Abstract
A river or tidal turbine for generating a minimum predetermined value of electricity from river current received at a harnessing module comprises a harnessing module, a control module and a generating module. Han's principle is that harnessed power from a river or tidal turbine must exceed a predetermined value of control power used by the turbine. Minimum power is lost in a three variable closed mechanical control system. The three variable closed mechanical system comprises a Hummingbird control assembly of first and second spur/helical gear assemblies which may be preferably mechanically simplified. The Hummingbird control, a control motor and a generator among other components may be mounted on a floating platform for delivery of constant power at constant frequency given sufficient input from a waterwheel harnessing module driven by river current flow in at least one direction. A tidal embodiment may comprise a moveable hatch for permitting the waterwheel to turn in foe same rotational direction regardless of direction of water current flow.
Claims
1. A control assembly for controlling variable rotational speed input such that an output of the control assembly provides a more constant speed output than the variable rotational speed input, the control assembly for outputting a predetermined value of electric energy, the control assembly comprising: a harnessing module designed to harness renewable energy from the flow of water current, the harnessing module requiring a depth of water and a speed of water to capture the predetermined value of electric energy for delivery to a load, an input shaft from the energy harnessing module, the harnessing module being designed for a specific location on a river or a tidal estuary, the input shaft for receiving a variable rotational speed input from the energy harnessing module, the input shaft having a central sun gear meshing with a planetary gear having a width greater than that of the input shaft sun gear, a carrier assembly including the planetary gear of at least first and second opposite planetary gears, a first sun gear/sleeve/sun gear extension disc surrounding the input shaft at one end and a second sun gear/sleeve/sun gear extension disc surrounding the input shaft at the other end, the first and second sun gear/sleeve/sun gear extension disc meshing with the first and second planetary gears of the carrier assembly, one of the first and second sun gear/sleeve/sun gear extension discs receiving a constant rotational speed control input and the other of the first and second sun gear/sleeve/sun gear extension discs providing a constant rotational speed output, and a worm and pinion connection of a control motor to a central shaft of the carrier assembly such that the output renewable electric power is approximately eight to ten times a power output of a control motor for outputting the control input.
2. The control assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein a generator powers the control motor and may provide a direct current for powering a constant speed control motor for providing a constant rotational speed input.
3. The control assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein a variable resistance is connected to a micro-grid output for varying the load on the micro-grid.
4. The control assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein the harnessing module comprises a waterwheel for capturing river renewable energy, the waterwheel having between six and eight spokes having a radius from a central shaft, the spokes for supporting one of a paddle, a bucket and a propeller blade for receiving water current How and generating torque to turn the central shaft at a variable rotational speed for generating the predetermined value of electric energy.
5. The control assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein the harnessing module comprises one of a wheel and a propeller for capturing water renewable energy.
6. The control assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein the harnessing module is coupled to a control assembly including the control motor by a gear box comprising a magnetic gear.
7. A control assembly for controlling variable rotational speed input such that an output of the control assembly provides a constant speed output from a minimum variable rotational speed input, the control assembly comprising a closed three variable system, the closed three variable system comprising: an input shaft connected to a water energy harnessing module, the input shall for receiving a minimum variable rotational speed water flow speed input from the energy harnessing module according to Han's principle of minimal loss of power between harnessed energy and a predetermined level of electric energy delivered to a load, the input shaft having a first star gear of a first spur/helical gear assembly meshing with a planetary gear having a width greater than that of the input shaft sun gear and a second sun gear of a second spur/helical gear assembly, first and second carrier assemblies of the first and second spur/helical gear assemblies including the first and second planetary gears and third and fourth opposite planetary gears. a sun gear/sleeve/sun gear extension disc of each of the first and second spur/helical gear assemblies surrounding the input shaft, the first and second sun gear/sleeve/sun gear extension disc meshing with the first and second planetary gears of the carrier assembly of the respective spur/helical gear assembly surrounding the input shaft, one of the first and second sun gear/sleeve/sun gear extension discs receiving a constant rotational speed control input and the other of the first and second sun gear/sleeve/sun gear extension discs providing a constant rotational speed output, a generator connected via a gearbox to a shaft of the first and second carrier assemblies, and a control motor for outputting a constant power to a worm and pinion at one of 8/1 and 10/1 for controlling the first and second carrier assemblies.
8. The control assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein a generator provides an alternating current for powering an alternating current constant speed motor for providing the constant rotational speed control input.
9. The control assembly as recited in claim 7 further comprising a releasing of drive comprising a worm and pinion having a ratio of one of 8/1 and 10/1 driven by the control motor, the worm and pinion having a control gear ratio of 30/23.
10. The control assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein the harnessing module comprises a propeller for capturing wind renewable energy, the propeller for generating a torque and rotating at a rotational speed of a minimum value depending on the output power to be generated by the control assembly driving a predetermined value of load.
11. The control assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein the harnessing module comprises one of a waterwheel and a propeller for capturing water renewable energy, the waterwheel or propeller rotating in the same direction but having means for receiving water flow from one side or an opposite side of the waterwheel.
12. The control assembly as recited in claim 1 for use in controlling rotational speed of one of a waterwheel and a propeller, the waterwheel capable of receiving water from two opposite directions and, via a 180 rotational movement of a hatch about the waterwheel, the waterwheel rotating in the same direction regardless of the direction of current flow.
13. The control assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein the control assembly provides a constant rotational speed output to a generator and the harnessing module is designed to tum the generator and output a predetermined minimum value of power at all times of a day based on waterwheel speed measurements taken over at least a thirteen hour period.
14. The control assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein a gearbox comprising magnetic gears connects the harnessing module to the control assembly.
15. The control assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein a control motor being one of direct current and AC synchronous provides a constant power control output.
16. The control assembly as recited in claim 1 having a DC voltage regulator connected to an output generator, the DC voltage regulator for outputting excess power for storage in a battery.
17. The control assembly of claim 3 wherein rated power of the constant rotational speed motor is approximately one tenth of the power generated by the generator.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0046] FIG. 1(A) through FIG. 1(B)(3) comprise prior an mechanical assembly diagrams for a basic spur/helical gear assembly, also known as a Transgear gear assembly, first appearing as FIG. 4B of U.S. Pat. No. 8,388,481; FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,485,933; and FIG. 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,641,570, where in the '570 patent, FIG. 17(A) is a left side view along line A-A: FIG. 17(B) is a front view; FIG. 17(C) is a right side view along line B-B; and FIG. 17(D) is a perspective view of a Transgear assembly from side B (with a carrier disc removed for clarity).
[0047] Carrier discs (gears) 109-1, 109-2 (FIG. 1(A), FIG. 1(B)(1), FIG. 1(B)(2) and FIG. 1(B)(3) which may operate as a variable control may rotate in either direction to control speed of variable input #1 from a left sun gear 107 to constant rotational output speed at variable #3, right sun gear 105. The left sun gear 107 may be turned by shaft 101, the right sun gear 105 and the carrier gears or discs 109 may provide six assignments of variables, input, output and control. Two Transgear assemblies are combined to form a Hummingbird three variable control first shown in FIG. 3.
[0048] FIG. 1B(1) through 1D(3) show further details of a Transgear spur/helical gear assembly wherein, FIG. 1B(1) shows only one carrier disc 109-1 for simplicity. A second carrier disc 109-2 is shown in FIG. 1B(2) and in cross-sectional view FIG. 1B(3). Arrow A of FIG. 1(B)(2) sections carrier disc 109-1 and arrow B sections carrier disc 109-2. FIG. 1B(2) shows the assembly of carrier disc 109-1, 109-2 which may be a control disc which can turn in either direction around shaft 101.
[0049] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show in FIG. 2A a basic spur gear Transgear assembly and in FIG. 2B the ratios of left sun gear 210 L with a rotational speed ratio of 1 are given as L=2CR and held at 1, carrier gears (C) 220 ratio per the equation C=(L+R)/2 and right sun gear (R) 230 rotations or number of revolutions ratio is given by the equation R=2CL. When a ratio value is 0, it is intended that the identified gear, carrier or right sun gear is not rotating, braked or grounded.
[0050] FIGS. 2A and 2B shows a basic spur/helical gear assembly in FIG. 2A and, by adjusting gear ratios, the relative speeds of a left sun gear, a carrier gear and a right sun gear of the assembly may vary. Formulae or equations are for calculating rotational gear speed or number of revolutions where the carrier gears (C) may, for example, vary from 1, , , and 0 and the resultant rotational speed of the right sun gear (R) from +1 to 1 through 0, and if the left sun gear (L) maintains at 1.
