Abstract
A hydrostatic energy generator includes at least a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are at least partially filled with a fluid in order to exploit hydrostatic energy, such as for instance static or hydrostatic pressure or head, to generate and deliver energy, such as hydraulic energy, electrical energy, or mechanical energy. A first piston is movably arranged within the first chamber and a second piston is movably arranged within the second chamber, wherein the first piston is mechanically or hydraulically connected to the second piston. The first chamber includes a first passageway for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid and a second passageway for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid. The second chamber includes a third passageway for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid and a fourth passageway for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid.
Claims
1. A hydrostatic energy generator (100), comprising: at least a first chamber (10) and a second chamber (11), wherein the first chamber (10) and the second chamber (11) are at least partially filled with a fluid (12); a hydrostatic energy generator internal piston (53), which comprises a first piston (13) and a second piston (14), wherein the first piston (13) is movably arranged within the first chamber (10) and the second piston (14) is movably arranged within the second chamber (11), wherein the first piston (13) is mechanically or hydraulically connected to the second piston (14); wherein the first chamber (10) comprises at least a first passageway (15) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and a second passageway (16) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12); wherein the second chamber (11) comprises at least a third passageway (17) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and a fourth passageway (18) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12); and an automatic hydraulic directional valve (50), wherein the automatic, hydraulic directional valve (50) comprises at least a third piston (52), wherein the automatic hydraulic directional valve (50) is connected to the first passageway (15) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and to the second passageway (16) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and to the third passageway (17) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and to the fourth passageway (18) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12); wherein the automatic hydraulic directional valve (50) controls the flow of the fluid (12) to and from a first volume (19), a second volume (20), a third volume (27), and a fourth volume (28), wherein the hydrostatic energy generator internal piston (53) includes a first internal hole (54) and a second internal hole (55) for synchronizing a position of the third piston (51) with a position of the hydrostatic energy generator internal piston (53), and wherein the first internal hole (54) allows the fluid in the fourth volume (28) to be transferred to the automatic hydraulic directional valve (50) to activate the internal piston (52) of the automatic hydraulic directional valve (50) when the hydrostatic energy generator internal piston (53) reaches an upper end of the second chamber (11), and the second internal hole (55) allows the fluid in the third volume (27) to be transferred to the automatic hydraulic directional valve (50) to activate the internal piston (52) of the automatic hydraulic directional valve (50) when the hydrostatic energy generator internal piston (53) reaches a lower end of the second chamber (11).
2. A hydrostatic energy generator (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first piston (13) splits up the interior of the first chamber (10) into the first volume (19) and the second volume (20) and wherein the first passageway (15) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) is allocated to the first volume (19) and wherein the second passageway (16) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) is allocated to the second volume (20), and wherein the second piston (14) splits up the interior of the second chamber (11) into the third volume (27) and the fourth volume (28) and wherein the third passageway (17) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) is allocated to the third volume (27) and wherein the fourth passageway (18) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) is allocated to the fourth volume (28).
3. A hydrostatic energy generator (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first chamber (10) comprises a fifth passageway (21) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and a sixth passageway (22) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and wherein the second chamber (11) comprises a seventh passageway (23) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and an eighth passageway (24) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12).
4. A hydrostatic energy generator (100) according to claim 3, further comprising a first tank (25) connected to the first passageway (15) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and/or to the second passageway (16) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and/or to the third passageway (17) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and/or to the fourth passageway (18) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and/or to the fifth passageway (21) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and/or to the sixth passageway (22) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and/or to the seventh passageway (23) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and/or to the eighth passageway (24) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12).
5. A hydrostatic energy generator (100) according to claim 4, wherein the first tank (25) is at least partially arranged around the first chamber (10) and/or around the second chamber (11).
6. A hydrostatic energy generator (100) according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein at least two passageways (15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) are connected with each other by connection means (26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26e, 26f, 26g, 26h, 26i) wherein the connection means (26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26e, 26f, 26g, 26h, 26i) comprise pipes (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f, 30g, 30h, 30i, 30j, 30k, 30l) and/or holes internally drilled inside and along chamber walls (33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, 33e, 33f, 33g, 33h).
