Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
11553~7
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVE,rNTION
The present invention relates as indicated to
water treatment apparatus. In one form of the invention,
the broad invention concepts are utilized for generating
electric power from wave action forces, tides, and bodies
of water having uni-directional f 10W such as rivers.
This is accomplished by increasing the velocity of the
water along longitudinally and transversely curved
surfaces for driving generating equipment. In a further
form of the invention, these same velocity increasing
capabilities are used to separate water from contaminants,
such as oil or chemical wastes, with a vessel being pro-
vided with longitudinally and transversely curved sur-
faces at the hull thereof.
~ave action generators for producing electric
energy are well known in the art. Such generators fre-
quently operate on the principle of using the vertical
motion inherent in the formation and movement of the
waves to effect vertical movement of a component of the
generating system. A typical prior art system translates
such vertical movement to rotary movement to directly
or indirectly drive a generator shaft or the like by
means of which the electric power is generated. Examples
of vertical-to-rotary syste~s are disclosed in U.S.
Patent 870,706 to H.P. Woodard, U.S. Patent 3,894,241
to S. Kaplan, and U.S. Patent 3,959,663 to J.V. Rubsy.
Other systems use the vertical wave motion to operate
pumps for pumping the water to a storage vessel or
reservoir, with the hydrostatic pressure of the stored
water subsequently driving a turbine generator or the
like by means of which electric power is directly pro-
duced.
A major difficulty with wave action generating
systems known in the prior art is their relativelycomplex
and consequently costly construction. As a result, the
necessary capital investment in systems of this type has
.~
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been a substantial detrIment to the commercial employ-
ment of the systems, particularly where th~ energy out-
put does not justify the installation costs. It will
be noted in this regard that systems must be designed
to withstand and satisfactorily handle wave swells
at their greatest peak, and must also be constructed
to accommodate and satisfactorily handle, on an economic
basis, waves of normal or less than normal height. In-
stallations in saline water conditions present the
additional problem of corrosive conditions, which has
not been satisfactorily dealt with in prior art systems.
In United States Patent ~o. 4,284,902 granted
August 18, 1981, entitled 'Wave Action Generating
System", in the names Gf Peter M. Borqren and Albert J.
Amatuzio, there is disclosed a wave action generating
syste~ which employs a supporting structure, such as a
coffer dam or silo-like structure, mounted relative to
a body of water so as to separate the same into a rela-
tively shallow reservoir confined by the support means
and the open body of water at normal water level and sub-
jected to wave action. The difference in water levels
between the reservoir and the open body of water creates
a controllable hydrostatic pressure head. A plurality
of pump assemblies are mounted around the silo or along
the walls of the coffer dam, with the piston of each
pump being operatively connected to a float member sub-
jected to wave action. As wave forces contact the float
members, the same are raised, thereby raising the piston
and creating a negative pressure within the lower pump
chamber, as a result of which water is directed from
the reservoir into such lower pump chambers. As a result,
the water level of the reservoir is reduced. Due to the
hydrostatic pressure thus produce,d relative to the water
surrounding the silo or coffer dam, water is forced
through turbine generators to produce energy, with
: ~''
1 1 553S7
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the water exhausted from the turbine entering the re-
servoir to complete the cycle. A slgnificant amount of
electrical energy can thereby be produced. Although
the described system is of substantial importance to
the art of wave action generating systems, it is
essentially limited in utility to conditions where
substantial wave action activity is encountered.
It is not adaptable to tidal conditions where wave
action is minimal, nor can the system be utilized where
water is uni-directional in flow, such as rivers, where
wave action does not exist.
With regard to tide action generators, the
basic concept of utilizing differences in water level
due to tide conditions to create electrical energy is
well known in the art. Extensive research has been
conducted in this area for many years due to the con-
sistency of the tidal movements and the differential
in high and low tides at particular locations. How-
ever, tidal generators have also comprised, for the
most part, structure or devices by which the vertical
water drop is translated into rotary motion to drive
power generating equipment.
Likewise, economic energy associated with uni-
directional water flow has also been used for power
generating systems. Dams of course come readily to mind,
with the water flow in that instance being subjected to
vertical drop which is used for energy production.
With regard to the invention form utilizing
the velocity increasing concepts of the invention for
~ separating surface contaminants, such as oil, from water,
the problem of oil spills has greatly intensified over
the past several years, and presents a serious environ-
mental concern. The spillage can result from various
causes, with perhaps the two principal causes being
the blow-out of off shore well installations, and leakage
1 1 55367
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from tankers en route to port facilities. Off shore
development is continually on the increase in an effort
to obtain more sources of oil, both in waters around
our coast lines and in other locations around the world.
The problem is magnified by the ever increasing size
of oil tankers, where the loss of partial or complete
tanker loads involves vast amounts of petroleum.
