Apparatus to convert hydrokinetic energy into electrical energy

Abstract

A hydrokinetic apparatus, suitable for use on land, comprising a gear with an attached counterweight, which enables the gear to rotate alternately between a rightmost clockwise position and a leftmost counterclockwise position. As the gear rotates clockwise, a rod attached to the gear is moved to the left, and as the gear rotates counterclockwise, the rod is moved to the right. The rod supports a piston at both ends. The pistons travel within a conduit that comprises two segments in fluid communication with each other. The first segment, through which the piston travels, is horizontal and contains a water turbine at its distal end. The second segment includes an air turbine at its distal end and is oriented at an obtuse angle to the first segment, preferably in the range of 90 degrees to 135 degrees.

Description

[0001] Apparatus to Convert Hydrokinetic Energy into Electrical Energy

[0002] STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 63 / 642,955, filed on May 6, 2024. That application is entitled “An apparatus to create kinetic energy” and is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0004] This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 63 / 705,325, filed on October 9, 2024. That application is entitled “An apparatus to create kinetic energy” and is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] 1. Field of the Invention

[0007] The present invention relates to the field of generating electrical energy by means of a hydrokinetic apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hydrokinetic apparatus that utilizes one or more pistons to generate hydrokinetic energy and convert it into electrical energy.

[0008] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0009] Hydrokinetics relates to the field where the motion of fluids creates forces that are, in turn, used for other purposes. A common hydrokinetic apparatus is a watermill. A watermill is a structure that uses a water wheel or water turbine to drive a mechanical process such as milling (grinding), rolling, or hammering. Such processes are needed to produce many material goods, including flour, lumber, paper, textiles, and metal products. Hydrokinetic apparatuses have been used in a variety of industrial fields for a variety of purposes. One industrial field of primary interest is using hydrokinetic technology for the purpose of generating electricity.

[0010] There are many advantages of an apparatus that converts hydrokinetic energy into electrical energy. One advantage of hydrokinetic apparatuses is that electricity can be generated with little or no reliance on fossil fuels. As hydrokinetic apparatuses are clean energy apparatuses, they lower the carbon footprint, which is good for the environment. Hydrokinetic apparatuses may be situated in various locations and do not require the extensive infrastructure needed by apparatuses using fossil fuels to generate electricity. Hydrokinetic apparatuses may be used to generate electricity where it is difficult to tap into an existing electrical grid, such as on islands or oil rigs. Where electrical grids are present, hydrokinetic apparatuses may be used to augment existing electrical plants to reduce brownouts or handle high-demand seasons. Hydrokinetic apparatuses are not reliant on more finicky clean energy sources such as wind or sun but on water. The water may be self-contained when the hydrokinetic apparatus is on land, or the water may be drawn from a body of water when a hydrokinetic apparatus is submerged, fully or partially, into the body of water.

[0011] United States patent 6,546,726 to Constantin Tomoiu titled “Gravity power plant” discloses a power plant for producing electricity utilizing the buoyancy of a liquid. A first and second expandable chamber are each place in a liquid filled shaft are coupled together with a cable so that when one of the expandable chambers is raised, the other one is lowered. The cable is couple to a pulley for turning a generator for producing electricity. An electrode and electrolyte are placed within each expandable chamber for generating heat and steam to expand the expandable chamber when the expandable chamber is at the bottom of the liquid fded shaft. The increased volume of the expandable chamber causes it to rise in the liquid fdled shaft at the same time as the other expandable chamber is reduced in volume and caused to be lowered into the other liquid fded shaft. A valve in the expandable chamber releases the steam causing the volume of the expandable chamber to be reduced. The released steam may be used to power a turbine or enter a heat exchanger. Although the Tomoiu disclosure is configured similarly to the hydrokinetic apparatus disclosed herein, Tomoiu uses chemical reactions to help raise or lower the chambers and captures not only the hydrokinetic energy produced by the movement of the chambers but also the steam that is created by the chemical reactions. The hydrokinetic apparatus disclosed herein is simpler than the Tomoiu disclosure in that no chemical reactions are necessary for electrical energy production, utilizes a counterweight, and it may be used on land or be partially submerged in a body of water.

[0012] It is apparent that there are advantages to using hydrokinetic apparatuses that consist of more than one shaft working in opposition to each other to create hydrokinetic energy and convert the same into electricity. However, such hydrokinetic apparatuses found in the prior art differ greatly from the hydrokinetic apparatuses disclosed herein. The hydrokinetic apparatuses disclosed herein are simple to construct, reliable, and may be used on land or be partially submerged in water. Therefore, a need exists for a hydrokinetic apparatus for creating electrical energy that is easy to install, configure, and maintain. It is also advantageous that such a hydrokinetic apparatus may be installed on land or partially submerged in water. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present disclosure is for multiple embodiments of apparatuses that convert hydrokinetic energy into electrical energy. Each embodiment will be referred to as the “hydrokinetic apparatus” hereafter.

