Apparatus and method for cyclically circulating liquid and converting energy

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for cyclically circulating liquid and converting energy. The apparatus (100) comprises a first vessel (102) and a second vessel (104) for containing liquid and that are communicating vessels (102, 104). The apparatus (100) also comprises a rocking mechanism (116) defining a fulcrum point (101). Furthermore, there is at least one electric generator, comprising or being one or both of the following a turbine-generator (5A) arranged in fluid communication with the at least one fluid connection (106), and a generator (5B) arranged in connection to the rocking mechanism (116). A position of the rocking mechanism (116) is selectively lockable into at least one position. The apparatus (100) is adapted so that when the weight distribution changes as a response to the liquid flow between the communicating vessels (102, 104) due to a difference between liquid surface levels in the vessels (102, 104), the rocking mechanism (116) tilts about the fulcrum point (101).

Description

[0001] APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CYCLICALLY CIRCULATING LIQUID

[0002] AND CONVERTING ENERGY

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method for circulating liquid and converting energy. Especially, the invention concerns apparatuses comprising a rocking mechanism which is configured to operate cyclically in accordance with its weight distribution relative to the fulcrum point thereof.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Simon Stevin, a pioneering scientist who lived from 1548 to 1620, is credited with the discovery of the principle of communicating vessels, which is now recognized as an early precursor to the principle of conservation of energy. It wasn't until the 19th century that William Rankine introduced the term “potential energy” to describe this concept.

[0007] In the context of communicating vessels, it is well-known that the vessels are interconnected by a pipe or the like, channel or conduit, or merely a hole or an opening therebetween, allowing liquid to flow between them. Liquid, by the force of gravity, flows from the vessel with a higher surface level into the one with a lower surface level through this connection.

[0008] Hydropower, on one hand, has been used for centuries as power source for various tasks. As long as there has been enough water in the reservoirs, hydropower has been a reliable source of energy. Hydropower has been used for conversion of electricity to power up devices and to the power supply systems or grids. On the other hand, nowadays, power supply systems are vulnerable to various disturbances. These disturbances may originate from different sources, such as power conversion or power transmission faults. The inertia of a power supply system takes part in mitigating temporary disturbances in the system.

[0009] However, increased use of renewable energy sources, such as weather-dependent and therefore part-time solar power and wind power, additionally has led to a decrease in the inertia of power grid supply systems. Such systems are therefore more vulnerable to disturbances, and solutions for ensuring the continuity of power supply are desired. For a long time, mankind has failed to efficiently and continuously circulate liquid and correspondingly convert power based on the circulation. Publication WO 2022038311 Al presents a siphon device for continuous circulating liquid. The siphon device comprises a container and a first conduit, wherein the proximal end of the first conduit is introduced to the container and the distal end of the first conduit comprises a first branch and a second branch, which first branch is connected to a first tank and the second branch is connected to a second tank. The siphon device comprises a first valve configured to introduce the container though the first valve and via the first conduit to either the first tank or the second tank at a time. The device can also comprise a rocking mechanism with two reservoirs, however, they are not arranged as communicating vessels. Furthermore, there is no disclosure of changing position and / or volume of the reservoirs to provide a difference in the liquid surfaces level of the reservoirs.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims. Some of the various embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims. The embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention.

[0012] The objectives of the invention are reached by an apparatus and a method for circulating liquid and converting energy as defined by the respective independent claims.

[0013] According to a first aspect, an apparatus for circulating liquid and converting energy is provided. In accordance with a non-limiting, however, preferable, example, the liquid is water. However, any other suitable liquid may be used in addition to or as an alternative to water.

[0014] The apparatus comprises a first vessel and a second vessel for containing liquid, wherein the first vessel and the second vessel are communicating vessels. The apparatus thus comprises at least one fluid connection between the vessels for providing at least one path for a liquid flow between the communicating vessels. As understood, the fluid connection may be or comprise a pipe, a hose, a channel, or the like fluid passage for the liquid to flow between the vessels. The fluid connection may even be an opening or a hole in a wall or barrier between the vessels. Furthermore, the vessels are preferably open vessel, such as from above or a side.

[0015] The apparatus further comprises a rocking mechanism defining a fulcrum point. The first vessel is arranged on the rocking mechanism on a first side of the fulcrum point, and the second vessel is arranged on a second side of the fulcrum point, being opposite to the first side. The rocking mechanism is arranged to tilt about the fulcrum point according to a weight distribution in the apparatus.

[0016] The apparatus also comprises at least one generator, being or including an electric generator. The at least one electric generator may be or comprise one or both of the following: a turbine-generator arranged in fluid communication with the at least one fluid connection, or a generator arranged in connection to the rocking mechanism. The turbinegenerator, if any, is, thus, arranged to convert kinetic energy of the liquid flow into electricity. The generator, if any, is, thus, arranged to convert mechanical energy of the rocking mechanism with respect to the tilting into electricity.

