function 2 is based on a ballast member such as a liquid ballast tank that is allowed to move vertically upwards within the buoyant body under its own differential hydrostatic forces a predetermined distance and is thus able to alter the centre of gravity of the apparatus; and
  • Function 3 is based on a pivoting support supporting the pump motor on a frame and enabling rotation of the pump motor relative to the frame, thus allowing for a half cycle, thereby allowing the repeating of functions 1 and 2.
  • the pump-motor is held at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the base of the tank. This contributes to the instability of the pump motor when the ballast member alters the centre of gravity of the apparatus by moving about the pivot point.
  • the transfer means comprises a cable engagement mechanism.
  • the pressure differential means comprises a pair of opposing air tanks coupled by means of one or more hollow tubes and in fluid communication with a ballast tank located therebetween.
  • the ballast tank is preferably centrally located between the pair of opposing air tanks.
  • a bellows system may be provided to control any leakage of external water into the interior of the pump motor.
  • the water that is inside the machine which is there to fill space within has pressure as controlled by the fixed vertical head distance between the bottom of the higher air tank and the top of the lower air tank i.e. between the two facing surfaces of the air tanks, during the upward movement of the ballast member.
  • movement of the ballast member from below to above the fixed pivot point causes rotation of the pump-motor.
  • Rotation of the pump motor about approximately 150 ° results in the pump motor being reset for a further cycle of upward movement of the buoyant member and ballast member.
  • the apparatus further comprises a constraining means to constrain rotation of the pump motor when the ballast member moves above the fixed pivot point. In this way, the moment at which the pump motor is rotated can be controlled. Thus, rotation of the pump motor the moment the ballast member moves above the pivot point and destabilises the pump motor is prevented.
  • the apparatus may be further provided with a releasable locking means to restraint the movement of the buoyant member during rotation of the pump motor.
  • Such releasable locking means may comprise a suction effect, a fastening means, or any other suitable releasable locking means known to the skilled person.
  • the apparatus may be further provided with a locking means release member such as an electrical solenoid valve or the like or any other suitable release member known to the skilled person, and operable to release the buoyant member locking means after rotation of the pump motor.
  • a locking means release member such as an electrical solenoid valve or the like or any other suitable release member known to the skilled person, and operable to release the buoyant member locking means after rotation of the pump motor.
  • the apparatus is further provided with releasable locking means to restrain the movement of the ballast member during rotation of the pump motor.
  • Such releasable locking means may comprise a suction effect, a fastening means, or any other suitable releasable locking means known to the skilled person.
  • the apparatus may be further provided with locking means release member such as a solenoid valve or the like or any other suitable release member known to the skilled person, and operable to release the ballast member locking means after the start of the upward movement of the buoyant member.
  • locking means release member such as a solenoid valve or the like or any other suitable release member known to the skilled person, and operable to release the ballast member locking means after the start of the upward movement of the buoyant member.
  • a further aspect of the present invention provides a method of converting hydraulic energy into kinetic energy using an apparatus in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention.
  • a further aspect of the present invention provides a pump motor for use with an apparatus in accordance with the present invention, the pump motor having means for coupling to a fixed pivot point, a buoyant member located within the pump motor, a ballast member located within the buoyant member, and pressure differential means operable to move the ballast member upwards within the pump motor, thereby causing rotational movement of the pump motor about the fixed pivot point.
  • the apparatus of the present invention is operable independent of geographical location. Further, the efficiency of the apparatus is independent of the size, and the output of each apparatus can be matched with the specific energy requirements of the location in which it is sited. Thus an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is highly practical and because it utilises a renewable energy source, it is of significant economic and environmental value. There are no emissions or byproducts from the working apparatus and the apparatus itself can be partially or wholly located underground so as to be visually unobtrusive.
  • Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 1 A is a further side view of the apparatus of figure 1;
  • Figure 2 is a side view of a buoyant member of the apparatus of figure IA;
  • Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the pump motor machine frame with pivot of the apparatus of Fig IA
  • Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of components of the ballast member of figure IA;
  • Figure 5 is a further side view of the embodiment of figure 1 with the pump motor shown in a partially rotated configuration; and Figure 6 is a further side view of the embodiment of figure 1 with the pump motor shown after a half cycle rotation.
  • Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of the machine frame showing the buoyant member of figure 2 just before its upthrust;
  • Figure 8 is a cross sectional of figure 3 showing the valve 25;
  • Figure 9 is a cross sectional of figure 3 showing the buoyant member of figure 2 at the end of its upthrust;
  • Figure 10 is a cross sectional of figure 3 showing the ballast member of figure 4 just before its upthrust
  • Figure 11 is a cross sectional of figure 3 showing the ballast member of figure 4 at end of its upthrust
  • Figure 12 is a cross section of figure 3 with the buoyant member of figure 2 and the ballast member of figure 4 at their respective end of upthrust .ready to turn over by gravity.
  • the concept of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention exploits the repeated upthrust of a buoyant member submerged in fluid, by inducing buoyancy force and gravity force every half cycle.
  • Each half cycle of the apparatus is restarted by operating a solenoid valve 25. As soon as the solenoid valve 25 has been operated, the half cycle will be repeated.
  • One of the uses of the apparatus is to transfer hydraulic energy into kinetic energy which is then converted to electrical energy by means of a conventional electrical generator driven by a hydraulic turbine.
  • apparatus 10 comprises a tank 15 anchored to the ground containing a fluid, such as water or any other suitable fluid known to the skilled person.
  • a pump motor 20 is submerged within the fluid in tank 15, and the pump motor 20 is pivotable at the machine bracket or stand 40 about a fixed pivot point 30 and the machine bracket or stand is anchored to the base of tank 15.
  • buoyant member 35 comprising a submerged Air Filled Body is contained within the pump motor 20, buoyant member 35 is free to float along at least a portion of the length of the ballast member three hollow tubes 90 within the pump motor 20, although its movement is restrained as buoyant member 35 is constrained within a machine frame (see figure 3) set at around 15 ° from the vertical.
  • Movement of buoyant member 35 is restricted to a certain distance 2x, as shown in figure 2, without breaking the fluid surface, such that the centre of gravity 45 of buoyant member 35 rises from below the machine frame pivot point 30 to above the machine pivot point 30 during the first function of the half cycle of operation of the apparatus.
  • Cable engagement mechanisms 55 are coupled to the buoyant member 35 by means of tie rods 60 (see figure 2) via a cable 65 to a pumping station 70.
  • a ballast member 50 (see figure 4) is also provided within the pump motor 20.
  • the ballast member 50 comprises two hollow pistons (or air tanks) 80, 85 attached to each other by three hollow tubes 90 (although for the purposes of clarity, only one tube is shown in the figures) and a ballast tank 95 attached at the middle of each tube 90, each tube being provided with openings 92 to allow the flow of fluid between a double bellows system 110, 115 through the ballast tank 95.
  • the machine frame (see figure 3) has a number of waterways 100 to also allow the flow of fluid between the two bellows 110, 115.
  • the three hollow tubes 90 slide through the pump motor bearings 130 during the upward movement of the ballast member 50.
  • the purpose of the system of bellows 110, 115 is to keep the external surrounding fluid in tank 15 from interfering with the fluid that is inside the pump motor 20.
