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WO2012021551A1 - Systèmes et procédés de collecte d'énergie dans un circuit de fluide fermé - Google Patents

Systèmes et procédés de collecte d'énergie dans un circuit de fluide fermé Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012021551A1
WO2012021551A1 PCT/US2011/047138 US2011047138W WO2012021551A1 WO 2012021551 A1 WO2012021551 A1 WO 2012021551A1 US 2011047138 W US2011047138 W US 2011047138W WO 2012021551 A1 WO2012021551 A1 WO 2012021551A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
energy
water
piston
water pipe
energy harvester
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2011/047138
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Tim Campbell
Eric Larson
Gabriel Cohn
Ramses Alcaide
Jon Froehlich
Shwetak Patel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of WO2012021551A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012021551A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B17/00—Other machines or engines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2220/00—Application
    • F05B2220/20—Application within closed fluid conduits, e.g. pipes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2220/00—Application
    • F05B2220/60—Application making use of surplus or waste energy
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2220/00—Application
    • F05B2220/70—Application in combination with
    • F05B2220/706—Application in combination with an electrical generator
    • F05B2220/707—Application in combination with an electrical generator of the linear type
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
    • Y02B10/50—Hydropower in dwellings
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/20—Hydro energy

Definitions

  • the present technology is directed generally to systems and methods for harvesting energy.
  • several embodiments of the present technology are directed to energy harvesting systems for a contained fluid circuit, such as a piping system in a building.
  • Figure 1 is a partially schematic view of a water circuit and an energy harvester configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.
  • Figure 2 is an isometric view of an energy harvester configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.
  • the energy harvester includes a piston secured to a first water outlet of a water pipe.
  • the piston is positioned to be in fluid connection with water in the water pipe at a first location such that water pressure differences due to opening or closing a second water outlet in the water pipe at a second location cause the piston to move along an axis without consuming water from the first water outlet.
  • the first location can be remote from the second location.
  • the energy harvester can also include a linkage operably coupled to the piston, and movement of the piston is translated into movement of the linkage.
  • the energy harvester can further include a generator operably coupled to the linkage and configured to generate energy based, at least in part, on movement of the linkage.
  • the present disclosure is directed to a method of harvesting energy from a water pipe.
  • the method can include securing an energy generator to a water pipe at a first location, wherein the energy generator includes a piston.
  • the method can also include converting pressure differences in water in the water pipe into translational motion of the piston. The pressure differences are caused by opening or closing a valve to the water pipe at a second location on the water pipe remote from the first location.
  • the method can still further include harvesting energy from the translational motion in the energy generator without consuming water at the first location in the water pipe.
  • the present disclosure is directed to a system including means for converting pressure differences in water in a water pipe into kinetic motion without consuming water.
  • the pressure differences are caused by opening or closing of a remote valve on the water pipe.
  • the system can also include means for converting the kinetic motion into electric power and means for consuming the electric power.
  • FIG 1 is a partially schematic view of an energy harvesting system 100 for use with a water circuit 105 configured in accordance with several embodiments of the present technology.
  • the water circuit 105 can include water pipes 115 connected to a water main 140.
  • the water circuit 105 can provide water pressure to several water outlets 130.
  • the water pipes 115 can be connected to several water spigots 130a, and to appliances 130b such as a dishwasher, a water heater, a washing machine, toilet, or any other water-consuming appliance that receives water from the water circuit 105.
  • the water circuit 105 is contained within a single building (e.g., a house).
  • the water circuit 105 may be installed in multiple buildings or remote from any buildings.
  • the water circuit 105 may have a variety of different arrangements.
  • water in the water circuit 105 is in fluid communication with all the water outlets 130.
  • the energy harvesting system 100 can include an energy harvester 110 fluidly connected at one or more of the water outlets 130, such as the spigot 130a. Additional details of the energy harvester 110 are given below with respect to Figure 2.
  • the water main 140 provides a generally constant supply of water pressure to the water circuit 105.
  • the energy harvester 110 can be installed at any water outlet 130, but can harvest energy from pressure spikes when any of the water outlets 130 throughout the water circuit 105 are opened or closed. This configuration can be referred to as "single-point energy harvesting.” The energy harvester 110 can harvest at least some of this energy and put it to productive use.
  • the energy harvester 110 can generate energy from pressure spikes in the water circuit 105 without consuming water.
  • the energy harvester 110 can operate on a closed water circuit and without moving water.
  • the seal between the energy harvester 110 and the water pipes 115 can be watertight.
  • installation does not require cutting into the water pipe 115, installing a sensor or paddle, and/or resealing the water pipe 115 around the cut as in many conventional systems.
  • FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the energy harvester 110 and a portion of the water pipe 115 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.
  • the energy harvester 110 can include a coupling 202 for securing the energy harvester 110 to a water pipe 115, a piston 205, and a biasing member 210 (e.g., a helical spring) positioned to resist movement of the piston 205 along an axis of movement (as shown by the axis X).
  • the piston 205 is in fluid communication with a fluid (not shown) in the water pipe 115 and is configured to move based, at least in part, on the water pressure in the water pipe 115. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the piston 205 can extend into the water pipe 115. In other embodiments, however, the piston 205 may have a different arrangement.
  • the energy harvester 110 can also include a linkage 220 operably coupled to the piston 205, and a generator 230 operably coupled to the linkage 220. Movement of the piston 205 is accordingly translated into movement of the linkage 220, which is converted into energy by the generator 230. It is generally expected that pressure fluctuations in the water pipe 115 will be positive and negative. Accordingly, the generator 230 can generate positive and negative voltage in response to positive and negative pressures, respectively. In some embodiments, the linkage 220 can be omitted, and the movement of the piston 205 can be directly converted into energy by the energy generator 230.
  • the biasing member 210 can be configured to maintain the piston 205 at a zero position while water pressure within the water pipe 115 is at a steady-state condition, i.e., when the water outlet(s) 130 ( Figure 1) of the water circuit 105 are closed and pressure is generally static throughout the water circuit 105.