[0017] Furthermore, a position of the vessels is selectively lockable into at least one position, preferably into the extreme position which are reached upon or after completion of the tilt of the rocking mechanism. The position of the vessel may refer to the position of the whole vessel, such as when a vessel with a fixed volume is being moved or rotated or the like, from one position to another. On the other hand, the position of the vessel may refer to the position of a portion, such as a wall, of the vessel such that a movable wall of the vessel is moved from one position to another.

[0018] The apparatus is adapted so that when the weight distribution changes as a response to the liquid flow between the communicating vessels due to a difference between liquid surface levels in the vessels, the rocking mechanism tilts about the fulcrum point towards current heavier side of the rocking mechanism.

[0019] The apparatus is adapted so that upon or after completion of the tilt, a liquid surface level in the vessel on the heavier side increases, preferably by reducing the volume or the change of the position of the heavier vessel, so that it becomes higher relative to a liquid surface level in the vessel on the opposite side, thereby causing a difference between liquid surface levels in the vessels and reversing of liquid flow between the communicating vessels.

[0020] Still further, the apparatus is configured so that the position of the vessel on the heavier side is locked upon or after completion of the tilt and maintained locked until the weight distribution is reversed as a result of the reversing of liquid flow. The locked vessel may be release right after the initiation of the tilt or just before the completion of the subsequent tilt, or anytime therebetween.

[0021] As understood, the apparatus needs to be initially arranged so that the first tilt occurs. For example, an initial difference between the liquid surface levels may be set. Alternatively, the rocking mechanism may be held in one of the extreme positions, and released after the weight-distribution is set favorable for the tilt to begin.

[0022] Moving of the rocking mechanism after the weight distribution is reversed may, in various embodiments, constitute a beginning of the next cycle.

[0023] In various embodiments, upon or after said completion of the tilt, a volume of the vessel on the current heavier side may be arranged to be reduced, preferably by a corresponding one of support members of the apparatus arranged to move outer walls of the vessels to reduce the volume of the vessel on the current heavier side upon or after completion of the tilt, and / or by one or more mechanical connecting elements between outer walls of the vessels, thereby causing the liquid surface level in the vessel on the heavier side to increase. Optionally, at least one of walls of the vessels is movable for changing the volumes of the vessels. The movable wall may be hinged relative to the rest of the rocking mechanism. Furthermore, as understood, the movable walls may move in both directions, that is to increase and decrease the volumes.

[0024] In various embodiments, upon or after said completion of the tilt, a position of the vessel on the current heavier side may be arranged to be changed, preferably by a corresponding one of support members of the apparatus attached to outer walls of the vessels to change the position of the vessel on the current heavier side upon or after completion of the tilt, and / or by one or more mechanical connecting elements between outer walls of the vessels, so that the liquid surface level in the vessel on the heavier side increases. Optionally, the vessel has a shape such that it optionally has a first cross-sectional area in a first direction and a second cross-sectional area in a perpendicular second direction, wherein the first cross-sectional area is larger than the second cross-sectional area, so that, with a constant amount of liquid in the vessel, in one position the liquid surface level is higher than in another position.

[0025] For example, the volume of the vessels may have a first cross-sectional area in a first direction and a second cross-sectional area in a perpendicular second direction, wherein the first cross-sectional area is larger than the second cross-sectional area. Thus, with a constant amount of liquid, the liquid surface level changes if the position of the vessel is changed so that the cross-sectional area changes (just like turning a bottle between the vertical position and a horizontal position).

[0026] In some embodiments, the generator, if any, may be arranged to selectively lock the position of the rocking mechanism is into the at least two different positions. Alternatively, or in addition, the apparatus may comprise a locking device in connection with the rocking mechanism for selectively locking the vessels into at least one position. Optionally, the locking device may comprise a solenoid, the operation of which may be controlled by a controller to lock and release the vessel(s). Other, preferably controllable, actuators are also possible for use in the locking device. As understood by a skilled person in the art and in view of the present disclosure, various different means and / or devices, such as electro-mechanical arrangements, may be utilized to lock the vessels and / or movable walls of the vessels, and / or the rocking mechanism into its place.

[0027] In various embodiments, the apparatus may comprise support members arranged to move outer walls of the vessels to reduce the volume and / or attached to outer walls of the vessels change the position of the vessel on the current heavier side upon or after completion of the tilt. Preferably, the support members are hinged at least relative to the outer walls, and optionally also relative to a base of the apparatus. The base refers to floor or ground or any structure or surface onto which the apparatus is installed during the use thereof.

[0028] The support members may in various cases be called limiting members, since they can limit the movement of the vessels or parts thereof relative to the surrounding elements, such as the base of the apparatus.

[0029] Furthermore, the apparatus may comprise one or more mechanical connecting elements between outer walls of the vessels. The one or more mechanical connecting elements may comprise a wire. Alternatively, or in addition, the one or more mechanical connecting elements may comprise one or more pulleys and, optionally, (counter) weights.

[0030] The apparatus may comprise one or more controllers, such as including a processing unit (with input(s) and / or output(s)) and memory, configured to selectively lock the vessels and / or the rocking mechanism into the at least one position.

