EP2924277A1

EP2924277A1 - Hydropneumatic energy generator and method for the operation thereof

Info

Publication number: EP2924277A1
Application number: EP13857292.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sergio SALAS LAMELAS
Original assignee: Soluciones Cientifico Tecnicas Srlu
Current assignee: Soluciones Cientifico Tecnicas Srlu
Priority date: 2012-11-22
Filing date: 2013-11-18
Publication date: 2015-09-30
Also published as: JP2016501337A; WO2014080050A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a hydropneumatic energy generator and to a method for the operation thereof, for generating mechanical energy using the lift force or buoyancy generated by liquids on objects of a lower density, in addition to the force of gravity on those of a higher density than the liquid.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the technical field of energy production by means of variable buoyancy and would be designed to transform the uplift/down force through the liquid into a force that is technically useable.

STATE OF THE ART

Renewable energies are currently a growing sector in economies which do not wish to depend on finite resources. In the marine field, inventions are aimed at using the energy of the waves or tides. In the field of rivers and reservoirs, existing machines and also new inventions are aimed at using the potential energy in the water cycle from the mountains to the sea, whether making use of reservoir waterfalls or river currents.
There are new inventions intended to make use of variable buoyancy, this being the sector that encompasses my patent. In this sector, we find as background basically patent document ro 19940000744 19940504 which proposes using the buoyancy of natural gas that emerges from the earth, and patent us 20060779996p 20060306 which proposes using waterfalls to generate buoyancy. The pending patent for my invention introduces a new concept as the generation of energy moves onto depending solely on the existence of a volume of liquid and a volume of gas above said volume of liquid; meaning that the quantity of energy produced depends solely on the size of the machine in question and not on the changing natural conditions of the environment, making it a truly renewable energy. My patent presents in this text 4 ways of using variable buoyancy.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention makes use of the lift force or buoyancy that liquids generate on objects with a lower density and also of the force of gravity on those objects with a greater density than the liquid. To do this, the length of the cable (23) is essential because for the hydro pneumatic energy generator to produce mechanical energy it is necessary to take into account the various forces that dissipate mechanical energy.
Below I describe the hydro pneumatic energy generator and enumerate the elements it contains along with how they cooperate, which for a better understanding can be observed in figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6:

The hydro pneumatic generator consists of a floating platform (32) or platform supported from solid ground, alternating water-air tanks (1) (2), low water level indicators (15) and (16) of tanks (1) and (2), high water level indicators (13) and (14) of tanks (1) and (2), non-return valves (19) and (20) of tanks (1) and (2), flexible air-water pipes (17) and (18), cable (23) which transmits the force generated by the tanks, transmission belts (33) which transmit the force generated between the different pulleys, a pulley which convert the linear movement into a rotational movement (27) and (29), a reduction pulley (28) which draws the cable nearer for a better transmission of the force to the pulleys (27) and (29), gravity weight with pulley (24) which tenses the force transmission cable (23), high position indicators (9) and (10) of tanks (1) and (2), pressurised air tank and compressor (3), air pressure indicator (11), pressurised liquid tank and surface water collection pump (4), water pressure indicator (12), water shut-off valve (5) to tank (1), air shut-off valve (6) to tank (1), water shut-off valve (8) to tank (2), air-shut-off valve (7) to tank (2), storage reel (30) of the flexible tubing (17) which connects the tubing to the tanks (3) and (4) by means of rigid tubing (18), storage reel (31) of the flexible tubing (18) which connects this tubing to tanks (3) and (4) by means of rigid tubing, bearings (26) for securing pivot axes, ratchet pulley (21) which transmits the force when the cable (23) rotates in an anti-clockwise direction, ratchet pulley (22) which transmits the force when the cable (23) rotates in a clockwise direction (the ratchet pulleys (21) and (22) could be replaced with a deck-clutch or other similar system which allows for coupling and uncoupling of the pivot axes as required), mechanical power take-off (PTO) shafts (25) to which the elements that consume mechanical energy (generators, hydraulic pumps, etc.) will be coupled, gearwheels which when the ratchet pulleys are joined, achieve the rotation of the PTO shafts (25) being uninterrupted and in the same direction irrespective of the direction of rotation of the cable (23) at any given time.