7. A hydrostatic energy generator (100) according to any of claims 3-5, wherein the first passageway (15) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and/or the second passageway (16) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and/or the third passageway (17) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and/or the fourth passageway (18) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and/or the fifth passageway (21) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and/or the sixth passageway (22) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and/or the seventh passageway (23) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) and/or the eighth passageway (24) for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid (12) is/are connected to a supply source.
8. A hydrostatic energy generator (100) according to claim 7, wherein the supply source comprises a static pressure source or a potential energy source.
9. A hydrostatic energy generator (100) according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the first piston (13) comprises a first front side (34) with a first surface area (34a) and wherein the first piston (13) comprises a second front side (35) with a second surface area (35a) and wherein the first surface area (34a) is larger than the second surface area (35a), and wherein the second piston (14) comprises a third front side (36) with a third surface area (36a) and a fourth front side (37) with a fourth surface area (37a), and wherein the fourth surface area (37a) is larger than the third surface area (36a).
10. A hydrostatic energy generator (100) according to claim 9, wherein the fourth surface area (37a) is larger than the first surface area (34a), and wherein the third surface area (36a) is larger than the second surface area (35a).
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1a shows the basic arrangement of the device for exploiting hydrostatic energy,
(2) FIG. 1b shows the different surface areas of the second piston as an example,
(3) FIG. 2a-f show the sequence and explain the procedure of the different steps and how the device is working as a hydrostatic energy generator,
(4) FIG. 3a-b show an embodiment of the device for exploiting hydrostatic energy with individual exit pipes,
(5) FIG. 4 shows an application wherein the device for exploiting hydrostatic energy can be used for delivering hydraulic energy,
(6) FIG. 5 shows a principal application for generating mechanical energy,
(7) FIG. 6 shows an application for generation of electrical energy,
(8) FIG. 7a shows the principal inventive device for exploiting hydrostatic energy with an incoming source and an outlet, such as a higher pressure energy level,
(9) FIG. 7b shows the principal inventive device connected to a pressure tank, e.g. a hydro-pneumatic tank,
(10) FIG. 7c shows the device for exploiting hydrostatic energy connected to a hydrostatic pressure source such as a pressurized hydro-pneumatic tank,
(11) FIG. 7d shows two devices for exploiting hydrostatic energy connected in series,
(12) FIG. 7e shows two devices for exploiting hydrostatic energy connected in parallel to each other,
(13) FIG. 8 shows the hydrostatic energy generator internal piston, included in the device for exploiting hydrostatic energy,
(14) FIG. 9a-b show the movement of the position of the valve internal piston included in the automatic directional valve.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
(15) FIG. 1a shows the basic arrangement of the device for exploiting hydrostatic energy. The device comprises a first chamber 10 and a second chamber 11. A first piston 13 is moveably arranged within the first chamber 10 and a second piston 14 is moveably arranged within the second chamber 11. The first piston 13 is mechanically connected to the second piston 14 by a stamp, rod 38, or pipe or any other appropriate connection means. The first piston 13 splits the entire volume within the first chamber 10 into a first volume 19 and a second volume 20. A first means 15 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 is allocated to the first volume 19 of the first chamber 10. A second means 16 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 is allocated to the second volume 20 of the first chamber 10. Furthermore the second piston 14 splits up the entire volume within the second chamber 11 into a third volume 27 and fourth volume 28. A third means 17 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 is allocated to the third volume 27 of the second chamber 11 and a fourth means 18 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 is allocated to the fourth volume 28 of the second chamber 11. In this basic arrangement of a device of exploiting hydrostatic energy, the four means 15, 16, 17, 18 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 consist of holes drilled through the chamber walls. Pipes can be connected to each of the four means 15, 16, 17, 18 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12. As shown in FIG. 1a, the device 100 for exploring hydrostatic energy can further comprise additional means 21, 22, 23, 24 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12. FIG. 1a shows a device 100 with always two means 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 allocated to each of the four volumes 19, 20, 27, 28. Each means 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 is arranged at a chamber wall 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, 33e, 33f, 33g, 33h in an area close to one of the front sides 33a, 33c, 33e, 33g of each of the two chambers 10, 11. The means 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 can also be arranged at the front sides 33a, 33c, 33e, 33g of each chamber 10, 11 instead at the chamber walls close to the front sides of each chamber 10, 11.
