Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CONICAL FLUID TURBINE RUNNER
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No.
61/285,160, entitled "Conical Fluid Turbine Runner," filed December 9, 2009,
and which
is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT
[00021 None.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are a number of devices taught in the prior art for using
energy from
the flow of a fluid to power mechanical machines. The simple water wheel used
in grist
mills to process grains is perhaps the most primitive. More recently, hydro-
kinetic turbines
manufactured by Hydro Green, Verdant Technologies, Open Hydro, and Free Flow
Power
used modified wind turbine designs in rivers and tidal flows. Each of these
systems is
expensive, heavy, and subject to problems in deployment and operation because
of its
composition, weight and size.
100041 The present device was developed to overcome many of the problems
associated with current hydro-kinetic technologies. The present turbine system
is highly
efficient, durable, light weight, manageable (using two-three person
maintenance teams),
cost effective, easy to manufacture, ship and assemble, environmentally
friendly to aquatic
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life, and capable of generating power in low fluid flow. Thus, the present
device meets
many long-felt needs in the industry.
[0005] The present invention provides a new and useful device and method
for the
production of power. Prior art turbines have often failed or struggled to
successfully
produce power as a result of their size, metal composition (which is subject
to corrosion),
injury to the environment and wildlife, and high cost of production and
maintenance. The
demand for energy is rapidly increasing worldwide. Renewable and sustainable
energy
sources are also in demand. The present invention uses no fossil fuels, and
thus generates
no carbon emissions. In addition, other applications of the present device and
method
include production of hydrogen gas, electricity, aeration of oxygen depleted
rivers,
irrigation, pumping fluids, distillation of water, and the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A fluid driven turbine arrangement is herein described. The turbine
comprises a cone with an array of curvilinear blades attached to the cone's
exterior surface.
The cone and blades are constructed of flexible, thermoplastic materials,
though any other
suitable materials, such as high density polyethylene polymers, carbon fiber,
and the like,
may be used. The cone is mounted to a shaft along the longitudinal axis. Power
is
transferred through this central shaft. In one embodiment of the invention,
the central shaft
includes a solid steel rod with a steel ring welded on each end for linking to
the power
generation system and to link to additional runner assemblies. Thus, water,
air, or other
fluid entering the runner is accelerated as it traverses the cone and blades,
thereby
increasing and harnessing the force with which the shaft is rotated, thereby
increasing the
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production of torsional energy_ Tests were conducted to determine power
generation from
a single runner, and the results of such tests are provided herein.
[0007] On aspect of the present turbine includes a cone and a plurality of
curvilinear blades extending substantially along the length of the cone, from
at or near the
apex of the cone to at or near the base of the cone.
[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, each of the curvilinear
blades
includes two walls, a first wall oriented substantially upstream with respect
to the direction
of fluid flow and a second wall oriented substantially downstream with respect
to the
direction of fluid flow. The first and second walls come together to form the
edges of the
curvilinear blades.
[0009] In still another aspect of the present invention, each of the
plurality of
blades of the turbine is hollow.
[0010] In still another aspect of the present invention, the turbine also
includes an
adjustor for adjusting the pitch of the blades. The adjustor is preferably
attached to the
cone of the turbine as well as to one of the curvilinear blades.
[0011] In still another aspect of the invention, the adjustor is automatic
and is
adapted to change the pitch of the curvilinear blades in response to the rate
of fluid flow.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention, the automatic adjustor includes
a sensor
for determining the rate of fluid flow, and an electronic data storage device
for
communicating the proper blade pitch based on the rate of fluid flow.
[00131 In another aspect of the invention, a turbine runner is provided.
The turbine
runner includes a shaft extending through a cone having openings at the apex
and base of
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the cone, and a plurality of curvilinear blades extending substantially along
the length of
the cone, from at or near the apex of the cone to at or near the base of the
cone.
100141 In another aspect of the invention, the shaft has a first end that
engages the
cone and a second end that engages a device to be driven by the shaft.
[0015] In another aspect of the invention, the device to be driven by the
shaft is an
electrical generator, a hydraulic motor, or a pump.
