Self-contained hydro electrical generator

Abstract

A hydro electrical generator includes an upper tank and a lower tank affixed to a frame, a water wheel secured above the upper tank, and at least one hydraulic ram pump in fluid connection between the upper tank and the lower tank. The hydraulic ram pump is to supply liquid over the water wheel causing the water wheel to turn about a shaft, and via a connector, turn an alternator thereby generating electricity. A first electrical pump is to pump liquid from the lower tank over the water wheel. A second electrical pump is to pump liquid from the lower tank to the upper tank to maintain liquid for the hydraulic ram pump. A floating ball valve in the lower tank triggers the second electrical pump to feed liquid to the upper tank when a liquid level in the lower tank exceeds a threshold level.

Description

SELF-CONTAINED HYDRO ELECTRICAL GENERATORFIELD

[0001] The present specification relates generally to the generation of electrical power, and more specifically relates to the use of a hydro electrical generator for generating electricity from liquid flow.BACKGROUND

[0002] Current technologies used for energy production require the use of fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas, and diesel, which are limited in supply, expensive to procure, and create emissions that are harmful to the planet. Energy production through nuclear power requires expensive uranium mining and creates dangerous waste, while alternate energy sources, such as wind, solar, and biomass, are limited in scope, with their output being expensive to produce.

[0003] To continue to meet increasing energy demands, alternative methods of energy production that are not inhibited by these limitations are required. These methods of energy production ideally provide reliable, constant, fossil fuel-free power.

[0004] While a plethora of alternative energy sources exist, including the ones previously discussed, these energy sources require the sun, wind, large bodies of free-flowing water, or combustible fuels to operate effectively. They may also require large areas of land to operate.

[0005] A self-contained, clean source of energy production is desirable to ensure constant, reliable energy that does not create further harm to the planet. Furthermore, it is desirable to have a source of energy production that is not resource or land intensive.SUMMARY

[0006] In the present invention, a hydro electrical generator including a frame, an upper tank, a lower tank, a water wheel secured above the upper tank, at least one hydraulic ram pump installed in between the upper and lower tank, an electrical recirculation pump, a secondary electrical balancing pump, an alternator, and a connector, connecting the alternator to the shaft of the water wheel is described.

[0007] Once liquid is supplied to the upper tank, electrical energy is generated by way of liquid flow over the water wheel. The four hydraulic ram pumps and an electrical pump begin to pump liquid over the water wheel, turning it, subsequently enabling the alternator connected to the water wheel via a connector to create an electrical output. Liquid from the lower tank is recirculated to the upper tank via the secondary electrical pump to ensure an adequate level of liquid is maintained in the upper tank to allow for continuous running of the hydraulic ram pumps.

[0008] The hydro electrical generator as described herein and in the figures is self-contained and only requires an initial supply of liquid to the upper tank and power to the electrical pumps to begin operating. It does not require a free-flowing body of water, the sun, favourable wind conditions, or combustible fuels to operate. It can sit in a basement or garage and produce 18 kW of gross power as per the disclosed embodiment. The hydro electrical generator is small, easily constructed, easily replicated, and offers an alternative to fossil fuel energy in urban and remote areas alike.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A more complete understanding is to be derived from the detailed description provided herein and from the accompanying drawings of an embodiment, in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view of the self-contained hydro electrical generator, according to an embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the self-contained hydro electrical generator, according to an embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic front view and rear view of the self-contained hydro electrical generator, according to an embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of the top view and rear view of the self-contained hydro electrical generator apparatus, according to an embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting the liquid flow between components of the hydro electrical generator apparatus, according to an embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 6A is an electrical circuit diagram of the hydro electrical generator apparatus, according to an embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 6B is an electrical circuit diagram of the hydro electrical generator apparatus, according to an alternative embodiment; and

[0017] FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing of a hydraulic ram pump of the hydro electrical generator apparatus, according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The description that follows, and the embodiment described therein, are provided by way of illustration of an example of a particular embodiment of the principles of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the invention. In the description, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals.

[0019] The disclosed invention uses hydraulic ram pumps as a non-powered means to provide liquid flow over an energy-generating water wheel. A hydraulic ram pump is a water-lifting device that operates using the power of water flow, requiring no external energy source like electricity or fuel. It works on the principle of water hammer, where the momentum of flowing water is used to pump a small portion of that water to a higher elevation.