  • the fluid that is inside the pump motor 20 has pressure P 3 as controlled by the fixed head vertical distance between the bottom of the higher piston and the top of the lower piston during the upward movement of the ballast member 50. .
  • valves and pipe connections 105 from the outside of tank 15 may control the filling and the level of the pump motor interior fluid between the two pistons 80,85.
  • the valve and pipe connections 105 control any leakage of fluid into the buoyant member 35.
  • the system of bellows 110, 115 has the advantage that it has better leakage control without unnecessary friction than, for example, a 'piston/cylinder' arrangement.
  • the stored energy of the buoyant member 35 is transferred by the cable engagement mechanisms 55 attached to the buoyant member 35 to pumping station 70, thereby pumping water to a higher elevation into a reservoir 75.
  • Figure IA clearly shows buoyant member 35 and ballast member 50 at the end of their up -thrust travel and the bellows system 110, 115.
  • the pump motor 20 is then forced to rotate through 150 ° in a first direction due to displacement of the ballast tank 95 from below to above the machine frame pivot point 30.
  • This displacement is achieved by utilising the differential pressures acting on the ballast member 50 resulting in Force where pressure in the direction of P2 is greater than pressure in the direction of Pl (see figure 4).
  • the hollow tubes 90 have to slide either through the machine frame bearings 130 (see figure 3) or through the buoyant member 35 bearings 135 this may be facilitated using a conventional water-tight sliding 'O' ring/scraper bearing unit.
  • the two hollow pistons 80, 85 of the ballast member 50 are coupled by three hollow tubes 90 such that by virtue of the vertical distance between their external surfaces, when submerged under fluid, a differential hydrostatic pressure in the body of water is present between the lower and upper surfaces of the air tank 80, 85 arrangement of the ballast member 50.
  • the force created by this differential pressure will lift the ballast tank 95 together with the pistons and the rods 90, that is the ballast member 50 independently of the buoyant member 35 through a distance 'x' (see figure 4) that is sufficient to cause the whole pump motor 20 assembly to be unstable.
  • Releasing the buoyant member 35 from the rubber seating 125 will provide the hydraulic energy for conversion into kinetic energy and in turn releasing the ballast member 50 from rubber seating 120 and subsequent displacement of the ballast member 50 centre of gravity from below to above the machine frame pivot point 30 will initiate rotational movement of the pump motor 20 back through 150 ° (i.e. from the position shown in figure 6 back to the position shown in figure 1).
  • the releasing of the buoyant member 35 and ballast member 50 from their seating at every half cycle is achieved by means of an electrical solenoid valve 25 action. As soon as this is done, the cycle will be repeated from fig 1 to fig 6 to fig 1.
  • the operation of the apparatus is based on three separate functions.
  • the first function is based on a buoyant member 35 restrained within a pump motor 20 under water, in a state of non-equilibrium.
  • the second function is a liquid ballast member 50 that is allowed to slide up under its own differential hydrostatic forces, a determined distance within the buoyant member 35 and is thus able to move the centre of gravity of the pump motor 20 (see Fig 1), and thereby destabilise the whole system.
  • the third function is a fixed pivot point 30 that enables rotation movement of the pump motor 20, thereby allowing the repeating of functions 1 and 2.
  • the pump motor 20 is anchored to the base of tank 15 and is constrained to swing about a fixed pivot point 30 positioned at a distance 'y' below the pump motor's centre of gravity 45. Moreover the pump motor 20 is tilted to an angle of ⁇ i degree to the vertical (see figures 1 & IA).
  • the pump motor 20 If the centre of mass 45 of the pump motor 20 lies above the fixed pivot point 30, and the weight of the pump motor 20 is greater than the buoyancy & frictional forces acting on the pump motor 20, then the pump motor 20 is unstable and will swing in an anticlockwise direction (see figure 5) to a position at an angle of O 2 to the vertical (see figure 6).
  • the apparatus 10 exploits the energy stored in a buoyant member 35 submerged and restrained under water, in a state of non-equilibrium.
  • the buoyant member 35 is allowed to move inside the machine frame (see figure 3) a certain vertical distance under buoyancy forces without breaking the water surface such that its centre of gravity 45 moves from below the machine frame pivot point 30 to above the machine frame pivot point 30.
  • the stored energy of the buoyant member can be transferred via a cable engagement mechanism 55, for example, to power a pumping station 70 thereby pumping water to a higher elevation into a reservoir 75.
  • tank 15 water rushes in to this chamber 122, water pressure start acting on the area surface of the buoyant member 35 through the opening then when lower surface of the AFB leaves the rubber seal 125, tank 15 water rushes between the machine frame pillars 506 (see figure 8). Because of the characteristics of water if pressure in the direction of P 5 is greater than the pressure in the direction of P 4 + mg, then buoyant member 35 will rise. The buoyant member 35 will rise inside the machine frame shown in figure 3 until the upper red surface of the buoyant member 35 reaches the upper rubber seal chamber 125 as shown in Fig 9. The centroid of buoyancy of the buoyant member 35 is now above the machine frame pivot 30 by distance (x).
  • buoyant member 35 While the buoyant member 35 is rising, it is losing Hydraulic Energy and gaining potential Energy (PE). The buoyant member 35 is still in a state of non- equilibrium and has Potential Energy (PE) as a turning moment about the pivot 30 of the machine frame (see figure 3). This PE is used later in Function three.
  • PE Potential Energy
  • the HE is transferred to the pumping station 70, to the reservoir 75 then finally used / balanced at an electricity producing turbine.
  • the open / close valve 25 is opened electrically, water is allowed to flow in chamber 125 and thus the pressure present at that depth will act on the lower surface of the buoyant member 35.
  • the two pistons 80, 85 are attached to each other by three hollow tubes 90 such that by virtue of their external vertical distance apart when submerged under water a differential hydrostatic pressure is present between the lower and the upper surfaces of the piston arrangement.
  • the force created by this pressure differential will lift the ballast tank 95 inside the buoyant member 35 together with the pistons at the outside the buoyant member 35 and rods 90 independently from the buoyant member 35 upthrust, the required distance to make the pump motor 20 unstable.
  • the pistons 80, 85 are allowed to slide with a bellows system 110, 115 attached to the machine frame (see figure 3) while the ballast tank 95 slides along with the three hollow tubes 90 within the buoyant member 35. Therefore there is no influence on the ballast tank 95 from the water of tank 15 which is external to the buoyant member 35, except through the actions of the pistons 80, 85 surfaces where pressure at Pi and at P 2 are acting (see figures 1; 4 & 12).
  • Ballast member 50 The ballast member 50 consists of two pistons 80, 85 attached to each other by three hollow tubes 90 and a ballast tank 95 attached at the middle of the tubes 90 with openings 92 in the tubes 90 to allow the flow of fluid between the two bellows system 110 & 115 through the ballast tank 95,
  • the machine frame figure 3 has also a number of waterways 100 to allow the flow of fluid between the two bellows system 110 & 115 (see figures, IA, 3 & 4).
  • the ballast member 50 will slide up towards the free water surface, under the force created by the hydrostatic differential of pressure P 2 and pressure Pi where pressure P2 is greater (see figure 4).
