Inline hydroelectric power generation system

Abstract

The hydraulic-electric energy harvesting system includes a hydraulic turbine, which comprises a housing having fluid intake and fluid discharge couplings on it, a plurality of blades arranged circumferentially around a disk and configured to rotate within the housing, and a gear train rotatably engaged with the disk to multiply the rotation of the hydraulic turbine. A mechanical flywheel is rotatably coupled to the output of the gear train to store kinetic energy. An electromagnetic clutch is coupled to the mechanical flywheel to selectively transmit rotational motion from the flywheel to a motor-generator coupled to it. The system is configured for in-line installation within a pressurized fluid system, thereby pressurizing the fluid and causing it to flow through the turbine and rotate the blades by discharging fluid from the system. The system multiplies this rotation and transmits it to a motor-generator to generate electricity for harvesting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications This international patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 507,307, filed on June 9, 2023.

[0002] Background of the Invention The present disclosure generally relates to harvesting mechanical energy from a pressurized fluid system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods and systems adapted for in - line installation within a pressurized fluid system for harvesting energy by hydroelectric power.

Background Art

[0003] More sustainable energy solutions are preferred, and as fossil fuels are decreasing in their importance as primary energy sources, energy harvesting and recycling are becoming increasingly important. One such sustainable energy source that is not yet fully utilized at present is the drinking water distribution system infrastructure. Homes and commercial buildings and facilities typically rely on a water supply system, such as a public water supply and / or a well water system. These systems contain pressurized water, which begins to flow when a device for discharging water, such as a faucet is opened. This movement of pressurized water through the pipes within the system is, at present, substantially unused as a clean energy source.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] Brief Description of the Disclosure A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a hydraulic-electric energy harvesting system, which includes a hydraulic turbine, a housing having a fluid intake coupling and a fluid discharge coupling disposed thereon, a plurality of blades arranged along the circumference of a disk and configured to rotate within the housing about a rotational axis in response to a force applied by a pressurized fluid, and a gear system rotatably engaged with the disk and configured to multiply the rotational motion to produce an output. The hydraulic-electric energy harvesting system further includes a mechanical flywheel rotatably coupled to the output of the gear system and configured to store the 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 hydraulic-electric energy harvesting system is configured for in-line installation within a pressurized fluid system, thereby allowing fluid from the pressurized fluid system to flow into the housing through the fluid intake coupling, force the plurality of blades, and exit the housing through the fluid discharge coupling.

[0005] In a particular embodiment, the gear system includes a planetary gear system comprising a plurality of planetary gears rotatably engaged with a disk, and a sun gear rotatably engaged with the plurality of planetary gears, wherein the sun gear includes a shaft configured to engage with a first pulley, the first pulley configured to rotate in response to the rotation of the shaft of the sun gear, the first pulley configured to rotate at a ratio of one rotation of the first pulley to one rotation of the sun gear, the first pulley connected to a second pulley by a first belt, the second pulley configured to rotate in response to the rotation of the first pulley and the first belt, the diameter of the first pulley being greater than the diameter of the second pulley, the diameter of the first pulley being three times greater than the diameter of the second pulley, the second pulley configured to rotate at a ratio of three rotations of the second pulley to one rotation of the first pulley, and the second pulley configured to rotate at a ratio of 72 rotations to one rotation of a plurality of blades of a hydraulic turbine.

[0006] In certain embodiments, the planetary gears are configured to rotate at a ratio of 4 revolutions per revolution of the multiple blades of the hydraulic turbine, the sun gear is configured to rotate at a ratio of 6 revolutions per revolution of each planetary gear, and the sun gear is configured to rotate at a ratio of 24 revolutions per revolution of the multiple blades of the hydraulic turbine.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the hydraulic energy harvesting system further includes a one-way clutch bearing positioned between a second pulley and a mechanical flywheel, the one-way clutch bearing being configured to transmit rotational motion from the second pulley to the mechanical flywheel, thereby enabling the inertial motion of the mechanical flywheel.

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

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

[0010] In a particular embodiment, a third pulley is rotatably connected to an electromagnetic clutch, a fourth pulley is rotatably connected to the third pulley by a second belt, and the fourth pulley is connected to a motor generator, so that when actuated, the electromagnetic clutch transmits rotational motion from the mechanical flywheel shaft to the third pulley, the second belt transmits rotational motion from the third pulley to the fourth pulley, and the output shaft transmits rotational motion from the fourth pulley to the motor generator. The rotational motion is transmitted from the third pulley to the motor generator in a ratio of one rotation of the third pulley to one rotation of the motor generator.

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

[0012] In certain embodiments, the pressurized fluid system includes a closed system such as a pressurized water system. In certain embodiments, the pressurized water system is a commercial or domestic drinking water system or an agricultural water supply system. In certain embodiments, the water pressure of the pressurized water system is higher than approximately 20 PSI (approximately 137.90 kPa) and has a maximum of approximately 350 PSI (approximately 2,413.17 kPa).