[0014] The preferred embodiment discloses a hydrokinetic apparatus, suitable for use on land, comprising a gear with an attached counterweight, which enables the gear to rotate alternately between a rightmost clockwise position and a leftmost counterclockwise position. As the gear rotates clockwise, a rod attached to the gear is moved to the left, and as the gear rotates counterclockwise, the rod is moved to the right. The rod supports a piston at both ends. The pistons travel within a conduit that comprises two segments in fluid communication with each other. The first segment, through which the piston travels, is horizontal and contains a water turbine at its distal end. The second segment includes an air turbine at its distal end and is oriented at an obtuse angle to the first segment, preferably in the range of 90 degrees to 135 degrees. Water occupies a portion of the conduit, such that as the rod moves to the left or the right, water passes through the water turbine and air passes through the air turbine, thereby generating electricity.

[0015] A secondary embodiment discloses a hydrokinetic apparatus suitable for use when partially submerged in a body of water, comprising a wheel with an attached counterweight. The counterweight enables the gear to rotate alternately between a rightmost clockwise position and a leftmost counterclockwise position. Hanging from opposite circumferences of the wheel are two pistons suspended on cables. As the wheel rotates, the pistons move vertically within a cylindrical conduit that is open at both ends. The piston blocks the proximal end, while the distal end supports a turbine that allows water to pass through. Water enters and exits the conduits in response to the movement of the pistons. As the water enters and exits the conduit, it passes through the turbines, thereby generating electricity. This secondary embodiment may also be situated on land near a body of water. Here, the top of the hydrokinetic apparatus’s conduits is positioned above the waterline of the body of water, while the bottom of the conduits is in fluid communication with the body of water. An alternate embodiment of this secondary embodiment, suitable for use on land, discloses the hydrokinetic apparatus but with the distal ends of the conduits joined together and a turbine positioned where the two conduits meet.

[0016] The hydrokinetic apparatus may require external energy to start its rotation operation. Typically, this would be a motor. Once the hydrokinetic apparatuses are in motion, the motor may be disconnected.

[0017] Although water is the preferred medium for embodiments suitable for use on land, any medium, whether in liquid or gaseous form, may be used.

[0018] The diameters of the conduits may be scaled to any suitable size to generate the desired electrical output.

[0019] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. The component parts shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be exaggerated to better illustrate the essential features of the invention. Dimensions disclosed or shown are exemplary only. In the drawings, like reference numerals may designate like parts throughout the different views, wherein:

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an apparatus that generates electricity using hydrokinetic energy.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows the iterations taken by the apparatus of FIG. 1 to generate electricity.

[0023] FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of an apparatus that generates electricity using hydrokinetic energy.

[0024] FIG. 4 shows the iterations taken by the apparatus of FIG. 3 to generate electricity.

[0025] FIG. 5 shows the apparatus of FIG. 3 configured to operate adjacent to a large body of water.

[0026] FIG. 6A shows the third embodiment of an apparatus that generates electricity using hydrokinetic energy when the apparatus has terminated a counterclockwise rotation and is initiating a clockwise rotation.

[0027] FIG. 6B shows the third embodiment of an apparatus that generates electricity using hydrokinetic energy when the apparatus has terminated a clockwise rotation and is initiating a counterclockwise rotation.

[0028] FIG. 7A shows the fourth embodiment of an apparatus that generates electricity using hydrokinetic energy when the apparatus has terminated a counterclockwise rotation and is initiating a clockwise rotation. FIG. 7B shows the fourth embodiment of an apparatus that generates electricity using hydrokinetic energy when the apparatus has terminated a clockwise rotation and is initiating a counterclockwise rotation.

[0029] FIG. 8A shows the preferred embodiment of an apparatus that generates electricity using hydrokinetic energy when the apparatus has terminated a counterclockwise rotation and is initiating a clockwise rotation.

[0030] FIG. 8B shows the preferred embodiment of an apparatus that generates electricity using hydrokinetic energy when the apparatus has terminated a clockwise rotation and is initiating a counterclockwise rotation.

[0031] The drawings of the hydrokinetic apparatuses are schematic in nature, focusing on illustrating the essential components and their interconnections while omitting non-critical details to enhance understanding. It is assumed that one with skill in the art will understand how to design and assemble a structure suitable for supporting the disclosed hydrokinetic apparatuses.

