In-line hydraulic power generation system

Abstract

A hydroelectric energy harvesting system includes: a hydraulic turbine including: a housing having a fluid inlet fitting and a fluid outlet fitting disposed thereon; a plurality of blades arranged circumferentially around the disc and adapted to rotate within the housing; and a gear train rotatably engaged with the disc and adapted to multiply rotation of the hydraulic turbine. A mechanical flywheel is rotatably coupled to the gear train output and is adapted to store kinetic energy. An electromagnetic clutch is coupled to the mechanical flywheel to selectively transfer rotational motion from the flywheel to a motor generator coupled to the mechanical flywheel. The system is configured for inline installation into a pressurized fluid system such that dispensing fluid from the system causes fluid to flow under pressure through the turbine and rotate the blades. The system multiplies the rotation and transmits it to the motor generator to generate electrical power for collection.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This international patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 507,307, filed on June 9, 2023. Background Technology

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to harvesting mechanical energy from pressurized fluid systems. More specifically, this disclosure relates to methods and systems suitable for inline installation in pressurized fluid systems for harvesting hydroelectric energy.

[0003] As fossil fuels become less important as the primary energy source, energy harvesting and recycling are becoming increasingly crucial in support of more sustainable energy solutions. One such underutilized sustainable energy source is drinking water system infrastructure. Residential and commercial buildings and facilities typically rely on water systems, such as municipal water supplies and / or well systems. These systems contain pressurized water, which begins to flow when devices are used to distribute the water, such as when a tap is turned on. This movement of pressurized water through pipes within the system is a clean energy source that has been largely untapped until now. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a hydroelectric energy harvesting system comprising a hydraulic turbine, the hydraulic turbine including: a housing having a fluid inlet fitting and a fluid outlet fitting; a plurality of blades arranged circumferentially around a disk and adapted to rotate within the housing about a central axis of rotation in response to a force applied by a pressurized fluid; and a gear system rotatably engaged with the disk, the gear system being adapted to multiply and output the rotational motion. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system further includes: a mechanical flywheel rotatably coupled to the output of the gear system and adapted to store kinetic energy generated by the rotation of the hydraulic turbine; an electromagnetic clutch coupled to the mechanical flywheel; and a motor generator coupled to the electromagnetic clutch. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system is configured for in-line installation into a pressurized fluid system, such that fluid from the pressurized fluid system flows through the fluid inlet fitting into the housing, applies force to the plurality of blades, and exits the housing via the fluid outlet fitting.

[0005] In some embodiments, the gear system includes: a planetary gear system comprising a plurality of planetary gears rotatably engaged with the disk; and a sun gear rotatably engaged with the plurality of planetary gears; the sun gear includes a shaft configured to engage a first pulley, and the first pulley is configured to rotate in response to rotation of the shaft of the sun gear; the first pulley is configured to rotate at a rate corresponding to one rotation of the sun gear per revolution of the first pulley; the first pulley is connected to a second pulley via a first belt, wherein the second pulley is configured to rotate in response to rotation of the first pulley and the first belt; the diameter of the first pulley is larger than the diameter of the second pulley; the diameter of the first pulley is three times the diameter of the second pulley, and the second pulley is configured to rotate at a rate corresponding to one revolution of the first pulley per three revolutions of the second pulley; and the second pulley is configured to rotate at a rate corresponding to one revolution of the plurality of blades of the hydraulic turbine per 72 revolutions.

[0006] In some embodiments, the planetary gears are configured to rotate at a rate of four revolutions corresponding to one revolution of the plurality of blades of the hydraulic turbine; the sun gear is configured to rotate at a rate of six revolutions corresponding to one revolution of each planetary gear; and the sun gear is configured to rotate at a rate of 24 revolutions corresponding to one revolution of the plurality of blades of the hydraulic turbine.

[0007] In some embodiments, the hydroelectric energy harvesting system further includes a one-way clutch bearing disposed between the second pulley and the mechanical flywheel, wherein the one-way clutch bearing is adapted to transmit rotational motion from the second pulley to the mechanical flywheel and allow the mechanical flywheel to perform freewheel motion.

[0008] In some embodiments, the mechanical flywheel shaft can be configured to transmit rotational motion from the mechanical flywheel to the electromagnetic clutch.

[0009] In some embodiments, the electromagnetic clutch is configured to be activated intermittently to transmit rotational motion from the mechanical flywheel shaft to the motor generator.

[0010] In some embodiments, a third pulley is rotatably coupled to the electromagnetic clutch; and a fourth pulley is rotatably coupled to the third pulley via a second belt, wherein the fourth pulley is coupled to the motor-generator, such that, when activated, the electromagnetic clutch is adapted to transmit rotational motion from the mechanical flywheel shaft to the third pulley, the second belt is adapted to transmit rotational motion from the third pulley to the fourth pulley, and the output shaft is adapted to transmit rotational motion from the fourth pulley to the motor-generator. Rotational motion is transmitted from the third pulley to the motor-generator at a ratio of one rotation of the third pulley to one rotation of the motor-generator.

