System and method for electricity generation, water production, and heat generation from structural surfaces experiencing liquid movement

Abstract

A system, and method for the generation of electricity from structural surfaces experiencing the movement of liquids and the subsequent production of clean water, generation of heat, and powering of appliances, including one or more structural surfaces constructed, assembled, fabricated, formulated to ensure that the structure has piezoelectrical properties, a "smart" computer subsystem to direction system operation, a hydrolysis subsystem to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, a reverse-hydrolysis subsystem to generate clean water and heat, a storage and distribution subsystem to convey water and heat, and an electricity generation using hydrogen gas subsystem.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION, WATER PRODUCTION, AND HEAT GENERATION FROM STRUCTURAL SURFACES EXPERIENCING LIQUID MOVEMENT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the generation of electricity from structural surfaces experiencing the movement of liquids and the subsequent production of clean water, generation of heat, and powering of appliances, and more particularly to small scale electricity generation to meet the water, electricity, and heating needs of a structure.DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, systems and methods to generate electricity through the conversion of kinetic mechanical energy in the environment such as wind, waves, tides, and the like, have been developed. However, such systems and methods are generally associated with large infrastructure projects that are often difficult to fund and implement due to cost, environmental permitting, public comment periods, and the like. Existing small scale or distributed energy generation technologies are generally limited to solar panels, small wind turbines, and the like, that are implemented or installed on top of existing structural roof elements on building. Structural elements for roofs, other surfaces, and the like capable of generating electricity through the conversion of kinetic energy naturally occurring in the environment into electrical energy have generally not been developed. Generally, clean water production is also typically centralized and carried out in large complex facilities. Small scale clean water generation typically involves pumping groundwater from wells where subsurface conditions, water quality, and the like allow for it. Small scale rain barrels or cisterns to capture rainwater from roofs have been used extensively for millennia though water quality has typically been compromised by waste from birds, rodents, and the like. Water from rain barrels is typically associated with non-consumptive or "greywater" uses such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and the like. Producing clean water from rain barrels has typically been limited by the energy intensity of treatment methods such as ultra-violet light treatment, filtration such as reverse osmosis, or reverse electrolysis, and the like. Furthermore, electricity generated by technologies such as solar panels is generally used for a single dedicated purpose or returned as surplus during peak production daylight periods to the broader electrical grid. This system and method for thegeneration of electricity from structural surfaces experiencing the movement of liquids and the production of clean water, generation of heat, and subsequent powering of appliances, and the like, in a broad sense, seeks to translate the kinetic energy associated with the movement of a liquid into electrical energy that is then either applied immediately, stored as chemical energy that can be used to meet electricity, water generation, or heating needs in the longer term, while simultaneously recovering or using energy in an integrated system where possible such as the use of heat released during reverse-hydrolysis or controlled condensation to generate water to meet the consumptive and non-consumptive water demands of the end uses associated with the structure.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a system and subsequent method that addresses the above and other problems. The above and other problems are addressed by the illustrative embodiments of the present invention, which is capable of translating the kinetic energy associated with the movement of a liquid such as air, water, and the like, into electricity at the small or distributed scale of a structure such as a single-family house, apartment building, and the like, through the incorporation of piezoelectric elements into structural elements such as roofs, walls, windows, and the like, and allocating the electricity generated to meet current and future electricity use, water use, and heating needs, and the like, of the broader system and structure. Energy generated piezoelectrically at this small scale through the piezoelectric subsystem, is allocated to the most pressing immediate or longer-term electricity use, water use, and heating need for a structure, like a single-family home, apartment building, and the like, based on the current and anticipated conditions of the broader system including the volume of water stored, storage of chemical energy in the form of compressed hydrogen gas, the electricity, water, and heat use profile of the residence or structure such as a single-family home, apartment building, and the like, and forecasted external environmental conditions such as temperature and the probability of significant rainfall. Piezoelectric elements can also be installed in riverine, estuarine, or coastal environments in the bottom or substrate, inverted under docks or piers, and the like where water is flowing. Electricity generated by the piezoelectric subsystem is used to power a series of additional subsystems including a "smart" predictive home and environmental computer subsystem to efficiently and proactively allocate electricity, stored compressedhydrogen and oxygen gas, water, and heat generated in the broader system to meet the electricity, water, and heat use profile of the structure, a hydrolysis subsystem to split water into its elemental hydrogen and oxygen components as needed, a reverse-hydrolysis subsystem to generate elementally clean water from component hydrogen and oxygen produced during hydrolysis as needed, a subsystem to convey water from the water collection system to the hydrolysis subsystem and from the reverse hydrolysis subsystem to end water and a heat transfer subsystem to distribute heat generated during reverse-hydrolysis or condensation as needed, a subsystem to add minerals to chemically clean water produced during reverse-hydrolysis to allow for human compunction, a subsystem to generate electricity, water, and heat by conveying compressed hydrogen gas through one or more fuel cells, as well as other subsystems, and the like.

