CA2409502C - Hydro turbine - Google Patents
Hydro turbine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2409502C CA2409502C CA002409502A CA2409502A CA2409502C CA 2409502 C CA2409502 C CA 2409502C CA 002409502 A CA002409502 A CA 002409502A CA 2409502 A CA2409502 A CA 2409502A CA 2409502 C CA2409502 C CA 2409502C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- shaft
- water
- funnel
- driven turbine
- 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.)
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Classifications
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- 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
- F03B17/06—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head"
- F03B17/061—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" with rotation axis substantially in flow direction
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- 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
- F05B2240/00—Components
- F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
- F05B2240/97—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a submerged structure
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- 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
- F05B2250/00—Geometry
- F05B2250/20—Geometry three-dimensional
- F05B2250/25—Geometry three-dimensional helical
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- 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
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Power Engineering (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)
- Hydraulic Turbines (AREA)
Abstract
An underwater turbine arrangement is herein described. The water driven turbine comprises a housing having a shaft mounted for rotation about an axis therein. The shaft includes a plurality of flights arranged to drive rotation of the shaft. Mounted onto the housing is a funnel having a mouth greater in size than the housing and a discharge of similar size as the housing. Thus, water entering the funnel is constricted before being passed onto the housing, thereby increasing the force with which the shaft is rotated, thereby increasing the amount of energy produced.
Description
HYDRO TURBINE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an underwater turbine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are a number of devices taught in the prior art for converting energy from the flow of a fluid (such as air or water) to electrical energy.
For example, US Patent 4,412,417 teaches a turbine arranged to be anchored on the surface of a body of water for converting "wave energy" to electrical energy. The device includes a shaft having a helical flight displaced therearound.
The flight is not enclosed and the waves passing along the flight causes the shaft to rotate, thereby generating electrical power. US Patent 4,849,847 teaches a similar floating turbine that floats on and is exposed to a body of water.
US Patent 5,664,418 teaches a turbine arrangement including vanes for concentrating the wind.
One difficulty faced by devices such as these is that the flow intensity of the fluid, whether wind or wave, is highly variable and dependent upon weather conditions. That is, in conditions wherein there is little or no wind, the above described device would not produce much power, whereas a strong wind could lead to conditions which would damage the device. As such, these devices are impractical, as the amount of electrical power generated at a given time is highly variable and unpredictable. This is not the case with underwater currents, which are generally more constant both in terms of intensity and direction, making underwater currents more suitable as potential sources for electrical power.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an underwater turbine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are a number of devices taught in the prior art for converting energy from the flow of a fluid (such as air or water) to electrical energy.
For example, US Patent 4,412,417 teaches a turbine arranged to be anchored on the surface of a body of water for converting "wave energy" to electrical energy. The device includes a shaft having a helical flight displaced therearound.
The flight is not enclosed and the waves passing along the flight causes the shaft to rotate, thereby generating electrical power. US Patent 4,849,847 teaches a similar floating turbine that floats on and is exposed to a body of water.
US Patent 5,664,418 teaches a turbine arrangement including vanes for concentrating the wind.
One difficulty faced by devices such as these is that the flow intensity of the fluid, whether wind or wave, is highly variable and dependent upon weather conditions. That is, in conditions wherein there is little or no wind, the above described device would not produce much power, whereas a strong wind could lead to conditions which would damage the device. As such, these devices are impractical, as the amount of electrical power generated at a given time is highly variable and unpredictable. This is not the case with underwater currents, which are generally more constant both in terms of intensity and direction, making underwater currents more suitable as potential sources for electrical power.
US Patent 4,219,303 teaches an underwater power plant which includes electrical generators and machine rooms within the device. Clearly, a device such as this is simply too large for use in streams or rivers and is suitable only for use in ocean currents.
US Patent 4,025,220 teaches a turbine for use in water or air which includes a"flexible fluid current collector" for increasing the flow of a fluid, the device being arranged for use in either air or water. It is of note that the collector described is composed of fabric.
Clearly, a device that is arranged for generating electrical power from underwater currents that can also be used in streams and rivers and the like is needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a water driven turbine for converting the energy of an underwater current comprising:
't 5 a hollow tubular open ended housing, said housing having an entry end for accepting the water and an exit end for releasing the water;
a shaft mounted within the housing, said shaft arranged to rotate within the housing about an axis of rotation;
a generator supported adjacent the exit end of the housing;
connection means on the shaft for operably linking the shaft to the generator such that rotation of the shaft generates electrical power;
blade means arranged about the shaft, said blade means extending along a length of the shaft;
US Patent 4,025,220 teaches a turbine for use in water or air which includes a"flexible fluid current collector" for increasing the flow of a fluid, the device being arranged for use in either air or water. It is of note that the collector described is composed of fabric.