  • the ballast member 50 is locked to the machine frame (see figure 3 and 11) at the upper end of its travel 120 shifting the centre of gravity 45 of the buoyant member upwards and rendering the whole system unstable.
  • the time of travel depends on the drag coefficient, the fluid viscosity and the free stream velocity.
  • This second function can be stated to be the prime Hydraulic Energy input from the hydrostatic pressure present in a body of water to the operation of the machine.
  • ballast member 50 If the ballast member 50 is vertical, but under the action of differential forces
  • Wpi weight of piston 1
  • Wp 2 weight of piston 2
  • ballast member 50 (BMU) (see figures IA & 4), for now, (and separately from the buoyant member 35 (AFB) in figure 2) to slide with rods 90 in the machine frame (see figure 3).
  • the machine frame is balanced and pivoted at its middle. Further the machine frame is symmetrical in design on the pivot 30.
  • ballast member 50 is sitting on a rubber seal 120 locked and with no leakage at the valve plate 507.
  • the lower surface (BMU green) of the ballast member 50 sitting on the rubber seal is providing closed chamber 124 thus not letting pressure in the direction of P 2 acting. Therefore with only pressure in the direction of P 1 and in the direction of P 3 acting, there is no movement upwards for the ballast member 50 that is, there is no buoyancy.
  • the centroid of buoyancy of the ballast member 50 is in Fig 10 below the machine frame pivot 30 by distance (y). If an opening is provided then tank 15 water, rushes in to this chamber 124, pressure in the direction of P 2 , start acting through the opening then when the lower surface of the ballast member 50 leaves the rubber seal 120, tank 15 water flows also between the valve plate pillars 508.
  • This opening is also provided by the open / close valve 25.
  • This valve 25 opens both chambers that is 122 and 124 at the same instant/moment.
  • ballast member 50 will rise. Ballast member 50 will rise inside the machine frame till the upper (BMU red) surface of the ballast member 50 reaches the upper seal chamber 124 as shown in figure 11.
  • ballast member 50 While the ballast member 50 (BMU) is rising it is losing HE and gaining PE. The ballast member 50 is still in a state of non-equilibrium and has Potential Energy (PE) as a turning moment about the pivot 30 of the machine frame Fig 3. This PE is used later in Function three.
  • PE Potential Energy
  • R is the acceleration force 2y is the stroke/travel of the ballast member 50
  • the buoyant member 35 was raised by HE provided by the body of water and the ballast member 50 (BMU) was also raised by HE provided by the body of water.
  • the ballast member 50 and the buoyant member 35 are located in the machine frame Fig 3 so as to result in the ballast tank 95 being inside the buoyant member 35 and the two air tanks or pistons 80 and 85 of the ballast member 50 outside of the buoyant member 35 (see figures IA and 12).
  • the resulting raised ballast member 50 and buoyant member 35 in a pivoted frame 30 is referred to as a Vessel (see figure 3).
  • This vessel with the right parameters and with the gained PE will turn on the pivot 30 by the gravitational force (see figures IA and 12).
  • the vessel loses the PE and gains HE (see figure 5), placing the red side of the vessel at the lower position (see figure 6) with the centre of gravity of the vessel now again below the machine pivot 30.
  • the separate components making up the pump motor each exert a force, which produces a moment about the fixed pivot point 30.
  • the direction of rotation of the pump motor 20 is determined by the resultant of the moments about the fixed pivot point 30.
  • Gravity is used as a Source of Energy in function three and as a stage for the apparatus to be able to continue operating and repeating Functions two and one.
  • the centre of gravity of the lifted buoyant member 35 and the centre of gravity of the lifted ballast member 50 results in the vessel centre of gravity being above the centre of buoyancy and an overturning moment is produced and the body is unstable in relation to the pivot of the Frame Fig 3.
  • Pressure is one such form of energy.
  • the Apparatus 10 exploits and converts the hydrostatic pressure exerted on a submerged body into a more useable form of energy, kinetic (mechanical) energy. In the process, energy is not created; it is merely transferred from one form to another in accordance to the established laws of thermodynamics.
  • a heat pump does not 'create' heat energy; it transfers latent heat energy available in the atmosphere from the outside of a building into the building i.e. where it is required. Moreover, a heat pump can actually transfer more heat energy (output power) than what is consumed in terms of electrical energy (input power), giving the impression that it is 'creating' energy. In reality, the heat energy being 'produced' is not being 'produced' at all, but merely transferred.
  • the concept of operation of the Apparatus 10 is based on the same principle.
  • the Apparatus 10 exploits the 'hidden' energy available in the form of the hydrostatic pressure exerted on a submerged body to generate a series of forces and movements which are managed and controlled in such a way that the system generates a net amount of useable energy.
  • the Apparatus 10 comprises a number of components, which act independently of each other but are integrated in such a way that the system harnesses a net force, this being the energy output of the system.
  • the actions and functions of the Spiteri Water Pump are in accordance to established hydrostatic principles and thermodynamic laws.
  • figures IA, 2, 3 and 4 should be copied onto separate acetate transparency sheets, and the following instructions carried out: to view the movement of the upthrust of the buoyant member 35 and the ballast member 50.
  • ballast tank 95 up and down in buoyant member 35 noticing that ballast member 50 slides also in bearings 135 and is a whole unit comprising of two pistons (air tanks) 80, 85, rod 90 and ballast tank 95.
  • the ballast member 50 upthrust is due to pressure P 2 being higher than pressure Pi shown on drawing [Pressure differential]

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)

Abstract

Apparatus for conversion of hydraulic energy into kinetic energy, the apparatus comprising: a housing (15) containing a fluid; a pump motor (20) submerged within the fluid, the pump motor pivotable within the housing about a fixed pivot point (30); a buoyant member (35) contained within the pump motor; a ballast member (50) contained within the pump motor, the ballast member containing a ballast tank (95); transfer means (55) coupled to the buoyant member to transfer the upward movement of the buoyant member within the pump motor; and a pressure differential means (25) operable to move the ballast tank upwards within the pump motor.

Description

APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION OF ENERGY
Background to the invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for the conversion of hydraulic energy into kinetic energy, for example, for onward conversion into electrical energy by means of a conventional electrical generator driven by a hydraulic turbine.
With the current concern over the depletion of the world's oil reserves, the search is on for efficient and reliable sources of alternative energy. Furthermore, concerns over the environmental impact of many alternative fuels has prompted interest in developing ways to exploit useful renewable energy resources without damaging effects on the environment e.g. from pollution, waste product storage and treatment, and immediate impact on the local ecology of the region in which the energy exploitation is taking place.
Such renewable energy resources include solar power, tidal power, wind power, hydraulic power and the like, and many means of harnessing such power and using it to generate electricity has been proposed. However, many of these energy conversion plants require specific weather conditions e.g. solar and wind power, or have local terrain or geographical requirements e.g. coastline or estuary location for tidal power, mountainous terrain for hydraulic power. Furthermore, such energy conversion plants are often considered to damage the local landscape and often cause unacceptable local noise pollution e.g. wind turbines and the like.