[0004] Piezoelectric elements are incorporated into structural components currently widely produced and used in modern landscapes such as roof tiles, walls, windows, and the like that currently typically simply deflect the kinetic energy associated with the movement of the relevant liquid such as air moving as wind, water falling as rainfall or moving as currents, and the like. The incorporation of piezoelectric elements into roof tiles, walls, windows, and the like, allows for the translation of the kinetic energy from renewable and naturally occurring environmental phenomenon such as wind, rainfall, and the like, into electricity at the household or apartment building scale, effectively limiting the need to rely on large centralized energy generation facilities, complex and often vulnerable distribution networks, and growing volatility in electricity markets. Piezoelectric elements can also be installed where water is moving such as on the substrate or inverted under docks or piers where rivers are flowing downgradient, tides are pushing brackish water in an out of estuaries, or wave action is causing turbulent water flow, and the like. A "smart" predictive home and environmental computer subsystem allocates the electricity generated by the piezoelectric subsystem to meet existing and longer-term electricity use, water use, and heating needs of a structure such as a single-family home, apartment building, and the like. A significant portion of the electricity generated by piezoelectric elements is dedicated to powering an electrolysis subsystem to separate water captured from roofs, pumped from wells, or other sources, and the like, into its component hydrogen and oxygen parts, effectively leaving other components such as microbes, suspended sediment, and nitrates, andthe like, for separate disposal. Compressed hydrogen and oxygen gases are stored separately for future use and are coupled with a novel hydraulic pump with no moving parts other than an incompressible fluid to increase the pressure of stored hydrogen gas. A reverse-hydrolysis subsystem generates clean water through controlled condensation to meet clean water demand associated with the structure such as a single-family residence, apartment building, and the like. The reverse-electrolysis subsystem and also inherently generates heat or steam as elemental hydrogen and oxygen are combined into water through controlled condensation. This steam is conveyed to a turbine to generate additional electricity. A water and heat distribution subsystem conveys the clean water produced in the reverse-hydrolysis subsystem directly to grey water uses such as toilets, dishwashers, laundry machines, and the like, as well as internal and external irrigation of vegetation, and the like, or to a chamber where minerals and trace elements present in highly desirable naturally occurring unimpacted waters that are bottled and marketed, are added to elemental water to allow for human consumption, if desired. The heat generated in the reverse-hydrolysis subsystem is also conveyed to warm or heat key surfaces within the structure such as floors, and the like. An electricity generation using hydrogen subsystem allows compressed hydrogen gas produced in the hydrolysis subsystem to pass through a fuel cell stack to generate electricity and meet electricity demands during short peak demand periods and maintain the capacity to generate electricity across the broader system when the movement of the relevant liquid such as air moving as wind, water falling as rain or moving as currents, and the like, temporarily subsides. Additional water and heat generated by the electricity generation using hydrogen subsystem is also conveyed to meet water and heating needs with water and heat produced in the reverse-hydrolysis subsystem.

[0005] Accordingly, in illustrative aspects of the present invention there is provided a system, and method for the generation of electricity from structural surfaces experiencing the movement of liquids and the subsequent production of clean water, generation of heat, and powering of appliances, including one or more structural surfaces constructed, assembled, fabricated, formulated to ensure that the structure has piezoelectrical properties, rectifiers for each structural element, a means to convey electricity to other subsystems, a "smart" predictive home and environmental computer subsystem, a hydrolysis subsystem including a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) to separate hydrogen from oxygen in water coupled with a novelhydraulic pump to increase the pressure of stored hydrogen gas, a reverse-hydrolysis subsystem to allow for the controlled condensation of water from elemental hydrogen and oxygen and capture heat and steam released from the condensations process, a subsystem to convey water to and from storage and use containers as well as steam and heat from the reverse-hydrolysis subsystem to a turbine for electricity generation, and or to heat surfaces such as floors, and a subsystem to generate electricity from surplus hydrogen gas by passing it through fuel cells, and the like.

[0006] Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description, by illustrating a number of illustrative embodiments and implementations, including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. The present invention is also capable of otherand different embodiments, and its several details can be modified in various respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is an illustrative representation of the general process of the system, and method for the generation of electricity from structural surfaces experiencing the movement of liquids and the subsequent production of clean water, generation of heat, and powering of appliances including a roof generally including tiles piezoelectric properties 100, a "smart" predictive home and environmental computer subsystem 200, a hydrolysis subsystem 300 including a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) to separate hydrogen from oxygen in water coupled with a novel hydraulic pump to increase the pressure of stored hydrogen and oxygen gasses, a reverse-hydrolysis subsystem 400 to allow for the condensation of water from elemental hydrogen and oxygen and capture heat released from the condensations process, a distribution subsystem 500 to convey water to and from storage and use containers to end uses as well as steam and heat from the reverse-hydrolysis subsystem to a turbine to generateadditional electricity or heat surfaces such as floors, and an electricity generation from compressed hydrogen subsystem 600 to generate electricity from surplus hydrogen, and the like.

