Strategy and optimization of combining hydropower and UV water treatment

Abstract

A device may include a turbine comprising a plurality of blades configured to receive a flow of water in a first flow direction from a first portion of the pipe towards the water outlet, the turbine generating a power level based on a pressure of the water flowing through the pipe. The device may include a water treatment component positioned adjacent to the turbine and in fluid communication with the flow of water in the pipe, the water treatment component receiving power directly from the turbine.

Description

STRATEGY AND OPTIMIZATION OF COMBINING HYDROPOWER AND UV WATER TREATMENTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 595,824, filed November 3, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to water disinfection and treatment systems. In many regions, access to reliable water treatment and electricity remains limited, posing significant challenges to safe water access. Communities in remote, low-income, or under-resourced areas often rely on untreated or minimally treated water sources due to a lack of centralized water treatment facilities. Even where basic water treatment systems exist, inconsistent or insufficient electrical power complicates effective water purification, especially at the household level where additional point-of-use (POU) treatment might be needed for safer consumption.

[0003] In some situations with intermittent or unreliable power, POU water treatment methods that depend on electricity — such as UV disinfection systems — become impractical, leaving communities vulnerable to waterborne diseases. Therefore, a need exists to address these gaps in water treatment systems.SUMMARY

[0004] According to one implementation, a point-of-use water treatment device is disclosed. The point-of-use water treatment device is configured to be installed on a pipe adjacent to a water outlet. The device includes a turbine including a plurality of blades configured to receive a flow of water in a first flow direction from a first portion of the pipe towards the water outlet. The turbine generates a power level based on a pressure of the water flowing through the pipe. The device further includes a water treatment component positioned adjacent to the turbine and in fluid communication with the flow of water in the pipe, the water treatment component receiving power directly from the turbine.

[0005] In some implementations, the water treatment component is an ultraviolet light array configured to treat the water in the pipe with a dosage of ultraviolet light.

[0006] In some implementations, the dosage of ultraviolet light is a minimum of 10 mJ / cm2.

[0007] In some implementations, the water treatment component is a filtering component such as a reverse osmosis filtering device.

[0008] In some implementations, the device does not include an energy storage component, and the power from the turbine is delivered directly to the water treatment component for immediate use.

[0009] In some implementations, the pressure of the water flowing through the pipe is a minimum of 30 psi to generate a minimum of 1.5 watts of power for the water treatment component.

[0010] In some implementations, the device further includes a housing, the turbine and the water treatment component each disposed within a cavity defined by the housing.

[0011] In some implementations, the device further includes an inlet and an outlet each in fluid communication with the turbine and the water treatment component, each of the inlet and the outlet including a 1 / 2-inch pipe connection.

[0012] In some implementations, the device further includes a nozzle positioned upstream from the turbine, the nozzle configured to increase the velocity of the water entering the turbine.

[0013] In some implementations, the turbine produces a minimum of 1.5 watts of power.

[0014] In some implementations, a total pressure drop of the water flowing through the turbine is between 10-40 psi.

[0015] In some implementations, a flow rate of water through the device is between 1 and 3 gallons per minute.

[0016] In some implementations, a ratio of the total pressure drop of the water to a power output of the turbine, in watts, is between 27 : 1 and 6: 1.

[0017] In some implementations, a ratio of flow rate through the turbine, in gallons per minute, to power output by the turbine, in watts, is between 20: 1 and 0.67: 1.

[0018] In some implementations, a ratio of power output of the turbine, in watts, to rotational velocity of the plurality of turbine blades, in revolutions per minute, is between 1 : 1000 and 1 :2000.

[0019] In some implementations, the device is configured for installation under a sink.

[0020] According to another implementation, a system is disclosed. The system includes a pipe having a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end along a central longitudinal axis. The pipe further includes a sidewall defining a channel along which a fluid is delivered from the first end towards the second end. The system further includes a turbine installed in a first portion of the channel of the pipe. The turbine includes a plurality of blades. The system further includes an inline device installed in a second portion of the channel of the pipe. The inline device is in electrical communication with the turbine to receive power directly from the turbine.

[0021] In some implementations, the fluid is water and wherein the inline device is an ultraviolet light device configured to treat and disinfect the water with a dosage of ultraviolet light.

[0022] In some implementations, the dosage of ultraviolet light is a minimum of 10 mJ / cm2.

[0023] In some implementations, the inline device is a water treatment device.

[0024] In some implementations, a power level from the turbine to the inline device is based on a pressure and a flow rate of the fluid in the pipe.

[0025] In some implementations, the pressure of the fluid is a minimum of 30 psi.

[0026] In some implementations, the power level is a minimum of 1.5 watts.

[0027] In some implementations, the system does not include an energy storage device, and the power from the turbine is delivered directly to the inline device for immediate use.

[0028] In some implementations, the turbine is a first turbine, the system further including a second turbine installed in a third portion of the channel downstream from the first portion.

[0029] In some implementations, the inline device is a first inline device, the system further including a second inline device installed in a fourth portion of the channel.

[0030] In some implementations, the system is a point of entry water treatment system delivering water to multiple water outlets.

[0031] In some implementations, the system is a point of use water treatment system delivering water to a single water outlet.

[0032] In some implementations, the channel has a first cross sectional area near the first end of the pipe and the channel has a second cross sectional area near the second portion of the pipe downstream from the first end of the pipe. The second cross sectional area is smaller than the first cross sectional area.

[0033] In some implementations, the first end of the pipe has a first fluid velocity, wherein a nozzle is defined by the pipe near the second portion of the pipe upstream from the turbine. The nozzle produces a second fluid velocity entering the turbine that is higher than the first fluid velocity.

[0034] This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] The device is explained in even greater detail in the following drawings. The drawings are merely exemplary and certain features may be used singularly or in combination with other features. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of microbial water quality degradation in drinking water distribution systems, according to one implementation.

[0037] FIG. 2 shows a schematic of water pressure harvesting with hydroelectric systems in drinking water and wastewater pipe systems, according to one implementation.

[0038] FIG. 3A shows an image of the experimental, proof-of-concept hydropower UV LED reactor arrangement, according to one implementation.

[0039] FIG. 3B shows diagrams of alternative set-ups for the flow through disinfection arrangement of FIG. 3 A, according to various implementations.

[0040] FIG. 4 shows graphs of disinfection kinetics for bacteriophage MS2 for the three UV LED reactors using three power sources, according to various implementations.

[0041] FIG. 5 shows graphs of the theoretical maximum turbine hydropower that can be harvested from water supplies for various hydraulic conditions up to 4500 gal min'1(e.g.,municipal scale; 0.284 m3s'1), assuming various turbine efficiencies, according to various implementations.

[0042] FIG. 6 shows graphs of the theoretical minimum required power for UV systems to achieve various UV doses as a function of flow rate and water quality, according to various implementations.

[0043] FIG. 7 shows graphs of the design envelope created between the theoretical maximum generated power and minimum required power across different water qualities, turbine efficiencies, pressure drops, and flow rates, indicating a wide space of theoretical possibility for a given set of conditions, according to various implementations.

[0044] FIG. 8 shows a schematic of hydropower UV systems at point-of-use (POU) scale, according to one implementation.

[0045] FIG. 9 shows a schematic of hydropower UV systems at point-of-entry (POE) scale, according to one implementation.

[0046] FIG. 10 shows a Zurn turbine detail view and the Zurn turbine implemented into an experimental setup, according to one implementation.

[0047] FIG. 11 shows another view of the experimental setup of FIG. 10.

[0048] FIG. 12A shows results of the experimental study of FIGS. 10-11 in a graph of flow rate vs. average power, according to various implementations.

