WO2009152535A2

WO2009152535A2 - Hydro kinetic energy electricity

Info

Publication number: WO2009152535A2
Application number: PCT/ZA2009/000054
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johannes Jacobus Jansen Van Rensburg
Original assignee: Jansen Van Rensburg Johannes J
Priority date: 2008-06-09
Filing date: 2009-06-08
Publication date: 2009-12-17
Also published as: WO2009152535A3

Abstract

The invention provides a water powered generator drive mechanism, including an elongate frame (12) being capable of holding a pair of axes (14) located one at each end of the elongate frame (12); an elongate element (16) being movably located around the first elongate frame (16) and being capable of driving at least one of the pairs of axes (14); a plurality of blades (20) pivotably mounted to the elongate element (16), said blades (20) being angularly orientated relative to the elongate element (16); and turning means for reversing the direction of a respective one of said plurality of blades (20) once the blade is in proximity to the axis (14).

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: HYDRO KINETIC ENERGY ELECTRICITY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the production of electricity from hydro kinetic energy such as flowing water.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The inventor is aware of the worldwide power crisis and that carbon based fuels for power stations have a limited future whereas nuclear power has its own problems including the perceived dangers thereof, the cost thereof, and proliferation issues.

Sustainable generation of power such as by wind, sun, and hydro electric schemes are enjoying a revival as these can be used in remote locations, require lower skill levels by operators, and are suitable for operating on a smaller scale.

Throughout the world, but particularly in Africa, huge rivers flow taking with them the potential for electricity generation to the sea. Whereas hydroelectric schemes which include dams and huge turbines have been built on these rivers, there has been no or little exploitation of these rivers for local power generation for the benefit of local consumers.

More specifically, erecting dams within rivers is not only a cost intensive enterprise but also can have a negative impact on the environment, as for example due to blocking of natural passing of animals. Furthermore, erecting a dam is usually not possible or to cost expensive for rivers being located in an even waterside.

One possible solution to use freely flowing rivers for energy generation has been described in US 7,442,002 B2. An apparatus for generating electric power in freely flowing rivers includes a housing formed of an outside housing and an inside housing having an outlet formed as a suction pipe, with cavities and at least one turbine and with a traction means for anchoring the apparatus. A robust apparatus which is especially protected against hazards caused by high water can be achieved. However, the above mentioned prior art devices are usually not very efficient when a slowly flowing river is used for local power generation for the benefit of local consumers.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a water powered generator which overcomes, at least partly, the disadvantages associated with the state of the art air devices.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a new water powered generator involving an inventive step.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electricity generation systemwhich overcomes, at least partly, the disadvantages associated with the state of the art air devices.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a new electricity generation system involving an inventive step.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a water powered generator drive mechanism, said drive including: an elongate frame being capable of holding a pair of axes located one at each end of the elongate frame; - an elongate element being movably located around the first elongate frame and being capable of driving at least one of the pair of axes; a plurality of blades pivotably mounted to the elongate element, said blades being angularly orientated relative to the elongate element so that the flow of water over at least a portion of at least some of the blades urges the blades in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the flow of the water thereby to provide the power required to drive a generator coupled to at least one of the pair of axis; turning means for reversing the direction of a respective one of said plurality of blades once the blade is in proximity to the axis so that water passing over the blade will urge the blade in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The angular orientation of the blades relative to the elongate element may be achieved by engaging the blades into a raceway.

The blades may be provided with raceway engaging portions which engage the raceway thereby retaining the blades in a predetermined orientation at any location during its displacement along the raceway.

The raceway may be provided as a first frame member and a second frame member within whom the blades are displaced in an ordered manner.

The elongate element may be located between the first frame member and the second frame member.

The first frame member may be part of the elongate frame. The first frame member, the second frame member and the elongate element may be located below the lower edge of the plurality of blades.

The raceway may be provided as a third frame member and a fourth frame member.

The blades may be attached to two elongate elements, one at an upper edge and one at a lower edge of the blades.

The third frame member, the fourth frame member and the second elongate element may be located above the upper edge of the plurality of blades. The third frame member may be part of the elongate frame so as to provide rigidity to the mechanism.