[0011] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to activate and deactivate the electromagnetic clutch in response to a detected rotational speed of the motor generator. The controller is also configured to activate the electromagnetic clutch in response to a signal indicating that the detected rotational speed of the motor generator is below a threshold speed. When activated, the electromagnetic clutch allows rotational motion to be transmitted from the flywheel to the third pulley, increasing the rotational speed of the motor generator. The controller is further configured to deactivate the electromagnetic clutch in response to a signal indicating that the detected rotational speed of the motor generator exceeds a threshold speed, thereby stopping the transmission of rotational motion to the third pulley. The threshold speed is approximately 450 RPM.

[0012] In some embodiments, the pressurized fluid system includes a closed system, such as a pressurized water system. In some embodiments, the pressurized water system is a commercial or residential drinking water system or an agricultural water supply system. In some embodiments, the pressurized water system has a water pressure greater than about 20 PSI (about 137.90 kPa) and up to about 350 PSI (about 2,413.17 kPa).

[0013] In some embodiments, the system includes a charging controller connected to the motor generator, wherein the charging controller is configured to receive DC power from the motor generator; the charging controller includes an inverter; the charging controller is connected to an energy storage system adapted to store the power generated by the motor generator; the energy storage system includes a flywheel energy storage system (FESS); the energy storage system includes a chemical battery storage tank adapted to store direct current (DC) power; and the charging controller is connected to a power grid and adapted to transmit the power generated by the motor generator and converted into AC power by the inverter to the power grid.

[0014] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a method for harvesting electricity, the method comprising: providing a hydroelectric energy harvesting system including a hydroelectric turbine, the turbine including: a housing having a fluid inlet fitting and a fluid outlet fitting disposed thereon; a plurality of blades arranged around the circumference of a disk and adapted to rotate within the housing about a central axis of rotation in response to a force applied by a pressurized fluid; and a gear system rotatably engaged with the disk, the gear system being adapted to multiply and output the rotational motion. A mechanical flywheel is rotatably coupled to a sun gear and adapted to store kinetic energy generated by the rotation of the hydroelectric turbine; an electromagnetic clutch is coupled to the mechanical flywheel; and a motor generator is coupled to the electromagnetic clutch. The method further includes installing the hydroelectric energy harvesting system in an inline manner into a pressurized fluid system, such that fluid from the pressurized fluid system flows into the fluid inlet assembly and out through the fluid outlet assembly; distributing fluid from the pressurized fluid system, thereby causing the fluid to flow through the fluid inlet assembly, applying force to the plurality of blades, and flowing out through the fluid outlet assembly; and using the hydroelectric energy harvesting system to generate and harvest electricity.

[0015] In some embodiments, the collection further includes storing the electricity in an energy storage system connected to the motor generator; and the energy storage system includes a flywheel energy storage system (FESS) or a chemical battery storage system.

[0016] In some embodiments, the collection further includes: using an inverter to convert DC power into AC power; and transmitting that power to the power grid.

[0017] In some embodiments, the collection further includes storing the electricity in an energy storage system coupled to the motor generator. In some embodiments, the energy storage system includes a flywheel energy storage system (FESS) or a chemical battery storage bank suitable for storing direct current (DC) power; and an inverter adapted to convert the DC power into alternating current (AC) power.

[0018] In some embodiments, the collection further includes transmitting the electricity to the power grid.

[0019] In some embodiments, fluid exiting the fluid outlet assembly returns to the pressurized water system having a pressure approximately 1 PSI to 1.5 PSI (approximately 6.89 kPa to 10.34 kPa) lower than that of the fluid entering the fluid inlet assembly.

[0020] These and other aspects, advantages, and salient features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, and embodiments of this disclosure are disclosed when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same portions are indicated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 A left-front upper perspective view of a mechanical energy harvesting device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is provided.

[0022] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view showing further details of a hydraulic turbine according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 3 A top view of a mechanical energy harvesting device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 4 A right front upper perspective view of a mechanical energy harvesting device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 5 A left-side elevation view of a mechanical energy harvesting device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 6 A front elevation view of a mechanical energy harvesting device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0027] Figure 7 A right-side elevation view of a mechanical energy harvesting device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0028] Figure 8 A left-front lower perspective view of a mechanical energy harvesting device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 9 A bottom view of a mechanical energy harvesting device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the transfer of energy via a mechanical energy harvesting device according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 11 This is an illustrative flowchart illustrating an example process for generating and collecting hydroelectric power according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0032] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings in this disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of this disclosure and should therefore not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In the drawings, the same numbers denote the same elements between figures. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a hydroelectric energy harvesting system and a method for harvesting hydroelectric energy from water flowing under pressure through pipes in a pressurized fluid system (e.g., a commercial or residential water system) without substantially impacting the user experience. For example, the average water supply main pressure in the United States is approximately 65 PSI (approximately 448.16 kPa), while the minimum available pressure for many fixed installations is approximately 20 PSI (approximately 137.90 kPa). This provides an exemplary margin of approximately 45 PSI (approximately 310.26 kPa), where utilizing a portion of this pressure will not have a significant impact on the end user. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system can be connected to a water system in a residential or business setting in a manner similar to existing solar charging systems. The system generates electricity at any time water is distributed in the system (i.e., while water is flowing) and for a short period thereafter. The harvested hydroelectric energy can be stored in an energy storage device (such as a battery) or fed back into the power grid. In some embodiments, the harvested energy can be used to offset a portion of the electricity used in, for example, a residence, business, or farm.