[0013] In a particular embodiment, the system includes a charge controller connected to a motor-generator, the charge controller configured to receive DC electricity from the motor-generator, the charge controller includes an inverter, the charge controller is connected to a power storage system configured to store the electricity generated by the motor-generator, the power storage system includes a flywheel energy storage system (FESS), the power storage system includes a chemical battery storage bank configured to store direct current (DC) electricity, and the charge controller is connected to a power grid to send the power generated by the motor-generator and converted to AC electricity by the inverter to the power grid.

[0014] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides an electric harvesting method, which includes a hydraulic turbine, comprising a hydraulic electric energy harvesting system comprising: a housing having fluid intake and fluid discharge couplings mounted thereon; a plurality of blades arranged along the circumference of a disk and configured 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 and configured to multiply the rotational motion to produce an output. A mechanical flywheel is rotatably coupled to a sun gear and configured to store kinetic energy generated by the rotation of the hydraulic 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 a hydraulic energy harvesting system in-line within a pressurized fluid system so that fluid from the pressurized fluid system flows into a fluid intake fitting and out through a fluid outlet fitting; discharging fluid from the pressurized fluid system so that the fluid flows through the fluid intake fitting, applies force to multiple blades, and out through a fluid discharge fitting; and generating and harvesting electricity using the hydraulic energy harvesting system.

[0015] In certain embodiments, harvesting further includes storing electricity in an output storage system connected to a motor generator, where the power storage system includes a flywheel energy storage system (FESS) or a chemical battery storage bank.

[0016] In certain embodiments, harvesting further includes converting DC electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity using an inverter and transmitting the electricity to a power grid.

[0017] In certain embodiments, harvesting further includes storing the electricity in a power storage system connected to a motor generator. In certain embodiments, the power storage system includes a flywheel energy storage system (FESS) or a chemical battery storage bank configured to store direct current (DC) electricity, and an inverter configured to convert DC electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity.

[0018] In certain embodiments, harvesting further includes transmitting electricity to a power transmission and distribution network.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the fluid exiting the fluid discharge fitting returns to the pressurized water system at a pressure 1 to 1.5 PSI (approximately 6.89 kPa to 10.34 kPa) lower than the fluid entering the fluid intake fitting.

[0020] These and other aspects, advantages, and features not expressed herein will become apparent from the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings disclosing embodiments thereof, where similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] An upper front left perspective view of a mechanical energy harvesting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. [Figure 2] An exploded perspective view showing a more detailed portion of the hydraulic turbine according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 3] The vertical direction of the mechanical energy harvesting apparatus according to the embodiment of this disclosure is shown in the standard diagram. [Figure 4] This shows an upper front right perspective view of a mechanical energy harvesting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This shows a left side view of a mechanical energy harvesting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This shows a front view of a mechanical energy harvesting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] A right side view of a mechanical energy harvesting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 8] A bottom front left perspective view of a mechanical energy harvesting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 9] A view with the vertical direction of the mechanical energy harvesting device reversed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram showing the transmission of energy through a mechanical energy harvesting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] A flow diagram for the illustration of an exemplary process for generating and harvesting hydroelectric power according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] It should be noted that the drawings of the present disclosure are not necessarily to scale. The drawings show only typical aspects of the present disclosure and should therefore not be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In the figures, like numbers represent like elements among the drawings.

[0023] Detailed Description of the Disclosure Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a hydroelectric energy harvesting system and a method for harvesting hydroelectric energy from pressurized water flowing through pipes in a pressurized fluid system, such as a commercial or residential water supply system, without substantially adversely impacting the user experience. For example, the average water main pressure in the United States is approximately 65 PSI (about 448.16 kPa), while the minimum usable pressure for many fittings is about 20 PSI (about 137.90 kPa). This provides a typical margin of about 45 PSI (about 310.26 kPa), within which using a portion of this pressure would have no significant impact on end users. A hydroelectric energy harvesting system can be connected to a residential or commercial water supply system in a manner similar to existing solar charging systems. Whenever water is discharged in the system, i.e., while water is flowing, and for a short period thereafter, the system generates electricity. The harvested hydroelectric energy can be stored in energy storage devices such as batteries or returned to the power grid. In certain embodiments, the harvested energy may be used, for example, to supplement a portion of the electricity used in homes, businesses, or farms.

[0024] Where used herein, PSI refers to pounds per square inch as a unit of pressure, kPa refers to kilopascal 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 "comprises, comprising, includes including" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, and a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a set of elements may include not only these elements but also other elements not explicitly listed or that are specific to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. The term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example," not "ideal." In addition, "first," "second," etc., are used herein to distinguish one element or structure from other elements or structures, not to imply any order, quantity, or importance. Furthermore, the articles (a, an) herein indicate the presence of one or more of the items mentioned, not to imply a limit on quantity. When used herein, the plural suffix (s) is intended to include both the singular and plural forms of the term it modifies, and to include one or more of its items (for example, metal(s) includes one or more metals).