The hydro pneumatic energy generator is characterised in that it makes the aforementioned elements cooperate in the following manner:

To begin the operating cycle, we will assume that the position indicator (9) is indicating that the tank (1) is facing it, in other words the tank (1) is at the highest point of its trajectory and that tank (2), because it is joined to the former by means of the cable (23), is at the lowest point, at this moment tank (1) is full of air and tank (2) is full of water, tanks (3) and (4) are full and pressurised and solenoid valves (5) (6) (7) and (8) are closed.

Starting from this position, at the precise moment in which the position sensor (9) detects the high position of the tank (1) solenoid valve (5) opens allowing the free flow of water into the tank (1) until the water level indicator (13) shows that it is full. Also at the same instant as the tank (1) is detected by the indicator (9) solenoid valve (7) opens allowing the free flow of air towards tank two, the water contained in tank (2) is evacuated through the non-return valve (20) until the level indicator (16) shows that almost all the water has left the tank (2).
The very moment that the level indicator (13) shows that the tank (1) is full of water, solenoid valve (5) closes.
The very moment that the level indicator (16) shows that the tank (2) is full of air, solenoid valve (7) closes.
While tanks (1) and (2) were being filled with and emptied of water, they started to move, tank (1) towards the bottom and tank (2) towards the surface making the transmission cable (23) rotate in an anti-clockwise direction which makes the ratchet pulley (21) connect, which in this part of the cycle is the one that transmits the force to the PTO shafts (25), in this case leaving ratchet pulley (22) free.
The use of the energy consumed by filling and emptying both tanks continues to be produced until the position indicator (10) indicates that the tank (2) has reached the surface and that therefore tank (1) is at the far bottom of its trajectory.
At the precise moment in which the position indicator detects the tank (2), solenoid valves (6) and (8) open.
Solenoid valve (6) opens allowing free flow of the pressurised air from tank (3) to tank (1), when the level indicator (15) indicates that the tank (1) is full of air, solenoid valve (6) closes. Solenoid valve (8) opens allowing free flow of the pressurised water from the tank (4) to the tank (2), when the level indicator (14) indicates that the tank (2) is full of water, solenoid valve (8) closes.
In the meantime while tanks (1) and (2) were being emptied and totally filled with water, tank (1) started to rise towards the surface and tank (2) started to descend towards the bottom making the transmission cable (23) start to rotate in the clockwise direction which makes ratchet pulley (22) connect, which in this part of the cycle is the one that transmits force to the PTO shafts (25) in this case leaving ratchet pulley (21) free.
The use of the energy consumed in filling and emptying both tanks continues to be produced until the position indicator (9) indicates that tank (1) has reached the surface and that therefore tank (2) is at the far bottom of the trajectory thus completing the cycle of the hydro pneumatic energy generator.
As stated in the beginning of this description the various forces which dissipate energy need to be taken into account.
The minimum depth is determined by the various useful consumptions and losses of the hydro pneumatic energy generator, in other words, when the energy produced by the tanks (1) and (2) is less than the energy required to activate the compressor, the hydro pneumatic energy generator will be consuming instead of generating. The useful consumptions and losses are as follows:

1. Consumption of the air compressor (3).
2. Loss of energy caused by the friction of water with the tanks (1) and (2).
3. The loss of energy caused by the friction of the shafts with the respective bearings (26).
4. The loss due to friction between the various mechanical elements.
5. Depending on the use required to be given to the hydro pneumatic energy generator, in other words, which element we couple to the mechanical power take-off (PTO) shafts (25) we would need to take into account the losses of the coupled element to have a correct energy balance and to be able to determine the minimum depth that tanks (1) and (2) would have to reach for the assembly to generate surplus energy.

The maximum depth is determined by three circumstances:

1. The weight of the material used to make the tanks (1) and (2), arriving at a weight necessary to withstand the surrounding pressure at which even if we fill tanks (1) and (2) with air, they will not float.
2. The resistance of the material used to make the hoses (18) and (17), these must be flexible so that they can be reeled onto the storage reels (30) and (31) and resistant to withstand the air pressure required to evacuate the water from tanks (1) and (2).
3. The air pressure that the compressor (3) can generate.