[0049] FIG. 12B shows results of the experimental study of FIGS. 10-11 in a graph of flow rate vs. efficiency, according to various implementations.

[0050] FIG. 13 shows a system wherein rings of UV LEDs are installed between impeller stages in a multistage pump, according to one implementation.

[0051] FIG. 14 shows a system wherein LEDs are integrated at the exit casing of the multistage turbine, according to one implementation.

[0052] FIG. 15 shows an image of an off-the-shelf turbine with the plurality of blades visible, according to one implementation.

[0053] FIG. 16 shows an example modeled geometry of a flow system including an example turbine, according to one implementation.

[0054] FIG. 17 shows a detail view of a first design of a nozzle for controlling flow entering the turbine, according to one implementation.

[0055] FIG. 18 shows a detail view of a second design of a nozzle for controlling flow entering the turbine, according to another implementation.

[0056] FIG. 19 shows the nozzle design of FIG. 18 with example dimensions, according to one implementation.

[0057] FIG. 20 shows a detail view of a third design of a nozzle for controlling flow entering the turbine with example dimensions, according to one implementation.

[0058] FIG. 21 shows diagram and heat map comparing the cross-sectional velocity magnitude near the nozzle for various nozzle designs, according to various implementations.

[0059] FIG. 22 shows a diagram and heat map showing the velocity magnitude contour of the enclosure region various nozzle designs, according to various implementations.

[0060] FIG. 23 shows a graph of efficiency found for the off-the-shelf turbine at different runner rotational velocities, according to one implementation.

[0061] FIG. 24 shows a graph of efficiency found for the off-the-shelf turbine at different flow rates, according to one implementation.

[0062] FIG. 25 shows a diagram of a system for water treatment for point-of-entry (POE) applications, according to one implementation.

[0063] FIG. 26 shows a diagram of a system for water treatment for point-of-use (POU) applications, according to one implementation.

[0064] FIG. 27 shows a point-of-use (POU) device for water treatment installed into an under- the-sink system, according to one implementation.

[0065] FIG. 28 shows a point-of-use (POU) device for water treatment installed at the outlet of a faucet, according to one implementation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Following below are more detailed descriptions of concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and systems for in-line hydropower generation and water treatment. The figures illustrate exemplary implementations in detail and the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0067] Water distribution systems (e.g., pressurized or gravity-driven) may have excess or existing pressure that can be recovered and converted into electricity using pressure recovery valves or hydroelectric processes. Electricity generated in water distribution systems in this way can be used to power other water treatment devices, such as UV disinfection systems, to provide microbial protection throughout the distribution system (i.e., distributed UV), or also promote other UV-based treatment processes such as contaminant degradation. Other areas that hydropower could be harvested for water treatment include elevated rainwater harvesting tanks, water storage tanks, elevated reservoirs, or pressurized aquifers, etc. In addition to applications in dense urban areas with pressurized water systems, these systems may be common in rural or decentralized water systems serving low- or middle-income communities that lack reliable electricity and experience poor water quality. Harvesting energy to create electricity from water flowing in systems provides an on-site, reliable, grid independent, and instant power supply that can be used to treat water using UV disinfection (or other electricity-consuming water treatment devices applied with or instead of UV).Experimental Testing and Results #1Discussion

[0068] From treatment to tap, the microbial quality of drinking water can deteriorate. See FIG. 1, showing a diagram of microbial water quality degradation in drinking water distribution systems. Water may enter the distribution system with low or no levels of microbial contamination, but microbial quality may degrade as the water travels further along the pipe network, water age increases, and disinfectant residuals get depleted. Treated tap water is not sterile and may contain microorganisms that can proliferate in distribution systems, cooling towers, building plumbing systems, home plumbing, home water devices, and other technologies and plumbing served by the drinking water distribution systems (DWDS). Humans may be exposed to water through a varietyof pathways including ingestion, aspiration, inhalation, and contact exposure, and so the potential pathogenesis of any microbial exposure through these routes must be minimized to protect human health.

[0069] Microbial issues are not the only issues in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS). Currently, in the United States most disinfection processes are designed and regulated by the Microbial and Disinfection Byproduct (MDBP) Rule to address two primary classes of contaminants: pathogens and disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Pathogens are acute risks, while the risk of DBPs is more chronic in nature. Pathogens, including opportunistic pathogens (OPs), cause disease outbreaks, hospitalizations, illnesses, and death, and are especially threatening to susceptible populations including children, elderly people, and immunocompromised individuals. DBPs are genotoxic and carcinogenic compounds that form when chemical disinfectants (e.g., chlorine and chloramine) react with organic precursors (e.g., natural organic matter (NOM)) during treatment and in finished water. Recent research has shown that emerging DBPs may be more toxic than regulated DBPs (e.g., total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids). Emerging DBPs such as brominated or nitrogenous DBPs may become more common as earth’s water reserves decline and water utilities apply chemical treatment to source waters impaired by harmful algal blooms, high salt content, nutrients (e.g., nitrogen), and wastewater.

[0070] Despite the objectives of disinfection to remove microorganisms and pathogens from drinking water, disinfection-related microbial issues still occur in water distribution systems. Bacterial regrowth, decay of residual disinfectant, water stagnation and water age, water main breaks and intrusion, and biofilm growth and sloughing all constitute serious threats to microbial water quality. Other distribution system problems related to microorganisms include nitrification, biofilms, corrosion, taste and odor, and proliferation of OPs.

[0071] Drinking water disinfection may occur in two primary stages, depending on the water system. Primary disinfection is an initial treatment that is required to remove pathogens that are potentially present in source water. Secondary disinfection is the maintenance of disinfectant residuals, which is a key strategy for limiting bacterial growth in DWDS. Important characteristics of secondary disinfectants are chemical stability, disinfecting power, and low DBP formation potential. Despite their DBP formation potentials, chlorine and chloramines are still the most used secondary disinfectants against microorganisms. Aging infrastructure and climate change are drivers for increased risk of microbial contamination and proliferation of OPs, which may require greater disinfection control in the future. To combat the increasing risk of pathogens, especiallyOPs, it would not be practical to simply increase residual concentrations for the following reasons: increased disinfection cost, increased potential for DBP formation, negative impacts on taste and odor, and chemical interactive effects on corrosion control. Additionally, more utilities are switching to chloramines (a weaker oxidant than chlorine) for maintaining longer residual effect and reducing DBPs. However, chloramines can be depleted by biofilms, provide nutrients for nitrifying bacteria leading to elevated nitrate and nitrite (i.e., regulated in drinking water), form highly toxic nitrogenous DBPs, and can select for Mycobacterium in DWDS.

[0072] UV light is not commonly included as a secondary disinfectant because it does not provide a residual disinfectant that remains in the water. As a chemical-free disinfectant, UV causes little to no regulated DBP formation. Water treatment plants also report that UV exhibits minimal photodegradation of chlorine applied during primary disinfection and does not affect chlorine residual or DBP formation, so it does not negatively impact existing disinfection practices.

[0073] Unique strategies for applying UV can mimic the intended function of residual disinfectants: preventing regrowth. For example, UV disinfection can be applied in strategic locations (i.e., UV booster stations) in a manner similar to chlorine booster stations to manage microbial water quality and DBP formation. A new model of secondary disinfection incorporating UV in a distributed manner (i.e. distributed UV disinfection) has been proposed to complement current chemical-based secondary disinfection practices. In this way, chemical disinfectant doses can be optimized and even reduced to minimize DBP formation potential and chemical costs. UV disinfection is already proven in point of entry (POE) and point of use (POU) applications.