[0025] The modifier "about" used in relation to 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 described herein are inclusive and may be combined individually (e.g., "up to about 25 mm, or more specifically, about 5 mm to about 20 mm" includes all endpoints and intermediate values ​​in the range "about 5 mm to about 25 mm").

[0026] Figures 1 and 3-9 show a hydraulic energy harvesting system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The energy harvesting system 100 includes a hydraulic turbine 102, which is shown in more detail in Figure 2. 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 to each other by, for example, a fastener 130. The fastener 130 may include, for example, button head bolts or other suitable fasteners. The turbine housing 101 includes a fluid intake fitting 110 and a fluid discharge fitting 112, which may be located on the front housing 104. The fluid intake fitting 110 and the fluid discharge fitting 112 may be configured to engage, for example, in a threaded manner, to fit with the pipe diameter of a particular pressurized fluid system in which the energy harvesting system 100 may be installed. In various embodiments, the diameters of the fittings 110 and 112 may range from, for example, about 0.75 inches (approximately 1.91 cm) to about 12 inches (approximately 30.48 cm), such as about 0.75 inches (approximately 1.91 cm), about 1 inch (approximately 2.54 cm), about 1.25 inches (approximately 3.18 cm), about 1.5 inches (approximately 3.81 cm), about 2 inches (approximately 5.08 cm), about 4 inches (approximately 10.16 cm), about 6 inches (approximately 15.24 cm), about 8 inches (approximately 20.32 cm), about 12 inches (approximately 30.48 cm), or any other standard or non-standard piping size. As shown in Figure 2, the turbine housing 101 may further include a watertight turbine housing seal 103, which may be located between the front housing 104 and the rear housing 106. A watertight pump seal 105 is located on the output side of the rear housing 106 and may be covered by a pump seal cap 109, thereby preventing water from leaking out of the rear housing 106 at an opening along the rotating shaft 114 during operation. Other seals may be used so that during operation, all or substantially all of the fluid entering the turbine housing 101 from the fluid intake fitting 110 exits through the fluid discharge 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.

[0027] The turbine blade stage is located within the turbine housing 101. The blade stage may include a disk 107, which supports a plurality of blades 108 arranged along the circumference of the disk 107. The disk 107 and blades 108 are configured to rotate around a rotational axis 114 in response to the force applied to the blades 108 by the pressurized fluid. In particular, fluid from the pressurized fluid system enters the housing 101 through a fluid intake coupling 110, applies force to the blades 108, causing the blades 108 and disk 107 to rotate around the axis 114 within the housing 101, and then flows out of the housing 101 through a fluid discharge coupling 112 and returns to the pressurized fluid system. In certain embodiments, this process is achieved simply by a reduction in nominal fluid pressure with respect to the fluid flowing through the pressurized fluid system, for example, from 1 to 1.5 PSI (from about 6.89 kPa to about 10.34 kPa). In certain embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, for example, the fluid travels through the turbine housing 101 in a substantially U-shaped path 118, entering the housing 101 from the fluid intake coupling 110, traveling along a portion of the circumference of the disk 107, for example about half, and exiting through the fluid discharge coupling 112 in the opposite direction from the intact coupling 110, along a path substantially parallel thereto.