[0051] FIG. 3 shows how a Hummingbird control or speed convener is assembled from a first left Transgear assembly and a right Transgear assembly, each of which comprises a spur/helical gear assembly. A Transgear may apply its variables in six ways. A left sun gear 310 of a left Transgear assembly may, for example, be a control #1. A carrier gear 320 of the left Transgear may, for example, be a left output #1 of the left Transgear which becomes the right control #2 shown as a top arrow which connects to carrier gears (discs) 350 of the right Transgear. At the bottom, a right sun gear 330 of the left Transgear may be left input #1 and connect to right input #1, left sun gear of right Transgear 340 as indicated by bottom arrow. The output of the Hummingbird control of FIG. 3 may be the right sun gear 360 of the right Transgear and be output #2.
[0052] FIG. 4 shows a complete layout of a Hummingbird control which adds a connecting shaft which connects the left Transgear assembly of FIG. 3 to the right Transgear. Input shaft 410 comprises a right sun gear of the left Transgear and also the left sun gear of the right Transgear, So the Hummingbird in use has an input variable (input shaft 410), a control variable (Control) and an output variable (Output ) right sleeve and sun gear. The right sun gear of the left Transgear drives a planetary gear (top) of the left carrier assembly. The Control left sun gear and sleeve of the left Transgear meshes with a planetary gear (bottom) of the carrier assembly. The carrier of the left Transgear assembly meshes with the connecting gears (four shown) of the connecting shaft which connects the left and right Transgear carrier discs. The left sun gear of the right Transgear connected to or integral with the input shaft 410 meshes with a planetary gear (bottom) of the carrier of the right Transgear. The planetary gear (top) of the carrier of the right Transgear meshes with the right sun gear/sleeve of the right Transgear which is the Output variable. In summary, the Hummingbird control comprising first and second Transgears may have three variables, an input, an output and a control.
[0053] FIG. 5 shows the Hummingbird speed converter of FIG. 4 with the concept of releasing drive. CW represents clockwise rotation and CCW represents counterclockwise rotation. Variable input driving energy or power from river or tidal currents (a renewable energy harnessing module, not shown) is received by drive shaft 410 rotating CW. The output has a resistive load which typically comprises a generator of electricity and has a load which causes the shaft not to rotate and have a rotational speed of 0 rpm. An object of releasing drive is to generate electric energy at constant power from a variable input. A control dependent variable 520 comprising the left sun gear/sleeve of the left Transgear rotating CCW turns the carrier planetary gear (bottom) and the input right sun gear of the left Transgear turns the planetary gear (top) as clockwise rotation. Via the connecting gear and the left sun gear of the right Transgear, CW is applied to the right Transgear. When the resistive load is sufficiently high to create no output rotational speed, for example, the left sun gear/sleeve 520 of the left Transgear will be driven and turn CCW. The driven control dependent variable 520 can be used as a control Input 510 to reduce/release the required power so the generator may provide an output.
[0054] FIGS. 6(A) through 6(F) show how a complex Hummingbird speed converter, for example, similar to the dual Transgear assembly of FIG. 5 may be simplified into various embodiments. For example, FIG. 6(B) shows a reversal of the placement of the planetary gears of the right Transgear so the planetary gears (top) are proximate one another and the connecting gear may be eliminated. FIG. 6(C) shows elimination of the connecting gear seen in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B). FIG. 6(D) shows a joining of the carrier pins of the left and right Transgears so as to be one carrier pin across left and right Transgears for the upper and lower planetary gears. FIG. 6(E) shows elimination of the right carrier disc of the left Transgear and the left carrier disc of the right Transgear so that the planetary gears (top) are joined to form a single planetary gear and the left and right sun gears of the input shaft are combined as a single sun gear at the center of the Hummingbird control assembly embodiment. The two bottom planetary gears remain separate from one another but the central carrier discs have been eliminated. FIG. 6(F) shows a simplified Hummingbird of FIG. 6(E) where any spaces between planetary gears is removed to form a more compact assembly than FIG. 6(E). FIG. 6(F) shows a preferred simplified Hummingbird control embodiment.
[0055] FIG. 7 shows the concept of balancing a three variable system using the simplified Hummingbird control of FIG. 6(F) as the operable, exemplary embodiment. Torque is defined as the concept of harnessing a force, for example, from river current flow pushing a paddle wheel or turning a propeller that operates on a moment arm to generate, for example, foot pounds of torque. Torque in regard to a rotating input shaft 710 driven by a harnessing module will rotate at a rotational velocity .sub.1 which when multiplied by torque .sub.1 results in energy or harnessed input power. An object is to harness or collect river or tidal current flow power and convert it to electrical energy as Output Power. All three torques (input, output and control) may be equal to balance the Hummingbird control system. On the other hand, input torque .sub.1 must be greater than or equal to .sub.2 or .sub.3. Input power harnessed by a harnessing module (not shown) is given by the equation .sub.1 .sub.1. This input power should be greater than or equal to generated output power to continuously, for example, provide twenty-five kilowatts of output power to a load. Isolating the input torque .sub.1 we arrive at the equation Input Power (harnessed from a river) divided by the shaft rotational speed in revolutions per minute .sub.1. The torque values .sub.1, .sub.2 and .sub.3 can be kept unchanged or equal and balanced if both of the values of power, input and output power, can be increased or decreased at the same ratio. An objective is to increase the output power and decrease the control power so that as much input power is harnessed as output power as possible. It has been modeled that the control power for the Hummingbird control is about or 1/10 of the generated or harnessed power. Torque and power are independent variables and rpm or rotational speed is dependent on river flow rate. Thus, as explained herein, the depth of a river and its speed or flow rate are important variables for choosing location of a river turbine. Input torque should be maximized as well as rotational speed of the input shaft 710.
[0056] FIG. 8 shows a design layout for balancing a three variable simplified Hummingbird control system 800 further including, for example, a control motor (Control 810) operating at, for example, 1800, operating via a shaft having a right sun gear of Control shaft 810. A sleeve of the shaft 840 is meshed at right via a gear box and at left meshed with a LSG or left sun gear 820 at 225 (8) power. The input Input 850 from, for example, a harnessing module via a left gear box (perhaps a magnetic gear box) preferably has a power rating greater than or equal to 28.125 (64). A RSG or right sun gear 830 of a sleeve to an output opposite the left sun gear LSG 820 of a sleeve surrounding a central shaft having a central sun gear (CSG) 840 may operate at greater than or equal to 225 (8) power just as docs the input 850 and is equal to the energy 225 (8) of the left sun gear/sleeve LSG 820. The CSG or central sun gear 840 of the simplified Hummingbird 800 has a power value of greater than or equal to 225 (8) and so is variable with harnessed river current flow Input 850 being greater than or equal to 28.125 (64). The output is constant and Output 860 may be taken from a right gearbox to a generator load at 1800() and represents an electrical frequency 60 Hz in the US (or 50 Hz) in Europe. Balancing torque means that the control power 810 may equal the output power 860 or 1800(). The concept of balancing torque in the exemplary designed system embodiment is that Control power 810 may equal the output power 860. In reality, the control power for a Hummingbird should be much less than the harnessed power value or the output power to an electrical load or an electric grid.
[0057] FIG. 9 shows simplified Hummingbird 900 and adds a control motor input 910 via a worm gear and geared shaft to simplified Hummingbird 900 having, for example, a control motor power input 910 of 1725(/10) via worm and pinion (W & P) 920 operating at 10/1 ratio and power 172.5(). FIG. 9 is a design layout of a releasing drive where the worm and pinion 920 from a control motor (not shown) may be a lock and a one-way drive and so be a releasing drive. The Gear Ratio 925 output by a sun gear of the W & P 920 may be 30/23 and is meshed with a left sun gear of a left sleeve of the simplified Hummingbird 900 shown as having a power 940 of 172.5 (30/23)() which is 225(). The harnessing module (not shown) or Waterwheel Input 930 is fed to a gear box via an input shaft at a variable harnessed power greater than or equal to 28.125 (64). The shaft 950 of the simplified Hummingbird 900 is shown having a power greater than or equal to (225)(8). The right sleeve and sun gear of the simplified Hummingbird 960 is seen as having a power rating of 225(8). The output 970 to the generator (not shown) is constant (the load) and is related to the right gear box and calculated at 225 (8) (8/ 8) which is 1800 which is the electrical load value of the generator (not shown). The Power Ratio is equal to P(Control) 910/P(Output) or (Produced) (or generated) 970=1725(/10)/1800()=1.0/10.434782. The Power Efficiency=P(Used)/P (Produced)=1.0/10.434782 or 9.58333%.
