Apparatus for supplying alternating current power

Abstract

An apparatus for supplying alternating current (AC) power is provided. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving direct current (DC) power at an electric pump from an electrical power source, and converting the DC power from the electrical power source to AC power. This includes converting DC power to a first power at an electric pump to move water from a source position to at least one supply position. Water is supplied from at least one supply location to the turbine, and at the turbine, kinetic energy of the water is converted into a second power. At a generator connected to the turbine, the second power is converted to AC power, and the AC power is supplied from the generator.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 443,308, filed on July 23, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to power generation, and more particularly to converting direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power without an electronic power inverter. Background Art

[0004] The demand for renewable energy has been growing for many years, and photovoltaics (PV), which convert light into electricity, is a popular renewable energy source. Most, if not all, PV systems convert light into direct current (DC) electricity and use conventional electronic power inverters to convert the DC power into alternating current (AC) electricity used in many buildings and other load facilities. However, these electronic power inverters are subject to certain issues that limit their value.

[0005] Many electronic power inverters generate AC power having a waveform that is synthesized by rapid switching. As a result, the AC power is inherently subject to a degree of total harmonic distortion, which degrades the power quality of the generated power. The lack of any inertia in the electronic power inverter also results in additional power quality issues that often require difficult and expensive mitigation when connected to the grid. Since the switching components weigh only a gram or less, the electronic synthesized waveform generating components are also more susceptible to thermal damage from transients such as natural or man-made electromagnetic weather.

[0006] Therefore, systems and methods that take into account at least some of the issues discussed above, as well as other possible issues, would be desirable. Utility Model Content

[0007] Example implementations provide improved systems and methods for supplying alternating current (AC) power, where direct current (DC) power from an electrical power source such as a photovoltaic (PV) system is converted to AC power without an electronic power inverter. Example implementations instead use hydraulically coupled motors for power generation, which provides a number of benefits over current electronic power inverter-based systems. Specifically, for example, example implementations of the present disclosure are based on analog power generation techniques, and the AC power may have a cleaner waveform in terms of total harmonic distortion.

[0008] An example implementation may use a generator to generate AC power from a water-driven turbine. The generator may have inertia that enables inherent pass-through capability that an electronic power inverter does not have. From a power quality perspective, this may be more beneficial to the power system than a system using an electronic power inverter without inertia. In contrast, a system of an example implementation with inertia and analog output has less negative impact on grid power, which may also result in fewer and lower-cost network upgrades. The reduction in interconnection cost, complexity, and time may be of great benefit to project developers. In addition, when looking for utility disconnectors for power, a system of an example implementation may more easily market its high power quality output, which may have a competitive advantage over systems using traditional electronic power inverters.

[0009] Example implementations of the present disclosure are also suitable for incorporating low-cost energy storage in the form of hydroelectric storage at altitudes, such as water tanks on mountains or other high ground. Unlike traditional energy storage such as lithium-ion batteries, water storage tanks and water supply networks that provide such energy storage properties may be insensitive to discharge because they can be charged and discharged multiple times per day for decades without losing capacity. Such storage may also allow systems of example implementations to operate in a multi-use configuration, where the same storage tanks used for power generation may also be used for other purposes, such as municipal water supply, or as a water supply for other purposes (such as firefighting or industrial purposes).

[0010] The present disclosure thus includes, but is not limited to, the following example implementations.

[0011] Some example implementations provide a system for supplying alternating current (AC) power, the system comprising: an electric pump configured to receive direct current (DC) power from an electric power source and convert the DC power into a first power to move water from a source location to at least one supply location; a turbine configured to convert kinetic energy of water supplied from at least one supply location into a second power; a water supply network configured to carry water as it moves from the source location to at least one supply location and is supplied from the at least one supply location to the turbine; and a generator connected to the turbine, the generator configured to convert the second power into AC power and supply the AC power.

[0012] Some example implementations provide a method for supplying alternating current (AC) power, the method comprising: receiving direct current (DC) power from an electric power source at an electric pump; converting the DC power from the electric power source into AC power, which at least comprises: at the electric pump, converting the DC power into a first power to move water from a source location to at least one supply location; supplying the water from the at least one supply location to a turbine; at the turbine, converting kinetic energy of the water into a second power; and at a generator connected to the turbine, converting the second power into AC power; and supplying AC power from the generator.