The use of hydraulic power is of particular interest as the gravitational pull on water moving downhill provides a significant source of potential energy for conversion into electrical energy using turbine generators. However, not only are such energy conversion installations considered to be visually undesirable, they are also only suitable where the local terrain provides naturally occurring suitable volumes of constantly flowing water. Often, reservoirs and dams are provided to try to control the flow of water to ensure that there is always a constant and appropriate water flow from which to generate electricity. However, these reservoirs and dams are expensive to create, often involve the flooding of large amounts of land in their creation. Furthermore, such an arrangement is still only suitable where there is a significant naturally occurring water source and local terrain providing sufficient slopes so as to provide water flow of an appropriate speed.
There is therefore a need for an apparatus which can be used to convert hydraulic energy into kinetic energy for the purposes of electrical energy conversion and which has no specific terrain requirements and which does not have a detrimental environmental impact.
Summary of the Invention The present invention seeks to address the problems of the prior art.
Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for conversion of hydraulic energy into kinetic energy, the apparatus comprising: a. a tank containing a fluid; b. a pump motor submerged within the fluid, the pump motor pivotable within the tank about a fixed pivot point; c. a buoyant member contained within the pump motor; d. a ballast member contained within the pump motor, the ballast member containing a ballast tank; e. transfer means coupled to the buoyant member to transfer the upward movement of the buoyant member within the pump motor; and f. pressure differential means operable to move the ballast tank upwards within the pump motor, thereby causing rotational movement of the pump motor about the pivot point. The operation of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is based on three separate functions, two of which obey fluid mechanics while the third obeys the mechanics of motion of an unstable body under water:
Function 1 is based on a buoyant member such as a body of air restrained in a vessel or housing underwater, in a state of non-equilibrium;
Function 2 is based on a ballast member such as a liquid ballast tank that is allowed to move vertically upwards within the buoyant body under its own differential hydrostatic forces a predetermined distance and is thus able to alter the centre of gravity of the apparatus; and
Function 3 is based on a pivoting support supporting the pump motor on a frame and enabling rotation of the pump motor relative to the frame, thus allowing for a half cycle, thereby allowing the repeating of functions 1 and 2.
In one embodiment, the pump-motor is held at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the base of the tank. This contributes to the instability of the pump motor when the ballast member alters the centre of gravity of the apparatus by moving about the pivot point.
In a further embodiment, the transfer means comprises a cable engagement mechanism.
In a further embodiment, the pressure differential means comprises a pair of opposing air tanks coupled by means of one or more hollow tubes and in fluid communication with a ballast tank located therebetween. The ballast tank is preferably centrally located between the pair of opposing air tanks. A bellows system may be provided to control any leakage of external water into the interior of the pump motor.
The water that is inside the machine which is there to fill space within has pressure as controlled by the fixed vertical head distance between the bottom of the higher air tank and the top of the lower air tank i.e. between the two facing surfaces of the air tanks, during the upward movement of the ballast member.
In one embodiment, movement of the ballast member from below to above the fixed pivot point causes rotation of the pump-motor.
Rotation of the pump motor about approximately 150 ° results in the pump motor being reset for a further cycle of upward movement of the buoyant member and ballast member.
In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a constraining means to constrain rotation of the pump motor when the ballast member moves above the fixed pivot point. In this way, the moment at which the pump motor is rotated can be controlled. Thus, rotation of the pump motor the moment the ballast member moves above the pivot point and destabilises the pump motor is prevented.
The apparatus may be further provided with a releasable locking means to restraint the movement of the buoyant member during rotation of the pump motor.
Such releasable locking means may comprise a suction effect, a fastening means, or any other suitable releasable locking means known to the skilled person.
The apparatus may be further provided with a locking means release member such as an electrical solenoid valve or the like or any other suitable release member known to the skilled person, and operable to release the buoyant member locking means after rotation of the pump motor.
In one embodiment, the apparatus is further provided with releasable locking means to restrain the movement of the ballast member during rotation of the pump motor.
Such releasable locking means may comprise a suction effect, a fastening means, or any other suitable releasable locking means known to the skilled person.
The apparatus may be further provided with locking means release member such as a solenoid valve or the like or any other suitable release member known to the skilled person, and operable to release the ballast member locking means after the start of the upward movement of the buoyant member.
A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of converting hydraulic energy into kinetic energy using an apparatus in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention.
A further aspect of the present invention provides a pump motor for use with an apparatus in accordance with the present invention, the pump motor having means for coupling to a fixed pivot point, a buoyant member located within the pump motor, a ballast member located within the buoyant member, and pressure differential means operable to move the ballast member upwards within the pump motor, thereby causing rotational movement of the pump motor about the fixed pivot point.
The apparatus of the present invention is operable independent of geographical location. Further, the efficiency of the apparatus is independent of the size, and the output of each apparatus can be matched with the specific energy requirements of the location in which it is sited. Thus an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is highly practical and because it utilises a renewable energy source, it is of significant economic and environmental value. There are no emissions or byproducts from the working apparatus and the apparatus itself can be partially or wholly located underground so as to be visually unobtrusive.
The simplicity of operation and the low level of technology required to install the apparatus makes the apparatus highly suitable for installation in under-developed countries, and for providing power in remote locations.
Furthermore, as the water used to drive the apparatus and turbines is recycled, no constant water supply has to be available on site to operate the apparatus and so the apparatus is highly suitable for location in areas where conventional hydraulic power conversion plants would not be suitable.
Brief Description of the Drawings
An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 1 A is a further side view of the apparatus of figure 1;
Figure 2 is a side view of a buoyant member of the apparatus of figure IA;
Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the pump motor machine frame with pivot of the apparatus of Fig IA
Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of components of the ballast member of figure IA;
Figure 5 is a further side view of the embodiment of figure 1 with the pump motor shown in a partially rotated configuration; and Figure 6 is a further side view of the embodiment of figure 1 with the pump motor shown after a half cycle rotation.
Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of the machine frame showing the buoyant member of figure 2 just before its upthrust; Figure 8 is a cross sectional of figure 3 showing the valve 25;
Figure 9 is a cross sectional of figure 3 showing the buoyant member of figure 2 at the end of its upthrust;
Figure 10 is a cross sectional of figure 3 showing the ballast member of figure 4 just before its upthrust; Figure 11 is a cross sectional of figure 3 showing the ballast member of figure 4 at end of its upthrust; and
Figure 12 is a cross section of figure 3 with the buoyant member of figure 2 and the ballast member of figure 4 at their respective end of upthrust .ready to turn over by gravity.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The concept of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention exploits the repeated upthrust of a buoyant member submerged in fluid, by inducing buoyancy force and gravity force every half cycle. Each half cycle of the apparatus is restarted by operating a solenoid valve 25. As soon as the solenoid valve 25 has been operated, the half cycle will be repeated.
One of the uses of the apparatus is to transfer hydraulic energy into kinetic energy which is then converted to electrical energy by means of a conventional electrical generator driven by a hydraulic turbine.
As shown in figures 1 and IA, apparatus 10 comprises a tank 15 anchored to the ground containing a fluid, such as water or any other suitable fluid known to the skilled person. A pump motor 20 is submerged within the fluid in tank 15, and the pump motor 20 is pivotable at the machine bracket or stand 40 about a fixed pivot point 30 and the machine bracket or stand is anchored to the base of tank 15.