Basically, there is a range of depths in which the generation of energy by the hydro pneumatic energy generator is viable and a range in which the generation of energy by the hydro pneumatic energy generator is unviable.
The energy produced by this device has a constant force during each cycle depending on the size of the tanks. The speed in principle would be variable meaning that for better use of the energy and increased durability of the equipment it would be necessary to counteract the force generated with a force consumed of the same value by means of consumption machines and brakes that would make the mechanical power take-off shafts (25) maintain a constant speed of rotation and therefore also the devices coupled thereto, generators, pumps, etc.
The thrust vacuum between cycles could be filled with flywheels or by means of a parallel system already prepared to initiate the cycle, as soon as the other one stopped to change cycle.
Although the hydro pneumatic energy generator with compressor operates by evacuating the liquid through the force exerted directly by the gas that is injected from the surface and is at a higher pressure than the liquid outside the tank whereupon it expels the liquid outside and changes the buoyancy of the tank by exerting a force which is the one used to generate energy, following the same principle of variable buoyancy but improving it so that it spends less pressurised air, making use of the pressure of the liquid at depth and the Pascal principle, we have the hydro pneumatic generator with bellow-system tanks and mechanical interlock.
The hydro pneumatic generator with bellow-system tanks and mechanical interlock needs much less pressure and volume of gas (generally compressed air) than the one initially put forward in the hydro pneumatic energy generator. The improvement lies in making mechanical use of the pressure at the bottom of swimming pools, the sea, lagoons, etc., where it is feasible for a hydro pneumatic energy generator to function. Based on the principle that pressure is force divided by surface and that liquids and gas exert different pressure columns at the same depth, if we have a tank that is flexible as required containing liquid and gas separately inside, and liquid on the outside, the force exerted by the outside liquid on the separate assembly of internal liquid and gas, is greater than that exerted by the external liquid on the internal liquid preventing it from coming out; this difference in forces means that when we release the interlocking system, the flexible tank of liquid and gas compresses expelling the internal liquid and varying the density of the assembly making it float.
My invention takes advantage of this pressure that there is in the bottom of a volume of liquid and is helped by the pressure of the compressed air of the hydro pneumatic generator to remove air from inside the tank to achieve the variation in buoyancy which generates the useable energy, due to the fact that it generates more power than it consumes.
The hydro pneumatic generator with bellow-system tanks and mechanical interlock fig. 7, fig. 8 and fig.9 consists of two tanks with a bellow system (1) and (2); a rigid tank of permanent gas (3) and (4) for tanks (1) and (2); an interlock and release system actuated by compressed air, electricity, hydraulic fluid, etc., (5) and (6) for tanks (1) and (2); pneumatic, hydraulic cylinders, power generators by means of electromechanical energy (7) and (8) for tanks (1) and (2); tanks of a flexible material to contain liquid (longitudinally flexible in general) (9) and (10) and flexible tanks to contain gas (longitudinally flexible in general) (11) and (12); a solid structure preferably made of metal (13) and (14) for tanks (1) and (2); fastening for cable, chain, etc., (15); non-return valve, remotely actuated valve, etc., (16) and (17) for tanks (1) and (2); end of stroke to indicate the extension of the flexible tanks (18) and (19) for tanks (1) and (2); hose for connecting the pair of flexible gas tanks (20); hose for passage of the gas or fluid which extends the cylinders (23) and (24) for tanks (1) and (2); hydro pneumatic generator of mechanical energy (25) (with the difference with respect to the hydro pneumatic generator with compressor that in this system air is only injected from the surface and not water which in this case is taken directly); transmission cable or chain of the hydro pneumatic generator (26); shut-off valve for cylinder compression (27) and (28) of tanks (1) and (2); shut-off valve for cylinder extension (29) and (30) of tanks (1) and (2); compressor of the hydro pneumatic generator (31); compressed air tank (32); high position sensor (33) and (34) of tanks (1) and (2).
The aforementioned elements of the hydro pneumatic generator with bellow-system tanks and mechanical interlock collaborate with each other in the following manner to produce surplus energy.
In the full of water position of the flexible tank (9) with the tank (1) being on the surface, the latter is not buoyant and therefore descends to the bottom part of the system. While the tank (2) has its flexible tank (10) empty of water and the permanent gas tank (4) (full of gas as always) the buoyancy of the assembly of tank (2) is positive meaning that tank (1) and (2) generate a couple useable by the hydro pneumatic energy generator (25).