[0020] The process begins with water flowing into the pump from a source at a higher elevation. As the water flows through the pump, a valve called the waste valve opens, allowing the water to escape. As the water gains speed, the waste valve suddenly closes, creating a pressure surge (water hammer). This surge forces some water through a second valve (the delivery valve) into an air chamber. The air chamber then compresses, pushing water out through the delivery pipe, lifting it to a higher elevation.

[0021] Notably, because a hydraulic ram pump uses the kinetic energy of water flowing from a higher source, it requires no fuel or electricity. It typically consists of just a few components, including valves, a delivery pipe, and an air chamber. While it may only pump a small fraction (often 10-15%) of the total water volume passing through it, it is highly reliable in situations where water flows continuously. Due to its mechanical simplicity and minimal moving parts, a hydraulic ram pump has low operational costs and can operate efficiently for long periods with little maintenance.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 1, a hydro electrical generator 100 includes a frame 110, which supports an upper tank 120 and a lower tank 130. Awater wheel 140 is secured over the upper tank 120. The upper tank 120 is initially supplied with liquid and stores and supplies liquid for use by the four hydraulic ram pumps 150, which can be seen in FIG. 2. The lower tank 130 receives the discharge of extra liquid from the hydraulic ram pumps 150. Liquid from the hydraulic ram pumps 150, as well as the electrical recirculation pump 160 seen in FIG. 2, are supplied over the water wheel 140, causing it to turn. The water wheel 140 is attached to an alternator 190 via a connector 180 that is a system of belts and pulleys, thereby creating electricity. In an embodiment with a DC-alternator arrangement, the electricity generated by the alternator 190 is stored in a battery 710. In an embodiment with an AC-altemator arrangement, the electricity generated by the alternator 190 does not need to go through a battery or transformer and instead goes directly to the fuse panel 740. When needed as a source of power, the electricity stored in the battery 710 can be retrieved by connecting an appliance to an output electrical outlet 720. Electrical energy stored in the battery 710 flows through a transform er / inverter 730 and the fuse panel 740 before passing through the output electrical outlet 720. The battery 710 regulates the voltage that comes out of the DC-alternator arrangement.

[0023] According to different embodiments of the invention, there may be more or less than four hydraulic ram pumps 150 so long as there is at least one hydraulic ram pump 150 and the number and power of hydraulic ram pumps 150 are sufficient to supply liquid to the upper tank 120 at the desired rate.

[0024] FIG. 2 shows the hydraulic ram pumps 150 installed between the upper tank 120 and the lower tank 130. These hydraulic ram pumps receive liquid from the upper tank 120 and feed it over the water wheel 140. It also shows the recirculation pump 160 and the balancing pump 170. The recirculation pump 160, shown in FIG. 3, feeds liquid from the lower tank 130 over the water wheel 140, causing it to turn. The recirculation pump 160 feeds liquid over the water wheel 140 via the recirculation pump line 162. In an embodiment of the invention, a recirculation prime tube 164 may be included to provide the recirculation pump 160 with primed liquid to facilitate starting when needed. The balancing pump 170 pumps liquid from the lower tank 130 to the upper tank 120 via the balancing pump line 172 to ensure that an adequate level of liquid is maintained in the upper tank 120 for a continuous supply of liquid to the hydraulic ram pumps 150. This is done via a floating ball valve 132 placed in the lower tank130 which triggers the balancing pump 170 to turn on when the water in the lower tank 130 reaches a certain level.

[0025] In an embodiment of the invention, the hydro electrical generator 100 may include an overflow pipe 182 connecting the upper tank 120 to the lower tank 130. The overflow pipe 182 is configured to direct excess liquid within the upper tank 120 directly to the lower tank 130 so the upper tank 120 does not overflow.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of the front view and rear view of the hydro electrical generator 100, with the relative positions of the components discussed above, including the frame 110, the upper tank 120 and the lower tank 130, the water wheel 140, the hydraulic ram pumps 150, the electrical recirculation pump 160, and the electrical balancing pump 170.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of the top view of the hydro electrical generator 100, detailing where the connector 180 between the shaft of the water wheel 140 and the alternator 190 would be placed.