[0028] The turbine 102 includes a gear system, for example, a planetary gear system 116 configured to multiply the rotation generated by the fluid flowing through the turbine 102. In certain embodiments, the gear system, e.g., the planetary gear system 116, may be located within the turbine housing 101. The disk 107 supporting the blades 108 functions as a ring gear, supported by a ring gear bearing 111 as it is pressurized and rotates around the shaft 114 in response to the fluid flow through the turbine 102. A plurality of planetary gears 120, e.g., three planetary gears 120, rotatably engage with the disk 107 and are held and supported by planetary gear stepped bolts 113 and planetary gear bearings 115. A sun gear 122 rotatably engages with the plurality of planetary gears 120 and is supported by a sun gear bearing 117. The sun gear 122 may include an output shaft 132, which outputs the rotational motion generated by the turbine blades 108, which can be multiplied by the planetary gear system 116. The output shaft 132 of the sun gear 122 represents the output of a gear system, such as an exemplary planetary gear system 116.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the planetary gear system 116 may multiply the rotations of the disk 107 and blades 108 by any of a plurality of selected elements. For example, in one embodiment, a planetary gear 120 interferes with the disk 107, rotating at a ratio of 4 rotations of the planetary gear 120 to 1 rotation of the disk 107 carrying the multiple blades 108, i.e., a 4:1 ratio. A sun gear 122 interferes with the plurality of planetary gears 120, rotating at a ratio of 6 rotations of the sun gear 122 to 1 rotation of the planetary gear 120, i.e., a 6:1 ratio. This exemplary gear train multiplies the rotations by 24 times, i.e., the ratio of rotations of the sun gear 122 to the ratio of rotations of the disk 107 carrying the blades 108 is 24:1. Other embodiments with different gear train ratios are conceivable, such as 100:1, 60:1, 38:1, 26:1, 14:1, 4:1, and other ratios of the rotation of the sun gear (i.e., output rotation) to the rotation of the disk 107 supporting the blade 108. Yet another variation of the gear train components is conceivable, such as the use of a cycloidal gear to multiply the rotational motion generated by the turbine 102 instead of the planetary gear system 116 described above. Other embodiments may include a worm gear having a threaded shaft made to mate with a worm wheel having a selected number of teeth and a selected diameter. Such embodiments may be used particularly in applications with larger flow rates and more frequent stops in pressurized fluid systems. Yet another embodiment may include a continuously variable (CVT) gearbox that can provide the functions described herein in relation to the planetary gear system 116. Other variations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0030] Referring again to Figures 1 and 3-9, the hydraulic energy harvesting system 100 further includes a mechanical flywheel 124, which is rotatably connected to a sun gear 122 and is configured to store the kinetic energy generated by the rotation of the blades 108 of the hydraulic turbine 102. In a particular embodiment, the flywheel 124 is connected to the turbine 102 by a belt-driven system which includes a first pulley 134, a second pulley 136, and a first belt 138, which together transmit rotational motion from the output shaft 132 (Figure 2) of the sun gear 122 to the mechanical flywheel 124. As is best seen in Figures 5 and 8, the output shaft 132 is connected to the first pulley 134 by a shaft coupler 119 (Figure 5) and supported by a mounting bearing 121 (Figure 8). The first pulley 134 rotates in response to the rotation of the output shaft 132, in a 1:1 ratio of rotation of the output shaft 132 to rotation of the first pulley 134. In a particular embodiment, the output shaft 132 extends through the rear housing 106 of the turbine 102 via a mechanical pump shaft seal 105 (Figure 2). The first pulley 134 is coupled to and rotatably engaged with the second pulley 136 by a tensioned first belt 138. The rotation of the output shaft 132 rotates the first pulley 134, which in turn rotates the first belt 138, which in turn rotates the second pulley 136.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the diameter of the first pulley 134, which rotates at the same speed as the output shaft 132, is larger than that of the second pulley 136. In one embodiment, the diameter of the first pulley is 12 inches (30.48 cm) and the diameter of the second pulley is 4 inches (10.16 cm). In this example, as a result, the rotational motion output by the second pulley 136 is also three times the rotational speed of the output shaft 132 and the first pulley 134, resulting in a 3:1 multiplication and a 72-fold multiplication of the rotational speed of the stages of the turbine blades 108, i.e., the second pulley 136 is configured to rotate at a ratio of 72 revolutions for every 1 revolution of the multiple blades 108 of the hydraulic turbine 102. Other embodiments are conceivable in which different ratios, such as 2:1 or 4:1, or a 3:1 ratio, are used by using first and second pulley diameters different from the exemplified 12-inch (30.48 cm) and 4-inch (10.16 cm) pulleys described herein. Furthermore, the pulleys may be V-belt pulleys, and the first belt 138 may be a V-belt.

[0032] The rotational output of the second pulley 136 can be transmitted via a shaft 144 supported by a mounting bearing 141 to a mechanical flywheel 124 and to a one-way clutch or freewheel connection, such as a one-way clutch bearing 140, which may be located within the hub of the second pulley 136. The one-way clutch bearing 140 transmits rotational motion from the second pulley 136 to the mechanical flywheel 124, enabling the mechanical flywheel 124 to inert, thereby allowing all kinetic energy to be stored in the mechanical flywheel 124 and free from the burden of resistance from other upstream components. For example, this allows energy to be applied to the flywheel 124 without any energy loss returning to the system during gear engagement. The flywheel 124 may include a mechanical flywheel shaft 144, which is configured to output rotational motion from the mechanical flywheel 124.

[0033] The hydraulic-electric energy harvesting system 100 further includes an electromagnetic clutch 126, the input of which may be coupled to the output of a mechanical flywheel shaft 144, and which may selectively transmit rotational energy from the flywheel 124 to the motor-generator 128 via the electromagnetic clutch 126 and the generator belt drive. The motor-generator 128 may be any generator known in the art. For example, the motor-generator 128 may include a rotary generator or a radial generator. In certain embodiments, the motor-generator 128 may be a high-efficiency, zero-cogging-torque axial-flux motor-generator.

