WO2016016668A1

WO2016016668A1 - Conversion from gravitational force to electrical power

Info

Publication number: WO2016016668A1
Application number: PCT/GH2015/000001
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony AMEOLLY KWADZO
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-07-30
Filing date: 2015-04-17
Publication date: 2016-02-04
Anticipated expiration: 2017-01-30

Abstract

Hydro-dynamics is a novel concept about conversion of gravitational force into rotational motion and then into electricity. The plant is composed of an overhead water reservoir (100), a rectangular shaped revolving water turbine (103), with buckets (123) to receive water momentarily. An alternator (104) coupled to the turbine (103). A shallow intermediate water tank (106) beneath the turbine (103) that spanned on top of a number of energy of position forming devices (108). These devices work in series and house diaphragms (119) in their lower sections. A weight floater (110) connected to a weight mass (114) fixed on the roof of a diaphragm (119) in each Device. Gravity an inexhaustible and clean energy is induced to act alternately on a weight mass (114) which exert pressure on the diaphragm (119) that serve as a pump to circulate water in the system. A free falling water-body coming from the overhead water reservoir (100) turns the turbine (103) which is coupled to the alternator (104) to generate electricity.

Description

CONVERSION FROM GRAVITATIONAL FORCE

TO ELECTRICAL POWER.

1. FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to the mechanical arrangement that harnesses gravitational force as a prime mover to do useful work including electrical power generation.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Prominent among conventional methods of power generation are: hydro-dam, photovoltaic cell (solar) and fossil fuels. In the event of scanty seasonal rainfall, hydro-dam fails. The other two methods cannot escape either environmental pollution or creation of industrial hazardous waste.

Electrical power becomes expensive when it is stored before usage. Demand for low cost and uninterrupted electricity supply to feed industry is always on the increase while supply from a pollution free energy source reached its limit.

Comparison between hydrodynamics plant and apparatus for converting gravitational energy to electrical energy (US Patent 6981376).

US Patent # 6981376 issued on January 3^rd, 2006 has an expiration date of April 16^th' 2023 based on USPTO term provisions and titled: Apparatus for Converting Gravitational Energy To Electrical Energy.

This invention discloses an apparatus for converting gravitational energy into electrical energy as summarized in the abstract below:

The apparatus includes a reciprocating drive mechanism for lifting liquid from a bottom reservoir to an upper reservoir and turbines between the upper and lower reservoirs which are turned by liquid falling down a flow path from the top reservoir through the turbines to the bottom reservoir.

The reciprocating drive mechanism includes a large circular ring or wheel pivotally attached at its hub or center to a support frame and a cable over the upper periphery of the ring with two pipes attached one at each end of the cable.

the upper reservoir.

One of the turbines is connected to the reciprocating drive mechanism and the other to a generator for producing electricity.

Having studied its detailed description of mechanism, its performance is limited in the area of generating sufficient torque in each hub unit.

Using magnets to start on off motion seriously hampered the system's capability to lift enough water to the desired height per unit.

A large number of units must be put together in order not to make its operation uncompetitive to other efficient methods.

This too will result in high operational cost, thus putting this invention in a position of a stand by method of electrical power generation.

Whereas Hydro-dynamics method of converting gravitational force into useful energy, releases the optimum force from gravity per its unit.

A unit size of 4.5 meters in height and 3 meters in diameter would generate a pressure of 162,061 N/m². Such a pressure coming from one unit, and a few number of them pooled together would give us sufficient torque for a smooth running per a given capacity.

Gravity is clean and an inexhaustible force of nature waiting to be harnessed, using the most efficient method. This need is what hydro-dynamics method has satisfied for the industrial world. The new method of Hydro-dynamics converts gravitational force into a rotational motion.

Gravity being inexhaustible and its application does not create any hazardous industrial waste is at hand to meet quality demand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Hydro-dynamics is a novel concept that makes use of the elements of water, air and weight put together in a mechanical arrangement and its performance formed the basis of this invention.

An overhead water reservoir, an energy of position forming device functioning in series constitute a circuit for water flow through pipes up and a free falling water body.

Each energy of position forming device functioning as a unit of the series pumping up water into a pool overhead alternately.

A number of the units are employed depending on the volume of a free falling water body required.

A set of components are located in each unit which are worked by gravitational force. In their coordination functions like a pump.

The system would not need any outside energy input such as oil, battery or solar to operate but would use gravitational force as its "fuel" to sustain rotational motion.

