In-building piped hydroelectric power generation system

Abstract

The use of hydroelectric technology is provided within the water distribution systems of large urban buildings that require reduced water pressure. These micro-hydro generators reduce the water pressure for tenant use and convert the energy into electricity to be used or sold.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 941,723, filed September 9, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] This disclosure relates to harnessing existing micro-hydro generators to harvest electricity. Hydroelectric generators derive energy from flowing water and come in a variety of sizes, from large (e.g., for dams) to medium (e.g., for private farms) to micro-sized (small hydro generators). Hydroelectric power refers to the generation of electricity from water. A hydroelectric generator or hydro generator converts flowing water into electricity and combines a water turbine or hydro turbine with a generator. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009 / 0008943 (Kemper) shows a hydroelectric generator for residential use. Kemper states that the hydrogenerator is attached to the water intake of an individual residential water system.

[0003] Pressure reducing valves (PRVs) have been used in urban building water distribution systems to reduce the pressure required to distribute water to a level that is safe for use by water appliances such as faucets, water heaters, showers, toilets, and dishwashers. These PRVs are also installed in buildings that use the water tower method of water distribution during the transfer of water from the tower to tenants. With the advent of skyscrapers and urban buildings over 10 stories, the use of PRVs has replaced the use of water towers in most new buildings and developments.

[0004] FIG. 1(a) shows an example of such a water distribution system 5 in a five-story building. As shown, water enters the system 5 through a water main or pipeline 7 connected to a city water main and then connected to a building hydraulic pump 9, typically located in the building's basement. One or more main building water pipes or pipelines 11 extend from the pump 9 to the top floor of the building. One or more secondary water pipes or pipelines 13 are individually connected to the main pipeline 11. As shown, multiple secondary pipelines 13 may be connected to the main pipeline 11 on each floor of the building. As shown in FIG. 1(b), each secondary pipeline 13 can connect to a different building unit (e.g., a room or apartment) or multiple building units. Alternatively, multiple secondary pipelines 13 can connect to a single building unit.

[0005] Disposed on each secondary pipeline 13 is a PRV 15. The PRV 15 has an input connected to the secondary pipeline 13 and an outlet that goes to one or more water appliances of the building unit.

[0006] Essentially, to ensure that water reaches all floors at the proper pressure, when water enters a building, it is pumped to very high pressure from pumps 9 in the building's basement, ensuring that the water is at a level where it is usable by the time it reaches the top floor units. However, if this same water is drawn into units below the top floor, the pressure will be too high and will destroy faucets, showers, etc. Therefore, PRVs 15 are used on each floor or every few floors, depending on the building's occupancy and size, to reduce the pressure to a usable and safe level. These PRVs 15 reduce the water pressure by converting the energy stored as pressure into heat 17, which is then dissipated through the PRVs 15. This effectively wastes the energy stored in the water as pressure. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The use of hydroelectric technology is provided within the water distribution systems of large urban buildings that require reduced water pressure. These micro-hydro generators reduce the water pressure for tenant use and convert the energy into electricity to be used or sold. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] The accompanying drawings constitute a part of this specification and form a part of this disclosure. The drawings illustrate only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and it is understood that other embodiments or combinations of various embodiments not specifically shown in the drawings are also within the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments are described in more detail using the drawings.

[0009] [Figure 1(a)] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a building having a conventional PRV water distribution system. [Figure 1(b)] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a building having a conventional PRV water distribution system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a building having a hydroelectric power generation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3(a)] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary hydroelectric power generation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3(b)] FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view of the hydroelectric power generation system of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an additional embodiment of a hydroelectric power generation system implemented on a building.