[0074] Additionally, UV can be applied centrally to inactivate microorganism repair mechanisms so that there is reduced risk of DNA repair and potential regrowth. To achieve a residual-like effect, UV can be applied with high enough doses (e.g., UV doses > 40 mJ / cm2) to inflict damage levels that prevent bacterial regrowth. Alternative methods of controlling repair are also considered. Multi -wavelength disinfection has been investigated for damaging both DNA and protein targets to enhance disinfection and prevent microorganisms from repairing and regrowingExperimental Setup

[0075] A study was conducted wherein hydropowered UV LED technology was developed using off-the-shelf UV-C LEDs and pico-hydro turbine generators and evaluated across point-of-use relevant flow rates. Commercially available UV LED flow through reactors were subjected tomicroorganism challenge testing with 3 power schemes: 12V wall plug, and hydropower-charged- battery, and hydropower alone (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3B). Disinfection powered by hydropower- charged battery was equivalent to wall plug, achieving between 0.5-1.8 MS2 logio reduction at flow rates between 0.5-2.3 L min'1, corresponding to reduction equivalent doses (RED) up to 16 or 30 mJ / cm2for 254 and 285 nm, respectively. When powered by hydropower alone, MS2 logio reduction decreased to <0.3 logio reduction due to an underperforming and inefficient turbine, with RED of 8 or 18 mJ / cm2for 254 and 285 nm, respectively. However, other turbines may be implemented into the system with a higher efficiency to achieve adequate MS2 reduction. This study demonstrates the practicality of sustainable, renewable energy point-of-use UV disinfection technology that can benefit decentralized, off-grid, rural and remote communities. The system may also scale up to provide renewable energy disinfection at larger scales, such as buildings and water distribution systems, for protecting human health in highly populated areas.

[0076] In-pipe hydropower offers a renewable, scalable, and economically attractive technology that harnesses water pressure in municipal water and wastewater, industrial water, urban and building, and agriculture and irrigation systems to generate electricity. In-pipe hydropower provides environmental, operational, construction, and economic advantages over conventional hydropower systems (e.g., dams). For example, in-pipe hydropower limits disruption of the natural environment and is climate independent (e.g., precipitation, temperature). Pre-existing conduits (e.g., canals, pipes) in agricultural, municipal, industrial systems, gravity-driven water supplies, water tanks, wastewater conveyance, and stormwater collection can be designed or retrofitted with hydropower technology to generate renewable energy. See, for example. FIG. 2, showing a schematic of water pressure harvesting with hydroelectric systems in drinking water and wastewater pipe systems. In some municipalities, water pressure leaving drinking water treatment plants or coming from water storage towers can be excessive and cause damage in customers’ homes or be unsuitable for residential, commercial, or industrial use. Turbines could be used strategically to convert hydraulic energy into electricity while serving the same hydraulic function as a pressure reducing valve for reducing water pressures to useable ranges, which are often required in building codes. Gravity-fed sewage conveyance can also be areas for implementing hydroelectric generators. The passive flow can be used to generate electricity to recover costs for municipalities.

[0077] Point-of-use scale UV reactors, PearlAqua Micro reactor models 3B, 6B and 9C, were purchased from AquiSense Technologies (Erlanger, KY). These POU reactors are NSF / ANSIInternational 55-2019 certified water disinfection systems with maximum operating pressure of 120 psi (pounds per square in; 827 kPa) and pressure drop of 0.9-5.9 psi (6.2-40.7 kPa) at a flow rate of 1.2-5.3 L min-1. The reactors are rated for fluid temperatures from 0 to 45°C, are compatible with 3 / 8” (0.95 cm) inner diameter quick connect fittings and operate with input voltage of 12V. Required input power requirements for the reactors range from 2.5-11 W. The reactor houses internal electronics and UV LEDs and operates in an up-flow orientation. The experimental, proof-of-concept hydropower UV LED reactor is shown in FIG. 3 A.

[0078] For flow through disinfection tests, thawed MS2 (ATCC 15598-B1) stocks of 1010PFU mL'1were diluted to obtain working stock concentrations of -106 PFU mL’1in 0.1X PBS. For collimated beam tests, MS2 stocks were diluted in sterile IX PBS (pH 7.2) to prepare working stocks targeting -106PFU mL’1. All untreated and UV treated samples were serially diluted in IX PBS. MS2 bacteriophage plaque assay was performed with E. coli Famp host (ATCC 700891) in Tryptic soy agar using EPA 1602 single layer agar method. Quantification was performed using a spot plating technique with 10 pL spots and 10 technical replicates per dilution. Plates were incubated at 37°C for 12-16 h. Microorganism reduction was expressed as logio inactivation, calculated as logio (No / Nx) before versus after UV irradiation, where No = microorganism concentration before UV irradiation and Nx = microorganism concentration after UV irradiation in flow through or collimated beam testing.

[0079] Flow through UV disinfection experiments were conducted using various power sources: wall plug, hydropower, and hydropower-charged battery (hydropower battery). The flow through disinfection set-up is shown in FIG. 3B. A pump and valve were used to vary the flow rate for all experiments. Flow rates were measured at the outlet of the apparatus using graduated cylinder and stopwatch measurements. UV treated samples were collected at the outlet. Negative control untreated samples were collected at the beginning and end of each flow through experiment with the UV source disconnected from the power supply. Wall plug powered experiments were performed to establish a baseline disinfection performance to compare the hydropower UV LED disinfection results. For wall plug powered disinfection experiments, the positive and negative connections on the reactors were connected to the positive and negative terminals of a regulated DC power supply (BK Precision® 1621A) set to 12V DC. The current drawn from the power source were 0.27, 0.67, and 0.77 A, resulting in calculated power consumptions of 3.2, 8.0, and 9.24 W for the PearlAqua Micro 3B, 6B and 9C units, respectively.

[0080] For hydropowered disinfection experiments, the set up was constructed by connecting the red (supply) and black (ground) leads from the UV LED reactors to the red (positive) and black (negative) leads of the turbine generator. Digital multimeters were used to monitor the voltage and current for the duration of the experiment and to confirm the UV LED was operating. Voltage and current measurements were used to calculate power consumption of the UV LED using the hydropower turbine generators. Hydropower battery powered UV LED disinfection was also performed using an off-the-shelf pico-hydro turbine. A battery circuit was designed to be charged using the miniature turbine and to output 12V for powering the UV LED reactors.

[0081] UV dose cannot be determined directly within closed UV reactors. Therefore, collimated beam experiments were conducted to determine the UV dose responses of MS2, which were used to calculate dose in reactors. A Triple Wavelength Pulsing Pearl Beam (AquiSense Technologies, Erlanger, KY) with UVinaire LED emitting 285 nm and low-pressure (LP) mercury lamp (COOSPIDER, 6W) emitting 254 nm were used as UV radiation sources. UV exposures were performed standardized protocol for monochromatic UV sources adjusted for polychromatic light emission. Reduction equivalent doses (RED) for both wavelengths were calculated for the flow through disinfection results using first-order disinfection kinetics fitted with linear regression to UV dose responses.

[0082] To assess the existing state of technology for UV and in-pipe micro-hydro turbine systems, the study critically evaluated the existing UV market to obtain specifications, such as power required, UV doses, and flow rates, for UV LED and LP UV water disinfection systems at the POE (>5 GPM; > 0.000315 m3s') and POU scale (< 5 gal min'1; < 0.000315 m3s-1). Data for UV systems were obtained from datasheets for different systems from leading manufacturers. Similarly, the existing micro-hydro turbine market was also assessed for power output and flow rate and the data were recorded.