[0009] FIG. 2 is an illustrative exploded representation of novel hydraulic pump 322 and associated elements including variable pressure valve 320, pressurized oxygen conveyance 324, and pressurized hydrogen conveyance 330.

[0010] FIG. 3 is an illustrative representation of a single roof tile constructed, assembled, fabricated, formulated, and the like, using material with piezoelectric properties 100 to generate electrical current 102.

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The present invention includes recognition that current efforts and technologies to generate electricity from renewable energy sources at the small, distributed, or lot scale are generally limited to the use of solar panels to convert light energy into electricity using the photovoltaic effect. Infrastructure generating electricity from renewable sources of kinetic energy associated with the movement of liquids such as air as wind, water moving as currents, and the like, typically is large, centralized, and often difficult to implement due to cost, environmental permitting, public commenting or review, and the like. Small or distributed scale technologies to convert kinetic energy from the movement of liquids such as air as wind, water moving as currents, and the like, into electric energy or electricity, such as small household-scale wind turbines, are typically not capable of generating sufficient energy to power household appliances or a process like hydrolysis at a meaningful scale. An extensive array of structural surfaces across modern landscapes including roofs, walls, windows, and the like, deflect and absorb the kinetic energy associated with the movement of liquids such as air as wind, rain falling from the sky, water moving as currents, and the like, on a daily basis. The kinetic energy associated with the movement of these liquids such as air as wind, rain falling from the sky, water moving as currents, and the like, in certain locations is generally understood to be extensive with some populated areas experiencing very strong winds almost daily. Intense seasonal precipitation or rainfall is also prevalent in many regions. The absence of systems, mechanisms, and technologies to convert a portion of this kinetic energy regularly, naturally, and often sustainablycoming into contact with high surface area structural elements in modern landscapes such as roofs, walls, windows, and the like, into electrical energy and usable electricity is therefore often a vastly underutilized renewable energy resource.

[0013] Generally, the described method and system includes a piezoelectric element integrated into an external structural component of a building that has either been polarized during construction, formulation, assembly, and the like or incorporates elements to transmit or conduct electricity. The piezoelectric element relies on the well documented and understood piezoelectric effect where a subset of materials convert kinetic energy, sometimes referred to as mechanical energy, into electrical energy due to the deformation of crystalline structures when mechanical stress is applied. This applied mechanical stress effectively shifts the positive and negative charge centers in the material, resulting in the generation of an external electrical field across a crystalline lattice. When the mechanical stress is reversed, an outer electrical field then compresses or stretches the piezoelectric material. When the mechanical stress is changed through removal, attenuation, and the like, the material returns to its steady state or equilibrium based positive and negative charge centers. The described method and system harnesses the electricity generated by piezoelectric materials under mechanical stress and conveys the electricity to meet current and future electricity use, water use, and heating needs, and the like, of the broader system such a single-family home, and the like. A vast array of naturally occurring materials have piezoelectric properties including, but not limited to, cane sugar, quartz, topaz, and tourmaline, and the like. This naturally occurring array of materials is complemented by human-made materials engineered to have specific piezoelectric properties including, but not limited to, polymers such as poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), poly(vinylidene fluoride-co- trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE), and the like. These human-made materials are often engineered to have specific properties such as high polarity, biocompatibility, mechanical flexibility, and the like. The described method and system is produced through the construction, assembly, fabrication, formulation, and the like, of a structural surface often subject to mechanical stress due the movement of a liquid such as roofs, walls, windows, and the like, using a natural or manmade piezoelectrical material, along with the incorporation of rectifier constructed of diodes to convey current produced in a single desired direction. Piezoelectric elements can also be installed where water is moving such as on the substrate or inverted under docks or piers to producepower for proximate structures. These piezoelectric elements can be deployed in a less environmentally, structurally, and visually intrusive manner than larger scale hydroelectric, tidal, and wave generation technologies generally currently applied. Piezoelectric elements are installed to experience movement from the flow of rivers, tides pushing brackish water in an out of estuaries, or wave action is causing turbulent water flow, and the like. These small-scale piezoelectric elements may also serve as habitat for species and yield a net positive environmental benefit for the ecosystem they are implemented in. The functionality, electricity generation capacity, or economic value of the described method and system is increased through the incorporation of one or more strategies to strengthen the piezoelectric effect, increase the structures' capacity to conduct electricity, and the like. Such methods may include, but are not limited to, the use of piezoelectric materials with high polarity, additional methodologies to more effectively align crystalline structures to increase their electrical conductivity, and the incorporation of conductive materials such as thin copper layer between cathodes and anodes, and the like. Methodologies to more effectively align crystalline structures may include the use of large magnets or other processes to induce processes such as the corona poling of materials such as PVDF, and the like, during casting, molding, printing, and the like. Still, additional elements can be incorporated into the structural elements often subject to mechanical stress due to the movement of a liquid such as vertical pillars, and the like, that are more readily destabilized and exhibit vibrational behavior to enhance the piezoelectric effect of the structural component. Structural elements often subject to mechanical stress due the movement of a liquid such as roof tiles, and the like, can be produced at a relatively small scale and assembled into an array with a rectifier to convey the electricity generated in one direction. This array of piezoelectricity generating surfaces, such as roof tiles, and the like, represents the piezoelectric subsystem of the broader system and method, and is capable of translating a portion of the kinetic or mechanical energy applied to the roof as the physical "work" deforming crystalline structures into electricity can then be used for an array of existing or anticipated applications.

