A hydro-turbine power system having open and closing gates to capture kinetic energy of water currents

Abstract

An underwater hydropower generation system that uses ocean, river or other waterway currents to energize its Savonius rotor blades. Each rotor blade includes one or more moveable wicket gates allowing a greater amount of rotational torque to be applied to a rotor turning a turbine generator.

Description

A HYDRO-TURBINE POWER SYSTEM HAVING OPEN AND CLOSING GATES TO CAPTURE KINETIC ENERGY OF WATER CURRENTSField of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to hydro-electric power generation and more specifically to a hydro-electro power generation system using a Savonius rotor with wicket gates.Background

[0002] Power generation using Savonius type rotor components are well known in the art. A Savonius rotor and turbine is most often associated with wind powered power generation. The Savonius rotor typically uses one or more s-shaped curved blades on vertical shaft to rotate a turbine generator. The advantage this type of generator is it takes much less space than large windmill type generator having rotating turbine propellers. In contrast, the Savonius rotor has a smaller foot print and often is more environmentally friendly type of wind or hydro power production.[0003| One problem in using an s-shaped rotor blade is its efficiency. In use, one- half of the s-shaped blade rotating about a vertical shaft, works against itself during a portion of its rotation. Although the rotor is rotating in a desired direction, depending on the wind or water direction, the s-shape blade resists movement during the rotation cycle. Thus, new solutions are needed to increase the efficiency of Savonius turbine blade systems.Brief Description of the Figures

[0004] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part ofthe specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

[0005] FIG. 1 A is an exploded view illustrating components of the hydrogenerator system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0006] FIG. IB is a cut-away side view illustrating the various wicket gates used in the hydro-generator system.

[0007] FIG. 1C is a cut-away top view illustrating the upper wicket gates as seen in FIG. 1A.

[0008] FIG. ID is perspective top view illustrating the ballast pump and power generator as seen in FIG. 1 A.

[0009] FIG. I E is a magnified view of a wicket gate shown in FIG. I D.

[0010] FIG. 2A is a top view of a wicket gate shown in FIG. 1 .

[0011] FIG. 2B is a side view of the wicket gate shown in FIG. 1 .

[0012] FIG. 2C is an isometric view of the wicket gate shown in FIG. 1 .

[0013] FIG. 3A is an isomeric view of the bumper used with the wicket gate.

[0014] FIG. 3B is a magnified view of the bumper shown in FIG. 3A.

[0015] FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C are perspective, top and side views respectively of an alternative embodiment of the invention illustrating wings on the ends of the turbine arms to create a Darius turbine effect.

[0016] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.Detailed Description

[0017] Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a hydrogeneration power system using a wicket gate turbine. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0018] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises .. .a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0019] Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a hydrogeneration power system using a wicket gate turbine. In contrast to a standard s- shaped Savonius rotor, the wicket gate rotor uses a series of plates to create a water inlet as an input to a Savonius S-shaped blade. The S-shaped rotor has a forward blade on one side and a returning blade on its opposite side. The use of the water inlet has the effect of increasing speed of the water current and creating additional torque on one side of the blade. This additional torque prevents pushback of water on the returning blade and has an overall effect of creatingmore torque from the returning blade. An overall increase in torque provides an increase in overall blade efficiency during hydro-power generation. Additionally, a further feature of the system is that the rotating mount for the blade allows the blade orientation to move to accommodate any changes in the direction of the water current. Thus, the blades and shaft will capture kinetic energy of the water current and continue to generate hydro-electric power regardless of water current direction.[0020| FIG. 1 A, is an exploded view illustrating components of the hydrogenerator system according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. IB is a cutaway side view illustrating the various wicket gates used in the hydro-generator system. FIG. 1C is a cut-away top view illustrating the upper wicket gates as seen in FIG. 1 A. FIG. ID is perspective top view illustrating the ballast pump and power generator as seen in FIG. 1A. With regard to FIG. 1A, FIG. IB, FIG. 1C and ID, the hydro-generation power system 100 is comprised of various components housed within a truncated conical shaped frame or housing 101 . The housing 101 points substantially upwardly allowing its wider lower end to be supported by the ground. The housing 101 has open sides allowing water current(s) to pass though the housing so to be in direct contact with its internal bladed components mounted within the housing 101. The housing 101 is formed using a plurality of support rods, cable or lines 103 that define the structure. The housing 101 is typically positioned underwater e.g. on a river bed or the ocean floor. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the housing will be selected based on the overall environment viz. generator depth, speed of the water current and the type of resting bottom.

