A hydroelectric power generation system and a method thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and method for a hydroelectric power generation system comprises an external tower with an closed bottom end and open top end, adapted to be submerged in underwater surroundings; one or more pipes with one or more shielded water inlet valve, connected at the open bottom end, configured to permit water entry based on surrounding water pressure at depth and to prevent external debris and turbulence from impacting turbine operation; one or more electric generators placed on a generator base operatively connected to one or more turbines within the external tower structure. The one or more turbines are adapted to rotate from the water flowing inward from the underwater surroundings through an aperture or hole or hole. The submersion depth of the external tower is selected to enable water at a higher pressure to enter the tower and drive the turbines, thereby generating electrical power.

Description

[0001] A HYDROELECTRIC POWER GENERATION SYSTEM AND A METHOD THEREOF

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for producing electricity generating hydroelectric power by an enclosed tower structure partially submerged in the water that leverages water pressure at depth to drive turbine generator systems for harnessing natural underwater pressure. More particularly, the invention pertains to a system for a hydroelectric power generation system and a method thereof.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005]

[0002] Hydroelectric power systems utilize water flow and pressure to generate renewable electricity. Most existing hydroelectric plants require the special construction of huge dams that disrupting native natural environment.

[0006]

[0003] Some marine hydro-kinetic devices aim to produce hydroelectricity from waves or currents, but face many challenges. Bryan Scott Lee at al. (US20180355835A1) discloses a similar system comprises a large buoyant structure with internal turbines and generators that can be selectively raised and lowered in a water body using pumped air. The vertical movement of the structure coupled with strategic turbine orientation allows water flow to rotate the turbines for power generation during both the up and down cycles. The buoyant structure connects via underwater cabling to an onshore / offshore pump house and electrical transmission infrastructure. Air is pumped to submerge or raise the structure through control cycles. The buoyant structure pivots on the waterbed for enhanced turbine efficiency. The system suffers disadvantages such as high construction, susceptibility to water damage and corrosion requiring special materials, high underwater pumping system maintenance cost and structural stability challenges during raising / lowering cycles, impact on marine ecosystems from seabed equipment and cabling, efficiency and sustained operation.

[0007]

[0004] Moreover, the conventional techniques have attempted to use water pressure by submerging turbines or propellers. But the exposure to marine debris, biofouling, and turbulence reduces efficiency and reliability. Enclosing the equipment’s may help address environmental challenges, but creates new difficulties for maintenance and operation.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the art of hydroelectric generation system that effectively harness the renewable potential of water without adverse ecological impact.. Natural water pressure and flow in oceans and deep water bodies provides one such possibility. The present invention fulfils this need through an innovative structure and arrangement of water driven turbine generator systems.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009]

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, a system for a hydroelectric power generation system comprises an external tower with a closed bottom end and open top end, adapted to be partially submerged underwater to provide a water containment structure; one or more pipes with one or more shielded water inlet valve, connected at the open bottom end, configured to permit water entry based on surrounding water pressure at depth and to prevent external debris and turbulence from impacting turbine operation; one or more electric generators placed on a generator base operatively connected to one or more turbines within the external tower. The water flowing inward from the underwater surroundings through an aperture or hole or hole adapted to rotate one or more turbines. The submersion depth of the external tower is selected to enable water at a higher pressure to enter the external tower and drive the one or more turbines thereby generating electrical power.

[0010]

[0007] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the external tower includes one or more access hatches enable maintenance personnel access within the tower structure.

[0011]

[0008] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more electric generators are connected to underwater electrical cables, which are configured to transmit the generated electricity to external storage or distribution networks

[0012]

[0009] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the water inlet valve and one or more pipes are fabricated from corrosion-resistant materials suitable for prolonged underwater use.