A buoyant member 35 comprising a submerged Air Filled Body is contained within the pump motor 20, buoyant member 35 is free to float along at least a portion of the length of the ballast member three hollow tubes 90 within the pump motor 20, although its movement is restrained as buoyant member 35 is constrained within a machine frame (see figure 3) set at around 15 ° from the vertical.
Movement of buoyant member 35 is restricted to a certain distance 2x, as shown in figure 2, without breaking the fluid surface, such that the centre of gravity 45 of buoyant member 35 rises from below the machine frame pivot point 30 to above the machine pivot point 30 during the first function of the half cycle of operation of the apparatus.
Cable engagement mechanisms 55 are coupled to the buoyant member 35 by means of tie rods 60 (see figure 2) via a cable 65 to a pumping station 70.
A ballast member 50 (see figure 4) is also provided within the pump motor 20. The ballast member 50 comprises two hollow pistons (or air tanks) 80, 85 attached to each other by three hollow tubes 90 (although for the purposes of clarity, only one tube is shown in the figures) and a ballast tank 95 attached at the middle of each tube 90, each tube being provided with openings 92 to allow the flow of fluid between a double bellows system 110, 115 through the ballast tank 95. The machine frame (see figure 3) has a number of waterways 100 to also allow the flow of fluid between the two bellows 110, 115.
The three hollow tubes 90 slide through the pump motor bearings 130 during the upward movement of the ballast member 50. The purpose of the system of bellows 110, 115 is to keep the external surrounding fluid in tank 15 from interfering with the fluid that is inside the pump motor 20. The fluid that is inside the pump motor 20 has pressure P3 as controlled by the fixed head vertical distance between the bottom of the higher piston and the top of the lower piston during the upward movement of the ballast member 50. . In the event of there being any leakage of fluid from the tank 15 to the inside of the pump motor 20 then valves and pipe connections 105 from the outside of tank 15 may control the filling and the level of the pump motor interior fluid between the two pistons 80,85. The valve and pipe connections 105 control any leakage of fluid into the buoyant member 35.
The system of bellows 110, 115 has the advantage that it has better leakage control without unnecessary friction than, for example, a 'piston/cylinder' arrangement.
During the movement of the buoyant member 35 from below the machine frame pivot point 30 to above the machine pivot point 30 during the first function of the half cycle of operation of the apparatus, the stored energy of the buoyant member 35 is transferred by the cable engagement mechanisms 55 attached to the buoyant member 35 to pumping station 70, thereby pumping water to a higher elevation into a reservoir 75.
Figure IA clearly shows buoyant member 35 and ballast member 50 at the end of their up -thrust travel and the bellows system 110, 115.
The pump motor 20 is then forced to rotate through 150 ° in a first direction due to displacement of the ballast tank 95 from below to above the machine frame pivot point 30. This displacement is achieved by utilising the differential pressures acting on the ballast member 50 resulting in Force where pressure in the direction of P2 is greater than pressure in the direction of Pl (see figure 4). Where the hollow tubes 90 have to slide either through the machine frame bearings 130 (see figure 3) or through the buoyant member 35 bearings 135 this may be facilitated using a conventional water-tight sliding 'O' ring/scraper bearing unit.
The two hollow pistons 80, 85 of the ballast member 50 are coupled by three hollow tubes 90 such that by virtue of the vertical distance between their external surfaces, when submerged under fluid, a differential hydrostatic pressure in the body of water is present between the lower and upper surfaces of the air tank 80, 85 arrangement of the ballast member 50. The force created by this differential pressure will lift the ballast tank 95 together with the pistons and the rods 90, that is the ballast member 50 independently of the buoyant member 35 through a distance 'x' (see figure 4) that is sufficient to cause the whole pump motor 20 assembly to be unstable.
This unstable top-heavy structure (see figure 1) with the ballast member 50, locked in place by means of a rubber seating 120 to the machine frame (see figure 3), will rotate (under force of gravity) about the machine pivot point 30 overcoming both buoyancy and fluid frictional forces. This rotating action will result in the buoyant member 35 (also locked in place by means of a rubber seating 125 to the machine frame (see figure 3) coming into in a position where its centre of gravity is once again below the machine pivot point 30 as in the starting position (see figure 6).
During the rotation, all moving parts within the pump motor 20 are locked in place, as described above and pump motor 20 will come to rest back in a starting position but as shown in figure 6 and be in a state of static equilibrium at this point in the half-cycle.
Releasing the buoyant member 35 from the rubber seating 125 will provide the hydraulic energy for conversion into kinetic energy and in turn releasing the ballast member 50 from rubber seating 120 and subsequent displacement of the ballast member 50 centre of gravity from below to above the machine frame pivot point 30 will initiate rotational movement of the pump motor 20 back through 150 ° (i.e. from the position shown in figure 6 back to the position shown in figure 1). The releasing of the buoyant member 35 and ballast member 50 from their seating at every half cycle is achieved by means of an electrical solenoid valve 25 action. As soon as this is done, the cycle will be repeated from fig 1 to fig 6 to fig 1.
The operation of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention is based on the principles of Fluid Mechanics and Mechanics of Motion, and none of these principles are violated.
The operation of the apparatus is based on three separate functions.
Two functions obey Fluid Mechanics while the third function obeys the Mechanics of Motion of an unstable body under water:
1) The first function is based on a buoyant member 35 restrained within a pump motor 20 under water, in a state of non-equilibrium.
2) The second function is a liquid ballast member 50 that is allowed to slide up under its own differential hydrostatic forces, a determined distance within the buoyant member 35 and is thus able to move the centre of gravity of the pump motor 20 (see Fig 1), and thereby destabilise the whole system.
3) The third function is a fixed pivot point 30 that enables rotation movement of the pump motor 20, thereby allowing the repeating of functions 1 and 2.
Application of Fundamentals of Buoyancy: Consider a body 35 having a density less than water, which has been submerged to a depth Hl below the free water surface, as shown in Fig 2, The work done by the upthrust forces in raising the submerged body by distance 'f towards the water surface is given by
Work done = Rf in Nm (or Joules)
Some of this energy can be harnessed by externally loading the body 35. This situation is analogous to the situation shown in Fig 1 where a cable engagement mechanism 55 transfers part of the resultant upward force to raise a piston at the pumping station 70.
The same principles of Buoyancy (depth H2) apply to the ballast member 50, which, on sliding up 'x' distance, moves the centre of gravity 45 of the pump motor 20 (See figures 1, IA, and 4)
Application of Fundamentals in Mechanics of Motion:
Consider the case where the pump motor 20 is anchored to the base of tank 15 and is constrained to swing about a fixed pivot point 30 positioned at a distance 'y' below the pump motor's centre of gravity 45. Moreover the pump motor 20 is tilted to an angle of θi degree to the vertical (see figures 1 & IA).
In summary, by
1. Incorporating a number of facilities to lock / unlock the moveable components of the pump motor 20 at particular stages of its movement and, 2. Altering the position of the centre of mass of the pump motor 20 at particular stages of its movement, determined by the position of the ballast tank 95 within the buoyant member 35, it is possible to transfer energy derived from the loading of the buoyant member 35 while it is rising towards the free water surface into 'useable' potential energy, and repeating the cycle by overturning the system.