Some of the advantages that could be derived from a hydrodynamics method of power generation are: a. Gravity, which is the driving force behind this new method of electrical power generation is a clean and inexhaustible energy source, it is constant at any location and above all FREE, thereby giving us lower cost of conversion in the long term. 115 b. Water, the second element employed in this mechanical arrangement is fed into the system and recycled, and thereby making a top-up insignificant for a long time. The plant can be fed with water from the river or a well, thus cannot be rendered inoperative during drought.

120

c. Failure of high voltage transformers, losses from long distance transmission lines, power supply interruptions, caused by the vagaries of the

125 d. weather would be eliminated as industries could site a hydro-dynamics plant on their premises or at a close proximity.

DESCRIPTION

The ever global increasing demand for energy in its various forms is rated at 12% per annum.

Known prior arts of renewably energy sources contribute about 2% energy needs of industry globally.

The advent of hydro-dynamics, a renewable energy source, with a potential of generating a clean and limitless electrical power, is the answer to the eminent global energy scarcity.

The plant is composed of an overhead water reservoir with an outlet feeding into a rectangular shaped revolving water turbine fitted with buckets to retain water momentarily.

A turbine, coupled to an alternator positioned vertically between the overhead reservoir and an intermediate water receiving tank which is located beneath it.

Below this arrangement is energy of position forming device either arranged in a pair of four (4) or in a pair of two side by side in a row of any number.

The energy of position forming device receive water from the intermediate tank spanning across over them through a pipe connecting it from above. In each of the energy of position forming device,a weight floater is positioned on the surface of the water in it. A floater, fastened to a weight mass fixed on top of a pumping chamber called a diaphragm which is located in the lower section of the energy of position forming device positioned on the ground.

The diaphragm functioning like a pump has inlet and outlet orifice both fitted with a separate non return valve. A water connecting hose from the outlet of the diaphragm feeds into an overhead water reservoir.

Water level in the energy of position forming device is caused to, fluctuate by a control valve fixed to the inlet water pipe from the intermediate water tank above.

Water is fed intermittently into the energy of position forming device. Consequently, a high and low tide condition is created with the water level in the uppermost module of the device which is triggered by a small sensor floater that opens and closes the water inlet valve.

This condition moves the weight floater up and down which in turn moves the weight mass fixed on top of the diaphragm located in the lower section of the devicein a corresponding movement. This action compresses and expands the diaphragm that serves as a pumping chamber and in the process sucks and ejects water in the diaphragm.

Water from the diaphragm is forced out further through the connecting hose from the outlet orifice of the diaphragm into the overhead water reservoir under pressure generated by the water mass in the device and the weight mass fixed on top of the diaphragm.

Similarly, water in small amounts are pumped into the overhead reservoir through small water hoses from the pumping chamber of the device(diaphragms) alternately.

Water collects in large volume in the overhead reservoir, comes down in a large amount as a free falling water body, enters into the buckets of the turbine, turns it by gravitational force acting on the water in the buckets to start rotational motion.

The revolving water turbine transfers rotational motion generated to the alternator that is coupled to it, to generate electricity. After turning the water turbine, water returns into the intermediate water tank that spanned across on top of the series of the device.

200 Water is distributed from the intermediate tank into theenergy of position forming device through a pipe connection to the control valves.

Pumping section starts again alternately by action of gravity in the 205 diaphragms and forces water back into the overhead water reservoir.

Water comes down by gravitational force to turn the turbine below in a continuous rotational motion to maintain momentum.

By this mechanical arrangement, water is recycled in the system using gravitational force only to do useful work including electrical power 210 generation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views wherein :-

Fig. 1. Diagrammatically shows the pictorial view of the mechanical system of the present invention that creates energy of position and renew a spent force by harnessing gravity as prime mover.

Fig. 2. Diagrammatically shows a cross-sectional upper perspective view of energy of position forming device numbered 108 a b c d e f of Fig. 1.

Fig.3. Diagrammatically shows a side view of the revolving rectangular cubicle-type of water turbine in detail indicating the alternator connecting to the upper section, and a flow of water from an overhead feeding pipe numbered 103 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 a and b diagrammatically shows the positions of the water inlet equipment at ON (a) and OFF (b) of Fig. 2 (112 and 113).

Fig. 5 Shows a travelling distance pace controller that coordinate movement between the floater and the diaphragm of Fig. 2 (124).

Fig. 6. Diagrammatically shows a cross-sectional upper perspective view of the water inlet control valve in Fig. 4 a and b, numbered (113).