[0010] The drawings illustrate one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Other embodiments may have components at different scales. The same numbers used in the drawings may be used to refer to the same components. However, a number used to reference a component or step in a particular drawing has the same structure or function when used in another drawing bearing the same number, unless otherwise noted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In describing the exemplary, non-limiting embodiments shown in the drawings, specific terminology is used for the sake of clarity. However, it is understood that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology selected, and that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. While several embodiments have been set forth for illustrative purposes, it is understood that the description and claims are not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, and that other embodiments not specifically shown in the drawings are also within the scope of the disclosure.

[0012] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 2 illustrates a hydroelectric power generation system 100 according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure. While the system 100 is shown here as a closed water supply system for a five-story building, any suitable number of floors, more or less than five, may be provided. As illustrated, water enters the system 100 via a main water pipe or pipeline 20 connected to a city water main and connected to a building hydraulic pump 26, typically located in the building's basement. One or more main building water pipes or pipelines 24 extend from the pump 26 to the building's top floor. One or more secondary water pipes or pipelines 28 are individually connected to the main pipeline 24. As illustrated, multiple secondary pipelines 28 may be connected to the main pipeline 24 on each floor of the building. Each secondary pipeline 28 may connect to a different building unit (e.g., a room or apartment) or to multiple building units. Alternatively, multiple secondary pipelines 28 may connect to a single building unit.

[0013] The system 100 includes a plurality of power generating devices 50 located within a building. The power generating devices 50 can be considered micro-hydro generators, that is, in some embodiments, the power generating devices 50 are mounted after a water pump 26 within a residential or commercial water system that collects water for the unit's individual water system rather than directly from the water main.

[0014] Disposed on each secondary pipeline 28 is a power generation device 50. The power generation device 50 has an input connected to the secondary pipeline 28 and an outlet that goes to one or more water devices of the building units. Although one power generation device 50 is shown on each secondary pipeline 28, multiple power generation devices 50 can be connected to each secondary pipeline 28.

[0015] 3(a) and 3(b), each power generation device 50 includes a generator housing or body 30, an inlet port or inlet 31, an inlet water pipe 32, an outlet port or outlet 33, an outlet water pipe 34, an inlet water pressure sensor or measuring device 36, an outlet water pressure sensor or measuring device 38, a generator or turbine 60, electrical leads 62, and a power generation sensor or measuring device 42. While a water-powered generator (also called a hydro-generator) is depicted as a turbine 60, it should be apparent that any suitable component or device for converting a flow of liquid (or gas or solid) into electrical power may be utilized. In the exemplary embodiment shown and described herein, the power generation device 50 is a micro-generator adapted to the water pressure at the inlet and outlet of the housing.

[0016] The housing or body 30 has an inlet 31 (e.g., an inlet opening) on ​​the inlet side of the housing 30 and an outlet 33 (e.g., an outlet opening) on ​​the outlet side of the housing 30. The outlet side may be opposite the inlet side. An inlet water pipe 32 is connected to the inlet 31 and may be integral with the generator body 30. In some embodiments, the inlet 31 is an opening, and the inlet pipe 32 may be a separate pipe connected to the generator body 30, such as by external male threads that mate with an internally threaded inlet opening in the housing 30. In certain embodiments, the inlet pipe 32 is a pipe extending outward from the housing 30. In other embodiments, the opening of the inlet 31 may be directly connected to the building's secondary water pipe 28. For example, the inlet 31 may be an internally threaded opening in the housing 30 that threads with an externally threaded secondary pipe 28.

[0017] Thus, the inlet water pipe 32 is connected to a water source, here the building's secondary water pipe 28 (Figure 2). Alternatively, the inlet water pipe 32 may be a secondary water pipe 28 that connects directly to the inlet 31. The building's secondary pipe 28 is connected (directly or indirectly) to the city's water mains and receives inlet water from the water source. The inlet water from the secondary pipe 28 is under high pressure created by a central pump 26, usually located in the basement of the building.