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials, and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known features may be omitted or simplified so as not to obscure the present invention. Furthermore, reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment” in various places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[0034] Utilizing natural, clean, renewable energy has emerged as critical to combating global warming. The major sources of natural clean energy are the sun, the ground, wind, and water.

[0035] The use of natural energy to harness power from different sources is limited for various reasons. The use of the sun and wind energy is limited mainly by the inconsistent availability of the energy source, depending on weather, seasonal changes, and day and night cycles. The use of ground energy is limited by geographical location and difficulties in drilling a few miles below the ground's surface. Water is the most abundant source of clean energy, but the use of energy derived from water is limited by conventional technology that requires dam construction, high water flow, usually exceeding a few meters per second, and the complexity of corresponding energy-harnessing devices. However, water has many advantages over ground and wind energy sources, primarily when used as a kinetic energy source.

[0036] Kinetic energy sources of water movement can be mainly divided into three categories: (1) horizontal movement resulting from height differences between two locations in a river, (2) vertical movement of water in a human-built dam or waterfall, and (3) oscillatory movement originated from a combination of the horizontal and vertical movement of water, found mainly in the ocean.

[0037] An apparatus designed to generate electrical energy from a hydrokinetic energy source is disclosed herein. Traditionally, a hydrokinetic energy source is thought of as a river (a horizontal kinetic energy source), a waterfall or dam (a vertical kinetic energy source), or an ocean (an oscillatory kinetic energy source). However, the hydrokinetic energy source disclosed herein is an apparatus that may be partially submerged into a body of water and draw from that water, or may be configured to be self-contained with its internal water source. The apparatus may feature rotating or swinging components to generate hydrokinetic energy, which can be converted into electrical energy.

[0038] FIG. 1 shows first embodiment 100 of the apparatus to generate hydrokinetic energy. First embodiment 100 comprises two cylinders, outer cylinder 102 and inner cylinder 106, both having open tops and bottoms, positioned in a large body of water, and submerged so that the top of outer cylinder 102 is slightly above water line 110. The major component is outer cylinder 102. Located at the base of outer cylinder 102 is turbine 104, which is used to generate electricity when water passes through. Above turbine 104 is inner cylinder 106. inner cylinder 106 is able to move vertically within outer cylinder 102 and contains valve 108. First embodiment 100 relies on the principle that water pressure linearly increases the further down one is from water line 110. Therefore, the water pressure at the base of outer cylinder 102 is many times greater than the water pressure near the top of outer cylinder 102. To generate electricity, valve 108 would open to allow water to rush into outer cylinder 102 and past turbine 104, thereby generating electricity. As water enters into outer cylinder 102, inner cylinder 106 will rise along with the water. Once outer cylinder 102 is full and inner cylinder 106 is properly positioned at the top of outer cylinder 102, valve 108 will close, and then press down on the water within outer cylinder 102. This will cause the water within outer cylinder 102 to exit from the base of first embodiment 100 past turbine 104, thereby generating electricity. First embodiment 100 works in tandem with another first embodiment 100 connected via a crossbeam that toggles much like a playground teeter-totter. In this manner, as the inner cylinder 106 in one first embodiment 100 rises, the inner cylinder 106 in the opposing first embodiment 100 will lower.

[0039] FIG. 2 shows the sequence of how first embodiment 100 functions to generate electricity. The sequence has six iterations, as the seventh iteration is the same as the first. At iteration 1, which may be considered the resting state of first embodiment 100, inner cylinder 106 is found adjacent to turbine 104 at the base of first embodiment 100. Valve 108 is closed, and outer cylinder 102 is empty of water. As first embodiment 100 transitions from iteration 1 to iteration 2, valve 108 is opened, and due to water pressure, water will enter through the base of first embodiment 100, past turbine 104 to generate electricity, and up into outer cylinder 102. As water continues to enter outer cylinder 102, inner cylinder 106 will begin to rise along with the water that is entering until inner cylinder 106 reaches the top of first embodiment 100. This is shown in iterations 3 and 4. At this point, iteration 4, outer cylinder 102 has been filled with water, inner cylinder 106 is positioned at the top of outer cylinder 102, and valve 108 is open. When transitioning from iteration 4 to iteration 5, valve 108 will close to trap the water in first embodiment 100. In iterations 5 and 6, inner cylinder 106 begins to move downward toward turbine 104. As inner cylinder 106 moves downward, water passes through turbine 104 to generate electricity until inner cylinder 106 has managed to move adjacent to turbine 104. This is shown in iterations 1 and 7. The arrows at the base of first embodiment 100 at each iteration depict the direction of water flow. The arrows within each outer cylinder 102 depict the direction of movement by inner cylinder 106. Recall that first embodiment 100 works in tandem with another first embodiment 100 connected via a crossbeam that toggles much like a playground teeter-totter. In this manner, as the inner cylinder 106 in one first embodiment 100 rises, the inner cylinder 106 in the opposing first embodiment 100 will lower. This process may be repeated to generate electricity continuously.