Clearly, a device that is arranged for generating electrical power from underwater currents that can also be used in streams and rivers and the like is needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a water driven turbine for converting the energy of an underwater current comprising:
't 5 a hollow tubular open ended housing, said housing having an entry end for accepting the water and an exit end for releasing the water;
a shaft mounted within the housing, said shaft arranged to rotate within the housing about an axis of rotation;
a generator supported adjacent the exit end of the housing;
connection means on the shaft for operably linking the shaft to the generator such that rotation of the shaft generates electrical power;
blade means arranged about the shaft, said blade means extending along a length of the shaft;
a funnel mounted onto the entry end of the housing, said funnel having a mouth and a discharge, said mouth having a diameter greater than the diameter of the housing, said discharge having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the housing;
tether means supported adjacent the funnel at the entry end of the housing for stabilizing the water driven turbine; and buoyancy means adjacent the exit end of the housing for supporting the generator;
wherein the discharge of the funnel is mounted onto the entry end of the housing such that the water entering the funnel at the mouth passes through the housing and contacts the blade means, thereby rotating the shaft and generating electrical power.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there may be provided a water driven turbine for converting the energy of an underwater current comprising:
a hollow tubular open ended housing, said housing having an entry end for accepting the -+vater and an exit end for releasing the water;
a shaft mounted within the housing, said shaft arranged to rotate within the housing about an axis of rotation;
a generator supported adjacent the exit end of the housing;
conneckion means on the shaft for operably linking the shaft to the generator such that rotation of the shaft generates electrical power;
blade means arranged about the shaft, said blade means comprising helical flights extending along a length of the shaft;
a funnel mounted onto the entry end of the housing, said funnel having a mouth and a discharge, said mouth having a diameter greater than the diameter of the housing, said discharge having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the housing;
tether means supported adjacent the funnel at the entry end of the housing for stabilizing the water driven turbine; and buoyancy means adjacent the exit end of the housing for supporting the generator;
wherein the discharge of the funnel is mounted onto the entry end of the housing such that the water entering the funnel at the mouth passes through the housing and contacts the blade means, thereby rotating the shaft and generating electrical power.
According to another aspect of the present invention there may be provided a water driven turbine for converting the energy of an underwater current comprising:
a hollow tubular open ended housing, said housing having an entry end for accepting the water and an exit end for releasing the water;
a shaft mounted within the housing, said shaft arranged to rotate within the housing about an axis of rotation;
connection means on the shaft for operably linking the shaft to a generator such that rotation of the shaft generates electrical power;
blade means arranged about the shaft, said blade means extending ~J
along a length of the shaft;
a funnel mounted onto the entry end of the housing, said funnel having a mouth and a discharge, said mouth having a diameter greater than the diameter of the housing, said discharge having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the housing; and tether means mounted on the funnel for stabilizing the water driven turbine;
wherein the discharge of the funnel is mounted onto the entry end of the housing such that the water entering the funnel at the mouth passes through the housing and contacts the blade means, thereby rotating the shaft and generating electrical power.
The generator is preferably positioned behind the exit end of the housing relative to the mouth of the funnel.
The diameter of the mouth may be approximately twice the diameter of the discharge.
Fins may be mounted on an upper surface and a lower surface of the housing for preventing twisting of the water driven turbine. When fins are provided, the fins are preferably mounted on the housing proximal to the exit end of the housing.
Buoyancy means may be mounted on the water driven turbine for suspending the turbine in water. The buoyancy means may be mounted within the fins.
There may be two, three or more blade means as desired.
The funnel preferably includes a lip of fixed diameter adjacent to the mouth for preventing backflow.
A cone may be mounted to the housing to extend rearwardly beyond the exit end. The diameter of the cone preferably increases as the cone extends rearwardly.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a water driven turbine for converting the energy of an underwater current comprising:
a hollow tubular open ended housing, said housing having an entry end for accepting the water and an exit end for releasing the water;
a shaft mounted within the housing, said shaft arranged to rotate within the housing about an axis of rotation;
connection means on the shaft for operably linking the shaft to a generator such that rotation of the shaft generates electrical power;
blade means arranged about the shaft, said blade means extending along a length of the shaft; and a funnel mounted onto the entry end of the housing, said funnel having a mouth, a discharge and a lip of fixed diameter projecting from the mouth for preventing backflow, said mouth having a diameter greater than the diameter of the housing, said discharge having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the housing;
wherein the discharge of the funnel is mounted onto the entry end of the housing such that the water entering the funnel at the mouth passes through the housing and contacts the blade means, thereby rotating the shaft and generating electrical power.