[0014] A "smart" predictive home and environmental computer subsystem, powered by the broader system and method, allocates the electricity generated by the piezoelectric subsystem to an array of subsystems to meet the electricity use, water use, and heating profile of the structure such as a single-family home, apartment building, and the like, and forecastedexternal environmental conditions such as temperature and the probability of significant rainfall. The "smart" predictive home and environmental computer subsystem tracks the real time status and storage of key system elements within other subsystems including the volume of captured water, pressure of compressed hydrogen, pressure of compressed oxygen, joules of heat or steam generation capacity, and the like, to efficiently allocate them to meet the water, electricity, and heating needs of a structure. Precipitation falling as rain, snow, sleet, and the like, on the roof or high surface area component of a structure, and the like is captured and conveyed to a water storage container, rain barrel, or cistern. Water stored can also be supplemented through the pumping of groundwater from wells, diversion from creeks, and the like, as needed. Water stored in this water storage subsystem is conveyed to and through a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) that separates the water into elemental hydrogen and oxygen through hydrolysis. At the cathode of the PEM, hydrogen ions combine with electrons from an external circuit controlled by the "smart" predictive home and environmental computer subsystem to produce hydrogen gas. At the anode, oxygen ions combine with electrons from the external circuit controlled by the "smart" predictive home and environmental computer subsystem to form oxygen gas. At the cathode hydrogen gas is pressurized and stored in a large separate container for later use in the electricity generation using hydrogen gas subsystem or the water production subsystem. Similarly, at the anode, oxygen gas is pressurized and stored in a separate smaller container (when compared to the container used to store hydrogen) for later use in the water production subsystem. A novel hydraulic pump, with no moving parts other than an incompressible fluid such as mineral oil, 3M Novec, and the like, is incorporated and used to increase the pressure in the hydrogen storage container to produce critical fluid hydrogen. As water is split into hydrogen and oxygen gas and conveyed to their respective storage containers, the buildup of pressure for both gasses is equal but oxygen is stored in a smaller container relative to the size of the hydrogen container. This difference in gas storage capacity yields an increase in the pressure in the smalleroxygen containerfasterthan the larger hydrogen container, consistent with Pascal's law, yielding a pressure difference between storage containers. Pressure builds up in the oxygen storage container until a peak design pressure at or below the threshold for critical fluid oxygen is reached and a variable pressure valve opens to allow the pressure of stored oxygen gas to decrease until a new desired equilibrium below the peak design pressure is achieved. Thepressure of compressed hydrogen gas increases until conditions allowing for critical fluid hydrogen are achieved. The contribution of hydrogen gas from hydrolysis is supplemented by the pushing or forcing of additional hydrogen gas back into the compressed hydrogen gas tank using a pressurized hydrogen feedback driven by what is effectively a pumping motion achieved by the controlled increase and decrease of oxygen gas pressure, relative to the pressure of hydrogen gas, in their respective storage containers. Elemental water, comprised only of hydrogen and oxygen, is generated to meet daily demand in the reverse-hydrolysis subsystem where reversehydrolysis process, effectively controlled condensation, occurs as stored compressed elemental hydrogen and oxygen are allowed to combine to form clean water absent of other components such as microbes, suspended sediment, and nitrates, and the like. Trace elements and minerals present are then be added back to this elementally clean water as needed to allow for human consumption and align with the taste preferences of the end water users or drinkers to align with concentrations found in highly desirable naturally occurring unimpacted waters that are bottled and marketed, if desired. Water is also generated to meet non-consumptive demand for uses such as "greywater" in toilets, dishwashers, laundry machines, and the like, as well as internal and external irrigation of vegetation, and the like, as needed. Energy is released during reversehydrolysis or controlled condensation and steam is produced. This steam is conveyed to a turbine where additional electricity to support the operation of the broader system and method is produced before the heat associated with the steam is harnessed and conveyed to heat or warm components of the structure such as floors, and the like. The "smart" predictive home and environmental computer subsystem is also capable of directing a portion of existing electricity to the electricity generation by hydrogen subsystem to allocate a portion of available electricity and stored compressed hydrogen to generate additional electricity. In this subsystem, hydrogen is allowed to pass through a fuel cell stack to generate electricity and meet electricity demands or needs during short peak demand periods and maintain the capacity to generate electricity across the broader system when the movement of the relevant liquid such as air moving as wind, water falling as rain or moving as currents, and the like, temporarily subsides. This electricity generation by hydrogen subsystem inherently enhances to adaptability of the broader system and method by utilizing the chemical energy associated with compressed hydrogen to store energy during periods of high liquid movement such as air moving as wind, water falling as rain or moving ascurrents, and the like, to allow for the intelligent use of stored energy using the "smart" predictive home and environmental computer subsystem.