[0013] By reading the following specific implementation together with the attached drawings briefly described below, these and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent. The present disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four or more features or elements set forth in the present disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are explicitly combined or otherwise referenced in the specific example implementation described herein. The present disclosure is intended to be read as a whole so that any separable features or elements of the present disclosure should be considered combinable in any one of its aspects and example implementations, unless the context of the present disclosure clearly states otherwise.

[0014] Therefore, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure is provided only for the purpose of outlining some example implementations in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the example implementations described above are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope or spirit of the present disclosure in any way. Other example implementations, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of some of the described example implementations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Having thus generally described example implementations of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0016] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a system for supplying alternating current (AC) power according to various example implementations of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 illustrates a power transmission and distribution system according to various example implementations; and

[0018] Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C and Figure 3D is a flow chart illustrating steps in a method of supplying AC power, according to various example implementations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Some implementations of the present disclosure are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, implementations of the present disclosure are shown. In fact, various implementations of the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the implementations described herein; on the contrary, these example implementations are provided so that the present disclosure will be comprehensive and complete, and these example implementations will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Throughout the text, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements.

[0020] Unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, references to first, second, etc. should not be construed as implying a particular order. A feature described as being above another feature (unless otherwise specified or clear from the context) may alternatively be below the other feature, and a feature described as being below another feature (unless otherwise specified or clear from the context) may alternatively be above the other feature; and similarly, a feature described as being to the left of another feature may alternatively be to the right of the other feature, and a feature described as being to the right of another feature may alternatively be to the left of the other feature. Furthermore, although reference may be made herein to quantitative measurements, values, geometric relationships, etc., unless otherwise specified, any one or more (if not all) of these references may be absolute or approximate to account for acceptable variations that may occur, such as variations due to engineering tolerances, etc.

[0021] As used herein, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, the "or" in a set of operands is an "inclusive or", and thus the set of operands is true if and only if one or more of the operands are true, in contrast to the "exclusive or" in which the set of operands is false when all of the operands are true. Thus, for example, if [A] is true, or if [B] is true, or if both [A] and [B] are true, then "[A] or [B]" is true. Further, the articles "a" and "an" mean "one or more", unless otherwise specified or clear from the context to refer to the singular form. In addition, it should be understood that, unless otherwise specified, the terms "data", "content", "digital content", "information", "observation" and similar terms can sometimes be used interchangeably.

[0022] As noted above, example implementations of the present disclosure relate generally to power generation, and specifically to converting direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power from an electrical power source, such as a photovoltaic (PV) system. Figure 1The figure shows a system 100 for supplying AC power according to some example implementations of the present disclosure. As shown, the system includes an electric pump 102, a turbine 104 (such as a water turbine), a water supply network 106, and a generator 108. The electric pump is configured to receive DC power from an electric power source such as a PV system 110. Examples of other suitable electric power sources include one or more batteries, and other renewable power systems such as wind power generation systems, wind farms, etc.

[0023] The electric pump 102 is configured to convert DC power to a first power for moving water 112 from a source location 114 to at least one supply location 116. In some examples, the electric pump includes a DC motor 102A configured to drive a pump 102B. In other examples, the electric pump may include a variable frequency drive having an AC induction motor configured to drive the pump. In yet other examples where the system may include a front-end electronic power inverter, the electric pump may include an electronic power inverter for converting DC power to AC power. In these examples, the AC induction motor may convert the AC power to the first power.

[0024] The water supply network 106 is generally a network of components that transport water 112 throughout the system 100. The water supply network may include a network of pipes for distributing water. In addition, the water supply network may include or be connected to one or more natural or artificial reservoirs, and in some more specific examples may include storage tanks. In this regard, some example implementations contemplate a source reservoir, which may be a storage tank, such as a fixed roof tank.