  • the biasing member 210 creates a linear relationship between pressure and piston position away from the zero position. For example, in most installations, the mean pressure in the water circuit 105 is somewhat predictable and constant, but in embodiments in which static pressure varies, the spring coefficient of the biasing member 210 can be adjusted to maintain the piston 205 at the zero position even if the mean pressure of the water circuit 105 changes.
  • the piston can displace by 50 mm or more during pressure spikes.
  • the spring coefficient can vary significantly according to the needs of a given installation. For example, in a building approximately the size of a single- family home, water pressure generally varies between about 200 to 700 kPa. In such embodiments, the biasing member 210 can have a spring coefficient of approximately 5000 N/m. In other embodiments, however, the biasing member 210 may have a different configuration.
  • the dimensions of the mechanical components such as the linkage 220, the piston 205, and the biasing member 210 can depend on the pressure profile of a given installation. For example, in a larger installation having higher pressure values (e.g., an agricultural installation) the piston 205 can be configured to displace a larger distance to generate more energy from the water pressure spikes. Further, it will be appreciated that the biasing member 210 can have a variety of different configurations and/or arrangements based on the particular configuration of the energy harvester 110 and/or energy harvesting system. In still other embodiments, the biasing member 210 may be omitted and the piston 205 can be free to move along its axis of movement (the axis X) as influenced by the water pressure in the water pipe 115. Alternatively, other types of mechanical elements can be used in place of the piston 205 and/or the linkage 220 to convert pressure differences in the water circuit 105 into energy.
  • the energy harvester 110 can operate as follows. Between pressure spikes (e.g., while pressure in the water circuit 105 is generally constant), the piston 205 can be positioned in fluid connection with the water in the pipe at substantially the zero position. When the pressure spikes in the water circuit 105 due to a water outlet 130 being opened or closed somewhere on the water circuit 105 or for any other reason, the piston is moved away from zero position in response to the pressure spike. The kinetic movement of the piston can be converted into a form of useful energy, such as electricity by an energy generator 230. The energy can then be used for any suitable purpose, such as powering a sensor and/or a transmitter.
  • the generator 230 can include a bridge rectifier (not shown) configured to rectify the negative voltage into positive voltage.
  • the generator 230 can also include a charge pump to ensure that voltage is stored in a capacitor (or other storage device) as long as the voltage is above a predetermined threshold voltage (e.g., 0.5 V).
  • the generator 230 can also include a linear regulator to limit the maximum voltage to a predetermined maximum value.
  • the energy harvester 110 can include an energy storage device (not shown) in which the harvested energy can be stored. In some embodiments, the energy storage device is a battery or a capacitor. The energy storage device can store the energy long-term or only temporarily.
  • the amount of energy harvested by the energy harvester 110 can depend on the characteristics of the water circuit 105, on the type of water outlet(s) 130 ( Figure 1) being opened or closed, and on whether the water outlet(s) 130 ( Figure 1) are opened or closed.
  • the table below illustrates the latency (the time delay between open/close events and pressure spikes), duration, pressure change, and energy produced for various types of water outlets according to specific embodiments of the present technology:
  • the energy harvester 110 can generate anywhere between 20-40 mJ/ Pa for various open or close events on a water circuit 105. It will be appreciated that the above data is based on specific examples of the technology, and that other installations having different characteristics may produce different pressure fluctuations.
  • the pressure spikes caused by opening and closing the water outlets 130 are generally short-lived but powerful, so the generator 230 can be accordingly tuned.
  • the generator 230 can include a rotary generator for which the power output is exponentially related to total rotation and speed of rotation.
  • the quick, high amplitude pressure spikes associated with open/close events in a water circuit 105 cause the linkage 220 to move quickly and efficiently generate energy from the pressure spikes.
  • the pressure fluctuations may have a different energy profile.
  • the energy generator 230 can be accordingly tuned for a given application.
  • the energy generated by the energy harvester 110 can be used for virtually any application.
  • the energy can be used to power a water sensor 240 (e.g., a piezoelectric water sensor) that can monitor water usage, pressure, quality, or other measurable qualities of the water in the water pipe 115.
  • the energy can be used to power a sensor (not shown) for monitoring an event that is somehow linked to open/close events of water outlets 130 in the water circuit 105 to take advantage of the timing of the available energy from the pressure spikes.
  • the energy harvester 110 can include a transmitter (not shown) configured to transmit data gathered at a sensor powered by the energy harvester 110.
  • the senor can include a water sensor as disclosed in co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 12/483,041, published as PCT/US2009/053848, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
  • the system 100 can harvest energy from pressure fluctuations in a water circuit that would otherwise be wasted.
  • the energy harvester 110 can be installed at one or more water outlets 130 in the water circuit 105 and can harvest energy when any other water outlet 130 throughout the water circuit 105 is opened or closed without consuming, moving, or soiling any water in the water circuit 105.
  • harvesting energy from the pressure fluctuations may be desirable over using another power source (e.g., a battery) because such power sources may not be permitted in certain environments due to the potential of corrosion and/or acid leakage.
  • Another feature of the energy harvesting system 110 is that the energy harvester 110 of the present disclosure can be used in remote locations, such as large-scale agricultural or mining applications, where regular battery maintenance is impractical or difficult.
  • Another feature of the energy harvesting system 100 is that the energy harvester 110 is relatively simple to install onto a conventional spigot such as a garden hose outlet or a sink. This feature is expected to significantly decrease the costs associated with installation of the system 100 as compared with conventional systems that require significant labor/supplies to install within existing water systems.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des systèmes et des procédés de collecte de l'énergie qui provient d'un circuit de fluide fermé, comme un système de conduites d'eau dans un immeuble. Un collecteur d'énergie peut être installé à un certain point au sein d'un circuit d'eau et peut générer de l'énergie à partir des différentiels de pression provoqués lorsqu'une soupape est ouverte ou fermée à n'importe quel autre point au sein du circuit d'eau qui est en communication fluidique avec le collecteur d'énergie. L'énergie peut être utilisée pour alimenter, par exemple, un capteur et/ou un émetteur.
PCT/US2011/047138 2010-08-09 2011-08-09 Systèmes et procédés de collecte d'énergie dans un circuit de fluide fermé Ceased WO2012021551A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US37204210P 2010-08-09 2010-08-09
US61/372,042 2010-08-09

