Submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus and method of operating same

Abstract

The invention relates to a submersible hydroelectric generator device (1) comprising a substantially upright body having an outer chamber (9) and an inner pressure chamber (7). The inner pressure chamber (9) has a pressurizable fluid supply therein, and the outer chamber (9) has a charge inlet (21) adjacent to the top of the upright body, a discharge outlet (11) adjacent to the bottom of the upright body, and a liquid passage having a turbine (25) and a flow regulator (27) mounted therein. An auxiliary pressurized fluid supply is provided to replenish the pressurizable fluid supply. A pressure regulator is provided that is operable to control delivery of the auxiliary pressurized fluid from the auxiliary supply to the inner pressure chamber to maintain the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply at or above a predetermined pressure level during drainage of water from the apparatus. In this way, water will be discharged from the device in a rapid, repeatable manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus and a method of operating the same. The present invention also relates to the generation of electrical power in such an apparatus using excess or waste pressurized air generated in an existing process. Background Art

[0002] For many years, there has been a trend towards the use of renewable energy supplies for electricity generation, away from the use of fossil fuels. One form of renewable energy supply that is becoming increasingly popular and receiving more attention is hydroelectricity, which uses underwater "waterfalls" to generate electricity. Generally, these devices include a generator with turbines submerged in the water. Water falls onto the turbine from above, causing it to rotate, and converting that motion into electricity.

[0003] US Patent Application No. US2009 / 0230687 in the name of Robichaud (hereinafter referred to as Robichaud) describes a device that utilizes this energy and generates electricity. US Patent Application No. US2011 / 0260460 in the name of Rovinsky (hereinafter referred to as Rovinsky) describes another device that utilizes this energy and generates electricity.

[0004] A common problem with all of these devices is how to efficiently remove water from the device that has passed through the turbine. If water is allowed to remain or accumulate in the device, the turbine will eventually become flooded and will no longer rotate. In fact, Rovinsky specifically mentions this as a problem with the spiral arrangement used to extract water from the device disclosed by Robichaud. Rovinsky states that the spiral arrangement of Robichaud will not be sufficient to remove water from under the turbine. Rovinsky discloses several different arrangements for removing water from the device.

[0005] In order to address some of the shortcomings of the known apparatus and methods, the applicant has developed its own submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus and method of operating such an apparatus. The resulting apparatus and method are described in detail in the applicant's own Patent Cooperation Treaty patent application publication number WO2014 / 180995. It is also currently granted in several jurisdictions, including European Patent No. EP2994635, U.S. Patent No. US10,641,236 and Chinese Patent No. CN105408622. Although considered a substantial improvement over many alternatives, improvements to the applicant's own patented apparatus and method are continually desired.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus and method of operating the same that overcomes at least some of the problems of the known prior art. More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method that can more efficiently drain water from the apparatus. Another object of the present invention is to provide a useful choice for consumers. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided a submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus, comprising a generally upright body having an outer chamber and an inner pressure chamber, the inner pressure chamber being surrounded by and spaced apart from the outer chamber, the inner pressure chamber being in fluid communication with the outer chamber adjacent to the lowermost end of the inner pressure chamber, the inner pressure chamber having a pressurizable fluid supply therein, the outer chamber having a charging inlet adjacent to the top of the upright body, a discharge outlet adjacent to the bottom of the upright body, and a liquid passage between the charging inlet and the discharge outlet, the liquid passage having a turbine mounted therein and a flow regulator in the liquid passage intermediate the turbine and the discharge outlet, and wherein provided is: a closing member capable of moving back and forth between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position blocks the discharge outlet to prevent water from being discharged from the apparatus , the second position opens the discharge outlet to allow water to be discharged from the device; a controller; a closing member actuator, which is capable of moving the closing member from the second position to the first position and from the first position to the second position in response to a control input from the controller; a pressure sensor in the internal pressure chamber connected to the controller, the pressure sensor being capable of operating to measure the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply in the internal pressure chamber; an auxiliary pressurized fluid supply to supplement the pressurizable fluid supply, characterized in that a pressure regulator responsive to the controller is also provided, the pressure regulator being capable of operating to control the delivery of auxiliary pressurized fluid from the auxiliary pressurized fluid supply to the internal pressure chamber to maintain the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply in the internal pressure chamber at or above a predetermined pressure level during the process of discharging water from the device.

