Machine for using energy

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for using energy, which comprises a water wheel with multiple buckets distributed along the perimeter of the water wheel; a tank for filling the buckets of the water wheel; a system for emptying the buckets at the bottom of the water wheel, which comprises an emptying reservoir; a movement transmission system connected to the shaft of the wheel, which transmits the movement of the water wheel to a rocker arm; and two pumping systems that each feed a column from the bottom emptying reservoir, wherein at least one column feeds the bucket-filling tank, wherein both pumping systems are driven by opposite arms of the rocker arm, and wherein the rocker arm comprises a pivot located at the longitudinal centre point thereof.

Description

[0001] ENERGY HARVESTING MACHINE

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present invention belongs to the sector of hydroelectric power generation and more specifically to devices that use hydraulic wheels and recirculation pumps for energy utilization.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention falls within the field of energy utilization devices, specifically in systems that use a water wheel and a water recirculation system.

[0006] Waterwheels are devices known for centuries, primarily used for grinding grain and pumping water. These wheels convert the potential energy of water into mechanical energy using buckets that fill with water and generate torque as they descend. However, traditional waterwheels have certain limitations, such as the need for a continuous flow of water and the lack of efficient systems for recirculating the used water.

[0007] In some more modern systems, pumping mechanisms have been implemented to recirculate water and improve system efficiency. These systems typically use pumps to transport water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir, from where it falls back down to generate energy. However, water recirculation systems are not always optimized to minimize the energy required for pumping, which can result in inefficient use of energy resources.

[0008] Several patents and publications describe energy-efficient devices using waterwheels combined with water recirculation systems. For example, Patent CN109281792A describes a waterwheel with buckets that fill with water at the top and empty at the bottom, generating energy through the wheel's movement. A pumping system for recirculating the water is also mentioned. However, the arrangement of the components—for example, the use of pumping systems located on opposite sides of the wheel and not connected to each other—and the need for electric pumps and turbines mean that this system does not make optimal use of energy, as its losses are high.

[0009] The present invention addresses these limitations through an optimized and efficient design.

[0010] Specifically, the present invention discloses an energy utilization device comprising a hydraulic wheel comprising multiple buckets distributed along the perimeter of the hydraulic wheel, a filling reservoir for the hydraulic wheel buckets located above it, a bucket emptying system at the bottom of the hydraulic wheel comprising a discharge reservoir, a motion transmission system connected to the wheel axle that transmits the motion of the hydraulic wheel to a rocker arm, and two pumping systems that each feed a column from the lower discharge reservoir, wherein at least one column feeds the filling reservoir for the buckets.Both pumping systems of the invention are driven by opposing arms of the rocker arm, which comprises a pivot located at its longitudinal midpoint, and said rocker arm is located in front of the axis of the water wheel, with its pivot centered with respect to the axis of the water wheel. The pumping systems are equidistant from the pivot of the rocker arm.

[0011] The present invention thus results in a balanced system, arranged in front of the hydraulic wheel axle, and with weights practically balanced on both sides of the pivot point of the rocker arm, allowing the movement of the latter with hardly any energy losses, preventing imbalances of the wheel from affecting the movement of the rocker arm.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a height difference between the outlets of the pumping system columns. Except for this height difference, the device has a symmetrical configuration with respect to the vertical plane and perpendicular to the axis of the water wheel, which optimizes the distribution and energy efficiency of the components. Thus, due to this symmetry and the height difference between the columns, the pumping system only needs to move the volume contained within this height difference, thereby improving the system's energy efficiency. Preferably, this height difference is between 30 and 90 cm. More preferably, this height difference is 60 cm.

[0013] Various motion transmission systems are known that can be used in the device described in the present invention. Preferably, the motion transmission system is selected from the group comprising: pulleys and belts, gears, chain and sprocket systems, and Cardan shaft drives. More preferably, the motion transmission system comprises a chain and sprocket system or a belt and pulley system. Even more preferably, the motion transmission system may be a combination of different motion transmission systems.

[0014] The motion transmission system according to the present invention may consist of more than one motion transmission system, which can transfer the rotation of the hydraulic wheel axle to the rocker arm, for example, by means of chain and sprocket systems. This chain and sprocket system may be connected to a second axle parallel to the plane of the hydraulic wheel axle to transmit the motion of the wheel axle forward and to a different height than that of the wheel axle. Preferably, this second axle is centered with respect to the vertical axis of the hydraulic wheel axle. Preferably, this second axle is connected to a second chain and sprocket system arranged horizontally (perpendicular) to the hydraulic wheel. The horizontal chain and sprocket system may consist of two chains positioned at different points on this second axle.Preferably, said system of chains and sprockets is formed by at least two chains, each located on the same vertical axis as each longitudinal axis of the rocker arm.