[0013]

[0010] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the external tower includes an internal tower configured to encloses the one or more electric generators and one or more electric generators in an internal tower configured to shield the turbine and generator and to focus water flow across the turbine blades. [Oil] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for hydroelectric power generation using a hydroelectric power generation system, the method comprising: allowing water inflow from high pressure underwater surroundings inside the external tower structure through the one or more shielded water inlet valve; rotating the one or more turbines through pressurized water inflow; generating electrical power from the one or more turbines rotation using the connected one or more electric generators; and transmitting the generated electrical power.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]

[0012] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular to the description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. These and other features, benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following text figure, with like reference numbers referring to like structures across the views, wherein:

[0016]

[0013] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary system for a hydroelectric power generation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0017]

[0014] Fig. 2 illustrates a flowchart depicting the method steps for a hydroelectric power generation system.

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]

[0015] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e., meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like are included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.

[0020]

[0016] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising”, it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element or group of elements with transitional phrases “consisting of’, “consisting”, “selected from the group of consisting of, “including”, or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.

[0021]

[0017] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, a number of materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0022]

[0018] The present invention will now be described in detail with the help of accompanying drawings:

[0019] The present invention relates to an innovative hydroelectric generation system that harnesses natural underwater pressure to produce renewable electricity. The system comprises a specialized submerged tower structure configured to leverage water pressure at depth to drive turbine-based generator systems. This eliminates the need for dams or other infrastructure that disrupts environments. The enclosed tower system channels the pressurized inward water flow responsible for the buoyancy force to suspended turbine generator sets. The depth and dimensions of the system are engineered to optimize electricity production efficiency from the rotational force of the buoyant inward flux or inflow of water. Underwater cabling exports the generated power to shore facilities. Strategic access hatches allow maintenance procedures when required. The system has advantages of simplicity, reliability, sustainability, and low maintenance compared to buoyance-based marine approaches requiring complex movable components. It provides a clean solution for effectively tapping an immense renewable energy source in water bodies possessing pressure differentials at depth.

[0023]

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary system for a hydroelectric power generation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure 1, the system (100) includes an external tower (101) that may be adapted to be submerged underwater partially. For the sake of maximum structural strength and stability the external tower (101) may have a cylindrical structure. The top end of the external tower (101) may be surrounded by air (110) and rest of it be submerged in water such that bottom end may be closed and top end be open. The external tower (101) may include a hole (103) at 1 / 3 of the total height of the external tower (101), one or more shielded water inlet valves (1082) connected to one or more pipes (1084). The hole (103) may be adapted to permit water entry from the high-pressure water surroundings (1080) while preventing debris ingress. The one or more pipes (1084) may be further configured to focus water flow.

[0024]

[0021] The material for the external tower (101) may be selected from, but not limited to, grade 3161 stainless steel, 5052 or 6061 aluminum alloys, titanium, fiber-reinforced composites, carbon fiber, fiberglass, fiber-reinforced plastics, polyethylene foam, coated metals or combination thereof. For sealing the external tower (101) the material may be selected from, but not limited to, rubber gaskets and seals, fluorocarbon or silicone, O-rings, mechanical seals, or combination thereof.

[0025]

[0022] The one or more pipes (1084) and the hole (103) are adapted to with stand prolong exposure to high pressure, salty and hard water. The material for the one or more pipes (1084) and the hole (103) may be selected from, but not limited to, grade 3161 stainless steel, 5052 or 6061 aluminum alloys, titanium, fiber-reinforced composites, carbon fiber, fiberglass, fiber-reinforced plastics, polyvinyl chloride, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, duplex stainless steel, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene foam, coated metals or combination thereof.

[0026]

[0023] The shielding in the one or more shielded water inlet valves (1082) may be selected from, but not limited to, mesh screens, grate or grid structure, cone or funnel design, rotating brushes or jets of water, adjustable flap or gate, hydrophobic coating, adjustable slats or louvers, multiple layers of protection, flexible flap valves, magnetic debris separators, mechanical debris separators or combination thereof. Similarly, the choice of the one or more shielded water inlet valves (1082) depends the parameters such as but not limited to, type of fluids used in the system (100), range of flow rate and pressure of water, operating temperature, water contamination, level of control requirement, maintenance, environmental conditions, fail-safe requirements, reliability, and compatibility with the system (100). The one or more shielded water inlet valves (1082) may be selected from, but not limited to, butterfly valves, ball valves, diaphragm valves, gate valves, solenoid valves, control valves, pressure relief valves, three-way and four-way valves, angle valves, pinch valves or combination thereof.