[0008] By having such an apparatus, water can be drained from the apparatus much faster and more efficiently than previously believed. It has been found that accurate and precise timing of the various components and steps is very important in order to provide a reliable, working apparatus. By using the auxiliary pressurized fluid supply in this manner to maintain the pressurizable fluid supply at a substantially uniform pressure throughout the drainage of the water, the function of the apparatus becomes more predictable and reliable, thereby improving the apparatus for generating electricity.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, a submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus is provided, wherein a compressor is provided to provide an auxiliary pressurized fluid supply. By using a compressor, the required auxiliary pressurized fluid supply can be provided when needed.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, a submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus is provided, wherein the auxiliary pressurized fluid supply comprises air supplied from an existing process located remotely from the apparatus. Preferably, the auxiliary pressurized fluid supply comprises idle time air supplied from an existing process. This is considered to be a particularly preferred aspect of the invention. In this way, pressurized air that would otherwise be wasted or not used in other processes can be fully utilized to generate electricity. Otherwise, idle time air will not be utilized, and this is a simple and inexpensive way to generate electricity.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, a submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus is provided, wherein: a tank located at a location of an existing process away from the submersible hydroelectric generator, the tank being used to store an auxiliary pressurized fluid supply; and a supply line extending from the tank to the submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus, the supply line being used to deliver the auxiliary pressurized fluid supply to the submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus. Again, this is considered a useful aspect of the present invention. During idle times, pressurized air is not needed in a factory, manufacturing facility, or other location where a pressurized air supply exists. Instead of being wasted, the pressurized air can be siphoned into a storage tank and then delivered from the storage tank along a feed line to the submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus. By placing the storage tank near the existing process, a large amount of stored pressurized air can be retained for use by the apparatus of the present invention.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus wherein the pressure regulator is operable to maintain the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply in the inner pressure chamber at or above 1.8 bar.

[0013] This is seen as a particularly advantageous aspect of the present invention. Many existing products require very high pressures to operate, in some cases requiring pressures of around 7 to 10 bar. This in turn results in the equipment having to be highly reinforced to withstand the high pressures, and also results in the equipment being relatively noisy when operated. By operating at lower pressures, water can be efficiently drained from the equipment, while also providing a lighter, less resource-intensive and quieter device. In this way, the device is suitable for installation in inhabited areas, such as, but not limited to, hotels, offices, stadiums, factories, shopping malls, apartment buildings or other complexes.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus wherein a pressure regulator is operable to maintain a pressure of a pressurizable fluid supply in an inner pressure chamber at or above 2.0 bar.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus wherein the pressure regulator is operable to maintain the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply in the inner pressure chamber below 3.0 bar.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus wherein the flow regulator comprises a sump located in the liquid passage below the turbine, and wherein means for sealing the sump are provided.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus in which means are provided for extracting air from the sump to create a vacuum in the sump. By extracting air from the sump while draining water from the apparatus, the sump can be filled more quickly than would otherwise be the case. If water has been prevented from flowing into the apparatus, once water is allowed to flow into the apparatus again, water will flow in quickly, flowing quickly through the generator, allowing the generator to operate efficiently.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, a submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus is provided wherein a release valve is provided in the internal pressure chamber to allow at least some of the supply of pressurizable fluid to be discharged from the internal chamber. In this way, it is possible to make it easier for water to flow into the internal pressure chamber and provide a more reliable apparatus that is more predictable in operation.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, a submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus is provided in which a tank connected to a release valve is provided to receive a supply of pressurizable fluid exhausted from an internal pressure chamber. By connecting the tank to the release valve, air from the internal pressure chamber can be pressurized and recovered rather than discharged to the atmosphere.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for draining water from a submersible hydroelectric generator device of the type claimed is provided, comprising the steps of providing an auxiliary pressurized fluid supply to supplement a pressurizable fluid supply in an internal pressure chamber, and during the process of draining water from the device, controlling the delivery of auxiliary pressurized fluid from the auxiliary pressurized fluid supply to the internal pressure chamber to maintain the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply in the internal pressure chamber at or above a predetermined pressure level.