Tanks (1) and (2) are in motion until (1) reaches the bottom and (2) the surface, event which occurs at the same time, and which is marked by the high position sensor (34) of the tank (2). Once this position is reached the interlock system (5) of the tank (1) is automatically released, allowing the pressure of the liquid to generate its force on the longitudinally moveable base of the two flexible tanks (9) and (11) of the tank (1) and its structure (13), as this surface is greater than that of the tank which contains the liquid (9) it exerts a force that makes the liquid leave the tank (9) through a valve (16), to make this movement faster it is aided by some cylinders (7) which air reaches through the hose (21) and the valve (29) opens at the same time as the high position sensor (34) marks the position of the tank (2).
The air is injected from the hydro pneumatic generator (25) which for this system of tanks (1) and (2) will only carry gas (generally air) and two injection hoses, these pneumatic cylinders (7) press with the air that reaches them from the surface, once the liquid tank (9) is compressed, the liquid is expelled outside activating the interlock system (5) which fixes it in the compressed position (water out air in); this entire process of expelling the liquid makes the buoyancy of the tank (1) become positive again and to float as the tank (3) is always full of gas and on tank (9) expelling the liquid which varies the buoyancy of the assembly of elements which define this tank (1) a buoyancy force is generated which the hydro pneumatic generator of mechanical energy (25) makes use of to generate mechanical energy useable for society;
While the buoyancy variation process of tank (1) was occurring, initiated following the tank (2) up signal, the manoeuvres to vary the buoyancy of tank (2) were initiated.
In relation to the high position indicator (34) the unlock system (6) is activated; valve (17) is opened allowing flow to the flexible tank (10); and the selected cylinder system is activated, whether hydraulic, pneumatic, etc., (8) through the valve (28) and the hose (24) to extend the flexible tanks (10) and (12); once the water is introduced inside tank (10) this aspect being marked by the end of stroke (19); the valve through which the water entered (17) is closed, the interlock system (6) is locked and the valve (28) is closed at the same time and with these movements the buoyancy of the tank (2) becomes negative, it sinks and added to the positive buoyancy of tank (1) which is achieved at practically the same time a couple is generated which the hydro pneumatic generator of mechanical energy (25) uses.
Tanks (1) and (2) are in motion until (2) reaches the bottom and (1) the surface, an event which occurs at the same time, and which is marked by the high position sensor (33) of tank (1). Once this position is reached, the interlock system (6) of tank (2) is automatically released, allowing the pressure of the liquid to generate its force on the longitudinally moveable base of the two flexible tanks (10) and (12) of tank (2) and its structure (14), as this surface is greater than that of the tank which contains the liquid (10) it exerts a force that makes the liquid leave the tank (10) through the valve (17), to make this movement quicker it is aided by some cylinders (8) which air reaches through the hose (22) and the valve (30) is opened at the same time as the high position sensor (33) marks the position of the tank (1).
The air is injected from the hydro pneumatic generator (25) which for this system of tanks (1) and (2) will only carry gas (generally air) and two injection hoses, these pneumatic cylinders (8) press with the air that reaches them from the surface, once the liquid tank (10) is compressed, the liquid is expelled outside activating the interlock system (6) which fixes it in the compressed position (water out air in); this entire process of expelling the liquid makes the buoyancy of the tank (2) become positive and float as the tank (4) is always full of gas, and on the tank (10) expelling the liquid which varies the buoyancy of the assembly of elements which define this tank (2), a buoyancy force is generated which the hydro pneumatic generator of mechanical energy (25) uses to generate mechanical energy useable for society;
While the buoyancy variation process of tank (2) was occurring, initiated after the tank (1) up signal, the buoyancy variation manoeuvres of tank (1) were initiated.
With regards to the high position marker (33) the unlock system (5) is activated; the valve (16) opens; allowing flow through to the flexible tank (9); and the selected cylinder system (5) is activated, whether hydraulic, pneumatic, etc., through the valve (27) and the hose (23) to extend the flexible tanks (9) and (11); once water is introduced inside the tank (9) this aspect being marked by the ends of stroke (18); the valve (16) through which the water entered closes; the interlock system (5) is locked and the valve (27) is closed at the same time and with these movements the buoyancy of the tank (1) becomes negative, it sinks and added to the positive buoyancy of tank (2) which is achieved at practically the same time, a couple is generated which the hydro pneumatic generator of mechanical energy (25) uses. As soon as tank (1) reaches the bottom and tank (2) reaches the surface, the cycle of the hydro pneumatic energy generator (25) with this new system of tanks has been completed.
The generation of surplus mechanical energy and therefore its industrial application occurs because supposedly although I have not yet verified it materially (none has been built), the generator produces more power than that required to make it function and due to the fact that its functioning only implies the change in position of liquid and gas, which is abundant in our environment, it can be considered a true renewable energy, and as a benefit its production only depends on the size of the machine and not on the changing conditions of the environment as in the case of other renewable energies.

