GB2512562A

GB2512562A - Dynamic valvular helix turbine

Info

Publication number: GB2512562A
Application number: GB1223493.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Khan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-12-30
Filing date: 2012-12-30
Publication date: 2014-10-08
Also published as: GB201223493D0

Abstract

A turbine comprises a shaft 12 affixed around which is a wide flat helix 15, the inner edge 16 of the helix being contiguous with the outer surface of the shaft. The helix, like a screw thread, has a precise pitch, the distance between its turns being congruous throughout. The space between the turns of the helix is a helical conduit 18 allowing fluid to flow through. The aperture 14 at one endpoint of the helical conduit is blocked whereas the corresponding aperture at the opposite endpoint remains open, allowing fluid to exhaust. The turbine further comprises, extending to the outer periphery of the helix, a stratum 20 having the same height as the pitch 17 of the helix and comprising a series of valvular channels 19 through which fluid is admitted to the turbine, positioned tangentially to the circumference of the helix and precisely shaped to allow unidirectional inward flow. Two intertwined helices (31,32, fig.5) may be used. Longitudinal fins (33, fig.5) may be provided on the external surface of the turbine, eg in a wind turbine. When mounted vertically undersea, the turbine (81, fig.8) pumps water up to the surface for potential energy storage.

Description

DYNAMIC VALVULAR HELIX TURBINE

for transmission of the motive energy of fluids

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of turbines. The present invention impacts on various more Jo particular fields: wind turbines; ocean current turbines hydropower turbines motive turbines applying to aeronautical and automotive propulsion systems turbines used in industrial pumping applications turbine compressors. In terms of the mode of operation, the present invention particularly relates to turbines which are propelled by dynamics resulting from intermolecular adhesion forces, exerted when fluid flows across or interfaces with a solid surface. Machines which operate via this principle are not unJuown, howevcr ncithcr arc thcy commonplace; the premise is that thcrc arc few, if any, prior devices comparable to the present invention. Examples of prior art are discussed herein.

BACKGROUND

In simple terms, the usefulness of a turbine as an industrial machine, is that it processes multifarious kinetic energy, and converts it to a controlled or linear rotation about an axis. The input energy is conveyed by the motion of a fluid, such as, water, steam, air; when the fluid contacts, or interfaces, the turbine, some of the fluids kinetic energy is tTansferred to the turbine, causing the rotation.

The turbines output rotation may be harnessed for the purposes of, perhaps, generating electrical power, or driving machinery. Early examples of this art were, for instance, the water wheel and the windmill; these traditional machines, even in a rudimentary way, perform the basic purpose of a turbine. The water wheel rotates due to the force of a waterfall, the windmill rotates due to the force of fluctuations in air pressure acting on its sails. There have been many further designs of turbines through the ages, earlier designs having been periodically superseded by progressively more efficient and specialised versions. The drive towards efficiency being a constant motivating factor.

Onc major use of turbines is in cncrgy production. For the purposcs of this discussion, a particular focus is directed at the production of clectricily from sustainable energy sources. As further background, a brief outline of the potential of this sustainable energy production is put forward Firstly, the energy contained in oceans. The gulf stream is the strongest ocean eun'ent in the world, beginning near the Caribbean coast and ending in the North Atlantic. The stream transports approximately 1.4 petawatts of energy, equivalent to 100 times the world energy demand. Certainly, there is a great (lea! of untapped potential energy iii tile worlds oceans, undersea marine currents and tidal inflows. Various approaches have been tried, utilising turbines to harness the energy of marine currents. Purely by way of example, see Patent nos GB2464306, GB2477532, US4 163904.

Secondly, off-shore wind power generation, which is already gaining endorsement. A great deal of energy is integrated in wind currents. The United Kingdoms energy generation capacity from wind, as of mid 2012, was 6500-7000 MW. Approximately 5% of the United Kingdoms electricity is cunently produced by wind powered turbines. One of the main difficulties is that both wind currents and marine currents constitute a non-uniform and changeable energy source, displaying large fluctuations from time to time. This means any device used to process such energy must operate over a wide velocity range. Whilst some turbines are efficient at certain speeds, they may become inefficient or ineffective at other speeds. Another drawback is the relative lack of control over how much energy is generated at a required time. Inevitably, the cycle efficiency of renewable energy driven turbine systems tends to be rclativcly low. They are simply not able to cffcctively proccss all of the cncrgy available to them.

