Patent classifications
Y02B10/50
System and Method of Energy Conversion
A system and method of energy conversion using a mixture of a compressible gas and an incompressible liquid. Systems found in prior art do not convert all of the potential energy. Novel features of the system increase the conversion of the potential energy with a nozzle and turbine in the area where a mixture of incompressible liquid and compressed gas are separated. A turbine is at the exit of the nozzle, where the mixture contacts that turbine. A compressed gas displaces an incompressible liquid below the exit of the nozzle and location of the turbine. Another turbine can be prior to the nozzle to further increase conversion. A novel feature of the method combines waste heat with a compressed gas to increase potential output during expansion which includes driving a liquid pump that moves the incompressible liquid. External energy in waste heat or electricity is captured, converted, or stored.
Powered apparatus for fluid applications
A powered apparatus for fluid applications includes a housing dimensioned and configured for mounting in a fluid conduit. The apparatus includes a generator for generating power. The apparatus also includes a power storage device for storing the generated power. The housing, generator and storage device comprise an integrated unit. The apparatus also includes a device connected to be powered by the generated power, for example, LED or OLED lighting. In certain embodiments, the apparatus can be mounted in a fluid conduit of a water feature. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a microprocessor for controlling at least one of power storage, wireless communication, and monitoring of a parameter associated with the fluid. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a controller and a power storage device and does not include a generator. The apparatus may further include a docking station for charging the power storage device.
Flow rate responsive turbine blades and related methods
An apparatus energized by a flowing fluid includes at least one turbine blade having a trailing edge angle and an elastic deformation member connected to the at least one turbine blade. The deformation of the elastic deformation member changes an orientation of a trailing edge angle of the at least one turbine blade.
Cryogenic liquid expansion turbine
A cryogenic liquid expansion turbine has a turbine wheel mounted on a rotary shaft, at least one radial inlet for cryogenic liquid to be expanded in the expansion turbine for the rotary shaft, and a dry gas sealing means at a position along the rotary shaft between the turbine wheel and the bearings. There is a thermal barrier member between the turbine wheel and the dry gas sealing means, a gas chamber on the dry gas sealing means side of the thermal barrier member, and an internal passage for cryogenic gas to the said gas chamber. A method is also provided.
Vehicle comprising energy harvesting suspension system, and method for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy
A vehicle incorporates a gravity-assist energy harvesting suspension system including one or more gravitational positive displacement pumps. The positive displacement pump has a cylinder and a reciprocating piston inside the cylinder. The piston is adapted for movement along a compression stroke and an opposite extension stroke in response to a gravitational bounce of the vehicle when in motion. A turbine comprising a rotor shaft and attached blades is mounted relative to a distal end of a fluid outlet hose connected to the pump. Fluid discharged through the outlet hose acts on the blades, thereby moving and imparting rotational energy to the rotor shaft. A generator is operatively connected to the turbine, and is adapted for converting the rotational energy generated by the rotor shaft to electrical energy.
METHOD OF REPAIRING A HYDROGENERATOR
A method for repairing an electric generator having a rotor that rotates about a vertical axis, the rotor including a spider having a number of spider arms extending radially away from the axis, and a rim surrounding the spider. The weight of the rim is normally carried at least in part by rim support ledges of the spider arms. The method for repair includes supporting the rim from the top of the spider and thereby relieving some or all of the weight of the rim being supported by the rim support ledges
Electrical power from peripheral devices
A fluid flow device has a body with a mechanism for altering state of a fluid flowing through the device, an inlet conduit providing inlet of the flowing fluid to the body of the device, an outlet conduit providing outlet of the flowing fluid from the body of the device, and a micro-generator assembly installed in either the inlet conduit or the outlet conduit, the micro-generator assembly having an impeller driven by the flowing fluid, the impeller turning a shaft driving a generator producing a voltage across two output conductors.
ELECTRICAL POWER FROM PERIPHERAL DEVICES
A fluid flow device has a body with a mechanism for altering state of a fluid flowing through the device, an inlet conduit providing inlet of the flowing fluid to the body of the device, an outlet conduit providing outlet of the flowing fluid from the body of the device, and a micro-generator assembly installed in either the inlet conduit or the outlet conduit, the micro-generator assembly having an impeller driven by the flowing fluid, the impeller turning a shaft driving a generator producing a voltage across two output conductors.
Pipe-flow driven electric power generator device
An electrical energy generating device (1) to transform kinetic energy of fluid passing through a pipe into electrical energy, the device may include a flow management unit (2) having a first housing (20) enclosing a plurality of tubes and a first gasket (27); a generating unit (3) having a second housing (30) with a plurality of coils (37) embedded within the second housing (30), a rotor rotatable within the second housing (30); and a connector (4) connecting the flow management unit (2) to the generating unit (3).
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING ELECTRICITY FROM MOVING FLUID
In one aspect, a system for generating electricity based on water flow is disclosed. The system comprises a first pipe fitting, a turbine, and a second pipe fitting. The first pipe fitting couples to a pipe that supplies a fluid to a building. The turbine is in fluid communication with the first pipe fitting and rotates in response to a kinetic energy of the fluid supplied by the pipe flowing through the turbine, generates electricity in response to rotation of the turbine, and reduces a pressure of the fluid from a first pressure to a second pressure. The second pipe fitting couples the turbine to an input pipe of the building. The turbine further comprises a conversion circuit that conditions the generated electricity for consumption by the building and conveys the generated electricity to the building via one or more conductors.