[0028] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the frame 110 may be constructed of stainless steel and has dimensions of approximately 46 inches in length and 36 inches in width, with a height of approximately 80 inches. In other embodiments, the frame may be constructed of plastic or metal material. The upper tank 120 has dimensions of approximately 40 inches in length, 30 inches in width, and 20 inches in height, holding approximately 10.5 cubic feet of liquid at capacity, and sits at a height of approximately 50 inches off the ground. The lower tank 130 has dimensions of approximately 40 inches in length, 30 inches in width, and 20 inches in height, holding approximately 10.5 cubic feet of liquid at capacity, and sits at the base of the hydro electrical generator. The upper tank 120 and lower tank 130 are constructed of galvanized sheet metal. In other embodiments, the upper tank 120 and lower tank 130 may be constructed of stainless steel or plastic or any other non-corrosive material.

[0029] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the water wheel 140 is an overshot-type water wheel, is approximately 30 inches wide and 18 inches deep, and may be constructed of aluminum. In other embodiments, the water wheel 140 may be constructed out of a different material, such as stainless steel. According to an embodiment, the water wheel 140 has vanes approximately 26 inches wide and receives water from the hydraulic ram pumps and electrical recirculation pump from tubes with a diameter of approximately 1-1 / 2 inches. In other embodiments, the water wheel 140 may have buckets. When the system is fully operational, thewater wheel 140 can receive up to approximately 36 pounds of liquid from the hydraulic ram pumps 150 and electrical recirculation pump 160 before rotating.

[0030] The four hydraulic ram pumps 150 may be oriented such that they receive liquid from the upper tank 120 via a vertical inlet pipe with a length of approximately 24 inches and diameter of 2 inches. The hydraulic ram pumps 150 output liquid via an outlet pipe with a diameter of 1 inch over the water wheel and have waste pipes supplying liquid that is captured by the lower tank. Four hydraulic ram pumps 150 are included in the disclosed embodiment to provide liquid at a rate of approximately 75 gallons per minute (gpm) to the water wheel, to be able to generate 18 kW of gross power.

[0031] The electrical recirculation pump 160 receives liquid from the lower tank 130 via an inlet pipe with a diameter of 1-1 / 2 inches, at a rate of approximately 75 gpm and outputs it over the water wheel via an outlet pipe with a diameter of 1-1 / 2 inches, at a rate of approximately 75 gpm. The electrical recirculation pump 160 initially requires an energy source, such as a battery, wall plug, or gas generator, but is later powered by the electrical output created by the method of generating electricity from the disclosed apparatus and system.

[0032] The electrical balancing pump 170 is a recirculation pump, which receives liquid from the lower tank via an inlet pipe with a diameter of 1-1 / 2 inches, at a rate of approximately 75 gpm and outputs it into the upper tank via an outlet pipe with a diameter of 1-1 / 2 inches at a rate of approximately 60 gpm. The purpose of the electrical balancing pump 170 is to ensure that the liquid level in the upper tank is maintained at the required level to have a continuous supply of liquid to the hydraulic ram pumps. To ensure that the liquid in the upper tank 120 is maintained at the required level, a floating ball valve is placed in the lower tank. When the liquid level in the lower tank reaches the requisite level, the floating ball rises and closes a contact to enable the electrical balancing pump to run, thereby maintaining the liquid level