[0015] The horizontal chain system transfers the motion from the waterwheel axle to a rocker arm via, for example, crankshafts connected to each end of the horizontal chain and sprocket system. Preferably, this horizontal chain and sprocket system comprises at least two pivot shafts, one at each end of the horizontal chain system that transmits the rotational motion from the waterwheel axle. More preferably, each pivot shaft comprises a crankshaft with a distal end connected to one end of the rocker arm.

[0016] The action of the crankshafts at the ends of the rocker arm causes it to move alternately up and down. Each end of the rocker arm is connected to one of the pumping systems, for example, by means of an arm articulated to the rocker arm at each end. Preferably, each end of the rocker arm comprises at least one perpendicular arm located midway between the rocker arm pivot and each end of the rocker arm.

[0017] Each pumping system comprises at least one valve, one sleeved piston, and one column. Preferably, the at least one valve is submerged in the discharge reservoir, and each sleeved piston is connected to one of the arms perpendicular to the walking beam.

[0018] The pumping systems, operated alternately, can raise water from the lower discharge reservoir through each column. Thus, the alternating movement of the rocker arm displaces the water vertically from the valve through the column by means of the sleeved piston.

[0019] To discharge the water from the buckets, the waterwheel may include a bucket discharge system, such as at least one discharge roller, located at the bottom of the waterwheel. Preferably, the roller is designed to strike or gently push the buckets, ensuring that they tilt and empty their contents completely into the discharge reservoir located below the waterwheel. The action of gravity and the configuration of the discharge roller ensure that the buckets are completely emptied before they begin their ascent on the other side of the wheel. The water discharged from the buckets falls into a lower reservoir, from where it can be recirculated through pumping systems or used for other purposes. Preferably, the discharge roller is located below the axle of the waterwheel, at the point where the buckets are in their lowest position.In another preferred embodiment, the roller is located in the area immediately behind the lowest point.

[0020] The invention features buckets distributed uniformly around the perimeter of the wheel. Preferably, the buckets have a capacity of 0.1 m³. 3 of water each. More preferably, these buckets are twin buckets, consisting of two identical units located one on each side of the water wheel with a capacity of 0.05 m 3of water each. The waterwheel may also comprise a second set of smaller, internal buckets located below the external (perimeter) buckets, in the spaces between them. These internal buckets can be filled with water falling in the spaces between the external buckets, thus optimizing water capture and use during the wheel's rotation cycle. However, the invention can function correctly with only one set of perimeter buckets. If a second set of internal buckets is used, the device includes a second discharge system for this additional set of buckets.

[0021] One of the characteristics of this system is that it is balanced except for the difference in height of the pipes that drain into the waterwheel's filling tank. The system has a symmetrical configuration with respect to the vertical plane and perpendicular to the axis of the waterwheel, which optimizes the distribution and energy efficiency of the components, except for the difference in height in the recirculation system's rise pipes. This allows the pumping system to utilize the difference in height to move the water with minimal additional energy, significantly improving the system's energy efficiency.

[0022] In summary, the present invention provides a significant advance in the field of hydraulic energy efficiency devices, offering a more efficient solution than previous techniques.

[0023] It is understood that for an expert in the field, any of the different embodiments explained above that make up the present invention are combinable with each other.

[0024] For better understanding, figures of an embodiment according to the present invention are attached for explanatory and non-limiting purposes.

[0025] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention in which a front plane of the invention, perpendicular to the axis of the hydraulic wheel, is observed.

[0026] Figure 2 shows the same embodiment as Figure 1 but without the water wheel.

[0027] Figure 3 shows a plan view of the same embodiment as Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 4 shows a side view of the connection between the pivot axes on one side and crankshafts connecting to an end arm of the rocker arm in the same embodiment as Figure 1.

[0029] Figure 5 shows a front view of a pumping system according to the realization of Figure 1.

[0030] Figure 6 shows a side view of the elements that make up the water wheel according to the realization of Figure 1.