[0025] Specifically, the water supply network 106 is configured to carry water 112 from a source location 114 to at least one supply location 116. The water supply network is also configured to carry the water supplied from the at least one supply location to the turbine 104. The turbine is then configured to convert the kinetic energy of the water supplied from the at least one supply location into a second power. The second power may also be generated by any inertia in the turbine. The generator 108 is connected to the turbine and is configured to convert the second power into AC power and supply AC power. Therefore, the system 100 of the example implementation of the present disclosure is configured to (in various examples, without an electronic power inverter or other similar power electronic device or circuit system) convert DC power generated by an electrical power source (e.g., a PV system 110) into AC power.

[0026] In some examples, the source location 114 is located at a source reservoir 118, and the electric pump 102 is configured to extract water 112 from the source reservoir that is moved to at least one supply location 116 and supplied to the turbine 104 by the water supply network 106. In some of these examples, the turbine is further configured to return the water from the turbine to the source reservoir as the kinetic energy of the water is converted into a second power. Therefore, the systems 100 may be insensitive to discharge because they can be charged and discharged multiple times a day for decades without losing capacity.

[0027] At least one supply location 116 may include a coupling 120 connected to the turbine 104. In some examples, the electric pump 102 is configured to move water 112 to the coupling, from which the water is directly supplied to the turbine. The water supply network 106 may then include a penstock 122 connected to the coupling that controls the supply of water to the turbine. The kinetic energy of the water then comes from the movement of the water through the penstock to the coupling and thereby to the turbine.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, at least one supply location 116 may include a supply reservoir 124 located at a higher elevation than the turbine 104, from which water 112 may be supplied to the turbine (also via coupling 120 in some examples). In examples including these multiple supply locations, the turbine may be supplied with water from one or both of the coupling (directly) or the supply reservoir (in which case water may also be supplied to the turbine from the coupling). In this regard, water may be supplied on a continuum from full coupling, to some combination of coupling and supply reservoir, to full supply reservoir. In other examples, water may be supplied from the supply reservoir without a more direct water supply from the electric pump 102.

[0029] In a more specific example including multiple supply locations, an operator may control water 112 from electric pump 102, supply reservoir 124, or some combination of supply locations to turbine 102. Such control of water supply may be based on a variety of factors and may vary over one or more time intervals.

[0030] In some examples, water 112 may be supplied from any supply location to the extent that system 100 is able to generate a sufficient amount of AC power, and supplemented with water supplies from other supply locations to account for any shortfalls in the amount of AC power produced. In another example, water may be supplied from electric pump 102 when sufficient DC power is available to power the electric pump, and water may be supplied from supply reservoir 124 when DC power is not available. This may vary depending on the time of day for an electric power source such as PV system 110, or may vary depending on environmental conditions for another renewable power system such as a wind power generation system. Similarly, water may be supplied from the supply reservoir when sufficient water is available from the supply reservoir to drive turbine 104, and water may be supplied from the electric pump when sufficient water is not available from the supply reservoir.

[0031] The supply reservoir 124 may also serve as an external supply reservoir for an external water supply system, or the electric pump may be further configured to move water to an external water supply location of the external water supply system. The electric pump 102 may then be configured to move the water 112 to the coupling 120 (from which the water is supplied to the turbine), and to move the water to an external supply reservoir for the external water supply system, which is configured to supply water independently of the AC power supplied by the generator 108. The external water supply system may then use the water for other purposes, such as municipal water supply, or as a water supply system for other purposes, such as firefighting or industrial purposes.

[0032] In some examples, the generator 108 is configured to supply AC power to an electric power transmission and distribution (T&D) system including an electric grid through which the AC power is delivered to one or more load facilities. Additionally or alternatively, the generator can be configured to supply AC power to the load facilities independently of such electric power T&D system. In this regard, the system 100 can be considered to be a part of a T&D system or a power generation facility independent of the T&D system through which the AC power is delivered to the load facilities, which may be the case in some examples where the system and the load facilities are part of a microgrid.