Preferably tether means are mounted within the funnel for stabilizing the water driven turbine.
The generator may be positioned behind the exit end of the housing relative to the mouth of the funnel.
There may be provided buoyancy means adjacent the exit end of the housing.
When the generator is positioned at the exit end of the housing, preferably there is provided buoyancy means supporting the exit end of the housing and tether means supporting the entry end of the housing.
There may be provided fins supported on the housing adjacent the exit end of the housing, the buoyancy means being supported within the fins.
The tether means are preferably supported on the funnel.
Various embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a side view in cross section of the turbine.
Figure 2 is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a front view of an altemative arrangement of the flight.
Figure 4 is a side view in cross section of an alternative arrangement of the turbine.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings, a water driven turbine 1 for converting an underwater current into electrical power comprises a housing 10, a funnel 12 and a generator 34.
As shown in Figure 1, the housing 10 is tubular, open-ended and hollow, comprising an inner surface 14, an outer surface 16, a shaft 18, an entry end 22 and an exit end 24. The shaft 18 is mounted within the housing 10 such that the shaft 18 rotates wi#hin the housing 10 about an axis of rotation, as described below.
The shaft 18 includes flights 20 which extend about the shaft 18 along the length of the shaft 18. It is of note that there may be several flights 20 arranged about the shaft, depending upon condition and the intended use. For example, Figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment of the invention wherein there are two flights whereas Figure 3 shows an embodiment having three flights. As will be apparent to one knowledgeable in the arts, the three flight shaft will have a larger surface area than the two flight shaft. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the flights 20 extend around the shaft 18 in a helical or twisted arrangement. Specifically, the flights 20 are struck by a flow of water passing through the housing 10 which in turn drives rotation of the shaft 18, as described below. However, it is of note that other suitable arrangements of flights 20 known in the art may also be used. It is of note that the shaft 18 may be mounted within the housing 10 in a hub such that the shaft 18 can rotate freely. The hub is mounted to the housing by a plurality of legs, the legs being arranged so as to minimize their interference with water flow through the water driven turbine 1.
The funnel 12 is composed of a rigid material and comprises a mouth 26 and a discharge 28. It is of note that the mouth 26 is arranged to be of a greater diameter than the discharge 28 for increasing the velocity and inertial force in the flow of water as it passes through the funnel 12 compared to the current as described below. Furthermore, as can be seen in Figure 1, the decrease in diameter between the mouth 26 and the discharge 28 is gradual, so that water is not forced out of the water driven turbine 1, as water diverted away from the water driven turbine 1 cannot be used to drive the shaft 18 and is in effect wasted energy.
Furthermore, as can be seen in Figure 1, the mouth 26 includes a lip 27 that is of a fixed diameter and acts to retain incoming water flow, as described below.
Specifically, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the diameter of the mouth 26 is approximately 50% greater than that of the discharge 28. As a result of this arrangement, the surface area at the mouth 26 of the funnel 12 is greater than the surface area at the discharge 28. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the discharge 28 is of a similar diameter as the entry end 22 of the housing 10. It is of note that other ratios may also be utilized, according to the conditions in which the water driven turbine 1 is to be used.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, tether means 30 are connected to the funnel 12 for anchoring the water driven turbine 1 in the waterway.
Specifically, the tether means 30 comprises side cables 36 and top and bottom cables 38 which are mounted to the front face of the lip 27, as shown in Figure 1.
The cables 38 are connected to a support structure (not shown) for securing and stabilizing the water driven turbine 1 in the underwater current, as described below.
In addition, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the water driven turbine 1 includes fins 32 for further stabilizing the position of the water driven turbine 1 in the waterway. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the fins 32 are mounted on the 5 outer surface 16 of the housing 10 above and below the shaft 18, proximal to the exit end 22. Thus, as a result of the tethering means 30 and the fin 32, the water driven turbine 1 will not rotate, twist or turn when exposed to the water current, meaning that maximum efficiency is retained. That is, the water driven turbine 1 remains positioned within the water flow such that the maximum flow of water is directed 10 through the water driven turbine 1. As will be appreciated by one knowledgeable in the art, other tether means 30 or fins 32 at other locations along the water driven turbine 1 may also be used for stabilizing the water driven turbine 1.