[0058] FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of a simplified Hummingbird 1000 connected to an Input Power 1010 harnessing module (not shown) and outputting harnessed collected renewable energy to a generator 1055 to a grid 1060 which has an AC synchronous control motor 1035 which may use some power controlled by a central processing unit 1030 taken from the grid 1020 to operate the AC synchronous control motor 1035 for turning worm and pinion control 1045. (As mentioned above, distributed power means that the motor 1035 may be operated by harnessed power generated, for example, by a DC or AC generator such as a brush-less/commutator-less DC generator). The gear ratio 1040 of the W & P output gear to W&P gear may be 30/23 and translates at a left sleeve and sun gear of the Hummingbird 1000 at 1070 to 225 (23/30)(). So, FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 9 in the power value figures shown but takes power from the grid 1020 to operate the worm and pinion gear control gear 1045. Harnessed input power from a harnessing module (not shown) is received as Input Power 1010 at an input shaft of a left gear box. The input power 1010 is greater than or equal to 28.125 (64) which is equivalent to any of the power values below: greater than or equal to 1800; 900 (2); 450 (4); 225 (8); 112.5 (16) and so on to 28.125 (64). In this grid-tied river turbine where there is assumed to be river current flow in one direction at the location of the river turbine, Input power 1010 is received at a gear box which may be a magnetic gear box so as to permit slippage in heavy water flow conditions. The left or input gear box feeds variable power to simplified Hummingbird control shaft at 1050 at greater than or equal to 225 (8). Control is provided as follows. Grid power 1020 may be controlled by central processing unit 1030 to power AC synchronous control motor at a constant 1725(/10). This is delivered to worm and pinion gear system at 10/1 for outputting 172.5() at shaft 1045 having a gear ratio with an integral or connected sun gear at a gear ratio 1040 of 30/23. The sun gear is meshed with a Hummingbird left sleeve having a sun gear. To the right, the harnessed power greater than or equal to 225 (8) at 1050 turns the central sun gear of the simplified Hummingbird 1000 and a constant power output is delivered to a right gear box via a shaft to a generator 1055 having a constant load of 1800() at, for example, 60 Hz at grid 1060. The Power Ratio/Efficiency is given as P(Used)/P(Generated)=1725(/10)/1800()=0.095833 or the Power Used by the control motor or by the generator is less than 10%. As described above, a fraction of the harnessed water flow power may be used to drive a DC or AC generator for powering the control motor 1035 at constant speed.
[0059] FIG. 11 provides an example of a stand-alone river turbine (river flow in one direction) which does not take power from the grid but rather delivers power to a micro-grid requiring variable load control. FIG. 11 shows micro-grids 1162, 1164 having a CPU controlled DC voltage regulator 1175 and a generator 1155 which may operate with a variable load 1180 and a compensatory load 1185 represented as a variac. A variac or rheostat may be controlled by a servo motor (not shown) for equalizing load, for example, at twenty-five kilowatts. A DC battery 1130 may store excess power and power a DC control motor 1135 at constant power 1725(/10) from power delivered via constant power generator 1155 rated at 1800() and releasing power (or storing excess power) where releasing is used with the definition of turning in one direction or the other via a worm and pinion gear 1145 having a power at 172.5() and a W and P ratio of 10/1.
[0060] First, the input from a harnessing module (not shown) providing a variable but sufficient power input is shown quantified at 1115 to be greater than or equal to 28.125 (64) input via a gear box to simplified Hummingbird 1100. This value is shown below as various multiples of rotational speed and torque. Worm and pinion 1145 may be at 10/1 and output 172.5 at 1145. As above a gear ratio of a control gear may be 30/23 resulting in an input control of 225 (23/30)() at 1170. Central shaft 1150 of simplified Hummingbird 1100 delivers greater than or equal to 225 (8) to an output gearbox (or 2000) which is controlled to a constant 1800() at generator 1155. At right sleeve and sun gears 1165, the power value is 225 (8) as in FIG. 10. To the right, the harnessed power greater than or equal to 225 (8) at 1150 turns the central sun gear of the simplified Hummingbird 1100 and a constant power output is delivered to a right gear box via a shaft to a generator 1155 having a constant load of 1800 at, for example, 60 Hz at generator 1155 to micro-grids 1162, 1164. The Power Ratio/Efficiency is given as P(Used)/P(Generated)=1725 (/10)/1800()=0.095833 or the Power Used by the DC control motor or by the generator is less than 10%.
[0061] The concept of releasing is exemplified as follows: 1) the generator is assumed to be a load; 2) the load helps the control input to release or store excess input; 3) a set of worm and pinion gears is a one way control; 4) Releasing or storing excess input rotation by a control motor with the set of worm and pinion gears required less torque than input; 5) the input torque does not change when released or stored: 6) the design of FIG. 9, 10 or 11 may be completed as a constant output product and 7) required controls are a variable load control (the generator) and grid connector control.
[0062] FIG. 12A (front view showing a renewable energy harnessing propeller below a fiat floating platform 1250) and FIG. 12B (in line with water flow from left to right) show assembly of a floating river turbine where the X axis represents the axis of water flow, the Y axis is orthogonal and horizontal and the Z axis is vertical and orthogonal to the X and Y axis. FIG. 12A represents a front view and FIG. 12B represents a side view. FIG. 12A shows a floating platform for carrying a simplified Hummingbird, a control motor, a generator and chains and sprockets better seen in FIG. 12B so the harnessing module turns the control module which turns the electricity generating module. The floating platform 1205 floats (the harnessing module may be submerged in an alternative but complicates mechanical connection to the control and generating modules) because it may be floated on pontoons 1202A and 1202B and should be balanced so that it does not tip with riser flow and may be anchored to the river bottom or doubly anchored so that it does not sway with the current. One example of a harnessing module is shown that may comprise multiple, for example, from six to eight concentric wings 1220A through 1220I operating as a propeller harnessing module surrounding shaft 1220D. The larger and deeper the river and the faster the current flow, the more water energy that may be harnessed as renewable energy for generating electricity as per the power concept of torque times rotational speed in rpm. The harnessing module may have a tail (like a windmill) and be mounted so it may rotate with the river current and further operate on a variable axis and more closely match the water flow direction. Magnetic coupling of the harnessing module to the simplified Hummingbird is useful in times of turbulent currents to permit the magnetic coupling to slip. A variable overlap generator or VOG may be used, multiple generators may be used and the platform 1250 may be self-driven.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 12B, protector bars may protect the harnessing module from floating debris or debris that is below the surface of the water but carried by the river current. The protector bars 1290 are intended in protect the harnessing module. The water flows past the protector bars and meets the harnessing module which turns and generates torque and rotational speed (collected energy). It is preferable as discussed above, if the collected water energy exceeds the constant power output expected to be delivered by an output generator 1255 to a load. If the X axis is the water flow axis and is variable, it is intended that the chain and sprockets 1289 be adapted to move with the current and allow the harnessing module to sway slightly matching the current flow direction of the X axis. In a preferred embodiment, the river turbine assembly is designed to deliver a minimum of 25 kW of power which is sufficient to provide electric lights at night or run emergency equipment such as a water pump or provide basic necessities to a small riverside community (for example, of an undeveloped country).
[0064] FIG. 12C shows actual experimental data collected on the Winnipeg river in Canada where the river speed's rotation of a waterwheel as measured at the harnessing module (waterwheel) by a speed tachometer varied from thirty-eight to fifty-five rpm showing over time a difference of seventeen rpm or a 44.7% variation or increase in rotational speed (bottom of chart: Variable River Speed). On the other hand, a test platform including a load and a Hummingbird control system provided a Turbine output between 1801.4 and 1803.6 rpm or an electrical frequency of 60.083 Hz plus or minus 0.036vary stable electrical frequency output despite the variation in rpm input.
[0065] FIG. 12D shows a figure of a layout of an rpm balanced Hummingbird with dimension ratios shown, for example: control motor (4) at 3600 rpm was at 3.000 and dimension of gear at 3.000; left sun gear ratio (3) was at 3.000 to 5.000 or the rotational speed is calculated at 3600 (3/5).sup.2 or 1296 rpm; right sun gear (2) was at 6.0000 to 4.0000 or 1800 (4/6) or 1200 rpm; turbine (6) was at 90 rpm; carrier gears (5) of the Hummingbird were at 90 (5/3).sup.5 (2) or 2314 rpm and generator (1) output was at 1800 rpm or 60 Hz. A simplified Hummingbird is shown in the circle.
[0066] Applicant has had Pascal's principle of a balanced hydraulic system at the back of his mind. Pascal's principle, also called Pascal's law, in fluid (gas or liquid) mechanics, states that, in a fluid at rest in a closed container, a pressure change in one part is transmitted without loss to every portion of the fluid and to the walls of the closed container. Force is pressure multiplied by area and to balance pressure, pressure is force divided by area so that if a force is ten limes an original force, it is translated without loss as new force is ten times the original force depending on the original and other area to which the force is translated, for example, ten times the area to which the force is directed (with no loss).
[0067] A new principle evolved (which may be referred to as Han's principle) is that, in rotary motion mechanics and a closed mechanical system such as a Hummingbird, a three variable control system, a torque change in one variable is transmitted to other variables without major power loss in the system. This principle has been demonstrated on the Winnipeg river in Canada in a trial.
[0068] First, a harnessing module will be described to maximize harnessed renewable energy from the flow of water and then Han's principle will be described with respect to the control module and generating module representing a closed mechanical system where the closed Hummingbird control system has three variables.