[0018] The outlet water pipe 34 is connected to the outlet 33 and may be integral with the generator body 30. In some embodiments, the outlet 33 is an opening and the outlet pipe 34 may be a separate pipe connected to the generator body 30, such as by external male threads that mate with an internal female threaded opening in the housing 30. In certain embodiments, the outlet pipe 34 is a pipe that extends outward from the housing 30. In other embodiments, the opening in the outlet 33 may be directly connected to a building or equipment water pipe. For example, the outlet 33 may be an internal female threaded opening in the housing 30 that threads with an external male threaded building or equipment pipe.

[0019] Thus, the inlet 31 is in fluid communication with the inlet pipe 32 and the interior space of the housing 30. The outlet is in fluid communication with the inlet 31 and the interior space of the housing 30, and is in fluid communication with the outlet pipe 34. The turbine 60 is then in fluid communication with the inlet 31, the inlet pipe 32, the outlet 33, and the outlet pipe 34, and is located between the inlet 31 and the outlet 33.

[0020] An inlet pressure measuring device 36 is connected to the inlet water pipe 32 and measures the water pressure in the inlet water pipe 32 in real time. In other embodiments, the inlet pressure measuring device 36 may be connected to the building's secondary pipe 28 that is connected to the inlet 31.

[0021] An outlet pressure measuring device 38 is connected to the outlet water pipe 34 and measures the outlet water pressure in real time within the outlet water pipe 34. In other embodiments, the inlet pressure measuring device 36 may be connected to a building or appliance pipe connected to the outlet 33.

[0022] When the inlet and outlet pipes 31, 33 are coupled to their respective pipes, the body 30 forms a complete fluid-tight enclosure and has an interior space, within which the hydroelectric generator turbine 60 is completely enclosed. The turbine 60 is rotated by the flow of water through the inlet water pipe 32, the inlet 31, the body 30, the turbine 60, the water outlet 33, and the outlet water pipe 34. The rotation of the turbine 60 generates electrical power, which is transmitted from the generator body 30 to the outside via electrical leads 62. The leads 62 transmit the electrical power from the hydroelectric generator turbine 60 to the power generation measurement device 42. The power generation measurement device 42 measures or senses the power generated by the turbine 60 in real time and outputs the power generation measurement value. The generated electrical power on the output leads 62 can also be directly connected to a central battery / energy storage system for the building or floor. For example, the leads 62 can be directly connected to a battery or via electrical leads 44. The generated electrical power can be stored in the energy storage system for use by the building or floor.

[0023] The power generation measurement device 42 may be located in a processing device 40 (e.g., a computer) that performs a fail-safe. The processing device 40 is in wired or wireless communication with the inlet water pressure sensor 36, the outlet water pressure sensor 38, the turbine 60, and / or the power generation sensor 42. The processing device 40 receives inlet water pressure measurements from the inlet sensor 36 and outlet water pressure measurements from the outlet sensor 38. The processing device 40 also receives power generation measurements from the power generation measurement sensor 42. The processing device 40 analyzes the inlet pressure measurements, outlet pressure measurements, and / or power generation measurements to determine whether the power generation system 50 is operating properly. The processing device 40 includes a fail-safe mechanism that allows water to simply pass through the power generation system 50 if a fault is detected. The processing device 40 may also generate an alert or alarm indicating a fault.

[0024] The processing unit 40 monitors performance, notifies the owner of performance or failure, and implements fail-safe measures to avoid damage in the event of a failure. Additionally, the processing unit 40 generates control signals that are sent to the turbine 60 to control the operation of the turbine 60. For example, the processing unit 40 can maintain, increase, or decrease the resistance of the turbine 60, and can stop or start the turbine 60.

[0025] Normal ranges for power generation and pressure levels vary for each device depending on the floor on which it is installed. This calculation can be completed for each potential customer prior to installation and stored in memory associated with the processing unit 40. Potential failures include when the turbine requires mechanical maintenance, which reduces its efficiency (based on inlet pressure and generated power values). The processing unit 40 generates an alarm if the sensor detects a production or pressure rate below a set customized range (set based on calculations completed prior to each customer installation).