[0034] The electromagnetic clutch 126 is configured to operate and deactivate intermittently. When operated, the electromagnetic clutch 126 transmits rotational motion from the mechanical flywheel shaft 144 to the motor-generator 128 via the generator drive belt. The generator drive belt may include a third pulley 146, which is rotatably coupled to the output of the electromagnetic clutch 126. The third pulley 146 is then rotatably coupled to a fourth pulley 148 by a second belt 150, for example, the generator drive belt. In certain embodiments, the third and fourth pulleys 146, 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 the output shaft 142, thereby connecting the electromagnetic clutch 126 to the motor-generator 128 via a belt drive system consisting of the third and fourth pulleys 146, 148 and the second belt 150. In certain embodiments, the first and second pulleys 146 and 148 may have a common diameter, thereby transmitting rotational motion from the third pulley 146 to the fourth pulley 148 and then to the motor-generator 128 in a ratio of one rotation of the third pulley 146 to one rotation of the fourth pulley 148 to one rotation of the motor-generator 128.

[0035] During operation, the mechanical flywheel 124 may be configured to store kinetic energy generated by the turbine 102 and multiplied by a gear train, e.g., a planetary gear system 116, and a V-belt drive system including first and second pulleys 134, 136, at a rotational speed much faster than the speed at which the motor-generator 128 rotates. Referring to Figure 10, the kinetic energy stored in the flywheel 124 may be monitored through a passive sensor system 152. In various embodiments, the passive sensor system (PSS) 152 may be at least partially on or adjacent to the controller 158 and / or other system components such as the flywheel 124 and / or the motor-generator 128. The aforementioned system components may be connected via wired or wireless communication links.

[0036] The controller 158 is configured to receive and monitor information such as data generated by the passive sensor system 152 regarding the rotational speed of the flywheel 124. The controller 158 is further configured to receive and monitor information such as data generated by the passive sensor system 152 regarding the rotational speed of the motor generator 128. Using this data, the controller 158 is configured to selectively activate and deactivate the electromagnetic clutch 126, as further described herein, to temporarily and intermittently connect the flywheel 124 and the motor generator 128, thereby transferring kinetic energy from the flywheel 124 to the motor generator 128.

[0037] The controller 158 may be configured to actuate the electromagnetic clutch 126 in response to a signal indicating that the rotational speed of the motor-generator 128 is below a threshold rotational speed. When the motor-generator 128 is rotating below the threshold speed, the controller 158 applies a voltage to the electromagnetic clutch 126, thereby engaging the electromagnetic clutch 126 and transmitting rotational motion from the flywheel 124 to the third pulley 146, as described herein. The third pulley 146 is part of a V-belt drive, which also includes a fourth pulley 148 and belt 150, and is configured to transmit rotational motion to the motor-generator 128 at a rotational speed ratio of 1:1. This transmission of kinetic energy increases the rotational speed of the motor-generator 128, during which energy is extracted from the flywheel 124.

[0038] The controller 158 may further be configured to disengage the electromagnetic clutch 126 by, for example, stopping the application of voltage to the electromagnetic clutch 126 in response to detection that the speed of the motor generator 128 has reached or exceeded a threshold rotational speed. The threshold rotational speed may vary depending on different embodiments having different external variables. However, in various embodiments, the flywheel 124 may rotate at a speed of 0 to about 30,000 RPM, and its upper limit may vary 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 specifically about 250 RPM to about 10,000 RPM, or about 60 RPM to about 30,000 RPM. In certain embodiments, the flywheel 124 is configured to rotate at a faster rotational speed (in RPM) than the motor-generator 128, and in other embodiments, the flywheel 124 and the motor-generator 128 may share a common or nearly common maximum rotational speed, for example, about 30,000 RPM. The lower end of the exemplary rotational speed range of the motor-generator 128 may be the lowest speed compatible with any applicable frequency limit of the controller 158 for power generation. The threshold rotational speed may also vary depending on the particular embodiment and applicable external variables. However, in a particular example, the threshold rotational speed may be, for example, about 450 RPM.

[0039] Disengaging the electromagnetic clutch 126 stops the transmission of rotational motion from the flywheel 124 to the third pulley 146, as described herein. When the electromagnetic clutch 126 is disengaged, the motor-generator 128 can rotate by inertia, the flywheel stabilizes, and the time between engagement or disengagement of the electromagnetic clutch 126 is extended. This disengagement conserves the kinetic energy stored in the flywheel 124, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the system 100. One engagement and one disengagement of the electromagnetic clutch 126 may together constitute one power generation cycle.

[0040] When the motor-generator 128 eventually slows down by inertia to a rotational speed below the threshold rotational speed, the electromagnetic clutch 126 may be reactivated to re-engage the motor-generator 182 with the flywheel 124. This initiates a second power generation cycle, increasing the rotational speed of the motor-generator 128 until it reaches or exceeds the threshold or target rotational speed. This re-engagement may be conditional on the controller 158 determining that there is sufficient rotational speed in the flywheel 124. After the second power generation cycle ends, the next power generation cycle continues in a manner corresponding to the first cycle, provided that sufficient kinetic energy is stored in the flywheel 124.