Of course, no turbine is perfectly efficient. The efficiency with which a turbine can process energy may vary considerably for different types of turbine, and due to varying flow rates and load on the turbine.

With reference to wind turbine systems, for instance, efficiency tends to be between 25-35% and may be lower. The wind, being a fluctuating energy stream, is not driving the turbine at ftill power most of the time. A significant amount of the winds energy passes through, thus being wasted, or is consumed by the turbine during the duty cycle, as further losses are incurred in balancing shaft rotation speed in order to smooth the electrical output. This inhereilt lack of efficiency is a concern for manufacturers of wind turbines.

Clearly, the potential exists to generate vast amounts of power from sustainable or renewable sources, however, such a possibility is not being fully realized at present.

PRIOR ART

Simple early turbines, like water wheels and windmills, have been mentioned. During the age of industrial revolution, there were further developed a number of distinct types of industrial turbines which continue to be in use today -despite being devised a century and more ago. Namely, the Fourneyron turbine of 1834 (the first modern fluid turbine) the Francis type turbine, first proposed 1849 the Parsons steam turbine of 1884; the Pelton wheel turbine of 1890, and the Kaplan turbine of 1913. All of these turbines, for best operation require a water flow to be supplied from a height, known as a head, into the machine, or for a pressurised fluid or gas,sueh as steam, to be supplied through a nozzle or stator to impinge the rotor blades at a certain angle. This means such types are somewhat deficient in terms of extracting energy from, for example, wind, or any fluid which does not have a precise flow path or angle of entry. In their original form, the five mentioned basic types may be generally omitted iii terms of sustainable power generation applications.

The propeller turbine, and the Darrieus turbine of 1931 (US1835018), have, in various analogous forms, become the turbines of choice for sustainable power in terms of both the Darrieus and the conventional propeller-bladed wind turbines in common use, similar to the original windmills, rotational momentum is principally generated by the reaction of a wing or an airfoil to the pressure modulations of the wind, generating lift.

Distinctions are made, for the purposes of the discourse, between turbines which operate mainly by an impact or impulse force of fluid contacting a blade -impulse turbines -and then, those which operate mainly by reacting to the expansion of a pressurised fluid release -reaction turbines -and those which operate by other forces. Notable among the other types is the Tesla turbine of 1909, the first example to operate primarily by the adhesion forces at a boundary layer between a fluid and a surface.

Nikola Tesla's Bladeless Turbine was patented in May 1913 in the U.S. (under U.S. Patent 1061206 -Turbine) from an original October 1909 application; a United Kingdom patent application being lodged for the same (under No. 24001 -Improved Method of Imparting Energy to or Deriving Energy From a Fluid and Apparatus for use therein) with effective date October 1910 this was the first time anyone had envisioned using adhesion and cohesion forces apparent in a fluid to transmit momentum from a motive fluid to a turbine machine. At the time, it was difficult to manufacture the discs accurately from a material strong enough to withstand warping at the edges when the high speeds of rotation occurred. Subsequent analysis has determined that the Tesla turbines efficiency decreases with increasing load, an observation Tesla had alluded to. There are inherent losses on fluid entry and exhaust, overall efficiency typically being between 36% and 41%. At the time of its introduction, this was comparable with other turbines in use, however, other turbines have been steadily refined since then, with corresponding gains in efficiency. The proposal is, in connection with the present invention, that the powerftTl and fundamental nature of intermolecular adhesion forces make the Tesla turbine a highly practical start point in considering how to design an efficient turbine.

In this document, the phrases "Prandtl layer", "transition layer", or "boundary layer" are equivalent in meaning i.e. a thin molecular layer of a fluid in the immediate vicinity of a solid surface where molecules of the fluid adhere to the surface. This effect was first quantified by Ludwig Prandtl in a paper publicised on August 12, 1904, and forms an important part of the science of both fluid dynamics and aerodynamics. In reference to the present invention, it is to be noted that both gases, such as air, and liquids, such as water, exhibit this effect. Terms given to such devices whose mode of operation is based on this effect are, variously, boundary layer! Prandtl layer turbines, friction turbines, Tesla turbines.

The Prandtl layer assertion explains how motive force can be transmitted by the adhesion of a moving viscous fluid to a surface.