[0069] FIGS. 13A and 13B show bi-directional river flow or tidal current capture by a harnessing module 1330 mounted to a floating platform 1310 where the waterwheel 1330 covered by a hatch 1320 which may move 180 degrees to either capture current flow from the right in FIG. 13A or from the left in FIG. 13B (motor for moving hatch not shown) where the hatch 1320 is moved 180 degrees (for example, when the water flow is the greatest between high and low tides and low and high tides according to a tidal table. In either case (water flow from the right or left), the harnessing module comprising six to eight water collectors (eight shown) mounted spatially separated around a shaft 1315 (of waterwheel 1330). The waterwheel 1330 will always rotate in a counter clockwise direction whenever there is water flow in either direction, and so any harnessed energy may drive a generator load (not shown) or be stored for periods of tidal change (for example, in a battery not shown coupled to a DC generator, not shown). The hatch position may match the changing tides which are dependent on a known schedule of high and low tide peak flows throughout a year and so the hatch position with respect to the waterwheel 1320 permits delivery of power by a generator Hummingbird (not shown) or a Hummingbird control motor (not shown) or other embodiment of a tidal turbine.
[0070] FIGS. 14A and 14B are intended to describe the design of a waterwheel or other harnessing module embodiment with respect to a load (such as a generator not shown) and a choice of a location on a river or tidal estuary. Referring to FIG. 14(B), there is shown in side view a typical waterwheel which if driven sufficiently by river or tidal water flow will turn the load (for example, the generator) and output electric energy. The waterwheel must be designed in consideration of torque and rotational speed I view of the particular water location chosen for the harnessing module. Torque is related to the active variables of radius of the waterwheel spoke members (eight paddles or buckets or other members) which reach from the shaft to the location along the X axis from the shaft where river current flow creates force at the moment arm of the members and so creates torque and rotational speed when the wheel turns. In the case of the depicted waterwheel, the torque is given by half the radius to the semi-circular buckets which catch water, and the force is the force exerted against the buckets or paddles or other members of a harnessing module by the current flow. The product of moment arm and water flow force yields torque. Consequently, the torque caused by the rate of river current flow may cause the waterwheel to turn and drive the generator at a rotational speed to which may vary. The higher the rotational speed and the torque, the higher the captured energy from the river flow. The river front view drawing of FIG. 14A shows a wide river portion which may be shallow and slowit is best to pick a river location that is deep and has a fast water flow current to create rotational speed of the waterwheel. A river portion may be deep and have a high-speed current flow which is more ideal as a waterwheel location. Consequently, position on a river has an impact on harnessed energy so that the moment arms may be long and the various means to harness water energy are efficient, force is high and rotational speed of the waterwheel will vary as per FIG. 12C, for example. A given floating platform may comprise first and second waterwheels in series or in parallel to, for example, multiply the harnessed water flow energy by two. As suggested above, the waterwheel must be designed to develop at least a level of to equal the load, for example, a twenty-five kilowatt generator. FIG. 14B shows a tidal flow in both directions where water flow from the left moves through the lower portion of the water wheel to a closable flap which is open w hen water flows from the left. The opposite happens when water flows from the right. Water flows past the stationary bar and flows through the moveable flap at the right via the top of the waterwheel. The waterwheel always turns counterclockwise in this example. At low tide, the tidal estuary may have no water and so no depth. It is important that a tidal estuary have depth at low tide as well as at high tide so that a waterwheel will not sink into the mud of the bottom of a tidal estuary. Ideally, positioning should be close to the ocean so that there is always water in the estuary at a sufficient depth, and also the tidal water flow can have some current flow in one direction or the other and sufficient depth at all hours of the day, even at low or high tide. As above, the X axis represents the direction of water flow, the Y axis represents the direction of the waterwheel shaft and the Z axis is vertical and is the direction toward a platform, labeled in FIG. 14B. In short, the harnessing module should be specifically designed for a specific location on a river or tidal estuary.
[0071] FIG. 15 shows Han's principle of a closed mechanical system and a principle of no or little harnessed energy loss through a twenty-four hour period of river current flow. A cross-sectional view of a complex Hummingbird control design 1500 is shown with a harnessing module 1510 (not shown) connected at left that generates P.sub.1=.sub.1 .sub.1 worth of power. In terms of torque and from experimental results at a given river location over time with a load, .sub.1 (shown as being applied to the central shaft of the Hummingbird 1500 must be greater than or equal to P.sub.1/.sub.1 where .sub.1 is the rotational speed of the waterwheel with a load of the controlling module (the Hummingbird) and the generating module. The controlling module 1520 is shown as left sun gear/sleeve where a second control torque .sub.2 is shown where the power P is the power of the control motor (not shown) and the rotational speed is constant .sub.2. The generating module 1530 is shown at right sun gear/sleeve where the generated power is P.sub.3=.sub.3 .sub.3. In this example, P.sub.3=approximately 10 P.sub.2 such that very little power (about 10%) of the controlling module power is lost by the controlling module. FIG. 15(A) also shows equation (a) 1540 where the principle of balancing torque is shown in the following form: .sub.1 (Harnessing Module)=>.sub.2 (Controlling Module)=.sub.3 (Generating Module).
[0072] The process of designing a suitable harnessing module to achieve a minimum constant amount of power has been explained. In a river or tidal estuary trial, the design of the waterwheel which may be located below a floating pontoon may take days, months or a year or may require at least data collected on the river or tidal estuary over a period of a year or more, for example, to pick appropriate locations and measure minimum depth and river flow/waterwheel speed calculations over time (per FIG. 12C) to see how large the waterwheel may be to maximize torque and speed, how many waterwheels may be used in parallel (or in series) as necessary and how efficient the waterwheels may be at generating torque defined as force from the water flow at a radius from the shaft to generate torque measured at a torque sensor (not shown) for each module of the Hummingbird. A tachometer may be used in combination with a harnessing module, controlling module and generating module to measure rpm at full load. The control, generator and other equipment may be mounted on a pontoon with the harnessing module underneath which pontoon may be anchored to the river bottom or sides.
[0073] FIG. 16 shows a Torque balanced river turbine showing connections to a simplified Hummingbird control 1600. The harnessing module 1610 receives torque via a gearbox and, per design, .sub.1 is greater than or=to P.sub.1/.sub.1 which is the waterwheel speed. The torque (turbine) is greater than or equal to (3.125/8)/28.125 where 28.125 is 225/8. At the controlling module 1620 (typically a constant speed motor, not shown), .sub.2=3.125 kW/225 rpm. At the generating module 1630, the same result is found in a balanced torque river turbine or .sub.3=(25/8)/(1800/8) or 3.125 kW/225. The Power ratio 1650 is given by P(Generator)/P(Control Motor)=25/(25/8)=8/1. The power lost to the load which may include the control motor and the generator load is just 12.5% in this balanced mechanical system. In this case, per Han's principle 1640, .sub.1 is greater than or equal to .sub.2=.sub.3 in a balanced system.
[0074] FIG. 17 comprises a further figure of a torque balanced river turbine having a simplified Hummingbird control 1700. Turbine 1710 has an energy or power P load of greater than or equal to 0.39 kW. The torque on the central sun gear 1720 of the Hummingbird is =P/ or 3.125/225 or 0.0138. The control motor 1739 has the same torque as the central sun gear or 0.0138 as does the generator 1740 at 0.0138. Again, the power ratio of the generator divided by the control motor is 25/3.125 or 8/1 meaning the control motor only represents of the power of the generator and load or harnessed energy through the closed mechanical system according to Han's principle.
[0075] Having briefly described embodiments of the invention comprising a harnessing module, a control module (for example, a simplified Hummingbird control and a control motor having a constant output) and a generating module in the above Brief Description, a more detailed description follows.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0076] In the figures of the present embodiments of the invention comprising FIGS. 1(A) through 17, an effort has been made to follow a convention such that the first reference number for a drawing component such as 1XX indicates a figure number as the first digit where the element first appears; for example, waterwheel or support shaft 101 first appears in FIG. 1(A). Similar reference digital numerals XX are intended to be used in the Figures to represent similar elements or components of drawings. For example, in FIGS. 1(B)(1), 1(B)(2) and 1(B)(3), component support shaft 101 is still shown in side view where 01 is XX, representing the same shaft seen also in FIG. 1(A). In like manner, FIG. 2A shows input left sun gear 210 (L), control carrier gears 220 (C) and right sun gear (R) output 230, with 2 being the first number of the figure but each of these gears may be rotate differently at different rotational speeds. For example, Carrier Gears (C) or Right gun gear (R) may be held, not rotate, be braked or grounded per FIG. 2B. FIGS. 2A and 3 follow the numbering scheme of FIGS. 2A and 2B as to XX (10, 20 or 30) but since in FIG. 3 a first Hummingbird control assembly of left and right Transgear gear assemblies are shown, the XX remains the same but the first digit 3 is changed because FIG. 3 does not show just a single Transgear assembly.