The elongate element may be provided as a chain or toothed belt. The elongate element may be operatively connected to the pair of axis with a pinion being mounted on the pair of axis and capable of engaging into the chain or toothed belt.

A generator may be operatively connected to one or both of the axes thereby to drive the generator by the flow of water over the blades of the mechanism and to generate electricity. More than one generator may be connected to a single mechanism.

The turning means may comprise a first part which is capable of effecting the outer edge of the blades on one side of the mechanism and a second part which is capable of effecting the inner edge of the blades on an opposite side of the mechanism.

The first part of the turning means may be formed as a cam shaped extension of the raceway.

The second part of the turning means may be formed as a cam shaped extension of the raceway.

The first part of the turning means may be formed as a braking mechanism.

The breaking mechanism may be attached to the raceway. The breaking mechanism may be formed by a flexible sheet, preferably a rubber sheet, being operative on the blades.

The second part of the turning means may be formed as a braking mechanism.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an electricity generation system, said system including: - a water flow channel which guides water from a river through the channel and returns it back to the river, if desired; one or more water powered generator drive mechanisms as described above located within the channel so that the flow of water in the channel urges the blades to drive the mechanism; and - one or more generators driven by the one or more mechanisms.

The channel may be between 0.5 and 10 m deep, typically from 1 m to 5 m deep. The channel may be a concrete and steel channel having a substantially U-shaped profile. The one or more drive mechanisms may be mounted at intervals along the length of the channel.

A plurality of drive mechanisms may be mounted onto a frame assembly.

The frame assembly may be located in or over the channel so that the individual drive mechanisms are each driven by the water passing through the channel, series fashion.

Several frame assemblies may be used on a single channel.

Several channels may be located along a river bank.

The channel may be underground. The channel may be made of one or more of fiberglass, concrete, or the like.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an electricity generation system, said system including: one or more water powered generator drive mechanisms as described above located within a river so that the flow of water in the river urges the blades to drive the mechanism; and one or more generators driven by the one or more mechanisms.

The one or more water powered generator drive mechanisms may be installed on the ground of the river.

The one or more water powered generator drive mechanisms may be above the ground of the river.

The one or more water powered generator drive mechanisms may be installed on a floating means on the river.

The floating means may be a platform with at least one buoyancy chamber. The one or more water powered generator drive mechanisms may be anchored to the bed of the river.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example and drawings. The different embodiments of the invention are now further illustrated with reference to the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings,

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a single drive mechanism of the invention in a perspective side view;

Figure 2 shows the single drive mechanism of Figure 1 in a schematic top view;

Figure 3 shows a blade of the drive mechanism of Figures 1 and 2 in a perspective side view;

Figure 4 shows a detail of a frame assembly as shown in Figure 1 in a schematic top view;

Figure 5 shows an electricity generator with the a single drive mechanism as shown in Figure 1 installed in a river bed in a schematic top view;

Figure 6 shows an electricity generator with the a plurality of drive mechanism as shown in Figure 1 installed in a river bed in a schematic top view; and

Figure 7 shows a channel of the invention in a perspective side view.

In all drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise indicated. The operation of the drive mechanism of the invention and the electricity generation system is now described in more detail.

Making now reference to Figure 1 , an embodiment of the invention is described. Figure 1 schematically shows a single water powered generator drive mechanism 10 in a perspective side view. The water powered generator drive mechanism 10 includes an elongate frame 12 being capable of holding a pair of axes 14 located one at each end of the elongate frame 12. Furthermore the water powered generator drive mechanism 10 includes an elongate element 16 being movably located around the elongate frame 12 and being capable of driving at least one of the pair of axes 14.

In the embodiment depicted in Figure 1 , the elongate element 16 is provided as a chain or toothed belt. The elongate element 16 is operatively connected to the pair of axis 14 with a pinion (not explicitly shown in Figure 1). The pinion can be mounted on the pair of axis 14 and is capable of engaging into the chain or toothed belt of the elongate element 16.

A generator (not explicitly shown in Figure 1) can be operatively connected to one or both of the axes 14 in order to drive the generator by the flow of water over a plurality of blades 20 of the mechanism 10 and to generate electricity. It is to be appreciated that more than one generator can be connected to a single mechanism 10.