[0026] For example, the processing unit 40 receives a value for the power generated by the turbine 60 from the power measurement unit 40. It also receives the inlet pressure from the inlet pressure sensor 36. Based on these two values, the processing unit 40 can determine the efficiency of the turbine 60 and whether the turbine 60 is operating efficiently. If the turbine 60 is not efficient, it can send an alert or indicate that the turbine 60 requires maintenance.

[0027] Water appliances (e.g., faucets, dishwashers, toilets) can only tolerate water pressures significantly lower than those present in the building pipes 24, 28. Thus, the water pressure at the inlet 31 and inlet pipe 32 (or building pipe 28) is much higher than the water pressure at the outlet 33 and outlet pipe 32 (or appliance or appliance pipe). Thus, the power generation device 50 reduces the pressure from the inlet 31 to the outlet 33. Specifically, the turbine 60 reduces the pressure. As water passing through the housing 30 rotates the turbine 60, the pressure from the inlet 31 to the outlet 33 is reduced. The turbine 60 not only reduces the pressure, but also simultaneously generates energy that is captured by the turbine 60 as electricity.

[0028] The turbine 60 can be configured to reduce the water pressure to a desired level (e.g., a pressure appropriate for the building's water equipment). Thus, for example, a generator 50 on a lower floor of a building may have higher water pressure at the inlet 31 and require a greater reduction in pressure than a generator 50 on an upper floor. On the upper floor, the pressure at the inlet 31 is lower than the pressure at the inlet 31 on the lower floor. Thus, the generator 50 on the lower floor of the building will generate more power than the generator 50 on the upper floor. The amount of pressure reduction can be controlled by the processing unit 40. The processing unit 40 receives water pressure values ​​from the inlet water pressure detector 36 and / or the outlet water pressure detector 38 and dynamically adjusts the resistance of the turbine 60 accordingly in real time. Thus, the processing unit 40 dynamically accounts for pressure fluctuations at the inlet 31 and low pressure at the outlet 33 in real time, avoiding low or high water pressure at the outlet 33. The processing unit 40 sends a control signal to the turbine 60 to control its operation. For example, the processing unit 40 may turn the turbine 60 on, off, maintain its pressure, or adjust its resistance.

[0029] For example, outlet pressure sensor 38 may detect high or low pressure due to fluctuations in water usage at a building unit. Processor 40 detects the high or low pressure reading from outlet water pressure sensor 38 in real time and dynamically adjusts (maintains, increases, or decreases) the resistance of turbine 60 to respectively decrease or increase the pressure at outlet 33 until the desired outlet pressure is achieved at the outlet sensor. In another example, inlet pressure sensor 36 may detect high or low pressure due to fluctuations in building pump 26 or fluctuations in water usage at other floors or units. Processor 40 detects the high or low pressure reading from inlet water pressure sensor 36 in real time and dynamically adjusts (maintains, increases, or decreases) the resistance of turbine 60 to respectively decrease or increase the pressure at outlet 33.

[0030] While both an inlet pressure sensor 36 and an outlet pressure sensor 38 are described, in certain embodiments, the system 100 may use only a single sensor, either the inlet sensor 36 or the outlet sensor 38, with the processor 40 adjusting the turbine 60 based on the pressure reading of that single sensor. The higher the resistance of the turbine 60, the more power generated by the power generation plant 50. For example, if the processor reads an electrical production value that is lower than the range calculations indicate should be, the processor activates an alert to notify a maintenance team of the problem. The alert may be sent to the maintenance team (e.g., a processing device such as a smartphone) and / or the alert may activate a local alarm that sounds.

[0031] Thus, in certain embodiments, no pressure reducing valve (PRV) is required in system 50 because power generation device 50 manages the internal water pressure and replaces the traditional PRV. The new elements are pressure measurement devices 36, 38 and power generation measurement system 42 and processor 40. However, unlike a PRV, which converts extracted pressure into heat, power generation device 50 generates electricity. That is, power generation device 50 captures the energy lost by a traditional PRV.