Due to the increasing environmental awareness
of the damages of oil spills to the ecology, a great
number of apparatuses have been recently developed for
treating oil spills. Certain of these relate to absorbing
the oil on the surface of the water and thereafter
treating or discarding the absorbed oil. Chemical solu-
tions have also been attempted. However, prior art
attempts to solve the problem are predcminantly related
to apparatuses which attempt to skim the oil from the
surface of the water, or to collect a mixture of oil
and water, and thereafter separate the oil from the
water at the site. A typical example of such an apparatus
is disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,182,679 to Paul Van Hekle,
which discloses an oil skimming apparatus in which oil
and water are collected as a mixture and thereafter
physically separated, with the oil being removed, and
the water discharged. A plurality of gates are positioned
at the front of the apparatus and serve to direct the
oil-water mixture into the separation area, with the
separation being primarily effected by virtue of the
different specific gravities of the oil and water. Both
the oil or water are separately directed to and stored
on a barge to which the skimming apparatus is operatively
connected.
U.S. Patent 4,120,793 to P.G. Strain discloses
a vessel having a bow formed with apertures through which
oil and water are directed. The oil and water mixture
passes into conduits which direct the mixture to separation
apparatus.
1 1 55357
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U.S. Patent 4,058,461 to T.I. Gaw also shows a
vessel wherein the bow is of a specific configuration,
with the oil-water mixture being directed into a
collecting area and thereafter pumped into settling
S tanks. ~fter a period of settling, the water is se-
parated from the oil, with the oil being collected and
the water pumped out of the tanks through discharge
pipes.
U.S. Patent 3,890,234 to Frank Galicia discloses
an oil separation and recovery device in which the in-
coming oil-gas mixture is directed across corrugated-
shaped troughs which are upwardly and forwardly inclined
to facilitate separation of the oil from the water, with
the oil thereafter, due to its buoyancy, being collected
and pumped through a discharge pipe.
It is also known to utilize on-site separating
apparatus in the form essentially of centrifigal separators,
which function to separate the oil from the water based
on diferences in specific gravity. Reference is made
to U.S. Patent 3,666,099 to Frank Galicia for such
teaching.
In all of the above described prior art, and
other prior art with which applicant is familar, the oil
separating and recovering apparatuses are characterized
by their rather elaborate and expensive construction.
Normally, pumping means are required to pump the oil-water
mixture once collected to an area of separation, with
the reason being that the apparatuses are normally
operating at relatively low speeds. In those devices
which attempt simply to skim the oil from the surface
of the water, the results have not been satisfactory
due to the inherent difficulty of collecting just the
oil as opposed to an oil-water mixture. Where specifically
configured bows have been devised to facilitate a col-
lection of the oil-water mixture, they are primarily for
1 1 553S7
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the purpose of more gradually confining the mixture
directed into the vessel, as opposed to providing a
surface which changes the vessel or other characteristics
of the mixture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
~_ . . . _
A principal feature of the present invention
when used for generating electrical energy is the
adaptability of the invention to environments where
wave action, tidal action or uni-directional water flow
to an appreciable extent exists, or co~binations of
these water forces. It will be understood that in each
of these environments a particular installation system
is preferred, although in each instance the results
achieved are based on the same scientific premise.
Specifically, in each instance water is diverted along
a curved path at the end of which is a cowling of
reduced diameter toward the outlet end thereof, with
such outlet end directly communicating with a turbine
by means of which electrical energy is produced. Not
only is such p~-h longitudinally curved, but the surface
against which the water impinges is transversely curved
in progressively greater amounts as it approaches the
cowling thereby effecting a swirling action which
increases the velocity of the water. Such increased
velocity is of course translatable directly into force,
in accordance with well established scientific principals.
The invention is specifically adaptable to
varying water conditions. Where wave action is the
source from which the power is derived, a generally
V-shaped structure is arranged at the appropriate
location from the shore, with the apex of the V extending
outwardly. As is well known, in wave environments,
the motion of the water is confined essentially to the
depth of the wave, and the waves will be split by the
apex of the V for passage along the sides of the structure.
1 1 ~53S7
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As above noted, the sides are both longitudinally and
transversely curved, and as a result there is a sub-
stantial increase in velocity of the water as it passes
along the curved wall. Adjacent the inner end of each
wall is positioned a cowling the outer end of which
is shaped generally complimentary to the shape of the
wall im~ediately adjacent the entry end of the cowling.
The cowling is tapered inwardly toward its discharge
end at which is positioned the turbine to be driven
by the water. The cowling can be a separately formed
member, or the side wall can be shaped to provide a
generally circular, inwardly tapering opening through
which the water, at high velocity, passes into the
turbine. It has been imperically determined that the
velocity of the water passing through the cowling and
into the turbine is approximately 30 feet per second.