As can be seen in Figure 1, the shaft 18 is operably linked to the generator 34. The details of the generator are not shown as these will be well known to one knowledgeable in the art. It is of note that in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the shaft 18 is connected directly to the generator 34 and the generator 34 is mounted to the housing 10 behind the exit end 22. Specifically, the generator 34 is mounted to the exit end 22 of the housing 10 by support bars such that the shaft 18 is connected to the generator in a straight line. In other embodiments, the generator 34 may be located at a distance to the water driven turbine 1. It is of note that in some embodiments the generator 34 may be positioned in a non-linear arrangement relative to the shaft 18 using means known in the art.
It is of note that in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the fins 32 include buoyancy means 40 within the fins 32 for counter-acting the weight of the generator 34. That is, as discussed above, the fins 32 are mounted proximal to the exit end 22 and therefore proximal to the generator 34, for counter-balancing the weight of the generator 34. As a result of this arrangement, the water driven turbine 1 does not tilt when in use.
For use, the funnel 12 is mounted onto the housing 10 such that the entry end 22 of the housing 10 contacts the discharge 28 of the funnel 12. The water driven turbine I is then lowered into the body of water, below the surface of the body of water and the water driven turbine I is positioned such that the water current flows through the water driven turbine I as described below.
Specifically, the water driven turbine I is positioned such that the current in the body of water directs the flow of water directly into the mouth 26 of the funnel 12. It is of note that the shaft 18 is operably linked to the generator 34, as described below.
In use, as discussed above, the water driven turbine I is positioned such that the current in the body of water directs water to flow into the mouth 26 of the funnel 12 at the lip 27. As discussed above, the diameter of the mouth 26 of the funnel 12 is greater than the diameter of the discharge 28 of the funnel. As a result of this arrangement, the velocity and inertial force of the water flow increases as it passes through the funnel 12 from the mouth 26 to the discharge 28. In this manner, the inertial force and veloCity of the water is increased relative to the water flow caused by the natural current in the body of water. As noted above, the lip 27 is of a fixed diameter and acts to prevent backflow of the water once it enters the funnel 12.
Furthermore, once water enters the funnel 12, it must exit through the exit end 24 of the housing 10 and the funnel 12. Thus, the flow of water passes through the housing 10 at the entry end 22 and exits the housing 10 through the exit end 24. As the water passes through the housing 10, the water strikes the flights 20, thereby driving rotation of the shaft 18. Rotation of the shaft 18 in turn generates electrical power at the generator 34. It is of note that the flights 20 are fitted within the housing for maximum surface area and minimum clearance within the housing 10 so that the shaft 18 rotates freely within the housing 10. That is, the flights 20 are arranged to have maximum surface area and are arranged about the shaft 18 to maximize contact with the flow of water, so that electrical power generation is more efficient.
10 Specifically, once the flow of water enters the water driven turbine 1, it must pass over the flights 20. Furthermore, the funnel 12 increases the velocity of the flow of water and passes the flow of water directly to the housing 10 without allowing water to flow back out of the funnel and escape, as discussed above.
In an alternative embodiment, the water driven turbine I includes a cone 42 mounted to the housing 10 and extending past the exit end 24, as shown in Figure 4. Specifically, the cone 42 is connected to and extends outwardly and rearwardly from a position on the housing 10 past the exit end 24.
Furthermore, the cone 42 may be connected to the housing at positions proximal to the exit end 24, as shown in Figure 4, It is also of note that the cone 42 increases in diameter while extending rearwardly from the housing 10, such that the cone 42 is most narrow at the point that is mounted to the housing 10 and most wide at the distal end of the cone 42 relative to the housing 10. As a result of this arrangement, water exiting avoids the turbulence and restraining effect which would result from contact with the flow of water passing outside the device at the immediate exit, and the expanded volume available to the exiting water will enhance the velocity of flow throughout the device by eliminating some back pressure. Further, the cone will increase the velocity of flow of the water passing outside of the cone, which in turn will have a pulling effect on the water exit from inside the cone, enhancing its velocity of flow.
Thus, the above-described water driven turbine 1 is arranged for converting underwater currents to electrical power. Furthermore, the design is such that the water driven turbine I can be used in bodies of water such as lakes, streams and rivers, where prior art water driven turbines are not suitable or impractical. Specifically, the water driven turbine is arranged to increase velocity in a natural water flow and to direct the water over a plurality of flights.
Water passing over the flights drives rotation of a shaft which is in tum linked to a generator, resulting in the production of electrical power.