[0032] System 100 is a closed water supply system, meaning that system 100 is closed from inlet 31 to outlet 34, from inlet pipe 32 to outlet pipe 34, from building pump 26 to building appliances, and from city water main 20 to building pressure pump 26, building main pipe 24, secondary pipe 28, power plant 60, and building water appliances.

[0033] System 100 will produce clean energy in urban centers, producing vast amounts of clean energy while mitigating transmission challenges associated with future renewable energy expansion and mitigating power outages in low-income urban areas, all while providing cost savings to building owners.

[0034] In some embodiments, a particularly beneficial scenario is in buildings with 10 or more floors, providing enough potential energy to generate a significant return, although the power generation system 50 can be used in buildings of any size. The available energy that the turbine can capture depends on the pressure level to which the water is pumped to reach the top floor. This pressure is most noticeable in buildings with approximately 10 floors or more, resulting in substantial power generation. However, power can be generated in buildings with any number of floors, even buildings with just one floor.

[0035] The system 100 installs a micro-hydro generator 50 in place of a PRV to reduce the pressure of the inflowing water to the unit. However, in some embodiments, the generator can be installed alongside the PRV. Unlike a PRV, the micro-hydro generator 50 converts the energy stored in the water pressure into electricity to use or sell. Building owners can use the electricity to reduce costs or sell it back to the grid. This produces clean energy and provides an alternative revenue stream / cost savings for building owners. Additionally, urban areas are often far from the source of the electricity they consume, making them the most vulnerable to forced outages and power outages. This solution transforms urban centers into clean energy production hubs. While the energy generated does not fully compensate for power loss during extended outages, it plays a critical role in ensuring emergency services and necessary agencies maintain power.

[0036] Due to differences in building size, occupancy, local water pressure rates, and other variables that depend on each client, there is no single set of dimensions or micro-hydro generators 50. Furthermore, the number of micro-hydro generators installed in a building will vary depending on the number of PRVs installed in the building. However, in some embodiments, the circumference of the inlet and outlet connections 1, 2 ranges from 3 inches to 12 inches, or approximately 0.95-3.82 inches in diameter. Fasteners, such as mounting screws, are placed along the pipe connections. The fasteners are attached to the generator body 30, which houses the turbine 5 and the electrical connections to the turbine. The entire generator set 50 is less than approximately 8 cubic feet. The generator 50 will likely use a Kaplan or Francis turbine 5, whichever is best suited to each building's specifications.

[0037] The generator 50 (including the body 30, input 31, outlet 33, input pipe 32, outlet pipe 34, sensors 36, 38, leads 62, processor 40, and sensor 42) can be pre-assembled, delivered to the site, and installed, for example, by welding the inlet and outlet to existing pipes in the building, or by simply using screws, or by using other connections such as threaded connections.

[0038] It should be noted that the computer 40, power measurement 42, and pressure measurement devices 36, 38 are optional, and the power generation system 50 need not include these components. That is, the power generation system 50 essentially includes a turbine 60, which reduces pressure from the inlet 31 to the outlet 33. Furthermore, the computer 40 is not required to provide fault safety monitoring. Thus, the power generation system 50 can generate power and reduce pressure from the inlet 31 to the outlet 33 without the monitoring provided by the sensors 36, 38, 42 and the computer 40.