[0015] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and more particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown an illustrative representation of the system and method for generation of electricity from structural surfaces experiencing the movement of liquids and the subsequent production of clean water, generation of heat, and powering of appliances. In FIG. 1, an array of roof tiles constructed, assembled, fabricated, formulated, and the like, using materials with piezoelectric properties 100 to convert kinetic energy from the movement of liquid such as air as wind or water, in this case most likely as rain, in to electric current 102 and a rectifier 104 constructed from diodes to transmit the current 102 produced in the piezoelectric material 100 in one direction. These roof tiles 100 are installed, in this illustrative case on the roof of a singlefamily home. The application of piezoelectric element 100 on a substrate similar to naturally occurring seagrass, and the like is also illustrated below a roof tile application. Electricity is then allocated to one or more subsystem using "smart" predictive home and environmental computer subsystem 200 using based on key contextual considerations such as the amount of water captured in water storage container 302, the quantity of compressed hydrogen stored in hydrogen storage container 314, and water generated for consumptive and non-consumptive uses in clean water storage container 408, and the like, as well as the electricity use, water use, and heating profile of the residence, in this case a single-family home, and forecasted external environmental conditions such as temperature and the probability of significant rainfall. Current generated from piezoelectric elements 102 is conveyed via rectifier 104 to an array of capacitors to power one or more subsystems to more efficiently and effectively utilize energy in various forms including kinetic, chemical, and thermal energy. These capacitors include capacitor 106 to power a "smart" predictive home and environmental computer subsystem 200, capacitor 108 to power hydrolysis subsystem 300, capacitor 110 to power reverse-hydrolysis subsystem 400, capacitor 112 to power water and heat distribution system 500, and capacitor 114 to power electricity generation from hydrogen gas subsystem 600.

[0016] "Smart" predictive home and environmental computer subsystem 200 generally includes a combination of software and hardware to allocate resources within the system suchas the amount of water captured in water storage container 302, the quantity of compressed hydrogen stored in hydrogen storage container 314, and volume of water generated for consumptive and non-consumptive uses in clean water storage container 408, and the like, and direct subsystem operations and resource usage based on the electricity use, water use, and heating profile of the structure, and the like, as well as forecasted external environmental conditions such as temperature, the probability of significant rainfall, occupancy, and the like. The "smart" predictive home and environmental computer subsystem downloads and processes weather and other atmospheric forecasts 202 to inform decision making regarding future environmental conditions. Sensor package 204 reports the amount of water captured in water storage container 302, the quantity of compressed hydrogen stored in hydrogen storage container 314, and volume of water generated for consumptive and non-consumptive uses in clean water storage container 408, and the like. "Smart" computer 206 directs subsystems to continue to store or generate resources such as hydrogen and oxygen gas in hydrolysis subsystem 300, water and steam in reverse-hydrolysis subsystem 400 water, or electricity from electricity generation through subsystem 600, and the like, based on forecasted or anticipated internal occupancy driven conditions as well as external environmental conditions, and the like.

[0017] Hydrolysis subsystem 300 generally includes a water collection system to convey rainfall and subsequent runoff from a surface into a water storage unit 302 where solids are allowed to settle. Water is then pumped into a hydrolysis container and slowly fed through a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) 306 that splits water into elemental hydrogen gas and oxygen using current from capacitor 108. Hydrogen ions are combined with electrons from the PEM 306 to form hydrogen gas at cathode 310. Oxygen ions are combined with electrons from the PEM 206 to form oxygen at anode 312. Hydrogen gas is stored in hydrogen gas interim storage container 304 and subsequently pressurized and stored in hydrogen storage container 314, used in reverse hydrolysis subsystem 400, or in the generation of electricity using hydrogen subsystem 600, and the like. Oxygen gas is stored in oxygen gas interim storage container 306 and subsequently pressurized in oxygen storage container 316 or used in reverse hydrolysis subsystem 400, and the like.