[0077] FIG. 1(A) through FIG. 1(B)(3) comprise prior art mechanical assembly diagrams for a basic spur/helical gear assembly, also known as a Transgear gear assembly, first appearing as FIG. 4B of U.S. Pat. No. 8,388,481; FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,485,933; and FIG. 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,641,570, where in the '570 patent, FIG. 17(A) is a left side view along line A-A; FIG. 17(B) is a front view; FIG. 17(C) is a right side view along line B-B; and FIG. 17(D) is a perspective view of a Transgear assembly from side B (with a carrier disc removed for clarity).
[0078] Carrier discs (gears) 109-1, 109-2 (FIG. 1(A), FIG. 1(B)(1), FIG. 1(B(2) and FIG. 1(B)(3) which may operate as a variable control may rotate in either direction to control speed of variable input #1 from a left sun gear 107 to constant rotational output speed at variable #3, right sun gear 105. The left sun gear 107 may be turned by shaft 101, the right sun gear 105 and the carrier gears or discs 109 may provide six assignments of variables, input, output and control. Two Transgear assemblies are combined to form a Hummingbird three variable control first shown in FIG. 3.
[0079] FIG. 1B(1) through 1B(3) show further details of a Transgear spur/helical gear assembly wherein. FIG. 1B(1) shows only one carrier disc 109-1 for simplicity. A second carrier disc 109-2 is shown in FIG. 1B(2) and in cross-sectional view FIG. 1B(3). Arrow A of FIG. 1(B)(2) sections carrier disc 109-1 and arrow B sections carrier disc 109-2. FIG. 1B(2) shows the assembly of carrier disc 109-1, 109-2 which may be a control disc which can turn in cither direction around shaft 101.
[0080] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show in FIG. 2A a basic spur gear Transgear assembly and in FIG. 2B the ratios of left sun gear 210 L with a rotational speed ratio of 1 are given as L=2CR and held at 1, carrier gears (C) 220 ratio per the equation C=(L+R)/2 and right sun gear (R) 230 rotations or number of revolutions ratio is given by the equation R=2CL. When a ratio value is 0, it is intended that the identified gear, carrier or right sun gear is not rotating, braked or grounded.
[0081] FIGS. 2A and 2B shows a basic spur/helical gear assembly in FIG. 2A and, by adjusting gear ratios, the relative speeds of a left sun gear, a carrier gear and a right sun gear of the assembly may vary. Formulae or equations are for calculating rotational gear speed or number of revolutions where the carrier gears (C) may, tor example, vary from 1, , , and 0 and the resultant rotational speed of the right sun gear (R) from +1 to 1 through 0, and if the left sun gear (L) maintains at 1.
[0082] FIG. 3 shows how a Hummingbird control or speed converter is assembled from a first left Transgear assembly and a right Transgear assembly, each of which comprises a spur/helical gear assembly. A Transgear may apply its variables in six ways. A left sun gear 310 of a left Transgear assembly may, for example, be a control #1. A carrier gear 320 of the left Transgear may, for example, be a left output of the left Transgear which becomes the right control #2 shown as a top arrow which connects to carrier gears (discs) 350 of the right Transgear. At the bottom, a right sun gear 330 of the left Transgear may be left input #1 and connect to right input #1, left sun gear of right Transgear 340 us indicated by bottom arrow. The output of the Hummingbird control of FIG. 3 may be the right sun gear 360 of the right Transgear and be output #2.
[0083] FIG. 3 introduces left sun gear of left Transgear as gear 310 and shows relationships among the left and right Transgears. FIG. 3 is a complex Hummingbird control for use in a river turbine that is an assembly of two Transgear assemblies (left and right Transgears or spur/helical gear assemblies). For example, the Control #1 is left sun gear of left Transgear 310. The carrier gears of left Transgear 320 are shown as Output #1 becoming the Control #2 of the right Transgear or the carrier gears of the right Transgear. The right sun gear of the left Transgear 330 may be the Input #1 which becomes Input #2 to the left sun gear of the right Transgear 340. Finally, the right sun gear of the right Transgear 360 may be Output #2 of the right Transgear.
[0084] FIG. 3 thus shows how a complex Hummingbird control is assembled from a first left Transgear assembly and a right Transgear assembly, each of which comprises a spur/helical gear assembly. A Transgear may apply its input, output and control variables in six ways. A left sun gear 310 of a left Transgear assembly may be a Control #1. The depicted shafts of the two Transgears are not used for input. A carrier gear 320 of the left Transgear may be an Output #1 of the left Transgear which becomes the Control #2 shown as arrow 350 which connects to carrier gears (disc) of the right Transgear. At the bottom, a right sun gear 330 of the left Transgear may be Input #1 and connect to Input #2, left sun gear of right transgear 340. The output of the Hummingbird control of FIG. 3 may be the right sun gear of the right Transgear and be Output #2.
[0085] FIG. 4 shows a complete layout of a complex Hummingbird control which adds a connecting shaft 450 which connects the carriers of the left Transgear assembly of FIG. 3 to the carriers of the right Transgear (replacing arrow 350). FIG. 4 differs from FIG. 3 in regard to use of the shafts of the left and right Transgear assemblies. Input shaft 410 comprises a right sun gear of the left Transgear connected to or integral with the shaft 410 which extends into the right Transgear assembly. Also the left sun gear of the right Transgear is connected to or integral with the input shaft 410. So the complex Hummingbird as may be used in a river turbine may have an input variable, a control variable and an output variable or a total of three variables. The right sun gear of the left Transgear drives a planetary gear (top right) of the left carrier disc assembly. The Control left sun gear of the left Transgear meshes with a planetary gear (bottom left) of the left Transgear carrier disc assembly. The carrier of the left Transgear assembly meshes with the connecting gears and shaft 450 which connects the left and right Transgear carriers. The left sun gear of the right Transgear may connect to or be integral with the input shaft 410. This left sun gear of the right Transgear meshes with a planetary gear (bottom left) of the left carrier disc of the right Transgear. The planetary gear (top right) of the carrier of the right Transgear meshes with the right sun gear of the right Transgear which is the Output variable and comprises a sleeve having two sun gearsone at each end. In summary, the complex Hummingbird control with a connecting gear may comprise first and second Transgears (left and right) and may have three variables, an input, an output and a control. The Input is assigned to the shaft 410 and has wo sun gears. The Control is a left sleeve of the left Transgear having two sun gears. The Output is a right sleeve of the right Transgear and may have two sun gears. Four planetary gears are shown two each of the left and right Transgear carrier assemblies.
[0086] FIG. 5 introduces the Hummingbird speed converter of FIG. 4 with the concept of releasing drive wherein a Hummingbird control module comprises first and second Transgear gear assemblies and shows how these may have components which rotate in different directions (CW is clockwise) and at different speed ratios (for example, clockwise). FIG. 5 also introduces and shows FIG. 6(A) and the subsequent FIG. 6(B) how these may be simplified in FIG. 6(B) through FIG. 6(F).
[0087] Again, FIG. 5 shows the Hummingbird speed converter of FIG. 4 with the concept of releasing drive. CW represents clockwise rotation and CCW represents counterclockwise rotation. Variable input driving energy or power from river or tidal currents may be received by drive shaft 510 rotating CW. The output has a resistive load which typically comprises a generator of electricity. An object is to generate electric energy at constant power from a variable input. In order to demonstrate releasing drive, the output resistive load, (for example) a generator with a grid load is assumed to be held at 0 rpm because the generator cannot be turned by the input. A control dependent variable 520 comprising the left sun gear of the left Transgear rotating CCW turns the carrier planetary gear (bottom left) and the input right sun gear of the left Transgear turns the planetary gear (top right) as clockwise rotation. Via the connecting gear and the left sun gear of the right Transgear, CW is applied to the right Transgear carrier. When the resistive load is sufficiently high to create no output rotational speed, for example, the left sun gear of the left Transgear (the sleeve) will be driven and turn CCW. The driven control dependent variable 520 can be used as a control Input 510 to reduce the required power so the generator may then provide an output. In other words, the concept of releasing drive is shown.
[0088] FIGS. 6A-6F show the concept of simplifying a complex Hummingbird control in five steps shown starting with FIG. 6A which is identical in function to FIG. 5. By releasing in FIG. 5 is intended the concept of control gears turning in one direction and then in the other direction as necessary and in ratio when the incoming water energy exceeds that necessary to produce constant minimum power or, for example, in a tidal condition, must store excess power for later use when the tidal current is quiet. FIGS. 6(A) through 6(F) show how a complex Hummingbird speed converter, for example, similar to the dual Transgear assembly of FIG. 5 may be simplified into various embodiments. For example, FIG. 6(B) shows a reversal of the placement of the planetary gears of the right Transgear so the planetary gears (top) are proximate one another and the planetary gears (bottom) remain spaced from one another in the left and right Transgear assemblies. FIG. 6(C) shows elimination of the connecting gear seen in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B). FIG. 6(D) shows a joining of the carrier pins of the left and right Transgears so as to be one carrier pin across left and right Transgears. FIG. 6(E) shows elimination of the right carrier disc of the left Transgear and the left carrier disc of the right Transgear so that the planetary gears (top) are joined to form a single planetary gear and the left an right sun gears of the input shaft are combined as a single sun gear at the center of the Hummingbird control assembly embodiment. FIG. 6(F) shows a simplified Hummingbird of FIG. 6(E) where any spaces between planetary gears is removed to form a more compact assembly than FIG. 6(E). FIG. 6(F) shows a preferred simplified Hummingbird control embodiment having an input, a control and an output variable.
