WO1996002747A1

WO1996002747A1 - Energy generating system and method

Info

Publication number: WO1996002747A1
Application number: PCT/US1995/008916
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark S. Binford; Thomas A. Binford
Original assignee: Binford Mark S; Binford Thomas A
Priority date: 1994-07-15
Filing date: 1995-07-14
Publication date: 1996-02-01
Also published as: AU3099595A

Abstract

A plurality of inflation devices (50a-f) are linked to one another to form a loop (48) that is movably restrained so that a segment of the loop is disposed at a lower reference location at the given depth in a first body of water (24), another segment of the loop is disposed at an upper reference location situated above the lower reference location, another segment of the loop extends along a first path that extends generally upward from the lower reference location to the upper reference location, and another segment of the loop extends along a second path that extends generally parallel to the first path and upward from the lower reference location to the upper reference location. At least a majority of the inflation devices (50d-f) occupying the first path are inflated with gas and at least a majority of the inflation devices (50a-c) occupying the second path are deflated so that inflation devices (50d-f) in the first path move upward and inflation devices (50a-c) in the second path move downward. While each inflation device (50a-f) is proximate to the upper reference location, it is deflated by a compression facility (52) that employs a differential temperature to controllably 'stroke' Nitinol. The traveling or movement of the inflation devices is utilized to elevate water (25) that flows, under the force of gravity, through a hydroelectric generating facility (28) that generates electricity.

Description

ENERGY GENERATING SYSTEM AND METHOD

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of energy generation, and more particularly the field of generating electricity. A number of systems and methods for generating energy have been previously proposed and adopted. However, many of the present systems and methods for generating energy have disadvantages. Some of the present systems and methods generate waste material that is difficult to contain or dispose of.

Other of the present systems and methods are too expensive or inefficient to acceptably operate. Still other of the present systems and methods are incapable of generating a generous amount of harnessable energy over an extended period of time.

There is, therefore, a need in the industry for a method and system for solving these and other related, and unrelated, problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, the present invention includes a system and method for lifting a quantity of liquid and allowing the quantity of liquid to be drawn, under the force of gravity, through a hydroelectric generating facility to create electricity. Buoyant bodies are preferably employed, either directly or indirectly, to lift the liquid.

More particularly, a plurality of inflation devices are linked to one another to form a loop. The loop is movably restrained so that a segment of the loop is disposed at a lower reference location at a given depth in a first body of water, another segment of the loop is disposed at an upper reference location situated above the lower reference location, another segment of the loop extends along a first path that extends generally upward from the lower reference location to the upper reference location, and another segment of the loop extends along a second path that extends generally parallel to the first path and downward from the upper reference location to the lower reference location. At least a majority of the inflation devices occupying the first path are inflated with gas and at least a majority of the inflation devices occupying the second path are deflated so that inflation devices in the first path move upward and inflation devices in the second path move downward. In other words, depending upon the perspective, the loop generally rotates in a clockwise direction. While each inflation device is proximate to the upper reference location, it is deflated. While each inflation device is proximate to the lower reference location, it is inflated. Thus, the loop of inflation devices continues to travel.

The movement of the inflation devices is utilized to draw water from the first body of water to a second body of water that is elevated above the first body of water. The water is acceptably drawn, for example, by harnessing the movement of the loop to drive a pump or a bucket system, or the like. Alternately, each of the inflation buckets defines a chamber for capturing water such that water is lifted therewith. Water flows from the second body of water, under the force of gravity, through a hydroelectric generating facility, and then back to the first body of water for reuse. Electricity is produced by the hydroelectric generating facility.

As discussed above, each inflation device is alternately inflated and deflated. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, one inflation device is inflated at the same time another inflation device is deflated.

Deflation is preferably carried out at a compression assembly as inflation devices pass thereby. The necessary compressive force is preferably generated by virtue of a differential temperature. More particularly, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, the compression facility includes a pair of opposed arms that pivot toward one another to engage and compress an inflation device to drive the gas therefrom. The gas forced from the inflation device being deflated is directed to and employed to inflate the inflation device being inflated. Gaseous communication between inflation devices is acceptably controlled by way of a pneumatic system that includes tubes and valves and components that function to properly operate the valves.

The arms of the compression assembly are preferably driven by the differential temperature. The source of the warm element of the differential temperature is acceptably solar, geothermal, or the like. The source of the cool element of the differential temperature is acceptably a lower stratum of a body of water or the like. The warm element and cool element are preferably alternately applied to Nitinol, or the like, to convert the differential temperature into mechanical energy that drives the arms of the compression assembly. Nitinol is a metal alloy that is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,403,238 which is expressly incorporated, in its entirety, herein by reference. Nitinol is also disclosed in a report entitled 55-Nitinol— The Alloy With A Memory: Its Physical Metallurgy,

Properties, And Applications which was written by CM. Jackson, H.J. Wagner, and R.J. Wasilewski under contract for NASA, which is expressly incorporated, in its entirety, herein by reference.