[0033] Figure 2The diagram illustrates a T&D system 200 according to various example implementations of the present disclosure. As shown, the T&D system includes at least one system operator (sometimes more simply referred to as operator 202). In various examples, the operator may be an independent system operator (ISO), a transmission system operator (TSO), a distribution system operator (DSO), etc. The operator is in operable communication with at least one generation facility 204 and at least one load facility 206. In some examples, the operator, the load facilities, and / or the generation facilities may communicate with each other across one or more networks 208 (such as one or more telecommunication networks, computer networks, etc.). In this regard, the system operator, the load facilities, and / or the generation facilities may be coupled to the one or more networks by wire or wirelessly.

[0034] Operator 202 may be configured to coordinate, control, and monitor a power grid 210 (sometimes referred to as a T&D grid), including the transmission and / or distribution of electricity on the grid. Power generation facility 204 is configured to contribute power to the grid, through which power is delivered to load facility 206. In this regard, too, system 100 of the example implementation may be configured to implement a power generation facility. A load facility is typically a facility configured to draw power from a grid. Load facilities include any consumer of electricity, such as industrial facilities, institutional facilities, commercial facilities, residential facilities, and the like. In some examples, load facilities include buildings, such as industrial buildings, institutional buildings, commercial buildings, residential buildings, and the like. Further, examples of suitable commercial buildings include office buildings, warehouses, retail buildings, and the like.

[0035] Figure 3A-3D 2 is a flow chart illustrating various steps in a method 200 for supplying AC power according to various example implementations of the present disclosure. The method includes receiving DC power from an electric power source (e.g., a PV system) at an electric pump, such as Figure 3A The method includes converting DC power from an electrical power source into AC power, as shown in block 304.

[0036] As shown, converting the DC power to AC power includes converting the DC power at the electric pump to a first power for moving water from a source location to at least one supply location, as shown in block 306. The method includes supplying water from the at least one supply location to a turbine, as shown in block 308. The method includes converting the kinetic energy of the water to a second power at the turbine, as shown in block 310. And the method includes converting the second power to AC power at a generator connected to the turbine, and supplying the AC power from the generator, as shown in blocks 312 and 314.

[0037] In some examples, the source location is located in a source reservoir from which the electric pump draws water, which is moved to at least one supply location and supplied to the turbine. In some of these examples, the method 300 further includes returning the water from the turbine to the source reservoir as the kinetic energy of the water is converted into a second power, such as Figure 3B As shown in box 316.

[0038] In some examples, at least one supply location includes a coupling connected to the turbine. In some of these examples, the electric pump moves water to the coupling, from which the water is directly supplied to the turbine, and the kinetic energy of the water comes from the movement of the water to the coupling and thereby to the turbine.

[0039] In some further examples, the at least one supply location further includes a supply reservoir located above the elevation of the turbine, and supplying water at block 308 includes supplying water from one or both of the coupling or supply reservoir, such as Figure 3C As shown in box 318.

[0040] In some examples, at box 306, the DC power is converted to a first power at an electric pump to move water to a coupling from which the water is supplied to the turbine, and to an external supply reservoir independent of an external water supply system that supplies AC power to supply water.

[0041] In some examples, at least one supply location includes a supply reservoir located above the elevation of the turbine, and as water is supplied to the turbine at block 308 , gravitational potential energy of the water at the supply reservoir is converted to kinetic energy of the water from movement of the water.

[0042] In some examples, the kinetic energy conversion of block 310 includes the turbine generating a second power from the kinetic energy of the water and from the inertia of the turbine, such as Figure 3D As shown in box 320.

[0043] In some examples, at block 314 the AC power is supplied to an electrical transmission and distribution system that includes an electrical grid through which the AC power is delivered to one or more load facilities.

[0044] In some examples, at block 314 , AC power is supplied from the generator to the load facility independently of the electrical transmission and distribution system, including the electrical grid, through which the AC power is delivered.

[0045] In some examples, at block 306 , the DC power is converted to a first power at an electric pump to move water to at least one supply location and to an external supply reservoir of an external water supply system that supplies water independently of supplying AC power.

[0046] As explained above and reiterated below, the present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following example implementations.