[0039] In the embodiment of FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the processing unit 40 is located near or at the generator housing 30. Additionally, the inlet and outlet sensors 36, 38 are located as close as possible to the inlet 31 and outlet 33 of the generator housing 30 to obtain the most accurate pressure measurements. Furthermore, in further embodiments of the present disclosure, the processing unit 40 can communicate, via wire or wireless, with a central processing unit 70 (FIG. 2) located in a central location within the building, separate from the generator housing 30. Alternatively, a single central processing unit 70 can be provided in a central location within the building, separate from the generator housing 30, without the processing unit 40 located at the power plant 50. The central processing unit receives signals from multiple generators 50 and controls the operation of the turbines 60 of multiple generators 50 located throughout the building. Thus, the central processing unit can detect a pressure spike at the input detector 36 of a first generator on a lower level of the building and adjust the turbines 60 of multiple other generators on upper levels before the spike reaches those generators. Alternatively, the central processor may detect low pressure at the input or outlet sensors 36, 38 of the generators on the upper level and adjust the turbines 60 on the lower level to increase the pressure on the upper level.

[0040] Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the system in which a single micro-generator is provided on each floor and can supply water output to one or more apartments or building units. This differs from Figure 2 in that a single micro-generator is provided for each apartment or building unit. Other configurations of the system may be provided within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] Inlet pressures vary entirely based on the size of the building, although in certain embodiments, the inlet pressure may exceed 5.5 MPa (megapascals) and the outlet pressure is often around 0.3 MPa.

[0042] The processing unit 40 and central processing unit 70 may be, for example, a computer, a personal computer (PC), a server, or a mainframe computer, or more generally, a computing device, processor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or controller. The processing unit may include one or more of a wired or wireless communication link, an input device (e.g., touchscreen, keyboard, mouse) for user control or input, a monitor for displaying information to the user, and / or one or more storage device(s), such as memory, RAM, ROM, DVD, CD-ROM, analog or digital memory, flash drive, database, computer-readable medium, and / or hard drive / disk. All or part of the systems, processes, and / or data of the present disclosure may be stored on or read from one or more storage devices. The storage device(s) may contain machine-executable instructions for executing the processes of the present disclosure. The processing unit may execute software stored on the storage device. Unless otherwise specified, the processes are preferably implemented automatically by the processor in substantially real time without delay.

[0043] Additionally, while system 100 is described for use in a water distribution system, it can be used in similar types of systems and need not be liquid, but gas or solid, not necessarily water. For example, it can be used in oil distribution, gas distribution (such as natural gas or propane gas), or other systems. Additionally, while a power generation device 50 is provided, it will be recognized that any generator that produces any form of power or energy can be provided.

[0044] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings that modifications, combinations, subcombinations, and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, the various embodiments described can be used individually or in combination with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize various combinations of embodiments not specifically described or shown herein that are within the scope of the present disclosure. In this regard, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to particular embodiments, and that the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrative and not limiting.

Claims

1. 1. A hydroelectric power generation system, comprising: a housing having an inlet in fluid communication with a fluid source, the inlet having an inlet fluid pressure, the housing further having an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet, the outlet having an outlet fluid pressure; a generator located within the housing between the inlet and the outlet and in fluid communication with a fluid flow passing through the housing from the inlet to the outlet, the generator converting the fluid flow into electrical power and reducing the inlet fluid pressure at the inlet to the outlet fluid pressure at the outlet; Hydroelectric power generation systems, including:

2. The hydroelectric power generation system of claim 1 , wherein the power comprises electricity.

3. The hydroelectric power generation system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid comprises water.

4. The hydroelectric power generation system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with a high-pressure fluid pump.

5. The hydroelectric power generation system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outlet is in fluid communication with low-pressure water equipment operating at a second fluid pressure lower than the first fluid pressure.

6. The hydroelectric power generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a plurality of housings and generators, each located on a different floor of a building.

7. The hydroelectric power generation system of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an outlet sensor coupled to the outlet and detecting the outlet fluid pressure.

8. The hydroelectric power generation system of claim 7 , further comprising a processor that receives the detected outlet fluid pressure from the outlet sensor and controls operation of the generator based on the detected outlet fluid pressure.

9. The hydroelectric power generation system of claim 8 , wherein the processing unit controls operation of the generator to achieve a desired output pressure.