[0027]

[0024] The external tower (101) may be configured to encloses one or more turbines (104) and one or more electric generators (106). The one or more turbines (104) operatively connected to the one or more electric generators (106) vertically placed on a generator base (1040).

[0028]

[0025] The one or more turbines (104) may be selected from, but not limited to, Propeller Turbines, Francis Turbines, Pelton Turbines, Crossflow Turbines, Banki-Michell. Each shaft of one or more turbines (104) may be mechanically connected to the rotor of the electric generators (106). The one or more generators (106) may be selected from, but not limited to, synchronous generators, induction generators or permanent magnet generators. The depth of the external tower may be determined such that the pressure exerted at the surface of water must be sufficient enough to generated the force that may be rotated the one or more turbines (104). The one or more turbines

[0029] (104) may be operably connected to one or more electric generators (106) to generate electricity.

[0030]

[0026] The one or more electric generators (106) further connected with one or more underwater cables. The one or more underwater cables may transmit electricity externally to a connected load. They may be coated with corrosion resistant materials withstand prolonged submerged conditions.

[0027] In some embodiments, the external tower (101) includes one or more internal tower (not shown). The one or more internal tower may act as a power cell or power units that may be connected in parallel or series combination with one or more external towers (101) to deliver required power to the load. Such a configuration may be beneficial for incorporating modular approach. The one or more internal towers may include one or more components encapsulated in it, such as, but not limited to, one or more turbines (104) may be operably connected to one or more electric generators (106), one or more shielded water inlet valves (1082), one or more pipes (1084) or combination thereof.

[0031]

[0028] The material for the internal tower (not shown) may be selected from, but not limited to, grade 3161 stainless steel, 5052 or 6061 aluminum alloys, titanium, fiber-reinforced composites, carbon fiber, fiberglass, fiber-reinforced plastics, polyvinyl chloride, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, duplex stainless steel, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene foam, coated metals or combination thereof. The one or more internal tower may further have one or more shielded water inlet valves (1082) connect to one or more pipes (1084) and the hole (103). They are configured to permit water entry from the high-pressure water surroundings (1080) while preventing debris ingress. The one or more shielded water inlet valves (1082) connect to one or more pipes (1084) may be further configured to focus water flow. The each of the one or more internal towers may be configured to enclose one or more turbines (104) and one or more electric generators (106). The one or more turbines (104) operatively connected to the one or more electric generators (106) vertically placed on a generator base (1040) within the external tower (101).

[0032]

[0029] In some embodiments, the system (100) may include an aperture or hole (103) in the middle of the external tower (101) that allows water to enter. The hole (103) is at a depth such that the water pressure is as high enough to move the one or more turbines (104) for electrical generation. The water enters from the hole (103) directed inward through the one or more pipes (1084) and the one or more valves (1082). The one or more pumps (108), at the base of the external tower (101), operatively connected to the one or more valves (1082). The one or more pumps (108) are configured to push water out from inside the external tower (101). The one or more valves (1082) and the one or more pumps (108) are configured to control the flow of water through the one or more pipes (1084) into and out of the external tower (101).

[0033]

[0030] Further, the system (100) may include one or more pumps (108) as backup, and one or more access hatches (1012) for maintenance and manned inspection. The one or more pumps (108) may be connected to the one or more pipes (1084). The one or more pumps (108) may be selected from, but not limited to, submersible centrifugal pumps, axial flow pumps, jet pumps, turbine pumps or combination thereof.