[0021] Within the housing 101, a plurality of blades 105, 107, 109 are used to rotate a shaft 111 connected to a generator 112. More specifically, a first s-shaped blade 105, is configured under of a first plate 113 and atop a second plate 1 15. The first plate 1 13 and second plate 115 are substantially round in shape and have flat top and bottom surfaces for supporting the size of blade 105. Although threeblades are shown in these illustrations, those skilled in the art will also recognize that there more be an unlimited number of blades may be configured within the housing 101 as needed. In other embodiments, a housing is optional where the hydro-generation power system 100 is free floating and constrained to a river or ocean floor only by cable.

[0022] Similarly, a second blade 107 is configured below the second plate 115 and is oriented approximately 90 degrees to the first blade 105. A third plate 117 is configured below the second blade 107. The third plate 117 sits above a third blade 109. A fourth plate 1 19 is configured below the third blade 109 such that the first blade 105, second blade 107 and third blade 109 are aligned and sandwiched between fist plate 113, second plate 1 15, third plate 117 and fourth plate 119 rotating about shaft 111. As seen FIG IB, the shaft 1 1 1 passes vertically though the center of each of the first plate 113, second plate 1 15, third plate 117 and fourth plate 119.

[0023] FIG. IB illustrates blades 105, 107, 109 formed using a plurality of serially connected “wicket” gates 1 10. The number of wicket gates is selected based on the size of the blade. Each wicket gate is configured so to be connected to an adjacent gate where an s-shaped blade is formed. Depending on direction of the water current, the use of a gate within the blade surface allows the moving water to either pass or resist fluid movement. The positioning of each gate i.e., either in an open, closed or partially closed configuration allows for the moving blade to deliver a higher amount torque to the rotating the shaft 11 1 . FIG. 1 C shows wicket gates arranged in a semi-circular formation to act as a one-way flow for river or ocean currents.

[0024] Further, an outer compartment 121 is formed above the first plate 113. The outer compartment 121 has a flat surface or bottom 123 used to house control circuitry 125 which is used to control and / or regulate generator power components. The outer compartment 121 also operates to provide ballast to the housing 101. An inner compartment operates as a ballast tank 122 that is formedinside the outer compartment 121 using a ballast wall 127. A ballast pump 129 and ballast piping 131 provide remove water as needed form the ballast tank 122. A cover or access port 133 above the ballast tank provides access to the generator 1 12 and control circuitry 125. FIG. ID best shows the ballast pump 129 and power generator within the ballast tank 122 that is used to evacuate water keeping the ballast tank 122 dry. FIG. IE is a magnified view of a wicket gate shown in FIG. ID. The gates 110 are shown in a closed position[0025| FIG. 2A is a top view of a wicket gate shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2B is a side view of the wicket gate shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2C is an isometric view of the wicket gate shown in FIG. 1. With regard to each of FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C, each wicket gate 200a, 200b, 200c is comprised of four surfaces. A back surface 201 is connected at one end to a first side surface 203 and at its opposite end to a second side surface 205. The second side surface 205 connects to a front surface 207. The second side surface 205 extends from and is substantially orthogonal to the back surface 201. The front surface 207 extends from the second side surface 205 and is parallel to the back surface 201. Each gate is configured in a manner to form a rectangular pocket therein.

[0026] At the opposite end of the back surface 201, the first side surface 203 extends from the back surface 201, like the second side surface 205 however it includes a plurality of holes or apertures 209 built into its ends allowing it to pivot and operate as a hinge. In use, each blade is formed using a plurality of serial connected wicket gate 200a, 200b, 200c Each wicket gate works to resist water flow when closed yet pivots to an open position allowing water to pass through one side of the blade. Through the constant open and closing of wicket gates during rotation of the blade, this allows the blade to provide more force and rotational torque to the rotor to which the blade is connected.

[0027] FIG. 3A is an isomeric view of the damper assembly used with the wicket gate and FIG. 3B is a magnified view of the damper assembly shown in FIG. 3A. Referring now to both FIG. 3 A and FIG. 3B, as the wicket gate 301 moves fromits open and closed positions during rotation of the blade, it is necessary to lessen the forces of the gate 301 as it closes against its frame. If these forces are not reduced, the gate 301 often will be damaged and / or or distort its shape over time. Once damaged, the gate 301 will longer operate effectively. The damper gate assembly 300 includes a c-channel housing 303 extending about the perimeter of the wicket gate. The damper gate assembly includes a rubber or plastic bumper 305 configured within the housing 303. The c-channel housing 303 is mounted to the blade 307 using screws, fasteners 309 or the like. The durometer of the materials used with bumper 305 substantially are soft and / or pliable and are selected to reduce the amount of forces applied to the gate as it closes against the c-channel housing 303. The goal of the damper assembly 300 to make the opening and closing of each wicket gate silent and undetectable from the surface.