[0033] The flow of liquid from the hydraulic ram pumps 150 and electrical recirculation pump 170 causes the water wheel 140 to turn in proportion to the force of liquid applied. Subsequently, electricity is generated via an alternator 190, which is connected to the shaft of the water wheel 140 via a connector 180 that is a system of belts and pulleys in the disclosed embodiment. In this system, a pulley is attached to the shaft that goes through the center of the water wheel 140, and when it is sized with the appropriate belts and pulleys, connects to the alternator shaft by way of a pulley. Such a connector 180 may alternatively be a chain and sprocket system, or anyother such system that allows for an adjustment of the speed that the water wheel is turning to the speed that the alternator 190 requires. The connector 180 may also directly or indirectly connect the shaft of the water wheel to an alternator 190 such that the turning of the water wheel 140 rotates the alternator 190. In the disclosed embodiment, the water wheel 140 turns at a rate of approximately 65 revolutions per minute (RPM) and the alternator 190 requires between 300 RPM and 525 RPM to achieve an electrical output. The electrical output is produced at a constant and is not stored. The connector 180 may be configured to meet the RPM required by the alternator 190 to achieve an electrical output via an initial setup. Once configured, the RPM does not vary.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5, the water wheel 140 receives liquid from two types of sources: hydraulic ram pumps 150 and the recirculation pump 160. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, four hydraulic ram pumps 150 are used. Liquid flows from the upper tank 120 to the four hydraulic ram pumps 150 via feeding lines 521, 522, 523, and 524, respectively. The flow of the liquid through the hydraulic ram pumps 150 is separated into delivery liquid, which is pushed up to the water wheel 140 using the pressure derived from the water hammer effect, and waste liquid, which flows down to the lower tank 130. The delivery liquid from the hydraulic ram pumps 150 flows from the hydraulic ram pumps 150 to the water wheel 140 via delivery lines 555, 556, 557, and 558, respectively.

[0035] The waste liquid from the hydraulic ram pumps 150 flows from the hydraulic ram pumps 150 to the lower tank 130 via waste lines 551, 552, 553, and 554, respectively. The waste liquid collected in the lower tank 130 is recirculated over the water wheel 140 by the recirculation pump 160 via the recirculation pump line 162. Fluid levels across the hydro electrical generator are kept in balance using the balancing pump 170, which is switched on by the floating ball valve 132 residing within the lower tank 130. The balancing pump 170 is configured to pump liquid from the lower tank 130 directly to the upper tank 120 via a balancing pump line 172.

[0036] As liquid from the various sources such as the delivery lines 555, 556, 557, 558, and the recirculation pump line 162 flows over the water wheel 140, it falls into the upper tank 120 to repeat the process (flow leaving the water wheel into the upper tank is represented by arrow 541).

[0037] The flow rates across the lines varies based on factors such as the size of the lines, the number of hydraulic ram pumps, and total volume of the hydro electrical generator. An exampleflow rate of the respective lines while the hydro electrical generator is in an equilibrium state is as follows: Each of the feeding lines 521, 522, 523, and 524 may supply the respective hydraulic ram pumps 150 with liquid at a volumetric flow rate of 22.5 gpm (gallons per minute). With each hydraulic ram pump 150 receiving 22.5 gpm, each hydraulic ram pump 150 may pump liquid via the respective delivery lines 555, 556, 557, and 558 over the water wheel 140 at a rate of 3 gpm, thereby totaling 12 gpm from the four hydraulic ram pumps 150. Waste liquid would leave the hydraulic ram pumps 150 via waste lines 551, 552, 553, and 554, respectively, at a rate of 19.5 gpm per line. The recirculation pump 160 may pump liquid from the lower tank 130 to the water wheel 140 via the recirculation pump line 162 at a rate of 75 gpm. The balancing pump 170 would remain off until the volume of liquid in the lower tank 130 exceeds a threshold determined by the calibration of the floating ball valve 132. When the floating ball valve 132 is tripped, the balancing pump 170 is turned on and may pump liquid from the lower tank 130 to the upper tank 120 via the balancing pump line 172 at a rate of 60 gpm until the floating ball valve 132 resets.