The present invention includes various types of inflation devices. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, each inflation device includes a plurality of different chambers therein which communicate in a manner that controls the expansion of that individual inflation device. Stated differently, the chambers within a single inflation device cooperation to compensate for the variations in water pressure that exist between different depths within the first body of water. In accordance with this embodiment, when an inflation device is inflated at a lower depth within the body of water, a first chamber inflates such that the inflation device expands and acliieves its maximum height. Also, the inflation device is preferably inflated at the first depth such that the pressure within the first chamber is generally equivalent to the water pressure at the first depth. As the inflation device travels toward a lesser depth, the size and shape of first chamber stays substantially constant. At the lesser depth, where the gaseous pressure within the first chamber is greater than the surrounding water pressure, the first chamber is placed in gaseous communication with the second chamber. The second chamber thereby inflates, wherein inflation of the second chamber causes the inflation device to expand laterally. A third chamber is similarly inflated at a lesser depth.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to seek to generate electricity in a pollution free manner.

Another object of the present invention is to harness and convert thermal energy into usable mechanical energy.

Yet another object of the present invention is to utilize a source of thermal energy that is nearly nonexpendable.

Still another object of the present invention is to draw water from the depths of a body of water. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an inflation device that expands in a controlled manner when rising from the depths of a body of water.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading and understanding this specification, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an energy generating system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an isolated, representative, side elevational view of an acceptable intake reservoir of the energy generating system of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an isolated, representative, side elevational view of an inflation device of the energy generating system of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a pneumatic schematic depicting the communication between the inflation devices of the energy generating system of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of a compression assembly of the energy generating system of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a differential temperature system that is part of the energy generating system of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a bucket system that is part of an energy generating system in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is an isolated, representative, side elevational view of an inflation device that is part of an energy generating system in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a cut-away view of a segment of a energy generating system in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is an isolated, perspective view of an inflation device that is part of an energy generating system in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a side cross-sectional, schematic view of the inflation device of Fig. 10, taken along the line 11-11 of Fig. 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views, Fig. 1 is a front view of an energy generating system 20 depicted in schematic form, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The energy generating system 20 includes a lift reactor 22 that functions to provide a lifting force that is employed to transport liquid (which is represented by broken lines that extend horizontally and are off-set) from a holding pond 24 to an elevated pond 25, as will be discussed in greater detail below. The ponds 24,25 are separated by a barrier 23. The liquid flows under the force of gravity from the elevated pond 25, by way of a liquid delivery system 26 that acceptably includes a sluice or the like, to a hydroelectric generating facility 28 where electricity is generated. A portion of the delivery system 26 is depicted, with broken lines, as extending behind an inflation device 50f, which is discussed in greater detail below. The liquid is discharged from the hydroelectric generating facility 28 back into the holding pond 24 for reuse.

The lift reactor 22 preferably includes a pipe 30 that is oriented vertically within the holding pond 24. The front portion of the pipe 30 has been cut-away in Fig. 1 so that components are seen passing through the pipe 30, as will be discussed below. The pipe 30 includes a wall 31 that defines a pipe inlet 32 in the depths of the holding pond 24 and a pipe outlet 34 that is preferably displaced above a surface 36 of the holding pond 24. The pipe inlet 32 is preferably flared such that it defines a larger diameter than the remainder of the pipe 30. The lift reactor 22 further includes a vertical drive system 38 that provides a controlled travel path into the pipe inlet 32, through the interior of the pipe 30, out of the pipe outlet 34, and then along the exterior of the pipe 30 and back into the pipe inlet 32. The depicted vertical drive system 38 includes an upper lip 40 and a lower lip 42 that extend from the pipe outlet 34 and the pipe inlet 32, respectively. A plurality of rollers 44 are mounted to the upper lip 40 and a plurality of rollers 46 are mounted to the lower lip 42. A continuous loop member 48 extends through the interior of the pipe 30, engages and rides around the rollers 44, extends along the exterior of the pipe 30, and engages and rides around the rollers 46 to define a continuous loop that is movable with respect to the pipe 30. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the pipe 30 is not employed, and another structure is employed to support the vertical drive system 38.

In accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of inflation devices 50 are linked to and travel with the loop member 48 into the pipe inlet 32, through the interior of the pipe 30, out the pipe outlet 34, along the exterior of the pipe 30, and back into the pipe inlet 32 in a repetitive fashion. The plurality of inflation devices 50 are spaced along the length of the loop member 48. In accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, the exact number of inflation devices 50 will vary; however, the energy generating system 20 is depicted in Fig. 1 as including inflation devices 50a-f. In Fig. 1, inflation devices 50a-c are deflated whereas inflation devices 50d-f are inflated, as will be discussed in greater detail below. Regarding inflation and deflation of the inflation devices 50, the lift reactor 22 further includes a compression assembly 52, which is discussed in greater detail below. As depicted in Fig. 1, the compression assembly 52 is proximate to the top of the lift reactor 22. In another embodiment of the present invention, the compression assembly 52 is positioned just above the surface 36 of the holding pond 24 such that it can readily operate upon inflation devices 50 just prior to their entry into the holding pond 24.