[0083] To assess the feasibility of engineering a hydropowered UV system, the study modeled the design boundaries of the Theoretical Maximum Turbine Hydropower (i.e., hydraulic power potential in water supplies) and the Theoretical Minimum Required Power for a hypothetical UV system. The upper and lower boundaries of the combined system was calculated at different flow rates, turbine efficiencies, hydraulic efficiencies of UV reactors, germicidal efficiencies of UV reactors, water qualities (i.e., UV Transmittance, UVT), and required UV doses.

[0084] Equation (1) was used to calculate the Theoretical Minimum Required Power of a UV reactor, where qb = minimum absorbed UV power (mW), Q = flow rate (mL s'1), He = UV fluence (mJ cm'2), an= Naperian (natural) coefficient of absorption (cm'1), and rjopt= combined hydraulic and germicidal efficiency of hypothetical UV reactor. Optical efficiency (rjopt ) of the UV system was assumed to be 90% for an ideal quartz sleeve or window. Target UV fluences (He) of 10, 16 (NSF / ANSI Class B), 40 (NSF / ANSI Class A), and 100 mJ cm'1were set for Equation (1) to determine qb for given water quality and flow rate.

[0085] To determine the maximum theoretical turbine hydropower generation at different flow rates (Q) and pressure drops (AP), Equation (2) was used to calculate the theoretical hydraulic power generation (Wth) for a range of turbine system efficiencies (from an ideal turbine generator with efficiency r / Turb = 100% to a low efficiency turbine with r / nirb = 10%). Pressure differentials in psi were converted to Pa and flow rates in GPM were converted to m3 / s.Wth= ]Turb x P * Q (2)Results

[0086] Disinfection kinetics for MS2 are shown in FIG. 4 for the three UV LED reactors using three power sources. Reduction equivalent doses (RED) calculated are shown on the right-axis of FIG. 4 RED were calculated from linear UV dose responses. Flow through disinfection results demonstrated that the RED for 254 nm and 285 nm ranged from 5-50 mJ / cm2and 10-100 mJ / cm2, respectively, across the range of flowrates tested in the 3 wall-plug powered UV LED reactors. Wall plug results were used as the baseline for comparing results of hydropower. For hydropower disinfection of MS2, log reduction values were between 0.5-2 logs below the wall plug disinfection results for a given reactor and flow rate. Results indicate that the off-the-shelf hydropower turbine (~$15) was inefficient and not capable of supplying the required power for the UV LEDs to achieve comparable levels of disinfection as the wall plug UV LED (FIG. 3B). For the hydropower battery charged powered UV disinfection, the study observed similar disinfection to the wall plug powered UV LED (FIG. 4). Disinfection was observed at flow rates greater than the maximum manufacturer-recommended flow rates, indicating that it would be possible to operate the UV LEDs outside the recommended operating range to achieve measurable disinfection while enabling increased power generation of turbine generators at higher flow rates.

[0087] Specifically, FIG. 4 shows graphs of the flow through disinfection testing results for MS2 under three different power sources using 3 different UV LED units (3B, 6B and 9C). The three different power sources were: wall plug (12V), hydropower (HP), and hydropower charged battery (HPB). Data points are shown from. Reduction equivalent doses (RED, mJ / cm2) calculated from duplicate collimated beam experiments for LP UV 254 nm (RED254, blue) and UV LED 285 nm (RED285, purple) are shown on the secondary right axes. First-order disinfection rate constants (estimate ± standard error) for 254 nm and 285 nm were 0.0525 ± 0.0019 and 0.0284 ± 0.0006 cm2 / mJ.

[0088] The theoretical maximum turbine hydropower that can be harvested from water supplies for various hydraulic conditions up to 4500 gal min'1(e.g., municipal scale; 0.284 m3s'1) is summarized in FIG. 5, assuming various turbine efficiencies. Maximum theoretical power increases proportionally as flow rate, pressure drop, and efficiency increase FIG. 5. The theoretical minimum required power for UV systems to achieve various UV doses as a function of flow rate and water quality is summarized in FIG. 6. When UVT decreases from 95% to 90%, 90% to 85%, and 95% to 85%, the minimum power required for each respective flow rate and dose increased by 205%, 154%, and 316% (FIG. 6).

[0089] The design envelope created between the theoretical maximum generated power and minimum required power is summarized in FIG. 7 across different water qualities, turbine efficiencies, pressure drops, and flow rates, indicating a wide space of theoretical possibility for a given set of conditions.

[0090] A turbine-powered UV LED prototype served as a proof-of-concept for hydropowered UV disinfection. With further development, this technology can be implemented as a disinfectant alternative for small-scale applications in the built environment, while larger scale applications in the built environment may be feasible once the device is optimized through technological advancement and exploitation of economies of scale. Currently, hydropowered UV is feasible with commercially available UV and turbine systems operating at or above POU scale.

[0091] There are numerous possible applications within the water and wastewater sectors with existing pressurization or pressure differentials, including decentralized disinfection (e.g., point- of-use, point-of-entry) in piped networks, off-grid gravity piped systems or sewage collection systems, rainwater systems, and rural and urban household disinfection in remote or developing communities with limited and unreliable access to electricity. Overall, advancements in UVtechnology will help pioneer new UV disinfection techniques for protecting microbial water quality and safeguarding human health. Combining hydropower and UV can help solve waterenergy challenges to protect public health with sustainable solutions.Experimental Testing and Results #2

[0092] Hydropower offers an innovative way to harvest power within water distribution systems (WDS) using in-pipe hydro-turbine generators. This approach has tremendous potential, especially in areas with significant existing pipeline networks. In many cities, water used for drinking and industrial purposes is provided via pressurized water distribution systems (WDS) in order to preserve water quality and guarantee enough pressure for diverse customers. The water pressure in these systems is normally between 60 and 150 psi. Industrial, residential, and commercial customers extensively use pressure reducing valves (PRVs) to reduce this pressure and prevent excessive levels.

[0093] This additional pressure at the PRVs may be successfully converted into electrical energy by strategically placing hydro-turbines. This strategy not only helps to generate power, but it also matches the main objective of PRVs, which is to lower water pressure. In-pipe hydro-turbine generators integrated into water distribution systems provide a sustainable and effective approach to recover energy while preserving ideal water delivery conditions.

[0094] In pipe hydropower, systems can be installed in two ways: Internal hydropower systems are setups in which the runner is entirely enclosed within the pipe and only the generator is out. This design is more compact, making it appropriate for smaller projects; however, it may also be employed in larger ones. These internal systems' power output might vary. Generally, it can produce 5 to 10 watts of power. For more energy-intensive applications, some modifications and optimizations can be made and the power output can reach 100 kilowatts.

[0095] External hydropower systems are more flexible than the previously stated internal systems since they are not as dependent upon the size of the existing pipe. In these cases, a dedicated conduit is used to contain the hydropower system. Due to this design characteristic, they are flexible and adaptable, making them suited for a wider range of installation conditions. However, there is tradeoff in this case since the hydropower system is now entirely outside the pipe, more spaces are required in order to install this system. As a result, the external system installation is limited to the spaces available in the piping system.

[0096] Point of Use (POU) is targeting the water disinfection test for small scales (less than 10 LPM). The water disinfection at a small scale is essential and has an overly broad range of applications, which includes Household Faucets, Aquariums, Medical Equipment, and Laboratory Applications. These applications are extremely sensitive, and water should be treated carefully, which makes water disinfection important. FIG. 8 shows a schematic of hydropower UV systems at point-of-use (POU) scale.

[0097] Point of Entry (POE) is the experiment used to test water disinfection for medium scales (more than 10 LPM). Applications for medium scales include hospital center supply line, house supply line and restaurant supply line. Water disinfection is essential at this scale since it is directly targeting a high population. A point-of-entry (POE) application is shown in FIG. 9.