The resultant upward force on the buoyant member 35 is given by: R = P5A - [ P4 A + Wg ]
If P5 A > [ P4 A + Wg ] the buoyant member 35 rises (see figure 2 ) If P5 A < [ P4 A + Wg ] the body sinks.
And, the resultant upward force on the ballast tank 95 is given by: R = P2A - [ Pi A + Wg ]
If P2 A > [ Pi A + Wg ] the ballast member 50 rises, (see figure 4) If P2 A < [ Pi A + Wg ] the ballast member 50 sinks.
If the centre of mass 45 of the pump motor 20 lies above the fixed pivot point 30, and the weight of the pump motor 20 is greater than the buoyancy & frictional forces acting on the pump motor 20, then the pump motor 20 is unstable and will swing in an anticlockwise direction (see figure 5) to a position at an angle of O2 to the vertical (see figure 6).
First Function
The apparatus 10 exploits the energy stored in a buoyant member 35 submerged and restrained under water, in a state of non-equilibrium. The buoyant member 35 is allowed to move inside the machine frame (see figure 3) a certain vertical distance under buoyancy forces without breaking the water surface such that its centre of gravity 45 moves from below the machine frame pivot point 30 to above the machine frame pivot point 30. As a result of this vertical movement the stored energy of the buoyant member can be transferred via a cable engagement mechanism 55, for example, to power a pumping station 70 thereby pumping water to a higher elevation into a reservoir 75.
To determine the energy transferred by the hydrostatic pressure existing in the body of water in tank 15 now acting on the submerged buoyant member 35 on moving a distance of 'f towards the liquid surface, consider the situation as shown in figure 2:
Equating forces in the direction of barrel axis
Resultant force = U Cos θ - w Cosθ
= Cos θ [U - w]
where U = (VoI of buoyant member 35) (pw ) ( g ) where pw = density of liquid
L = length of barrel
= π d2/4 L pw g d = barrel diameter m = mass of barrel
Energy = force x distance
= Cos θ [ π d2/4 L ρw g - W ] f where W = mg f = 2x = travel
= (2x) Cos θ [ π d2/4 Lpwg - mg ]
ENERGY = 2xgCosθ ( π d2/4 L pw - m ) EQN 1 Hydrostatic pressure provides the driving force to lift the buoyant member 35 (Fig 9). By design and choice of parameters, the apparatus uses pressure, present in a body of water, as a source of energy to run the apparatus with stops at the end of each function III
Function lConsider the buoyant member 35 (AFB) Fig 2, for now, separately from the ballast member 50 (BMU) Fig 4, to slide along a rod 90 in a machine frame Fig 3. The machine frame Fig 3 is balanced and symmetrical in design on pivot 30.
Consider figure 7 where the buoyant member 35 is sitting on a rubber seal 125 locked with no leakage, at the mid-section of the frame figure 3 plate. Here the lower green surface of the buoyant member 35 (indicated 'Green' in the figures) sitting on the rubber seating 125 is providing a closed chamber 122 thus not letting pressure P5 acting. Therefore with only P4 acting, there is no movement upwards for the buoyant member 35, that is there is no buoyancy. The centroid of buoyancy of the buoyant member 35 is, below the machine frame pivot 30 by distance (x).
If an opening is provided by opening valve 25, then tank 15 water rushes in to this chamber 122, water pressure start acting on the area surface of the buoyant member 35 through the opening then when lower surface of the AFB leaves the rubber seal 125, tank 15 water rushes between the machine frame pillars 506 (see figure 8). Because of the characteristics of water if pressure in the direction of P5 is greater than the pressure in the direction of P4 + mg, then buoyant member 35 will rise. The buoyant member 35 will rise inside the machine frame shown in figure 3 until the upper red surface of the buoyant member 35 reaches the upper rubber seal chamber 125 as shown in Fig 9. The centroid of buoyancy of the buoyant member 35 is now above the machine frame pivot 30 by distance (x). While the buoyant member 35 is rising, it is losing Hydraulic Energy and gaining potential Energy (PE). The buoyant member 35 is still in a state of non- equilibrium and has Potential Energy (PE) as a turning moment about the pivot 30 of the machine frame (see figure 3). This PE is used later in Function three.
The HE is transferred to the pumping station 70, to the reservoir 75 then finally used / balanced at an electricity producing turbine. When the open / close valve 25 is opened electrically, water is allowed to flow in chamber 125 and thus the pressure present at that depth will act on the lower surface of the buoyant member 35.
Function Two
At this point the whole apparatus is rendered unstable in preparation to rotate from 15° to 165° on one end (counterclockwise or clockwise) by the displacement of the centre of gravity 45 of the ballast member 50 from below to above the machine frame pivot point 30. This displacement is achieved by utilizing the differential pressure acting on the ballast member 50 where pressure acting at P2 is greater than pressure acting at Pi (fig 4)
The two pistons 80, 85 are attached to each other by three hollow tubes 90 such that by virtue of their external vertical distance apart when submerged under water a differential hydrostatic pressure is present between the lower and the upper surfaces of the piston arrangement. The force created by this pressure differential will lift the ballast tank 95 inside the buoyant member 35 together with the pistons at the outside the buoyant member 35 and rods 90 independently from the buoyant member 35 upthrust, the required distance to make the pump motor 20 unstable. The pistons 80, 85 are allowed to slide with a bellows system 110, 115 attached to the machine frame (see figure 3) while the ballast tank 95 slides along with the three hollow tubes 90 within the buoyant member 35. Therefore there is no influence on the ballast tank 95 from the water of tank 15 which is external to the buoyant member 35, except through the actions of the pistons 80, 85 surfaces where pressure at Pi and at P2 are acting (see figures 1; 4 & 12).
Ballast member 50 The ballast member 50 consists of two pistons 80, 85 attached to each other by three hollow tubes 90 and a ballast tank 95 attached at the middle of the tubes 90 with openings 92 in the tubes 90 to allow the flow of fluid between the two bellows system 110 & 115 through the ballast tank 95, The machine frame figure 3 has also a number of waterways 100 to allow the flow of fluid between the two bellows system 110 & 115 (see figures, IA, 3 & 4).
The ballast member 50 will slide up towards the free water surface, under the force created by the hydrostatic differential of pressure P2 and pressure Pi where pressure P2 is greater (see figure 4). The ballast member 50 is locked to the machine frame (see figure 3 and 11) at the upper end of its travel 120 shifting the centre of gravity 45 of the buoyant member upwards and rendering the whole system unstable. The time of travel depends on the drag coefficient, the fluid viscosity and the free stream velocity.
This second function can be stated to be the prime Hydraulic Energy input from the hydrostatic pressure present in a body of water to the operation of the machine.
If the ballast member 50 is vertical, but under the action of differential forces
Consider vertical upward forces ;
In the direction of P2 is pw g (h +2x + c) A + P3 A (see figure IA) Consider the vertical downward forces.