[0016J In another aspect of the invention, the device to be driven by the
shaft is a
hydraulic motor that utilizes biodegradable hydraulic fluid that is not toxic
to aquatic life.
[0017] In another aspect of the invention the turbine runner is located in
a body of
water while the device to be driven by the shaft is not in a body of water.
[0018] In another aspect of the invention, the shaft is in mechanical
communication
with a device to be driven by the shaft, but does not directly physically
engage the device
to be driven by the shaft.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Further features of the present invention will become apparent to
those
skilled in the art to which the present invention relates from reading the
following
description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0020] FIG. la is side cross-sectional schematic of one embodiment of a
turbine
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. lb is a photograph providing a front view of one embodiment of
a
turbine constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
invention.
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[0022) FIG. 2 is a photograph depicting water turbulence patterns around
one
embodiment of a turbine constructed in accordance with the principles of the
present
invention..
[0023] FIG. 3 is a photograph providing a side view of one embodiment of a
turbine constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
invention.
[00241 FIG. 4 is a photograph of one embodiment of a turbine constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention, the photograph
depicting a
mechanism for stabilizing and adjusting the pitch of the blades, as well as
the double-
walled nature of this embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a platform used in the testing and
operation of one embodiment of a turbine constructed in accordance with the
principles of
the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 6a is a schematic diagram of a plurality of turbines
constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention, the turbines in
series. The diagram
also depicts turbulence flow patterns around the devices.
[00271 FIG. 6b is a photograph depicting a plurality of turbines
constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention, the turbines in
series. The
photograph also illustrates fluid flow patterns along the blade of the
turbine.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a diagram depicting a plurality of turbines constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention. The diagram also
depicts a
pumping system (WindTrans, 92 Railway St. Seaforth, Ontario, Canada).
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
00291 Theory of Operation
[0030J Fluid Flow
100311 Flowing fluid is directed onto the blades of the turbine runner,
creating a
torsional force on the blades. This force acts over a distance and creates a
rotational spin
on the runner. In this way, kinetic energy from a moving fluid is transferred
to the turbine
creating rotational energy. In addition, fluid is accelerated as it moves
along the cone and
blade surfaces. The rotational motion, fluid acceleration, and blade
conformation results
in turbulence at the point of release as shown in Fig. 3.
[0032] The runner described is a reaction turbine that is acted on by
fluid, which
changes pressure as it moves through the runner and gives up its energy. The
runner is
partially or completely submerged in the flowing fluid.
[0033J The power available in a fluid flow is represented by the following
equation:
P= np ghv
where:
= P = power (J/s or watts)
= ri turbine efficiency
= p = density of fluid (kg/m3)
= g = acceleration of gravity (9.81 m/s2)
= h = head (m). For still fluid, this is the difference in height between
the inlet and
outlet surfaces. Moving fluid has an additional component added to account for
the
kinetic energy of the flow. The total head equals the pressure head plus the
velocity
head.
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= 7 = flow rate (m3/s)
100341 In flowing fluid, the velocity head comprises a significant
percentage of the
head. However, in some fluid flows with significant drops in elevation there
also can be a
pressure head component. A significant component of the present device is its
efficiency
in extracting power from fluid flow. The device of the present invention is
also efficient in
low flow environments.
[0035] Turning the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like parts,
FIG. la
provides a schematic, cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a turbine
constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention. The turbine includes
generally a
cone 11, helical blade 12, interior bulkhead 13, floatation portion 14,
central shaft 20,
posterior connector ring 21, and anterior connector ring 22. A front side view
of one
embodiment of the present device is provided in FIG. lb.
[0036] The present invention provides a fluid (water/effluent/air) driven
turbine
runner for converting the energy of a moving fluid. In one embodiment of the
invention,
the present device includes a cone containing flotation that supports an array
of double-
walled, helical blades that rotate on a central shaft (as shown, for example,
in FIG. 4). The
shaft is arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation. The cone, blades, and
shaft make up
the turbine runner. The shaft of the present device can be linked to equipment
for
producing power (electricity, hydraulic, pump, and the like), and to
optionally link to
additional turbine runners along a central axis.