[0089] FIG. 7 shows a simplified Hummingbird control comprising a balanced three variable system of input shaft 710 having a central sun gear, left control sleeve 720 and right output sleeve 740 for output power. Power as introduced above is the product of torque and rotational speed where the object is to harness as much power as possible from a river current which may be in one direction or be tidal in two directions. Input torque from the harnessing module may be preferably equal to control torque which may be equal to output torque to balance the three variable system of a simplified Hummingbird control. FIG. 7 shows the concept of balancing a three variable system using the simplified Hummingbird control of FIG. 6(F) as the operable, exemplary embodiment. Torque is defined as the concept of harnessing a force, for example, from river current flow that operates on a moment arm to generate, for example, foot pounds of torque. Torque in regard to a rotating input shaft driven by a harnessing module will rotate at a rotational velocity which when multiplied by torque results in energy or power. An object is to harness or collect river or tidal current flow power and convert it to electrical energy as Output Power. All three torques (input, output and control) must be equal to balance the Hummingbird control system. Input power harnessed by a harnessing module (not shown) and delivered to a simplified Hummingbird at shaft 710 is given by the equation .sub.1 .sub.1. Isolating the input torque .sub.1, we arrive at the equation Input Power (harnessed from a river) divided by the shaft rotational speed in revolutions per minute on for .sub.1 for .sub.1. The torque values .sub.1, .sub.2 and .sub.3 can be kept unchanged or equal and balanced if both of the values of power divided by the rpm or , input, control and output torque can be increased or decreased at the same ratio. An objective is to increase the output power and decrease the control power so that as much input power is harnessed as output power as possible. Torque and power are independent variables and rpm or rotational speed is dependent on river flow rate. Thus, as explained herein, the depth of a river and its speed or flow rate are important variables for choosing location of a river turbine for maximizing output power. As will be demonstrated herein the ratio of output power to control power may be, for example, ten to one. FIG. 7 shows input shaft 710 having a central sun gear, left sleeve and first and second sun gears 720 which provides control power and resultant torque and right sleeve and third and fourth sun gears 740 for providing output power and output torque. As already suggested, .sub.1 may equal .sub.2 which may equal .sub.3 to balance the system. Also shown are planetary gears of the carrier 730-1, 730-2 and 730-3 of the carrier discs.
[0090] FIG. 8 is intended to comprise a mechanical design layout of more of the elements that are coupled to the input, control and output of a simplified Hummingbird control and the projected power in relation to torque and rotational speed. Input is 850 to a gear box from a harnessing module whose design should be selected with reference to river parameters such as depth and water current flow speed where Input is greater than or equals 28.125 (64). Control 810 is the constant output of a control motor, not shown, and is given by 1800 in this example. Output 860 is the projected output at constant frequency such as 60 Hz US of a generator connected at 860. Thus, FIG. 8 shows a design layout for balancing a three variable simplified Hummingbird control system 800 further including, for example, a control motor, not shown (at Control 810) operating at, for example, 1800 power, operating via a shaft having a right sun gear of Control shaft and a sleeve of the shaft being meshed at right via a gear box and at left meshed with a LSG or left sun gear 820 at 225 (8) power. The input Input 850 from, for example, a harnessing module via a left gear box preferably has a power rating greater than or equal to 28.125 (64) so that there is sufficient power with a generator load of a constant 1800. A RSG or right sun gear 830 of a sleeve to an output opposite the left sun gear LSG 820 of a sleeve surrounding a central shaft having a central sun gear (CSG) 840 may operate at greater than or equal to 225 (8) power. The left sun gear LSG 820 and right sun gear RSG 830 operate at 225 (8) power. The CSG or central sun gear 840 of the simplified Hummingbird 800 has a power value of greater than or equal to 225 (8) and so is variable with harnessed river current flow Input being greater than or equal to 28.125 (64). The output is constant and Output 860 may be taken from a right gearbox to a generator load at 1800() and output 60 Hz in the US (or designed to output 50 Hz) in Europe. Balancing torque means that the control power 810 may equal the output power 860 or 1800(). The concept of balancing torque in the exemplary designed system embodiment is that Control power 810 may equal the output power 860. However, if the control power is equal the output power, then, there is effectively no harnessed power. All the harnessed power is utilized for control, but the system has balanced torque.
[0091] FIG. 9 shows a layout of releasing drive where the waterwheel input exceeds or equals the generator output. A preferred option is to regulate control power at a ratio of 10/1. This is shown by adding a worm and pinion (W&P) at 10/1 at 920. Referring to FIG. 9, the power efficiency by utilizing less control power is approximately 10% as will be further explained below.
[0092] FIG. 9 adds a control motor input 910 via a worm and shaft to simplified Hummingbird 900 having, for example, a control motor power input 910 of 1725(/10) via worm and pinion 920 operating at 10/1 ratio and power 172.5(). FIG. 9 is a design layout of a releasing drive where the worm and pinion from a control motor (not shown) may be a lock and a one way drive. The Gear Ratio 925 output by a sun gear may be 30/23 and is meshed with a left sun gear of a left sleeve of the simplified Hummingbird 900 shown as having a power 940 of 172.5 (30/23)() which is 225(). The harnessing module or Waterwheel Input is fed to a gear box via a shaft at a variable harnessed power greater than or equal to 28.125 (64). The shaft of the simplified Hummingbird 900 is shown having a power greater than or equal to (225) (8). The right sleeve and sun gear of the simplified Hummingbird 960 is seen as having a power rating of 225(8). The output to the generator 970 is constant and is related to the right gear box and calculated at 225 (8) (8/8) which is 1800 which is the electrical load value of the generator (not shown). The Power Ratio is equal to P(Control) 910/P(Output) or (Produced) (or generated) 970=1725(/10)/1800()=1.0/10.434782. The Power Efficiency=P(Used)/P(Produced)=1.0/10.434782 or 9.58333%. The waterwheel input is greater than or equal to 28.125 (64) or greater than 1800. So, the constant output power of the generator is also 1800 and the harnessed power is greater than or equal to the power generated by the load generator. The worm and pinion 920 operates as a lock or as a one way drive for the river turbine and FIG. 9 is an exemplary design layout of a releasing drive.
[0093] FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 9 in layout with a simplified Hummingbird 1000 surrounded by river turbine components. FIG. 10 shows a grid-tied river turbine (where current flow is in one direction to a harnessing module, not shown, but input at 1010) where the grid 1020 provides power under control of a central processing unit 1030 to control an AC synchronous control motor 1035 at 1725(/10). The control motor 1035 turns worm and pinion gears 1045 at a ratio of 10/1 and results in power 1045 of 172.5 (1725(/10) calculated). The gear ratio 1040 from W&P 1045 is 30/23 in this design. Thus, FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of a simplified Hummingbird 1000 connected to an Input Power 1010 harnessing module (not shown) and outputting harnessed collected energy to a generator 1055 to a grid 1060 which has an AC synchronous control motor 1035 that may use some power controlled by a central processing unit 1030 taken from the grid 1020 to operate the AC synchronous control motor 1035 for turning worm and pinion control 1045. The gear ratio 1040 may be 30/23 and translates at a left sleeve and sun gear of the Hummingbird 900 at 1070 to 225 (23/30)(). So, FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 9 in the power value figures shown but takes power from the grid 1020 to operate the control motor 1035 operating worm and pinion gear control gears 1045. Harnessed input power from a harnessing module (not shown) is received as Input Power 1010 at an input shaft of a left gear box. The input power 1010 is greater than or equal to 28.125 (64) which is equivalent to any of the power values below: greater than or equal to 1800; 900 (2); 450 (4); 225 (8); 112.5 (16) and so on to 28.125 (64). In this grid-tied river turbine where there is assumed to be river current flow in one direction at the location of the river turbine, Input power 1010 is received at a gear box which may be a magnetic gear box so as to permit slippage in heavy water flow conditions. The left or input gear box feeds variable power to simplified Hummingbird control shaft at 1050 at greater than or equal to 225 (8). Control is provided as follows. Grid power 1020 may be controlled by central processing unit 1030 to power AC synchronous control motor at a constant 1725(/10). This is delivered to worm and pinion gear system at 10/1 for outputting 172.5() at shaft 1045 having a gear ratio with an integral or connected sun gear at a gear ratio 1040 of 30/23. The sun gear is meshed with a Hummingbird left sleeve having a sun gear. To the right, the harnessed power greater than or equal to 225 (8) at 1050 turns the central sun gear of the simplified Hummingbird 1000 and a constant power output is delivered to a right gear box via a shaft to a generator 1055 having a constant load of 1800 at, for example, 60 Hz at grid 1060. The Power Ratio/Efficiency is given as P(Used)/P(Generated)=1725(/10)/1800()=0.095833 or the Power Used by the control motor or by the generator is less than 10%. The input power from the harnessing module, not shown, input at 1010 must be greater than or equal to 18.125 (64) which calculates to greater than or equal to 1800, the constant output of generator 1055 to grid 1060. In a prototype product, the output power may be 25 kW for providing emergency power to a small village of an undeveloped country.