As depicted in Fig. 1, the energy generating system 20 further includes a conventional pump assembly 64. The pump assembly 64 is intermediate to an intake pipe 66 and a discharge pipe 68. The pump assembly 64 draws water from the holding pond 24 through the intake pipe 66 and discharges water through discharge pipe 68 into the elevated pond 25. The pump assembly 64 is preferably driven by a shaft (not shown), or the like, that extends from one of the rollers 44. Alternately, the pump assembly 64 is driven by an electric motor (not shown) to which power is supplied, for example, by a wiring harness 62, which is discussed below.

As depicted in Fig. 1, the hydroelectric generating facility 28 includes a plurality of individual hydroelectric subfacilities 54, and a hydroelectric subfacility 54a is depicted upstream from a hydroelectric subfacility 54b. The subfacilities 54 are supported by a framed structure 55. In accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, the hydroelectric subfacilities 54 are similarly constructed and arranged; therefore, the following discussion of the hydroelectric subfacility 54a is representative of the hydroelectric subfacility 54b. The hydroelectric subfacility 54a includes an intake reservoir 56a. The intake reservoirs 56 are depicted in Fig. 1 in the shape or form of a cone or funnel. The front portions of the intake reservoirs 56a have been cut-away in Fig. 1 to show the water therein. The liquid delivery system 26 discharges into the top of the intake reservoir 56a, and water flows out of an aperture at the bottom of the intake reservoir 56a into and through a water turbine 58a. In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of individual hydroelectric generating facilities 28 encircle and are supplied by a single lift reactor 22.

Fig. 2 depicts a representative side elevational view of an intake reservoir 56 in the general form of a right-circular cone, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. The intake reservoirs 56 are acceptably shaped, for example and not limitation, in the form of a right circular cone or an inverted right pyramid, wherein, in the region of the aperture at the bottom of the intake reservoir 56, the intake reservoir 56 defines a nozzle-like shape. The somewhat cone-shaped internal surface of the intake reservoir 56 is represented by dashed lines in Fig. 2. The smooth and somewhat rounded curvature of the internal surface proximate to the outlet of the intake reservoirs 56 seeks to cause laminar flow within the intake; this seeks to preclude vortexing such that efficient operation of the intake reservoir 56 is enhanced.

Referring back to Fig. 1, the water turbine 58a drives an electric generator 60a that provides electricity through a wiring harness 62a. The water that passes through the water turbine 58a discharges into the hydroelectric subfacility 54b. In other words, the water that discharges from the water turbine 58a flows into the intake reservoir 56b and then through its associated water turbine 58b. The water is then discharged into the holding pond 24 for reuse. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, only a single hydroelectric subfacility 54 is employed.

Fig. 3 is an isolated, representative, side elevational view of one of the inflation devices 50 of Fig. 1, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the inflation device 50 is depicted in an inflated configuration. The inflation device 50 includes an upper face plate 70, a lower face plate 72, and a plurality of accordion-like sections 74 therebetween. It is believed that the face plates 70,72 of the inflation devices 50 are acceptably constructed, for example, from a plate of steel or aluminum, or the like, and that the accordion-like sections 74 are acceptably constructed, for example, from rubber belted with steel or other durable material such as that sold under the tradename of Kevlar, or the like.

Fig. 4 is a pneumatic schematic depicting the inflation devices 50a-f and a pneumatic system 76 connected and providing gaseous communication therebetween, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. The pneumatic system 76 depicted in Fig. 4 includes a primary pneumatic tube 78 that defines a loop. The primary tube 78 is preferably connected or integral to the loop member 48 (Fig. 1) such that it travels therewith. A plurality of secondary tubes 80a-f connect and provide communication between the inflation devices 50a- f, respectively, and the primary tube 78. A plurality of valves 82a-f are incorporated with and selectively provide flow through the secondary tubes 80a- f, respectively, as discussed in greater detail below. As discussed in greater detail below, the opening and closing of the valves 82 is acceptably facilitated by a valve control system (not shown) that includes an individual electronic valve operator for each of the valves 82 and an electronic logic device such as, but not limited to, a computer system for controlling the operation of the valve operators and therefore the operation of the valves 82. Alternatively, the opening and closing of the valves 82 is triggered by mechanical actuating devices which are discussed in greater detail below.