In the direction of P3 is pw g h A
And in the direction of Pi is pw g c A + Pa A
And [Wt + Wr + Wpi + W p2] or Wx
Where Pa = Atmospheric pressure A = Area of piston (Air tank)
Wt = weight of tank
Wr = weight of rod
Wpi = weight of piston 1 Wp2 = weight of piston 2
Evaluating upward & downward Forces: - Upward Forces = pwg(h +2x + c)A + PaA
Downward Forces = [ pwghA + pwgcA + P3A + Wt + Wr + Wpl + Wp2 ] Subtracting downward forces from the upward forces A [pw g h + pw g 2x + pw g c + Pa] - Pw g h - pw g c - P3 ] - WT = Resultant Force A [pw g 2x] - WT = Resultant Force
Ballast member 50 is inclined at 15° .'. Cos θ {2xpwgA - (Wt + Wr + Wpl + Wp2)}= Resultant Force EQN 3
Consider the ballast member 50 (BMU) (see figures IA & 4), for now, (and separately from the buoyant member 35 (AFB) in figure 2) to slide with rods 90 in the machine frame (see figure 3). The machine frame is balanced and pivoted at its middle. Further the machine frame is symmetrical in design on the pivot 30.
Consider figure 10 where the ballast member 50 is sitting on a rubber seal 120 locked and with no leakage at the valve plate 507. Here the lower surface (BMU green) of the ballast member 50 sitting on the rubber seal is providing closed chamber 124 thus not letting pressure in the direction of P2 acting. Therefore with only pressure in the direction of P1 and in the direction of P3 acting, there is no movement upwards for the ballast member 50 that is, there is no buoyancy.
The centroid of buoyancy of the ballast member 50 is in Fig 10 below the machine frame pivot 30 by distance (y). If an opening is provided then tank 15 water, rushes in to this chamber 124, pressure in the direction of P2, start acting through the opening then when the lower surface of the ballast member 50 leaves the rubber seal 120, tank 15 water flows also between the valve plate pillars 508.
This opening is also provided by the open / close valve 25. This valve 25 opens both chambers that is 122 and 124 at the same instant/moment.
Because of the characteristics of water, if pressure in the direction of P2 is greater than the pressure in the direction of Pi including in the direction of P3 plus mg, then ballast member 50 will rise. Ballast member 50 will rise inside the machine frame till the upper (BMU red) surface of the ballast member 50 reaches the upper seal chamber 124 as shown in figure 11.
The centroid of buoyancy of the ballast member 50 is now above the machine frame pivot 30 by distance (y).
When the open / close valve 25 is opened electrically water is allowed to flow in chamber 124 and thus the water pressure present at that depth will act on the lower surface of the ballast member 50 as shown in figure 12.
While the ballast member 50 (BMU) is rising it is losing HE and gaining PE. The ballast member 50 is still in a state of non-equilibrium and has Potential Energy (PE) as a turning moment about the pivot 30 of the machine frame Fig 3. This PE is used later in Function three.
The work done by the upthrust forces in rising the submerged ballast member 50 body is used to shift the ballast tank 95, being part of the ballast member 50 as shown in figure 4, from the inside lower face of the buoyant member 35 (AFB) to the upper inside face of the buoyant member 35. Hydraulic Energy input
The work done by the upthrust forces in raising the submerged ballast member 50 by distance '2y' (See figures 10 & 11) towards the water surface is given by
Work done = R2y in Nm (or Joules)
In one computer modeled example:
R = 14176.92N x 1.40m = 19847.69Nm (Joules)
R is the acceleration force 2y is the stroke/travel of the ballast member 50
Time of travel will depend on the Drag coefficient of the BMU when rising in water, the fluid viscosity and the free stream velocity during transfer of the inside water from the lower to the upper chamber, therefore by dividing the value of the Work done with time = Nm/sec = 19847.69 J/ 1.38 sees = 14375Watts.
This is expanded on later in the section entitles 'Power Balance Calculation.
Function Three - STABILITY OF A SUBMERGED BODY
The buoyant member 35 (AFB) was raised by HE provided by the body of water and the ballast member 50 (BMU) was also raised by HE provided by the body of water. In the design of the Apparatus, the ballast member 50 and the buoyant member 35 are located in the machine frame Fig 3 so as to result in the ballast tank 95 being inside the buoyant member 35 and the two air tanks or pistons 80 and 85 of the ballast member 50 outside of the buoyant member 35 (see figures IA and 12). The resulting raised ballast member 50 and buoyant member 35 in a pivoted frame 30 is referred to as a Vessel (see figure 3). This vessel with the right parameters and with the gained PE will turn on the pivot 30 by the gravitational force (see figures IA and 12). Thus the vessel loses the PE and gains HE (see figure 5), placing the red side of the vessel at the lower position (see figure 6) with the centre of gravity of the vessel now again below the machine pivot 30.
When the buoyant member 35 and the ballast member 50 are locked in their uppermost position, their centre of gravity 45 lies above the machine frame pivot point 30, Fig IA. The locking is achieved by seating the upper piston to the locking machine frame plate 120 and the buoyant member to the machine frame plate 125, holding the moving parts static in relation to the pump motor 20 during the turning sequence. With the pump motor 20 centre of gravity 45 above the centre of buoyancy, an overturning moment is produced and the pump motor is unstable. As the pump motor 20 is totally immersed, the shape of the displaced fluid is not altered when the pump motor 20 is tilted and so the centre of buoyancy remains unchanged relative to the pump motor 20.
The separate components making up the pump motor each exert a force, which produces a moment about the fixed pivot point 30. The direction of rotation of the pump motor 20 is determined by the resultant of the moments about the fixed pivot point 30.
It will be shown in the summation of the turning moments that the pump motor has a favourable turning moment for the given parameters and so, swings without the application of any external forces. Moments of the whole pump motor 20 are taken about fixed pivot point 30.
Gravity is used as a Source of Energy in function three and as a stage for the apparatus to be able to continue operating and repeating Functions two and one. The centre of gravity of the lifted buoyant member 35 and the centre of gravity of the lifted ballast member 50 results in the vessel centre of gravity being above the centre of buoyancy and an overturning moment is produced and the body is unstable in relation to the pivot of the Frame Fig 3.
The torque resulting from the weight of the Vessel about the pivot at this stage is sufficient to rotate it back to a starting position with the difference that Red station piston 80 or 85 is now at the lower position whilst the Green station piston 85 or 80 is at the upper position, as shown in Fig 6.
The whole operation is repeated at each end of Function three by the electrically operated valve 25. All figures / drawings refer to either the green or red surfaces since the apparatus is symmetrical in design about the pivot. All through the operation, the several actions of the apparatus are served by the recycling of internal Hydraulic Energy (HE) and further all molecules of water disturbed by the vessel movements are either lifted up naturally by HE vertically or pulled down naturally by Gravity, finally finding static equilibrium when settled.
Where is the Energy input coming from?
Energy exits in a number of forms. Pressure (including hydrostatic pressure) is one such form of energy. The Apparatus 10 exploits and converts the hydrostatic pressure exerted on a submerged body into a more useable form of energy, kinetic (mechanical) energy. In the process, energy is not created; it is merely transferred from one form to another in accordance to the established laws of thermodynamics.
The most practical and widely understood analogy for the Apparatus 10 is the common Heat Pump. A heat pump does not 'create' heat energy; it transfers latent heat energy available in the atmosphere from the outside of a building into the building i.e. where it is required. Moreover, a heat pump can actually transfer more heat energy (output power) than what is consumed in terms of electrical energy (input power), giving the impression that it is 'creating' energy. In reality, the heat energy being 'produced' is not being 'produced' at all, but merely transferred.