(16) The first piston 13 contains a first front side 34 with a larger surface area 34a than the surface area 35a of the second front side 35 of the first piston 13. The second piston 14 contains a first front side 36 with a smaller surface area 36a than the surface area 37a of the second front side 37 of the second piston 14. Each piston 13, 14 contains two front sides 34, 35, 36, 37 with a different surface area 34a, 35a, 36a, 37a because the two pistons 13, 14 are mechanically connected to each other by a rod 38 which is connected at the center point of one front side 34, 35, 36, 37 of each piston 13, 14.
(17) FIG. 1b shows the different surface areas 36a, 37a of the second piston 14 as an example.
(18) FIGS. 2a to 2f show the sequence and explain the procedure of the different steps and how the device is working as a hydrostatic energy generator. The FIGS. 2a to 2f explain in detail the sequence and the general operational procedures of such a hydrostatic generator.
(19) In FIGS. 2a to 2f, the basic arrangement of a device 100 for exploiting hydrostatic energy based on FIG. 1 is connected to a primary hydrostatic pressure source 40 through pipes 32a and 32b. The pipe 32a contains a shut off valve 30b for controlling the third means 17 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12. The pipe 32b contains a shut off valve 30a for controlling the fourth means 18 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12. The first tank 25 is connected to the fifth means 21, to the second means 16, and to the eight means 24 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 through the pipe 32c. The pipe 32c contains a shut off valve 30c for controlling the eight means 24 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12. Furthermore the pipe 32c contains a shut off valve 30h and a check valve 30g for controlling the second means 16 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12. Furthermore the pipe 32c contains a check valve 30i for controlling the flow direction of the fluid 12 to the fifth means 21 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12. The first tank 25 comprises an auxiliary tank for temporally storing the fluid 12. A second tank 39 is connected to the first means 15 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 through pipes 32f and 32e. Furthermore, the second tank 39 is connected to the sixth means 22 and to the seventh means 23 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 through pipes 32f and 32d. Pipe 32d contains a check valve 30f for controlling the flow direction of the fluid 12 to and from the sixth means 22 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12. Furthermore, the pipe 32d contains a check valve 30e and a shut off valve 30d to control the seventh means 23 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12. The pipe 32f contains a check valve 30l for controlling the flow direction of the fluid 12 to and from the second tank 39. The pipe 32e contains a check valve 30k and a shut off valve 30j for controlling the first means 15 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12. The second tank 39 is used as a discharge tank. However, shut off valves 30d, 30h and 30j, are not absolutely necessary for the device to work, since they are backing up for check valves 30e, 30g and 30k respectively. Furthermore, check valve 30l is not absolutely necessary for the device to work since it is backing up for check valves 30e, 30f and 30k (each exit pipe 32d and 32e already comprises individual check valves 30e, 30f and 30k for controlling the flow direction of the fluid 12).
(20) The check valves 30e, 30f, 30g, 30i, 30k and 30l allow only one flow direction of the fluid 12 through the pipes. The fluid 12 can only flow through each check valve 30e, 30f, 30g, 30i, 30k, 30l in the direction towards the arrow head of the check valve symbol in FIGS. 2a to 2f, as illustrated in the sketch below. This means, that the fluid 12 can for example only flow through the check valve 30l towards the second tank 39. The fluid 12 cannot flow from the second tank 39 through the check valve 30l towards any means for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 of the inventive device 100.