[0034] As used herein, PSI refers to pounds per square inch as a unit of pressure; kPa refers to kilopascals as a unit of pressure; RPM refers to revolutions per minute as a measure of rotational speed; AC refers to alternating current; and DC refers to direct current. The terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example” rather than “ideal.” Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” etc., do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance herein, but are used to distinguish an element or structure from another element or structure. Additionally, the terms “a” and “an” as used herein do not indicate a quantity limitation but rather indicate the presence of one or more of the referenced items. As used herein, the prefix “(multiple / a plurality of)” is intended to include both the singular and plural forms of the term it modifies, thereby including one or more of the terms (e.g., (multiple) metals includes one or more metals).

[0035] The modifier “about” used with a quantity includes the stated value and has a meaning determined by the context (e.g., including the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity). The ranges disclosed herein are inclusive and can be combined independently (e.g., the range “up to about 25 mm or more specifically about 5 mm to about 20 mm” includes the endpoints and all intermediate values ​​of the range “about 5 mm to about 25 mm”, etc.).

[0036] Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 9 A hydroelectric energy harvesting system 100 according to one embodiment of this disclosure is shown. The energy harvesting system 100 includes a water turbine 102, which in... Figure 2 The following is a more detailed description. The hydraulic turbine 102 includes a housing 101, which may consist of a front housing 104 and a rear housing 106, which may be connected together, for example, by fasteners 130. Fasteners 130 may include, for example, hexagonal socket head cap screws or other suitable fasteners. The turbine housing 101 includes a fluid inlet fitting 110 and a fluid outlet fitting 112 that may be disposed on the front housing 104. The fluid inlet fitting 110 and the fluid outlet fitting 112 may be adapted to mate with the pipe diameter of a particular pressurized fluid system in which the energy harvesting system 100 may be installed, for example, by threaded engagement. In various embodiments, the diameters of assemblies 110 and 112 can be, for example, between about 0.75 inches (about 1.91 cm) and about 12 inches (about 30.48 cm), such as about 0.75 inches (about 1.91 cm), about 1 inch (about 2.54 cm), about 1.25 inches (about 3.18 cm), about 1.5 inches (about 3.81 cm), about 2 inches (about 5.08 cm), about 4 inches (about 10.16 cm), about 6 inches (about 15.24 cm), about 8 inches (about 20.32 cm), about 12 inches (about 30.48 cm), or any other standard or non-standard pipe size. Figure 2 As shown, the turbine housing 101 may further include a turbine housing waterproof seal 103 that can be disposed between the front housing 104 and the rear housing 106. A pump waterproof seal 105 may be disposed on the output side of the rear housing 106 and covered by a pump seal cap 109 to prevent water leakage from the rear housing 106 at the opening along the axis of rotation 114 during operation. Other seals may be used such that during operation, all or substantially all of the fluid entering the turbine housing 101 through the fluid inlet fitting 110 exits through the fluid outlet fitting 112, thereby limiting any pressure drop that may occur in the pressurized fluid system due to the installation of the energy harvesting system 100.

[0037] Turbine blade stages are disposed within turbine housing 101. Each blade stage may include a disk 107 carrying a plurality of blades 108 arranged circumferentially around the disk 107. The disk 107 and blades 108 are adapted to rotate about a central axis of rotation 114 in response to a force applied to the blades 108 by a pressurized fluid. Specifically, fluid from a pressurized fluid system enters housing 101 via a fluid inlet fitting 110, applies a force to the blades 108, causing the blades 108 and disk 107 to rotate about axis 114 within housing 101, and flows out of housing 101 through a fluid outlet fitting 112, returning to the pressurized fluid system. In some embodiments, this process is accomplished by a decrease in nominal fluid pressure relative to the fluid simply flowing through the pressurized fluid system (e.g., about 1 PSI to 1.5 PSI (about 6.89 kPa to about 10.34 kPa)). In some embodiments, such as, for example... Figure 6 As shown, fluid moves along a generally U-shaped path 118 through the turbine housing 101, enters the housing 101 through the fluid inlet fitting 110, moves around a portion (e.g., about half) of the circumference of the disc 107, and exits through the fluid outlet fitting 112 in the opposite direction to the full fitting along a path generally parallel to the full fitting.

[0038] The turbine 102 also includes a gear system, such as a planetary gear system 116, adapted to multiply the rotational motion generated by the fluid flowing through the turbine 102. In some embodiments, the gear system (e.g., planetary gear system 116) may be housed within the turbine housing 101. A disk 107 carrying the blades 108 acts as a ring gear, supported by a ring gear bearing 111 as the ring gear rotates about axis 114 in response to the fluid flowing under pressure through the turbine 102. A plurality of planetary gears 120 (e.g., three planetary gears 120) are rotatably engaged with the disk 107 and held and supported by planetary gear shoulder bolts 113 and planetary gear bearings 115. A sun gear 122 is rotatably engaged with the plurality of planetary gears 120 and supported by a sun gear bearing 117. The sun gear 122 may include an output shaft 132 that outputs the rotational motion generated by the turbine blades 108 and multiplied by the planetary gear system 116. The output shaft 132 of the sun gear 122 represents the output of a gear system (e.g., an exemplary planetary gear system 116).