[0031] The apparatus may comprise a measurement arrangement for determining the weight distribution in the apparatus. For example, the measurement arrangement may be arranged to compare weights on opposite sides of the fulcrum point. Alternatively, the measurement arrangement may comprise a force sensor measuring strain in a wire or the like arranged between contact points on opposite sides of the fulcrum point.

[0032] The apparatus may comprise an additional loop, being a siphon. The additional loop may thus operate as an energy storage. The additional loop may further comprise a turbine-generator which is thus arranged to rotate in one direction due to the siphon.

[0033] Further, as an additional embodiment, the apparatus may comprise two or more rocking mechanisms. There may be a fluid communication, namely a third fluid communication, between the two or more rocking mechanisms. The rocking mechanisms may be arranged to tilt in a different phase relative to each other. For example, the first rocking mechanism may have just finished tilting whereas the second rocking mechanism is in the middle of the tilt. On the other hand, the rocking mechanisms may be in the same phase.

[0034] In an embodiment with two or more rocking mechanisms, the turbine-generator may be arranged to a common fluid connection of the two or more rocking mechanisms. The common fluid connection may be arranged so that liquid flows therein only in one direction. Thus, the turbine-generator is rotated always in the same direction, thus converting kinetic energy of liquid into electricity in a more continuous manner.

[0035] In some embodiments, the vessels may be made of a flexible material, e.g. as liquidproofbags. In this case, the movable walls may press into the flexible material and, thus, contract the volume of the respective vessel. This reduction is reversed when the rocking mechanism is tilted to the other side.

[0036] In an embodiment, if the distance between vessels is longer the effect of the lever arms is increased on the rocking mechanism.

[0037] According to a second aspect, a method for circulating liquid and converting energy in the apparatus in accordance with the first aspect is provided.

[0038] The method comprises increasing a liquid surface level in the vessel on the heavier side so that it becomes higher relative to a liquid surface level in the vessel on the opposite side, thereby causing a difference between liquid surface levels in the vessels and reversing of liquid flow between the communicating vessels upon or after completion of the tilt. The liquid surface level may be increased by reducing the volume or the change of the position of the heavier vessel, for instance.

[0039] The method also comprises locking the rocking mechanism into the at least one position, such as to the extreme positions (reduced volume) reached upon or after completion of the tilt. The method further comprises waiting for the reversing of liquid flow between the communicating vessels to change the weight distribution in the apparatus so that the opposite side becomes heavier than the former heavier side, thereby initiating a subsequent tilt, and releasing the locked vessel, or locked movable wall thereof, from the at least one position after initiation of the subsequent tilt.

[0040] The method furthermore comprises converting electricity by the turbine-generator and / or the generator during the tilt.

[0041] The method may comprise determining, based on a liquid surface level data, a difference of liquid surface levels between the first vessel and the second vessel.

[0042] The invention leverages the fundamental principles developed by Simon Stevin in relation to communicating vessels to achieve energy / power conversion without the need to physically lift liquid beyond the initial filling.

[0043] Regarding the invention, gravity is not an "energy input" introducing new energy; it contributes to changes in potential and kinetic energy, adhering to the principle of energy conservation which is initially based on the concept of communication vessels. Energy is input into the communicating vessels when filled with liquid. The invention capitalizes on this principle. Due to the communicating vessels, and flow of liquid therebetween, and the rocking mechanism, the motion of the apparatus persists.

[0044] At its core, the invention relies on a rocking mechanism that cyclically causes reversal of liquid surface levels of the communicating vessels. This cyclical motion serves to restore and harness the potential energy within the system, enabling the conversion of power between energy forms, namely mechanical energy, and electricity.

[0045] The present invention, which harnesses gravitational force and utilizes the principles of communicating vessels, operates within the framework of energy conservation. The potential energy of the liquid in the system is converted into kinetic energy as the liquid flows between the vessels.

[0046] The present invention, thus, provides an apparatus and a method for circulating liquid and converting energy. The present invention provides advantages over known solutions in that mechanical energy of the liquid and of the rocking mechanism can be utilized in power conversion between the mechanical energy (potential and kinetic) and electricity. An advantage of the invention is that after the input of energy, the filling of liquid, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and further into mechanical energy and electricity because the potential energy is essentially restored (without additional input of energy beyond the initial input of energy or liquid despite losses of energy). The invention offers a variety of benefits, including energy, time, location-independent, and energy efficient power conversion, frequency-secure operation, and the capability for energy storage. Its scalability allows for deployment in both small, decentralized setups and large centralized applications with various nominal power levels ranging from very low (watts or kilowatts) to very high (megawatts and gigawatts). Turbines of different cycle operating modular devices may rotate same electric generator.

[0047] What sets the invention apart from prior art attempts is its cyclic restoration of the potential energy, a unique feature that allows power conversion. As such, the invention represents a novel approach to hydropower and use thereof in energy storage, especially related to siphon, because so far there are three types of hydropower facilities: impoundment, diversion, and pumped storage. From an energy efficiency perspective, it's essential to note that the present invention as cyclically reversible deviates from the typical approach by not requiring the lifting of liquid.

[0048] Various other advantages will become clear to a skilled person based on the following detailed description.

[0049] The expression "a plurality of’ may refer to any positive integer starting from two (2), respectively.