(21) ##STR00001##
(22) In the initial stage shown in FIG. 2a, all shut off valves are closed. Therefore, the fluid 12 will not flow through one of the eight means for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 as long as all shut off valves are closed.
(23) In a first step, shown in FIG. 2b, the shut off valve 30c and the shut off valve 30b are opened. After opening shut off valve 30b, fluid 12, assumed to be water in this example, at the static pressure 40 will enter the second chamber 11 through the third means 17 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12. In the example shown in FIG. 2a the chambers of the inventive device were initially filled with air before starting of the inventive device or opening any valve. Due to the static pressure 40 applying to the second chamber 11 through the third means 17 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12, the fluid 12 is entering the second chamber 11 and applying pressure to the surface area 36a of the front side 36 of the second piston 14. This pressure is forcing the second piston 14 to move from the left to the right position within the second chamber 11. Since the first piston 13 is mechanically connected with the second piston 14, the first piston is moved from the left side to the right side of the first chamber 10 at the same time as the second piston 14 is moved from left to right within the second chamber 11. Therefore, the first volume 19 within the first chamber 10 and the third volume 27 within the second chamber 11 are being increased while the second volume 20 within the first chamber 10 and the fourth volume 28 within the second chamber 11 are being decreased at the same time. The air within the fourth volume 28 of the second chamber 11 flows out of the second chamber 11 through the eight means 24 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 and flows through pipe 32c partially into the auxiliary tank 25 and partially flows into the first volume 19 of the first chamber 10 through the fifth means 21 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12. Since the first chamber 10 is smaller than the second chamber 11, not the entire volume of fluid 12 exiting the second chamber 11, while decreasing the fourth volume, fits into the first volume 19. Therefore, a part of the fluid 12 exiting the second chamber 11 (air at this step) flows into the first tank 25. Furthermore, air from the second volume 20 of the first chamber 10 flows out through the sixth means 22 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 and flows into the second tank 39 through pipes 32d and 32f. Once both pistons, the first piston 13 and the second piston 14, have moved from left to right, all shut off valves are closed. FIG. 2b shows the inventive device after the first movement of the two pistons 13 and 14 from left to right, before closing valves 30b and 30c. In this situation, the first volume 19, the second volume 20 and the fourth volume 28 are filled with air. The third volume 27 is now filled with water.
(24) In a next step, shown in FIG. 2c, shut off valves 30j, 30d, 30h, and 30a are opened. Therefore, the static pressure 40 enters the second chamber 11 through the fourth means 18 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12. The fourth volume 28 of the second chamber 11 is therefore being filled with fluid 12 in this example with water. The pressure applied to the fourth surface area 37a of the fourth front side 37 of the second piston 14 is forcing the second piston 14 to move from the right side of the second chamber 11 to the left side of the second chamber 11. Due to the mechanical connection of the two pistons 13 and 14, the first piston 13 is moved from right to left at the same time. The third volume 27 is being decreased while the fluid 12, water, flows out of the third volume 27 of the second chamber 11 through the seventh means 23 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 into the second tank 39. Since the third surface area 36a of the third front side 36 of the second piston 14 is smaller than the fourth surface area 37a of the fourth front side 37 of the second piston 14, the pressure within the third volume 27 is higher than the pressure within the fourth volume 28. Also, due to the mechanical connection of the two pistons 13 and 14, the second volume 20 is being increased and first volume 19 is being decreased. Increasing in volume 20 creates a suction effect, while decreasing in volume 19 increases pressure in this volume (air pressure at this step). An increased pressure is also obtained in the first volume 19 of the first chamber 10, since the fourth surface area 37a of the fourth front side 37 of the second piston 14 is larger than the first surface area 34a of the first front side 34 of the first piston 13. The fluid 12 temporally stored within the first tank 25 (air at this step) enters the first chamber 10 through the second means 16 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 as the second volume 20 increases. The air within the first volume of the first chamber 10 is forced through the first means for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 through valves 30j and 30k. Once the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 have been moved back from right to left all shut off valves are closed. FIG. 2c shows the step after movement of the two pistons 13, 14 back from the right side to the left side of each chamber 10, 11 before closing the valves 30a, 30d, 30h, 30j.