[0040] FIG. 3 shows second embodiment 120 of the apparatus to generate hydrokinetic energy. Second embodiment 120 comprises two cylinders, outer cylinder 122 and inner cylinder 128, both having open tops and bottoms, positioned in a large body of water, submerged so that the top of outer cylinder 122 is slightly above water line 132, and that inner cylinder 128 may vertically move within outer cylinder 122. The diameters of inner cylinder 128 and outer cylinder 122 are such that gap 134 exists between the walls of the two cylinders so that a portion of water may navigate between the two cylinders. The lengths of inner cylinder 128 and outer cylinder 122 are similar. Within inner cylinder 128 is found inner valve 130 positioned near the bottom to control the travel of water into inner cylinder 128 and water out of outer cylinder 122. Within outer cylinder 122 is found outer valve 126 positioned near the bottom to control the travel of water into and out of outer cylinder 122. Just above outer valve 126, and positioned to generate electricity as water passes into outer cylinder 122, is turbine 124. To generate electricity, second embodiment 120 will initially be in the state depicted in FIG. 3 with inner cylinder 128 residing basically within outer cylinder 122 and the two valves, inner valve 130 and outer valve 126, are closed. In this state, second embodiment 120 is devoid of water. Opening outer valve 126 and inner valve 130 will allow water to flow past turbine 124, thereby generating electricity, and begin to fill second embodiment 120. Once second embodiment 120 is full of water, inner cylinder 128 will be raised out of outer cylinder 122 nearly to its full extent. Then, inner valve 130 will close, and inner cylinder 128 will begin to travel downwards and within outer cylinder 122. Since inner valve 130 is closed, as inner cylinder 128 travels into outer cylinder 122, water will be displaced and will exit through gap 134 found near the surface of water line 132. Once inner cylinder 128 has fully entered outer cylinder 122, second embodiment 120 will be devoid of water, and the cycle is repeated.

[0041] This sequence is depicted in FIG. 4, where iteration 1 shows second embodiment 120 in its initial or resting state. As iteration 1 transitions to iteration 2, both outer valve 126 and inner valve 130 are opened, and water rushes into second embodiment 120 as indicated by the arrows in iteration 2. As the water passes by turbine 124, electricity will be generated. Eventually, water will fill second embodiment 120 to about water line 132. Once second embodiment 120 has been filled with water, a number of actions will happen. First, inner cylinder 128 will rise until it is nearly out of outer cylinder 122. Then inner valve 130 and outer valve 126 will close to encase the water contained in second embodiment 120. Once the two valves are closed, the only path for water to enter or exit from second embodiment 120 is through gap 134. This is the state of second embodiment 120 as shown in iteration 3. In iteration 4, inner cylinder 128 will begin to descend back into outer cylinder 122, ejecting water from second embodiment 120 through gap 134. inner cylinder 128 will continue its descent until it arrives at the bottom of outer cylinder 122 as shown in iteration 5, which is the same state as in iteration 1, and the cycle is repeated to generate additional electricity.

[0042] It is noted that outer cylinder 122 does not have to be submerged as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 but may also be positioned below the surface level of the earth adjacent to a large body of water with the top of outer cylinder 122 being just above the surface of the earth and the bottom of outer cylinder 122 so arranged to have access for the large body of water. This is shown in FIG. 5, where second embodiment 120 is positioned next to body of water 138 and situated such that the top of second embodiment 120 is slightly above earth 136 while the bottom of second embodiment 120 extends downward to take advantage of the increased water pressure present at greater depths. Channel 140 connects second embodiment 120 to body of water 138. The iterations of second embodiment 120 in FIG. 5 are the same as the iterations shown in FIG. 4 and described above. Body of water 138 may be man-made or natural.