[0037] In operation, fluid moves along the cone and blades and the cone
accelerates the fluid. The helical blades convert the linear fluid movement
into angular
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momentum, thus driving the runner to rotate. As the accelerated fluid
discharges at the end
of the turbine runner, turbulence develops creating a vortex when the
accelerated fluid and
the slower ambient fluid intersect (see, for example, FIG. 2 and FIG. 6). The
slower
ambient fluid is "pulled" towards the accelerated fluid resulting in a vortex
(eddy). This
vortex acts to accelerate the fluid as it exits the first runner. In
embodiments of the present
invention where a second turbine runner is linked to the first, the
accelerated fluid
enhances the rotational force of the second runner. The rotational force on
the second
runner is dependent on its position behind the first runner. This position is
adjustable to
maximize output. An exemplary such arrangement is shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b. It
is
contemplated that in some embodiments of the present invention, the device may
be
equipped with fluid flow sensors and may automatically adjust the distance
between
successive turbine runners, as well as the pitch of turbine blades, based on
real-time fluid
flow conditions.
[0038] The cone and
helical blades may be manufactured from any suitable
material, including, but not limited to, flexible, high density polyethylene
(HDPE)
polymer, thermoplastic materials, carbon fiber, and the like. The blade is
preferably double
walled. The front surface is designed for efficient capture of energy from the
flowing
fluid. The back wall is designed for two purposes: first, to provide support
for the front
wall, and second, to manage fluid flow to create an ideal turbulence for
optimizing
performance of additional runners in the series. This management of turbulence
is unique
and important in the performance and efficiency of the present invention. In
addition, blade
pitch can be adjusted from the 'pitch adjustment' assembly such as that shown
in FIG. 4.
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Four support rods are positioned at the rear of the cone and blades. Adjusting
rods from
each blade are attached to these support rods. Thus, blade pitch can be
adjusted for best
power performance and turbulence management depending upon the fluid
environment
and application. Some applications may require high torque while others may
require
greater rpm.
[0039] Example
[0040] An example of a high torque system can be found when power is
required
to drive a large capacity pump at low rpms. Hundreds of gallons of water are
being
powered through the system at low rpms. A system requiring higher rpms
involves the
power required to drive an electric alternator for use to power batteries on a
boat or
platform. The alternator requires approximately 400 rpms but does not have
high torque
requirements.
[0041] The conversion of energy from a stream of fluid into mechanical
energy is a
primary goal of the present invention. Preliminary experiments showed that the
design of
the present device results in unexpected amounts of torque. To test this
claim, experiments
were designed and conducted to study the performance of the present conical
turbine at
different flow rates.
[0042] A cone and four blades were constructed from 1.22m x 2.44m sheets of
HDPE with a thickness of 3.2 mm. The cone was shaped with a length of 1.22 m
and a
base diameter of 0.71m tapering to a 5 cm diameter. Blades were attached
resulting in a
total base runner diameter of 2.6m. The blades were double walled and fastened
to the
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cone body with rivets and then fused by welding. A 2.5 cm diameter HDPE plex
water
tube was cut and fitted to the edge of each blade, fastened with screws and
then welded.
[0043] A 1.8m long and 5 cm diameter solid steel shaft was positioned
axially
through the cone. To each end of the shaft was attached a connector ring
formed from 1.6
cm diameter steel rod. Two solid steel rods 1.9 cm diameter and 2.6m long were
positioned
in the base area, welded to the axial 5 cm shaft, and attached to the cone's
surface and also
to the base end of the blades. These shafts allowed adjustment of the blades.
[0044] A 12.5 cm diameter tubular drive shaft was attached to the runner
connector
ring using a steel clevis pin. The clevis pin allowed rotation of the
connected parts about
the axis of the pin. The pin was a solid steel rod with threads at the end. To
fasten the
clevis to the runner shaft, the pin was positioned through the clevis hole and
runner
connector ring, and then screwed into the clevis shank. This allowed for easy
assembly
and disassembly of the runner from the drive shaft. At times, the turbine
runner generated
in excess of 5,600 ft lbs of torque. Numerous times during testing bolts and
shafts were
unexpectedly sheared and twisted due to this significant and unexpected
torque.