Fig. 7 a and b diagrammatically show a cross sectional side perspective view of the high sensitive polyethylene film controlled water non-return valve, inlet (a) and outlet (b). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully herein after with reference to the accompanying drawing in which some examples of the embodiments of the invention are shown.

Indeed these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be constructed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that the disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Fig 1 shows an overhead water reservoir (100) with an outlet pipe

(102) , water outlet control valve (101) connected to the outlet pipe.

Beneath the overhead water reservoir (100) is positioned a revolving water turbine (103) and coupled to the revolving water turbine (103) is an alternator to generate electricity (104). A support structure (105) holding in place the alternator (104) and the revolving water turbine

(103) .

The intermediate water reservoir (106) distributing water into the six energy of position forming device (108 a b c d e f) through conduit (109).

Fig 2 shows a weight floater (110 a) positioned on the surface of water, which are hooked to the weight mass (1 14). Diaphragm (119) is joined to a rigid body (120) and a weight mass (114) fixed on top of the rigid body (120). A non-return valve (1 15) fixed in the water inlet orifice of the rigid body (120).

In the rigid body of the pumping chamber is the outlet orifice in which is fixed a non-return valve (1 16). Between the rigid body (120) and the floor of the pumping chamber (diaphragm) is the space (1 17).

A travelling distance pace coordinator (124) is positioned between the weight floater (110) and the top roof of the diaphragm (120). The small pulley hooked to the weight floater (110) and the large pulley hooked to the rigid body (120). The travelling distance pace coordinator (124) allows for a full compression and expansion of the diaphragm (119) from the top to bottom.

On the surface of water in the energy of position forming device is a sensor floater (11 1) which is connected to a pair of weighted levers (1 12) pivoting in their middle section.

Directly under one tilting end of the pair of weighted levers (112)is located a water inlet control valve (113) which is operated by the water level sensor equipment (11 1 and 1 12). Water, level sensor equipment regulates when diaphragm (119) sucks in water (121) through inlet non-return valve (115) and forces water (1 17) out through outlet non-return valve (1 16).

Water (1 17) is forced out through a conduit (1 18) into the overhead water reservoir (100) under pressure in the diaphragm (1 19) exerted by the weight mass (114). Small amount of water from the conduit (1 18 ) is pooled in the overhead water reservoir (100) and comes out through the outlet pipe (102) in a large volume (122) it enters in to the buckets (123). When the water receiving buckets are filled, the revolving water turbine (123) turns to start a rotational motion.

Alternator (104) which is coupled to the revolving water turbine (103) receives rotational motion and turns to convert it into electrical energy.

Water (122) after losing energy of position by turning the revolving water turbine (Fig.3) comes down by gravitational pull and get in the intermediate water reservoir (106). Water is distributed back into the energy of position forming device (108 a b c d e f) by water level sensor equipment 1 11 and 112).Pumping session starts again in space ( 1 17) to repeat the cycle.

Actuation of all the energy of position forming device (108 a b c d e f) cannot take place at the same time, therefore their pumping cycle will differ from one another but would assume an operational sequence near to synchronicity. This condition would create a high and low tide in the overhead water reservoir (100) and the intermediate water reservoir (106) but would not be harnessed for any activit

BUILDING-UP RELAY

A build- up relay system is the arrangement in which each energy of position forming device is arranged vertically (108 a b c d e f ).

This arrangement made it possible for water to reach any height that one requires. A build-up relay method is to arrange the energy of position forming deviceone a little distance over the other such that water is relayed from one energy of position forming device into the next above unit.

By this means water is pumped up high enough to have a high head of a waterfall condition.

The advantage a build-up relay type has over the horizontal arrangement is where we have little ground space. In this situation the former becomes appropriate to be accommodated on little ground space.

The build-up relay structure could take the form of an elongated rectangle at its foundation and the shape progressing in this manner at its foundation up to its peak.

In this design, the energy of position forming device (108 a b c d e f) would form the columns at the corners supported in a platform framework.

The design could come in a square or round shape with any number of energy of position forming device forming the columns.In the centre of platform frameworks could be different designs such as a spiral duct, a zigzag staircase or a straight-line type of harnessing energy of position in the form of the free falling water body.