[0041] In this way, the electromagnetic clutch 126 is operated intermittently to bring the motor-generator 128 to an optimal speed for power generation, and to maintain such an optimal or target speed for as long as possible. The electromagnetic clutch 126 can also be used to generate multiple power generation cycles of the motor-generator 128 for each charge of the flywheel 124 by repeatedly operating and deactivating the electromagnetic clutch 126, thereby increasing the kinetic energy stored in the flywheel 124 and bleeding it off to the motor-generator 128. A single charge of the flywheel is performed as described herein when a fluid is discharged from a pressurized fluid system, for example water discharged from a household faucet, to generate rotational motion in the turbine 102, and this rotational motion is transmitted to the flywheel 124. The repeated operation and deactivation of the electromagnetic clutch 126 stops the flow of pressurized fluid within the pressurized fluid system, for example, after a tap is shut off and the turbine blades 108 stop rotating. For a certain period of time, the rotational motion from the flywheel 124 is transmitted to the motor generator 128, thereby extending the time during which the motor generator 128 can generate electricity.

[0042] Referring further to Figure 10, the hydroelectric energy harvesting system 100 may include a charge controller 160 connected to a motor generator 128 and configured to receive DC electricity from the motor generator 128. The charge controller 160 may further include an inverter, such as an external inverter, to which the charge controller 160 interfaces for electrical conditioning and demand monitoring. The inverter may be configured to convert the DC electricity generated by the motor generator 128 into AC electricity so that it can be connected to the power grid 156. The charge controller 160 may further be configured to monitor a backup battery system in, for example, a controller 158 and perform its charging.

[0043] The charge controller 160 may be connected to a power storage system 154, which may be configured to store electricity generated by the motor generator 128. In certain embodiments, the power storage system may include a flywheel energy storage system (FESS) configured to store power using a kinetic battery. The generated electricity is supplied to a motor used to rotate the flywheel at speeds of up to 30,000 RPM or more. The FESS flywheel is then switched to a generating mode, in which the same motor used to rotate the FESS flywheel generates electricity using the kinetic energy stored within it.

[0044] In other embodiments, the power storage system 154 may include a chemical battery storage bank configured to store direct current (DC) electricity. Any known chemical battery may be used to enable longer-term storage of DC electricity. Regardless of type, the power storage system 154 may be used to store power generated by the motor generator 128 and supply power to the control unit and system components of the system 100, such as the controller 158, the passive sensor system 152, and the charge controller 160 (Figure 10). In certain embodiments, an inverter may be connected to the power storage system 154 to convert the DC electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity for, for example, return to the power grid 156.

[0045] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to Figure 11, the application also provides a method for harvesting electricity. According to a particular embodiment, the method includes a process P1 that provides a hydroelectric energy harvesting system 100. As described herein, the hydroelectric energy harvesting system 100 includes a hydraulic turbine 102, a gear system such as a planetary gear system 116 housed in a housing 101, a mechanical flywheel 124, an electromagnetic clutch 126, and a motor generator 128, as described elsewhere herein.

[0046] Process P2 includes installing a hydraulic energy harvesting system 100 in-line within a pressurized fluid system so that fluid from the pressurized fluid system flows into a fluid intake fitting 110 and out through a fluid discharge fitting 112. In certain embodiments, the pressurized fluid system may be a closed system and may be a pressurized water system such as a commercial or domestic drinking water system. The pressurized fluid system, for example, a pressurized water system, may have a pressure exceeding about 20 PSI (about 137.90 kPa). In one example, the water pressure in a typical water main in the United States may be approximately 65 PSI (approximately 448.16 kPa), which provides a margin of approximately 45 PSI (approximately 310.26 kPa) within which a hydroelectric energy harvesting system 100 can be used, resulting in a nominal fluid pressure drop of, for example, approximately 1 psi to approximately 1.5 PSI (approximately 6.89 kPa to approximately 10.34 kPa), which would not fall below the minimum usable pressure for a typical piping system, nor would have an adverse effect on the user experience.

[0047] In various embodiments, the fluid pressure in the pressurized fluid system can be, for example, greater than 20 PSI (greater than 137.90 kPa), about 20 psi to about 65 PSI (about 137.90 kPa to 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 also 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 correspond to lower water pressures, so the maximum pressure in a 6-inch (15.24 cm) pipe can be about 175 psi (about 1,206.58 kPa).

[0048] Process P3 includes discharging the fluid from the pressurized fluid system so that the fluid flows through the fluid intake fitting 110. The flowing fluid exerts force on the multiple blades 108 and flows out through the fluid discharge fitting 112.