[0039] In some embodiments, the planetary gear system 116 can multiply the rotation of the disk 107 and blades 108 by any of a plurality of selected factors. For example, in one embodiment, planetary gear 120 is coupled to disk 107 and rotates at a ratio of four revolutions of planetary gear 120 to one revolution of disk 107 carrying the plurality of blades 108 (i.e., a 4:1 ratio). Sun gear 122 is coupled to the plurality of planetary gears 120 and rotates at a ratio of six revolutions of sun gear 122 to one revolution of planetary gear 120 (i.e., a 6:1 ratio). This exemplary gear system produces a 24-fold rotational multiplication, that is, for each revolution of disk 107 carrying the blades 108, the rotational ratio of sun gear 122 is 24:1. Other embodiments with different gear ratios are also envisioned, such as 100:1, 60:1, 38:1, 26:1, 14:1, 4:1, and other ratios corresponding to the rotation of the sun gear (i.e., the output rotation) to the rotation of the disk 107 carrying the blades 108. Other variations of the gear train components are also envisioned, such as using a cycloidal gear train to replace the planetary gear system 116 discussed above to multiply the rotational motion generated by the turbine 102. Other embodiments may include a worm with a threaded shaft adapted to mesh with a worm wheel having a selected number of teeth and a selected diameter. These embodiments can be particularly useful in applications with high flow rates and less frequent interruptions in pressurized fluid systems. Further embodiments may include a continuously variable transmission (CVT) gearbox to provide the functionality described herein associated with the planetary gear system 116. Other variations will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0040] Return to reference Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 9 The hydroelectric energy harvesting system 100 further includes a mechanical flywheel 124 rotatably coupled to a sun gear 122 and adapted to store kinetic energy generated by the rotation of the blades 108 of the hydroelectric turbine 102. In some embodiments, the flywheel 124 is coupled to the turbine 102 via a belt drive system including a first pulley 134, a second pulley 136, and a first belt 138, which work together to drive rotational motion from the sun gear 122 (…). Figure 2 The output shaft 132 transmits power to the flywheel 124. For example... Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown in the best embodiment, the output shaft 132 is connected to the shaft connector 119 ( Figure 5 ) is connected to the first pulley 134, and is supported by the installed bearing 121 ( Figure 8 The first pulley 134 rotates in response to the rotation of the output shaft 132 at a 1:1 ratio to the rotation of the first pulley 134. In some embodiments, the output shaft 132 passes through the mechanical pump shaft seal 105. Figure 2The first pulley 134 extends through the rear housing 106 of the turbine 102. The first pulley 134 is connected to and rotatably engaged with the second pulley 136 via a first belt 138 under tension. Rotation of the output shaft 132 causes rotation of the first pulley 134, which in turn causes rotation of the first belt 138, which in turn causes rotation of the second pulley 136.

[0041] In some embodiments, the diameter of the first pulley 134, which rotates at the same speed as the output shaft 132, is larger than the diameter of the second pulley 136. In one embodiment, the diameter of the first pulley is 12 inches (30.48 cm), while the diameter of the second pulley is 4 inches (10.16 cm). This example produces an additional 3:1 multiplication because the rotational motion output of the second pulley 136 is three times the rotational speed of the output shaft 132 and the first pulley 134, and 72 times the rotational speed of the turbine blades 108 stages; that is, the second pulley 136 is configured to rotate at a ratio of 72 revolutions corresponding to one revolution of the plurality of blades 108 of the hydraulic turbine 102. Other embodiments are also contemplated in which other ratios are used, such as 2:1 or 4:1, or in which the 3:1 ratio is achieved using first and second pulley diameters different from the exemplary 12-inch (30.48 cm) pulley and 4-inch (10.16 cm) pulley as described herein. Furthermore, the pulley can be a V-belt pulley, and the first belt 138 can be a V-belt.

[0042] The rotational output of the second pulley 136 can be transmitted to the mechanical flywheel 124 via a shaft 144 supported by a mounted bearing 141 and a one-way clutch or freewheel connector (e.g., a one-way clutch bearing 140), which can be disposed within the hub of the second pulley 136. The one-way clutch bearing 140 can be adapted to transmit rotational motion from the second pulley 136 to the mechanical flywheel 124 and allow the mechanical flywheel 124 to perform freewheel motion, thereby allowing all kinetic energy to be stored in the flywheel 124 without drag resistance from other upstream components. For example, this allows energy to be applied to the flywheel 124 when the gear retracts without energy loss returning to the system. The flywheel 124 may include a mechanical flywheel shaft 144 configured to output rotational motion from the mechanical flywheel 124.