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the compression assembly 52 (see also Fig. 1) in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. The compression assembly 52 is depicted in a ready configuration in Fig. 5. The compression assembly 52 includes a pair of opposed arms 84a,b that include engagement plates 86a,b, respectively, at ends thereof. The engagement plates 86a,b engage the inflation devices 50, as discussed in greater detail below. The arms 84a,b are connected to and capable of pivoting with respect to pivot posts

88a,b, respectively, that protrude from a reference plate 90. A Nitinol tube 92 is disposed between and engages the ends of the arms 84a,b that are opposite from the engagement plates 86a,b. The Nitinol tube 92 is depicted in Fig. 5 in its bent or cooled configuration, whereby the compression assembly 52 is in the ready configuration. As discussed in greater detail below, when the Nitinol tube 92 is heated, it achieves a straightened configuration, thus driving the engagement plates 86a,b toward one another such that the compression assembly 52 is in a compressing configuration (not shown). A spring 94 is interposed between the arms 84 on the opposite side of the pivot posts 88 from the Nitinol tube 92, and the spring 94 is biased such that it tends to push the arms 84 away from each other. When the Nitinol tube 92 is heated and thereby straightened, the Nitinol tube 92 easily overcomes the force of the spring 94 to achieve the compressing configuration. However, when the Nitinol tube 92 is cooled and thereby bent, the spring 94 functions to return the compression assembly 52 to the ready configuration. The Nitinol tube 92 includes a hot inlet port 96, a hot outlet port

98, a cool inlet port 100, and a cool outlet port 102 that are in communication with an internal bore 104 (depicted by broken lines) that is defined through the Nitinol tube 92 and extends between the ends of the Nitinol tube 92. In accordance with alternate embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of compression facilities 52 are employed and work together. In accordance with other alternate embodiments of the present invention, the spring 94 is not employed and the Nitinol tube 92 functions to both open and close the arms 84.

Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a differential temperature system 106 that provides a differential temperature to the Nitinol tube 92, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. The system 106 includes a cool temperature source 108 and a hot temperature source 110. In Fig. 6, the cool temperature source 108 is depicted as being the holding pond 24, and the hot temperature source 110 is depicted as being a geothermal shaft 112 that extends beneath the earth's surface 114 toward the earth's hot core. In accordance with alternate embodiments of the present invention, the hot temperature source 110 is a solar device or another source of heat. An inlet flow-path 1 16 is defined between the hot temperature source 110 and the hot inlet port 96 of the Nitinol tube 92, and an outlet flow-path 118 is defined between the hot outlet port 98 and the hot temperature source 110 to define a closed loop in which water preferably circulates. Pumps and control valves are incorporated into that closed loop so that warm water is, in a controlled manner, periodically passed through the internal bore 104 (Fig. 5) of the Nitinol tube 92 to cause the compression assembly 52 (Figs 1 and 5) to achieve the compressing configuration, as discussed in greater detail below. An inlet flow-path 120 is defined between the cool temperature source 108 and the cool inlet port 100 of the Nitinol tube 92, and an outlet flow- path 122 is defined between the cool outlet port 102 and the cool temperature source 108 to define a closed loop in which water preferably circulates. Pumps and control valves are incorporated into the flow paths 120,122 so that cool water is, in a controlled manner, periodically passed through the internal bore 104 (Fig. 5) of the Nitinol tube 92 to cause the compression assembly 52 (Figs 1 and 5) to achieve the ready configuration, as discussed in greater detail below. The flow- path 120 preferably draws water from the lower strata of the holding pond 24.

Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a bucket system 124 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention, the pump assembly 64 (Fig. 1) is not 12

employed. Rather, the bucket system 124 is employed to lift water from the holding pond 24 to the elevated pond 25 (Fig. 1). The bucket system 124 includes an upper drive wheel 128 and a lower wheel 130 about which a loop member 132 extends. A plurality of buckets 134 are connected along the length of the loop member 132 and travel upward and downward with the loop member 132. The upper drive wheel 128 is connected by a drive shaft 126, or the like, to a roller 44 (Fig. 1) to facilitate movement of the loop member 132 in response to movement of the lift reactor 22 (Fig. 1). As depicted in Fig. 7, the loop member 132 moves in the direction indicated by arrows depicted proximate to the bottom of the bucket system 124. Only several of the plurality of buckets are specifically pointed out in fig 6 in an effort to clarify the view. Referring momentarily to the bucket 134 depicted at the top of the bucket system 124, each bucket 134 defines a chamber 136 that fills with water from the holding pond 24 (Fig. 1) when a bucket is proximate to the bottom of the bucket system 124. Water dumps from the chambers 136 as the buckets pass over the top of the bucket system 124 and become inverted. The water is either dumped directly into the elevated pond 25 (Fig. 1), or into a sluice, or the like that leads to the elevated pond 25. Alternately, the water is dumped directly into a sluice, or the like, of the liquid deliver system 26 (Fig. 1), or directly into an intake reservoir 56 (Fig. 1). In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, neither the pump assembly 64 (Fig. 1) nor the bucket system 124 is employed. Fig. 8 is an isolated, representative, side elevational view of an inflated inflation device 50', in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with the third embodiment, a chamber 136' is formed in the upper face plate 70' of each inflation device 50' such that as each inflation device 50' travels up from the holding pond 24 (Fig. 1) it carries water upward. The chamber 136' is acceptably bowl-shaped and is represented by a dashed line in Fig. 8. The water carried upward in the chambers 136' is deposited, for example, into the elevated pond 25 (Fig. 1), a sluice, or the like, of the liquid delivery system 26 (Fig. 1), or directly into an intake reservoir 56 (Fig. 1). In accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the inflation devices 50 (Figs. 1 and 2) are equipped with bags (not shown) that fill with water and function to lift and deposit the lifted water at the required elevated position.