(25) FIG. 2d shows the next step for moving back both pistons 13, 14 from the left side of each chamber 10, 11 to the right of each chamber 10, 11. For moving back the first piston 13 and the second piston 14, the shut off valves 30b and 30c are opened. Therefore, water at the static pressure 40 enters the third volume 27 of the second chamber 11 through the third means 17 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 and through valve 30b. Therefore, the third volume 27 within the second chamber 11 is being increased and the fourth volume 28 within second chamber 11 is being decreased while the second piston 14 is moved back from left to right within the second chamber 11. Due to the mechanical connection of the first piston 13 with the second piston 14, the first piston 13 is also moved from the left side of the first chamber 10 to the right side of the first chamber 10. Therefore, also the first volume 19 of the first chamber 10 is being increased, thus creating a suction effect in volume 19, while the second volume 20 of the first chamber 10 is being decreased, thus increasing pressure in this volume 20. An increased pressure is obtained also in this volume 20 since the third surface area 36a of the third front side 36 of the second piston 14 is larger than the second surface area 35a of the second front side 35 of the first piston 13. The water within the fourth volume 28 of the second chamber 11 exits the second chamber 11 through the eight means 24 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 and partially enters the first chamber 10 through the check valve 30i and through the fifth means 21 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 while increasing the first volume 19. The remaining part of the fluid 12 enters the first tank 25. Once both pistons, the first piston 13 and the second piston 14, have moved back from the left to the right side of each chamber 10, 11, all valves are closed.
(26) FIG. 2e shows the next step for moving back the pistons 13, 14 from the right side to the left side. For this step, shut off valves 30j, 30d, 30h, and 30a are opened. Water at the static pressure 40 enters the second chamber 11 through valve 30a and through the fourth means 18 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 while increasing the fourth volume 28. This causes the second piston 14 to move from the right side of the second chamber 11 to the left side of the second chamber 11. Due to the mechanical connection of the two pistons 13 and 14, the first piston 13 is moved from the right side of the first chamber 10 to the left side of the first chamber 10 at the same time. Due to differences between the different involved surface areas, i.e., fourth surface area 37a larger than third surface area 36a, and fourth surface area 37a larger than first surface area 34a, the pressure within the first volume 19 of the first chamber 10, and within the third volume of the second chamber 11, are substantially increased. The fluid 12 exits the third volume 27 of the second chamber 11 through the seventh means 23 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 and flows through the valves 30d and 30e and enters the second tank 39. Furthermore, the fluid 12 exits the first volume 19 of the first chamber 10 through the first means 15 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 and flows through the valves 30j and 30k, and 30l and enters the second tank 39. Additionally, the fluid 12 temporally stored within the first tank 25 is sucked by the second volume 20 and enters the first chamber 10 through the valves 30h, 30g and the second means 16 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12. Once the two pistons 13 and 14 have moved back from the right side to the left side within each chamber 10 and 11, all shut off valves are closed.
(27) FIG. 2f shows the next step for moving the pistons 13, 14 back from left to right. Therefore, the shut off valves 30c and 30b are opened. Water at the static pressure 40 enters the second chamber 11 through the valve 30b and the third means 17 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12. Therefore, the third volume 27 within the second chamber 11 is being increased while the fourth volume 28 within the second chamber 11 is being decreased. The second piston 14 and the first piston 13 are moved back from the left side to the right within each chamber 10 and 11. The fluid 12 exits the second chamber 11 through the eight means 24 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 and partially enters the first chamber 10 through the fifth means 21 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12, sucked by the first volume 19, while the remaining fluid 12 enters the auxiliary tank 25. Since the first volume 19 increases while the second volume 20 decreases, and since the third surface area 36a is larger than the second surface area 35a, pressure increases in second volume 20, and the fluid 12 exits the first chamber 10 through the sixth means 22 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 and enters the second tank 39. Once both pistons, the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 have moved back from the left side to the right side within each chamber 10, 11, all valves are closed.