[0043] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B shows third embodiment 250 of the apparatus to generate hydroelectric energy and convert this energy into electrical energy. Here, third embodiment 250 may be situated in a large body of water and may be submerged to a point as indicated by waterline 268. wheel 252, in third embodiment 250, may rotate 270 degrees in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. When rotating clockwise, wheel 252 may start its rotation at 45 degrees and end its rotation at 315 degrees. Conversely, when rotating counterclockwise, wheel 252 may start its rotation at 315 degrees and end its rotation at 45 degrees. Counterweight 254 is used to assist in rotating wheel 252 in both the clockwise and the counterclockwise direction. Other means, known to one skilled in the art, may be used to assist in the rotation of wheel 252 that are not discussed here. These means may include motors, a system of cables and pulleys, and others. On both sides of wheel 252 are cables with left piston 260 and right piston 262 attached at the end of each cable. The rotational movement of wheel 252 may cause these pistons to travel vertically within left conduit 256 and right conduit 258. In FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, left conduit 256 and right conduit 258 are shown as sectional views so that the internal workings within the conduits of third embodiment 250 may be shown. As wheel 252 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, left piston 260 and right piston 262 will travel vertically and in opposite directions within left conduit 256 and right conduit 258. When a piston travels upwards, water will ingress into its respective conduit. When a piston travels downwards, water will egress from its respective conduit. As water ingresses or egresses, the water will pass through left turbine 264xxx or right turbine 266, thereby generating electricity. In FIG. 6A, wheel 252 is shown at its rightmost angular position, while in FIG. 6B, wheel 252 is shown at its leftmost angular position. As wheel 252 rotates between its rightmost and leftmost positions, left piston 260 and right piston 262 may travel the length of its respective conduit, left conduit 256 and right conduit 258. FIG. 6A shows the possible start of a cycle for a clockwise rotation of wheel 252 starting at its rightmost angular position. FIG. 6B shows the possible start of a cycle for a counterclockwise rotation of wheel 252 starting at its leftmost angular position.

[0044] To create hydrokinetic energy, third embodiment 250 may initially start as shown in FIG. 6A. Here, wheel 252 is at its rightmost angular position, and counterweight 254 is in a position to assist in rotating wheel 252 clockwise. In left conduit 256, left piston 260 is proximate to left turbine 264, and left conduit 256 is devoid of water. In right conduit 258, right piston 262 is proximate to the top of right conduit 258. Because right conduit 258 is submerged or because of a prior cycle, water will fill right conduit 258 up to right piston 262. As wheel 252 rotates clockwise, left piston 260 will begin to travel upwards in left conduit 256. This action and the fact that left conduit 256 is submerged will cause water to ingress into left conduit 256 through left turbine 264, thereby generating electricity. Simultaneously, as wheel 252 rotates clockwise, right piston 262 will begin to travel downwards in right conduit 258. This action will cause water to egress from right conduit 258 through right turbine 266, thereby generating electricity. FIG. 6B shows third embodiment 250 when wheel 252 has completed its clockwise rotation and is transitioning to begin a counterclockwise rotation. Here, wheel 252 has fully rotated clockwise and is in its leftmost angular position. In this position, counterweight 254 is in a position to assist in rotating wheel 252 counterclockwise. In right conduit 258, right piston 262 is proximate to right turbine 266, and right conduit 258 is devoid of water. In left conduit 256, left piston 260 is proximate to the top of left conduit 256. Because left conduit 256 is submerged or because of a prior cycle, water will fill left conduit 256 up to left piston 260. As wheel 252 rotates counterclockwise, right piston 262 will begin to travel upwards in right conduit 258. This action and the fact that right conduit 258 is submerged will cause water to ingress into right conduit 258 through right turbine 266, thereby generating electricity. Simultaneously, as wheel 252 rotates counterclockwise, left piston 260 will begin to travel downwards in left conduit 256. This action will cause water to egress out of left conduit 256 through left turbine 264, thereby generating electricity. After wheel 252 has completed its counterclockwise rotation, it will appear as shown in FIG. 6A and transition to a clockwise rotation, thus beginning a new cycle.