Claims

1. A device that renews energy of position to start a circulatory water course, the device comprising:

A container with three modular units inside and contouring into three sections outside;

The uppermost module housing a large weight floater and a small water level sensor floater;

The middle module tapering off from its centre downwards holding water;

The smaller size module formingthe base of the device and housing a diaphragm;

A means that connects from the lower part of the large weight floater, through the middle module of the equipment and joining the weight mass which is fixed to the top roof of the diaphragm located in the smaller module;

A means that connects from the lower part of the small water level sensor floater to one side of a top lever of a two-tier weighted lever located in the middle module;

A submersible water inlet control valve operably positioned to the two tier- weighted lever; and,

The large weight floater operably routed through a two-pulley of 1 :3 ratio pace coordinator to the weight mass that is fixed to the top roof of the diaphragm.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein; the container is cylindrical in shape.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein; the means of connection is made up of a rope.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein; the two-tier weighted lever works to open and close the submersible water inlet control valve and water inlet into the equipment passes through the control valve from a high elevation.

5. The device of claim 1 , wherein; the small water level sensor floater on the surface of the water in the uppermost module of the equipment, the two-tier weighted lever and submersible water inlet control valve both located in the middle module of the device, work to feed water into the system intermittently.

6. A method of renewing energy of position to start a circulatory water course, the method comprising:

Passing water through a control valve from a high elevation; operable movement of the small water level sensor floater on the surface of the water in the uppermost module of the equipment, the two-tier weighted lever and submersible water inlet control valve both located in the middle module of the device, working to feed water into the device intermittently and causing the water level in the uppermost module to fluctuate; the fluctuation causing the large weight floater which is also on the surface of the water in the uppermost module of the device to move up and down;

The movement being transferred by a rope to the weight mass that is fixed to the top roof of the diaphragm; the transmission of force causing the upper roof of the diaphragm to move up and down in a corresponding movement with the large weight floater; the movement compressing and expanding the diaphragm to work like a pump;

Routing the up and down movement of the large weight floater through the two-pulley of 1 :3 ratio pace coordinator to the weight mass that is fixed on the roof top of the diaphragm; The 1 :3 ratio two-pulley working to coordinate the difference between the travelling distance of the large weight floater and the top roof of the diaphragm and allowing for a full expansion and compression of the diaphragm;

The downwards pressure of the weight mass that is fixed to the top roof of_. the diaphragm and the downwards pressure of the water mass in the middle and uppermost module exerting force on the diaphragm; the diaphragm compressing to eject water from within it into a higher elevation;

The submersible water inlet control valve opening by the coordination between the small water level sensor floater and the two-tier weighted lever when the diaphragm empties its content of water; water starting to flow into the device and forcing the large weight floater to move up and in the process pulling the weight mass together with the upper roof of the diaphragm up and causing the water inlet valve to open and to close the water outlet valve of the diaphragm;

The large weight floater moving further up, expanding the diaphragm and sucking the water; water flowing into the equipment stopping by the coordination between the small water level sensor floater, the two-tier weighted lever and the submersible water inlet control valve, when the diaphragm is full; gravitational force starting to pull the elements of water mass and a weight mass downwards causing pressure to increase on the diaphragm, closing the water inlet valve and opening the water outlet valve of the diaphragm;

Water ejecting from the diaphragm under pressure by exerting of gravitational force on the water mass and the weight mass in the system and pumps water into a higher elevation intermittently;

Repeating the cycle by the coordination between the small water level sensor floater, the two-tier weighted lever and the submersible water inlet control valve sustaining intermittent water pumping sessions into a higher elevation; The device working as a unit in a series of any number in a system and massing up water in an overhead reservoir to form energy of position in liquid water.

The water flowing downward harnessed by operable parts to do useful work including generating electrical power.

7. The method of renewing energy of position to start a circulatory water course of claim 6, wherein; the downward course of the water in the system is harnessed by a conduit that connects serially from the device that renews energy of position, working in a series and carrying the water in small amounts upwards into an overhead water reservoir.

Water massing up and flowing down by gravitational force in an increased volume from the reservoir through a control valve.

The water course entering into rectangular turbine buckets turning the turbine buckets by kinetic energy that is inherent in the downward course.

The rectangular water turbine turning to convert the kinetic energy into rotational motion.

The revolving water turbine transferring rotational motion produced to an operably coupled alternator to generate electricity.

Regulating the water flow to ensure equilibrium in the up and down flow rate.

The turning water turbine causing water to return to an intermediate water tank that spans across and above the device.

A water outlet selector range positioned on the floor of the water tank distributing water to the device. Each water outlet of the range constituting a water inlet allocated to each of the series of the device. The arrangement determining a limit to the highest point that the water level can reach in the intermediate water collecting tank. The mechanical arrangement causing water to be recycled in the system to maintain momentum.

The operable parts of the system working together with the device to convert gravitational force to do useful work including electrical power generation