(28) Sequence will continue in a cycling process while the system of control opens and closes valves as indicated in this example for FIGS. 2a to 2f.
(29) FIGS. 3a and 3b show an embodiment of the device for exploiting hydrostatic energy with individual exit pipes 32g, 32h, 32i. Compared to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a to 2f, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b consists of individual exit pipes 32g, 32h, and 32i. The three exit pipes 32g, 32h and 32i are replacing the pipes 32d, 32e, and 32f. The exit pipe 32g is connecting the seventh means 23 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 with the second tank 39. The pipe 32h is connecting the sixth means 22 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 with the second tank 39. The pipe 32i is connecting the first means 15 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 with the second tank 39. The check valve 30l is not necessary for the preferred embodiment based on FIGS. 3a and 3b since each exit pipe 32g, 32h, 32i is separately connected to the second tank 39 and already comprises individual check valves 30e, 30f, 30k for controlling the flow direction of the fluid 12.
(30) FIG. 4 shows an application wherein the device 100 for exploiting hydrostatic energy can be used for delivering hydraulic energy, for instance an increased output pressure 42 compared to the incoming hydrostatic pressure 40. Such an application can be for example used to deliver water to houses or to high rise buildings. Furthermore such an application can be used as the prime or sole of water supply system 42a. In this case, the increased discharge pressure is discharged into a pressure tank, e.g. a pressurized hydro-pneumatic tank to provide a specific flow and pressure pattern for water supply.
(31) FIG. 5 shows a principal application for generating mechanical energy by connecting a wheel for example a fly-wheel 43, to one of the pistons 13, 14 arranged within a chamber 10, 11 of the device 100 for exploiting hydrostatic energy. Instead of connecting the fly-wheel 43 to one of the two pistons 13 or 14, the fly-wheel 43 could also be connected to a rod 38 or any other appropriate connection means which is used to connect the first piston 13 with the second piston 14. In this case, the incoming hydrostatic pressure, once in the interior of the device, and due to differences in surface areas of each piston, moves the interior pistons up and down or back-and-forth (in a reciprocating movement) which is converted into rotational movement. Such an embodiment can be used to store rotational energy and stabilize rotational speed. Furthermore, such an application can be used to generate mechanical energy for moving any machine or vehicle or any other application. Such an embodiment can be used at the primary or sole mover or drive system for vehicles, e.g. cars, buses, trains, ships, etc.
(32) FIG. 6 shows an application for generation of electrical energy. In such an application, the movement of the pistons 13, 14 within the chambers 10, 11 of the device 100 for exploiting hydrostatic energy is used to produce a necessary changing magnetic field to produce electric energy. Instead of applying high forces against the fluid 12 to increase the discharging pressure, they can be applied against a changing with the time magnetic field to generate electric energy directly. Such a configuration or embodiment is based on the Faradays law of electromagnetic induction, which applies to the production of electric current across a conductor moving through a magnetic field. Based on the Faradays law, the electromotive force (EMF) around an electric closed path is proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic flux to any surface bounded by the path. In other words, an electric current will be induced in any closed circuit when the magnetic flux through a surface bounded by the conductor changes. This applies whether the field itself changes in strength or the conductor is moved through it. The incoming hydrostatic pressure 40, once in the interior of the inventive device 100, due to differences in surface areas of each piston moves an interior piston 13, 14 up and down or back-and-forth in a reciprocating movement. This movement is then used to produce the necessary changing magnetic field to produce electric energy. For this purpose, the device 100 comprises electric wire coils 45 arranged around the first chamber 10 and around the second chamber 11. Additionally, the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 may comprise, or may not, an automatic directional valve 50 for controlling the means for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12. The automatic directional valve 50 replaces most of the check valves and shut off valves in the embodiments based on FIGS. 2 and 3.