Also in this document, mention is made of the valvular conduit device, for which a Patent was issued to Nikola Tesla in 1920 under U.S. Patent 1329559, also known as the Tesla Valve it should be noted that 110 claim is made in this application to improvements in said valvular conduit device.

In terms of the pnor art, then, most of the previous types of turbines are not readily applicable to the generation of power from sustainable energy sources. The one style in common use today, as both a wind turbine and water turbine, is the simple propeller-bladed type -which does have its shortcomings.

There is plausible scope for the introduction of a turbine machine which may overcome some of the aforementioned inadequacies and drawbacks of the prior art, thereby providing a more efficient solution to the production of power from motive fluids, and it is with the intellection of designing such a device, that the present invention is subniitted.

OBJECTIVES

The principal objective of the present invention is to improve the efficiency with which energy from motive fluids may be processed by a turbine.

A further objective of the present invention is for it to be more versatile, in terms of differing fluid flow rates that it may acccpt, than examples of thc prior art.

A furthcr objcctive of the present invention is for it to be more versatile, in terms of being able to operate optimally under varying loads applied to it, than examples of the prior art.

A further objective of the present invention is for it to be more versatile, in terms of the differing types of fluids and gases that may be used to propel it, than examples of thc prior art.

A further objective of the present invention is that it should be relatively less complex, in terms of the number of moving and/or interlocking or connecting parts required, than examples of the prior art.

A further objective of the present invention is that it should be inherently more stable, less prone to mechanical failure and/or deformation, than examples of the prior art.

A further objective of the present invention is that it should be capable of self-starting, or, it should not require external power to be input to it, in order to balance its speed of rotation, for best operation.

A further objective of the present invention is that it may operate as both a turbine and pump.

A further objective of the present invention is that it should form the core component of an improved sustainable power system, allowing management of power output in line with demand, and introducing the capability of storing energy for later regeneration.

APPLICATION SUMMARY

The presented dynamic valvular helix turbine operates differently to examples of prior art, having no s discrete rotors, blades, or discs. Instead it comprises a helix, or plurality of helices, of precise form, attached to a rotatable shaft, along with multiple means of controlling and directing the flow of fluid through the turbine. It is claimed that certain limitations of prior art, particularly problematic and inefficient conversion of the disparate energy contained within or conveyed by certain renewable energy sources, such as wind or marine currents, are surmounted by this design.

Herein, a preferred embodiment of the invention is described and its mode of operation rationalized.

Composite mechanical systems are envisaged, as might define an improved and more efficient machine for transformation of motive fluid energy to useable, applied rotation, and develop the enablement of the storage and regeneration of such energy These advancements can make sustainable power much cheaper to generate and easier to integrate in to a national grid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a turbine propelled by the dynamics resulting from intermolecular adhesion forces, exerted when fluid flows across or interfaces with a solid surfhce, performing the transmission of momentum from the motive fluid to the turbine.

A turbine co,,.pises a shaft, which may rotate about its central axis, attached to which is a helix. The said helix is of a form similar to a screw thread, though generally wider and flatter, preferably having a relatively small pitch, or, in other words, its gradient prefrrably being relatively shallow. The helix comprises a single continuous twisted coplanar surface, or ribbon, which spirals around the shaft, the inner edge of the helix being contiguous with the outer surface of the shaft, so that the helix is fixed to the shaft. The shaft may be mounted in a bearing.

The helix has a precise and equibalanced space between its turns an array of cylindrical spacers may be inserted in this space, having the effect of generating additional propulsion dynamics within the turbine, as well as ensuring the height of the space remains congruous throughout Said space, which nterposes the turns of the helix, may be described as a continuous helical channel, or internal helical conduit, following the length of and adjacent to, the helix surface.

The turbine further comprises, extending to the outer edge, or periphery, of the helix, a semi-porous valvular stratum, having the same height as the pitch of the helix, so that the said valvular stratum can s allow a unidirectional flow of fluid from the periphery of the turbine toward said internal helical conduit within the turbine. Flow in the opposite direction is inhibited by the same feature.

The valvular stratum comprises a series of valvular channels, or valvular conduits, spaced at intervals along the helix. The valvular channels must have a precise form, in order to achieve the unidirectional flow characteristics. The structure of each channel is comparable to the referenced valvular conduit device (1JS1329559). The present invention requires a plurality of valvular channels, pointing inwards towards the centre of the helix, configured with additional connecting channels where conduits merge, or engage in confluence. The valvular channels may be positioned tangentially to the circumference of the helix.