[0045] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B shows fourth embodiment 300 of the apparatus to generate hydroelectric energy and convert this energy into electrical energy. Here, fourth embodiment 300, unlike third embodiment 250, is self-contained and may be situated on land, wheel 302 in fourth embodiment 300 may rotate 270 degrees in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. When rotating clockwise, wheel 302 may start its rotation at 45 degrees and end its rotation at 315 degrees. Conversely, when rotating counterclockwise, wheel 302 may start its rotation at 315 degrees and end its rotation at 45 degrees. Counterweight 304 is used to assist in rotating wheel 302 in both the clockwise and the counterclockwise direction. Other means, known to one skilled in the art, may be used to assist in the rotation of wheel 302 that are not discussed here. These means may include motors, a system of cables and pulleys, and others. On both sides of wheel 302 are cables with left piston 312 and right piston 314 attached at the end of each cable. The rotational movement of wheel 302 may cause left piston 312 and right piston 314 to travel vertically within left vertical conduit 306 and right vertical conduit 308 respectively. Joining left vertical conduit 306 and right vertical conduit 308 is transport conduit 310. Within transport conduit 310 is found turbine 316. Water passing through turbine 316 from left vertical conduit 306 to right vertical conduit 308 or from right vertical conduit 308 to left vertical conduit 306 will generate electricity. In FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, left vertical conduit 306, right vertical conduit 308, and transport conduit 310 are shown as sectional views so that the internal workings within the conduits of fourth embodiment 300 may be shown. As wheel 302 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, left piston 312 and right piston 314 will travel vertically and in opposite directions within left vertical conduit 306 and right vertical conduit 308. When a piston travels upwards, water will ingress into its respective conduit. When a piston travels downwards, water will egress from its respective conduit. As water ingresses or egresses, the water will pass through turbine 316, thereby generating electricity.

[0046] In FIG. 7A, wheel 302 is shown at its rightmost angular position, while in FIG. 7B, wheel 302 is shown at its leftmost angular position. As wheel 302 rotates between its rightmost and leftmost positions, left piston 312 and right piston 314 may travel the length of its respective conduit, left vertical conduit 306 and right vertical conduit 308. FIG. 7A shows the possible start of a cycle for a clockwise rotation of wheel 302 starting at its rightmost angular position. FIG. 7B shows the possible start of a cycle for a counterclockwise rotation of wheel 302 starting at its leftmost angular position. To create hydrokinetic energy, fourth embodiment 300 may initially start as shown in FIG. 7A. Here, wheel 302 is at its rightmost angular position, and counterweight 304 is in a position to assist in rotating wheel 302 clockwise. In left vertical conduit 306, left piston 312 is at its lowest position, and in right vertical conduit 308, right piston 314 is at its highest position. The conduit space between left piston 312 and right piston 314, consisting primarily of transport conduit 310, is occupied by water. As wheel 302 rotates clockwise, left piston 312 will begin to travel upwards in left vertical conduit 306 while simultaneously right piston 314 will begin to travel downwards in right vertical conduit 308.

[0047] This action will cause water to egress out of right vertical conduit 308, through transport conduit 310, and into left vertical conduit 306. Water will thus pass through turbine 316 from right to left, thereby generating electricity. FIG. 7B shows fourth embodiment 300 when wheel 302 has completed its clockwise rotation and is transitioning to begin a counterclockwise rotation. Here, wheel 302 has fully rotated clockwise and is in its leftmost angular position. In this position, counterweight 304 is in a position to assist in rotating wheel 302 counterclockwise. In right vertical conduit 308, right piston 314 is at its lowest position and right vertical conduit 308 is devoid of water. In left vertical conduit 306, left piston 312 is at its highest position and left vertical conduit 306 is full of water. As wheel 302 rotates counterclockwise, left piston 312 will begin to travel downwards in left vertical conduit 306 while simultaneously right piston 314 will begin to travel upwards in right vertical conduit 308. This action will cause water to egress out of left vertical conduit 306, through transport conduit 310, and into right vertical conduit 308. Water will thus pass through turbine 316 from left to right, thereby generating electricity. After wheel 302 has completed its counterclockwise rotation, it will appear as shown in FIG. 7A and transition to a clockwise rotation, thus beginning a new cycle.