[0098] Point of entry application, like main water supply line for houses or for hospitals ranges between 40 to 80 psi. However, the water pressure supplied has a pressure of about 100 psi. As a result, there is a 20 to 60 psi pressure drop allowed at the POE scale. Flow rate range may vary from one application to the other and have a very wide range covered starting from 3PM and reaching 100GPM for large buildings. Since the target is the main water supply for houses and hospitals, the range is limited to 3 GPM to 30 GPM.

[0099] A study was conducted at the point-of-use scale to determine the output and efficiency of an off-the-shelf turbine. Specifically, a Zurn turbine, shown in FIG. 10, was tested as shown in the experimental setups of FIGS. 10 and 11. The voltage and current were measured across different resistors to see the influence of the electrical load on turbine performance. The pressure head was measured using the pressure gauges. The pressure and flow rate were used to calculate the theoretical power. The average power output and efficiency of the turbine was calculated across a range of flow rates. Results of this study are shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B.Integrated UV Designs

[0100] This disclosure provides various designs for integrating LEDs directly into a turbine design to have more power flexibility. By using the integrated LEDs, the power generated can be used to directly run the LEDs and to disinfect water directly. The challenge is to find the best place to integrate the LEDs by respecting the following criteria to have maximum disinfection: UV Light should be able to penetrate sufficiently, and UV LEDs can be integrated easily. Disclosed herein are designs for implementing UV LEDs between impeller stages and at the exit casing.

[0101] FIG. 13 shows an implementation wherein rings of UV LEDs are installed between impeller stages in a multistage pump. In this implementation, water flow is set to leave the impeller stage to enter another stage. In this section, water flows with lower pressure, and water layer is thin which will allow UV lights to reach the whole water molecules and kill the pathogens.

[0102] FIG. 14 shows an implementation wherein LEDs are integrated at the exit casing of the multistage turbine. Setting the UV LEDs at the outside case of the turbine may offer simple integration into existing dessins with the advantage of the lowest flow pressure, which allows for better water disinfection.Experimental Testing and Results #3

[0103] A study was conducted to model a hydropower turbine for in-pipe applications and perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. When evaluating turbine performance, the efficiency can generally be broken up into 3 different terms: hydraulic efficiency, mechanical efficiency, and generator efficiency. Hydraulic efficiency measures the percentage of theoretical power that is converted from the energy available via the flow rate and pressure drop across the turbine. Mechanical efficiency measures the percentage loss in energy due to frictional losses between moving parts of the turbine including the shaft. Finally, the generator efficiency determines the loss of energy due to electrical and heat losses found in the generator system. The largest expected contributors of loss are expected to be via lower hydraulic efficiency and generator efficiency values. For the cases of this study, all losses not due to interactions in the fluid domain are being lumped together as electromechanical losses. The overall turbine efficiency equation is shown below:T]overall T]hydT]elemech (3)

[0104] where v\overaii is the overall turbine efficiency, r / / is the hydraulic efficiency, and rjeiemech is the lumped electrical and mechanical efficiency. The efficiency evaluated in this study is the hydraulic efficiency. This means that all efficiency values in the results refer solely to hydraulic efficiency, as the numerical simulations only deal with the hydrodynamics of the flow and its interaction with the runner. In an attempt to optimize this efficiency, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted on all relevant fluid regions of the turbine pipe system. Utilizing fundamental governing principles, including the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy, CFD simulates fluid flow for a variety of initial and boundary conditions.The first step of the CFD pipeline involved setting up a representative geometry of the an off-the- shelf turbine. This is referred to in the following sections as the ‘original design.’ The off-the-shelf turbine design on which the original design was based is shown in FIG. 15.

[0105] In order to run CFD simulations, the entire fluid domain of interest had to be modeled. An example of the modeled geometry is shown in FIG. 16. Two fluid domains were created, the static fluid region (shown in green, outside of the runner) and the rotational fluid region (shown in pink, where the runner is located). The pipe diameter is 13.11 mm, in line with the internal pipe diameter measured for the off-the-shelf turbine. The inlet and outlet pipes were extended from the original design. This was to ensure that the flow was able to be fully developed during the simulations. As is typical for CFD geometries, this model was simplified slightly from the physical model. This means that small sharp comers and filets were removed to ensure that the mesh could function accurately during simulations.

[0106] For the original turbine design, both hydraulic power output and hydraulic efficiency were found to have optimal values at specific design points. For the higher mass flow rate a max power output of 4.30 Watts was found at a runner rotational velocity of 2200 RPM. The max efficiency was 21.05% here. For the lower mass flow rate, a max power output of 1.31 Watts was found, at 1400 RPM. The max efficiency here was about 20.39%. The total pressure drop observed across the turbine system at the 6 higher mass flow rate DPs had an average value of 21.37 PSI. The total pressure drop observed across the turbine system for the lower mass flow rate DPs had an average value of 10.08psi.Nozzle Design

[0107] To minimize the stagnation pressure drop through the nozzle, a new geometry was designed in with a nozzle upstream from the turbine runner. This nozzle design was implemented at 2 different positions relative to the enclosure of the runner. By varying the relative height of this nozzle, insights are provided into how the position of the nozzle relative to the runner blades impacts performance.

[0108] To assess the impact of changes in nozzle geometry, only minimal modifications were made. The geometry for the nozzle design study was kept identical in all areas, except at the nozzle. The characteristics of the nozzle geometry are as follows: Maintained the same nozzle exit area as the original design for consistency; Introduced a rectangular nozzle exit area that is central relativeto the height and width of the inlet pipe, enhancing flow alignment; Implemented gradual pipe convergence, beginning 22.48 mm before the nozzle entrance, compared to the original design's 5.2 mm, to allow a smoother flow transition; Established a flat, cuboid region at the nozzle exit to ensure a controlled, horizontal flow is maintained at the nozzle exit into the enclosure; and Parameterized nozzle height in relation to the volute to allow for adjustable performance testing.

[0109] FIG. 17 shows a first design of a nozzle for controlling flow entering the turbine. FIG. 18 shows a second design for controlling flow entering the turbine. FIG. 19 shows the second design of the turbine with example dimensions. FIG. 20 shows a third design of a nozzle for controlling flow entering the turbine. As shown, each nozzle design reduces the cross-sectional area of the inlet pipe just before the turbine (e.g., at a turbine entry point). The reduces cross-sectional area concentrates the flow, increases the flow velocity, and provides for a more efficiently directed transfer of power into the turbine.

[0110] During the study, the height of the nozzle relative to the runner was expected to have a large impact on performance, so two different heights of the nozzle entrance into the enclosure were selected. The first height is shown in FIG. 19, and the second height (shown in FIGS. 21 and 22) has the nozzle 2 mm higher relative to the runner. The modification in height aims adjusts the relative angle and position of the fluid stream from the nozzle, in comparison to the blades, influence performance.[OHl] FIG. 21 shows a comparison of the cross-sectional velocity magnitude near the nozzle. FIG. 22 shows a velocity magnitude contour of the enclosure region for all designs. The velocity magnitudes of the water as it exits the nozzle is significantly larger than around the rest of the runner. While the different designs are interacting with the blades at different places in this particular instance, an idea of how each nozzle behaves can be seen. The cylindrical nozzle of the original design hits a larger height of the runner blades at once, whereas the novel nozzle designs hit a larger portion of the width of the blades. Results show that the nozzle design on the bottom panel (increased height) performs more efficiently than the middle panel design. Based off of the contours, the second height (bottom panel) appears to be hitting the blades more tangentially with respect to the runner, which is thought to be a large contributor in this increase in efficiency.