At the external periphery of the turbine, the sole entry points through which fluid is admiftcd to the turbine, are the outer openings of the valvular channels. Fluid moves through the valvular channels toward the cente of the turbine. When fluid reaches the inner openings of the valvular channels it flows into the internal helical conduit. At the lower end of the helix, the aperture at the endpoint of said internal helical conduit is blocked, whereas, at the upper, or opposite, end of the helix, the corresponding aperture at the opposite endpoint of said internal helical conduit remains open, allowing fluid to escape or exhaust.

In this machine, it is the flow of fluid in said internal helical conduit, (i.e. the helical space which exists between the turns of the helix, following the surface of the helix), which relates energy transmission within the turbine. Motive fluid enters the valvular channels, flowing toward the center of the turbine, resulting in a pressure increase within the turbine. The pressure is relieved via fluid flowing through the internal helical conduit, toward the exhaust aperture where it effluxes, a process during which, at the interface between the fluid and the surface of the helix, through adhesion forces, as discussed, the fluid transfers its momentum to the helix, causing rotation. Eventually, where there is enough energy supplied by the motive fluid, the fluid and turbine will attain panty of momentum and travel at approximately the same speed. This allows the machine to act as a pump as well as a turbine, leading to the possibility of pumping, or compressing, the exhausted fluid, which equates to a method of storing excess energy delivered by the fluid -an advancement over existent systems which cannot store the

S

fluids energy.

It is proposed that the present invention converts the motive energy within a flowing fluid, to rotation, with a generally higher efficiency than prior devices, because it is able to present a greater surface area s to interface with the fluid and is able to use powerful intermolecular forces and centrifugal forces to extract energy from the fluid. Furthermore, when a greater amount of energy is delivered by the fluid than can be processed immediately, an advantage of the present invention is that excess energy may be stored, using additional or auxiliary apparatus. A further explanation of how this is implemented is outlined in the subsequent, more detailed desenption.

The present invention may be dnven by air pressure, oil, water, and many other fluids or gases used to propel turbines which exhibit adhesion with a surface. Intermolecular forces are universal, existing to some degree in all gases, fluids and solid materials. Preferably, the material used to construct the helix should be smooth, preferably with a high friction coefficient or adhesive quality in order to maximize is efficiency.

The present invention allows for a plurality of heliees, identical but evenly spaced about the shaft, to be used instead ofjust a single helix, where this might be expedient or lead to greater efficiency.

There is also the possibility of mounting a series of fins longitudinally on the external or peripheral surface of the turbine, aligned between the inlets to the valvular channels, where such additional fms may lead to greater efficiency, particularly at low flow rates.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The scope of the invention is best defined by the detailed description and claims herein. Various aspects and embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, though all possible examples and embodiments may not be illustrated, in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the present invention; Figure 2 shows an exploded detail view from top of one revolution of the helix, particularly depicting the design of the plurality of valvular channels at the periphery of the helix; Figure 3 shows an exploded sectional perspectivc view of a segmcnt of the helix, depicting a preferred arrangement of valvular channels and spacers; Figure 4 shows a diagram indicating the present invention's increased surface area presented to the motive fluid, compared to a conventional wind turbine; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein two hcliccs are used, additional fins are also shown; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the present invention as characterized by its application as an on-shore wind turbine; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the present invention as characterized by its application as an off-shore wind turbine; Figure 8 shows a side view of the present invention as characterized by its application as a marine current turbine.

Figure 1 shows a basic or core version of the present invention, the turbine comprises a shaft (12), shown in a dotted outline, which may rotate about its central axis, attached to which is a helix (15). The said helix is of a particular wide, flat form, though the illustration is not to scale, and varying diameters or thicknesses may be used in different applications or situations. The helix comprises a twisted coplanar surface, or ribbon, which spirals around the shaft, the inner edge (16) of the helix being contiguous with the outer surface of the shaft, so that the helix is fixed to the shaft. The shaft may be mounted in a bearing.

The helix must have a precise and congruous spacing between its turns. Cylindrical spacers may be inserted in this space. Optional spacer(s) are shown at (30, in Figure 3) but are not shown in all drawings. The space interposed between the turns of the helix becomes a continuous helical channel, or internal helical conduit (18), following the length of the helix, and adjaccnt to the helix surface. The optimum pitch (17) of the helix and the number of turns are variable, dependant on the application and the amount of load desired to be put on the turbine. The illustration Figure 1, does not necessarily show the full number of turns required for a workable or efficient device, it is an exploded or abbreviated view to better illustrate the inner workings and fluid passages.