[0038] As shown in FIGs 6A and 6B, electrical components may be configured differently in various embodiments of the invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 A, the alternator 190 may be electrically connected to a battery 710 via a buck converter 750 so that the battery 710 receives charging power at a prescribed voltage. Stored electrical power within the battery 710 may be drawn through a transformer / inverter 730 before reaching the fuse panel 740. From the fuse panel 740, power may be provided to the output electrical outlets 720. Power needed to run the recirculation pump 160 and the balancing pump 170 could be drawn from the fuse panel 740 through a switch 760 and junction box 770. From the junction box 770, the recirculation pump 160 may draw necessary power. When the floating ball valve 132 is tripped, the balancing pump 170 may draw necessary power from the junction box 770. Before the hydro electrical generator is in an equilibrium state, external power may be needed to bring the hydro electrical generator to the equilibrium state. Such external power may be provided by an external power source 780, which may be in the form of power from an external wall receptacle or battery. The switch 760 is configured to toggle from powering the junction box 770 with either power from the external power source 780 or from the fuse panel 740 depending on whether the hydro electrical generator is at the equilibrium state.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 6B, the alternator 190 may be directly connected to the fuse panel 740. Like the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, power may be provided to the output electrical outlets 720 from the fuse panel 740 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6B. Power needed to run the recirculation pump 160 and the balancing pump 170 could be drawn from the fuse panel 740 through a switch 760 and junction box 770. From the junction box 770, the recirculation pump 160 may draw necessary power. When the floating ball valve 132 is tripped, the balancing pump 170 may draw necessary power from the junction box 770. Before the hydro electrical generator is in an equilibrium state, external power may be needed to bring the hydro electrical generator to the equilibrium state. Such external power may be provided by an external power source 780, which may be in the form of power from an external wall receptacle or battery. The switch 760 is configured to toggle from powering the junction box 770 with either power from the external power source 780 or from the fuse panel 740 depending on whether the hydro electrical generator is at the equilibrium state.

[0040] An example hydraulic ram pump 150 used in the hydro electrical generator 100 is shown in FIG. 7. Feeding liquid 601 is received from feeding lines and flows to a junction 602. A first check valve 154 opens and closes abruptly to create the “water hammer” effect, which diverts flow upwards towards a second check valve 151. When the first check valve 154 opens, waste liquid 605 is released and flows to the lower tank 130. However, when the first checkvalve 154 closes, the abrupt change in pressure from the liquid at the junction 602 forces liquid up through the second check valve 151 into a delivery junction 603. An air chamber 152 positioned above the delivery junction 603 includes trapped air 153, which acts as a shock absorber to the pressure changes caused by the water hammer effect to reduce wear and tear to the fluid system throughout the hydro electrical generator 100. Delivery liquid 604 flows from the side of the delivery junction 603 at a point below the air chamber 152. Each time the first check valve 154 closes, the pressure within the hydraulic ram pump 150 forcing the delivery liquid 604 upwards in a step-wise movement to the water wheel 140.

[0041] The described embodiment is provided as an example, and it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. The invention not only includes the embodiment described, but also any additions to or modifications of this embodiment which fall within the intended scope or spirit of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A hydro electrical generator comprising: an upper tank and a lower tank affixed to a frame; a water wheel secured above the upper tank; at least one hydraulic ram pump in fluid connection between the upper tank and the lower tank, the at least one hydraulic ram pump being configured to supply liquid over the water wheel to cause the water wheel to turn; a first electrical pump configured to pump liquid from the lower tank over the water wheel; a second electrical pump configured to pump liquid from the lower tank to the upper tank such that a continuous supply of liquid is provided to the at least one hydraulic ram pump; a floating ball valve secured in the lower tank and configured to trigger the second electrical pump to feed liquid to the upper tank when a liquid level in the lower tank exceeds a threshold level; and an alternator connected to a shaft of the water wheel via a connector, the alternator being configured to generate electricity.

2. The hydro electrical generator of claim 1, wherein the at least one hydraulic ram pump is positioned vertically between the upper tank and the lower tank.

3. The hydro electrical generator of claim 1, wherein the lower tank receives a discharge of extra liquid from the at least one hydraulic ram pump.

4. The hydro electrical generator of claim 1, wherein the water wheel is configured to have a rotational speed in proportion to a force of liquid supplied by the at least one hydraulic ram pump.

5. A method of generating electricity, the method comprising: supplying liquid to the upper tank; running the at least one hydraulic ram pump, electrical pump, and secondary electrical pump; supplying liquid pumped from the at least one hydraulic ram pump over the water wheel, causing the water wheel to turn; supplying liquid pumped from the lower tank by the electrical pump over the water wheel, causing the water wheel to turn; and wherein electricity is generated by the alternator rotating as a result of the force of liquid applied to the water wheel.

6. The method of claim 9, wherein the connector attached to the shaft of the water wheel is initially configured to achieve the required revolutions per minutes, which remain constant.

7. The method of claim 10, wherein the required revolutions per minute is determined by what is required by the alternator to achieve an electrical output.

8. The method of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the electricity output is used to supply electricity to the electrical pump and secondary electrical pump.

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