Where the invention is employed in tidal action
environment, the bas-ic principles are the same as
above described. However, a second generally V-shaped
structure either separate from or integral with the
first is positioned downstream of the first to take
advantage of the return tide. Thus, an additional
pair of curved side walls leading to an apex are
arranged, with the return tide flow being directed to
separate cowlings located at the end of the longi-
tudinally and transversely curved walls and communicating
at their outer ends with generating turbines.
The invention is adapted for use in river con-
ditions by providing a single longitudinally and trans-
versely curved wall surface at the end of which ispositioned the turbine generator as above described.
In a river environment, the water flow is split, with
a portion of the flow continuing downstream, and the
other portion being directed along the curved wall
surface, with the water discharged from the turbine like-
wise being directed downstream.
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There are of course circumstances where both
river and tidal currents exist, and in a further form of
the invention, the structure is modified to increase,
in both directions, the velocity of the water as it
ap2roaches the structure. If desired, the side walls
and turbines subjected to water flow in one direction
can be vertically staggered relative to the side walls
and turbines of the side walls subjected to water flow
in the opposite direction. In this manner, conservation
of space is provided.
In order to prevent debris from entering the
turbine generators, the directional cowling is prefer-
ably provided with grids or filters at appropriate
locations therealong thereby to provide a reasonably
clean flow of water to the turbines.
Where the present invention is utilized for
separating contaminents, such as oil, from water, the
invention is characterized by its ability to treat the
incoming oil-water mixture so as to accelerate or in-
crease in velocity the mixture along curved paths, withthe resulting speed of travel of the collected mixture
being such that it is, without further assistance,
directed through the boat to a barge or the like towed
by the boat. The bow of the vessel is shaped so as
to provide a front apex, and longitudinally and curved
sidewalls are arranged relatively adjacent the sides of
the vessel at the front thereof, with the innermost
ends of each adjacent pair of walls terminating in a
central opening through which the mixture passes to a
barge or similar apparatus towed behind the vessel.
The speed of the vessel and the acceleration of the
oil-water mixture as described permits flow of the
mixture to a separating device without necessitating
the use of the pumps positioned either in the bow of the
vessel or in the pipes or conduits through which the
mixture passes.
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g
The invention is further characterized by the
provision of a separate, towed vessel having separating
apparatus by means of which the oil-water mixture can
be separated, with the oil being conveyed to a storage
vessel, and the water being discharged overboard.
Thus, the entire separation and collection process
can be carried out while the vessel is traveling.
A further feature of the invention is that the
vessel collecting the oil-water mixture can comprise
any of a number of commercially available boats, with
suitable modification to include the collecting structure
and pipes or conduits through which the mixture is dir-
ected under achieved pressures to the barge operatively
connected to the vessel. The barge can be of simplified
construction, containing a separator to receive the
mixture, a storage tank into which the separated oil
can be passed for storage, and an outlet pipe for dis-
charging water. Thus, the entire assembly, including
the barge, can be manufactured at relatively low cost.
The collecting and separating vessel is also well
suited to remove other pollutants from water surfaces.
For example, it is common knowledge that various
chemicals such as D.D.T. accumulate in concentrated
amounts in the top 1/4" to 1/2" of the water surface.
The apparatus of the present invention can collect such
concentrated amounts of pollutants and treat the same
so as to remove the pollutants from the water, which is
thereafter discharged overboard from the vessel. In
the case of D.D.T., such pollutant can be passed at
increased velocities in accordance with the invention
through treatment equipment carried by the trailing
barge for collecting the pollutant. Such equipment
can comprise, for example, beds of activated charcoal
to which the pollutant adheres and which can be destroyed
or renewed to provide a fresh adherent material. If
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desired, the treatment material such as charcoal can
be removed ~rom the trailing barge and processed on
shore.
The portability of the collecting vessel is of
course a significant advantage. Present collecting
vessels are characterized by their relatively large
size and limited utilization. The present invention,
on the other hand, comprises a relatively small vessel
which is a modified boat of comparatively small
dimension and consequently low cost. The vessel can be
transported easily by airplane or helicopter to the
area of the oil spill or other pollution. This adds
an obviously desirable dimension to the advantages of
the present invention.