[0045] The runner drive shaft was connected to a power take off (PTO) male
adapter welded to a 5.1 cm steel shaft. The shaft was connected to a platform
constructed
from a fiberglass V-hulled boat reinforced with structural, 5cm tubular steel
housing (Fig
5). The platform boat was either tethered at the bow to the river bottom or to
a towing
craft,
[0046) A gear box manufactured by Rexnord/Falk Industries (Model
MR1(2060F_3A), was positioned within the housing. (Rexnord, 4701 W. Greenfield
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Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53214-5310). The gearbox had a ratio of 1:85.69 rpms. It
served
to accelerate the runner's rotational movement from a range of 4 ¨ 7 rpm to
342 ¨ 600
rpms respectively. The torque required to overcome the inertia of this system,
from the
PTO through the generator, was approximately 170 ft-lbs. Torque was measured
using a
hand-held Proto torque wrench with a 0.61 m extension and attached adapter to
link to the
male PTO fitting on the stern of the platform boat.
[00471 A 12 kw Voltmaster power take off (PTO) generator manufactured by
Wanco Inc., model PTO 15/12 was installed. (Wanco/Voltmaster 5870 Tennyson
Street,
Arvada, Colorado 80003). Discussion with company engineers revealed that a
minimum
of five horsepower was required before the generator would produce any
electricity.
[0048] Torque was calculated using the following formula HP = (Torque x
RPM)
/ 5252. 5252 is a constant. Thus, minimum torque required to produce five
horsepower is
dependent on the RPM of the driving force (runner). One HP = 746 watts. Five
HP =
3,729 watts. In theory, the present system, operating at four rpm, produces
the following
torque:
Torque = ((5252 x HP) / RPM)/746 watts
Torque = ((5252 x 3,729 watts)/ 4 RPM)/746 watts
Torque = 6563 ft. lbs. at 4 RPM
Torque= 3751 ft. lbs. at 7 RPM
[0049] Deployment consisted of first launching the platform, connecting the
drive
shaft to the runner, then either positioning the assembly in a river current
or moving the
platform through a lake using a motorized boat or boats. Once the flow rate
reached 0.75
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m/s the runner began rotating. At 1.3 m/s the turbine activated the generator
and produced
approximately 125 volts of electricity.
[00501 To determine power, a load was placed on the generating system using
a
forty amp maximum capacity electric stove with four burners and one oven. To
measure
electrical characteristics, a Uni-T model 233 power meter with digital readout
and USB
computer connection was used. This meter was connected to a Dell laptop
computer and
the data was stored in Microsoft Excel format for later analysis. The stove
was connected
to a 220V electrical source. Each burner and oven element was tested to
determine
resistance and amount of current/power used at maximum capacity. (Table 1).
Table 1: Electrical Characteristics of Electric
Stove.
Burner/
Oven Volts Amps KVA
LR 241.8 5.5 1.4
LF 242.5 9.8 2.4
RR 242.8 5.4 1.33
RF 244.1 5.1 1.26
Bake 242.9 7.3 1.79
Broil 240.8 14.3 3.46
LR= Left Rear; LF= Left Front; RR= Right Rear; RF= Right Front.
[0051] The stove was attached to the generator system using the 220 V, 40
Amp
plug. A data logger system was connected to monitor water flow before the
runner and
rpms of the runner drive shaft. (MultiLogPro, Fourier Systems Inc. 9611 W.
165th St.
Suite 11b, Orland Park, IL 60467). To measure rpm, a Photo Gate DT137 sensor
was
mounted to the steel housing and detected a steel rod connected to the runner
drive shaft
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each time it passed through the infrared beam. Water flow before the runner
was measured
using a Flow Rate sensor DT254. The sensor was mounted on a rod and positioned
aft on
the platform at approximately 0.6 m below the surface. The runner was position
approximately 2.5 meters behind the platform. Both the Photo Gate and Flow
Rate sensors
were connected using mini Din plugs to the data logger, which was directly
connected to a
Toshiba laptop computer running a Fourier software data analysis program,
MultiLab.
Data were collected and stored in Microsoft Excel format for analysis.