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012021551A1 true WO2012021551A1 (fr) 2012-02-16

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2011/047138 Ceased WO2012021551A1 (fr) 2010-08-09 2011-08-09 Systèmes et procédés de collecte d'énergie dans un circuit de fluide fermé

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AT13012U1 (de) * 2012-02-24 2013-04-15 Wimtec Elektronische Steuerungs Und Messgeraete Gmbh Sanitäre Armatur
WO2024038222A1 (fr) * 2022-08-18 2024-02-22 Ideavipu Oy Procédé et dispositif de lecture du compteur d'eau

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060202051A1 (en) * 2002-06-24 2006-09-14 Parsons Natan E Communication system for multizone irrigation
US20100024112A1 (en) * 2002-04-10 2010-02-04 Parsons Natan E Bathroom flushers with novel sensors and controllers
US20100109331A1 (en) * 2008-11-03 2010-05-06 Hedtke Robert C Industrial process power scavenging device and method of deriving process device power from an industrial process
US20100270803A1 (en) * 2009-04-22 2010-10-28 Irwin Kevin M Power supply system
US20110012351A1 (en) * 2008-02-19 2011-01-20 Proclino Ab hydropower device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100024112A1 (en) * 2002-04-10 2010-02-04 Parsons Natan E Bathroom flushers with novel sensors and controllers
US20060202051A1 (en) * 2002-06-24 2006-09-14 Parsons Natan E Communication system for multizone irrigation
US20110012351A1 (en) * 2008-02-19 2011-01-20 Proclino Ab hydropower device
US20100109331A1 (en) * 2008-11-03 2010-05-06 Hedtke Robert C Industrial process power scavenging device and method of deriving process device power from an industrial process
US20100270803A1 (en) * 2009-04-22 2010-10-28 Irwin Kevin M Power supply system

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AT13012U1 (de) * 2012-02-24 2013-04-15 Wimtec Elektronische Steuerungs Und Messgeraete Gmbh Sanitäre Armatur
WO2024038222A1 (fr) * 2022-08-18 2024-02-22 Ideavipu Oy Procédé et dispositif de lecture du compteur d'eau
US11988538B2 (en) 2022-08-18 2024-05-21 Ideavipu Oy Water meter powered by energy produced from fluid flow pressure changes
US12209896B2 (en) * 2022-08-18 2025-01-28 Waumer Oy Method and device for reading the water meter

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