These and other objects of the invention will be-
come apparent as the following description proceeds and
particular reference to the application drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLICATION DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a top plan view of a water power
generator particularly designed for wave action en-
vironment;
Figure 2 is a water power generator specifically
designed for tide water environment;
Figure 3 is a water power generator especially
2S designed for uni-directional water flow conditions such
as rivers;
Figure 4 is a top plan view of a further form of
the invention, particularly designed for river conditions
where tidal act~on exists;
Figure 5 is a partially diagrammatic perspective
view of the Figure 1 f~rm of the invent~on, showing more
clearly the curvature and configuration of the side walls
of the structure;
Figure 6 is a fragmentary front elevational view
showing in more detail the directional cowling mounted
--1 1--
at the end of the side wall adjacent the turbine gen-
erator;
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken on
lines 7-7 of Figure 5 and showing the transverse cur-
vature of the side wall at the section line;
Figure 8 is a sectional view taken on line 8-8
of Figure 5;
Figure 9 is a sectional view taken on line 9-9
of Figure 5;
Figure 10 is a top plan view of a collecting
vessel in accordance with the basic invention concepts,
shown operatively connected to a barge towed by the
vessel;
Figure 11 is a side elevational view of the
assembly shown in Fig. 10;
Figure 12 is a front elevational view of the
collecting vessel, showing the adjacent collecting
cavities and the varying transverse cross-sectional
configuration along the side walls of the cavities;
Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken on
line 13-13 of Figure 12, and
Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken on
line 14-14 of Figure 12.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED F~BODIMENTS
_ __
Reference is now made to the application
drawings, wherein like parts are indicated by like
reference numerals, and initially to the form of the
invention shown in Figs. 1-9 utilized for generating
electrical power. Referring first to Figures 1 and
5, there is illustrated therein a structural body gen~
erally indicated at 10 which is permanently installed
relatively close to shore. The Fig. 1 form of the
invention is particularly adaptable to environments
where wave action forces are encountered, and the
structure 10 can be mounted permanently at the desired
location in terms of distance from the shore and
depth of water so as to expose the side walls thereof
to maximum wave action forces. The structure 10
can be formed of any suitable material, for example,
poured concrete, structural steel either covered or
systematized to prevent corrosion, or combinations of
these materials, or other suitable building materials.
Likewise, the surface of the structure, including the surface
of the side walls to be presently described, can be coated if desired
to reduce building costs and prolong the life of the structure
11~53~7
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or; in the case of the side walls, to reduce the friction
of the water passing therealong.
The structure 10 as shown in Fig. 1 includes two
longitudinally and transversely curved side walls 12 and 14,
the outer ends of which merge into an apex 16. At the end
of each wall is a cowling mean.s commonly designated at 18
and diagrammatically shown in Fig. 1. The outlet end of
each cowling member communicates with a turbine generator
20 by means of which electrical energy is produced from the
power of the water passing along the side walls.
The arrows in Fig. 1 illustrate the path of diversion
of the water as it approaches the structure 10. The wave
directly engaging the side walls 12 and 14 will continue
therealong as will be presently described with reference
to Fig. 5, and the wave contacting the structure in the
region of the apex 16 will be split, passing to either
one or the other of the side walls. It will be noted that
the structure 10 is intended to capture the force of the
wave action only insofar as the wave action contacts the
side walls of the structure, with the structure not being
attended to confine or in any way inhibit waves passing to
either side of the structure.
The turbinesper se form no part of the present
invention, with any satisfactory generator being capable
of use for the purpose intended. Examples of turbine
constructions which can be used satisfactorily in accordance
with the present invention are turbine units manufactured under
the trademark T~re by Hydro-Turbine Division of Allis-Chalmers,
York, Pennsylvania and turbine pumps manufactured by
Johnston Pump Company, Glendora, California, with turbine
pump Nos. 27CC and 27DC beina exemplary. The latter have
impellers which are approximately 19"-21" in diameter, and
are particularly adaptable to use in relative shallow wave
action environments. It will be understood that turbines of
larger impeller diameter can also be used, dependinq upon
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1 1 55357
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the envir~nmental conditions.
Referring to Fi~. 5, there is diagra~matically
illustrated therein in perspective view a more clear
illustration of the longitudinal and transverse curvature
of the side waIls 12 and 14, respectively. The cowling 18
located at the inner ends of each side wall is shown
positioned within the inner end of the side walls, with each
cowling communicating at its inner end with a turbine 20.
It will be noted that the side walls are longitudinally
curved from the apex toward the turbine, with the angle
of inclination adjacent each wall being relatîvely flat,
that is, approaching a plane generally perpendicular to
the path of movement of the wave. Each wall 12 and 14
relatively adjacent the apex 16 is essentially planer,
with transverse curvature increasing toward the turbine
end of the wall. The manner in which the side walls are
progressively transversely curved is shown in cross section
in Figs. 7, 8 and 9, and,as noted in Fig. 6, the side walls
are essentially of closed circular cross section immediately
in front of the cowling member 18. As a result of the
longitudinal and transverse curvature, the water in the form
of relatively rapidly moving waves gradually increases
velocity as it travels along each side wall, due to both
the vertical and horizontal wave forces. It is rudimentary
5 that water reaching the turbine 20 will take the same amount
of time as water passing directly unimpeded to the shore,
thereby resulting in the increase in speed or velocity of
the water as it passes along each curved wall. Thus, both
the kinetic and potential energy from the vertical and
horizontal wave forces are utilized. The longitudinal
curvature is continuous, as above noted, and the transverse
curvature is increasingly more pronounced, as noted in
Figs. 7-~. This transverse and longitudinal curvature
results in a rapid rollover of the water as it passes along
the side walls, as shown in arrows located along each
side wall 12 and 14.