Hydro pneumatic generator with electric resistance tanks

The approach of the hydro pneumatic generator with electric resistance tanks is that of a steel tank with generally electric internal heaters which communicate with the hydro pneumatic generator (35) which has some variations. In this case, the hydro pneumatic generator does not have an air tank, it only has a liquid gas tank for the cooling of the gas.
Basically, in this system of tanks a liquid of low vaporisation temperature is heated in the moveable rigid tanks passing to steam which escapes by means of the flexible tubing to the gas-liquid cooling tank (46) of the hydro pneumatic generator (35). On passing to steam the moveable tank varies its buoyancy, producing a lift force which is used by the hydro pneumatic energy generator (35). On liquid passing to the other tank its buoyancy varies producing a downwards force which together with that already mentioned generates a couple that is energetically useable.
The hydro pneumatic generator with electric resistance tanks, fig. 10, fig. 11, fig. 12, fig. 13 and fig. 14, consists of a hydro pneumatic energy generator with liquid-gas cooling tank (35); moveable and rigid liquid-gas tanks with heater (36) and (37); flexible hose (38) and (39) for liquid inlet steam outlet; liquid inlet valve (40) and (41) for tanks (36) and (37); heater (42) and (43) for tanks (36) and (37); high liquid level indicators in moveable tanks (44) and (45) for tanks (36) and (37); gas cooling tank (46); cooling coil (47); high position sensors (48) and (49) for tanks (36) and (37); steam outlet valves (50) and (51) for tanks (36) and (37); cable or chain (52).
The aforementioned elements of the hydro pneumatic generator with electric resistance tanks collaborate with each other in the following manner to produce surplus energy.
Starting from the tank (36) up position and filled with liquid and tank (37) down and filled with gas the movement produced by buoyancy begins which the hydro pneumatic generator (35) will use.
As soon as the high position sensor (49) detects the tank (37) on the surface of the liquid, the valve (41) to fill the tank (37) opens, at the same time as the heater (42) of the tank (36) and the steam outlet valve (50) opens, as the temperature of the liquid rises, the liquid converts to steam leaving the tank (36) in the direction of the cooling tank (46) where on passing by the cooling coil (47) it returns to a liquid state. On the tank (37) filling and the tank (36) emptying their buoyancy varies with one sinking and the other floating, this couple being transmitted through the chain (52) to the hydro pneumatic generator of mechanical energy (35) transforming into a useable energy through its power take-off shafts as more power than that consumed would be generated.
As of this first part the cycle starts again but in reverse.
As soon as the tank (36) reaches up empty and the tank (37) reaches the bottom of the liquid full, the high position sensor (48) detects the tank (36) on the surface of the liquid, the valve (40) opens to fill the tank (36) at the same time as the heater (43) of the tank (37) switches on and the steam outlet valve (51) opens, as the temperature of the liquid rises the liquid is converted to steam leaving the tank (37) in the direction of the cooling tank (46) where on passing by the cooling coil (47) it returns to liquid state. On tank (36) filling and tank (37) emptying their buoyancy varies with one sinking and the other floating, this couple is transmitted through the chain (52) of the hydro pneumatic generator of mechanical energy (35) transforming it into a useable energy by means of the power take-off shafts as more power than that consumed would be generated.
As soon as the tank (37) reaches the surface and the tank (36) reaches the bottom of the liquid, we reach the initial position and the cycle of the hydro pneumatic generator with electric resistance tanks has already been completed.
Hydro pneumatic generator with continuous drive system fig.15, 16, 17 and 18.
Although the original system hydro pneumatic generator system has a maximum of two tanks per cable the improvement of the tanks with the system of bellows and mechanical interlock with slight adaptations fig. 17 makes it possible to place a high number of tanks per cable until the cable is occupied in a practically almost continuous manner, better using the materials and improving the power of the machine. This continuous drive transmission system means that in an area of similar liquid, it is possible to transform a higher quantity of energy obtained from the difference in pressures at different depths and from the difference in densities between liquid and gas.
Basically in this system, the tanks are joined in an order of symmetry on the cable or chain. The compression of the tank at depth produces an extension of its symmetrical tank on the surface as they are joined to each other directly by means of flexible tubing, producing the necessary variation in buoyancy using the practically constant conditions of the medium. In the liquid medium and in the water which will be the most common medium, the density only varies slightly due to heating of same.
In this system no air is lost, or temperature, the only losses will come from the friction of the tanks with the water, the friction of mechanical parts and the losses of the electric generator if there is one.
Two rappers are introduced which will be what gives the opening signal for the pins and valves to pass from flexible tank compressed to extended and vice versa at the same time in each group of symmetrical tanks. The pneumatic cylinders are eliminated, their former function can be performed directly, as the flexible tanks function as pneumatic cylinders with the difference that air is not introduced from a compressor rather the pressure generated around the tank at depth is used, for it to have more consistency it will be necessary to place a gas at pressure which is able to overcome the tension required to extend the tank with a compression of the other tank.
The use of conical pulleys is another important quality as it allows the transmission cable or chain to remain in the optimal transmission location and at the same time they help to ensure that the securing cables (55) do not become entangled with the transmission system, roller bearings, etc., of the machine, allowing for a continuous drive of the chains without interruptions or changes in direction. This implies less wear of the mechanical parts as there will not be as much rattling and the generated force will be more stable.
The hydro pneumatic generator with a continuous drive system fig. 15, fig. 16, fig. 17 and fig. 18 consists of a floating platform (48), a transmission cable or chain (49), upper rapper (50), floater of the upper rapper (51), transmission belt (52), roller bearings (53), machine to be coupled (electric generator, etc.,) (54), securing cable (55), tanks with bellows and interlock system and rapper actuator (56), gravity weight (57), rapper actuator (58), tie handles (59), end of stroke (60), hydraulic or pneumatic pin (61), flexible tubing (62), valve actuated by hydraulic flow (63), liquid inlet and outlet valve or nozzle (64).
The aforementioned elements of the hydro pneumatic generator with continuous drive system collaborate with each other in the following manner to transform the differences in pressure and density into useable energy.
In the lift position of tank A and descent of tank B the machine rotates and when tank B reaches the maximum operational depth and A reaches the minimum operational depth.
At this point tank A collides with the upper rapper and tank B with the lower rapper. On striking the rapper actuator depending on the position marked by the end of stroke (60) and the surrounding pressure measured by the pressure gauges (66), the tank pins are opened or closed.
In this case, on tank B marking high pressure and bellow compressed, and on the rapper actuator (58) striking the lower rapper (65) the valves (63) of both tanks open the pins are unblocked and when the end of stroke marks that the bellows of tank B are compressed the closing of the pins is actuated again until they close.
At the same time, in tank A the pressure gauge (66) marks low pressure, the end of stroke (60) marks the bellows compressed and on the rapper actuator (58) striking the upper rapper (50) the pins (61) are released the valve (63) of this tank opens allowing flow of the air which comes from tank B whereupon the flexible tank of liquid fills with liquid, varying its buoyancy and making it sink. When the bellows are extended and the pressure gauges mark low pressure the pins (61) of tank A close.
On varying the buoyancy of both tanks, these pull through the securing cables (55) of the transmission chain (49) producing the rotation of the conical pulleys of the transmission belts and of the generators or machines etc., (54) thus being able to use the force generated by the variations in buoyancy.