[0021] This is seen as a very effective method of draining water from a submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus. By using this method, water can be drained from the apparatus much faster and more efficiently than previously believed. It has been found that accurate and precise timing of the various steps of the method is very important in order to provide a reliable, working apparatus. By using the auxiliary pressurized fluid supply in this manner to maintain the pressurizable fluid supply at a substantially uniform pressure throughout the process of draining the water, the method becomes more predictable and reliable, thereby improving the apparatus for generating electricity.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method comprising the step of maintaining the pressure of a pressurizable fluid supply in an internal pressure chamber at or above 1.8 bar.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising the step of maintaining a pressure of a pressurizable fluid supply in an internal pressure chamber at or above 2.0 bar.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method comprising the step of maintaining the pressure of a pressurizable fluid supply in an internal pressure chamber below 3.0 bar.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method comprising the step of restricting the flow of further incoming water through an apparatus while water is being drained from the apparatus.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided including the step of sealing a sump below a turbine as water is being drained from the apparatus.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided including the step of extracting air from the sump as water is being drained from the apparatus, thereby creating a vacuum in the sump.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided including the step of obtaining pressurized air from an existing process for use as an auxiliary pressurized fluid supply. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The invention will now be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 is a perspective, partially cut-away view of a first component of a submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus;

[0032] Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a second component of the submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus;

[0033] Figures 4 to 7 It is a side cross-sectional view of a submersible hydroelectric generator equipment during operation;

[0034] Figure 8 is a perspective, partially cut-away view of an alternative embodiment of a first component of a submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus;

[0035] Fig. 9 is a perspective, partially cut-away view of an alternative embodiment of a second component of a submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus;

[0036] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of a system including a submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus according to the present invention; and

[0037] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of another system including a submersible hydroelectric generator device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] refer to Figures 1 to 3 First, refer to Figure 1 , shows a submersible hydroelectric generator device, generally indicated by reference numeral 1, comprising a first component 3 and a second component 5 mounted on the first component. In the embodiment shown, the first component 3 is an octagonal cylinder, and eight second components 5 are provided, one on each side of the octagonal cylinder, mounted on the first component 3.

[0039] See Figure 2 , the first component comprises an inner pressure chamber 7 and an outer chamber 9 surrounding and spaced from the inner pressure chamber 7. A plurality of discharge openings 11 and a closing member (provided in this case by an annular ring 13) are provided adjacent to the base of the outer chamber 9. The annular ring 13 is rotatably mounted on the outer chamber 9 and has a plurality of openings 15 formed therein. When the annular ring 13 rotates around the outer chamber, the openings 15 will align with the discharge openings 11. Further rotation of the ring 13 or rotation of the ring 13 in the opposite direction will cause the openings 15 to not align with the openings 11, thereby closing the discharge openings 11. The portion of the first component where the annular ring is placed will be cylindrical in shape rather than octagonal in shape to allow the annular ring to rotate around the first component. The first component also includes a compressed air tank 17 and a transformer and compressor compartment 19 located above the inner pressure chamber 7. A pressure sensor 16 located inside the inner pressure chamber and a pressure regulator 18 (shown in dotted lines) located inside the transformer and compressor compartment 19 are also shown.

[0040] In use, the pressure sensor 16 is operable to measure the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply in the internal pressure chamber. An auxiliary pressurized fluid supply (in this case provided by a compressor in the transformer and compressor compartment 19) is provided to supplement the pressurizable fluid supply in the internal pressure chamber. The pressure regulator 18 is operable to control the delivery of auxiliary pressurized fluid from the auxiliary pressurized fluid supply to the internal pressure chamber 7 to maintain the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply in the internal pressure chamber at or above a predetermined pressure level during the process of draining water from the device (as will be described in more detail below).

[0041] Specific reference Figure 3 , the second part 5 comprises a filling opening 21 and a liquid passage 23 inside the second part 5. A turbine 25 is mounted in the liquid passage 23, and a sump 27 is provided below the turbine in the liquid passage and is spaced from the turbine in the liquid passage for collecting water flowing down from the liquid passage 23 above the turbine 25. The second part comprises a generator / alternator compartment 29, wherein a generator / alternator (not shown) is in communication with the turbine 25 to convert the rotational motion of the turbine 25 into electrical energy. The filling opening 21 is preferably provided with an injection grid 31 to prevent larger foreign matter from entering the liquid passage, and a closing member 33 for the filling opening 21 is provided, which closing member 33 can be moved over the filling opening to prevent water from entering the liquid passage.