[0050] The terms “first” and “second” are herein used to distinguish one element from another element, and not to specially prioritize or order them, if not otherwise explicitly stated.

[0051] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention presented herein are not to be interpreted to pose limitations to the applicability of the appended claims.

[0052] The verb "to comprise" is used herein as an open limitation that does not exclude the existence of also unrecited features.

[0053] The features recited in the appended patent claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0054] The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the present invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The present invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0055] Some embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

[0056] Figures 1A-1C illustrate schematically an apparatus and operation thereof.

[0057] Figures 2A-2B illustrate schematically an apparatus and operation thereof.

[0058] Figures 3A-3B illustrate schematically an apparatus and operation thereof.

[0059] Figures 4A-4B illustrate schematically an apparatus and operation thereof.

[0060] Figure 5 illustrates schematically an apparatus.

[0061] Figure 6 shows a flow diagram of a method for cyclically circulating liquid and converting energy.

[0062] Figure 7 illustrates a block diagram of one or more controllers of the apparatus.

[0063] DETAIEED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0064] The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as unnecessarily limiting. The specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details, such as the impact of the gravitational field, potential energy, kinetic energy including liquid flow, mass conversion into weight, and hydrostatic pressure may not be described in order to avoid obscuring the description.

[0065] Figures 1A-1C illustrate schematically an apparatus 100, and operation thereof. The direction of gravity G is also shown when the apparatus 100 is in use. In the figures, the first side corresponds to the left side of the apparatus 100, and the second side corresponds to the right side of the apparatus 100, in the point of view of an observer viewing the apparatus 100.

[0066] The apparatus 100 comprises a first vessel 102 and a second vessel 104 for containing liquid. The first vessel 102 and the second vessel 104 are communicating vessels. The vessels 102, 104 are open vessels. Furthermore, the inner volume of the vessels 102, 104 may be adjusted or remain substantially constant. There is thus at least one fluid connection 106 between the vessels 102, 104 for providing at least one path for a liquid flow between the communicating vessels. The apparatus 100 also comprises a rocking mechanism 116 defining a fulcrum point, about which the rocking mechanism 116 can tilt. The first vessel 102 is arranged on the rocking mechanism 116 on a first side of the fulcrum point 101 and the second vessel 104 is arranged on a second side of the fulcrum point 101, being opposite to the first side. The rocking mechanism 116 is further arranged to tilt about the fulcrum point 101 according to a weight distribution in the apparatus 100 as is understood.

[0067] The apparatus 100 further comprises at least one electric generator 5 A, 5B, comprising or being one or both of the following a turbine -generator 5A arranged in fluid communication with the at least one fluid connection 106, and a generator 5B arranged in connection to the rocking mechanism 116.

[0068] The turbine-generator 5 A, if any, is, thus, arranged to convert kinetic energy of the liquid flow into electricity. The generator 5B, if any, is, thus, arranged to convert mechanical energy of the rocking mechanism with respect to the tilting into electricity.

[0069] The generator 5B may be, for example, flexibly attached to an outer wall of the rocking mechanism 116 and rotated by vertical motion of the end of the rocking mechanism. Alternatively, the generator 5B may be attached to the fulcrum 101 or in connection thereto.

[0070] In the apparatus 100, a position of the rocking mechanism 116 is selectively lockable into at least two different positions. For example, the generator 5B may be arranged to selectively lock the position of the rocking mechanism 116 is into the at least two different positions. This can be done, for instance, by making the generator 5B to maintain its position.

[0071] Alternatively, or in addition, the apparatus 100 may comprise a locking device 105 A, 105B in connection with the rocking mechanism 116 for selectively locking the vessels 102, 104, or movable wall(s) therof, into at least one position. The locking device 105 A, 105B may comprise a solenoid or other actuator for performing the locking.

[0072] The apparatus 100 is adapted so that when the weight distribution changes as a response to the liquid flow between the communicating vessels 102, 104 due to a difference 110 between liquid surface levels in the vessels 102, 104, the rocking mechanism 116 tilts about the fulcrum point 101 towards current heavier side of the rocking mechanism 116. In Fig. 1 A, the rocking mechanism 116 has tilted and completed the tilt towards the first side (the left side in the figure). Thus, the first side is the current heavier side, at least for a short period of time.

[0073] The apparatus 100 is also adapted so that upon or after completion of the tilt, a liquid surface level in the vessel 102, 104 on the heavier side (in this case the first side) increases so that it becomes higher relative to a liquid surface level in the vessel 102, 104 on the opposite side (in this case the second side), thereby causing a difference 110 between liquid surface levels in the vessels 102, 104 and reversing of liquid flow between the communicating vessels 102, 104. This is illustrated in Figs. 1 A and IB in which the volume of the first vessel 102 has been reduced by the first support member 122 moving the outer wall of the vessel 102. Thus, the liquid surface level has increased and the difference 110 is provided.

[0074] The apparatus 100 is configured so that the position of the vessel 102, 104 on the current heavier side, or a movable wall thereof, is locked upon or after completion of the tilt and maintained locked until the weight distribution is reversed as a result of the reversing of liquid flow.