[0043] The hydroelectric energy harvesting system 100 further includes an electromagnetic clutch 126, the input of which can be coupled to the output of a mechanical flywheel shaft 144 to selectively transfer rotational energy from the flywheel 124 to a motor generator 128 via the electromagnetic clutch 126 and a generator belt drive. The motor generator 128 can be any generator known in the art. For example, the motor generator 128 can include a rotary or radial generator. In a particular embodiment, the motor generator 128 can be a high-efficiency, zero-coiling-torque, axial flux motor generator.

[0044] The electromagnetic clutch 126 is configured to be intermittently engaged and disengaged. When engaged, the electromagnetic clutch 126 transmits rotational motion from the mechanical flywheel shaft 144 to the motor generator 128 via a generator drive belt. The generator drive belt may include a third pulley 146 rotatably coupled to the output end of the electromagnetic clutch 126. The third pulley 146 is then rotatably coupled to a fourth pulley 148 via a second belt 150 (e.g., the generator drive belt). In some embodiments, the third pulley 146 and the fourth pulley 148 may be heavy-duty V-belt pulleys, and the second belt 150 may be a V-belt. The fourth pulley 148 is then rotatably coupled to the motor generator 128 via an output shaft 142, such that the electromagnetic clutch 126 is coupled to the motor generator 128 via a belt drive system consisting of the third pulley 146, the fourth pulley 148, and the second belt 150. In some embodiments, the first pulley 146 and the second pulley 148 may have a common diameter, such that rotational motion is transmitted from the third pulley 146 to the fourth pulley 148 and to the motor generator 128 at a ratio of one rotation of the third pulley 146 to one rotation of the fourth pulley 148 and one rotation of the motor generator 128.

[0045] During operation, the mechanical flywheel 124 can be adapted to store kinetic energy generated by the turbine 102 and amplified by a gear system (e.g., planetary gear system 116 and V-belt drive system including first pulley 134 and second pulley 136) at a much higher speed than the motor generator 128. (Reference) Figure 10 The kinetic energy stored in the flywheel 124 can be monitored via a passive sensor system 152. In various embodiments, the passive sensor system (PSS) 152 may reside at least partially on or near the controller 158 and / or another system component (such as the flywheel 124 and / or the motor generator 128). The aforementioned system components may be connected via wired or wireless communication links.

[0046] Controller 158 is configured to receive and monitor information regarding the rotational speed of flywheel 124, such as data generated by passive sensor system 152. Controller 158 is further configured to receive and monitor information regarding the rotational speed of motor-generator 128, such as data generated by passive sensor system 152. Controller 158 is configured to use this data to selectively enable and disable electromagnetic clutch 126, as further described herein, to provide a temporary and intermittent connection between flywheel 124 and motor-generator 128, thereby transferring kinetic energy from flywheel 124 to motor-generator 128.

[0047] Controller 158 can be configured to activate electromagnetic clutch 126 in response to a signal indicating that the rotational speed of motor generator 128 is below a threshold speed. When motor generator 128 rotates below the threshold speed, controller 158 applies voltage to electromagnetic clutch 126, thereby engaging electromagnetic clutch 126 and causing electromagnetic clutch 126 to transmit rotational motion from flywheel 124 to third pulley 146, as described herein. Third pulley 146 is part of a V-belt drive that also includes a fourth pulley 148 and belt 150, and is adapted to transmit rotational motion to motor generator 128 at a 1:1 speed ratio. This kinetic energy transfer increases the rotational speed of motor generator 128 while drawing energy from flywheel 124.

[0048] The controller 158 may be further configured to disengage the electromagnetic clutch 126 in response to a detected speed of the motor generator 128 reaching or exceeding a threshold speed, for example by stopping the application of voltage to the electromagnetic clutch 126. The threshold speed may vary with different embodiments having diverse external variables. However, in various embodiments, the flywheel 124 may rotate at a speed of 0 to about 30,000 RPM, with its upper limit varying depending on the specific bearing used. The motor generator 128 may rotate at a speed of about 250 RPM to about 30,000 RPM, more particularly about 250 RPM to about 10,000 RPM, or about 60 RPM to about 30,000 RPM. In some embodiments, the flywheel 124 is adapted to rotate at a higher speed (in RPM) than the motor generator 128, while in other embodiments, the flywheel 124 and the motor generator 128 may share a common or nearly common maximum speed, for example, about 30,000 RPM. The lower end of the exemplary speed range of the motor generator 128 may be a minimum speed compatible with any applicable frequency limits for power generation by the controller 158. The threshold speed may also vary depending on the specific embodiment and applicable external variables. However, in some examples, the threshold speed may be, for example, about 450 RPM.

[0049] As described herein, disengagement of the electromagnetic clutch 126 stops the transmission of rotational motion from the flywheel 124 to the third pulley 146. With the electromagnetic clutch 126 disengaged, the motor-generator 128 is allowed to coast in its rotation, whereby a stabilizing flywheel extends the time between engagement and disengagement of the electromagnetic clutch 126. This disengagement preserves the kinetic energy stored in the flywheel 124, thereby improving the efficiency of the overall system 100. A single engagement and disengagement of the electromagnetic clutch 126 can together constitute a single power generation cycle.