The concept of operation of the Apparatus 10 is based on the same principle. The Apparatus 10 exploits the 'hidden' energy available in the form of the hydrostatic pressure exerted on a submerged body to generate a series of forces and movements which are managed and controlled in such a way that the system generates a net amount of useable energy.
To achieve this, the Apparatus 10 comprises a number of components, which act independently of each other but are integrated in such a way that the system harnesses a net force, this being the energy output of the system. The actions and functions of the Spiteri Water Pump are in accordance to established hydrostatic principles and thermodynamic laws.
Is this "Apparatus for conversion of Energy " a perpetual proposition?
At each and every end of Function three, the vessel comes to rest and be in a static equilibrium state, as shown in figures 1 and 6. Unless the valve 25 is actuated, there will be no movement of any part of the machine therefore this shall exclude any notion to any 'perpetual motion' mode.
Although aspects of the invention have been described with reference to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiment shown and that various changes and modifications may be effected without further inventive skill and effort, for example, although the apparatus of the present invention has been described with reference to the conversion of hydraulic energy to kinetic energy which is then converted into electrical energy by means of a conventional electrical generator, it will be appreciated that the apparatus of the present application has equal application in other pumping activities, including but not limited to, pumping oil from wells, agricultural pumping and providing an alternative to some electrical motor pumps.
POWER BALANCE CALCULATION - Principles of operation
Apparatus 10 at one half cycle, "Green station to Red station" or "Red station to Green station is": -
Function One.
Stored Energy of the buoyant body AFB is extracted = + 67429Watts
This is then balanced / used by the power available on input to a hydro electric turbine per second = - 67429Watts
Function Two,
Hydraulic Energy due to the buoyant member 35, = +14375Watts
Function Three,
Losses of Potential Energy due to Gravitational pull in overturning the unstable vessel = -14375Watts
Visual Demonstration of movement of Apparatus
To assist further with the visualisation of the operation of apparatus 10, figures IA, 2, 3 and 4 should be copied onto separate acetate transparency sheets, and the following instructions carried out: to view the movement of the upthrust of the buoyant member 35 and the ballast member 50.
Position figure 2 on figure 3 with rod 90 in bearings 130 and slide up and down. This is the upthrust of item 35 due to pressure P5 being higher than pressure P4 shown on drawing [Pressure differential].
Position figure 4 on figure 2 and on figure 3 with rod 90 on top of figure 2 rod 90. Slide ballast tank 95 up and down in buoyant member 35 noticing that ballast member 50 slides also in bearings 135 and is a whole unit comprising of two pistons (air tanks) 80, 85, rod 90 and ballast tank 95. The ballast member 50 upthrust is due to pressure P2 being higher than pressure Pi shown on drawing [Pressure differential]
These movements are shown in figure IA

Claims

1. Apparatus for conversion of hydraulic energy into kinetic energy, the apparatus comprising:
a. a housing containing a fluid; b. a pump motor submerged within the fluid, the pump motor pivotable within the housing about a fixed pivot point; c. a buoyant member contained within the pump motor; d. a ballast member contained within the pump motor, the ballast member containing a ballast tank; e. transfer means coupled to the buoyant member to transfer the upward movement of the buoyant member within the pump motor; and f. pressure differential means operable to move the ballast tank upwards within the pump motor, thereby causing rotational movement of the pump motor about the pivot point.
2. Apparatus in accordance with Claim 1, wherein the pump motor is held at a non-vertical angle relative to the base of the housing.
3. Apparatus in accordance with Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the transfer means comprises a cable engagement mechanism.
4. Apparatus in accordance with any proceeding Claim, wherein the pressure differential means comprises a pair of opposing air tanks coupled by means of one or more hollow tubes and in fluid communication with a ballast tank located therebetween.
5. Apparatus in accordance with any preceding Claim, wherein movement of the ballast member from below the fixed pivot point to above the fixed pivot point causes rotation of the pump motor.
6. Apparatus in accordance with Claim 5, further comprising a constraining means to constrain rotation of the pump motor when the ballast tank moves above the fixed pivot point.
7. Apparatus in accordance with any preceding Claim, further comprising releasable locking means to constrain the movement of the buoyant member during rotation of the pump motor.
8. Apparatus in accordance with Claim 7, further comprising a solenoid member operable to release the buoyant member locking means after completion of rotation of the pump motor.
9. Apparatus in accordance with any preceding Claim, further comprising releasable locking means to constrain the movement of the ballast member during rotation of the pump motor.
10. Apparatus in accordance with Claim 9, further comprising a solenoid member operable to release the ballast member locking means after completion of rotation of the pump motor.
11. A method of converting hydraulic energy into kinetic energy using an apparatus in accordance with any preceding Claim.
12. A pump motor for use with an apparatus in accordance with any one of
Claims 1 to 10, the pump motor having means for coupling to a fixed pivot point, a machine frame supporting the pump motor, a buoyant member located within the pump motor, a ballast tank located within the buoyant member, and pressure differential means operable to move the ballast tank upwards within the pump motor, thereby causing rotational movement of the pump motor about the fixed pivot point.
13. Apparatus substantially as described herein and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
14. A method substantially as described herein and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
15. A pump motor substantially as described herein and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
EP07789537A 2006-06-06 2007-06-05 Apparatus for conversion of energy Ceased EP2032841A1 (en)

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MTP3523 2006-06-06
GB0615447A GB0615447D0 (en) 2006-08-03 2006-08-03 Apparatus for conversion of energy
PCT/IB2007/002097 WO2007141653A1 (en) 2006-06-06 2007-06-05 Apparatus for conversion of energy

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EP2032841A1 true EP2032841A1 (en) 2009-03-11

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EP07789537A Ceased EP2032841A1 (en) 2006-06-06 2007-06-05 Apparatus for conversion of energy

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WO (1) WO2007141653A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7770389B2 (en) * 2007-10-02 2010-08-10 Brian Peter Sandler Machine to convert gravity to mechanical energy
US7877995B2 (en) * 2007-10-02 2011-02-01 Brian Peter Sandler Machine to convert gravity to mechanical energy
ITMO20080219A1 (en) * 2008-08-28 2010-02-28 Elio Magisano PLANT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ELECTRICITY.
ITUA20161993A1 (en) * 2016-03-24 2017-09-24 Claudio Francavilla ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM AND RESPECTIVE METHOD
ES2830763B2 (en) * 2019-12-04 2021-10-18 Albizu Aitor Mendibe Installation to generate electricity taking advantage of gravitational energy
ES2947759B2 (en) * 2022-02-10 2024-06-04 Diez Pedro Magaz rotating hydroelectric power station
FR3145022A1 (en) * 2023-01-18 2024-07-19 Jean-Pierre Gervais Independent Free Engine

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US3934964A (en) * 1974-08-15 1976-01-27 David Diamond Gravity-actuated fluid displacement power generator
FR2718194A1 (en) * 1994-03-31 1995-10-06 Jeantet Stephane Perpetual motion device using hydraulic methods
NL1009644C1 (en) * 1998-07-14 2000-01-18 Marinus Van Eijk Device for converting gravity energy into movement energy has housing in which work component rotates around shaft and is provided with ballast bodies displaceable in radial direction

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See also references of WO2007141653A1 *

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