[0042] refer to Figures 4 to 7 (Include Figure 4 and Figure 7 ), showing a plurality of views of a submersible hydroelectric generator device 1 according to the present invention in operation. Figure 4 It can be seen that when the first component 3 and the second component 5 are joined together, the liquid channel 23 is not only located in the second component 5, but the liquid channel 23 extends from the filling inlet 21 at the top of the second component (which can be considered as the top of the outer chamber 9 in this specification) all the way down through the second component 5 and enters the first component 3 through the complementary connecting openings 34 in the first and second components. The incoming water flows downward between the outer chamber 9 and the internal pressure chamber 7 to the discharge opening 11 at the base of the outer chamber 9 of the first component 3.

[0043] When using, Figure 4 2, the charging inlet 21 is open and submerged below the surface of the body of water in which the submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus is submerged. Water flows into the apparatus through the charging inlet 21 and travels downward through the waterfall through the liquid passage 23 and impacts the turbine 25. This causes the turbine to rotate. The rotational motion of the turbine will be converted into electricity in the generator / alternator located in the generator / alternator compartment 29 and transmitted from the generator / alternator to the transformer and / or compressor in the transformer and compressor compartment 19. The water that has passed through the turbine continues to travel through the liquid passage 23 into the sump 27 and from the sump 27 flows downward through the liquid passage in the gap between the inner pressure chamber 7 and the outer chamber 9 through the connecting opening 34 to the bottom of the outer chamber 9. The annular ring 13 has been rotated so that the opening 15 in the annular ring 13 is not aligned with the discharge opening 11 in the outer chamber, so that water cannot escape from the outer chamber.

[0044] The outer chamber 9 and the inner pressure chamber 7 are in fluid communication with each other. In fact, the inner pressure chamber 7 is open at the base, and the water entering through the liquid channel will gather at the bottom of the outer chamber 9 and begin to rise through the inner pressure chamber 7, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown by arrow A in FIG. 1 . There is a pressurizable fluid supply, indicated by reference numeral 35, in the internal pressure chamber 7. As the water in the internal pressure chamber 7 rises, the volume of the fluid (in this case gas, preferably air) of the pressurizable fluid supply 35 will decrease. As the volume decreases, the gas pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply will increase.

[0045] Specific reference Figure 5 , the water level in the internal pressure chamber 7 rises further, thereby further reducing the volume of the gas. It should be understood that since the gas is trapped in the internal pressure chamber 7, the gas pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply 35 will be greater than Figure 4 The pressure shown. Figure 5 In the process, additional gas from the auxiliary pressurized fluid supply 17 is added to the pressurizable fluid supply 35, thereby further increasing the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply 35 in the inner pressure chamber 7.

[0046] The pressure sensor 16 monitors the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply 35. When the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply 35 reaches a level sufficient to expel water from the device 1 (i.e., when the pressure exceeds the hydrostatic pressure of the water outside the device), the flow regulator (in this case, the valve 37 in the liquid passage 23) closes, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown. Valve 37 was previously open (as shown Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown), or there is no liquid passage that allows water to pass through the liquid passage 23, but in Figure 6 In the configuration shown, the valve is closed and blocks the liquid passage 23. When the valve is closed, the annular ring 13 is rotated to align the opening 15 therein with the discharge opening 11. Once the opening 15 in the annular ring 13 is aligned with the discharge opening 11, the pressurized fluid supply 35 will cause the water in the inner chamber to be discharged from the device through the discharge opening 11, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown by arrow "B" in FIG. 1 , it is contemplated that not all of the water will be drained from the device to avoid loss of the pressurizable fluid supply, but a significant portion of the water will be drained from the device.