[0050] When the motor generator 128 eventually coasts to a speed below a threshold speed, the electromagnetic clutch 126 can be re-engaged to re-engage the flywheel 124 with the motor generator 182. This initiates the second power generation cycle and causes the motor generator 128 to increase its speed to reach or exceed the threshold or target speed. This re-engagement can be conditional upon the controller 158 determining that sufficient speed is present in the flywheel 124. After the second power generation cycle ends, provided sufficient kinetic energy is stored in the flywheel 124, subsequent power generation cycles can then proceed in a manner corresponding to the first power generation cycle.

[0051] In this way, the electromagnetic clutch 126 can be intermittently activated to bring the motor generator 128 to its optimal power generation speed and maintain this optimal or target speed for as long as possible. The electromagnetic clutch 126 further allows for multiple power generation cycles of the motor generator 128 with each charge of the flywheel 124, achieved by incrementally releasing the kinetic energy stored in the flywheel 124 to the motor generator 128 through iterative activation and deactivation of the electromagnetic clutch 126. A single charge of the flywheel occurs when fluid is dispensed from a pressurized fluid system (e.g., water is dispensed from a tap in a residence), thereby generating rotational motion in the turbine 102 and transmitting this rotational motion to the flywheel 124, as described herein. Iterative activation and deactivation of the electromagnetic clutch 126 also allows for the transmission of rotational motion from the flywheel 124 to the motor generator 128 for a period of time after the pressurized fluid stops flowing in the pressurized fluid system (e.g., the tap is closed and the turbine blades 108 stop rotating), thus extending the time during which the motor generator 128 can generate electricity.

[0052] Further reference Figure 10The hydroelectric energy harvesting system 100 may further include a charge controller 160 connected to the motor generator 128 and configured to receive DC power from the motor generator 128. The charge controller 160 may further include an inverter (e.g., an external inverter) with which the charge controller 160 can interface for electrical regulation and demand monitoring. The inverter may be configured to convert the DC power generated by the motor generator 128 into AC power for connection to the power grid 156. The charge controller 160 may further be configured to monitor a backup battery system (e.g., within the controller 158) and perform charging of the backup battery system.

[0053] The charging controller 160 can be connected to an energy storage system 154, which is adapted to store electricity generated by the motor generator 128. In some embodiments, the energy storage system may include a flywheel energy storage system (FESS) adapted to store electricity using a power battery. The generated electricity supplies power to a motor used to rotate the flywheel at speeds up to or exceeding 30,000 RPM. The FESS flywheel is then switched to a power generation mode, and the same motor used to rotate the FESS flywheel uses the kinetic energy stored therein to generate electricity.

[0054] In other embodiments, the power storage system 154 may include a chemical battery storage tank adapted to store direct current (DC) power. Any known chemical battery can be used, allowing DC power to be stored over extended periods. Regardless of type, the power storage system 154 can be used to store power generated by the motor generator 128 for use in the control of system 100 and system components such as controller 158, passive sensor system 152, and charge controller 160. Figure 10 Power supply. In some embodiments, the inverter may be connected to the power storage system 154 to convert DC power into AC power, for example, to feed it back into the grid 156.

[0055] According to further embodiments of this disclosure, and with reference to Figure 11 This document also provides a method for harvesting electricity. According to some embodiments, the method includes a process P1 of providing a hydroelectric energy harvesting system 100. As described herein, the hydroelectric energy harvesting system 100 includes a hydraulic turbine 102 and a gear system (such as a planetary gear system 116 housed within a housing 101), a mechanical flywheel 124, an electromagnetic clutch 126, and a motor generator 128, as described elsewhere herein.

[0056] Process P2 includes installing the hydroelectric energy harvesting system 100 in an inline configuration to the pressurized fluid system, such that fluid from the pressurized fluid system flows into the fluid inlet fitting 110 and out through the fluid outlet fitting 112. In some embodiments, the pressurized fluid system may be a closed system and may be a pressurized water system, such as a commercial or residential drinking water system. The pressurized fluid system (e.g., a pressurized water system) may have a pressure greater than about 20 PSI (about 137.90 kPa). In one example, the water pressure in a typical U.S. water supply main may be about 65 PSI (about 448.16 kPa), which provides a margin of about 45 PSI (about 310.26 kPa) in which the hydroelectric energy harvesting system 100 can be used, and may cause a nominal drop in fluid pressure, for example, from about 1 psi to about 1.5 PSI (about 6.89 kPa to about 10.34 kPa), without dropping below the minimum available pressure of a typical pipe fixture and affecting the user experience.

[0057] In various embodiments, the fluid pressure in the pressurized fluid system can be, for example, greater than 20 PSI (greater than 137.90 kPa), between about 20 psi and about 65 PSI (between about 137.90 kPa and about 448.16 kPa), about 20 psi to about 100 PSI (about 137.90 kPa to about 689.48 kPa), or greater than 65 PSI (greater than 448.16 kPa), for example up to about 350 PSI (about 2,413.17 kPa). The pressurized fluid system can further flow through pipes with diameters of about 1 inch to about 6 inches (about 2.54 cm to about 15.24 cm). Larger pipe diameters will correspond to lower water pressures, such that a 6-inch (15.24 cm) pipe can have a maximum pressure of about 175 psi (about 1,206.58 kPa).