[0031] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, depicting a schematic representation of a water wheel (100) equipped with buckets (101) evenly distributed around its perimeter, illustrating its filling and emptying. Each bucket is filled from a filling reservoir (103) located above the wheel. This filling reservoir (103) is fitted with a trapdoor to allow water to fall into the uppermost bucket (101) of the water wheel (100).

[0032] At the bottom of the wheel (100) is a discharge roller (104), where the water-filled buckets (101) meet and empty their contents into a lower reservoir (105). Due to this configuration, the wheel (100) comprises buckets (101) that descend full of water on one side and ascend empty on the other, causing an imbalance and generating a torque around the wheel's axis, thus causing it to rotate. The wheel's axis is not visible in the figure.

[0033] The resulting rotational motion around the wheel's axis is transferred via a motion transmission system connected to its axis. In this example, this motion transmission system comprises a chain and sprocket system that transmits the motion to a second shaft (106) located below the axle of the water wheel (100). This second shaft (106) connects to and transmits the motion to a horizontal chain and sprocket system (116) positioned opposite the water wheel (100), centered and symmetrical with respect to it. At the ends of the horizontal chain system (116), equidistant from the second shaft (106), are two further extreme pivot shafts (113). Each pivot shaft is connected to the connecting rods of a crankshaft (107). The distal ends of the crankshaft connecting rods are connected to the ends of a rocker arm (108).The pivot of the rocker arm (114) is located at approximately the same height as the axle of the hydraulic wheel (100) and centered with respect to it.

[0034] At the midpoint between the pivot of the rocker arm (114) and each of its ends is located a vertical articulated arm rotatably connected (115) to the rocker arm and connected to a pumping system that recirculates water from the lower reservoir (105) to the filling tank (103). Said pumping system comprises, on each side of the rocker arm, a piston (109), a sleeve around which the piston (109) moves, a valve system (110) submerged in the lower discharge reservoir (105), and a conduit or column (111, 112) connected to the sleeve through the piston (109) through which the water entering from the valve system via the piston from said lower reservoir (105) is pumped to at least the height at which the filling tank (103) is located.

[0035] With the movement of the rocker arm (108), an alternating rectilinear movement is produced inside each of the jackets, which circulates the water located in the lower reservoir (105) through some channels (111, 112) until it reaches the upper filling tank (103) again.

[0036] The entire device is symmetrical with respect to the vertical perpendicular plane of the hydraulic wheel's axis, except for the height of the recirculation conduits. Specifically, one of these conduits (112) drains directly above the upper filling tank (103), while the other drains at a greater height difference, approximately 60 cm above.

[0037] In this way, the system is balanced, increasing the energy efficiency of the system, except for this difference in height, making the pumping system move with such force that it only needs to move the amount of water corresponding to this difference in height between pipes, up to the filling tank (103).

[0038] Figure 2 shows the same embodiment as Figure 1 but without the waterwheel. The motion transmission system from the waterwheel to the pumping system can be observed in more detail. In this figure, the filling tank (103) is located at the top and has a trapdoor to release water onto the uppermost bucket. Conversely, the lower discharge reservoir (105), which collects the water discharged from the buckets, is located at the bottom of the figure. The second transmission shaft (106) is positioned below the wheel axle (not visible) and is designed to transfer motion to a horizontal chain and sprocket system (116) located in front of the wheel. On either side of the second transmission shaft are the equidistant pivot shafts (113) connected to the crankshafts (107) that drive the rocker arm (108).The rocker arm (108) has its central pivot (114) aligned with the structure and is connected to the pumping systems by means of arms perpendicular to the rocker arm (115). Each pumping system includes at least one piston (109), one valve (110) submerged in the lower reservoir (105), and columns (111, 112) that recirculate water from the lower reservoir, at least one feeding the filling tank (103).

[0039] Figure 3 shows a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 1, providing a detailed understanding of its configurations and functions. In this figure, an upper section comprising the waterwheel (100) with buckets (101) and discharge rollers (104) is shown. The figure exemplifies a waterwheel (100) comprising large and small buckets. Also shown are the shaft (117) of the waterwheel (100) and the second drive shaft (106) located below it.

[0040] The figure shows how the second drive shaft (106) connects to the horizontal chain and sprocket system (116) located in front of the wheel. A double horizontal chain and sprocket system is visible, with one chain on each side of the rocker arm (108), each chain running between two end pivot shafts (113). Each pivot shaft (113) is positioned equidistant from the second drive shaft (106) and is connected to the crankshafts (107) that drive the rocker arm (108). The rocker arm (108) has its central pivot (114) aligned with the structure and is connected to the pumping systems, of which the sleeved piston (109) is visible. This plan view provides a clear view of the interconnection and operation of all the components, highlighting how the motion generated by the waterwheel is transmitted and used to recirculate the water.