[0018] Reverse-hydrolysis subsystem 400 generally includes a means of separately conveying the pressurized hydrogen gas stored in container 314 and the pressurized oxygen gasstored in container 316 to a chamber where reverse-hydrolysis, effectively condensation, is allowed to occur in a controlled manner consistent with the direction of "smart" computer 206. The combination of hydrogen and oxygen produces water and released energy as heat yielding steam which is conveyed to a hot water heat exchanger or turbine 404 to generate electricity. Steam is then condensed when it cools and stored and elemental or chemically clean water, comprised of just hydrogen and oxygen, in clean water storage container 406.

[0019] Water and heat distribution subsystem 500 generally includes a mechanism to convey water stored in clean water storage container 406 to meet consumptive and nonconsumptive end uses. A portion of water stored in clean water storage container 406 is fed through a mineral transfer chamber 502 to allow for the elementally pure water, comprised only of hydrogen and oxygen, to absorb minerals essential to allow for human consumption. This mineral transfer chamber 502 will be designed to facilitate the dissolution of minerals to ensure that the concentrations of minerals and trace elements in the water produced aligns with concentrations found in highly desirable naturally occurring unimpacted waters that are bottled and marketed, and the like, if desired. Clean water generated and allocated for non-consumptive uses are conveyed in this subsystem 500 directly to "greywater" or indoor and outdoor irrigation uses, and the like. This distribution subsystem 500 as conveys heat through the structure to warm key surfaces such as floors to meet occupant heating demands during atmospherically cold periods, and the like

[0020] Electricity generation using hydrogen subsystem 600 generally includes a mechanism to convey compressed hydrogen gas stored in compressed hydrogen gas tank 314 through fuel cells 602. Electricity generated will be used to meet energy demands in the structure including the powering of appliances, and the like, as well as powering key subsystem components such as "smart" computer 206 to ensure that weather or atmospheric forecasts, occupancy and water or electricity use profiles, and the like, are accounted for to inform ongoing broader system operation. The water and heat generated as compressed hydrogen from tank 314 passes through fuel cell 602 is conveyed to water and heat distribution subsystem 500.

[0021] FIG 2. is an illustrative representation of novel hydraulic pump 322, with no moving parts other than an incompressible fluid, incorporated and used to increase the pressure in hydrogen storage container 314 to yield critical fluid hydrogen. Water stored in water storagetank 302 is slowly pumped into PEM 306 and split into hydrogen and oxygen gas at cathode 310 and anode 312, respectively. Hydrogen and oxygen gasses are conveyed to interim storage containers 304 and 306, respectively. Hydrogen gas is allowed to move to pressurized hydrogen tank 314 while oxygen gas is allowed to move to pressurized hydrogen tank 316. The buildup of pressure in the smaller (relative to the size of hydrogen container 314) oxygen container 316 increases faster than the larger hydrogen container 314. Additional pressurized hydrogen is loop fed back to hydrogen storage container 314 by hydrogen conveyance element 324 using a pumping motion driven by novel hydraulic pump 322, until a desired pressure to yield critical fluid hydrogen is achieved, and the variable pressure valve 320 associated with the compressed hydrogen tank 314 allows pressures to decrease to a desired equilibrium. Pressure in oxygen storage container 316 builds up until a peak design pressure at or below the threshold for critical fluid oxygen is reached and variable pressure valve 320 associated with compressed oxygen container 316 opens to allow compressed oxygen pressures to decrease until a new desired equilibrium is achieved.

[0022] FIG 3. is an illustrative representation of a single roof tile constructed, assembled, fabricated, formulated, and the like, using material with piezoelectric properties 100 to generate electrical current 102. This illustrative representation of the single roof tile includes one or more vertical pillar 116 designed to be more easily or readily destabilized when subject to the mechanical stress derived from the movement of liquid such as the air as wind or water, in this case most likely as rain, and the like.

[0023] It is to be understood that the method and system of the illustrative embodiments are for illustrative purposes, as many variations of the specific materials and hardware used to implement the illustrative embodiments are possible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s). The functionality of one or more of the components of the illustrative embodiments can be implemented via similar designs. For example, the above-described method and system of the illustrative embodiments can include any number of roof tiles 200 and pillars 208 made of any piezoelectric material and any shape, size, or design.

[0024] The above-described devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments can include, for example, any suitable servers, workstations, PCs, laptop computers, PDAs, Internet appliances, handheld devices, cellular telephones, wireless devices, other devices, and the like,capable of performing the processes of the illustrative embodiments. The devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments can communicate with each other using any suitable protocol and can be implemented using one or more programmed computer systems or devices.