[0034]

[0031] In some embodiments, the system may include one or more sensors. The one or more sensors may be selected from, but not limited to, water level sensors, pressure sensors, flow sensors, temperature sensors, vibration sensors, water quality sensors, acoustic sensors, humidity sensors, camera and imaging sensors, current sensors, voltage sensors.

[0035]

[0032] In some embodiments, the system may include one or more safety and protection components or schemes, including overcurrent relays or circuit breakers for detecting and interrupting excessive current flow, surge arrestors to divert excessive voltage to the ground, frequency relays to monitor and trip the system during frequency deviations, underfrequency relays for detecting low-frequency conditions, synchronizing relays or synchronizers to ensure synchronous generator connection to the grid, automatic voltage regulators (AVRs) for adjusting generator excitation and maintaining voltage stability, isolating switches or disconnect switches for physically disconnecting equipment during faults, fault detection sensors for continuous monitoring and early fault detection, ground fault relays or ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to detect and trip the system in the presence of ground faults, and emergency shutdown (ESD) systems for initiating rapid shutdown in emergency situations to mitigate risks and ensure personnel safety.

[0036]

[0033] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system (100) may further include one or more Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). The one or more Programmable Logic Controllers may as a control unit or as a brain for the system (100) that may be configured to operationally connect all the components for logical operations. The selection of the one or more Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) may be based on, but not limited to, Processing Speed, I / O Capacity, Network Capabilities, Memory and Storage, Environmental Resistance, Expansion Options, Software Compatibility, Reliability and Support. The one or more Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) may be selected from, but not limited to, Siemens SIMATIC S7 Series, Allen- Bradley ControlLogix, Mitsubishi Electric FX Series, Omron Sysmac Series or Schneider Electric Modicon Series. Redundancy in the system (100) may be implemented for critical components, and the integration of protection components into a centralized monitoring and control system using the PLCs allows for real-time analysis, ensuring the overall reliability and safety of the hydroelectric power generation system. Regular testing, maintenance schedules and manual inspection schedules are established to uphold the proper functionality of these protection components.

[0037]

[0034] In some embodiment, the system (100) may also include one or more communication modules (not shown) are configured to establish a communication network (not shown). The communication network may be used to connect the components within the system (100) itself, or to connect the system (100) with servers and one or more PLCs of the concerned authorities (such as other power stations, police, municipal corporations, hospitals, fire stations etc.). In that sense, the communication network may be a short-range communication network and / or a long-range communication network, wired or wireless communication network selected from one of, but not limited to, Bluetooth, radio frequency, WIFI network or satellite communication network providing maximum coverage. Additionally, a communication interface may include, but not limited to, a serial communication interface, a parallel communication interface or a combination thereof. The communication network (not shown in figures) may be implemented using a number of protocols, such as but not limited to, TCP / IP, 3GPP, 3GPP2, LTE, IEEE 802.x etc.

[0038]

[0035] In some embodiments, the system (100) may include a user Interface connected to the one or more Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). It may further include, but not limited to Display Screen, touch enabled display, one or more speakers, one or more LEDs. It may display graphics to interact with the system (100) displaying, but not limited, Status Indicators, starting / stopping cycles, adjusting settings, regular maintenance, data for analysis and optimization or flag issues set thresholds for temperature, pressure, etc. navigating menus, prominent button for immediate system shutdown or combination thereof.

[0039]

[0036] The display may be, but not limited to, Light-emitting diode display or LED, electroluminescent display or ELD, liquid crystal display or LCD, Organic light-emitting diode or OLED & AMOLED display. Furthermore, the user interface (not shown) may include accessories like key based input unit, or one or more switches, or pointing devices like a mouse etc. envisaged to provide input capability to enable a user to enter his / her details.

[0040]

[0037] In some embodiment, the system may include user interface may be a touch input-based display or Human machine interfaces (HMIs) connected to the one or more Programmable Logic Controllers. The user interface may integrate the input-output functionalities to the system (100). In an additional or alternative embodiment, the control unit may be part of a computing device operated by a user or may be connected with the computing devices such as desktop PC, laptop, PDA or hand-held computing device such as smartphones and tablets. This enables the user to remotely operate the system (100) and further automate its operation.