Fig. 9 is a cut-away view of a segment of a lift reactor 22', in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with the fifth embodiment, alternate inflation devices 50" are employed. The inflation device 50" depicted in Fig. 9 is shown inflated. The face plates 70",72' each define a recess 138a,b respectively, for receiving the engagement plates 86a,b (Fig. 5), respectively, as will be discussed in greater detail below. Additionally, in accordance with an alternate embodiment, the face plates 70",72' further include locking mechanisms that function to selectively maintain the inflation devices 50" in the closed configuration. The lift reactor 22' includes a pair of tracks 140a,b that are rigidly suspended and upon which the inflation devices 50" travel. The tracks 140 preferably define a loop that provides a travel path similar to that of the first embodiment of the present invention (Fig. 1). The inflation devices 50" include wheel assemblies 142 that engage the tracks 140 and allow the inflation devices 50" to travel relative thereto. The tracks 140 and wheel assemblies 142 are preferably conventional and of the type employed by roller coasters. Thus, while Fig. 9 depicts wheels 144, of the wheel assemblies 142, on one side of the tracks 140, there are also wheels 144 disposed on the opposite side of the tracks

140 that are not seen in Fig. 9, whereby the wheel assemblies 142 also function to secure the inflation devices 50" to the tracks 140. In accordance with the fifth embodiment, two primary tubes 78'a,b are employed. Not only do the primary tubes 78' function to allow for gaseous communication between inflation devices 50", the primary tubes 78' also function to connect neighboring inflation devices

50" to one another. The primary tubes 78' are acceptably connected solely to the upper face plate 70" of an individual inflation device 50" such that inflation and deflation is not restricted by the primary tubes 78'. As mentioned above, the valves 82 are acceptably operated by a mechanical operating system. Such a mechanical operating system acceptably includes objects such as, but not limited to, posts 176 (only one of which is shown) extending from at least one of the tracks 140. The posts 176 cooperate with objects such as, but not limited to, levers 174 (see Fig. 1 1 for example). The levers 174 operatively cooperate with one of the valves 82 or potentially groups of the valves 82. Fig. 10 is an isolated perspective view, and Fig. 11 is a side cross-sectional, schematic view of an inflation device 50'", in an inflated configuration, in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The inflation device 50'" includes an upper face plate 70'", a lower face plate 72", and a plurality of accordion-like sections 74" therebetween. The accordion-like sections 74" cooperatively include an outer wall 146 that extends between the peripheries of the upper face plate 70'" and the lower face plate 72" such that when inflated, the inflate devices 50'" defines somewhat of a cylindrical shape. The outer wall 146 cooperates with the upper face plate 70'" and the lower face plate 72" to bound and define an enclosed area 148. The enclosed area is partitioned by inner walls 150, 152 that span between the upper face plate 70' ' ' and the lower face plate 72' ' .

The inner walls 150, 152 are represented by dashed lines in Fig. 10, and the inner walls 150,152 cooperate with the outer wall 146 and face plates 70" ',72" to bound and define chambers 154,156,158 that extend between the face plates 70'", 72". When inflated, the chamber 154 is somewhat cylindrical, the chamber 156 is annular and encircles chamber 154; and the chamber 158 is annular and encircles chambers 156,154. The chamber 154 is isolated from the environment exterior of the inflation device 50'" with the exception that a pair of passages are defined through the lower face plate 72"; a valve 160 (represented by an "x") occupies and controls access through one of the passages, and a valve 162 (represented by an "x") occupies and controls access through the other passage.

The valves 160,162 communicate with secondary tubes 164, 166 (which are partially cut-away in Fig. 11), respectively. The secondary tubes 164,166 are preferably in communication with the primary tube 78 (Fig. 4) or alternatively in communication with the primary tubes 78'a,b (Fig. 9) such that fluid communication is capable of being achieved between different inflation devices 50'", as discussed in greater detail below. In accordance with the sixth embodiment, the inflation devices 50'" communicate in a manner similar to that depicted in Fig. 4, with the exception that for each inflation device 50"', the valve 82 (Fig. 4) and secondary tubes 80 (Fig. 4) are replaced with the valves 160, 162 and secondary tubes 164, 166.