While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be recognized and understood that various modifications may be made therein, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications which may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.
tether means supported adjacent the funnel at the entry end of the housing for stabilizing the water driven turbine; and buoyancy means adjacent the exit end of the housing for supporting the generator;
wherein the discharge of the funnel is mounted onto the entry end of the housing such that the water entering the funnel at the mouth passes through the housing and contacts the blade means, thereby rotating the shaft and generating electrical power.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there may be provided a water driven turbine for converting the energy of an underwater current comprising:
a hollow tubular open ended housing, said housing having an entry end for accepting the -+vater and an exit end for releasing the water;
a shaft mounted within the housing, said shaft arranged to rotate within the housing about an axis of rotation;
a generator supported adjacent the exit end of the housing;
conneckion means on the shaft for operably linking the shaft to the generator such that rotation of the shaft generates electrical power;
blade means arranged about the shaft, said blade means comprising helical flights extending along a length of the shaft;
a funnel mounted onto the entry end of the housing, said funnel having a mouth and a discharge, said mouth having a diameter greater than the diameter of the housing, said discharge having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the housing;
tether means supported adjacent the funnel at the entry end of the housing for stabilizing the water driven turbine; and buoyancy means adjacent the exit end of the housing for supporting the generator;
wherein the discharge of the funnel is mounted onto the entry end of the housing such that the water entering the funnel at the mouth passes through the housing and contacts the blade means, thereby rotating the shaft and generating electrical power.
According to another aspect of the present invention there may be provided a water driven turbine for converting the energy of an underwater current comprising:
a hollow tubular open ended housing, said housing having an entry end for accepting the water and an exit end for releasing the water;
a shaft mounted within the housing, said shaft arranged to rotate within the housing about an axis of rotation;
connection means on the shaft for operably linking the shaft to a generator such that rotation of the shaft generates electrical power;
blade means arranged about the shaft, said blade means extending ~J
along a length of the shaft;
a funnel mounted onto the entry end of the housing, said funnel having a mouth and a discharge, said mouth having a diameter greater than the diameter of the housing, said discharge having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the housing; and tether means mounted on the funnel for stabilizing the water driven turbine;
wherein the discharge of the funnel is mounted onto the entry end of the housing such that the water entering the funnel at the mouth passes through the housing and contacts the blade means, thereby rotating the shaft and generating electrical power.
The generator is preferably positioned behind the exit end of the housing relative to the mouth of the funnel.
The diameter of the mouth may be approximately twice the diameter of the discharge.
Fins may be mounted on an upper surface and a lower surface of the housing for preventing twisting of the water driven turbine. When fins are provided, the fins are preferably mounted on the housing proximal to the exit end of the housing.
Buoyancy means may be mounted on the water driven turbine for suspending the turbine in water. The buoyancy means may be mounted within the fins.
There may be two, three or more blade means as desired.
The funnel preferably includes a lip of fixed diameter adjacent to the mouth for preventing backflow.
A cone may be mounted to the housing to extend rearwardly beyond the exit end. The diameter of the cone preferably increases as the cone extends rearwardly.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a water driven turbine for converting the energy of an underwater current comprising:
a hollow tubular open ended housing, said housing having an entry end for accepting the water and an exit end for releasing the water;
a shaft mounted within the housing, said shaft arranged to rotate within the housing about an axis of rotation;
connection means on the shaft for operably linking the shaft to a generator such that rotation of the shaft generates electrical power;
blade means arranged about the shaft, said blade means extending along a length of the shaft; and a funnel mounted onto the entry end of the housing, said funnel having a mouth, a discharge and a lip of fixed diameter projecting from the mouth for preventing backflow, said mouth having a diameter greater than the diameter of the housing, said discharge having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the housing;
wherein the discharge of the funnel is mounted onto the entry end of the housing such that the water entering the funnel at the mouth passes through the housing and contacts the blade means, thereby rotating the shaft and generating electrical power.
Preferably tether means are mounted within the funnel for stabilizing the water driven turbine.
The generator may be positioned behind the exit end of the housing relative to the mouth of the funnel.
There may be provided buoyancy means adjacent the exit end of the housing.
When the generator is positioned at the exit end of the housing, preferably there is provided buoyancy means supporting the exit end of the housing and tether means supporting the entry end of the housing.
There may be provided fins supported on the housing adjacent the exit end of the housing, the buoyancy means being supported within the fins.
The tether means are preferably supported on the funnel.
Various embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a side view in cross section of the turbine.
Figure 2 is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a front view of an altemative arrangement of the flight.
Figure 4 is a side view in cross section of an alternative arrangement of the turbine.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings, a water driven turbine 1 for converting an underwater current into electrical power comprises a housing 10, a funnel 12 and a generator 34.
As shown in Figure 1, the housing 10 is tubular, open-ended and hollow, comprising an inner surface 14, an outer surface 16, a shaft 18, an entry end 22 and an exit end 24. The shaft 18 is mounted within the housing 10 such that the shaft 18 rotates wi#hin the housing 10 about an axis of rotation, as described below.