[0028] FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C are perspective, top and side views respectively of an alternative embodiment of the invention illustrating wings on the ends of the turbine arms to create a Darius turbine effect. The Darius turbine effect is created where a turbine blade’s angle of attack changes as the turbine spins, so each blade generates its maximum torque at two points on its cycle. The main advantage to this design is that the torque generated remains almost constant over a substantially wide blade angle. Over this range of blade angles, the torque itself is near the maximum possible, meaning that the system also generates more power.

[0029] As seen in FIGs 4A to FIG. 4C, the hydrogenator system 400a, 400b, 400c, includes the wicket gates 401, 403, 405 where the wicket gates 401 are shown closed to collect kinetic energy from any moving current like ocean currents, rivers or tidal currents. The returning arm and its wicket gates 403 opens to allow the water to freely flow through it without creating resistance. This allows the maximum conversion of kinetic energy into radial torque for a given size of the turbine. Thus, the turbine will allow for vertical and horizontal applications no matter direction of the currents. The hydrogenator system asdefined herein operates can also work with turbine tidal barrage or ocean currents to create clean electricity 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.

[0030] Thus, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a hydrogeneration power system that includes a plurality of s-shaped Savonius blades configured to turn a vertical shaft. A generator is connected to an end the shaft for producing electricity. The s-shaped Savonius blades include a plurality of serially connected wicket gates therein. Based upon the direction of water current through the wicket gate, each gate moves between an open and closed position, for providing a greater amount torque to the vertical shaft.

[0031] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

Claims

I claim:

1. A hydro-generation power system comprising: a plurality of s-shaped Savonius rotor blades configured to turn a shaft; an electronic generator connected to the shaft; and wherein at least one of the s-shaped Savonius rotor blades include at least one wicket gate that moves between an open and closed position, based upon direction of water current though the wicket gate such that the at least one wicket gate allows for providing a greater torque to the shaft.

2. A hydro-generation power system as in claim 1 , wherein the wicket gate includes a hinged edge.

3. A hydro-generation power system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wicket gate is a plurality of wicket gates configured serially on each of the at least one s-shaped blades.

4. A hydro-generation power system as in claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of circular plates for supporting each of the s-shaped Savonius blades on the top and bottom.

5. A hydro-generation power system as in claim 3, wherein the shaft is position at the center of each of the plurality of circular plates.

6. A hydro-generation power system as in claim 1 , wherein the at least one wicket gate includes at least one damper assembly having a bumper for reducing the closing forces against the wicket gate when moving to a closed position.

7. A hydro-generation power system comprising: a plurality of s-shaped Savonius rotor blades configured to turn a shaft; an electronic generator connected to the shaft; and at least one wicket gate configured within at least one of the s-shaped Savonius rotor blades where the at least one wicket gate moves between and open and closed position.

8. A hydro-generation power system as in claim 7, wherein the at least one wicket gate is opened or closed based on a direction of water current though the wicket gate.

9. A hydro-generation power system as in claim 7 where the at least one wicket gate works to provide increased rotational torque to the shaft.

10. A hydro-generation power system as in claim 7, wherein the wicket gate includes a hinged edge allowing it to moves between an opened and closed position.

11. A hydro-generation power system according to claim 7, wherein the at least one wicket gate is a plurality of wicket gates configured serially on each of the at least one s-shaped blades.

12. A hydro-generation power system as in claim 7, further comprising a plurality of circular plates for supporting each of the s-shaped Savonius blades on a top and bottom of the blades.

13. A hydro-generation power system as in claim 12, wherein the shaft is positioned at the center of each of the plurality of circular plates.

14. A hydro-generation power system as in claim 7, wherein the at least one wicket gate includes at least one damper assembly having a bumper for reducing the closing forces against the wicket gate when moving to a closed position.

15. A hydro-generation power system comprising: a plurality of s-shaped Savonius rotor blades configured to turn a shaft; an electronic generator connected to the shaft; and at least one wicket gate configured within at least one of the s-shaped Savonius rotor blades where the at least one wicket gate moves between and open and closed position; and wherein the at least one wicket gate is opened or closed based on a direction of water current though the wicket gate and includes at least one damper assembly therein having a bumper for reducing the closing forces against the wicket gate when moving to a closed position.

16. A hydro-generation power system as in claim 15, where the at least one wicket gate works to provide increased rotational torque to the shaft.

17. A hydro-generation power system as in claim 15, wherein the wicket gate includes a hinged edge allowing it to moves between an opened and closed position.

18. A hydro-generation power system according to claim 15, wherein the at least one wicket gate is a plurality of wicket gates configured serially on each of the at least one s-shaped blades.

19. A hydro-generation power system as in claim 15, further comprising a plurality of circular plates for supporting each of the s-shaped Savonius blades on a top and bottom of the blades.

20. A hydro-generation power system as in claim 19, wherein the shaft is positioned at the center of each of the plurality of circular plates

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