The chamber 154 is substantially isolated from the chamber 156, with the exception that a pair of passages are defined through the inner wall 152; a valve 168 (represented by an "x") occupies and controls access through one of the passages, and a valve 170 (represented by an "x") occupies and controls access through the other passage. The chamber 156 is substantially isolated from the chamber 158, with the exception that a passage is defined through the inner wall 150; a valve 172 (represented by an "x") occupies and controls access through the passage defined through the inner wall 150. As a an example of a device that is capable of being employed with any of the valves 82a-d (Fig. 4) or the valves 160, 162, 168, 170, 172, a lever 174 is depicted as extending from the valve 168 and through the lower face plate 72". Such a lever 174 is acceptably pivoted, for example, when the inflation device 50'" passes a post 176 (Fig. 9) and the end of the lever 174 temporarily contracts the post 176. Alternatively, each of the valves 160,162,168,170,172 are acceptably operated by a valve control system (not shown) that includes an individual electronic valve operator for each of the valves

160,162, 168, 170,172 and an electronic logic device such as, but not limited to, a computer system for controlling the operation of the valve operators and therefore the operation of the valves 160,162,168, 170,172. Alternatively the valves 160,162,168,170,172 are operated by valve operators that are triggered by pressure sensitive devices (not shown), wherein the pressure sensitive devices monitor the depth of the holding pond 25 (Fig. 1) to trigger the operation of the valves 160,162, 168, 170,172 at the appropriate depth.

Referring back to Fig. 1, as mentioned above, the energy generating system 20 preferably functions to generate electricity. The energy generating system 20 is preferably utilized to generate energy on a large scale. For example, and not limitation, the components of the energy generating system 20 would preferably be large. More specifically, it is thought that the inflation devices 50 might acceptably be ten feet high and define a diameter of forty feet, or be even larger. Alternatively, the energy generating system is capable of generating energy on a smaller scale, such that the inflation devices 50 would be smaller than mentioned immediately above. As depicted in Fig. 1, the continuous loop member 48 of the lift reactor 22 encircles and moves clockwise with respect to the wall 31 of the pipe 30. The motive force that drives the loop member 48 is provided, in part, by the buoyancy of the inflated inflation devices 50. The inflation devices 50 are preferably inflated with air proximate to the pipe inlet 32. In accordance with alternate embodiments of the present invention, the inflation devices 50 are inflated with other gases such as, for example, helium. As depicted in Fig. 1, inflation devices 50d,e are inflated below the surface 36 of the holding pond 24, whereby inflation devices 50d,e provide a driving force that drives the loop member 48 and the other inflation devices 50a-c,f. The inflation devices 50a-c on the outside of the pipe 30 are not inflated so they do not totally off-set the driving force of inflation devices 50d,e. In accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, the inflation devices 50 do not engage and seal against the wall 31 of the pipe 30 to transport liquid. Rather, contact between the inflation devices 50 and the wall 31 of the pipe 30 is preferably kept to a minimum in an effort to minimize forces that would lend to retard the desired movement of the inflation devices 50. The inflation devices 50 passing on the exterior of the pipe 30 are deflated by the compression assembly 52 preferably just prior to their entry into the holding pond 24. Referring additionally to Fig. 5, as an inflation device 50 passes by the compression assembly 52, the inflation device 50 is, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, interposed between the engagement plates of the 86 of the compression assembly 52 while the compression assembly is in the ready configuration as depicted in Fig. 5. Then, the differential temperature system 106 (Fig. 6) operates to heat the Nitinol tube 92 such that the compression assembly 52 achieves a compressing configuration. In the process of achieving the compressing configuration, the engagement plates 86 move toward one another to force the air from (i.e., deflate) the inflation device 50 positioned between the engagement plates 86. Once the inflation device 50 is deflated, the differential temperature system 106 (Fig. 6) operates to cool the Nitinol tube 92 so that the compression assembly achieves a ready configuration, whereby the engagement plates 86 are moved away from each other and positioned to receive the next arriving inflation device 50.

In accordance with the first embodiment, the engagement plates 86a,b engage the upper face plate 70 (Fig. 3) and lower face plate 72 (Fig. 3), respectively of an inflation device 50, such that the inflation device is "squashed" from top to bottom. The reference plate 90 of the compression assembly 52 preferably pivots about a vertical edge thereof to achieve the proper orientation with respect to an inflation device 50. For example and not limitation, such pivoting is acceptably achieved by the action of a hinge (not shown) in combination with another piece of Nitinol (not shown) that is strategically heated and cooled by a portion (not shown) of the differential temperature system 106 to provide a motive force.

Referring back to Fig. 9, in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the engagement plates 86a,b (Fig. 5) fit into the recesses 138a,b respectively during compression. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, inflation devices 50 are "squashed" (i.e., compressed); the reference plate 90 does not pivot but rather inflation devices 50 travel in a path such that the inflation devices 50 simply travel into a position that is between the engagement plates 86. As the compression assembly 52 compresses an inflation device 50, the air discharged from the compressed inflation device 50 is directed to the inflation device 50 that is entering the pipe inlet 32 (Fig. 1). Referring to Fig. 4, the transfer of air is carried out by way of the pneumatic system 76 by appropriately opening and closing pairs of valves 82. The valves 82 are preferably opened and closed accordingly by one of the mechanisms discussed above. For example, when the inflation device 50a is compressed, the inflation device 50d is inflated due to the fact that, during that compression, valves 82a,d are open whereas valves 82b,c,e,f are closed. Subsequent to that compression, all of the valves 82 are closed until inflation device 50b is compressed. During that compression, only valves 82b,e are open such that the inflation device 50e is inflated, and then all of the valves are closed. In a similar fashion the inflation device 50f is inflated when the inflation device 50c is compressed, the inflation device 50a is inflated when the inflation device 50d is compressed, inflation device 50b is inflated when the inflation device 50e is compressed, and inflation device 50c is inflated when the inflation device 50f is compressed.