[0047] Clause 1. A system for supplying alternating current (AC) power, the system comprising: an electric pump configured to receive direct current (DC) power from an electric power source and convert the DC power into a first motive force to move water from a source location to at least one supply location; a turbine configured to convert kinetic energy of water supplied from the at least one supply location into a second motive force; a water supply network configured to carry the water as it moves from the source location to the at least one supply location and is supplied from the at least one supply location to the turbine; and a generator connected to the turbine, the generator configured to convert the second motive force into AC power and supply the AC power.

[0048] Clause 2. The system of clause 1, wherein the source location is located at a source reservoir, the electric pump is configured to draw water from the source reservoir that is moved to the at least one supply location and supplied to the turbine by the water supply network, and wherein the turbine is further configured to return the water from the turbine to the source reservoir as kinetic energy of the water is converted to a second power.

[0049] Clause 3. The system of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein at least one supply location includes a coupling connected to the turbine, the electric pump is configured to move water to the coupling, the water is supplied directly to the turbine from the coupling, and the kinetic energy of the water comes from the movement of the water to the coupling and thereby to the turbine.

[0050] Clause 4. The system of clause 3, wherein the at least one supply location further comprises a supply reservoir located above the elevation of the turbine, and the turbine is supplied water from one or both of the coupling or the supply reservoir.

[0051] Clause 5. The system of clause 3 or clause 4, wherein the electric pump is configured to convert the DC power into a first power to move water to the coupling, from which the water is supplied to the turbine, and to move the water to an external supply reservoir of an external water supply system, the external water supply system being configured for an AC power supply independent of the generator supply.

[0052] Clause 6. The system of any of clauses 1 to 5, wherein at least one supply location comprises a supply reservoir located above the elevation of the turbine, and gravitational potential energy of the water at the supply reservoir is converted to kinetic energy of the water from movement of the water as the water is supplied to the turbine.

[0053] Clause 7. The system of any of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the turbine configured to convert kinetic energy comprises a turbine configured to generate a second power from kinetic energy of the water and from inertia of the turbine.

[0054] Clause 8. The system of any of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the generator is configured to supply AC power to an electrical transmission and distribution system comprising an electrical grid through which the AC power is delivered to one or more load facilities.

[0055] Clause 9. The system of any of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the generator is configured to supply AC power to the load facility independently of an electrical transmission and distribution system including an electrical grid through which the AC power is delivered.

[0056] Clause 10. The system of any of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the electric pump is configured to convert the DC power to a first power at the electric pump to move water to at least one supply location, and to an external supply reservoir for moving the water to an external water supply system, the external water supply system being configured to supply water independent of the AC power supplied by the generator.

[0057] Clause 11. A method of supplying alternating current (AC) power, the method comprising: receiving direct current (DC) power from an electric power source at an electric pump; converting the DC power from the electric power source to AC power, which includes at least: converting the DC power at the electric pump to a first motive force to move water from a source location to at least one supply location; supplying the water from the at least one supply location to a turbine; at the turbine, converting kinetic energy of the water to a second motive force; and at a generator connected to the turbine, converting the second motive force to AC power; and supplying the AC power from the generator.

[0058] Clause 12. The method of clause 11, wherein the source location is located in a source reservoir, the electric pump is configured to draw water from the source reservoir that is moved to the at least one supply location and supplied to the turbine, and the method further comprises returning the water from the turbine to the source reservoir as kinetic energy of the water is converted to a second motive force.

[0059] Clause 13. The method of clause 11 or clause 12, wherein at least one supply location includes a coupling connected to the turbine, the electric pump moves water to the coupling, the water is supplied directly to the turbine from the coupling, and the kinetic energy of the water comes from the movement of the water to the coupling and thence to the turbine.

[0060] Clause 14. The method of clause 13, wherein the at least one supply location further comprises a supply reservoir located above the elevation of the turbine, and supplying water comprises supplying water from one or both of the coupling or the supply reservoir.

[0061] Clause 15. The method of clause 13 or clause 14, wherein at the electric pump, the DC power is converted to a first power to move water to a coupling from which the water is supplied to the turbine, and to an external supply reservoir of an external water supply system that supplies water independently of supplying the AC power.