[0041]

[0038] In some embodiment, the system may a dedicated one or more microcontrollers or microprocessors configured to either compliment the one or more Programmable Logic Controllers or may be used in place of the one or more Programmable Logic Controllers. The one or more microcontrollers or micro-processers may be selected from, but not limited to, Raspberry Pi, PIC Microcontrollers, STM32 Microcontrollers, FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), Digital Signal Processors, Texas Instruments Microcontrollers, ARM Microcontrollers (e.g., NXP LPC series), Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC Kit or combination thereof.

[0042]

[0039] In some embodiment, the system (100) may also include a data repository (not shown). The data repository or memory may be a local storage such as SSD, eMMC, Flash, SD card, etc. In any manner, the data repository may be envisaged to be capable of providing the data to the control unit, when the data may be queried appropriately using applicable security and other data transfer protocols. The memory unit may store, but not limited to, images, videos, audios, one or more algorithms, data from sensors, and instructions related to the aquarium, maintenance schedules and data related to optimum parameters and threshold parameters required to be maintained in the system (100).

[0043]

[0040] The threshold parameters may be selected from, but not limited to, water level, depth level, tower temperature, water pressure, turbine RPM, required frequency, synchronizing frequency, current, voltage, power. The threshold parameters define the safety and operational limits of the hydroelectric system. They ensure the system operates without component damage, maintaining safety and longevity. These parameters serve as critical safeguards, preventing scenarios that could lead to system failure or inefficiency.

[0044]

[0041] The threshold parameters for the system (100), may be defined to include, but are not limited to, the following: A minimum water pressure necessary to initiate and maintain rotation one or more turbines (104) for power generation; a minimum flow rate to sustain turbine movement and energy production; a minimum electric output that qualifies the system (100) as operational for grid supply; a maximum water pressure that the system (100) may tolerate; a maximum flow rate that the turbines may handle without incurring damage; specified turbine cut-in and cut-out speeds delineating the minimum operational speed and the maximum safe speed; a peak electric output limit that triggers overload protection; set turbidity and debris levels that, when exceeded, require maintenance; defined maintenance thresholds indicating when wear necessitates repair or replacement; and lastly, the range of temperature extremes within which the system may operate safely.

[0045]

[0042] Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart depicting the process steps of a method for a hydroelectric power generation system under normal condition when the pressure exerted by the surroundings at the surface of water must be sufficient enough to generated the force that may rotated the one or more turbines (104). As shown in figure 1, a hydroelectric power generation system (100) may include an external tower (101) may be partially submerged in water. The external tower (101) adopted to have a closed bottom end while the top end open to air. For example, if the external tower (101) is 500 meters tall, then approximately the top 166 meters or about 1 / 3 of it may be surrounded by air. The hole may be placed proximal to the 1 / 3 of the height of the external tower (101). The remaining 334 meters submerged underwater such that a high-pressure water from the surroundings (1080) enters through the hole (103). And then through the shielded water inlet valves (1082) and the one or more pipes (1084). The shielded water inlet valves (1082) may be connected to the one or more pipes (1084) and the hole (103).

[0046]

[0043] A detailed explanation of Figure 2may be as follows:

[0047]

[0044] Step 1 (302) - The first step involves allowing water inflow from high pressure underwater surroundings inside the external tower (101) structure through the one or more shielded water inlet valve (1082). The water inflow through the hole (103) may be controlled by the shielded water inlet valves (1082) with the help of one or more programmable logic controllers or one or more microcontrollers or microprocessors (not shown).

[0048]

[0045] Step 2 (304) - In this step the one or more turbines (104) may be rotated through pressurized water inflow. The shielded water inlet valves (1082) and the one or more pipes (1084) configured to permit water entry from the high-pressure underwater surroundings while preventing debris ingress. They may be further configured to focus water flow to the turbine (104).