10. The hydroelectric power generation system of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an inlet sensor coupled to the input to detect the inlet fluid pressure.

11. The hydroelectric power generation system of claim 10 , wherein the processing unit receives the detected inlet fluid pressure from the inlet sensor and controls operation of the generator based on the detected inlet fluid pressure.

12. 12. The hydroelectric power generation system according to claim 1, further comprising a power generation measuring device connected to the generator for detecting the value of the power generated by the generator.

13. The hydroelectric power generation system of claim 12 , wherein the processing unit receives a detected generated power value from the power generation measurement device and controls operation of the generator based on the detected generated power value.

14. The hydroelectric power generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a processing unit for controlling the operation of the generator.

15. 15. The hydroelectric power generation system of claim 8, further comprising a central processor in communication with a plurality of said processing devices, said central processor controlling operation of a plurality of generators based on information detected in any one of said plurality of hydroelectric power generation systems.

16. 1. A hydroelectric power generation system, comprising: A first hydroelectric power generation device, a first housing having a first inlet in fluid communication with a fluid source, the first inlet having a first inlet fluid pressure, and a first outlet in fluid communication with the first inlet, the first outlet having a first outlet fluid pressure; a first generator located within the first housing, between the first inlet and the first outlet, in fluid communication with a first fluid flow passing through the first housing from the first inlet to the first outlet, the first generator converting the first fluid flow into electricity and reducing the first inlet fluid pressure at the first inlet to the first outlet fluid pressure at the first outlet; a first pressure sensor located at the first outlet of the first housing, the first pressure sensor detecting a first detected outlet pressure at the first outlet; a first hydroelectric generating device including: A second hydroelectric power generation device, a second housing having a second inlet in fluid communication with a fluid source, the second inlet having a second inlet fluid pressure, and a second outlet in fluid communication with the second inlet, the second outlet having a second outlet fluid pressure; a second generator located within the second housing between the second inlet and the second outlet, in fluid communication with a second fluid flow passing through the second housing from the second inlet to the second outlet, the second generator converting the second fluid flow into electricity and reducing the second inlet fluid pressure at the second inlet to the second outlet fluid pressure at the second outlet; a second pressure sensor located at the second outlet of the second housing for detecting a second detected outlet pressure at the second outlet; a second hydroelectric generating device including: a central processing unit that receives the first detected outlet pressure and controls operation of the first and / or second generators based on the first detected outlet pressure; Hydroelectric power generation systems, including:

17. 17. The hydroelectric power generation system of claim 16, wherein the central processing unit receives the second sensed outlet pressure and controls operation of the first and / or second generators based on the first and second sensed outlet pressures.

18. 18. The hydroelectric power generation system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the first hydroelectric power generation device is located on a first floor of a building, and the second hydroelectric power generation device is located on a second floor of a building different from the first floor.

19. 1. A closed hydroelectric power generation system configured for use within a building, comprising a plurality of hydroelectric generating units, each of the plurality of hydroelectric generating units comprising: a housing having a housing interior; an inlet in fluid communication with the housing and configured to be in fluid communication with a high-pressure building water pump, the inlet having an inlet water pressure; an outlet in fluid communication with the housing and the inlet, the outlet having an outlet fluid pressure; a hydro-electric generator located inside the housing between the inlet and the outlet, in fluid communication with a fluid flow passing through the housing from the inlet to the outlet, the hydro-electric generator converting the fluid flow into electricity and reducing the inlet fluid pressure at the inlet to the outlet fluid pressure at the outlet; an outlet sensor coupled to the outlet for detecting the outlet fluid pressure; a processing unit in communication with the outlet sensor and configured to adjust the hydro-generator based on the detected outlet fluid pressure; Closed hydroelectric power systems, including:

20. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the system does not have a pressure reducing valve because the hydroelectric power device replaces the pressure reducing valve.

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