[0075] After this, the tilt towards the opposite side begins, and then ends in the completion of said tilt to the second side of the apparatus 100.

[0076] Figure IB illustrates the rocking mechanism 116 in a horizontal position with the liquid surface levels being equal to or aligned with each other. This balanced position occurs instantaneously, however, as understood, only for a very short time instance. The inertia of the apparatus 100, including the inertia of the liquid (flow), ensures that the tilt continues pass this balanced position.

[0077] Figure IB also shows the first vessel 102 (of course, this applies to the second vessel 104 as well during the subsequent tilt) in three different positions. The first wall position 103 A refers to the vessel 102 being in the position with larger volume. For example, the vessel 102 may exhibit its largest possible volume. The second wall position 103B refers to the vessel 102 being locked. In this case the volume is less. The position is, preferable, locked by the locking device 105 A. The wall of the vessel 102 may be maintained locked until the completion of the tilt, after which it is at the latest released. The third wall position 103C refers to the outer wall of the vessel 102 being pulled, for example, by a one or more mechanical connecting elements 130 (such as shown in Fig. 5). For simplicity, it is assumed that the weight distribution change occurs when the liquid surface levels in the vessels 102, 104 are equal which stops the flow therebetween, at least momentarily, however, this does not prevent tilt as understood and explained. This depends, of course, on the geometry and overall design of the apparatus 100 in accordance with the embodiment in question.

[0078] Said momentary stop may be avoided by arranging an additional loop and / or having more than one interconnected rocking mechanisms 116 in the apparatus 100 as described herein elsewhere.

[0079] As understood, the apparatus 100 then repeats the operating cycle, after which another second operating cycle occurs and so on. Technical effects of the present disclosure include providing an energy storage and / or power conversion apparatus, in which conversion between mechanical energy and electricity can be performed, for example, in an event of an interruption in power supply system. Further, the apparatus 100 may be integrated into various parts of a power supply system to increase the inertia and energy storage connected to the power supply system.

[0080] In various embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be installed on a base 200. The base 200 may, preferably, have a horizontal surface onto which the apparatus 100 is installed onto. The base 200 may be part of the apparatus 100 or a separate entity, such as the ground or a floor.

[0081] In some embodiments, such as in Figs. 1A-1C, upon or after said completion of the tilt, a volume of the vessel 102, 104 (the first vessel 102 in said figures) on the current heavier side is arranged to be reduced, thereby causing the liquid surface level in the vessel 102, 104 on the heavier side to increase. For example, at least one of walls of the vessels 102, 104 may be movable for changing the volumes of the vessels 102, 104.

[0082] The apparatus 100 may comprise support members 122, 124, such as pillars or the like, arranged to move outer walls of the vessels 102, 104 to reduce the volume, preferably upon the completion of the tilt, and / or attached to outer walls of the vessels change the position of the vessel on the current heavier side upon or after completion of the tilt, preferably upon the completion of the tilt. The support members 122, 124, or limiting members 122, 124, may be arranged in fixed manner relative to a base 200 of the apparatus 100. Alternatively, the support members 122, 124 may be arranged in fixed manner relative to the movable walls of the vessels 102, 104. Furthermore, the apparatus 100 may comprise a measurement arrangement (not shown) for determining the weight distribution in the apparatus 100. For example, the measurement arrangement may be arranged to compare weights on opposite sides of the fulcrum point. Alternatively, the measurement arrangement may comprise a force sensor (not shown) measuring strain in a wire or the like arranged between contact points on opposite sides of the fulcrum point 101. The skilled person understood that the weight distribution in the apparatus 100 may be determined based on direct or indirect means in various different ways.

[0083] Figures 2A-2B illustrate schematically an apparatus 100 and operation thereof. The apparatus 100 is identical or at least similar than the one shown in Figs. 1A-1C, however, in this case the support members 122, 124, such as pillars, are attached to the outer walls of the vessels 102, 104 to move thereof when the opposite end of the support member 122, 124 becomes in contact with the base 200 upon completion of a tilt. Other features can be identical as in the apparatus 100 illustrated and described in connection with Figs. 1A-1C. The apparatus 100 may also exhibit the operation phase in accordance with Fig. IB, however, not illustrated herein for this example of the apparatus 100.

[0084] Figures 3A-3B illustrate schematically an apparatus 100 and operation thereof. The apparatus 100 is identical or at least similar than the one shown in Figs. 1A-1C, however, the support members 122, 124 are hinged at least relative to the outer walls of the vessels 102, 104, and optionally also relative to a base 200 of the apparatus 100. Thus, the ends of the support members 122, 124 may be fixed relative to their attaching points. This means that the hinged support members 122, 124 can push and pull the outer walls to move the volume of the vessels 102, 104, or the position of the vessels 102, 104 (shown in Figs. 4A-4B). The apparatus 100 may also exhibit the operation phase in accordance with Fig. IB, however, not illustrated herein for this example of the apparatus 100.