[0049]

[0046] Step 3 (306) - The step involves generating electrical power from the one or more turbines (104) rotation using the connected one or more electric generators (106). The one or more turbine (104) may be operably connected to a flywheel (not shown) and an electric generator (106) through a shaft (not shown). The electric generators (106) vertically placed on a generator base (1040). The system (100) further includes one or more pump (108) at the bottom side of the external tower (101). The water after utilization for electricity generation may be pushed out through one or more pump (108) from the bottom to the top of the external tower (101).

[0050]

[0047] The one or more turbines (104) are configured to rotate in response to the inward pressurized water flow from the bottom shielded inlet valves (1082). This rotational mechanical energy may be converted to electrical energy using operatively connected electric generators (106). As the plurality of blades of the one or more turbines (104) rotate, they turn the turbine shaft, inducing a rotational motion in the rotor. The rotational energy from the one or more turbines (104) may be transmitted to the rotor of the generators (106) through a mechanical transmission system (not shown), such as gears or a direct shaft connection. The generated electrical power may be transmitted through underwater electrical cables to external storage or distribution networks.

[0051]

[0048] Step 4 (308) - In this step the generated power may be transmitted to a connected load (not shown). The load may be either a local consumer within a micro-grid or a part of a larger power grid connected through a distribution network for supplying the generated electrical power.

[0052]

[0049] The threshold parameters may be selected from, but not limited to, water level, depth level, tower temperature, water pressure, turbine RPM, required frequency, synchronizing frequency, current, voltage, power. The threshold parameters define the safety and operational limits of the hydroelectric system. They ensure the system operates without component damage, maintaining safety and longevity. These parameters serve as critical safeguards, preventing scenarios that could lead to system failure or inefficiency.

[0053]

[0050] The system (100) may be configured to generate output electrical power 220V at a frequency of 50 Hz, with the turbine rotating at an optimal speed of 1500 RPM. The external tower (101) may be partially submerged at an ideal depth, like 100 meters, to ensure adequate water pressure, targeting a water flow rate around 500 liters per second.

[0054]

[0051] Maintenance checks may be scheduled semi-annually or after every 3000 operational hours. Safety thresholds may include a maximum pressure tolerance of 200 psi for the inlet valve, an overload current limit set at 10% above the operating average, and a maximum turbine speed of 1650 RPM. An emergency shutdown may trigger if the system's depth became shallower than 80 meters. If water pressure drops below 75% of the optimal level, backup pumps may activate. Finally, the system (100) may operate within a temperature range of -5°C to 40°C to ensure reliability and longevity.

[0052] The hydroelectric power generation system (100) in the present invention may offer several benefits:

[0055]

[0053] Renewable Energy Source: The system harnesses the natural water pressure in oceans and deep-sea environments, providing a renewable and sustainable source of energy. This reduces reliance on non-renewable resources and contributes to a cleaner energy mix.

[0056]

[0054] Minimal Environmental Impact: Unlike traditional hydroelectric systems that often require the construction of large dams, this system minimizes environmental impact. It operates in deep-sea environments without disrupting natural ecosystems, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

[0057]

[0055] Continuous Power Generation: The constant water flow in deep-sea environments ensures continuous power generation. This feature contributes to grid stability by providing a consistent and reliable source of electricity.

[0058]

[0056] Efficient Water Pressure Utilization: The system efficiently harnesses water pressure at significant depths, ensuring optimal utilization of the available energy resource. This design maximizes the conversion of hydraulic energy into electricity through the rotation of turbines.

[0059]

[0057] Customizable Control System: The integration of microcontrollers or microprocessors, either complementing or replacing Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), provides a customizable control system. This adaptability may allow for precise control algorithms, real-time monitoring, and seamless integration with other smart grid technologies. The system's ability to adapt to varying water pressure conditions provides an adaptive approach to power generation. This technical feature ensures that the system may efficiently operate in different underwater environments, optimizing energy production based on specific conditions. If the system incorporates FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) technology, it brings additional technical advantages. FPGAs offer programmability and adaptability, allowing for the implementation of custom algorithms, signal processing, and parallel computing, enhancing overall system performance.