[0041] Figure 4 shows two end pivot shafts (113), each connected to a crankshaft (107). The crankshaft (107) is linked to the rocker arm (108), which oscillates thanks to its central pivot (not visible in the figure). For added stability, the crankshafts located on either side of the same end of the rocker arm are connected together, as shown in the figure. This figure provides a clear understanding of how these components work together to convert the rotary motion transferred from the waterwheel shaft (100) to the rocker arm (108).

[0042] Figure 5 shows a detailed view of a pumping system used in the present invention, designed to recirculate water from the lower reservoir (105) to the filling tank (103). The figure shows the pumping system, which includes a piston (109) that moves within a sleeve, generating a reciprocating linear motion facilitated by the rocker arm (108), to which it is connected by a perpendicular arm (115). A valve (110), which regulates the flow of water to the piston, and a column (111, 112) that acts as a conduit for pumping water from the lower reservoir are also shown. The system's operation is based on the oscillation of the rocker arm, which moves the piston within its sleeve, creating a suction that draws water through the valve and pushes it upwards through the columns.The figure illustrates how the components of the pumping system are interconnected and work together to recirculate water, highlighting the importance of the piston, valve, and columns in this process, ensuring that the hydraulic power generation system operates effectively and sustainably, optimizing the use of available water.

[0043] Figure 6 shows a side view of the waterwheel elements (100), providing an overview of its configuration. The waterwheel (100) is shown with several buckets (101) arranged in two sections. At the bottom of the wheel is the discharge roller (104), where the water-filled buckets empty their contents into the lower reservoir (105). The figure details how the buckets fill (top) and empty (bottom), highlighting the role of the filling tank (103) and the discharge roller (104) in this process. This side view facilitates understanding the basic operation of the waterwheel and its crucial role in generating the motion of the waterwheel's shaft (117).

[0044] Although the invention has been described and represented based on a representative example, it should be understood that such illustrative embodiment is in no way limiting to the present invention. Therefore, any variations included directly or by way of equivalence in the appended claims should be considered to be included within the scope of the present invention. For example, it should be understood that any motion transmission system may be used as an alternative to the chain and sprocket system, provided it is a balanced system capable of transmitting motion from the axle of the waterwheel to the rocker arm.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An energy-harvesting device comprising: a water wheel comprising multiple buckets distributed along the perimeter of the water wheel; a filling reservoir for the water wheel buckets located above the water wheel; a bucket emptying system at the bottom of the water wheel comprising a discharge reservoir; a motion transmission system connected to the wheel axle that transmits the motion of the water wheel to a rocker arm; and two pumping systems, each feeding a column from the lower discharge reservoir, wherein at least one column feeds the bucket filling reservoir; characterized in that both pumping systems are driven by opposing arms of the rocker arm;because the rocker arm comprises a pivot located at its longitudinal midpoint, and said rocker arm is located in front of the axis of the water wheel, with its pivot centered with respect to the axis of the water wheel; and because the pumping systems are equidistant with respect to the pivot of the rocker arm.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the motion transmission system comprises a system of chains and sprockets that transmits the motion of the hydraulic wheel axle to a system of chains and sprockets arranged horizontally in front of the hydraulic wheel and centered with respect to it.

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the horizontal chain and sprocket system comprises at least two pivot axes arranged at each end of said chain system, to which it transmits the rotational movement of the hydraulic wheel axle.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that said axes of rotation, each comprises a crankshaft with a distal end connected to one end of the rocker arm.

5. Device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each opposite arm of the rocker arm comprises at least one articulated arm connected to one of the pumping systems.

6. Device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each pumping system comprises at least one valve, a sleeved piston and a column, wherein the at least one valve is submerged in the discharge reservoir, and the sleeved piston is connected to one of the said articulated arms of the rocker arm.

7. Device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bucket emptying system comprises a discharge roller located under the hydraulic wheel.

8. Device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second series of internal buckets located below the perimeter buckets, in the spaces left free between them, and a second bucket emptying system.

9. The device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is a height difference between the outlets of the columns of the pumping systems.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that said height difference is between 30 and 90 cm.

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