The shaft 18 includes flights 20 which extend about the shaft 18 along the length of the shaft 18. It is of note that there may be several flights 20 arranged about the shaft, depending upon condition and the intended use. For example, Figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment of the invention wherein there are two flights whereas Figure 3 shows an embodiment having three flights. As will be apparent to one knowledgeable in the arts, the three flight shaft will have a larger surface area than the two flight shaft. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the flights 20 extend around the shaft 18 in a helical or twisted arrangement. Specifically, the flights 20 are struck by a flow of water passing through the housing 10 which in turn drives rotation of the shaft 18, as described below. However, it is of note that other suitable arrangements of flights 20 known in the art may also be used. It is of note that the shaft 18 may be mounted within the housing 10 in a hub such that the shaft 18 can rotate freely. The hub is mounted to the housing by a plurality of legs, the legs being arranged so as to minimize their interference with water flow through the water driven turbine 1.
The funnel 12 is composed of a rigid material and comprises a mouth 26 and a discharge 28. It is of note that the mouth 26 is arranged to be of a greater diameter than the discharge 28 for increasing the velocity and inertial force in the flow of water as it passes through the funnel 12 compared to the current as described below. Furthermore, as can be seen in Figure 1, the decrease in diameter between the mouth 26 and the discharge 28 is gradual, so that water is not forced out of the water driven turbine 1, as water diverted away from the water driven turbine 1 cannot be used to drive the shaft 18 and is in effect wasted energy.
Furthermore, as can be seen in Figure 1, the mouth 26 includes a lip 27 that is of a fixed diameter and acts to retain incoming water flow, as described below.
Specifically, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the diameter of the mouth 26 is approximately 50% greater than that of the discharge 28. As a result of this arrangement, the surface area at the mouth 26 of the funnel 12 is greater than the surface area at the discharge 28. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the discharge 28 is of a similar diameter as the entry end 22 of the housing 10. It is of note that other ratios may also be utilized, according to the conditions in which the water driven turbine 1 is to be used.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, tether means 30 are connected to the funnel 12 for anchoring the water driven turbine 1 in the waterway.
Specifically, the tether means 30 comprises side cables 36 and top and bottom cables 38 which are mounted to the front face of the lip 27, as shown in Figure 1.
The cables 38 are connected to a support structure (not shown) for securing and stabilizing the water driven turbine 1 in the underwater current, as described below.
In addition, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the water driven turbine 1 includes fins 32 for further stabilizing the position of the water driven turbine 1 in the waterway. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the fins 32 are mounted on the 5 outer surface 16 of the housing 10 above and below the shaft 18, proximal to the exit end 22. Thus, as a result of the tethering means 30 and the fin 32, the water driven turbine 1 will not rotate, twist or turn when exposed to the water current, meaning that maximum efficiency is retained. That is, the water driven turbine 1 remains positioned within the water flow such that the maximum flow of water is directed 10 through the water driven turbine 1. As will be appreciated by one knowledgeable in the art, other tether means 30 or fins 32 at other locations along the water driven turbine 1 may also be used for stabilizing the water driven turbine 1.
As can be seen in Figure 1, the shaft 18 is operably linked to the generator 34. The details of the generator are not shown as these will be well known to one knowledgeable in the art. It is of note that in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the shaft 18 is connected directly to the generator 34 and the generator 34 is mounted to the housing 10 behind the exit end 22. Specifically, the generator 34 is mounted to the exit end 22 of the housing 10 by support bars such that the shaft 18 is connected to the generator in a straight line. In other embodiments, the generator 34 may be located at a distance to the water driven turbine 1. It is of note that in some embodiments the generator 34 may be positioned in a non-linear arrangement relative to the shaft 18 using means known in the art.
It is of note that in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the fins 32 include buoyancy means 40 within the fins 32 for counter-acting the weight of the generator 34. That is, as discussed above, the fins 32 are mounted proximal to the exit end 22 and therefore proximal to the generator 34, for counter-balancing the weight of the generator 34. As a result of this arrangement, the water driven turbine 1 does not tilt when in use.
For use, the funnel 12 is mounted onto the housing 10 such that the entry end 22 of the housing 10 contacts the discharge 28 of the funnel 12. The water driven turbine I is then lowered into the body of water, below the surface of the body of water and the water driven turbine I is positioned such that the water current flows through the water driven turbine I as described below.
Specifically, the water driven turbine I is positioned such that the current in the body of water directs the flow of water directly into the mouth 26 of the funnel 12. It is of note that the shaft 18 is operably linked to the generator 34, as described below.