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Referring to Fig. 6, the cowling member 18 isshown therein on a somewhat larger scale. The member
preferably is a separate member and positioned within
the closed, tapered end of the side wall. The cowling
S tapers in diameter from the outer end thereof to the inner
end thereof, and filters 22 and 24 are preferably provided
at the inlet and outlet ends of the cowling. Depending
upon the shape of the closed inner end of each wall, the
cross-sectional configuration of the cowling will vary,
but in the form shown, the cowling is generally circular
in cross section, tapering from a larger to a small
diameter as shown. The filter members 22 and 24 are for
the purpose of removing debris or the like from the
water, prior to passage of the same into the turbine
generator, which is diagrammatically shown both in
Figs. 5 and 6.
Although the cowling 18 is shown as a separate
member in Figs. 1, 5 and 6/ it will be apparent that the
innermost end of each side wall can be configured to
provide a tapered opening similar in shape to the cowling
member 18. This would avoid the need for a separate
member, although filter means would preferably still be
employed for the indicated purpose. As shown, the cowling
member is encased within the inner end of the wall,
although total encasement would not be absolutely necessary.
The closing of the side wall at the inner end thereof, or
the provision of a separate cowling, or both, is dictated
by the need for retention of the swirling water passing
along each side wall, and as long as a substantial amount
of the water is retained for turbine generating purposes,
it is sufficient.
As above noted, the side walls 12, along with the
structure 10, can be formed of any suitable material, with
concrete being one example. In order to reduce the friction
of the water passing along the wall, the surfaces of the
walls can be coated with a friction-reducing material, such
1 155367
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as resinous glass fibers sold under the trademark
Fiberglass or the like. It will be noted in this
regard that the horizontal forces of the wave directly
impinging upon the side walls between the apex and the
5 turbine will be deflected in the direction of curvature
of the walls whereby considerable frictional forces
result. The provision of a friction-reducing surface
would reduce such frictional forces to the extent possible,
thereby maximizing the horIzontal wave forces directed
along the curyed side walls.
As noted, Fig. 1 is specifically designed for
a wave action environment, although the general concepts
of the present invention are adaptable to river and/or
tidal conditions as well. Figs. 2-4 illustrate such other
environments,with Fig. 2 diagrammatically illustrating
in plan view a structure utilizing or taking advantage of
tide action; Fig. 3 illustrating a system installed in a
body of water, for example a river, wherein the flow is
substantially or entirely uni-directional, and Fig. 4
illustrating a system particularly adapted to a river
environment where tidal conditions also exist.
Referring to Fig. 2, the structure 30 diagrammatically
illustrated therein includes side walls 32, 34, 36 and 38.
The side walls 32 and 34 merge at their outer ends to an apex
40, and the opposite walls 36 and 38 likewise merge at their
outer ends to an apex 42. Cowling means commonly designated
at 18 is positioned at the inner end of each curved side
wall as described, with each cowling in turn communicating
with a separate turbine generator 20.
~he longitudinal and transverse curvature of each
side wall is preferably identical or similar to the curvature
of the side walls 12 and 14 as shown in Fig. 5, It will be
apparent that during tidal conditions, water flows first
in one direction and then returns in the other, as depicted
35 by arrows at the top and bottom of Fig. 2. ~hus, during
conditions of high tide, for example, water impinges upon
.~ .
, ~
I 1 5S3~7
the side walls 36 and 38, increasing velocity in the
process, to drive the associated turbine generators 20.
The spent water is thereafter directed downstream of the
building structure.
During periods approaching low tide, the flow is
of course in the opposite direction, with the flow impinging
on side walls 32 and 34, with the built-up forces from the
water due to their passage along the walls driving the
associated turbine generators 20. It is of course assumed
that the structure 30 of Fig. 2 would be utilized in an
environment where sufficient tide action was present to
justify the installation. There may also be present wave
action forces where the structure is installed in environ-
ments where wave action is normally generated.
The Fig. 2 installation is preferably in an open
body of water, and the system can be permanently installed
in any suitable manner and with any suitable materials.
As above described, the side walls can be coated if desired
with a friction-reducing coating to reduce the friction
losses occurring as the water impinges on the side walls
in both directions of movement of the water. In this manner,
the horizontal force component of the water impinging upon
the side walls is utilized to a maximum in increasing the
velocity of the water as it passes along the side walls,
thereby maximizing the output of the turbine generators.
It will be understood that in both the invention
forms illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, as well as Figs. 3 and 4
about to be described, the energy produced from the turbine
generators can be taken off in any suitable manner. Such
electrical energy can be used directly, or indirectly, with
an example of indirect utilization being energy used for
hydrogen conversion. In any event, utilization of the
electrical energy forms no part of the present invention.