[0047] Importantly, as water is drained from the device, the pressure regulator 18, in response to the controller, will operate to control the delivery of auxiliary pressurized fluid from the auxiliary pressurized fluid supply 17 to the inner pressure chamber 7 to maintain the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply in the inner pressure chamber 7 at or above a predetermined pressure level during the draining of water from the device. In practice, the pressure regulator will compensate for water loss in the inner chamber and expansion of gas within the inner pressure chamber to maintain the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply 35 at or about 2.0 bar. Preferably, the pressure is maintained at a pressure level greater than 1.8 bar and less than 3.0 bar.

[0048] See also Figure 7 After the water is discharged from the device 1, the annular ring 13 is rotated again in the same direction or in the opposite direction to disalign the opening 15 with the discharge opening 11, thereby closing the discharge opening 11 again. The flow regulator 37 returns to its open configuration, thereby allowing water to flow downward through the liquid passage 23 and re-enter the internal pressure chamber 7, where the water will again begin to pressurize the pressurizable fluid supply 35 in the internal pressure chamber 7. It is contemplated that the pressurizable fluid supply 35 can be vented to prevent a substantial increase in the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply 35, so that the pressure is maintained at or slightly above a given level.

[0049] It should be understood that when valve 37 is closed, Figure 6 As shown, water flowing through the liquid passage 23 will flow back behind the valve 37 and may begin to fill the sump 27. Once the valve 37 is opened again (as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , water accumulated behind the valve 37 and in the sump 27 will quickly flow through the valve 37 and into the internal pressure chamber 7. The operating time of the valve 37 and the annular ring 13, the amount of additional pressure applied, and the dimensions of the liquid passage 23 and the sump 27 are selected so that the turbine 25 is not flooded when the valve 37 is closed and water is discharged from the device 1. Alternatively or in addition, a closure member 33 may be provided to temporarily close or reduce the filling inlet 21 to reduce the injection of water when water is discharged from the device.

[0050] Reference now Figure 8 , shows an alternative construction of a first part of the device according to the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 71, wherein like parts are given the same reference numerals as before. The first part 71 differs from the first part 3 shown previously in that it is substantially cylindrical along its entire height and not just at the location of the annular ring 13. The dimensions of the second part 5 will be suitably designed so that they form a close fit with the curved cylindrical surface.

[0051] refer to Fig. 9, shows an alternative embodiment of the second part of the device according to the invention, generally indicated by the reference numeral 81, wherein similar parts are given the same reference numerals as before. The second part 81 of the device of the second embodiment differs from the previously described embodiments in that a vacuum pump is provided, generally indicated by the reference numeral 83, mounted on the second part adjacent to the sump. The purpose of the vacuum pump is to accelerate the injection of water into the sump and to accelerate the filling of the internal pressure chamber with water. When the water is discharged from the device, the sump will be sealed using the closure 33 and the closure 85. The vacuum pump will then operate to extract air from the sump 27. Once the water has been discharged from the internal pressure chamber of the device, the closure 33 and the closure 85 will open again, and the vacuum now existing in the sump will cause water to flow into the second part of the device through the filling inlet 21.

[0052] It is contemplated that other pressure vessels located elsewhere may be used to equally good effect. For example, there may be a vacuum pressure vessel in communication with the interior of the internal pressure chamber, which is operable to extract air or a pressurizable fluid from the internal pressure chamber and cause water to enter the internal pressure chamber more quickly due to the partial vacuum thereafter existing in the internal pressure chamber.

[0053] Reference now Fig.10 , a schematic diagram of a system is shown, which is generally indicated by reference numeral 91, in which the apparatus and method according to the present invention can be implemented. System 91 includes a factory 93 having an air compressor (not shown). Air compressors are common equipment in many factories and are widely used in the manufacturing industry. A pressurized air tank 95 is located in the factory, and when the air compressor is idle, air from the idle time of the air compressor is sucked into the pressurized air tank 95. The pressurized air is then transported to the remote submersible hydroelectric generator device 1 along a supply line 96. In this case, the remote submersible hydroelectric generator device 1 is shown to be located in a dedicated well / chamber for accommodating the remote submersible hydroelectric generator device 1. In contrast, the remote submersible hydroelectric generator device 1 can be located in a river, pond, lake, sea or ocean. There is at least about 8m of head of water above the turbine of the remote submersible hydroelectric generator device 1. A cable 97 is set to transmit the electricity generated in the remote submersible hydroelectric generator device 1 to the power grid 99.