In use, as discussed above, the water driven turbine I is positioned such that the current in the body of water directs water to flow into the mouth 26 of the funnel 12 at the lip 27. As discussed above, the diameter of the mouth 26 of the funnel 12 is greater than the diameter of the discharge 28 of the funnel. As a result of this arrangement, the velocity and inertial force of the water flow increases as it passes through the funnel 12 from the mouth 26 to the discharge 28. In this manner, the inertial force and veloCity of the water is increased relative to the water flow caused by the natural current in the body of water. As noted above, the lip 27 is of a fixed diameter and acts to prevent backflow of the water once it enters the funnel 12.
Furthermore, once water enters the funnel 12, it must exit through the exit end 24 of the housing 10 and the funnel 12. Thus, the flow of water passes through the housing 10 at the entry end 22 and exits the housing 10 through the exit end 24. As the water passes through the housing 10, the water strikes the flights 20, thereby driving rotation of the shaft 18. Rotation of the shaft 18 in turn generates electrical power at the generator 34. It is of note that the flights 20 are fitted within the housing for maximum surface area and minimum clearance within the housing 10 so that the shaft 18 rotates freely within the housing 10. That is, the flights 20 are arranged to have maximum surface area and are arranged about the shaft 18 to maximize contact with the flow of water, so that electrical power generation is more efficient.
10 Specifically, once the flow of water enters the water driven turbine 1, it must pass over the flights 20. Furthermore, the funnel 12 increases the velocity of the flow of water and passes the flow of water directly to the housing 10 without allowing water to flow back out of the funnel and escape, as discussed above.
In an alternative embodiment, the water driven turbine I includes a cone 42 mounted to the housing 10 and extending past the exit end 24, as shown in Figure 4. Specifically, the cone 42 is connected to and extends outwardly and rearwardly from a position on the housing 10 past the exit end 24.
Furthermore, the cone 42 may be connected to the housing at positions proximal to the exit end 24, as shown in Figure 4, It is also of note that the cone 42 increases in diameter while extending rearwardly from the housing 10, such that the cone 42 is most narrow at the point that is mounted to the housing 10 and most wide at the distal end of the cone 42 relative to the housing 10. As a result of this arrangement, water exiting avoids the turbulence and restraining effect which would result from contact with the flow of water passing outside the device at the immediate exit, and the expanded volume available to the exiting water will enhance the velocity of flow throughout the device by eliminating some back pressure. Further, the cone will increase the velocity of flow of the water passing outside of the cone, which in turn will have a pulling effect on the water exit from inside the cone, enhancing its velocity of flow.
Thus, the above-described water driven turbine 1 is arranged for converting underwater currents to electrical power. Furthermore, the design is such that the water driven turbine I can be used in bodies of water such as lakes, streams and rivers, where prior art water driven turbines are not suitable or impractical. Specifically, the water driven turbine is arranged to increase velocity in a natural water flow and to direct the water over a plurality of flights.
Water passing over the flights drives rotation of a shaft which is in tum linked to a generator, resulting in the production of electrical power.
While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be recognized and understood that various modifications may be made therein, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications which may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (13)
1. A water driven turbine for converting the energy of an underwater current comprising:
a hollow tubular open ended housing, said housing having an entry end for accepting the water and an exit end for releasing the water;
a shaft mounted within the housing, said shaft arranged to rotate within the housing about an axis of rotation;
a generator supported adjacent the exit end of the housing;
connection means on the shaft for operably linking the shaft to the generator such that rotation of the shaft generates electrical power;
blade means arranged about the shaft, said blade means extending along a length of the shaft;
a funnel mounted onto the entry end of the housing, said funnel having a mouth and a discharge, said mouth having a diameter greater than the diameter of the housing, said discharge having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the housing;
tether means supported adjacent the funnel at the entry end of the housing for stabilizing the water driven turbine; and buoyancy means adjacent the exit end of the housing for supporting the generator;
wherein the discharge of the funnel is mounted onto the entry end of the housing such that the water entering the funnel at the mouth passes through the housing and contacts the blade means, thereby rotating the shaft and generating electrical power.
a hollow tubular open ended housing, said housing having an entry end for accepting the water and an exit end for releasing the water;
a shaft mounted within the housing, said shaft arranged to rotate within the housing about an axis of rotation;
a generator supported adjacent the exit end of the housing;
connection means on the shaft for operably linking the shaft to the generator such that rotation of the shaft generates electrical power;
blade means arranged about the shaft, said blade means extending along a length of the shaft;
a funnel mounted onto the entry end of the housing, said funnel having a mouth and a discharge, said mouth having a diameter greater than the diameter of the housing, said discharge having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the housing;
tether means supported adjacent the funnel at the entry end of the housing for stabilizing the water driven turbine; and buoyancy means adjacent the exit end of the housing for supporting the generator;
wherein the discharge of the funnel is mounted onto the entry end of the housing such that the water entering the funnel at the mouth passes through the housing and contacts the blade means, thereby rotating the shaft and generating electrical power.