[0048] FIG. 8A shows preferred embodiment 340 of the apparatus to generate hydroelectric energy and convert this energy into electrical energy. FIG. 8A shows the embodiment in its preferred horizontal orientation; however, other orientations are feasible. In this embodiment, gear wheel 342 is engaged with drive rod 346 such that when gear wheel 342 is rotating clockwise, drive rod 346 will move to the left, and when gear wheel 342 is rotating counterclockwise, drive rod 346 will move to the right. Gear wheel 342 in preferred embodiment 340 may rotate 270 degrees in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. When rotating clockwise, gear wheel 342 may start its rotation at 45 degrees and end its rotation at 315 degrees. Conversely, when rotating counterclockwise, gear wheel 342 may start its rotation at 315 degrees and end its rotation at 45 degrees. Other means, known to one skilled in the art, may be used to assist gear wheel 342 or be used in place of gear wheel 342 to move drive rod 346 to the left or to the right that is not discussed here. These means may include motors, a system of cables and pulleys, and others. At the left distal end of drive rod 346 is found left piston 348, while at the right distal end of drive rod 346 is found right piston 350. Two conduits, left conduit 352 and right conduit 354, are configured to cooperate with left piston 348 and right piston 350 to produce hydrokinetic energy. The conduits comprise two segments. The first segment is coaxially aligned with drive rod 346 with an inner diameter matching the outer diameter of its respective piston, that is, left piston 348 for left conduit 352 and right piston 350 for right conduit 354. The first segment allows the pistons attached to the distal end of drive rod 346 to move along its length. The second segment is found at the distal end of the first segment. The second segment is obtuse to the first segment, preferably in the range of 90 degrees to 135 degrees. In FIG. 8A, the second segment is shown at a right angle to the first segment. A water turbine is found between each conduit's first and second segments, and an air turbine is found at the distal end of each conduit’s second segment. Between the first and second segments of left conduit 352 is found left water turbine 356, while between the first and second segments of right conduit 354 is found right water turbine 358. At the distal end of left conduit 352 is found left air turbine 360 and at the distal end of right conduit 354 is found right air turbine 362. As water ingresses and egresses from left conduit 352 and right conduit 354, air will pass through left air turbine 360 and right air turbine 362, thereby generating electricity. Each conduit is filled with enough water to fully occupy either the first or second segment. In FIG. 8 A, drive rod 346 is shown at its rightmost position, while in FIG. 8B, drive rod 346 is shown at its leftmost position. Drive rod 346 is moved between its rightmost and leftmost positions by the rotation of gear wheel 342. FIG. 8A shows the possible start of a cycle for a clockwise rotation of gear wheel 342. FIG. 8B shows the possible start of a cycle for a counterclockwise rotation of gear wheel 342.

[0049] To create energy from the water and air turbines, preferred embodiment 340 may initially start as shown in FIG. 8A. Here gear wheel 342 has fully rotated counterclockwise, and counterweight 344 is in a position to assist in rotating gear wheel 342 clockwise. Drive rod 346 has moved right piston 350 to a position proximate to right water turbine 358, thus nearly all of the water in right conduit 354 will be found in its second segment. Conversely, drive rod 346 has moved left piston 348 to a position distal to left water turbine 356, thus nearly all of the water in left conduit 352 will be found in its first segment. As gear wheel 342 begins its clockwise rotation, drive rod 346 will move to the left. As right piston 350 moves to the left, water from right conduit 354 second segment will be drawn into right conduit 354 first segment. As water egresses from right conduit 354 second segment, air will pass through right air turbine 362, thereby generating electricity. As water moves from the second segment to the first segment, it will pass through right water turbine 358, generating electricity. Simultaneously, as gear wheel

[0050] 342 is rotating clockwise, left piston 348 will move to the left. As left piston 348 moves to the left, water from left conduit 352 first segment will be pushed into left conduit 352 second segment through left water turbine 356, thereby generating electricity. Likewise, as water enters left conduit 352 second segment, displaced air will pass through left air turbine 360, thereby generating electricity.

[0051] FIG. 8B shows preferred embodiment 340 when gear wheel 342 has completed its clockwise rotation and is transitioning to begin a counterclockwise rotation. Here gear wheel 342 has fully rotated clockwise, and counterweight 344 is in a position to assist in rotating gear wheel 342 counterclockwise. Drive rod 346 has moved right piston 350 to a position distal to right water turbine 358, thus nearly all of the water in right conduit 354 will be found in its first segment. Conversely, drive rod 346 has moved left piston 348 to a position proximate to left water turbine 356, thus nearly all of the water in left conduit 352 will be found in its second segment. As gear wheel 342 begins its counterclockwise rotation, drive rod 346 will move to the right. As right piston 350 moves to the right, water from right conduit 354 first segment will be pushed into right conduit 354 second segment. As water moves between the two segments, it will pass through right water turbine 358, thereby generating electricity. Likewise, as water enters right conduit 354 second segment, displaced air will pass through right air turbine 362, thereby generating electricity. Simultaneously, as gear wheel 342 is rotating counterclockwise, left piston 348 will move to the right. As left piston 348 moves to the right, water from left conduit 352 second segment will be drawn into left conduit 352 first segment through left water turbine 356, thereby generating electricity. Likewise, as water enters left conduit 352 first segment, air will pass through left air turbine 360, thereby generating electricity. After gear wheel 342 has completed its counterclockwise rotation, it will appear as shown in FIG. 8A and transition to a clockwise rotation, thus beginning a new cycle.

[0052] Exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in an illustrative style.

[0053] Accordingly, the terminology employed throughout should be read in a non-limiting manner.