The turbine further comprises, extending to the outer edge, or periphery, of the helix, a semi-porous valvular stratum (20), having the same height as the pitch (17) of the helix. The said valvular stratum can allow a unidirectional flow of fluid fiom the periphery of the turbine to the internal helical conduit /0 within the turbine, whilst flow in the opposite direction is inhibited. Figures 2 and 3 offer a detail view of this feature.

At the lower end of the helix, the aperture (14) at the endpoint of the said internal helical conduit, is s blocked, whereas, at the upper, or opposite end of the helix, the corresponding aperture at the endpoint of the internal helical conduit remains open, allowing fluid to escape or exhaust.

Figure 2 shows the valvular stratum, which comprises a plurality of valvular channels (19), or valvular conduits, spaced at intervals along the helix. Four of the channels are indicated by the designation (19) but it is a continuous series of channels as shown. The feature can be seen in perspective, in Figure 3.

The exact form of the valvular channels has been calculated to allow unidirectional flow characteristics. For a complete explanation of how a valvular conduit works, please see US 1329559.

Note that the original design of the channels in the referenced patent, is not deviated from for the purposes of this application. The only additional mechanism the present invention requires, is a is plurality of valvular channels, pointing inwards towards the centre of the helix, configured with additional connecting channels where conduits merge, be located at the periphery of the helix. Said valvular channels may be positioned tangentially to the circumference of the helix, as shown.

In general terms, the mechanism for restricting fluid to unidirectional flow, is as follows fluid may flow freely in the operative direction of the valvular channel. As fluid flows back around the loops of the channel, against the operative direction, the turbulence generated by opposing currents stalls reverse flow.

Said plurality of valvular conduits used in the present invention, may be referred to as a valvular stratum. The width of the valvular stratum in this embodiment is shown at approximately one third the radius of the helix, though, other proportions may be applicable. Said valvular stratum is the same height as the space between the turns of the helix, or the pitch of the helix, and is attached or bonded to the surfaces immediately above and below it, so that motive fluid may enter the turbine solely through said valvular channels. Fluid which has passed through the channels is evoked to flow upwards, following the internal helical conduit in order to exhaust, due to the pressure increase in the helical conduit as fluid enters it; an effect which enables this machine to act as a pump.

The arrangment of valvular channels shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, together with the twist direction of the helix shown, i.e. clockwise twist, would result in the turbine being able to rotate clockwise, as Ii shown by the arrow (21, in Figure 3). A motive fluid can enter the turbine from any direction or angle, and will cause the turbine to rotate only clockwise. Obviously, if the rotation direction of the turbine was required to be reversed, i.e. anticlockwise, both the twist direction of the helix and the tangential position of the helical channels would need to be the opposite of what is shown. )

Figurc 4 shows, in diagrammatic form, the greater surface area exposed by the prcsent invention to the wind. The turbine on the left (4!), whieh represents a dynamie valvular helix turbine, can process all of the wind vectors (46,47,48) applied to it. Whereas, the turbine on the right (42). which represents a conventional propeller-bladed type wind turbine, allows some of the wind vectors (43,45) to pass through, while processing only those vectors (44) which hit the blades directly.

Figure 5 shows an example embodiment of the present invention comprising a shaft (34) with two helices (31,32), intertwined and positioned at diametrically opposite sides of the turbine. The exhaust apertures (38) are located at the ends of the helices. The embodiment also shows optional additional is fins (33) attachcd to the periphery of thc turbine, such as might aid or improve output efficiency in low fluid flow rate conditions or self-start scenarios.

In a further example of a preferred embodiment, Figure 6 illustrates the use of the preseit invention iii an on-shore wind generator capacity. A generator (36) may be located in a housing at ground level (61), providing easier maintenence and greater stability. The turbine (35) structure is supported by guy wires (65), which maintain the turbine in a substantially perpendicular orientation and help to anchor the structure as it operates in high winds which may otherwise cause sway or deformation.