Referring back to Figs. 10 and 11, in accordance with the sixth embodiment inflation devices 50'" are inflated / deflated in pairs in the same general manner as discussed above, except for the variations noted. The components of the inflation device 50'" preferably function in a manner that controls the expansion of the inflation device 50"' and compensates for variations in water pressure between the various depths of the holding pond 24 (Fig. 1). In accordance with the sixth embodiment, an inflation device 50'" is inflated when proximate to the bottom of the lift reactor 22 (Fig. 1) when gas is routed from an inflation device 50'" that is being compressed by the compression assembly 52 (Fig. 1) proximate to the top of the lift reactor 22. Regarding the inflation device

50'" that is being compressed, the valves 168,170,172, 162 are preferably open and valve 160 is preferably closed such that gas is forced through the outlet secondary tube 164 and into the primary tube 78 (Fig. 4). The inflation device 50'" that is being inflated is characterized by the fact that the valve 160 is open and the valves 168,170,172,162 are closed such that gas flows from the primary tube 78 (Fig. 4), through the inlet secondary tube 166 and into the chamber 154. Subsequent to the inflation of the chamber 154, the valve 160 closes. The lift reactor 22 (Fig. 1) preferably extends a substantial depth in the holding pond 24 such that the inflation device 50'" being filled is subjected to substantial water pressure while the inflation device 50'" being deflated is subjected to less or no water pressure, whereby the complete transfer of substantially all of the gas from all of the chambers 154,156,158 of the inflation device 50'" being deflated to the inflation device 50'" being inflated fills only the chamber 154 of the inflation device 50'" being inflated. Once the chamber 154 is inflated, the valve 160 is preferably closed. In accordance with the sixth embodiment, when an inflation device 50'" is inflated proximate to the bottom of the lift reactor 22, the chamber 154 inflates such that the inflation device 50'" expands and achieves its maximum height. Also, the inflation device 50'" is preferably inflated such that the pressure within the chamber 154 is generally equivalent to the water pressure proximate to the bottom of the lift reactor 22. As the inflation device 50'" travels toward a lesser depth the size and shape of the chamber 154 preferably stays generally constant. At the lesser depth, when the gaseous pressure within the chamber 154 is greater than the surrounding water pressure, the valve 168 is briefly opened to place the chamber 154 in gaseous communication with the chamber 156, whereby the chamber 156 is inflated. Later, at a lesser depth, when the gaseous pressure within the chambers 154,156 is greater than the surrounding water pressure, the valves 170,172 are briefly opened to place all of the chambers 154,156, 158 in gaseous communication, whereby the chamber 158 is inflated.

While certain of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed herein, other embodiments of the methods and apparatus of the present invention will suggest themselves to persons skilled in the art in view of tills disclosure. Therefore, it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention and that the scope of the present invention should only be limited by the claims below. It will also understood that any relative dimensions and relationsliips shown on the drawings are provided for example only and the scope of the invention is not to be limited thereby. Furthermore, the equivalents of all means-or-step-plus-function elements in the following claims are intended to include any structure, material, or acts for performing the function as specifically claimed which would be known by persons reasonably skilled in the art of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method of generating energy by employing a first body of water having a surface and defining a depth, the method comprising steps of: disposing a buoyant body at a depth below the surface of the first body of water such that the buoyant body moves toward the surface; and converting the buoyant energy associated with the buoyant body into another form of energy by harnessing the movement of the buoyant body.

2. The method of generating energy of claim 1, wherein the disposing step includes steps of connecting a plurality of inflation devices to one another to form a loop of inflation devices, movably restraining the loop of inflation devices so that, a segment of the loop of inflation devices is disposed at a first reference location at the given depth in the first body of water, another segment of the loop of inflation devices is disposed at a second reference location disposed above the first reference location, another segment of the loop of inflation devices extends along a first path that extends generally upward from the first reference location to the second reference location, and another segment of the loop of inflation devices extends along a second path that extends generally downward from the second reference location to the first reference location, inflating inflation devices of the plurality of inflation devices within the first path with a gas, and deflating inflation devices of the plurality of inflation devices that are within the second path, whereby the inflation devices of the plurality of inflation devices within the first path move generally upward and the plurality of inflation devices within the second path move generally downward.

3 The method of generating energy of claim 2, wherein each inflation device of the plurality of inflation devices includes a plurality of chambers, and wherein the step of inflating inflation devices of the plurality of inflation devices within the first path with a gas includes, for a given inflation device of the plurality of inflation devices, steps of isolating a first chamber of the plurality of chambers from a second chamber of the plurality of chambers, inflating, at a first depth in the first body of water, a first chamber of the plurality of chambers with the gas, and placing the first chamber in gaseous communication with the second chamber so that at least a portion of the gas witliin the first chamber flows in to the second chamber and at least partially inflates the second chamber, wherein the placing step is carried out at a second depth in the first body of water that is above the first depth.