[0085] Figures 4A-4B illustrate schematically an apparatus 100 and operation thereof. In many ways, as can be seen in Figs. 4A-4B, the apparatus 100 may include identical or similar features as shown and described in connection with Figs. 1 A-3B. However, in this case, the volume of the vessels 102, 104 remain substantially constant but the position of the vessels 102, 104 change upon or after completion of the tilt.

[0086] Thus, upon or after said completion of the tilt, a position of the vessel 102, 104 on the current heavier side is arranged to be changed so that the liquid surface level in the vessel 102, 104 on the heavier side increases. This has happened in Fig. 4A in which the first vessel 102 has changed its position from having its longitudinal direction parallel with the frame of the rocking mechanism to an upward position. Thus, as the vessels 102, 104 have a shape such that with a constant amount of liquid in the vessel 102, 104, in one position the liquid surface level is higher than in another position, the liquid surface level increases as a response to the change of the position. This further causes the difference 110, and results in liquid flow between the vessels 102, 104. The weight distribution thus also changes. In these embodiments too, the position of the vessel 102, 104 on the current heavier side is locked until the weight distribution is such that the tilt towards the opposite side can begin. Then, the locked vessel 102, 104 may then be released, that is to allow increase of its volume. The apparatus 100 may also exhibit the operation phase in accordance with Fig. IB, however, not illustrated herein for this example of the apparatus 100.

[0087] Applying to Figs. 1A-4B, the apparatus 100 may comprise one or more mechanical connecting elements 130 between outer walls of the vessels 102, 104. This is, however, only shown in Figs. 4A-4B as an optional feature. The idea of the mechanical connecting elements 130 is, for example, to limit the range of motion of the outer walls. On the other hand, the mechanical connecting elements 130 can be used to pull the outer walls. Still further, if the one or more mechanical connecting elements 130 are rigid, they can also push the outer walls.

[0088] Furthermore, in various embodiments, the at least one fluid connection 106 may comprise a siphon. This may apply to each of the embodiments shown and described in connection with Figs. 1A-4B. Regarding the solution in publication WO 2022038311 Al referred to hereinbefore, the apparatus 100 may exploit the same or a similar arrangement as shown and described in connection to Fig. 1 of said publication. The apparatus 100 can basically be used in place of the rocking mechanism of said publication. The turbine-generator 5A or a further turbine-generator may be installed in a liquid flow in a free space after the energy storage (that is, after 20a, 20b with respect to reference signs and figures of said publication). Thus, the turbine-generator does not increase system's internal losses. The one-directional flow of liquid and rotation of the turbine-generator are sustained, including inertia.

[0089] In several embodiments, the at least one fluid connection 106 may comprise at least two separate connection portions, such as hoses, channels, conduits, or merely holes or openings etc. Thus, the fluid connection 106 may even be (an) opening(s) or (a) hole(s) in a wall or barrier between the vessels. Regarding the at least one fluid connection 106, it may extend below the first and second vessels 102, 104. Alternatively, it may extend between the first and second vessels 102, 104 above, optionally, via the siphon, or at the same level, and / or below the first and second vessels 102, 104.

[0090] In various embodiments, the apparatus 100 may optionally further comprise one or more liquid surface level sensors configured to measure liquid surface level data of the first vessel 102 and the second vessel 104. Thus, comparison between them may be performed, and / or the difference 110 determined.

[0091] Both of the vessels 102, 104 may comprise more than one liquid surface level sensors, such as for determining the liquid surface level in different positions of the vessels 102, 104. This may be beneficial if the operation of the apparatus 100 includes changing the position of the vessels 102, 104 upon the completion of the tilt or otherwise.

[0092] The liquid surface level data may indicate heights of the liquid surface levels in the first 102 and second vessels 104. The liquid surface level data may be measured on the same scale for both the first and second vessels 102, 104, e.g. with respect to ground level. The liquid surface level sensor may comprise sensors based on liquid pressure, optical or capacitive sensors, and / or sensors based on the electrical conductivity of the liquid.

[0093] For example, the one or more liquid surface level sensors may measure that the difference 110 of the liquid surface levels in the first vessel 102 and second vessel 104 is 0 cm. Thus, the difference of the liquid surface levels corresponds to the predetermined distance of 0 cm.

[0094] The apparatus 100 may optionally further comprise one or more position sensors configured to measure position data. The position data indicates a position, or a tilt, of the rocking mechanism 116. The position sensors may comprise one or more micro switches, for example. The sensors may indicate current position, such as whether the rocking mechanism 116 has reached the position upon or after the completion of the tilt, or the sensors may indicate more than two positions or even in essentially stepless manner the position of the rocking mechanism 116.

[0095] Alternatively or in addition, the apparatus 100 may further comprise a controllable valve in the at least one fluid connection 106 or in connection thereto to regulate the flow. The one or more controllers may be arranged to control the operation of the valve to selectively allow and prevent liquid from flowing between the vessels. Figure 5 illustrates schematically an apparatus. The apparatus 100 may comprise, as shown, one or more mechanical connecting elements 130 between the movable walls of the vessels 102, 104. As shown in Figs. 4A-4B as optional feature, the one or more mechanical connecting elements 130 may be arranged to provide or at least make it easier to change the position of the vessels 102, 104.