[0054] In addition to the above, it is contemplated that the present invention is particularly suitable for using and effectively storing excess electricity generated for the power supply grid. In this way, the present invention can be regarded as a "green battery", whereby excess electricity can be stored in a suitable form until the power grid needs it. More specifically, when solar or wind power plants generate excess electricity, such as during periods of low demand or when the power grid cannot accept the additional electricity generated, there is a danger that the excess electricity may be discarded or diverted, resulting in serious waste. However, it is contemplated that the excess electricity can be delivered to a compressor and used to make compressed air to power the device according to the present invention. In other words, a remote compressed air source can also be provided by a compressor that uses excess electricity generated by one or more solar power plants and / or wind power plants. In fact, other sources of electricity generation, such as hydroelectric power, wave power, tidal power, etc., as long as they can generate excess electricity, can also be used to provide electricity to the compressor to generate compressed air for use by the device of the present invention.

[0055] Reference now Fig.11 , a schematic diagram of a system is shown, generally indicated by reference numeral 101, in which the apparatus and method according to the present invention may be implemented. The system 101 comprises a building complex 103, such as but not limited to a school, an office complex or a residential complex, which is supplied with electricity by a submersible hydroelectric generator device 1 via a cable 97. An air duct / supply line 105 is provided to provide a supply of uncompressed air to a compressor at the submersible hydroelectric generator device 1 or to supply compressed air from an existing process. The existing process may be a production line or a compressor, which is preferably supplied with electricity generated by a renewable energy source, such as a wind turbine or a solar panel array. Importantly, the building complex may be powered by the electricity of the submersible hydroelectric generator device 1. Again, the submersible hydroelectric generator device 1 is shown to be located in a dedicated water immersion chamber underground, but it may also be located elsewhere with a head of water of approximately 8m above the turbine. If the head of water is increased, this will increase the efficiency of the submersible hydroelectric generator device 1.

[0056] One advantage of the present invention over existing products is that it is able to remove "dead" water from a machine in a rapid and efficient manner and provide reliable, repeatable performance. In the described embodiments, it involves providing an auxiliary pressurized fluid supply to supplement the pressurizable fluid supply. The rate at which water is discharged from the internal pressure chamber depends in part on the pressure accumulated in the pressurizable fluid. In general, the greater the pressure in the pressurizable fluid, the faster the water is discharged from the internal pressure chamber and the more water is discharged from the internal pressure chamber. Therefore, the addition of pressurized fluid can be highly effective in ensuring that water is discharged from the device quickly enough to avoid flooding of the turbine. In many cases, it has been calculated that the addition of one (1) bar of pressure to the pressurizable fluid is sufficient to ensure that water is fully discharged from the device. In fact, if desired, the vast majority of the pressurizable fluid can be discharged from the device to facilitate rapid filling of the internal pressure chamber with water, and the pressurized fluid can then be mainly derived from the auxiliary pressurized fluid supply. Moreover, by using the auxiliary pressurized fluid supply to maintain the pressure of the pressurizable fluid, the water will be discharged in a relatively orderly and reliable manner.

[0057] Providing one bar of additional pressure can be achieved relatively simply using a low-cost, low-power compressor. In fact, if necessary, a higher pressure can be provided using a compressor with a higher rating. According to the present invention, it is envisioned that if the pressurized fluid supply is 2.0 bar, and less than 3.0 bar, this will provide a very useful device. If a system is provided in which the compressible fluid is discharged from the device during the process of filling the internal pressure chamber with water, it is necessary to provide the compressor with a pressurized fluid supply. This can be achieved by a suitable pipeline that extends upward from the device to a position above the water surface where the device is immersed.