[0025] One or more interface mechanisms can be used with the illustrative embodiments, including, for example, Internet access, telecommunications in any suitable form (e.g., voice, modem, and the like), wireless communications media, and the like. For example, employed communications networks or links can include one or more wireless communications networks, cellular communications networks, G3 communications networks, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTNs), Packet Data Networks (PDNs), the Internet, intranets, a combination thereof, and the like.

[0026] It is to be understood that the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments are for illustrative purposes, as many variations of the specific hardware used to implement the illustrative embodiments are possible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s). For example, the functionality of one or more of the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments can be implemented via one or more programmed computer systems or devices.

[0027] To implement such variations as well as other variations, a single computer system can be programmed to perform the special purpose functions of one or more of the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments. On the other hand, two or more programmed computer systems or devices can be substituted for any one of the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments. Accordingly, principles and advantages of distributed processing, such as redundancy, replication, and the like, also can be implemented, as desired, to increase the robustness and performance of the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments.

[0028] The devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments can store information relating to various processes described herein. This information can be stored in one or more memories, such as a hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, RAM, and the like, of the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments. One or more databases of the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments can store the information used to implement the illustrative embodiments of the present inventions. The databases can be organized using data structures (e.g., records, tables, arrays, fields, graphs, trees, lists, and the like) included in one ormore memories or storage devices listed herein. The processes described with respect to the illustrative embodiments can include appropriate data structures for storing data collected and / orgenerated by the processes of the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments in one or more databases thereof.

[0029] All or a portion of the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments can be conveniently implemented using one or more general purpose computer systems, microprocessors, digital signal processors, micro-controllers, and the like, programmed according to the teachings of the illustrative embodiments of the present inventions, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the computer and software arts. Appropriate software can be readily prepared by programmers of ordinary skill based on the teachings of the illustrative embodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the software art. Further, the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments can be implemented on the World Wide Web. In addition, the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments can be implemented by the preparation of application-specific integrated circuits or by interconnecting an appropriate network of conventional component circuits, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the electrical art(s). Thus, the illustrative embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and / or software.

[0030] Stored on any one or on a combination of computer readable media, the illustrative embodiments of the present inventions can include software for controlling the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments, for driving the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments, for enabling the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments to interact with a human user, and the like. Such software can include, but is not limited to, device drivers, firmware, operating systems, development tools, applications software, and the like. Such computer readable media further can include the computer program product of an embodiment of the present inventions for performing all or a portion (if processing is distributed) of the processing performed in implementing the inventions. Computer code devices of the illustrative embodiments of the present inventions can include any suitable interpretable or executable code mechanism, including but not limited to scripts, interpretable programs, dynamic link libraries (DLLs), Java classes and applets, complete executable programs, Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) objects, and the like. Moreover, parts ofthe processing of the illustrative embodiments of the present inventions can be distributed for better performance, reliability, cost, and the like.

[0031] As stated above, the devices and subsystems of the illustrative embodiments can include computer readable medium or memories for holding instructions programmed according to the teachings of the present inventions and for holding data structures, tables, records, and / or other data described herein. Computer readable medium can include any suitable medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium can take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, transmission media, and the like. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, and the like. Volatile media can include dynamic memories, and the like. Transmission media can include coaxial cables, copper wire, fiber optics, and the like. Transmission media also can take the form of acoustic, optical, electromagnetic waves, and the like, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) communications, infrared (IR) data communications, and the like. Common forms of computer-readable media can include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other suitable magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, CDRW, DVD, any other suitable optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, optical mark sheets, any other suitable physical medium with patterns of holes or other optically recognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other suitable memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave or any other suitable medium from which a computer can read.

[0032] While the present inventions have been described in connection with a number of illustrative embodiments, and implementations, the present inventions are not so limited, but rather cover various modifications, and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the purview of the appended claims.PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for electricity generation from structural surfaces experiencing the movement of liquids and the subsequent production of clean water, generation of heat, and powering of appliances comprising: one or more structural elements constructed, assembled, fabricated, formulated to ensure that the structure has piezoelectrical properties; a "smart" predictive home and environmental computer subsystem to efficiently and proactively allocate electricity, stored compressed hydrogen and oxygen gas, water, and heat to meet the electricity, water, and heat use profile of the structure; a hydrolysis subsystem to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gas; a reverse-hydrolysis subsystem to re-combine hydrogen and oxygen gas into water; a water and heat capture and distribution subsystem; and a subsystem to generate electricity, water, and heat from hydrogen gas.

2. The system of claim 1, one or more structural elements constructed, assembled, fabricated, formulated to ensure that the structure has piezoelectrical properties, comprising: one more structural elements with piezoelectrical properties assembled with a rectifier to convey current generated from cathode to anode; capacitors to store current generated piezoelectrica I ly to subsystems that generate clean water, heat, and additional electricity as needed.