Referring to Fig. 3, there is illustrated therein
a typical installation utilizing the present invention
1 ~55367
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concepts for use in rivers where the speed of flow issufficiently ample to produce electrical energy. In
the Fig. 3 form, the building structure S0 essentially
forms one-half of the double side wall structure shown
in Fig. 1, with the side wall 52 communicating at its
inner end with cowling means 18 and turbine generator
20. The side wall 52 terminates at its outer end in
an apex 54 formed cojointly with the adjoining wall 56
of the structure, with the apex 54 diverting water along
the side walls and permitting unimpeded water flow past
the adjoining wall 56 of the structure. Again, the
longitudinal and transverse curvature of the side wall
52 is preferably identical with or similar to the con-
figuration shown in Fig. 5 thereby producing the in-
creased velocity and thus force as described above.
Referring to Fig. 4, there is illustrated thereina system particularly designed for rivers, tidal areas
or other environments where natural currents are pre-
sent. The system comprises separate structures 60
and 62, with the structure 60 including curved side
walls 64 and 66, and the structure 62 having curved
walls 68 and 70. Rather than diverting the flow as
in the forms previously described, the structures 60
and 62 adjacently disposed as shown in Fig. 4 serve
to funnel theincoming water toward the relatively
narrow opening between the central curved portions of
the structures. At the end of each curved wall in the
central region of the system are cowling means commonly
designated at 18, and a turbine generator or generators
20 are schematically shown communicating with the
outlet ends of the cowling means.
As noted, the Fig. 4 system is particularly adapt-
able to environments where tidal action is present,
and is similar in many respects in this regard to Fig. 2.
However, the longitudinally and transversely curved side
3 6 7
--19--
walls are positioned so as to be converged at their
inner ends rather fhan being diverged as shown in
Fig. 2.
It will be understood that the vertical
location of the side walls 66 and 70 and will be such
as to provide optimum power production, and these walls
may be at a position above or below the major extent
of the oppositely disposed walls 64 and 68. The same
applies of course to the Fig. 2 form of the invention
which also is especially designed for use in tidal
environment. Where there is a difference in elevation
of the walls 66 and 70 relative to the walls 64 and 68,
it will be understood that a pair of turbines, super-
imposed, may be employed, with one turbine servicing
the water directed thereto from walls 66 and 70, and
the other receiving water at high velocity traveling
along the walls 64 and 68.
~ l~though the angle of curvature of the side
walls in the several forms described may not be absolutely
critical, it would appear that maximum water velocity
will be achieved where the longitudinal curvature is
parabolic. It is difficult to calculate the overall
velocity increase, due to frictional forces and the
fact that water, whether in wave form or in simple flow
pattern form, contacts the longitudinal side wall along
virtually the entire surface of cllrvature thereof.
However, water, traveling in the form of waves, for
example, will travel along the length of the curved
walls 12 and 14 (Fig. 1) in exactly the same period of
time that it would take the wave to travel in a straight
path from the apex 16 to a distance generally parallel
with the turbine generators 20. Since the flow path
along the curved side walls is obviously much longer,
for example, 2-3 times as long, the speed or velocity
of the water is increased proportionately. For example,
1 155367
-20-
if a wave is traveling at 16 feet per second, a
typical speed, the water from such wave as it
approaches the turbine generators will be traveling
approximately 40 feed per second. The transverse
S curvature of the side walls serves to confine the
flow path, with the transverse curvature increasing
as the velocity increases so as to preclude or
inhibit the water from being diverted away from
the surface of the side wall. It has been demonstrated
that this combination of longitudinal and transverse
curvature of the side walls is of fundamental
importance in the present invention.
The potential energy availability of the
several forms of the present invention can be cal-
culated without difficulty. It is of course well
known that the energy of a moving mass or object
is expressed as follows:
(1) E = ~mv2,where E is energy, m is mass, and
v is the velocity of the mass, in this
case the velocity of the fluid.
It is also rudimentary that the density (p) of a
mass is defined as the amount of the mass in a
specific volume, or:
(2) p = m/volume
Therefore, if we assume that a moving fluid passes
through an opening of a specified size, the volume
of the fluid in an assumed or predetermined amount
of time would be a product of the cross-sectional
area (A) of the opening times the velocity (v) of
the fluid times the amount of time (t), or:
(3) Volume = Avt
If we substitute equation (3) in equation (2), the
resulting equation becomes:
(4) p = m/Avt, or m = pAvt
If we now substitute the equivalency of m as expressed
in equation (4) for m in equation (1), the following
1 ~55367
-21-
equation results:
(S) E = ~2 (pAvt~v = ~pAv t, or E/t = ~pAv
Since the power (P) is defined as energy per unit
of time (E/t),
(6) P = ~pAv3, which can also be expressed as
(7) P/A = ~pv3.