Claims

Hydro pneumatic generator of mechanical energy characterised in that it contains: a floating platform (32) or a platform supported from solid ground, alternating liquid and pressurised gas tanks (1) and (2), low liquid level indicators (15) and (16) of tanks (1) and (2), high liquid level indicators (13) and (14) of tanks (1) and (2), non-return valves (19) and (20) of tanks (1) and (2), non-return valves (19) and (20) of tanks (1) and (2), flexible pipes for liquid and pressurised gas (17) and (18), cable (23) which transmit the force generated by the tanks, transmission belts (33) which transmit the force generated between the different pulleys, pulley which convert the linear movement into a rotational movement (27) and (29), a reduction pulley (28) which draws the cable nearer for a better transmission of the force to the pulleys (27) and (29), gravity weight with pulley (24) which tenses the force transmission cable (23), high position indicators (9) and (10) of tanks (1) and (2), pressurised air tank and compressor (3), gas pressure indicator (11), pressurised liquid tank and surface liquid collection pump (4), liquid pressure indicator (12), liquid shut-off valve (5) to tank (1), gas shut-off valve (6) to tank (1), liquid shut-off valve (8) to tank (2), gas shut-off valve (7) to tank (2), storage reel (30) of the flexible tubing (17) which connects the latter to the tanks (3) and (4) by means of rigid tubing (18), storage reel (31) of the flexible tubing (18) which connects the latter to the tanks (3) and (4) by means of rigid tubing, bearings (26) for securing pivot axes, ratchet pulley (21) which transmits the force when the cable (23) rotates in an anti-clockwise direction, ratchet pulley (22) which transmits the force when the cable (23) rotates in a clockwise direction (the ratchet pulleys (21) and (22) could be replaced with a deck-clutch or other similar system which allows for coupling and uncoupling of the pivot axes as required), mechanical power take-off (PTO) shafts (25) to which the elements that consume mechanical energy (generators, hydraulic pumps, etc.) will be coupled, gearwheels which when the ratchet pulleys are joined achieve the rotation of the PTO shafts (25) being uninterrupted and in the same direction irrespective of the direction of rotation of the cable (23) at any given time.
Method of operation of the hydro pneumatic energy generator contained in claim 1 which is characterised in that it makes the aforementioned elements cooperate in the following manner:
Hydro pneumatic generator of mechanical energy actuated by tanks (1) and (2) filled with liquid (generally water) and by tanks filled with pressurised gas (generally air), which during one period float and during another sink, alternating these functions at the end of each lift-down cycle among the total of the tanks.