[0096] The one or more mechanical connecting elements 130 may comprise a cable, a wire, a rigid element having hinged end portions, etc. The one or more mechanical connecting elements 130 may comprise or be in connection with a stationary support structure 132, such as including a pulley, a sheave or the like via which the cable or wire can be extending.

[0097] Fig. 6 shows a flow diagram of a method for cyclically circulating liquid and converting energy.

[0098] Item or method step 700 refers to a start-up phase, for example, setting up the apparatus 100.

[0099] Item or method step 710 refers to increasing a liquid surface level in the vessel 102, 104 on the heavier side so that it becomes higher relative to a liquid surface level in the vessel 102, 104 on the opposite side, thereby causing a difference 110 between liquid surface levels in the vessels 102, 104 and reversing of liquid flow between the communicating vessels 102, 104 upon or after completion of the tilt.

[0100] Item or method step 720 refers to locking the vessel 102, 104, or specifically a movable wall thereof, on the current heavier side into the at least one position, such as to the extreme position (reduced volume) upon or after the completion of the tilt.

[0101] Item or method step 730 refers to waiting for the reversing of liquid flow between the communicating vessels 102, 104 to change the weight distribution in the apparatus 100 so that the opposite side becomes heavier than the former heavier side.

[0102] Item or method step 740 refers to releasing the locked vessel 102, 104, or the movable wall thereof, from the at least one position after initiation of a subsequent tilt, thereby providing the cyclical operation of the apparatus 100.

[0103] Item or method step 750 refers to converting electricity by the turbine-generator 5 A and / or the generator 5B during the tilt. As understood, step 750 occurs simultaneously with one or several of the abovementioned steps, since mechanical energy can be converted into electricity every time there is liquid flowing in the fluid connection 106 (by the turbine-generator 5 A, if any) and / or when the rocking mechanism 116 moves (by the generator 5B, if any).

[0104] The method may be ended at 799.

[0105] The method may, however, comprise determining, based on the liquid surface level data, a difference 110 of liquid surface levels between the first vessel 102 and the second vessel 104. Furthermore, in some non-limiting examples, if the difference 110 of liquid surface levels corresponds to a predetermined distance, the method may comprise operating at least one valve to allow liquid flow through the fluid connection 106 or other fluid communication. The predetermined distance may be e.g. 0 cm or some other value, depending on the embodiment.

[0106] The method may comprise detecting, based on a position data, the change in the tilt of the rocking mechanism 116 from one of the first side and the second side to the other one of the first side and the second side.

[0107] Figure 7 illustrates a block diagram of one or more controllers of the apparatus 100. Such controllers may be utilized in connection with any of the embodiments illustrated and / or described in this disclosure.

[0108] In an embodiment, the one or more controllers comprise one or more processors 10, one or more memories 20 comprising computer program code 22, wherein the one or more memories and the computer program code are configured to, with the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform the method of Fig. 6 or any of its embodiments. The apparatus 100 may further comprise optional sensors, which include the one or more liquid surface level sensors and / or the one or more position sensors. In an embodiment, the computer program code is embodied on a (non-transitory) computer-readable medium.

[0109] Although various aspects of the embodiments are set out in the independent claims, other aspects comprise other combinations of features from the described embodiments and / or the dependent claims with the features of the independent claims, and not solely the combinations explicitly set out in the claims.

[0110] It is also noted herein that while the above describes example embodiments, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations and modifications, which may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims. The previously presented considerations concerning the various embodiments of the device may be flexibly applied to the embodiments of the method mutatis mutandis, and vice versa, as being appreciated by a skilled person.

[0111] The embodiments in the above detailed description are given as examples only and someone skilled in the art can carry out the basic idea of the invention also in some other way than what is described in the description. Most embodiments can be actualized in a variety of combinations with other embodiments. Though the description may refer to a certain embodiment or embodiments in several places, this does not imply that the reference is directed towards only one described embodiment or that the described charac- teristic is usable only in one described embodiment. The individual characteristics of a plurality of embodiments may be combined and new embodiments of the invention may thus be provided.

[0112] Some advantageous embodiments of the apparatus and method according to the invention have been described above. The invention is not limited to the embodiments de- scribed above, but the inventive idea can be applied in numerous ways within the scope of the claims.