Based on equation (7), the amount of available energy
can be readily calculated based on certain known facts
and assumptions. For example, it is known that the
density of water between 32 and 50F is lOOOKg/meters
(M)3, since 1 cubic centimeter of water weighs one
gram. Assuming that the fluid is moving at 30 feet
per second through a turbine cowling that is 20
feet in diameter, and assuming 100% efficiency
of the turbine, the calculations are as follows:
(8) P/A = ~pv3, where P is power, A is cross-
sectional area, p is density and v is
veolocity of fluid.
Therefore, P = ~pAv3
P = ~ x 1oo3K-~g- x 9.144M (expressed in
M s metric terms,
with "s"
designating
seconds
= 29.2M2 x loooKq x 9.144M 3
M s
= 11,162,488.4 ~
Since by definition l watt - l joule/sec.
and a joule is a Newton meter (1 KgM/s2),
1 155367
-22-
1 watt = 1 joule/sec.
= 1 Newton meter/sec.
= 1 KgM/s2~M/s)
= 1 KgM2/s3
S Therefore,
P = 11,162,488.4 watts
= 11,162.5 Kw, the total power availablein water moving through a 20' diameter cowling and
into the turbine generator. To calculate the power
available per square meter, the total power is
divided by the total area, or:.
P/A, expressed in watts 1 square meter
P/A = 11,162,488 4 watts
29.2~
= 382.276 watts per square meter
= 382 Kw per square meter
It will therefore be seen that substantial
amounts of electrical energy can be produced in
accordance with the present invention. Even assuming
a 60~ efficiency of the turbine, a turbine having
a diameter of 10 feet (approximately 7 square meters)
- 25 can produce approximately 1.56 megawatts, sufficient
to operate approximately 600 homes. In turbines
of greater diameter, the energy produced will of
course be significantly greater, increasing pro-
portional to the area of the turbine.
1155367
-23-
Reference is now made to Figs. 10-14, which
show the basic concepts of the invention applied to
apparatus for efficiently and inexpensively separating
surface contaminants, for example, layers of oil, from
water. This application of the invention similarly
utilizes the velocity increasing characteristics which
so uniquely distinguish the invention from the prior
art.
The collecting vessel is generally indicated
10at 100 and includes a body portion 102 and a bridge 104,
shown only in Figures 11 and 12. The vessel 100 can
be formed of any suitable construction, and is sub-
sequently modified to include the collecting features
in accordance with the present invention.
15In the bow 106 of the boat, an elongated opening
108 is formed, and positioned in such opening and ex-
tending rearwardly therefrom are side walls 110, 112,
114, and 116. A ~low diverter 118 extends between the
walls 112 and 114, and inasmuch as the walls 112 and 114
are longitudinally rearwardly curved in addition to
being transversely curved, the diverter 118 serves to
split the incoming oil-water mixture into the collection
areas defined by the walls 110-112 and the walls 114-116.
The longitudinal, or front to rear, curvature of the
walls can be seen in Figure 10, with the curvature be-
coming more pronounced toward the area at which adjacent
walls merge. The transverse curvature of the walls tapers
rearwardly from a very gradual curvature toward the diverter
118, reference being made to Fig. 13, to a more sub-
stantial transverse curvature toward the end of eachwall, as shown in Fig. 14. Although Figs. 13 and 14
are sectional views taken along wall 114, it will be
understood that the transverse curvature of walls 110,
112 and 116 is similar.
1 1553S7
-24-
Referring to Fig. 11, the opening defined byeach pairs of walls 110-112 and 114-116 is closed at
the top and bottom by walls 120 and 122. As noted in
this figure, the rearwardly extending walls 120 and 122
taper downwardly and upwardly, respectively, whereby
the incoming mixture is in effect funneled through
conduits 124 and 126. The diameter of each conduit
at the forward end thereof is similar in cross-sectional
area to the area bounded by the inner end of the side
walls and the top and bottom walls 120 and 122. The
conduits 122 and 126 extend generally horizontally
from the collecting area and then upwardly as indicated
at 126' in Figure 11 so as to clear the deck of the
vessel adjacent the stern. The conduits thereafter
assume a generally horizontal orientation as shown
at 127 prior to merging into a single conduit 130,
best seen in Figure 10.
The conduit 130 discharges into a separator
generally indicated at 132 which is mounted on a barge
generally indicated at 134. The separator per se forms
no part of the present invention, and can comprise a
centrigal separator of commercially available construction
whereby the heavier water gravitates to the outside of
the separator and the oil remains in the center or vortex
portion of the separator. The oil is discharged from
the separator through a discharge pipe 136 into a storage
vessel 138, and a water discharge pipe 140 communicates
with the separator relatively adjacent the bottom thereof
for discharging water from the separator overboard. The
oil is thus collected in the storage tank 138 and, when
full, can be pumped therefrom to condition the apparatus
for further separation and collection.
1 155367
-2 ~
The vessel 100 is powered by twin engines
commonly designated at E, each of which drives a pro-
peller commonly designated at 150 in conventional
fashion. The type of engines provided form no part
of the present invention, although they are preferably
of sufficient size to propel the vessel at 15 miles
per hour, or greater.