A fbrther preferred embodiment is illustrated iii Figure 7, an off-shore wind turbine example. Because a tower can be wcll stabilised using guy wires (73) attached to an uppcr mounting (71) housing an upper bearing, the entire turbine assembly (72) may be consftucted atop a floating platform (77), which can bc tugged out to sca when ready. The platform, ificluding generator (75), and main bearing (74), floats above sea level (70), being secured to the sea bed using chains (76) and/or a heavy ballast and/or anchor. When maintenance is required, the floatiig wind turbine structure may be towed back to shore so that work cai be carried out. This arraiigement reduces the cost and complexity of construction and maintenance.

A further example of a preferred embodiment is illustrated in Figure 8, a water current power generator.

In this example, the turbine is shown undersea, and as may be understood, a similar approach would /2 apply to its use with river currents. The desirable aspect of this embodiment is the operation of the device as both turbine and pump. Because the speed the turbine spins at, ideally, approximates fluid flow speed, and the valvular nature of the machine restricts water fiom escaping, water exhausts solely at the upper exhaust aperture and can be pumped up a long funnel by the action of the turbine, to be collected in a container above sea level. This stored water represents potential energy available for later regeneration.

An undersea turbine embodiment comprises a dynamic valvular helix turbine and turbine shaft mounted in a substantially vertical orientation, also termed a primary turbine (81), said primaiy turbine being submerged at an optimal depth below sea level (80) to be propelled by the mofion of undersea currents a long hollow funnel (82), allowing fluid to be pumped through it and exiting at a spout (91), in the direction of the arrow (87); the funnel being flared at its base and attached to the perimeter of the primary turbine, and positioned atop the turbine, the spout being above sea level (80); in the generation phase, the primary turbine being spun by marine currents, excess pressure within the turbine resulting in exhausted water being pumped to the top of the funnel, where it overflows out of the spout into a container (85) or containers positioned underneath the spout, and is stored in said container until needed for the regeneration phase in the regeneration phase, a solenoid actuated or pressure actuated valve (86) initially being opened, allowing the stored water to gush through a pipe (92) directed from the container toward a secondary turbine (88), which is thus actuated, producing additional power said secondary turbine may be a conventional hydro-eleetrie machine a generator (89) connected to both the primary and secondary turbines through a gearbox or gearset (90), said gearbox or gearset enabling the speed of the generator to be adjusted or optimised, and optionally allowing the primary or secondary turbines to be individually engaged and disengaged from the generator, the generator thus being capable of generating power produced by the rotation of the primary turbine or secondary turbine individually, or generating additional power when required by combining the respective rotative power outputs of both primary and secondary turbines a ballast dmm (93) and chains (94) with anchors (95) securing the turbine assembly to the sea bed (97), whilst the upper part of the thnnel assembly is housed in a floating pontoon (83) or raft, which may be secured in the usual way, accommodating an upper bearing (84) collaring the neck of the funnel, for extra stability, said pontoon providing a secure base for the installation of the generator, secondary turbine and aneillarics a lower bearing (96) which may be mounted in the ballast, or the ballast may be dispensed with and the /3 lower end of the turbine shaft, accommodated by a mounting equipped with a lower bearing, positioned on the sea bed.

The described embodiment provides two advantages in performing the transmission of energy s integrated in undersea currents. Firstly, it can generate power irrespective of the direction of flow of the current, and; secondly, it can enable the storage and regeneration of the energy processed by it, by the described means, and affords the ability to sequentially increase the generation system's power output when there is appropriate increased demand fiom the user.

o A similar ability to store energy, applied to an embodiment where the wiid is the agent (lelivering the energy to the turbine, can be achieved by linking the exhaust fluid output via a pipe or tube, to an external compressor, such as a screw compressor, turned by the rotation of the turbine, and the compressor's oulput further linked to a tank or container where the compressed air is stored. The stored air, in terms of pneumatic potential energy, could, as demanded, be either recirculated to the main is turbine, or directed toward a secondary turbine, able to be propelled by it in order to regenerate the energy. Such a system can enhance efficiency.

Another version which can improve the efficiency and versatility of turbine systems, can be made by directing the exhausted fluid toward a flywheel driven externally by the force of the exhausted fluid, thus temporarily being able to capture and transform the energy contained in the puniped, or exhausted fluid, which would otherwise be wasted.

Another version which could improve the efficiency and versatility of turbine systems, can be made by directing the pumped or exhausted fluid toward an external stator, surrounding the turbine; the stator comprising blades adequately shaped and positioned to rebound the kinetic energy of the exhausted fluid, thus forcing the turbine to turn faster.