The plurality of blades 20 are pivotably mounted to the elongate element 16 in a conveyor belt fashion. The blades 20 are angularly orientated relative to the elongate element 16 so that the flow of water over the blades urges the blades 20 in a first direction 22 substantially perpendicular to the direction of the flow of the water. This provides the power required to drive the generator coupled to at least one of the pair of axis 14. The part of the blades 20 on the side facing the water stream move in the first direction 22. In order to achieve a continuous movement of the drive mechanism 10, the part of the blades 20 on the side opposite the water stream must move in a second direction 24 being opposite to the first direction 22.

Accordingly, the blades 20 on the side opposite the water stream are angularly orientated with a different angle as compared to the blades 20 on the side facing the water stream. In a region towards the pair of axis 14, a turning means for reversing the direction of a respective one of the plurality of blades 20 is located. The turning means reverse the direction of the blades once the blade 20 is in proximity to the axis 14 so that water passing over the blade 20 will urge the blade 20 in the second direction 24 opposite to the first direction 22. Embodiments of the turning means will be described below.

The angular orientation of the blades 20 relative to the elongate element 16 is achieved by engaging the blades 20 into a raceway 40. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 1 , the raceway 40 is provided on the lower side of mechanism 10 as a first frame member 42 and a second frame member 44 within which the blades 20 are displaced in an ordered manner. The elongate element 16 is located between the first frame member 42 and the second frame member 44.

Furthermore, a further elongate element 16' is provided in the upper side of mechanism 10, which can also be connected to the pair of axis 14 and pivotably to the blades 20. In addition, the raceway 40 is provided on the upper side of mechanism 10 as a third frame member 46 and a fourth frame member 48. It should be noted that the first frame member 42, the second frame member 44, the third frame member 46 and the fourth frame member 48 are form part of the elongate frame 12 so as to provide rigidity to the mechanism 10.

The blades 20 are provided with raceway engaging portions (not explicitly shown in Figure 1) which engage the raceway 40. Accordingly, each of the plurality of blades 20 is retained in a predetermined orientation at any location during its displacement along the raceway 40.

The first frame member 42, the second frame member 44 and the elongate element 16 are located below the lower edge of the plurality of blades 20. The third frame member 46, the fourth frame member 48 and the second elongate element 16' are located above the upper edge of the plurality of blades 20. Accordingly, each of the plurality of blades 20 is fixed in six positions during its displacement along the raceway 40. It is however conceivable to use another configuration with different number of frame members and/or elongate elements as well. The embodiment as shown in Figure 1 provides sufficient stability in particular when operating the mechanism 10 with larger sized blades 20, for examples with blades 20 exceeding 1 m in height and width. Making now reference to Figure 2, the embodiment of the invention as described in Figure 1 is shown in a top view. The water powered generator drive mechanism 10 includes the pair of axes 14 located one at each end of the elongate frame 12. Furthermore the water powered generator drive mechanism 10 includes the elongate element 16' being movably located around the elongate frame 12 and being capable of driving at least one of the pair of axes 14. The third frame member 46, the fourth frame member 48 and the second elongate element 16' are located above the upper edge of the plurality of blades 20.

Making now reference to Figure 3, a blade 20 is shown in a perspective side view. The blade 20 cam have a height and a width exceeding 1 m, typically the height and the width of blade 20 is 3 m by 4 m. The blade 20 is provided with raceway engaging portions 50 which engage in the raceway 40. The blade 20 can be manufactured from any reasonably stiff material including metal, metal alloys, stainless steel, a plastic composition, reinforced plastic or the like.

Making now reference to Figure 4, the turning means are described in more detail. Generally, the turning means comprises a first part which is capable of effecting the outer edge of the blades 20 on one side of the mechanism 10 and a second part which is capable of effecting the inner edge of the blades 20 on an opposite side of the mechanism.

As depicted in Figure 4, the first part of the turning means is formed as a cam shaped extension 60 of the raceway 40 being located on the inner frame member of the raceway 40. The second part of the turning means can also be formed as a cam shaped extension of the raceway 40. Due to the cam shaped extension 60 forming part of raceway 40, the inner edge of the blade 20 is forced to move in a different velocity as compared to a circular shaped raceway 40. As such, the inner edge is moved faster as the outer edge which results in slightly tuning the blade 20.