2. The water driven turbine according to Claim 1 wherein the tether means are supported on the funnel.
3. The water driven turbine according to either one of Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein there are provided fins supported on the housing adjacent the exit end of the housing.
4. The water driven turbine according to Claim 3 wherein the buoyancy means are supported within the fins.
5. The water driven turbine according to either one of Claim 3 or Claim 4 wherein the fins are mounted on an upper surface and a lower surface of the housing for preventing twisting of the water driven turbine,
6. The water driven turbine according to any one of Claims 1 through 5 wherein the diameter of the mouth is approximately twice the diameter of the discharge.
7. The water driven turbine according to any one of Claims 1 through 6 wherein the blade means comprises helical flights extending along the length of the shaft.
8. The water driven turbine according to any one of Claims 1 through 7 wherein the blade means comprises three blades.
9. The water driven turbine according to any one of Claims 1 through 8 wherein the blade means comprises two blades.
10. The water driven turbine according to any one of Claims 1 through 9 wherein the funnel includes a lip of fixed diameter projecting from the mouth for preventing backflow.
11. The water driven turbine according to any one of Claims 1 through 10 wherein there is provided a cone mounted to the housing, said cone extending rearwardly beyond the exit end.
12. The water driven turbine according to Claim 11 wherein the diameter of the cone increases as the cone extends rearwardly.
13. A water driven turbine for converting the energy of an underwater current comprising:
a hollow tubular open ended housing, said housing having an entry end for accepting the water and an exit end for releasing the water;
a shaft mounted within the housing, said shaft arranged to rotate within the housing about an axis of rotation;
a generator supported adjacent the exit end of the housing;
connection means on the shaft for operably linking the shaft to the generator such that rotation of the shaft generates electrical power;
blade means arranged about the shaft, said blade means comprising helical flights extending along a length of the shaft;
a funnel mounted onto the entry end of the housing, said funnel having a mouth and a discharge, said mouth having a diameter greater than the diameter of the housing, said discharge having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the housing;
tether means supported adjacent the funnel at the entry end of the housing for stabilizing the water driven turbine; and buoyancy means adjacent the exit end of the housing for supporting the generator;
wherein the discharge of the funnel is mounted onto the entry end of the housing such that the water entering the funnel at the mouth passes through the housing and contacts the blade means, thereby rotating the shaft and generating electrical power.
a hollow tubular open ended housing, said housing having an entry end for accepting the water and an exit end for releasing the water;
a shaft mounted within the housing, said shaft arranged to rotate within the housing about an axis of rotation;
a generator supported adjacent the exit end of the housing;
connection means on the shaft for operably linking the shaft to the generator such that rotation of the shaft generates electrical power;
blade means arranged about the shaft, said blade means comprising helical flights extending along a length of the shaft;
a funnel mounted onto the entry end of the housing, said funnel having a mouth and a discharge, said mouth having a diameter greater than the diameter of the housing, said discharge having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the housing;
tether means supported adjacent the funnel at the entry end of the housing for stabilizing the water driven turbine; and buoyancy means adjacent the exit end of the housing for supporting the generator;
wherein the discharge of the funnel is mounted onto the entry end of the housing such that the water entering the funnel at the mouth passes through the housing and contacts the blade means, thereby rotating the shaft and generating electrical power.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002409502A CA2409502C (en) | 2002-10-23 | 2002-10-23 | Hydro turbine |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002409502A CA2409502C (en) | 2002-10-23 | 2002-10-23 | Hydro turbine |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2409502A1 CA2409502A1 (en) | 2004-04-23 |
| CA2409502C true CA2409502C (en) | 2007-08-07 |
Family
ID=32399782
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002409502A Expired - Fee Related CA2409502C (en) | 2002-10-23 | 2002-10-23 | Hydro turbine |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2409502C (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA2544108C (en) | 2006-04-19 | 2013-06-04 | Metin Ilbay Yaras | Vortex hydraulic turbine |
| DE102010013067B4 (en) * | 2010-03-26 | 2013-05-16 | Ksb Aktiengesellschaft | Hydropower plant |
-
2002
- 2002-10-23 CA CA002409502A patent/CA2409502C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2409502A1 (en) | 2004-04-23 |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20131023 |