[0052] To propel the turbine system in a lake, a 160 hp, 9.1 in long
pontoon boat
and a 50 hp, 4.6 m long, semi-V bottom boat were used to tow the turbine
system. At
wide-open-throttle (WOT) on both boats, the average water flow and runner RPM
achieved under load was 2.09 m/s and 4.33 RPM respectively.
Table 2: Flow rate (m/s) and RPM.
Avg Max Min Stdev
Flow
1.61 1.77 1.38 0.095231 Rate
4.31 5.00 4.00 0.22927 RPM
Flow
Rate
1.59 2.09 0.67 0.225211 m/s
[0053] The 2.6 m diameter runner in L6 m/s water flow produced an average
torque of (665 + 6,105) = 6,770 ft-lbs. in the first experiment, and (691 +
6105) = 6796 ft.-
lbs. of torque in the second experiment (Table 3), at WOT using a combined 210
hp of
engine power.
Table 3:
Average Torque, Watts, Amps and Volts produced at WOT (two experiments)
Experiment 1
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Average Max Min Stdev
Torque 665 2467 65 449.5104
Watts 407 1510 40 275.189
Amps 3.23 4.60 0 0.767511_
Volts 106 138 67 16.94137
Experiment 2.
Average Max Min Stdev
Torque 691 2989 49 462.8028
Watts 423 1830 _ 30 283.3266
Amps 3,11 6.20 1.2 0.831411
Volts 113 146 55 13.92585
[0054) The experiments detailed above were conducted in the safe
environment of
a lake, as opposed to the more dangerous environment of a river.
[00551 In view of the above, an embodiment of the present invention
having a
single turbine runner produces enough torque and RPMs to conservatively
operate an 80
kW system in an average river flow rate of 1.6 tn/s. Disregarding the minimum
generator
operational torque and relying only on the torque produced in the example
above, (average
----- 664 ft lbs, or 900 N.m.), the maximum alternator size would be the
Alxion 500 STK6M
(450) or 39.5 kW (52 HP) of power in 1.6 m/s flow rate. Adding in the minimum
torque
required to overcome inertia, 170 ft. lbs., plus the average 664 ft. lbs., the
present device
conservatively achieves 834 ft-lbs. or approximately 1130 N.m., enough torque
to power a
43 kW unit (57 HP). It is contemplated that these numbers may vary depending
on specific
embodiments of the present invention, as well as the conditions under which
the device(s)
are employed.
[00561 FIG. 5 provides a schematic illustration of a platform assembly
such as that
used in the Example described above. A turbine of the present invention is
connected to
" the platform assembly. The platform assembly includes generally a
transmission 5,
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generator 6, central shaft 20, universal joints 41, tubular drive shaft 51,
intermediate shaft
55, anchor bolts 58 and 59, flange and bearing assembly 61, male PTO connector
62,
female PTO connector 63, tail shaft 65, angle steel frame 70, anchor hook 71,
and hub
connector 64.
(00571 It is contemplated that various modifications to the present device
will be
apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. Various
embodiments and
modifications to the present device are now described, with the understanding
that the
present device is not limited by such description.
[00581 One embodiment of the present device includes a thermoplastic
material
edge cap constructed from plex tubing or other suitable materials. This cap
shields the
rough edges of the runner blades, providing protection for fish and other
wildlife. The cap
also reduces the potential for catching and accumulating debris. The function
of the edge
cap may also be achieved as an integral part in a molding design.
[0059] Another embodiment of the present turbine has variable blade pitch.
Adjustable rods extend across the posterior area of the cone, through the
polymer skin and
through the blades. Adjustable fasteners provide a method of adjusting the
curvature or
pitch of the blades. Thus, blade conformation can be adjusted to optimize
performance in
areas of flow that may differ. For example, one flow may average 2 m/s while
another
flow averages 4 m/s. Thus, one unit can accommodate many different flow rates
by simple
blade adjustments.
[0060] Another embodiment of the present turbine has a double walled blade.
This
double wall is adjustable using the adjustable rods. Furthermore, the back
wall is designed
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to form pyramid shapes and other geometric forms to provide support for the
front blade.