[0058] The total power generated from the device can be carefully selected and depends in part on the size of the device, the efficiency of the turbines, the number of turbines used, and the force of the water traveling through the turbines (which in turn depends in part on the head of water and the distance the water falls to the turbines). It is assumed that the device will be immersed in a body of water with a depth of about eight (8) meters of water above the turbines. The formula for the velocity of the water passing through the waterfall in the liquid channel 23 and leaving the sump 27 is derived by balancing Newton's laws of kinetic and potential energy. The final equation is:

[0059] mv 2 =2.mgH

[0060] Where m is the mass of the water, v is the velocity, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and H is the height of the water. The pressure exerted by the water in the internal pressure chamber 7 is determined by Newton's second law:

[0061] F=ma

[0062] Where F is the force exerted by the water, m is the mass of the water, and a is the acceleration of the water. The pressure of the water is then calculated by:

[0063] P=F / A

[0064] Where P is the pressure, F is the force exerted by the water and A is the cross-sectional area. According to Pascal's law, the pressure exerted on the air in the internal pressure chamber 7 of the first component 3 is equal to the pressure exerted by the water between the inner and outer walls for an incompressible liquid and a closed system. Generally speaking, water can be considered an incompressible liquid and since there is a constant flow of water when the water leaves the sump 27, the system can be considered to be at least partially closed. The thrust of the water leaving the central plexus is given by:

[0065] F=2.A[PP H ]

[0066] Where F is the force, A is the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening, P is the water pressure, and P H is the hydrostatic pressure of the external water.

[0067] It should be understood that various improvements can be made to the above-mentioned equipment without departing from the spirit of the present invention or the scope of the appended claims. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiments, the equipment is described as a two-piece equipment, but it can also be a single component or actually consist of more than two main components. In addition, the equipment housing is preferably composed of a polymer material, although other materials and polymer materials or alternative polymer materials can also be used. In the illustrated embodiment, a compressor and a compressed air tank are always provided, however, in some embodiments, these may not be necessary, and the compressed air supply can be provided by an existing manufacturing process. For example, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, air from the idle time of an existing manufacturing process will be used as an auxiliary pressurized fluid supply. Even if an existing process provides an auxiliary pressurized fluid supply, a compressor and / or an additional pressure regulator can still be set and used in the equipment. These may help regulate the incoming pressurized fluid supply, or may help ensure the supply of the auxiliary pressurized fluid supply.

[0068] The apparatus will be connected to an electricity distribution grid 99 which may be a national grid or indeed a connection to the supply of an individual building or vessel 103. However, although the power connections are not shown for the sake of clarity of the drawings, it will be appreciated that a power connection will be provided. Furthermore, the features of the transformer, compressor and generator / alternator are not shown as these are standard features and are well known in the art. It is envisaged that the apparatus could be anchored to the seabed (if installed in the sea) or could be embedded into the bottom of a body of water (a lake, dedicated pool or pond) using a tower, however, the fixings are not shown as they are not relevant to the patentable aspects of the invention.

[0069] In the embodiment shown, the device is in the shape of an octagonal cylinder, however it could be cylindrical, triangular, square, rectangular or other shapes and does not necessarily need to have eight sides and eight turbines. The turbines are shown arranged vertically about a horizontal axis, but they could also be arranged horizontally or vertically, but at right angles or at different angles to the direction shown. In the embodiment shown, there are multiple charge inlets and multiple discharge outlets, but this is not essential and there could be a single charge inlet and / or a single discharge outlet.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus operates by sensing the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply 35 prior to draining water from the pressurizable fluid supply. However, in some embodiments, when the pressure is effectively constant, a float switch may be provided in place of or in addition to one or more pressure sensors to detect the water level in the internal pressure chamber. From this, it may be determined when the water can and needs to be drained, and further, one or more float sensors may be used to determine when the water has been sufficiently drained from the internal pressure chamber. The apparatus and method may operate equally effectively in a static pool or in free-flowing water.

[0071] In this specification, the term "comprising" and the term "including" are considered to be fully interchangeable and should be given the broadest possible interpretation.