[0049] Process P4 includes generating and harvesting electricity using a hydroelectric energy harvesting system 100. In particular, electricity is generated by converting rotational energy into electricity using a motor generator 128 (Figure 10), as described elsewhere in this specification.

[0050] The above-described hydroelectric power harvesting system 100 can be installed and used in a variety of applications, such as household drinking water systems, commercial drinking water systems, large-scale agricultural drinking water applications such as irrigation systems, and other pressurized systems through which any fluid, such as water, flows, by expanding or contracting the components to suit each desired application. For example, in addition to the components of the turbine 102, belts, clutches, pulleys, and motor generators can be expanded or contracted to accommodate various applications.

[0051] In certain embodiments, harvesting electricity involves storing it in a power storage system 154 that communicates with a motor generator 128 via electrical signals. In various embodiments, the power storage system 154 may include a flywheel energy storage system (FESS), thereby enabling the storage of electricity using a kinetic battery. The generated electricity is supplied to a motor used to rotate the FESS flywheel at speeds of up to 30,000 RPM or more. The FESS flywheel is then switched to a power generation mode, in which the same motor used to rotate the FESS flywheel generates electricity using the kinetic energy stored in the FESS flywheel. In this embodiment, the system may use a hydroelectric power harvesting system 100 to generate a DC current and generate three-phase AC electricity to store the energy in the power storage system 154, which includes the FESS, and return it directly to the power grid 156.

[0052] In other embodiments, the power storage system 154 may include a chemical battery storage bank configured to store direct current (DC) electricity. Any known chemical battery may be used to enable longer-term storage of DC electricity. An inverter is further provided to convert the DC electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity for, for example, return to the power grid 156. The power storage system 154 may store the power generated by the motor generator 128 and use it to power the control unit and system components of the system 100, such as the controller 158 and the passive sensor system 152 (Figure 10), or to return it to the main power grid 156. In other embodiments, harvesting further includes transmitting electricity from the motor generator 128 to the power grid 156.

[0053] While various embodiments have been described herein, it will be evident from the specification that various combinations of elements, variations therein, or improvements can be made by those skilled in the art, and these are also within the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications can be made without departing from their essential scope to adapt the teachings of the disclosure to specific circumstances or materials. Therefore, the disclosure is not limited to any particular embodiment disclosed as the best possible mode for carrying out the disclosure, but is intended to include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. It is a hydraulic turbine, A housing having a fluid intake fitting and a fluid discharge fitting positioned thereon, Within the housing, a plurality of blades are arranged along the circumference of the disk and are configured to rotate around a central axis of rotation in response to a force applied by a pressurized fluid, and A gear system that rotatably engages with the disk, and is configured to multiply and output rotational motion. A hydraulic turbine including, A mechanical flywheel rotatably connected to the output of the gear system and configured to store the kinetic energy generated by the rotation of the hydraulic turbine, An electromagnetic clutch connected to the aforementioned mechanical flywheel, A motor generator rotatably connected to the aforementioned electromagnetic clutch and A hydroelectric energy harvesting system including, A hydraulic and electric energy harvesting system configured for inline installation within a pressurized fluid system, thereby allowing fluid from the pressurized fluid system to flow into the housing through the fluid intake fitting, apply force to the plurality of plates, and exit the housing through the fluid discharge fitting.

2. The hydraulic energy harvesting system according to claim 1, further comprising a planetary gear system including a plurality of planetary gears rotatably engaged with the disk and a sun gear rotatably engaged with the plurality of planetary gears, wherein the mechanical flywheel is rotatably connected to the sun gear.

3. The hydraulic energy harvesting system according to claim 2, wherein the sun gear includes a shaft configured to engage with a first pulley, the first pulley being configured to rotate in response to the rotation of the shaft of the sun gear.

4. The hydraulic energy harvesting system according to claim 3, wherein the first pulley is configured to rotate in a ratio of one rotation of the first pulley to one rotation of the sun gear.

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

6. The hydraulic energy harvesting system according to claim 5, wherein the diameter of the first pulley is greater than the diameter of the second pulley.

7. The diameter of the first pulley is three times larger than the diameter of the second pulley. The hydraulic energy harvesting system according to claim 6, wherein the second pulley is configured to rotate in a ratio of three rotations of the second pulley to one rotation of the first pulley.

8. The hydraulic energy harvesting system according to claim 5, wherein the second pulley is configured to rotate at a ratio of 72 revolutions per revolution of the disk of the hydraulic turbine.

9. The hydraulic energy harvesting system according to claim 2, wherein the planetary gear is configured to rotate at a ratio of four rotations for every one rotation of the disk of the hydraulic turbine.

10. The hydraulic and electric energy harvesting system according to claim 2, wherein the sun gear is configured to rotate at a ratio of six rotations for every one rotation of the plurality of planetary gears.