[0112] The study calculated the electromechanical efficiency via measuring the electrical output power produced from the impeller relative to the theoretical electromechanical power available (which is derived from the torque applied on the runner). The middle range of the numericalrotational velocities (from 1000 to 2200 RPMs) was compared to experiment research. Experimental results collected showed the electromechanical efficiency of the off-the-shelf turbine within this rotational velocity range to be from -22% to -44% efficient.

[0113] FIG. 23 shows a graph of efficiency found for the off-the-shelf turbine at different runner rotational velocities: The Red Box contains the range of RPM that aligns with the range of RPM investigated numerically [1000-2200 RPM]: within the box, the min and max efficiencies recorded were -22% and -44%, respectively- denoted by the dotted purple lines. A representative value of the overall efficiency achieved for the off-the-shelf turbine total efficiency found during experimental testing was found to be about 5%.

[0114] FIG. 24 shows a graph of efficiency found for the off-the-shelf turbine at different Flow Rates: The Red Box contains the range of flow rates that aligns with the Range of flow rates investigated numerically [0.0945-0.1385 [kg / s]: within the box, the average total efficiency was taken to be about 5%, denoted by the dotted purple line. Assuming overall turbine efficiency follows the equation below, the experimental research approximates that the hydraulic efficiency should be between 11.36-22.73%. From a rotational velocity of 1000 RPM to 2200 RPM, the numerical results give a hydraulic efficiency range of 12.91% to 21.05%.Conclusions

[0115] Results of this study show that miniature turbine integration at a flow rate of 2.2 GPM (0.1385 kg / s) within water pipes at the point of use scale has the potential to provide sufficient power to a UV water disinfection reactor. This research also provides insight regarding the ideal RPM speed at various flow rates for the off-the-shelf turbine. High amounts of pressure loss were identified in the off-the-shelf turbine. To address this, changes were made to the original nozzle geometry. A partial height parameterization study of the nozzle design suggests that at the optimal nozzle height, the hydraulic efficiency of the novel nozzle design will surpass that of the off-the- shelf turbine. The max efficiency found for all simulations was 22.05% by the novel nozzle height- 2 design at a rotational velocity of 2200 RPM and a flow rate of 2.2 GPM.

[0116] The highest power output of all simulations was found to be 4.30 Watts by the off-the- shelf design at 2200 RPM and a flow rate of 2.2 GPM. However, this was not the max efficiency found due to the large pressure loss in the off-the-shelf nozzle. When looking at turbine performance, efficiency is of more importance as compared to power output. There are alwaysoptions to increase power output, such as by putting turbines in series, however the turbine system will only ever be as efficient as the hydraulic, mechanical and electrical efficiencies allow.Example Systems and Devices

[0117] Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and devices for water treatment. Such systems and devices may include power generating components (e.g., turbines) that generate power from the pressurized water flow and for use in a water treatment component (e.g., a UV LED). The systems and devices of this disclosure may apply at various scales and various applications. For example, some systems may be implemented on the scale of a single water output (e.g., a sink or faucet) while other systems may be implemented on a larger scale including multiple water outputs (e.g., a water distribution point for a building). Thus, the systems and devices described herein can be implemented on the point-of-use (POU) or the point-of-entry (POE) scale.

[0118] FIG. 25 shows a system 100 for water treatment, according to one implementation. The system 100 of FIG. 25 is a generic diagram that is representative of a wide variety of combinations and permutations of elements described herein. The system 100 is a point-of-entry (POU) system that treats water entering multiple water outlets (e.g., multiple faucets across a building).

[0119] The system 100 includes a water source 102 configured to deliver pressurized water into the system. The water source 102 may be a municipal water line from a water main line (e.g., a pipe entering a building from the street or other adjacent area). In some implementations, the water source 102 may be pump configured to deliver water from a bulk source (e.g., a water well). In some implementations, the water source 102 may be a gravity driven source (e.g., from ab elevated water tank).

[0120] An inlet pipe 104 is coupled to and in fluid communication with the water source 102. The inlet pipe 104 includes a sidewall defining a channel along which the water flows. Thus, the inlet pipe 104 is configured to deliver the pressurized water from the water source 102 at a first end 106 to a distribution panel and / or an outlet device (e.g., a faucet) on a second end 108 opposite the first end 106 (e.g., along a longitudinal axis of the pipe 104). The pressure of the water on the first end 106 of the inlet pipe 104 may be in the range of 40 to 150 psi (e.g., for a main water supply entering a house or hospital).

[0121] The system 100 includes a junction 130 on the second end 108 of the water source 102. The junction 130 splits the inlet water supply into a plurality of individual water lines, shown aswater supply lines 132a, 132b, 132c, and 132d. Each water supply line 132a-132d is coupled to and in fluid communication with an outlet, shown as outlets 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d. Each outlet 134a-134d receives pressurized water from the corresponding supply line 132a-132d of the junction 130. Each outlet 134a-134d may be any one of a variety of water-using devices. For example, the outlet 134a may be a sink, a water fountain, a shower, a refrigerator, or any other of various water using devices found in a house, hospital, or other building.

[0122] The system 100 includes a turbine 110 disposed along the inlet pipe 104 adjacent the first end 106. The turbine 110 is in fluid communication with the water flowing along the channel of the inlet pipe 104. The turbine 110 is configured to receive a flow of pressurized water to rotate a plurality of turbine blades therein. Thus, the flow of pressurized water in the inlet pipe 104 causes the turbine 110 to generate electricity and / or power. In some implementations (not shown), more than one turbine may be disposed along the flow channel to simultaneously generate power.

[0123] The power generated by the turbine 110 will result in a corresponding pressure drop in the water in the inlet pipe 104. However, the system 100 is configured such that the pressure drop across the turbine 110 is low enough so that the outlet pressure on the second end 108 of the inlet pipe 104 is sufficient for use in each of the outlets 134a-134d. In some implementations, the turbine 110 functions as a pressure reducing valve for limiting the pressure of water leaving the inlet pipe 104. The pressure drop across the turbine 110 may be sufficiently low due to the efficiency level of the turbine 110. In some implementations, the pressure drop across the turbine is in a range of 10-60psi. In some implementations, the pressure drop across the turbine 110 is less than 80 psi. In some implementations, the pressure on the second end 108 is 40 psi or greater.

[0124] The system 100 further includes an inline device 120 disposed downstream from the turbine 110. The inline device is in fluid communication with the water flowing along the channel of the inlet pipe 104. Although the inline device 120 is shown downstream from the turbine 110, in other implementations the turbine is disposed downstream from the inline device. In other implementations, the inline device and the turbine are integrated with each other to occupy the same or substantially the same point along the water flow path (e.g., as shown and described with respect to FIGS. 13 and 14).

[0125] The inline device 120 is in electrical communication with the turbine 110 via the wire 122. The turbine 110 thus provides the energy generated therein directly to the inline device 120. Thus, the power from the turbine 110 is directly available for use at the inline device 120. In someimplementations, a battery or energy storage device is disposed along the wire 122 to provide immediate power to the inline device 120 and to store excess power generated from excess pressures. In some implementations (not shown), more than one inline device may be disposed along the flow channel to simultaneously treat the water.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 25, the inline device 120 is a generic device configured to treat the water flowing through the inlet pipe 104 and towards the multiple water outlets 134a-134d. The inline device 120 may be an energy-requiring water treatment device. For example, the inline device 120 may be a device for disinfecting the water, filtering the water, providing a water additive, or otherwise increasing the safety, drinkability, and quality of the water delivered to the water outlets 134a-134d. In some implementations, the inline device 120 is a UV LED (e.g., one or more UV LEDs that may be arranged in an array along the channel). In some implementations, the inline device 120 is power-requiring filter (e.g., a membrane filtration device, a hollow fiber filtration device, a nano filtration device, or a reverse osmosis device). In some implementations, the inline device 120 is an ultrasonic treatment device or an electrocoagulation device. In some implementations, the inline device 120 is a water softening device.