[0072] The invention is by no means limited to the foregoing embodiments but may be varied in construction and details within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A submersible hydroelectric generator apparatus (1), comprising a substantially upright body, the body having an outer chamber (9) and an inner pressure chamber (7), the inner pressure chamber being surrounded by and spaced apart from the outer chamber, the inner pressure chamber (7) being fluidically connected to the outer chamber (9) adjacent to the lowermost end of the inner pressure chamber, the inner pressure chamber (9) having a pressurizable fluid supply therein, the outer chamber (9) having a charging inlet (21) adjacent to the top of the upright body, a discharge outlet (11) adjacent to the bottom of the upright body, and a liquid passage (23) between the charging inlet and the discharge outlet, the liquid passage having a turbine (25) mounted therein and a fluid inlet (23) between the turbine and the discharge outlet in the liquid passage. a flow regulator (27) between the outlets, and wherein provided are: a closing member (13) capable of moving back and forth between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position blocks the discharge outlet to prevent water from being discharged from the device, and the second position opens the discharge outlet to allow water to be discharged from the device; a controller; a closing member actuator, which is capable of moving the closing member from the second position to the first position and from the first position to the second position in response to a control input from the controller; a pressure sensor in the internal pressure chamber connected to the controller, the pressure sensor being operable to measure the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply in the internal pressure chamber; an auxiliary pressurized fluid supply to supplement the pressurizable fluid supply; characterized in that A pressure regulator responsive to the controller is also provided, the pressure regulator being operable to control the delivery of auxiliary pressurized fluid from the auxiliary pressurized fluid supply to the internal pressure chamber so as to maintain the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply in the internal pressure chamber at or above a predetermined pressure level during the process of draining water from the device.

2. The submersible hydroelectric generator device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: A compressor is provided to provide the auxiliary pressurized fluid supply (17).

3. The submersible hydroelectric generator device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The auxiliary pressurized fluid supply comprises air supplied from an existing process located remotely from the apparatus.

4. The submersible hydroelectric generator device (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The auxiliary pressurized fluid supply comprises idle time air supplied from an existing process.

5. The submersible hydroelectric generator device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: A tank is provided at a location of the existing process located away from the submersible hydroelectric generator, the tank being used to store the auxiliary pressurized fluid supply; and a supply line extending from the tank to the submersible hydroelectric generator device, the supply line being used to deliver the auxiliary pressurized fluid supply to the submersible hydroelectric generator device.

6. A submersible hydroelectric generator installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The pressure regulator is operable to maintain the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply in the internal pressure chamber at or above 1.8 bar.

7. The submersible hydroelectric generator device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The pressure regulator is operable to maintain the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply in the internal pressure chamber at or above 2.0 bar.

8. The submersible hydroelectric generator device (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein: The pressure regulator is operable to maintain the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply in the internal pressure chamber below 3.0 bar.

9. A submersible hydroelectric generator installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The flow regulator comprises a sump (27) located in the liquid passage below the turbine and means for sealing the sump are provided therein.

10. The submersible hydroelectric generator device (1) according to claim 9, wherein: Means are provided for extracting air from the sump to create a vacuum in the sump.

11. A submersible hydroelectric generator installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A release valve is provided in the inner pressure chamber (7) to allow at least some of the pressurizable fluid supply to be exhausted from the inner chamber.

12. The submersible hydroelectric generator device (1) according to claim 11, wherein: A tank connected to the release valve is provided to receive the supply of pressurizable fluid exhausted from the internal pressure chamber (7).

13. A method for discharging water from a submersible hydroelectric generator installation (1) of the type according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the following steps: An auxiliary pressurized fluid supply is provided to supplement the pressurizable fluid supply in the internal pressure chamber, and during the process of draining water from the device, the delivery of the auxiliary pressurized fluid from the auxiliary pressurized fluid supply to the internal pressure chamber is controlled to maintain the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply in the internal pressure chamber at or above a predetermined pressure level.

14. A method according to claim 13, comprising the step of maintaining the pressure of the pressurisable fluid supply in the internal pressure chamber at or above 1.8 bar.

15. A method according to claim 13, comprising the step of maintaining the pressure of the pressurizable fluid supply in the internal pressure chamber at or above 2.0 bar.

16. A method according to any one of claims 14 or 15, comprising the step of maintaining the pressure of the pressurisable fluid supply in the internal pressure chamber below 3.0 bar.

17. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, comprising the step of restricting the flow of further incoming water through the apparatus while water is being discharged from the apparatus (1).

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, comprising the steps of: When water is being discharged from the apparatus, the sump (27) located below the turbine (25) is sealed.

19. The method according to claim 18, comprising the steps of: As water is being drained from the apparatus, air is drawn from the sump (27), thereby creating a vacuum in the sump.

20. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, comprising the step of obtaining pressurised air from an existing process for use as the auxiliary pressurised fluid supply.

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