In addition, these shapes are specifically designed to manage turbulence by
optimizing
flow direction and flow force to enhance the performance of subsequent runners
in the
series and among series. As turbulence is managed during the water discharge
process in a
parallel series of runners, the turbulence from the left series and right
series bifurcate at a
distance behind the runners, A third series of runners, positioned between the
left and right
series is positioned at the region of bifurcation to enhance performance.
[00611 Still another embodiment of the present device includes a cone with
no
blades positioned in front of the runners. This cone functions to assist in
debris deflection
as well as control of turbine rotation that can act as a braking system in
periods of high
water flow.
[0062j Another embodiment of the present turbine is able to avoid debris in
flowing water. Runners are designed to tolerate varying degrees of debris in
rivers. First,
the curved blade system facilitates movement of debris through the runner.
Secondly, the
high torque and low rpm can simply 'push' larger debris such as trees and ice
flow to the
side and away from the runner. As the runner flings away debris, its
operational pathway is
kept clear. Multiple runner blades are aligned to provide synchronous movement
of debris
away from the system. Furthermore, in a parallel runner series, each series
turns counter to
the other to provide stability. From a front view, the left series turns
counter-clockwise
and the right series turns clockwise. Thus, debris entering the middle of the
series will be
lifted up and out of the array.
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100631 Another embodiment of the present turbine is the runner and blades
are
constructed from thermoplastic materials and are very tolerant of impact and
easily
repaired or replaced in the event of damage. As opposed to stationary, metal
units, the
present runners have some degree of flexibility with pliable parts.
[00641 Another embodiment of the present turbine is lightweight and
durable,
resulting in a system that can be managed by a team of 2-3 people for the
larger turbines
and I person for the smaller units. No special heavy lifting equipment is
required and the
system can be readily transported, assembled, and installed in remote places.
[00651 Another aspect of some embodiments of the present device is that
they are
very easy to maintain and repair. Because the runners in these embodiments are
made
from thermoplastic or other polymer materials, a technician with little
experience can weld
any broken or cracked polymer parts with one simple tool and pieces of the
polymer.
These tools can be included in a basic kit.
[00661 Another embodiment of the present device is operable to work on a
river
surface, tethered to the river bottom by a cable/anchor array. This system can
be easily
maintained and is portable.
100671 Another embodiment of the present device is operable to work from a
boat
or floating platform. This system can be used to produce electricity, charge
batteries,
operate electric motors, pump water, clarify water, and purify water for
drinking. This
system can be deployed from the side or aft of the anchored platform. This
system is
lightweight and can be deployed by one or two persons.
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100681 Another
embodiment of the present device can be submerged and tethered
to a river bottom. This embodiment preferably employs flotation tanks mounted
to a steel
frame work. When repairs are needed, air is pumped into the submerged tanks to
surface
the unit. Thus, no repairs need to be performed beneath the water surface.
100691 Another
embodiment of the present invention employs a submergible,
hydraulic motor attached to the runner drive shaft. The hydraulic motor
utilizes a
biodegradable fluid that causes no harm to aquatic life forms. The runner's
rotational force
powers the hydraulic motor resulting in a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid
to an onshore
accumulator. One or more runner systems can contribute to the hydraulic
system.
Pressurized fluid in the accumulator tank powers a hydraulic
motor/gearbox/generator
assembly. The advantage to this system is that no electrical components or
wires are
submerged and it is much easier to maintain the drive train and generator
system.
[00701 It is also
contemplated that the present device can be expanded by adding
more runners fore or aft of the power unit to produce greater amounts of
power.
[0071] Another
embodiment of the present turbine system is constructed of HDPE
polymers, or other suitable material, and is resistant to the impact of
cavitation caused by
vapor bubbles attached to surfaces. Other hydro-kinetic systems using metal
blades find
cavitation to be problematic, resulting in early deterioration of metal
components and
costly repairs and maintenance.
[0072] Another aspect
of the present turbine system is that it is fish friendly
because of the helical confirmation of the present cone and blades, rather
than sharp,
protruding metal blades that other systems employ. Helical screws are often
used to
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transport spawning fish over dams in rivers and streams. In addition, helical
screw pumps
permit live fish to be moved in water via pipe systems over large horizontal
and vertical
distances without damage. Further, the rotational speed of the present device
averages
between 4 and 8 rpms, making it possible for fish to maneuver around or
through the
system. Also, in some embodiments of the invention no electrical wires or
generators are
located in the water to cause electrical shock to fish and aquatic life.