More generally, turning means can be described as a braking mechanism which is attached to the raceway 40. The breaking mechanism can be realized by a flexible sheet, preferably a rubber sheet, being operative on the blades 20. It should be noted that both the first and the second part of the turning means can be formed as a braking mechanism being attached to the raceway 40. Accordingly, a first rubber sheet can be attached on the inner frame member on one side of the raceway 40 and a second rubber sheet can be attached on the outer frame member on the opposing side of the raceway 40.

Making now reference to Figure 5, an electricity generation system 100 is depicted in a perspective view. The electricity generation system 100 includes a water flow channel 102 which guides water from a river through the channel 102 and returns it back to the river, if desired. Furthermore, the electricity generation system 100 includes one water powered generator drive mechanism 10 as described above. The water powered generator drive mechanisms 10 is located within the channel 102 so that the flow of water in the channel urges the blades 20 to drive the mechanism 10. In addition one or more generators (not explicitly shown in Figure 5) are driven by the mechanism 10.

The channel 102 is between 0.5 and 10 m deep, typically from 1 m to 5 m deep.

Furthermore, the channel is a concrete and steel channel having a substantially U-shaped profile. Several frame assemblies can be used on a single channel, which is located along a river bank. The channel 102 can also be underground and is made of one or more of fiberglass, concrete, or the like.

As depicted in Figure 6, one or more drive mechanisms are mounted at intervals along the length of the channel 102. A plurality of drive mechanisms may be mounted onto a frame assembly. The frame assembly can be located in or over the channel 102 so that the individual drive mechanisms 10 are each driven by the water passing through the channel 102, in series fashion as illustrated in Figure 6.

Making now reference to Figure 7, the electricity generation system 100 is depicted in a perspective view. The electricity generation system 100 includes the water flow channel 102 which guides water from the river 104 through the channel 102 and returns it back to the river 104.

It should be noted that one or more water powered generator drive mechanisms 10 as depicted with respect to Figure 7 can also be located within the river 104 so that the flow of water in the river 104 urges the blades 20 to drive the mechanism 10. Accordingly, the channel 102 can be omitted. In this example, one or more generators driven by the one or more mechanisms 10 can be present. The one or more water powered generator drive mechanisms 10 can be installed on the ground of the river or above the ground of the river 104 using a suitable platform or the like.

In another embodiment, the one or more water powered generator drive mechanisms 10 can be installed on a floating means on the river 104, i.e. on a platform with at least one buoyancy chamber so that the water powered generator drive mechanisms 10 are floating on the river. Preferably, the one or more water powered generator drive mechanisms 10 are anchored to the bed of the river.

The drive mechanism of the invention, as illustrated, has various advantages including the use of low flow rates to drive electricity generation equipment, the ability to produce electricity for local consumption or to feed a grid.

Although certain embodiments only of the invention have been described herein, it will be understood by any person skilled in the art that other modifications, variations, and possibilities of the invention are possible. Such modifications, variations and possibilities are therefore to be considered as falling within the spirit and scope of the invention and hence forming part of the invention as herein described and/or exemplified.

This invention having been described in its preferred embodiment, it is clear that it is susceptible to numerous modifications and embodiments within the ability of those skilled in the art and without the exercise of the inventive faculty. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A water powered generator drive mechanism, said drive including: an elongate frame being capable of holding a pair of axes located one at each end of the elongate frame; an elongate element being movably located around the first elongate frame and being capable of driving at least one of the pair of axes; a plurality of blades pivotably mounted to the elongate element, said blades being angularly orientated relative to the elongate element so that the flow of water over at least a portion of at least some of the blades urges the blades in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the flow of the water thereby to provide the power required to drive a generator coupled to at least one of the pair of axis; turning means for reversing the direction of a respective one of said plurality of blades once the blade is in proximity to the axis so that water passing over the blade will urge the blade in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

2. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the angular orientation of the blades relative to the elongate element is achieved by engaging the blades into a raceway.

3. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the blades are provided with raceway engaging portions which engage the raceway thereby retaining the blades in a predetermined orientation at any location during its displacement along the raceway.

4. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the raceway is provided as a first frame member and a second frame member within which the blades are displaced in an ordered manner.

5. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the elongate element is located between the first frame member and the second frame member.

6. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the first frame member is part of the elongate frame.

7. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first frame member, the second frame member and the elongate element are located below the lower edge of the plurality of blades.

8. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the raceway is provided as a third frame member and a fourth frame member.

9. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the blades are attached to two elongate elements, one at an upper edge and one at a lower edge of the blades.

10. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to of claims 8 and 9, wherein the third frame member, the fourth frame member and the second elongate element are located above the upper edge of the plurality of blades.

11. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to claim 10, wherein the third frame member is part of the elongate frame so as to provide rigidity to the mechanism.

12. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the elongate element is provided as a chain or toothed belt.

13. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to claim 12, wherein the elongate element is operatively connected to the pair of axis with a pinion being mounted on the pair of axis and capable of engaging into the chain or toothed belt .

14. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein a generator is operatively connected to one or both of the axes thereby to drive the generator by the flow of water over the blades of the mechanism and to generate electricity.

15. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to claim 14, wherein more than one generator is connected to a single mechanism.

16. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the turning means comprises a first part which is capable of effecting the outer edge of the blades on one side of the mechanism and a second part which is capable of effecting the inner edge of the blades on an opposite side of the mechanism.

17. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to claim 16, wherein the first part of the turning means is formed as a cam shaped extension of the raceway.

18. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to claim 16, wherein the second part of the turning means is formed as a cam shaped extension of the raceway.

19. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to claim 16, wherein the first part of the turning means is formed as a braking mechanism.

20. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to claim 19, wherein the breaking mechanism is attached to the raceway.

21. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to claim 20, wherein the breaking mechanism is formed by a flexible sheet, preferably a rubber sheet, being operative on the blades.

22. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to claim 16, wherein the second part of the turning means is formed as a braking mechanism.

23. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to claim 22, wherein the breaking mechanism is attached to the raceway.

24. The water powered generator drive mechanism according to claim 23, wherein the breaking mechanism is formed by a flexible sheet, preferably a rubber sheet, being operative on the blades.

25. An electricity generation system, said system including: a water flow channel which guides water from a river through the channel and returns it back to the river, if desired; one or more water powered generator drive mechanisms according to any of claims 1 to 24 located within the channel so that the flow of water in the channel urges the blades to drive the mechanism; and one or more generators driven by the one or more mechanisms.

26. The electricity generation system according to claim 25, wherein the channel is between 0.5 and 10 m deep, typically from 1 m to 5 m deep.

27. The electricity generation system according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the channel is a concrete and steel channel having a substantially U-shaped profile.

28. The electricity generation system according to any of claims 25 to 27, wherein the one or more drive mechanisms are mounted at intervals along the length of the channel.

29. The electricity generation system according to any of claims 25 to 28, wherein a plurality of drive mechanisms may be mounted onto a frame assembly.

30. The electricity generation system according to claim 29, wherein the frame assembly may be located in or over the channel so that the individual drive mechanisms are each driven by the water passing through the channel, series fashion.

31. The electricity generation system according to any of claims 29 to 30, wherein several frame assemblies are used on a single channel.

32. The electricity generation system according to any of claims 25 to 31 , wherein several channels are located along a river bank.

33. The electricity generation system according to any of claims 25 to 32, wherein the channel is underground.

34. The electricity generation system according to any of claims 25 to 33, wherein the channel is made of one or more of fiberglass, concrete, or the like.

35. An electricity generation system, said system including: one or more water powered generator drive mechanisms according to any of claims 1 to 24 located within a river so that the flow of water in the river urges the blades to drive the mechanism; and one or more generators driven by the one or more mechanisms.

36. The electricity generation system according to claim 35, wherein the one or more water powered generator drive mechanisms is installed on the ground of the river.

37. The electricity generation system according to claim 35, wherein the one or more water powered generator drive mechanisms is above the ground of the river.

38. The electricity generation system according to claim 35, wherein the one or more water powered generator drive mechanisms is installed on a floating means on the river.

39. The electricity generation system according to claim 38, wherein the floating means is a platform with at least one buoyancy chamber.

40. The electricity generation system according to any of claims 35 to 39, wherein the one or more water powered generator drive mechanisms is anchored to the bed of the river.

41. A water powered generator drive mechanism, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

42. An electricity generation system, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.