The barge 134 can be towed from the vessel
100 by tow lines commonly designated at 152 or by other
forms of connection if desired. Although it will be
understood that the barge 134 could be constructed and
arranged to serve as the driving vessel, with the
vessel 100 in effect being pushed, it is preferred that
that vessel 100 be driven, and the barge 134 be towed.
When the vessel is not employed for oil col-
lection purposes, the opening 108 can be covered by
means of a plu~lity of cylinders commonly designated
at 160, and gates 162 associated with each cylinder.
As shown in Fig. 10, preferably 4 cylinders and associ-
ated gates are provided, with the gates being shown
lowered in Fig. 11 so as to close the openings. When
the vessel is prepared for collecting the oil-water
mixture, the gates 162 are raised by the cylinders
160 thereby affording access to the scoop opening 108.
Hydraulic cylinders commonly designated at 164
are mounted on the top wall 120, with the rods 166 of
the cylinders engaging the top and bottom walls 120
and 122. By proper regulation of the cylinders 164,
the elevation of the walls 120 and 122 can thus be
adjusted so as to position the ope~ 108 in an optimum
elevation for collecting the oil-water mixture.
As noted, an important feature of the present
invention is the manner in which the mixture is ac-
celerated as it passes along the curved walls 110-116.
It is fundamental that water will travel the length of
1 1~5367
--26--
the curved walls 110-116 in exactly the same period
of time that it would take the water to travel in a
straight path from the tIp of the diverter 118 to a
rearward point parallel to the front ends of the
conduits 124 and 126. Since the full path along the
curved side walls is significantly longer, the speed
or velocity of the water is increased proportionately.
The water is of course directed into the opening 108
at a velocity equal to the velocity of the vessel.
It is the transverse and longi~udinally curved surfaces
which produce the acceleration or increased velocity
of the water, as opposed, for example, to simply straight
walls which direct the water into collecting conduits.
_ Although the precise curvature longitudinally
lS and transversely may not be absolutely critical, it
appears, as above noted, that maximum velocity will be
achieved where the longitudinal curvature is parabolic.
It is difficult to calculate the overall velocity in-
crease of the water, due to frictional forces and the
fact that water contacts the longitudinal side walls
along virtually the entire surface of curvature thereof.
As explained, it is preferable to propel the
vessel 100 at speeds of 15 miles per hour, or greater.
Such speeds serve two advantageous purposes. First, the
production or quantity of oil-water mixture treated is
increased since the quantity of mixture collected is
obviously proportional to the speed of the vessel.
Secondly, the speed of the vessel, and consequently the
relative speed between the water and the vessel, forms
the base for increase velocity by virtue of the transverse
and longitudinal curvature of the walls 110-116. At
such speeds, and without the aid of pumps, the mixture
flows through the conduits 124, 126, 126', 127 and 130
to the separator 132. The vessel can therefore be manu-
factured or modified at minimal expense, with only the
1 155367
27
opening 108, side walls 110-116, and conduits 124, 126,
and 126' requiring installation. Therefore, an ordinary
power boat can be quickly and inexpensively converted
to additionally function as a vessel for collecting
oil-water mixtures resulting from oil spills. When the
so converted vessel is not to be used for that purpose,
the gates 162 can be moved to a closed position, and
the vessel used for normal recreational purposes.
The side walls 110-116 can be formed of any
suitable material, with fiberglass being one example.
Fiberglass provides a low friction surface, thereby
reducing friction loss. If wood or metal are used for
the side walls, the exposed surfaces thereof are pre-
ferably coated with a friction-reducing material.
The conduits 124, 126, 126l, 127 and 130 can likewise
be formed of any suitable material, also preferably
friction reducing to the extent possible.
Although barge 134 has been illustrated in the
application drawings and described above for providing
on-site separating and storing capacity, it will be
apparent that other separating and collecting apparatus
could be provided as well. In addition, if the oil
spill is relatively adjacent the shore, the oil-water
mixture could be directed, with possible pumping assist-
ance, to separating and collecting installations on
shore.
The quantity of oil-water mixture capable of
being processed obviously depends on the size and speed
of the vessel. However, at a speed of 15 miles per hour,
the preferred minimum speed of operation, and with each
conduit 124 and 126 being one foot in diamter, approxi-
mately twenty-five (25) tons per minute of oil-water
mixture can be collected and processed. The operating
capacity of the centrifugal separator must obviously be
commensurate with the volume treated.
1 ~ 553~7
-28-
As above no~ed,the vessel can, if desired, be
transported to the site by airplane or helicopter, an
obvious advantage when compared with relatively large
collecting apparatus presently utilized for the same
purpose. Although the above description relates pri-
marily to treatment of oil spills, it can also be em-
ployed to treat other surface located pollutants.
.30