[0073] En another embodiment, the present device can be manufactured in
segmented parts which simply 'snap' together. Thus the runner can be easily
shipped,
disassembled and later reassembled on site. Repairs can be made by exchanging
runner
parts.
[0074] Another aspect of the present invention is that the runners can be
manufactured on or near the site of application. Thus, bulky runner assemblies
do not have
to be shipped. Only the raw HDPE sheet material, or other materials, can be
shipped.
[0075] Another embodiment of the present turbine can be molded in one piece
adding greater strength and decrease manufacturing costs. Further, the turbine
may link
multiple runners on a single shaft.
[00761 Another aspect of the present turbine is the ability to pump water.
An
exemplary pump 7 suitable for use with the present invention has been
developed by
WindTrans systems LTD, Seaforth, Ontario, Canada. The unit pumps 700 liters of
water
per revolution and operates between 5 ¨ 18 rpms. At 7 rpm the present turbine
system
could pump approximately 5 acre feet of water per day at 1265 gallons per
minute. Figure
8a depicts one such embodiment. This system is preferably mounted on a
galvanized,
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CA 02782764 2012-07-06
structural steel frame and anchored to the river bed or reversed and supported
by flotation
pontoons. The illustrated system employs a two runner array. Other embodiments
may
include those having a 2m diameter runner aft and a 3.5m diameter runner
directly behind.
The larger rear turbine will completely protect the pump, reduce drag and
provide greater
torque to the system. This system will pump only water in a closed loop system
to shore
where it can be used for potable water supplies, electric generation and
irrigation. The
pump is designed to provide a pressure 60 psi. The two-runner embodiment
depicted in
FIG. 7 further includes a central shaft 20, bearings 61, shaft support frame
77, skid 75,
pump frame 76 and pump 7.
[0077] Another embodiment of the present turbine can be deployed in warmer
regions along rivers that require high energy demands for air conditioning.
Then, these
same units can be transported via river to colder climates to provide energy
for heating
homes in winter.
[0078] Various embodiments of the present turbine can be used as wind
generators.
Furthermore, testing shows that the turbines can be used both in water and air
to power the
same system. Additional testing has shown that the runner positioning is best
offset to the
direction of flow in both air and water to maximize efficiency. Preliminary
results show a
22 degree offset to be most efficient.
[0079] Another embodiment of the present turbine system can be used to
provide
energy for hydrogen gas production.
[0080] Another embodiment of the present turbine can be used to provide
aeration
to rivers. This can be provided by a number of design choices relating to the
present
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CA 02782764 2012-07-06
invention. First, the runner blades can be modified by adding small holes in
the surface.
The blades are only partially submerged, thus as the blades rotate air is
captured in the
small holes and released into the water. Secondly, a modified blade design
results in
rotational speeds >60 rpm, thus water is "splashed" into the air. Finally, a
pumping system
can be used to spray water from the river surface into the air.
[00811 Another embodiment of the present turbine can be used to incorporate
and/or clarify discharged waste from industrial or municipal sources into
river water.
[0082] Another embodiment of the present turbine and pump system can be
used to
pump fluids in pipelines that cross rivers. The pump system can be connected
directly into
the submerged pipe systems.
[00831 Other features of the blades associated with the present invention
include:
low revolutions per minute (rpm), attachment of mini-blades to improve
performance, a
HDPE polymer (or other suitable material) edge cap to protect fish and improve
debris
handling, and helical conformation to further protect fish and other aquatic
life. Because
the runner rotates between 4 and 8 rpms it is very fish friendly. In addition,
the helical
shape of the blades expels fish in a safe manner. Mini-blades have been
designed and
implemented to enhance performance to accommodate a variety of fluid flow
conditions.
[00841 The runner may contain buoyancy means mounted within the cone. In
other
embodiments, buoyancy may be provided by closed cell foam.
[00851 The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from
the
detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to
cover all such
features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and
scope of the
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CA 02782764 2012-07-06
invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily
occur to those
skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and
operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable
modifications and
equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
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