[0113] The features recited in dependent claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus (100) for cyclically circulating liquid and converting energy, the apparatus (100) comprising: a first vessel (102) and a second vessel (104) for containing liquid, wherein the first vessel (102) and the second vessel (104) are communicating vessels (102, 104); at least one fluid connection (106) between the vessels (102, 104) for providing at least one path for a liquid flow between the communicating vessels (102, 104); a rocking mechanism (116) defining a fulcrum point (101), wherein the first vessel is arranged on the rocking mechanism (116) on a first side of the fulcrum point (101), and the second vessel is arranged on a second side of the fulcrum point (101), being opposite to the first side, wherein the rocking mechanism (116) is arranged to tilt about the fulcrum point (101) according to a weight distribution in the apparatus (100); at least one electric generator, comprising or being one or both of the following: a turbine-generator (5A) arranged in fluid communication with the at least one fluid connection (106), and an electric generator (5B) arranged in connection to the rocking mechanism (116); wherein a position of the vessels (102, 104), such as a movable wall thereof, is selectively lockable into at least one position; wherein the apparatus (100) is adapted so that when the weight distribution changes as a response to the liquid flow between the communicating vessels (102, 104) due to a difference between liquid surface levels in the vessels (102, 104), the rocking mechanism (116) tilts about the fulcrum point (101) towards current heavier side of the rocking mechanism (116); wherein the apparatus (100) is adapted so that upon or after completion of the tilt, a liquid surface level in the vessel (102, 104) on the heavier side increases by reducing the volume or the change of the position of the heavier vessel (102, 104) so that the liquid surface level in the vessel (102, 104) on the heavier side becomes higher relative to a liquid surface level in the vessel (102, 104) on the opposite side, thereby causing a difference (110) between liquid surface levels in the vessels (102, 104) and reversing of liquid flow between the communicating vessels (102, 104); andwherein the apparatus (100) is configured so that the position of the vessel (102, 104) on the heavier side is locked upon or after completion of the tilt and maintained locked until the weight distribution is reversed as a result of the reversing of liquid flow.

2. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein upon or after said completion of the tilt, a volume of the vessel (102, 104) on the current heavier side is arranged to be reduced by a corresponding one of support members (122, 124) of the apparatus (100) arranged to move outer walls of the vessels (102, 104) to reduce the volume of the vessel (102, 104) on the current heavier side upon or after completion of the tilt, and / or by one or more mechanical connecting elements (130) between outer walls of the vessels (102, 104), thereby causing the liquid surface level in the vessel (102, 104) on the heavier side to increase, wherein at least one of walls of the vessels (102, 104) is movable for changing the volumes of the vessels (102, 104).

3. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein upon or after said completion of the tilt, a position of the vessel (102, 104) on the current heavier side is arranged to be changed by a corresponding one of support members (122, 124) of the apparatus (100) attached to outer walls of the vessels (102, 104) to change the position of the vessel (102, 104) on the current heavier side upon or after completion of the tilt, and / or by one or more mechanical connecting elements (130) between outer walls of the vessels (102, 104), so that the liquid surface level in the vessel (102, 104) on the heavier side increases.

4. The apparatus (100) of claim 3, wherein the vessel (102, 104) has a shape such that it has a first cross-sectional area in a first direction and a second cross-sectional area in a perpendicular second direction, wherein the first cross-sectional area is larger than the second cross-sectional area, so that, with a constant amount of liquid in the vessel (102, 104), in one position the liquid surface level is higher than in another position.

5. The apparatus (100) of any of claims 1-4, wherein the generator (5B) is arranged to selectively lock a position of the rocking mechanism (116) is into at least two different positions.

6. The apparatus (100) of any of claims 1-5, comprising a locking device (105 A, 105B) in connection with the rocking mechanism for selectively locking the vessels (102, 104), such as a movable wall thereof, into the at least one position.

7. The apparatus (100) of claim 6, wherein the locking device (105A, 105B) comprises a solenoid.

8. The apparatus (100) of any of claims 1-7, comprising support members (122, 124) arranged to move outer walls of the vessels (102, 104) to reduce the volume, and / or attached to outer walls of the vessels (102, 104) change the position of the vessel (102, 104) on the current heavier side upon or after completion of the tilt.

9. The apparatus (100) of claim 8, wherein the support members (122, 124) are hinged at least relative to the outer walls, and optionally also relative to a base (200) of the apparatus (100).

10. The apparatus (100) of any of claims 1-9, comprising one or more mechanical connecting elements (130) between outer walls of the vessels (102, 104).

11. The apparatus (100) of any of the preceding claims, comprising one or more controllers configured to selectively lock the rocking mechanism (116) into one of the at least two different positions.

12. The apparatus (100) of any of the preceding claims, comprises an additional loop, being a siphon.

13. The apparatus (100) of any of the preceding claims, comprising a measurement arrangement for determining the weight distribution in the apparatus (100).

14. A method for cyclically circulating liquid and converting energy in the apparatus (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the method comprises: increasing (710) a liquid surface level in the vessel (102, 104) on the heavier side so that it becomes higher relative to a liquid surface level in the vessel (102, 104) on the opposite side, thereby causing a difference between liquid surface levels in the vessels (102, 104) and reversing of liquid flow between the communicating vessels (102, 104) upon or after completion of the tilt; locking (720) the vessel (102, 104), such as a movable wall thereof, on the heavier side into the at least one position; waiting (730) for the reversing of liquid flow between the communicating vessels (102, 104) to change the weight distribution in the apparatus (100) so that the opposite side becomes heavier than the former heavier side, thereby initiating a subsequent tilt; releasing (740) the locked vessel (102, 104), such as locked movable wall thereof, from the at least one position after the initiation of the subsequent tilt; andconverting (750) electricity by the turbine-generator (5A) and / or the electric generator (5B) during the tilt.

15. The method of claim 14, comprising determining, based on a liquid surface level data, a difference (110) of liquid surface levels between the first vessel (102) and the second vessel ( 104) .

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