[0054] Although minor modifications to the teachings herein will occur to those well versed in the art, it shall be understood that what is intended to be circumscribed within the scope of the patent warranted hereon are all such embodiments that reasonably fall within the scope of the advancement to the art hereby contributed and that that scope shall not be restricted, except in the light of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus suitable for converting hydrokinetic energy into electrical energy, being partially submerged in water, the apparatus comprising: a wheel suspended over a body of water having a central axis driven by a motor, a counterweight, a left cable attached to its left circumference edge, and a right cable attached to its right circumference edge; a left piston attached to the distal end of the left cable; a right piston attached to the distal end of the right cable; a cylindrical left conduit having an open top and bottom, situated vertically within the body of water with its top above the waterline, a left turbine proximal to its bottom, wherein the left piston may travel coaxially along its vertical axis; a cylindrical right conduit having an open top and bottom, situated vertically within the body of water with its top above the waterline, a right turbine proximal to its bottom wherein the right piston may travel coaxially along its vertical axis; such that when the apparatus is at restthe counterweight is positioned to assist in the rotational movement of the wheel; the conduit situated axially with the counterweight is substantially filled with water up to the waterline of the body of water and its associated piston above the water; and the opposite conduit is devoid of water and its associated piston is proximate to its turbine.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is situated on land, near a body of water, and the bottom of the left conduit and the bottom of the right conduit are in fluid communication with the large body of water.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein hydrokinetic energy is converted into electrical energy by the following method: rotating the wheel, as assisted by the counterweight, to its opposing side; lowering the piston in the conduit situated axially with the counterweight, thereby generating electricity as previously accumulated water is ejected through its associated turbine; and raising the piston in the opposite conduit, thereby generating electricity as water is drawn through its associated turbine; and repeating the above steps.

4. An apparatus suitable for converting hydrokinetic energy into electrical energy the apparatus comprising:a wheel having a central axis driven by a motor, a counterweight, a left cable attached to its left circumference edge, and a right cable attached to its right circumference edge; a left piston attached to the distal end of the left cable; a right piston attached to the distal end of the right cable; a cylindrical left conduit situated vertically, having an open top and bottom, wherein the left piston may travel coaxially along its vertical axis; a cylindrical right conduit situated vertically, having an open top and bottom, wherein the right piston may travel coaxially along its vertical axis; a transport conduit comprising a turbine in fluid communication with the bottom of the left conduit and the bottom of the right conduit; such that when the apparatus is at rest the counterweight is positioned to assist in the rotational movement of the wheel; the conduit situated axially with the counterweight is substantially filled with water and its associated piston positioned above the water; and the opposite conduit is devoid of water and its associated piston is proximate to its bottom.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein hydrokinetic energy is converted into electrical energy by the following method: rotating the wheel, as assisted by the counterweight, to its opposing side; lowering the piston in the conduit situated axially with the counterweight, thereby generating electricity as previously accumulated water is forced through the turbine; raising the piston in the opposite conduit to accept the water being forced through the turbine; and repeating the above steps.

6. An apparatus suitable for converting hydrokinetic energy into electrical energy the apparatus comprising: a wheel having a central axis driven by a motor and a counterweight; a rod operably engaged with the wheel such that when the wheel rotates, the rod will move correspondingly to the left or to the right of the wheel, having a left piston at its left end and a right piston at its right end; a cylindrical left conduit comprising a first segment situated horizontally, proximate to the wheel, wherein the left piston may travel coaxially along its horizontal axis,a second segment obtuse or at 90 degrees to the distal end of the first segment and in fluid communication with the first segment, a left water turbine situated proximate to the junction of the first and second segments, a left air turbine situated at the distal end of the second segment; a cylindrical right conduit comprising a first segment situated horizontally, proximate to the wheel, wherein the right piston may travel coaxially along its horizontal axis, a second segment obtuse or at 90 degrees to the distal end of the first segment and in fluid communication with the first segment, a right water turbine situated proximate to the junction of the first and second segments, a right air turbine situated at the distal end of the second segment; such that when the apparatus is at rest the counterweight is positioned to assist in the rotational movement of the wheel, the conduit situated axially with the counterweight has its second segment substantially filled with water and its piston positioned proximate to its water turbine, and the opposite conduit has its first segment substantially filled with water and itspiston positioned distal to its water turbine.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein hydrokinetic energy is converted into electrical energy by the following method: rotating the wheel, as assisted by the counterweight, to its opposing side; moving the piston in the conduit situated axially with the counterweight away from its water turbine, thereby generating electricity as water in its second segment passes through its water turbine and air is drawn through its air turbine; moving the piston in the opposite conduit towards its water turbine, thereby generating electricity as water in its first segment passes through its water turbine and air is expelled through its air turbine; and repeating the above steps.

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