[0127] In implementations wherein the inline device 120 is a UV LED device (e.g., having one or more UV LEDs), the UV LED device receives power from the turbine 110 to emit UV light into the channel with the flowing water. In some implementations, the UV LED device may deliver a dosage of UV light effective to disinfect the water flowing through the channel. For example, the UV LED device may provide a dosage of ultraviolet light in the range of 10 to 40 mJ / cm2(e.g., 16 mJ / cm2).

[0128] The turbine 110 provides power to the inline device 120 in an amount required to adequately power the inline device 120 when water is flowing through the channel of the inlet pipe 104. For example, the turbine 110 may be efficient enough to provide power in a range of 1-10 watts to the inline device 120 (e.g., 1.5 watts or 3 watts of power). In some implementations, the pressure drop across the turbine 110 produces the minimum power required to operate the inline device 120 (e.g., 1.5-3W). In some implementations, the flow rate of water through the turbine 110 is between 0 and 40 gallons per minute (e.g., between 0 and 3 GPM for POU applications or between 3 and 30 GPM for POE applications, such as system 100).

[0129] The power output of the turbine 110, and the power draw of the inline device 120, depend on the overall efficiencies of each component. Additionally, the flow of water through the pipe canaffect the power output and efficiency of the components. For example, the pressure of the water at the water source 102 can affect the overall efficiency of the turbine 110. Additionally, the overall flow rate through the inlet pipe 104 also affects the overall power output and efficiency of the turbine 110. As such, the system 100 may be described by the certain ratios of measurable components in the system.

[0130] In some implementations, a ratio of total pressure drop of water across the turbine 110 (in psi) to power output of the turbine 110 (in watts) is between 27: 1 and 6: 1. This ratio may be based on a pressure drop in the range of 10-40 psi and a minimum power output of 1.5W (e.g., a minimum power to delivery the minimum dosage of ultraviolet light from the UV LED device).

[0131] In some implementations, a ratio of flow rate through the turbine (gallons per minute (GPM)) to power (in watts) produced in the turbine 110 and / or delivered to the inline device 120 is between 20: 1 and 0.67: 1. This ratio may be based on a flow rate of 1-30 GPM and 1.5W of power.

[0132] In some implementations, a ratio of power output of the turbine (in watts) to rotational velocity of the plurality of turbine blades (in revolutions per minute (rpm)) is between 1 : 1000 and 1 :2000. This ratio may be based on a 1.5W value of power and a range of 1500-3000 rpm for the turbine blades.

[0133] FIG. 26 shows a diagram of a system 200 that is substantially similar to the system 100 except as described below. The system 200 is a point-of-use (POU) system configured for treating water along a single inlet pipe 204 coupled to a single water outlet. For example, the system 200 includes a sink 240 the receives treated water from the inlet pipe 204. In other implementations, the outlet device may be any other point-of-use device, such as a refrigerator, a water fountain, a shower, or any other source of water in a household or other building. The system 200 includes a water source 202, which could be a municipal supply line, well pump, a hot water heater, a junction or manifold coupled to a larger water source, or any other water source configured for introducing water into the inlet pipe 204.

[0134] The turbine 210 is installed within the inlet pipe 204 in fluid communication with the channel of flowing water. The inline device 220 is installed within the inlet pipe 204 downstream from the turbine 210. The turbine 210 is substantially similar to the turbine 110 of the system 100 such that all descriptions and characteristics of the turbine 110, including power output andefficiency, apply to the turbine 210. The inline device 220 is substantially similar to the inline device 220 of the system 100 such that all descriptions and characteristics of the inline device 120, including power required and efficiency, apply to the inline device 220.

[0135] The turbine 210 and the inline device 220 of the system 200 may be configured as a point- of-use (POU) device. For example, FIG. 27 shows a POU device 350 installed into a system 300 that is substantially similar to the system 200, except as described below. The POU device 350 may be a singular device configured to be installed in line with a water inlet pipe 302 that is coupled to a water outlet device, such as a sink 340. The water inlet pipe 302 is configured to deliver pressurized water to the sink 340 (e.g., from a municipal water line or other source). A POU device 350 may be an under-the-sink device wherein water treatment is desired but connection to a power outlet is impossible or inconvenient. In other implementations, the POU device 350 provides a portable water treatment and cleaning device for use in areas without access to sufficient power or water treatment facilities.

[0136] The POU device 350 includes a housing 352 encasing the components of the POU device 350. The POU device 350 includes an inlet 354 and an outlet 356 on opposing ends of the POU device 350. Aflow channel 358 extends between the inlet 354 and the outlet 356. The flow channel 358 is in fluid communication with the water inlet pipe 302. Each of the inlet 354 and the outlet 356 of the POU device 350 and the housing 352 thereof are couplable to the water inlet pipe 302. For example, each of the inlet 354 and the outlet 356 include a threaded connection couplable to different portions of the water inlet pipe 302. Each of the inlet 354 and the outlet 356 may have a size matching that of the water inlet pipe 302 (e.g., U inch, % inch, or any other common sized plumbing connection).

[0137] The POU device 350 includes a turbine 310 that is substantially similar to the turbine 210 of system 200 except as described below. The turbine 310 is small enough to fit into the housing 352 of the POU device 350. The turbine 310 is disposed adjacent to the inlet 354 in fluid communication with the flow channel 358. The turbine 310 receives power from pressurized water flowing through the water inlet pipe 302.

[0138] The POU device 350 includes a UV LED device 320 disposed downstream from the turbine 310, adjacent the outlet 356. The UV LED device 320 includes an array of LEDs facing inward to the flow channel 358. Although the diagram of FIG. 27 shows approximates a cross- sectional view with LEDs on either side of the channel 358, it is understood that the UV LEDdevice 320 may extend circumferentially around the flow channel 358 (e.g., extending through the sidewall of the channel from one or multiple angles about the longitudinal axis of the POU device 350 and its flow channel 358). The UV LED may include a single LED emitter disposed on one side of the channel or a plurality of LED emitters disposed on multiple portions of the channel (e.g., opposite one another or extending 360 degrees around the channel, or any combination in between).

[0139] The UV LED device 320 is in electrical communication with the turbine 310 along the wire 322. The UV LED device 320 receives power from the turbine 310 along the wire 322. For example, whenever the faucet of the sink 340 dispenses water, and water flows along the water inlet pipe 302, pressurized water turns the blades of the turbine 310. The water pressure drops across the turbine 310, corresponding to the power generated by the turbine 310.

[0140] The UV LED device 320 receives power from the turbine 310 and emits ultraviolet light into the flow channel 358. For example, the UV LED device 320 emits a dosage of UV light sufficient to disinfect the water flowing through the channel 358 (e.g., a minimum of 10 mJ / cm2).

[0141] In some implementations, the channel 358 narrows adjacent to the turbine 310. For example, a nozzle may be installed along the flow channel 358 upstream from the turbine 310. The flow channel 358 may have a first cross sectional area near the inlet 354 and a second cross sectional area just before the turbine 310. The second cross sectional area may be smaller than the first cross sectional area. Thus, a fluid velocity entering the turbine through the nozzle may be higher than the velocity adjacent the inlet 354 of the flow channel 358. For example, FIGS. 16-22 show various implementations of nozzles that may be used with the POU device 350, any of which may be implemented into the systems 100-300.

[0142] The POU device 350 thus provides a compact, self-powering application for water treatment. The POU device 350 may be installed on existing plumbing systems (e.g., sinks, water wells, or other water sources) where power and / or filtration systems may not be readily available. For example, in regions without access to water treatment, water filtration, and / or electricity, the POU device 350 can be implemented to treat the water with ultraviolet light powered only by the pressurized water flow through the turbine 310.