3. The system of claim 1, a "smart" predictive home and environmental computer subsystem, comprising: self-executing "smart" software to direct other subsystems to generate water, electricity, or heat based on current and forecasted conditions within the structure; an internet connection to download and software to process weather forecasts; and a sensor network to track real time system conditions including, but not limited to, the volume of water stored, pressure of hydrogen and oxygen gas, and temperature of the structure.

4. The system of claim 1, a hydrolysis subsystem to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, comprising: a water storage container for collected or diverted roof runoff, streamflow, or pumped groundwater; a hydrolysis container with a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM); an external circuit to transmit electrons to initiate hydrolysis and produce hydrogen and oxygen gas; a container to hold pressurized hydrogen gas; a container to hold pressurized oxygen gas; and a hydraulic pump to force hydrogen gas into the pressurized hydrogen container using the pressure difference between the pressurized hydrogen and oxygen containers.

5. A system of claim 1, a reverse-hydrolysis subsystem to combine hydrogen and oxygen into water, comprising: a combustion chamber to allow for compressed hydrogen and oxygen gas to combine and form water; a turbine to generate electricity from the steam produced during the combination of hydrogen and oxygen gas; and a container to storm chemically clean water.

6. The system of claim 1, a water and heat distribution subsystem, comprising: a means to convey water and heat from the reverse-hydrolysis and electricity generation from hydrogen gas subsystems to end uses; and a chamber to allow for the transfer of minerals and trace elements to chemically clean water produced in the reverse-hydrolysis and electricity generation from hydrogen gas subsystems to allow for human consumption.

7. The system of claim 1, an electricity generation from hydrogen gas subsystem, comprising: a means to convey compressed hydrogen from the hydrolysis subsystem to a fuel cell; one more fuel cells to convert the chemical energy of compressed hydrogen gas into electrical energy; and a means to collecting and conveying the water and heat generated to the water and heat distribution system.

8. A method for electricity generation from structural surfaces experiencing the movement of liquids and the subsequent production of clean water, generation of heat, and powering of appliances comprising: one or more structural elements constructed, assembled, fabricated, formulated to ensure that the structure has piezoelectrical properties; a "smart" predictive home and environmental computer subsystem to efficiently and proactively allocate electricity, stored compressed hydrogen and oxygen gas, water, and heat to meet the electricity, water, and heat use profile of the structure; a hydrolysis subsystem to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gas; a reverse-hydrolysis subsystem to re-combine hydrogen and oxygen gas into water; a water and heat capture and distribution subsystem; and a subsystem to generate electricity, water, and heat from hydrogen gas.

9. The method of claim 8, one or more structural elements constructed, assembled, fabricated, formulated to ensure that the structure has piezoelectrical properties, comprising: one more structural elements with piezoelectrical properties assembled with a rectifier to convey current generated from cathode to anode; capacitors to store current generated piezoelectrica I ly to subsystems that generate clean water, heat, and additional electricity as needed.

10. The method of claim 8, a "smart" predictive home and environmental computer subsystem, comprising: self-executing "smart" software to direct other subsystems to generate water, electricity, or heat based on current and forecasted conditions within the structure; an internet connection to download and software to process weather forecasts; and a sensor network to track real time system conditions including, but not limited to, the volume of water stored, pressure of hydrogen and oxygen gas, and temperature of the structure.

11. The method of claim 8, a hydrolysis subsystem to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, comprising: a water storage container for collected or diverted roof runoff, streamflow, or pumped groundwater; a hydrolysis container with a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM); an external circuit to transmit electrons to initiate hydrolysis and produce hydrogen and oxygen gas; a container to hold pressurized hydrogen gas; a container to hold pressurized oxygen gas; and a hydraulic pump to force hydrogen gas into the pressurized hydrogen container using the pressure difference between the pressurized hydrogen and oxygen containers.

12. The method of claim 8, a reverse-hydrolysis subsystem to combine hydrogen and oxygen into water, comprising: a combustion chamber to allow for compressed hydrogen and oxygen gas to combine and form water; a turbine to generate electricity from the steam produced during the combination of hydrogen and oxygen gas; and a container to storm chemically clean water.

2. The method of claim 8, a water and heat distribution subsystem, comprising: a means to convey water and heat from the reverse-hydrolysis and electricity generation from hydrogen gas subsystems to end uses; and a chamber to allow for the transfer of minerals and trace elements to chemically clean water produced in the reverse-hydrolysis and electricity generation from hydrogen gas subsystems to allow for human consumption.

13. The method of claim 8, an electricity generation from hydrogen gas subsystem, comprising: a means to convey compressed hydrogen from the hydrolysis subsystem to a fuel cell; one more fuel cells to convert the chemical energy of compressed hydrogen gas into electrical energy; and a means to collecting and conveying the water and heat generated to the water and heat distribution system.

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