(33) FIGS. 7a to 7e shows different examples of how the inventive device 100 for exploiting hydrostatic energy can be connected to other means or additional inventive devices 100.
(34) FIG. 7a shows the principal inventive device 100 for exploiting hydrostatic energy with an incoming source 40 and an outlet 42, such as a higher pressure energy level.
(35) FIG. 7b shows the principal inventive device 100 connected to a pressure tank, e.g. a hydro-pneumatic tank 41.
(36) FIG. 7c shows the device 100 for exploiting hydrostatic energy connected to a hydrostatic pressure source such as a pressurized hydro-pneumatic tank 41. In this case, device 100 and hydro-pneumatic tank 41 has been arranged in a close circuit. The hydrostatic pressure 40 has in this case been previously charged in the hydro-pneumatic tank by using for example pressurized air. Since discharge pressure 42 is significantly higher than the hydrostatic pressure 40 in the hydro-pneumatic tank, the discharged flow can be easily injected back into the hydro-pneumatic tank. This means, that only a very small part of the total discharged energy is taken to inject this flow back. The remaining energy (which is the higher part) is then available to be utilized to carry out any specific work, for example, as electric energy generator. Connection means 44a is for eventual air compensation in the hydro-pneumatic tank. Connection means 44b is for eventual water compensation in the hydraulic close circuit.
(37) FIG. 7d shows two devices 100 for exploiting hydrostatic energy connected in series. It is further possible to connect more than two devices 100 for exploiting hydrostatic energy in series together.
(38) FIG. 7e shows two devices 100 for exploiting hydrostatic energy connected in parallel to each other. It is further possible to connect more than two devices 100 for exploiting hydrostatic energy in parallel together.
(39) Furthermore it is possible that multiple devices 100 for exploiting hydrostatic energy can be connected in series and parallel together.
(40) FIG. 8 shows the hydrostatic energy generator internal piston 53, included in the device 100 for exploiting hydrostatic energy, which consists of the first piston 13 and the second piston 14 connected together by the rod 38. For detecting when the hydrostatic energy generator internal piston 53 reaches the upper end or the lower end during the movement within the first chamber 10 and the second chamber 11, the position of the valve internal piston 52 (see FIGS. 9a and 9b) must be synchronized with the hydrostatic energy generator internal piston 53. Therefore, the hydrostatic energy generator internal piston 53 includes two internal holes, a first internal hole 54 and a second internal hole 55. The first internal hole 54 activates the automatic hydraulic directional valve 50 when the hydrostatic energy generator internal piston 53 reaches the upper end. The second internal hole 55 activates the automatic hydraulic directional valve 50 when the hydrostatic energy generator internal piston 53 reaches the lower end. The term Activates the automatic hydraulic directional valve 50 means that the incoming static source 40 (e.g. hydrostatic pressure) is transferred through these internal holes to the automatic hydraulic directional valve 50 to push the valve internal piston 52. This means that the valve internal piston 52 is pushed in a reciprocating movement from the right end to the left end and vice versa.
(41) The rod 38 shown in FIG. 8 further comprises two sectional areas with different diameters. The diameter of the rod 38 at the sectional area which is connected to the first piston 13 comprises a smaller diameter compared to the diameter of the rod 38 at the sectional area connected to the second piston 14. Due to the rod comprising two sectional areas with different diameters, a special ratio between the four surface areas of the pistons is adjusted. Furthermore, in order to provide automatic work for the device, two internal holes, 54 and 55 have been arranged inside of the rod 38 at the sectional area with larger diameter. These internal holes are sensors to detect each stroke end, and also to provide the required path of flow to route the incoming and exiting pressures to the proper chambers as already explained. Arranging the internal holes 54, 55 within the rod 38 at the sectional area with the larger diameter provides advantages regarding the routing of these internal holes 54, 55.