11. The hydraulic energy harvesting system according to claim 2, wherein the sun gear is configured to rotate at a ratio of 24 revolutions per revolution of the plurality of blades of the hydraulic turbine.

12. The hydraulic energy harvesting system according to 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 configured to transmit rotational motion from the second pulley to the mechanical flywheel, thereby enabling the inertial motion of the mechanical flywheel.

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

14. The hydraulic energy harvesting system according to claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic clutch is configured to operate intermittently to transmit rotational motion from the mechanical flywheel shaft to the motor generator.

15. A third pulley rotatably connected to the electromagnetic clutch, A fourth pulley is rotatably connected to the third pulley by a second belt, and It further includes, The fourth pulley is connected to the motor generator, As a result, when activated, the electromagnetic clutch is configured to transmit rotational motion from the mechanical flywheel shaft to the third pulley. The second belt is configured to transmit rotational motion from the third pulley to the fourth pulley, and the output shaft is configured to transmit rotational motion from the fourth pulley to the motor generator. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system according to claim 14.

16. The hydraulic energy harvesting system according to claim 15, wherein rotational motion is transmitted from the third pulley to the motor generator in a ratio of one rotation of the third pulley to one rotation of the motor generator.

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

18. The hydraulic energy harvesting system according to claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to activate the electromagnetic clutch in response to the detected rotational speed of the motor generator being less than a threshold rotational speed, thereby rotating the third pulley and increasing the rotational speed of the motor generator.

19. The hydraulic energy harvesting system according to 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 transmission of rotational motion to the third pulley.

20. The hydraulic energy harvesting system according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the threshold rotational speed is approximately 450 RPM.

21. The hydraulic and electric energy harvesting system according to claim 1, wherein the pressurized fluid system includes a closed system.

22. The hydraulic energy harvesting system according to claim 21, wherein the pressurized fluid system further comprises a pressurized water system.

23. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system according to claim 22, wherein the pressurized water system includes a commercial or household drinking water system.

24. The hydraulic energy harvesting system according to claim 22, wherein the pressurized water system includes an agricultural water supply system.

25. The hydraulic energy harvesting system according to claim 22, wherein the water pressure of the pressurized water system is higher than approximately 20 PSI (approximately 137.90 kPa).

26. The hydraulic energy harvesting system according to claim 22, wherein the water pressure of the pressurized water system is a maximum of approximately 350 PSI (approximately 2,413.17 kPa).

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

28. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system according to claim 27, wherein the charge controller includes an inverter.

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

30. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system according to claim 29, wherein the power storage system includes a flywheel energy storage system (FESS).

31. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system according to claim 29, wherein the power storage system includes a chemical battery storage bank configured to store direct current (DC) electricity.

32. The hydroelectric energy harvesting system according to claim 28, wherein the charge controller is connected to a power transmission and distribution network and sends power generated by the motor generator and converted to AC electricity by the inverter to the power transmission and distribution network.

33. To provide a hydroelectric energy harvesting system, It is a hydraulic turbine, A housing having a fluid intake fitting and a fluid discharge fitting installed thereon, Within the housing, a plurality of blades are arranged along the circumference of the disk and are configured to rotate around a central axis of rotation in response to a force applied by a pressurized fluid, A gear system that rotatably engages with the disk, wherein the gear system is configured to multiply and output rotational motion. A hydraulic turbine including, A mechanical flywheel is rotatably connected to the output of the gear system and is configured to store the kinetic energy generated by the rotation of the hydraulic turbine. An electromagnetic clutch rotatably connected to the aforementioned mechanical flywheel, A motor generator rotatably connected to the aforementioned electromagnetic clutch and To provide a hydroelectric energy harvesting system that includes, The aforementioned hydraulic power harvesting system is installed in-line within the pressurized fluid system, so that fluid from the pressurized fluid system flows into the fluid intake fitting and out through the fluid outlet fitting. The fluid is discharged from the pressurized fluid system, thereby causing the fluid to flow through the fluid intake fitting, apply force to the multiple blades, and flow out through the fluid discharge fitting. The aforementioned hydroelectric energy harvesting system is used to generate electricity and harvest it. Electric harvesting methods, including [specific examples].

34. The aforementioned harvesting is The method according to claim 33, further comprising storing the electricity in a power storage system connected to the motor generator.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein the power storage system includes a flywheel energy storage system (FESS).

36. The aforementioned storage is The method according to claim 34, further comprising storing the direct current (DC) electricity in a chemical battery storage bank.

37. The aforementioned harvesting is Using an inverter, convert the DC electricity to AC electricity, Transmitting the aforementioned electricity to the power transmission and distribution network The method according to claim 33, further comprising:

38. The method according to claim 33, wherein the fluid discharged from the fluid discharge fitting returns to the pressurized water system having a pressure about 1 to 1.5 PSI (6.89 kPa to 10.34 kPa) lower than the fluid entering the fluid intake fitting.

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