To begin the operating cycle, we will assume that the position indicator (9) is indicating that the tank (1) is facing it, in other words that tank (1) is at the highest point of its trajectory and that tank (2), because it is joined to the former by means of the cable (23), is at the lowest point, at this moment tank (1) is full of air and tank (2) is full of water, tanks (3) and (4) are full and pressurised and solenoid valves (5) (6) (7) and (8) are closed.

Starting from this position, at the precise moment in which the position sensor (9) detects the high position of the tank (1) solenoid valve (5) opens allowing the free flow of water into the tank (1) until the water level indicator (13) shows that it is full. Also at the same moment as the tank (1) is detected by the indicator (9) solenoid valve (7) opens allowing the free flow of air towards tank two, the water contained in tank (2) is evacuated through the non-return valve (20) until the level indicator (16) shows that almost all the water has left the tank (2).

The moment the level indicator (13) shows that tank (1) is full of water, solenoid valve (5) closes.

The moment the level indicator (16) shows that tank (2) is full of air, solenoid valve (7) closes.

While tanks (1) and (2) were being filled with and emptied of water, they started to move, tank (1) towards the bottom and tank (2) towards the surface making the transmission cable (23) rotate in an anti-clockwise direction which makes the ratchet pulley (21) connect, which in this part of the cycle is the one that transmits the force to the PTO shafts (25), in this case leaving ratchet pulley (22) free.

The use of the energy consumed by filling and emptying both tanks continues to occur until the position indicator (10) indicates that the tank (2) has reached the surface and that therefore tank (1) is at the far bottom of its trajectory.

At the precise moment in which the position indicator detects tank (2) solenoid valves (6) and (8) open.

Solenoid valve (6) opens allowing free flow of the pressurised air from tank (3) to tank (1), when the level indicator (15) indicates that tank (1) is full of air, solenoid valve (6) closes. Solenoid valve (8) opens allowing free flow of the pressurised water from tank (4) to tank (2), when the level indicator (14) indicates that tank (2) is full of water, solenoid valve (8) closes.

In the meantime while tanks (1) and (2) were being emptied and totally filled with water, tank (1) started to rise towards the surface and tank (2) started to descend towards the bottom making the transmission cable (23) start to rotate in a clockwise direction which makes ratchet pulley (22) connect, which in this part of the cycle is the one that transmits the force to the PTO shafts (25) in this case leaving ratchet pulley (21) free.