[0058] Process P3 includes distributing fluid from a pressurized fluid system, thereby causing the fluid to flow through the fluid inlet assembly 110. The flowing fluid exerts force on a plurality of blades 108 and flows out through the fluid outlet assembly 112.

[0059] Process P4 involves generating and collecting electricity using a hydroelectric energy harvesting system 100. Specifically, as described elsewhere herein, this is achieved by utilizing a motor generator 128 ( Figure 10 It converts rotational energy into electricity to generate power.

[0060] The aforementioned hydroelectric power harvesting system 100 can be scaled up for installation and use in a variety of applications, such as residential drinking water systems, commercial drinking water systems, large-scale agricultural drinking water applications (e.g., irrigation systems), and any other pressurized system with fluids (e.g., water flow), by scaling up or down components for each desired application. For example, components of turbine 102, such as belts, clutches, pulleys, and motor generators, can be scaled up or down to suit various applications.

[0061] In some embodiments, power harvesting includes storing the power in a power storage system 154 that is in electrical signal communication with the motor generator 128. In various embodiments, the power storage system 154 may include a flywheel energy storage system (FESS) that allows the storage of power using a power battery. The generated power supplies a motor to rotate the FESS flywheel at speeds up to or exceeding 30,000 RPM. The FESS flywheel is then switched to a power generation mode, and the same motor used to rotate the FESS flywheel uses the kinetic energy stored in the FESS flywheel to generate electricity. In this embodiment, the system may use the hydroelectric power harvesting system 100 to generate DC current, store energy in the power storage system 154 including the FESS, and generate three-phase AC power to be directly fed back to the grid 156.

[0062] In other embodiments, the power storage system 154 may include a chemical battery storage tank adapted to store direct current (DC) power. Any known chemical battery can be used, allowing DC power to be stored over extended periods. An inverter may be further provided to convert the DC power to alternating current (AC) power, for example, to feed it back into the power grid 156. The power storage system 154 may be used to store power generated by the motor generator 128 for the control of system 100 and system components such as controller 158 and passive sensor system 152 (…). Figure 10 The power is supplied to the grid or fed back to the main grid 156. In other embodiments, the collection further includes transferring power from the motor generator 128 to the grid 156.

[0063] While various embodiments have been described herein, it will be understood from the specification that those skilled in the art can make various combinations of the elements, variations, or modifications herein, and such combinations are within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the substantial scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but rather will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hydroelectric energy harvesting system, comprising: a hydro turbine, the hydro turbine comprising: a housing having a fluid inlet fitting and a fluid outlet fitting disposed thereon; a plurality of vanes within the housing, the plurality of vanes being arranged about a circumference of a disc and adapted to rotate about a central axis of rotation in response to a force exerted by a pressurized fluid; and a gear system rotatably engaged with the disc, the gear system adapted to multiply rotational motion and output the rotational motion; a mechanical flywheel rotatably coupled to a gear system output and adapted to store kinetic energy generated by rotation of the hydro turbine; an electromagnetic clutch rotatably coupled to the mechanical flywheel; and a motor generator rotatably coupled to the electromagnetic clutch; wherein the hydroelectric energy harvesting system is configured for inline installation into a pressurized fluid system such that fluid from the pressurized fluid system flows into the housing through the fluid inlet fitting, exerts a force on the plurality of vanes, and exits the housing via the fluid outlet fitting.

2. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 1, wherein, the gear system further comprises: a planetary gear system comprising a plurality of planetary gears rotatably engaged with the disc; and a sun gear rotatably engaged with the plurality of planetary gears, and wherein the mechanical flywheel is rotatably coupled to the sun gear.

3. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 2, wherein, the sun gear comprises a shaft configured to engage a first pulley, and wherein the first pulley is configured to rotate in response to rotation of the shaft of the sun gear.

4. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 3, wherein, the first pulley is configured to rotate at a ratio of 1 revolution of the first pulley to 1 revolution of the sun gear.

5. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 3, wherein, the first pulley is coupled to a second pulley by a first belt, wherein the second pulley is configured to rotate in response to rotation of the first pulley and the first belt.

6. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 5, wherein, a diameter of the first pulley is greater than a diameter of the second pulley.

7. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 6, wherein, the diameter of the first pulley is three times the diameter of the second pulley, and wherein the second pulley is configured to rotate at a ratio of 3 revolutions of the second pulley to 1 revolution of the first pulley.

8. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 5, wherein, the second pulley is configured to rotate at a ratio of 72 revolutions to 1 revolution of the disc of the hydro turbine.

9. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 2, wherein, the planetary gears are configured to rotate at a ratio of 4 revolutions to 1 revolution of the disc of the hydro turbine.

10. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 2, wherein, the sun gear is configured to rotate at a ratio of 6 revolutions to 1 revolution of the plurality of planetary gears.

11. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 2, wherein, the sun gear is configured to rotate at a ratio of 24 revolutions to 1 revolution of the plurality of vanes of the hydro turbine.

12. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 1, further comprising: a one-way clutch bearing disposed between the second pulley and the mechanical flywheel, wherein the one-way clutch bearing is adapted to transmit rotational motion from the second pulley to the mechanical flywheel and allow freewheel motion of the mechanical flywheel.

13. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 1, further comprising a mechanical flywheel shaft configured to transmit rotational motion from the mechanical flywheel to the electromagnetic clutch.

14. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 1, wherein, The electromagnetic clutch is configured to be intermittently activated to transfer rotational motion from the mechanical flywheel shaft to the motor-generator.

15. The hydroelectric power harvesting system of claim 14, further comprising: a third pulley rotatably coupled to the electromagnetic clutch; and a fourth pulley rotatably coupled to the third pulley by a second belt, wherein the fourth pulley is coupled to the motor-generator, such that, when activated, the electromagnetic clutch is adapted to transfer rotational motion from the mechanical flywheel shaft to the third pulley, and the second belt is adapted to transfer rotational motion from the third pulley to the fourth pulley, and an output shaft is adapted to transfer rotational motion from the fourth pulley to the motor-generator.

16. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 15, wherein, Rotational motion is transferred from the third pulley to the motor-generator at a ratio of one revolution of the third pulley to one revolution of the motor-generator.

17. The hydroelectric power harvesting system of claim 14, further comprising: a controller configured to activate or deactivate the electromagnetic clutch in response to a detected rotational speed of the motor-generator.

18. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 17, wherein, The controller is configured to activate the electromagnetic clutch in response to the detected rotational speed of the motor-generator being below a threshold rotational speed, thereby causing the third pulley to rotate, and causing the motor-generator to increase rotational speed.

19. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 16, wherein, The controller is configured to deactivate the electromagnetic clutch in response to the detected rotational speed of the motor-generator exceeding a threshold rotational speed, thereby stopping the transfer of rotational motion to the third pulley.

20. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein, The threshold rotational speed is about 450 RPM.

21. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 1, wherein, The pressurized fluid system comprises a closed system.

22. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 21, wherein, The pressurized fluid system further comprises a pressurized water system.

23. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 22, wherein, The pressurized water system comprises a commercial or residential potable water system.

24. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 22, wherein, The pressurized water system comprises an agricultural water supply system.

25. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 22, wherein, The pressurized water system has a water pressure greater than about 20 PSI (about 137.90 kPa).

26. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 22, wherein, The pressurized water system has a water pressure up to about 350 PSI (about 2,413.17 kPa).

27. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 1, further comprising a charge controller connected to the motor generator, wherein, The charge controller is configured to receive DC power from the motor-generator.

28. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system of claim 27, wherein, The charge controller comprises an inverter.

29. The hydroelectric energy-harvesting system of claim 27, wherein, The charge controller is connected to a power storage system adapted to store power generated by the motor-generator.

30. The hydroelectric energy-harvesting system of claim 29, wherein, The power storage system comprises a flywheel energy storage system (FESS).

31. The hydroelectric energy-harvesting system of claim 29, wherein, The power storage system comprises a chemical battery storage bank adapted to store direct current (DC) power.

32. The hydroelectric energy-harvesting system of claim 28, wherein, The charge controller is connected to a power grid and is adapted to transmit power generated by the motor-generator and converted to AC power by the inverter to the power grid.

33. A method of harvesting electrical power, the method comprising: providing a hydroelectric power harvesting system, the hydroelectric power harvesting system comprising: a hydro turbine comprising: a housing having a fluid inlet fitting and a fluid outlet fitting disposed thereon; a plurality of blades within the housing, the plurality of blades being arranged about a circumference of a disc and adapted to rotate about a central rotational axis in response to a force exerted by a pressurized fluid; and a gear system rotatably engaged with the disc, the gear system being adapted to multiply rotational motion and output the rotational motion; a mechanical flywheel rotatably coupled to the gear system output and adapted to store kinetic energy generated by rotation of the hydro-turbine; an electromagnetic clutch rotatably coupled to the mechanical flywheel; and a motor-generator rotatably coupled to the electromagnetic clutch; installing the hydroelectric energy harvesting system into a pressurized fluid system in an inline manner such that fluid from the pressurized fluid system flows into the fluid inlet fitting and out through the fluid outlet fitting; dispensing fluid from the pressurized fluid system, thereby causing the fluid to flow through the fluid inlet fitting, apply force to the plurality of blades, and out through the fluid outlet fitting; and generating and harvesting electrical power with the hydroelectric energy harvesting system.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein, The harvesting further comprises: storing the electrical power in an electrical power storage system connected to the motor-generator.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein, The electrical power storage system comprises a flywheel energy storage system (FESS).

36. The method of claim 34, wherein, The storing further comprises: storing direct current (DC) electrical power in a chemical battery storage bank.

37. The method of claim 33, wherein, The harvesting further comprises: converting the DC electrical power to alternating current (AC) electrical power using an inverter; and transferring the electrical power to a power grid.

38. The method of claim 33, wherein, Fluid exiting the fluid outlet fitting returns to the pressurized water system with a pressure that is about 1 PSI to 1.5 PSI (6.89 kPa to 10.34 kPa) lower than fluid entering the fluid inlet fitting.

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