(42) FIGS. 9a and 9b show the movement of the position of the valve internal piston 52 included in the automatic directional valve 50 (FIG. 9a shows the valve internal piston 52 at the right end; FIG. 9b shows piston 52 at the left end). The incoming static pressure source 40 (e.g. hydrostatic incoming pressure) enters the second chamber 11 and fills the third volume 27 and pushes up the hydrostatic energy generator internal piston 53. While the hydrostatic energy generator internal piston 53 is moving up, the valve internal piston 52 is at the left end. While the hydrostatic energy generator internal piston 53 is at the upper end of the second chamber 11, the valve internal piston 52 is being pushed from the left end to the right end. Once the valve internal piston 52 is at the right end, flow paths change so that incoming static pressure source 40 (e.g. hydrostatic incoming pressure) moves into the second chamber 11 of the device 100 for exploiting hydrostatic energy but now filling the fourth volume 28, pushing down the hydrostatic energy generator internal piston 53. While the hydrostatic energy generator internal piston 53 is moving down, the valve internal piston 52 is at the right end. While the hydrostatic energy generator internal piston 53 is at the lower end of the second chamber 11, the valve internal piston 52 is being pushed form the right end to the left end. Once the valve internal piston 52 is at the left end, flow paths change so that the incoming static pressure source 40 (e.g. hydrostatic incoming pressure) moves into the second chamber 11 of the device 100 for exploiting hydrostatic energy but not filling the third volume 27 again, pushing again up the hydrostatic energy generator internal piston 53. In this way a cycle is complete and is repeated.
(43) The automatic directional valve 50 including the valve internal piston 52 as shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b is connected with the means 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 of the device 100 for exploiting hydrostatic energy shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, the automatic directional valve 50 is used to control the means 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 in an automatic manner and therefore can solve the function of multiple valves. Alternatively, multiple directional valves can be used instead of one single automatic directional valve 50 to control the means 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12. It is therefore possible to connect one valve to each of the means 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12 or to connect one valve to multiple of the means 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24 for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 12.
REFERENCE CHARACTER LIST
(44) 100 Device for exploiting hydrostatic energy 10 First chamber 11 Second chamber 12 Fluid 13 First piston 14 Second piston 15 First means for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 16 Second means for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 17 Third means for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 18 Fourth means for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 19 First volume 20 Second volume 21 Fifth means for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 22 Sixth means for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 23 Seventh means for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 24 Eight means for inlet and/or discharge of the fluid 25 First tank 26a-26i Connection means 27 Third volume 28 Fourth volume 29 Specially designed check valves (30e, 30f, 30g, 30i, 30k and 30l) 30a-30l Control means, valves 32a-32i Pipes 33a First chamber wall, first front side of the first chamber 33b Second chamber wall, second front side of the first chamber 33c Third chamber wall, third front side of the first chamber 33d Fourth chamber wall, fourth front side of the first chamber 33e Fifth chamber wall, fifth front side of the second chamber 33f Sixth chamber wall, sixth front side of the second chamber 33g Seventh chamber wall, seventh front side of the second chamber 33h Eighth chamber wall, eighth front side of the second chamber 34 First front side of first piston 34a Surface area of first front side of the first piston 35 Second front side of the first piston 35a Surface area of the second front side of the first piston 36 Third front side of the second piston 36a Surface area of the third front side of the second piston 37 Fourth front side of the second piston 37a Surface area of the fourth front side of the second piston 38 Connection means for connecting the first piston with the second piston, rod 39 Second tank 40 Incoming static pressure source 41 Hydro-pneumatic tank 42 Increased output pressure 42a Water supply pipes 43 Fly-wheel 44a Connection means for eventual air leak compensation in hydro-pneumatic tank 44b Connection means for eventual water leak compensation in hydraulic close circuit 45 Electric wire coil 50 Automatic directional valve 51 Third piston 52 Valve internal piston 53 Hydrostatic energy generator internal piston 54 First internal hole 55 Second internal hole