The use of the energy consumed in filling and emptying both tanks continues to be produced until the position indicator (9) indicates that tank (1) has reached the surface and therefore tank (2) is at the far bottom of the trajectory thus completing the cycle of the hydro pneumatic energy generator.
Method of operation of the hydro pneumatic energy generator, characterised in that it transforms the difference in pressure between liquids and gases at the same depth into mechanical energy.
Method of operation of the hydro pneumatic energy generator, characterised in that it obtains mechanical energy in a liquid medium with a gas above.
Method of operation of the hydro pneumatic energy generator characterised in that it varies buoyancy and generates surplus mechanical buoyancy, using the pressure at depth of the liquid and optionally is aided by a compressor, hydraulic pump, electric motor, etc., to vary the buoyancy and to transform the difference in liquid gas pressures into energy.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator characterised in that it transforms buoyancy into mechanical energy by means of a tank with a system of bellows and mechanical interlock, wherein the system of bellows will contain several liquid gas tanks separate from each other which prevent these from mixing and will also have a mechanical interlock; the mechanical locking-unlocking is made to function by means of pneumatics, hydraulics, electro-mechanics, or a process that achieves the same purpose.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator which transforms buoyancy into mechanical energy characterised in that the tanks with a system of bellows and mechanical interlock can be compressed and stretched as required.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator characterised in that it contains tanks which generally work in pairs situated symmetrically along the transmission cable or chain to be able to make use of the excess air in the lower tank and the need for air in the upper one. And also to thereby cancel out the weight of both tanks.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator which transforms buoyancy into mechanical energy characterised in that in the case of an assembly of more than one independent tank with a system of bellows and mechanical interlock, in the same machine, the flexible air tank is connected to a hose which connects it to the other flexible air tank of the other tank with bellows system and mechanical interlock, so that this way the tank that is at depth helps the one which is on the surface to stretch at the same time.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator which transforms buoyancy into mechanical energy characterised in that the tanks with a system of bellows and mechanical interlock can contain: tanks flexible as required; locking-unlocking systems; valves; a rigid structure generally made of metal; a lug for securing the cable, chain...; hose;
Hydro pneumatic energy generator characterised in that it transforms the energy from the difference in pressures between liquid and gas at the same depth into mechanical energy.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator characterised in that it floats and transforms buoyancy into mechanical energy.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator characterised in that it is supported in the ground and transforms buoyancy into mechanical energy.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator characterised in that it transforms buoyancy into mechanical energy and contains floating platforms with direct inner access to the liquid.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator characterised in that it transforms buoyancy into mechanical energy and contains platforms supported by the ground with inner access to the liquid.
Method of operation of the hydro pneumatic energy generator characterised in that it functions in a liquid medium with gas above making use of the change in state from liquid to gas induced through heating by means of an electric resistance.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator which transforms buoyancy into mechanical energy and is characterised in that it contains thermal tanks which vary buoyancy making the internal liquid pass to steam at a sufficient pressure to be expelled outside.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator which transforms buoyancy into mechanical energy and characterised in that it contains moveable tanks with heat insulation.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator which transforms buoyancy into mechanical energy characterised in that it contains generally a heat insulated tank, electric resistance, overpressure valve, flexible hose, liquid level indicators, position indicators, etc.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator characterised in that it floats and transforms buoyancy into mechanical energy through thermal energy.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator characterised in that it is supported on the ground and in that it transforms buoyancy into mechanical energy through thermal energy.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator characterised in that it transforms buoyancy into mechanical energy by means of thermal energy, characterised in that the tanks work in pairs to thereby mutually cancel out each other's dead weight.
Method of operation of the hydro pneumatic energy generator characterised in that it transforms the difference in pressure at different depths of a liquid and the difference in densities between a liquid and a gas into mechanical energy.
Method of operation of the hydro pneumatic energy generator characterised in that the variation in buoyancy is actuated by means of the pressure at the bottom of a liquid.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator characterised in that it contains a system of transmission and transformation of energy called a continuous drive system which generally consists of conical pulleys open at one end (without a bearing at one end), transmission belts or chain, electric generator or machine which uses the mechanical energy produced, tanks with bellows and mechanical interlock with slight adaptations, weight with transmission pulleys open at one end, these pulleys tend to be conical, rappers for actuation.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator characterised in that it contains a tank with bellows and mechanical interlock with slight adaptations, characterised in that it has rapper actuator, ends of stroke, pressure gauge, pin and an independent tank.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator which transforms variable buoyancy into mechanical energy characterised in that it contains one or several weights with rapper and pulleys of one bearing only (open on one side).
Hydro pneumatic energy generator characterised in that it has a rapper with an incorporated weight, intended to actuate the automatisms of the buoyancy tanks.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator, floating and characterised in that it transforms buoyancy into mechanical energy.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator, supported by the ground, characterised in that it transforms buoyancy into mechanical energy.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator, characterised in that it contains a continuous drive system (with no pauses or changes in direction).
Hydro pneumatic energy generator which contains buoyancy tanks whose objective is to transform variable buoyancy into force characterised in that it has several chambers which keep liquid and gas separate.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator characterised in that it contains floating platforms with direct inner access to the liquid.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator characterised in that it contains platforms supported by the ground with inner access to the liquid.
Hydro pneumatic energy generator characterised in that it contains variable buoyancy tanks which work in pairs, actuated using the variable pressure according to the depth of the liquid.