The present invention can be fitted to existing towers or structures and turbine stations: it may be used in energy generation systems, including but not liniited to, undersea energy systems, tidal power systems, hydropower systems, wave power systems, on-shore and off-shore wind energy systenis, upper atmosphere and floating energy generation systems. /4

The present invention may find additional application in multi-stage turbine systems, industrial pumping systems and other applications where turbines are currently used.

The foregoing description is a pictorial and verbal illustration of the present invention and its general and typical applications, and would enable one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode or modes thereof.

It will be generally understood that there may exist many further variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiments and examples herein, and that changes in the details of construction, arrangement of parts and application of components may oecui; without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Such alterations, variations and combinations are intentionally covered by what is claimed:

Claims

CLATMSI) A turbine adapted to be propelled by a fluid, comprising A rotatable shaft and a helix fixed or attached thereto, said helix comprising a single continuous surface, the inner edge of thc helix bcing contiguous with thc outcr surfacc of thc shaft; the distance, or space, between the turns of tile helix being congruous throughout; said space following the surface of the helix, also hereinafter referred to as a helical conduit, being a channel admitting fluid to flow through it; Jo the fluid's energy being imparted by adhesion to the turbine as it flows through said helical conduit; located at the periphery of the hchx, a valvular stratum comprising a series of valvular channels through which fluid is admitted to the turbine; said valvular stratum being the same height as said space or helical conduit and being accordingly located at the periphery of said space, so that said valvular channels are the only means of /5 admission of the fluid to the turbine, and; the structure of the valvular channels being designed for unidirectional flow, as hereinbefore described.
2) A turbine as claimed in Claim I, wherein one of the endpoints of said helical conduit is closed, blocking fluid exit, the other or opposite endpoint of said helical conduit accordingly being open, allowing fluid to exhaust.
3) A turbine as claimed in Claims I or 2, wherein a plurality of helices are fixed or attached to the shaft, each helix comprising or including a helical conduit and a valvular stratum or series of valvular channels.
4) A turbine as claimed in Claims 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a number of fins mounted radially or longitudinally on the outer or external surface of the turbine, in order to improve response at below optimum flow rates and during self-start procedures.
5) A turbine as claimed in Claims 1, 2, 3 or 4, further comprising a tube, pipe, or hollow funnel, the lower circumference of which is attached or sealed to the outer perimeter or circumference of the turbine said tube, pipe, or funnel being mounted adjacent the aperture where fluid exhausts and admitting fluid to be pumped through it toward an external apparatus.
6) A turbine as claimed in Claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the rotatable shaft is equipped at its lower end with a bearing housed in a lower mounting and at its upper end with a bearing housed in an upper moul1tll1g, enabling the turbine to be mounted securely on the ground, or on a tower, or anyother suitable site.
7) A turbine as claimed in Claim 6, particularly adapted for use as a wind turbine, further comprising the turbine and turbine shaft mounted in a substantially vertical orientation, the said turbine and shaft assembly being mounted on an inflatable platform which may be floated on the surface of an ocean or a body of water; the entire sftucture being supported by guy wires connected to the upper mounting and anchored to the platform.
8) A turbine as claimed in Claim 6, where particularly adapted for use as a marine current turbine, further comprising: the said turbine and turbine shaft mounted in a substantially vertical orientation, also termed the primary turbine, said primary turbine being submerged at an optimal depth below sea level to be propelled by the motion of undersea currents the primary turbine having a funnel, as described, allowing water to be pumped through it and, on exiting at the said spout, said water being collected in a container placed near the spout, being stored in said container until needed; a secondary turbine, connected to the container by a pipe equipped with a valve, the valve being opened to allow water to empty out of the container through the pipe and flow into the secondary turbine a generator being connected to both the primary and secondary turbines through a gearbox or gearset, said gearbox or gearset enabling the speed of the generator to be adjusted or optimised, and optionally allowing the primary or secondary turbines to be individually engaged and disengaged from the generator, the generator thus being capable of generating power produced by the rotation of the primary turbine or secondary turbine individually, or generating additional power when required by combining the respective rotative power outputs of both primary and secondary turbines.
9) A turbine substantiafly as described in this specification and with reference to Figures 1 to 8 of the drawings.