[0060]

[0058] Reduced Turbulence Impact: The shielded water inlet valves and the enclosed tower structure mitigate the impact of external debris and turbulence on turbine operation. This choice of configuration enhances the overall efficiency and reliability of the system by minimizing potential disruptions.

[0059] Underwater Electrical Transmission: The system may incorporate underwater electrical cables for transmitting the generated electricity to onshore or offshore facilities. This technical aspect minimizes power losses during transmission, contributing to the overall efficiency of the energy distribution system. The use of corrosion-resistant materials in critical components, such as pipes and valves, ensures the durability and longevity of the system. This technical feature reduces the risk of material degradation and maintenance requirements, especially in harsh underwater environments.

[0061]

[0060] Real-Time Monitoring and Diagnostics: The inclusion of advanced sensors and monitoring systems may allow for real-time data collection and diagnostics. This technical advantage facilitates proactive maintenance, early fault detection, and continuous optimization of system performance.

[0062]

[0061] Integrated Safety and Protection Systems: The incorporation of safety and protection components, such as fault detection systems and emergency shutdown mechanisms, may enhance the reliability of the system. These technical safeguards contribute to the overall safety of the hydroelectric power generation system.

[0063]

[0062] It should also be understood that, unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as "controlling" or "obtaining" or "computing" or "storing" or "receiving" or "determining" or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that processes and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

[0064]

[0063] In general, the word “module,” as used herein, refers to logic embodied in hardware or firmware, or to a collection of software instructions, written in a programming language, such as, for example, Java, C, or assembly. One or more software instructions in the modules may be embedded in firmware, such as an EPROM. It will be appreciated that modules may comprised connected logic units, such as gates and flip- flops, and may comprise programmable units, such as programmable gate arrays or processors. The modules described herein may be implemented as either software and / or hardware modules and may be stored in any type of computer-readable medium or other computer storage device.

[0064] Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying drawings. The principles associated with the various embodiments described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the description is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown along with the accompanying drawings but is to be providing broadest scope of consistent with the principles and the novel and inventive features disclosed or suggested herein. Accordingly, the invention is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the present invention and the appended claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. A hydroelectric power generation system, the system comprising: an external tower with a closed bottom end and open top end, adapted to be partially submerged underwater to provide a water containment structure; one or more pipes with one or more shielded water inlet valve, connected at the open bottom end, configured to permit water entry based on surrounding water pressure at depth and to prevent external debris and turbulence from impacting turbine operation; one or more electric generators placed on a generator base operatively connected to one or more turbines within the external tower; wherein the water flowing inward from the underwater surroundings through an aperture or hole adapted to rotate one or more turbines; wherein the submersion depth of the external tower is selected to enable water at a higher pressure to enter the external tower and drive the one or more turbines thereby generating electrical power.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the external tower includes one or more access hatches enable maintenance personnel access within the system.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes one or more pumps for drawing water from the bottom of the tower from the inside the external tower.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more valves and the one or more pumps are configured to control the flow or of water entering from the aperture or hole or hole through the one or more pipes into and out of the external tower.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the external tower includes an internal tower configured to enclose and shield the one or more electric generators and one or more turbines and to focus water flow across the turbine blades.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more electric generators are connected to underwater electrical cables, which are configured to transmit the generated electricity to external storage or distribution networks.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more shielded water inlet valve and one or more pipes are fabricated from corrosion-resistant materials suitable for prolonged underwater use.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes one or more sensors and auxiliary one or more submersible pumps to provide water flow into the external tower under conditions of low surrounding water pressure.

9. A method for generating hydroelectric power using the system of claim 1, the method comprising: allowing water inflow from high pressure underwater surroundings inside the external tower structure through the one or more shielded water inlet valve; rotating the one or more turbines through pressurized water inflow; generating electrical power from the one or more turbines rotation using the connected one or more electric generators; and transmitting the generated electrical power.

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