4. The method of generating energy of claim 2, wherein the step of deflating inflation devices includes a step of exhausting a specific quantity of gas from an inflation device of the plurality of inflation devices that is proximate to the second reference point, and wherein the step of deflating inflation devices includes a step of filling an inflation device of the plurality of inflation devices that is proximate to the first reference point with the specific quantity of gas.

5. The method of generating energy of claim 2, wherein the step of movably restraining further includes steps of orienting an elongated pipe that defines an elongated bore vertically within the first body of water, and defining the first path through the elongated bore of the elongated pipe.

6. The method of generating energy of claim 2, wherein the converting step includes a step of employing the upward movement of the plurality of inflation devices within the first path to lift water from the first body of water to a second body of water that is above the first body of water.

7. The method of generating energy of claim 6, wherein the step of employing the upward movement of the plurality of inflation devices within the first path includes steps of engaging a portion of water to a specific inflation device of the plurality of inflation devices within the first path when the specific inflation device is below the surface of the first body of water, moving the specific inflation device to a position above the surface of the first body of water, and discharging the portion of water from the specific inflation device to the second body of water.

8. The method of generating energy of claim 6, wherein the converting step further includes a step of directing, under the force of gravity, a stream of 24

water from the second body of water through a hydroelectric generating facility to generate electricity.

9. An apparatus for generating energy by employing a first body of water having a surface and defining a depth, the apparatus comprising: a buoyant body at a depth below the surface of the first body of water; a path means for cooperating with said buoyant body in a manner that facilitates movement of said buoyant body toward the surface; and an energy conversion means for cooperating with said buoyant body in a manner that converts the buoyant energy associated with said buoyant body into another form of energy by harnessing the movement of said buoyant body.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said buoyant body includes a plurality of inflation devices, and wherein said path means includes an apparatus for connecting said plurality of inflation devices to one another to form a movable loop of inflation devices, wherein a segment of said loop of inflation devices is disposed at a first reference location at the given depth in the first body of water, wherein another segment of said loop of inflation devices is disposed at a second reference location disposed above the first reference location, wherein another segment of said loop of inflation devices extends along a first path that extends generally upward from the first reference location to the second reference location, and wherein another segment of said loop of inflation devices extends along a second path that extends generally downward from the second reference location to the first reference location, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a pneumatic means for inflating inflation devices of said plurality of inflation devices within the first path with a gas, and deflating inflation devices of said plurality of inflation devices that are within the second path, whereby said inflation devices of said plurality of inflation devices within the first path move generally upward and said plurality of inflation devices within the second path move generally downward.

1 1. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each inflation device of said plurality of inflation devices includes a plurality of chambers, and wherein said pneumatic means includes, for a given inflation device of said plurality of inflation devices, means for isolating a first chamber of said plurality of chambers from a second chamber of said plurality of chambers, inflating a first chamber of said plurality of chambers with the gas at a first depth in the first body of water, and placing said first chamber in gaseous communication with said second chamber at a second depth in the first body of water that is above the first depth so that at least a portion of the gas within said first chamber flows in to said second chamber and at least partially inflates said second chamber.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said path means includes an elongated pipe that defines an elongated bore vertically within the first body of water, wherein said first path is at least partially defined through said elongated bore of said elongated pipe.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said energy conversion means includes a lifting means for employing the upward movement of said plurality of inflation devices within the first path to lift water from the first body of water to a second body of water that is above the first body of water.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said energy conversion means further includes a hydroelectric generating facility for receiving water from the second body of water in a manner that generates electricity.

15. An apparatus for creating buoyant energy by employing a first body of water having a surface and defining a depth, the apparatus comprising: an inflation device including an outer wall bounding and defining an enclosed area, and an inner wall disposed within said enclosed area and connected to said outer wall, wherein said inner wall partitions said enclosed area to define a first chamber and a second chamber disposed within said enclosed area, and wherein said first chamber is substantially isolated from said first chamber; a source of pressurized gas; a first passage providing gaseous communication between said source of pressurized gas and said first chamber; a first valve disposed witliin said first passage for controlling fluid communication between said source of pressurized gas and said first chamber; a second passage providing gaseous communication between said first chamber and said second chamber; and a second valve disposed within said second passage for controlling fluid communication between said first chamber and said second chamber.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a path means for cooperating with said inflation device in a manner that facilitates movement of said inflation device between a first depth in the body of water and a second depth in the body of water that is higher than the first depth means for operating said first valve at said first depth in an manner that causes the inflation of said first chamber with gas from said source of pressurized gas, wherein inflation of said first chamber causes said inflation device to move toward the second depth, means for operating said second valve at the second depth in an manner that causes the inflation of said second chamber with gas from said first chamber.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising an energy conversion means for cooperating with said inflation device in a manner that converts the buoyant energy associated with said inflation device into another form of energy by harnessing the movement of said inflation device.