[0062] Clause 16. The method of any of clauses 11 to 15, wherein at least one supply location comprises a supply reservoir located above the elevation of the turbine, and gravitational potential energy of the water at the supply reservoir is converted to kinetic energy of the water from movement of the water as the water is supplied to the turbine.

[0063] Clause 17. The method of any of clauses 11 to 16, wherein converting the kinetic energy comprises the turbine generating a second power from the kinetic energy of the water and from the inertia of the turbine.

[0064] Clause 18. The method of any of clauses 11 to 17, wherein the AC power is supplied to a point transmission and distribution system comprising an electrical grid through which the AC power is delivered to one or more load facilities.

[0065] Clause 19. The method of any of clauses 11 to 18, wherein the AC power is supplied from the generator to the load facility independently of an electrical transmission and distribution system including an electrical grid through which the AC power is delivered.

[0066] Clause 20. The method of any of clauses 11 to 19, wherein at the electric pump, the DC power is converted to a first power to move water to at least one supply location and to an external supply reservoir of an external water supply system that supplies water independently of supplying the AC power.

[0067] Thanks to the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings, the technical personnel in the field to which the present disclosure relates will understand many modifications and other implementations of the present disclosure set forth herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific implementation disclosed, and modifications and other implementations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, although the foregoing description and the associated drawings describe example implementations in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions can be provided by alternative implementations without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, combinations of elements and / or functions different from those combinations explicitly described above are also contemplated, as are some of the same as those set forth in the appended claims. Although specific terms are used herein, these terms are used only in a general sense and descriptive sense, and not for restrictive purposes.

Claims

1. A device for supplying alternating current power, comprising: A DC power supply, the DC power supply is used to supply DC power; as well as A system for converting the DC power into AC power without harmonic distortion, the system comprising: a plurality of supply locations and a turbine, the plurality of supply locations for supplying water to the turbine to generate the AC power, and the plurality of supply locations comprising a first supply location and a second supply location, the first supply location comprising a supply reservoir, the second supply location comprising a coupling; wherein the system is configurable for supplying the water on a continuum from entirely the supply reservoir, a combination of the supply reservoir and the coupling without passing through the supply reservoir, and entirely the coupling, and The system is configured to be connected to an electrical transmission and distribution system including an electrical grid through which the AC electrical power is delivered to one or more load facilities.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The DC power source includes a battery.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The DC power source includes a photovoltaic system.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The system further comprises: an electric pump configured to receive the DC power and convert the DC power into a first power to move water from a source location to at least one of the plurality of supply locations; a turbine configured to convert kinetic energy of water supplied from the at least one supply location of the plurality of supply locations into a second power; a water supply network configured to carry water as it moves from the source location to the at least one of the plurality of supply locations and is supplied from the at least one of the plurality of supply locations to the turbine; and A generator is connected to the turbine, the generator being configured to convert the second power into the AC electric power and supply the AC electric power.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that The source location is located in a source reservoir, the electric pump is configured to extract water from the source reservoir that is moved to the at least one supply location among the plurality of supply locations and supplied to the turbine by the water supply network, and Wherein the turbine is further configured to return the water from the turbine to the source reservoir as the kinetic energy of the water is converted into the second power.

6. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that A coupling is connected to the turbine, the electric pump is configured to move the water to the coupling, the water is supplied directly from the coupling to the turbine, and the kinetic energy of the water comes from the movement of the water to the coupling and thence to the turbine.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that The supply reservoir is located at a higher altitude than the turbine.

8. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that The electric pump is configured to convert the DC power into the first power to move the water to the coupling, from which the water is supplied to the turbine, and to move the water to an external supply reservoir of an external water supply system, the external water supply system being configured to supply the water without using the AC power provided by the generator.

9. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The at least one supply location comprises a supply reservoir located above the elevation of the turbine and gravitational potential energy of the water at the supply reservoir is converted into kinetic energy of the water from movement of the water as the water is supplied to the turbine.

10. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that The turbine configured for converting the kinetic energy comprises a turbine configured for generating the second power from the kinetic energy of the water and from the inertia of the turbine.

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