[0094] Further variations, for example, DC control in FIG. 11 and assembly of a floating platform design in FIGS. 12A and 12B are shown and discussed below designed by taking river flow harnessing module measurements of rotational speed per FIG. 12C to obtain a constant frequency output of 60 Herz. A layout of an rpm balanced Hummingbird is discussed in FIG. 12D. Tidal turbines with bi-directional current flow are discussed in FIGS. 13A and 13B. Location of a further tidal turbine embodiment are described in FIG. 14(A) through 14(B) (trap door controlled). Pascal and Han's principles related to minimal loss of power and balancing torque in a closed system are discussed with reference to FIGS. 15, 16 and 17. Now, FIG. 11 will be described comprising a DC design.
[0095] FIG. 11 provides an example of a stand-alone river turbine (river flow in one direction) which docs not take power from the grid but rather delivers power to a micro-grid requiring variable load control. FIG. 11 demonstrates direct current control power that is tapped from the output of generator 1155. FIG. 11 shows micro-grids 1162, 1164 having a CPU controlled DC voltage regulator 1175 and a generator 1155 which may operate with a variable load 1180 and a compensatory load 1185, each represented as a variac. A variac or rheostat may be controlled by a servo motor (not shown). A DC battery 1130 may store excess power and power a DC control motor 1135 at constant power 1725(/10) from power delivered via constant power generator 1155 rated at a constant value of 1800() (where is effective torque of a harnessing module, not shown) and releasing power (or storing excess power) where releasing is used with the definition of turning in one direction or the other via a worm and pinion gear 1145 having a power at 172.5() (equivalent to 1725(/10) and a worm and pinion (W and P) ratio of 10/1. First, the input from a harnessing module providing a variable but sufficient power input is shown quantified at 1115 to be greater than or equal to 28.125 (64) input via a gear box to simplified Hummingbird 1100. This value is shown below as various multiples of rotational speed and torque. Worm and pinion 1145 may be at 10/1 and output 172.51 at 1145. As above a gear ratio of a control gear may be 30/23 resulting in an input control of 225 (23/30)() at 1170. Central shaft 1150 of simplified Hummingbird 1100 delivers greater than or equal to 225 (8) to an output gearbox (or 2000) which is controlled to a constant 1800() at generator 1155. A right sleeve and sun gears 1165 the power value is 225 (8) as in FIG. 10. To the right, the harnessed power greater than or equal to 225 (8) at 1150 turns the central sun gear of the simplified Hummingbird 1100 and a constant power output is delivered to a right gear box via a shaft to a generator 1150 having a constant load of 1800 at, for example, 60 Hz at generator 1155 to micro-grids 1162, 1164. The Power Ratio/Efficiency is given as P(Used)/P(Generated)=1725(/10)/1800()=0.095833 or the Power Used by the DC control motor or by the generator is less than 10%.
[0096] The concept of releasing is exemplified as follows: 1) the generator is assumed to be a load; 2) the load helps the control input to release or store excess input; 3) a set of worm and pinion gears is a one way control; 4) Releasing or storing excess input rotation by a control motor with the set of worm and pinion gears required less torque than input; 5) the input torque does not change when released or stored; 6) the design of FIG. 9 may be completed as a constant output product and 7) required controls are a variable load control (the generator) and grid connector control.
[0097] FIGS. 12A and 12B show assembly of a river turbine where the X axis represents the axis of water flow, the Y axis is orthogonal and horizontal and the Z axis is vertical and orthogonal to the X and Y axis. FIG. 12A represents a front view and FIG. 12B represents a side view. FIG. 12A shows a floating platform for carrying a simplified Hummingbird, a control motor 1235, a generator 1255 and chains and sprockets 1289 better seen in FIG. 12B, side view. The floating platform 1250 floats because it may be floated on pontoons 1202A and 1202B and should be balanced so that it does not tip with river flow and may be anchored to the river bottom or doubly anchored so that it does not sway with the current. One example of a harnessing module is shown that may comprise multiple, for example, from six to eight concentric wings (eight shown surrounding shaft 1220D operating as a propeller harnessing module (wings 1220A-1220C and 1220E through 1220I). The larger and deeper the river and the faster the current flow, the more water energy that may be harnessed for generating electricity as per the power concept of torque times rotational speed in rpm where the rotational speed of the paddle wheel is variable as is the torque produced by the river current flow operating on the paddles. The harnessing module may have a tail (like a windmill) and be mounted so it may rotate with the river current and further operate on a variable axis and more closely match the water flow direction. Magnetic coupling of the harnessing module to the simplified Hummingbird is useful in times of turbulent currents to permit the magnetic coupling to slip. A variable overlap generator or VOG may be used, multiple generators may be used and the platform 1205 may be self-driven.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 12B, protector bars may protect the harnessing module from floating debris or debris that is below the surface of the water but carried by the river current. The protector bars 1290 are intended to protect the harnessing module. The water flows past the protector liars and meets the harnessing module which turns and generates torque and rotational speed (collected energy). It is preferable as discussed above, if the collected water energy exceeds the constant power output expected to be delivered by an output generator 1255. If the X axis is the water flow axis and is variable, it is intended that the chain and sprockets 1289 be adapted to move with the current and allow the harnessing module to sway slightly matching the current flow direction of the X axis. In a preferred embodiment, the river turbine assembly is designed to deliver a minimum of 25 kW of power which is sufficient to provide electric lights at night or run emergency equipment such as a water pump or provide basic necessities lo a small riverside community (for example, of an undeveloped country).
[0099] FIG. 12C shows actual experimental data collected on the Winnipeg river in Canada over a thirteen hour period of a day where the river speed's rotation of a waterwheel as measured at the harnessing module (waterwheel) by a speed tachometer varied from thirty-eight to fifty-five rpm showing over time a difference of seventeen rpm or a 44.7% variation or increase in rotational speed (bottom of chart: Variable River Speed). On the other hand, a test platform including a load and a Hummingbird control system provided a Turbine output between 1801.4 and 1803.6 rpm or equivalent to an electrical frequency of 60.083 Hz plus or minus 0.036vary stable electrical frequency output despite the variation in waterwheel rpm input.
[0100] FIG. 12D shows a figure of a layout of an rpm balanced Hummingbird with dimension ratios shown, for example: control motor (4) at 3600 rpm was at 3.000 and dimension of gear at 3.000; left sun gear ratio (3) was at 3.000 to 5.000 or the rotational speed is calculated at 3600 (3/5).sup.2 or 1296 rpm; right sun gear (2) was at 6.0000 to 4.0000 or 1800 (4/6) or 1200 rpm; turbine (6) was at 90 rpm; carrier gears (5) of the Hummingbird were at 90 (5/3).sup.5 (2) or 2314 rpm and generator (1) output was at 1800 rpm or 60 Hz. A simplified Hummingbird is shown in the circle.
[0101] Applicant has had Pascal's principle of a balanced hydraulic system at the back of his mind. Pascal's principle, also called Pascal's law, in fluid (gas or liquid) mechanics, stales that, in a fluid at rest in a closed container, a pressure change in one part is transmitted without loss to every portion of the fluid and to the walls of the closed container. Force is pressure multiplied by area and to balance pressure, pressure is force divided by area so that if a force is ten times an original force, it is translated without loss as new force is ten times the original force depending on the original and other area to which the force is translated, for example, ten times the area to which the force is directed (with no loss).
[0102] A new principle evolved (which may be referred to as Han's principle) is that, in rotary motion mechanics and a closed mechanical system such as a Hummingbird, a three variable control system, a torque change in one variable is transmitted to other variables without major power loss in the system. This principle has been demonstrated on the Winnipeg river in Canada in a trial.
[0103] First, a harnessing module w ill be described to maximize harnessed renewable energy from the flow of water and then Han's principle will lie described with respect to the control module and generating module representing a closed mechanical system where the closed Hummingbird control system has three variables.