[0143] In other implementations, the POU device 350 may be modified or scaled up for a POE application. For example, in the system 100, a POE device similar to the POU device 350 may beimplemented as a one-piece solution for water treatment for a building (e.g., a house or hospital). In other implementations, any of the experimental tests, prototypes, results, or exemplary values may be implemented into the POU device 350 or similar systems described herein.

[0144] FIG. 28 shows another implementation of a POU device 450 installed into a system 400 that is substantially similar to the system 300, except as described below. The POU device 450 may be a singular device configured to be installed in line with a water outlet pipe 402 of a faucet 404 that is coupled to a water outlet source (e.g., a sink faucet or other faucet). The faucet 404 includes a handle 406 movable to open or close the water outlet pipe 402.

[0145] The POU device 450 includes a housing 452 encasing the components of the POU device 450. The POU device 450 includes an inlet 454 and an outlet 456 on opposing ends of the POU device 450. Aflow channel 458 extends between the inlet 454 and the outlet 456. The flow channel 458 is in fluid communication with the water outlet pipe 402. The inlet 454 of the POU device 450 and the housing 452 thereof are couplable to the water outlet pipe 402. For example, the inlet 454 include a threaded connection couplable to the outlet threads of the water outlet pipe 402. Furthermore, the outlet 456 of the device 450 includes, or is couplable to, an aerator 460 or other similar outlet nozzle or device. Each of the inlet 454 and the outlet 456 may have a size matching that of the water outlet pipe 402 and / or the aerator 460 (e.g., U inch, % inch, or any other common sized plumbing connection).

[0146] The POU device 450 includes a turbine 410 that is substantially similar to the turbine 310 of system 300 except as described below. The POU device 450 includes a UV LED device 420 disposed downstream from the turbine 410, adjacent the outlet 456. The UV LED device 420 is substantially similar to the UV LED device 320 of the system 300, except as described below.

[0147] The UV LED device 420 is in electrical communication with the turbine 410 along the wire 422. The UV LED device 420 receives power from the turbine 410 along the wire 422. For example, whenever the faucet 404 dispenses water, and water flows along the water outlet pipe 402, pressurized water turns the blades of the turbine 410. The water pressure drops across the turbine 410, corresponding to the power generated by the turbine 410. The UV LED device 420 receives power from the turbine 410 and emits ultraviolet light into the flow channel 458. For example, the UV LED device 420 emits a dosage of UV light sufficient to disinfect the water flowing through the channel 458 (e.g., a minimum of 10 mJ / cm2).Conclusion

[0148] For purposes of this description, certain advantages and novel features of the aspects and configurations of this disclosure are described herein. The described methods, systems, and apparatus should not be construed as limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosed aspects, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The disclosed methods, systems, and apparatus are not limited to any specific aspect, feature, or combination thereof, nor do the disclosed methods, systems, and apparatus require that any one or more specific advantages be present or problems be solved.

[0149] Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0150] Features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The claimed features extend to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0151] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about”, it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. The terms “about” and “approximately”are defined as being “close to” as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one non-limiting aspect the terms are defined to be within 10%. In another non-limiting aspect, the terms are defined to be within 5%. In still another non-limiting aspect, the terms are defined to be within 1%.

[0152] The terms “coupled”, “connected”, and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

[0153] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “lower”, and “upper” designate direction in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inner” and “outer” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the described feature or device. The words “distal” and “proximal” refer to directions taken in context of the item described and, with regard to the instruments herein described, are typically based on the perspective of the practitioner using such instrument, with “proximal” indicating a position closer to the practitioner and “distal” indicating a position further from the practitioner. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

[0154] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises”, means “including but not limited to”, and is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps. “Exemplary” means “an example of’ and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal aspect. “Such as” is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

[0155] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act forperforming the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A point-of-use water treatment device configured to be installed on a pipe adjacent to a water outlet, the device comprising: a turbine comprising a plurality of blades configured to receive a flow of water in a first flow direction from a first portion of the pipe towards the water outlet, the turbine generating a power level based on a pressure of the water flowing through the pipe; and a water treatment component positioned adjacent to the turbine and in fluid communication with the flow of water in the pipe, the water treatment component receiving power directly from the turbine.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the water treatment component is an ultraviolet light array configured to treat the water in the pipe with a dosage of ultraviolet light.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the dosage of ultraviolet light is a minimum of 10 mJ / cm2.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the water treatment component is a filtering component such as a reverse osmosis filtering device.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the device does not include an energy storage component, and the power from the turbine is delivered directly to the water treatment component for immediate use.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the pressure of the water flowing through the pipe is a minimum of 30 psi to generate a minimum of 1.5 watts of power for the water treatment component.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a housing, the turbine and the water treatment component each disposed within a cavity defined by the housing.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising an inlet and an outlet each in fluid communication with the turbine and the water treatment component, each of the inlet and the outlet comprising a 1 / 2-inch pipe connection.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprising a nozzle positioned upstream from the turbine, the nozzle configured to increase the velocity of the water entering the turbine.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the turbine produces a minimum of 1.5 watts of power.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein a total pressure drop of the water flowing through the turbine is between 10-40 psi.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein a flow rate of water through the device is between 1 and 3 gallons per minute.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein a ratio of the total pressure drop of the water to a power output of the turbine, in watts, is between 27 : 1 and 6: 1.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein a ratio of flow rate through the turbine, in gallons per minute, to power output by the turbine, in watts, is between 20: 1 and 0.67 : 1.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein a ratio of power output of the turbine, in watts, to rotational velocity of the plurality of turbine blades, in revolutions per minute, is between 1 : 1000 and 1 :2000.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured for installation under a sink.

17. A system comprising: a pipe having a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end along a central longitudinal axis, the pipe further comprising a sidewall defining a channel along which a fluid is delivered from the first end towards the second end; a turbine installed in a first portion of the channel of the pipe, the turbine comprising a plurality of blades; and an inline device installed in a second portion of the channel of the pipe, the inline device in electrical communication with the turbine to receive power directly from the turbine.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the fluid is water and wherein the inline device is an ultraviolet light device configured to treat and disinfect the water with a dosage of ultraviolet light.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the dosage of ultraviolet light is a minimum of 10 mJ / cm2.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein the inline device is a water treatment device.

21. The system of claim 17, wherein a power level from the turbine to the inline device is based on a pressure and a flow rate of the fluid in the pipe.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the pressure of the fluid is a minimum of 30 psi.

23. The system of claim 21, wherein the power level is a minimum of 1.5 watts.

24. The system of claim 17, wherein the system does not include an energy storage device, and the power from the turbine is delivered directly to the inline device for immediate use.

25. The system of claim 17, wherein the turbine is a first turbine, the system further comprising a second turbine installed in a third portion of the channel downstream from the first portion.

26. The system of claim 17, wherein the inline device is a first inline device, the system further comprising a second inline device installed in a fourth portion of the channel.

27. The system of claim 17, wherein the system is a point of entry water treatment system delivering water to multiple water outlets.

28. The system of claim 17, wherein the system is a point of use water treatment system delivering water to a single water outlet.

29. The system of claim 17, wherein the channel has a first cross sectional area near the first end of the pipe and the channel has a second cross sectional area near the second portion of the pipe downstream from the first end of the pipe, wherein the second cross sectional area is smaller than the first cross sectional area.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the first end of the pipe has a first fluid velocity, wherein a nozzle is defined by the pipe near the second portion of the pipe upstream from the turbine, wherein the nozzle produces a second fluid velocity entering the turbine that is higher than the first fluid velocity.

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