[0104] FIGS. 13A and 13B show bi-directional river or tidal current capture by a harnessing module 1330 covered by a hatch 1310 which may move 180 degrees to either capture current flow from the right in FIG. 13A or from the left in FIG. 13B (motor for moving hatch not shown). In either case (water flow from the right or from the left), the harnessing module comprising six to eight water collectors or paddles mounted spatially separated around a shaft 1315 (waterwheel 1330) will always rotate in a counter clockwise direction, and so any harnessed energy may drive a generator (not shown) or be stored for periods of tidal change (battery not shown). The hatch position may match the changing tides which are dependent on a known schedule of high and low tide peaks throughout a year and so the hatch 1320 position with respect to the waterwheel 1330 permits delivery of power by a generator Hummingbird (not shown) or a Hummingbird control motor (not shown) or other embodiment of a tidal turbine. A paddle 1340 may help keep the platform in line with the current flow (from the left or right) and may be moved with the tide change.
[0105] FIGS. 14(A) and 14(B) are intended to describe the design of a waterwheel or other harnessing module embodiment with respect to a load (such as a generator not shown) and a choice of a location on a river or tidal estuary.
[0106] FIGS. 14A and 14B are intended to describe the design of a waterwheel or other harnessing module embodiment with respect to a load (such as a generator not shown) and a choice of a location on a river or tidal estuary. Referring to FIG. 14(B), there is shown in side view a typical waterwheel which if driven sufficiently by river or tidal water flow will tum the load (tor example, the generator) and output electric energy. The waterwheel must be designed in consideration of torque and rotational speed I view of the particular water location chosen for the harnessing module. Torque is related to the active variables of radius of the waterwheel spoke members (eight paddles or buckets or other members) which reach from the shaft to the location along the X axis from the shaft where river current flow creates force at the moment arm of the members and so creates torque and rotational speed when the wheel turns. In the case of the depicted waterwheel, the torque is given by half the radius to the semi-circular buckets which catch water, and the force is the force exerted against the buckets or paddles or other members of a harnessing module by the current flow. The product of moment arm and water flow force yields torque. Consequently, the torque caused by the rate of river current flow may cause the waterwheel to tum and drive the generator at a rotational speed to which may vary. The higher the rotational speed and the torque, the higher the captured energy from the river flow. The river front view drawing of FIG. 14A shows a wide river portion which may be shallow and slowit is best to pick a river location that is deep and has a fast water flow current to create rotational speed of the waterwheel. A river portion may be deep and have a high-speed current flow which is more ideal as a waterwheel location. Consequently, position on a river has an impact on harnessed energy so that the moment arms may be long and the various means to harness water energy are efficient, force is high and rotational speed of the waterwheel will vary as per FIG. 12C, for example. A given floating platform may comprise first and second waterwheels in series or in parallel to, for example, multiply the harnessed water flow energy by two. As suggested above, the waterwheel must be designed to develop at least a level of tor to equal the load, for example, a twenty-five kilowatt generator. FIG. 14B shows a tidal flow in both directions where water flow from the left moves through the lower portion of the water wheel to a closable flap which is open when water flows from the left. The opposite happens when water flows from the right. Water flows past the stationary bar and flows through the moveable flap at the right via the top of the waterwheel. The waterwheel always turns counterclockwise in this example. At low tide, the tidal estuary may have no water and so no depth. It is important that a tidal estuary have depth at low tide as well as at high tide so that a waterwheel will not sink into the mud of the bottom of a tidal estuary. Ideally, positioning should be close to the ocean so that there is always water in the estuary at a sufficient depth, and also the tidal water flow can have some current flow in one direction or the other and sufficient depth at all hours of the day, even at low or high tide. As above, the X axis represents the direction of water flow, the Y axis represents the direction of the waterwheel shaft and the Z axis is vertical and is the direction toward a platform, labeled in FIG. 14B. In short, the harnessing module should be specifically designed for a specific location on a river or tidal estuary.
[0107] FIG. 15 shows Han's principle of a closed mechanical system and a principle of no or little harnessed energy loss through a twenty-four hour period of river current flow. A cross-sectional view of a complex Hummingbird control design 1500 is shown with a harnessing module 1510 (not shown) connected at left that generates P.sub.1=.sub.1 .sub.1 worth of power. In terms of torque and from experimental results at a given river location over time with a load, .sub.1 (shown as being applied to the central shall of the Hummingbird 1500 must be greater than or equal to P.sub.1/.sub.1 where .sub.1 is the rotational speed of the waterwheel with a load of the controlling module (the Hummingbird) and the generating module. The controlling module 1520 is shown as left sun gear/sleeve where a second control torque .sub.2 is shown where the power P is the power of the control motor (not shown) and the rotational speed is constant .sub.2. The generating module 1530 is shown at right sun gear/sleeve where the generated power is P.sub.3=.sub.3 .sub.3. In this example, P.sub.3=approximately 10 P.sub.2 such that very little power (about 10%) of the controlling module power is lost by the controlling module. FIG. 15(A) also shows equation (a) 1540 where the principle of balancing torque is shown in the following form: .sub.1 (Harnessing Module)=>.sub.2 (Controlling Module)=.sub.3 (Generating Module).
[0108] The process of designing a suitable harnessing module to achieve a minimum constant amount of power has been explained. In a river or tidal estuary trial, the design of the waterwheel which may be located below a floating pontoon may take days, months or a year or may require at least data collected on the river or tidal estuary over a period of a year or more, for example, to pick appropriate locations and measure minimum depth and river flow/waterwheel speed calculations over time (per FIG. 12C) to see how large the waterwheel may be to maximize torque and speed, how many waterwheels may be used in parallel (or in series) as necessary and how efficient the waterwheels may be at generating torque defined as force from the water flow at a radius from the shaft to generate torque measured at a torque sensor (not shown) for each module of the Hummingbird. A tachometer may be used in combination with a harnessing module, controlling module and generating module to measure rpm at full load. The control, generator and other equipment may be mounted on a pontoon with the harnessing module underneath which pontoon may be anchored to the river bottom or sides.
[0109] FIG. 16 shows a Torque balanced river turbine showing connections to a simplified Hummingbird control 1600. The harnessing module 1610 receives torque via a gearbox and, per this design, .sub.1 is greater than or=to P.sub.1/.sub.1 which is the waterwheel speed. The torque (turbine) is greater than or equal to (3.125/8)/28.125 where 28.125 is 225/8. At the controlling module 1620 (typically a constant speed motor, not shown), .sub.2=3.125 kW/225 rpm. At the generating module 1630, the same result is found in a balanced torque river turbine or .sub.3=(25/8)/(1800/8) or 3.125 kW/225. The Power ratio 1650 is given by P(Generator)/P(Control Motor)=25/(25/8)=8/1. The power lost to the load which may include the control motor and the generator load is just 12.5% in this balanced mechanical system. In this case, per Han's principle 1640, .sub.1 is greater than or equal to .sub.2=.sub.3 in a balanced system.
[0110] FIG. 17 comprises a further figure of a torque balanced river turbine having a simplified Hummingbird control 1700. Turbine 1710 has an energy or power P load of greater than or equal to 0.39 kW. The torque on the central sun gear 1720 of the Hummingbird is =P/ or 3.125/225 or 0.0138. The control motor 1739 has the same torque as the central sun gear or 0.0138 as does the generator 1740 at 0.0138. Again, the power ratio of the generator divided by the control motor is 25/3.125 or 8/1 meaning the control motor only represents of the power of the generator and load or harnessed energy through the closed mechanical system according to Han's principle.
[0111] The principles of application of the several discussed embodiments of a structure and method of constructing same for, for example, providing a green renewable energy alternative to the burning of fuel such as coal, oil or other less environmentally friendly energy sources have been demonstrated above comprising a harnessing module specially designed and located to produce at least a predetermined value of harnessed renewable energy to produce a constant amount of power to a load. A controlling module may use a pair of spur/helical gear assemblies of sun gears and planetary gears constructed as a three variable control of variable rotational speed (a Hummingbird) and an accompanying control motor or control assembly used to convert rotational harnessing module speed variation to constant frequency, for example, for use in a river or tidal MHK turbine electric power generator. The present embodiments used in conjunction with known flow energy turbine systems may be enhanced by using many known control systems for improved operation such as pitch and yaw control in wind turbines which are adaptable for use as propeller-driven river turbine harnessing modules, control responsive to power grid statistics and requirements and remote or automatic control responsive to predicted and actual weather conditions (river velocity from weather forecasts, an anemometer, water flow velocity from a water flow velocity meter, torque control via a torque meter, barometric reading and direction (rising or falling) and the like). A three variable to constant speed converter may be of the Goldfinch or preferably a simplified Hummingbird type and include a constant speed motor for controlling the output speed at a constant (constant frequency in Hertz) along with use of a variable power generator in certain of these embodiments. Besides river and tidal water energy uses, applications of a Hummingbird control may also be found in the fields of combustion or electric vehicles or boats, pumps and compressor. These and other features of embodiments and aspects of a variable energy flow input, constant output system and method may come to mind from reading the above detailed description, and any claimed invention should be only deemed limited by the scope of the claims to follow. Moreover, the Abstract should not be considered limiting. Any patent applications, issued patents and citations to published articles mentioned herein should be considered incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
