USING PIEZOELECTRIC ELEMENTS IN A HYDROELECTRIC SYSTEM

Abstract

A hydroelectric system comprising a pipe from a water source at a high elevation which is made to open into a pressurized water filled chamber at a much lower elevation. The chamber contains a waterproofed piezoelectric element and waterproofed electric leads connected to the electric grid. The inlet pipe is divided into several pipes before being made to operatively connect to the chamber. Each of the several inlet pipes have their water flow regulated by a solenoid operated valve. Corresponding solenoid operated outlet valves are also provided. A rotary electric switch is also provided so as the switch arm is rotated the inlet and outlet valves are opened and closed in succession, causing waves of pressure on said piezoelectric material to produce electric power.

Claims

1. A piezoelectric power generator comprising: a. a pipe operatively connected to a water source at a high elevation at a first end and filled with water, b. a chamber operatively connected to a second end of said pipe which is at a lower elevation, said chamber filled with water and also containing waterproofed piezoelectric material operatively connected to a power transmission grid, c. said operatively connection of said inlet pipe comprising a division into a number of inlet pipes, said inlet pipes each regulated by a solenoid operated valve and terminating on the inner wall of said chamber, d. an equal number of outlet pipes from said chamber led from said chamber to a lower reservoir and the flow through each said outlet pipes regulated by a solenoid operated valve, e. a motorized electric switch operatively connected to each solenoid, and f. an electric power source for all solenoids, so that as said rotary electric switch is made to revolve said valves are made to open and close in succession, causing waves of pressure on said piezoelectric material to produce electric power.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure one is a side view of a cross section of the chamber, piezoelectric material and inlet and outlet pipes.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of how the valves are operated electrically.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0011] In FIG. 1 we see an inlet pipe 1 divided into inlet pipes 1a-d led into chamber 3. Each inlet pipe 1a-d contains a solenoid operated valve V1-4 respectively. Chamber 3, as well as inlet pipes 1,1a-d are completely filled with water under pressure. Within chamber 3 is piezoelectric material 4 which is laminated with a dielectric flexible substance 5 for the purpose of waterproofing piezoelectric substance 4. Waterproof wiring+ and − are affixed to opposite sides of piezoelectric material 4 to remove any electricity produced by this invention. Outlet pipes 2a-d are connected so as to exhaust water from chamber 3. Each outlet pipe 2a-d has its water flow regulated by a solenoid operated valve V5-8. Each outlet pipe is completely full of water and is led to a reservoir open to the atmosphere. The elevation of valves V5-8 above the surface of the reservoir should not be above 34 ft. to prevent vacuum bubbles from appearing in pipes 2a-d.

[0012] In FIG. 2 we see a rotary electrical switch, such as an automobile distributor, operated by motor 6. There is a rotor arm 9 containing wire 8i made to run from the end of the arm to electric plug 10. Switch casing 7 contains electric contacts 8a-h. Each electric contact is at one end of a wire led to a solenoid which is made to operate a valve V1-8. Each other wire to a solenoid is connected to electric plug 10.

[0013] In operation, as motor 6 is made to revolve rotor arm 9 valves V1-8 are made to open and close in succession. The angular velocity of rotor arm 9 determines the frequency of the electric output of the invention and the elevation of the end of a wire led to a solenoid which is made to operate a valve V1-8. Each other wire to a solenoid is connected to electric plug 10.

[0014] In operation, as motor 6 is made to revolve rotor arm 9 valves V1-8 are made to open and close in succession. The angular velocity of arm 9 determines the frequency of the electric output of the invention and the elevation of the reservoir feeding water into inlet pipe 1 determines the amplitude of the pressure waves made to impact the piezoelectric material.

[0015] From the above description it is apparent that the preferred embodiment achieves the object of the present invention. Alternative embodiments and various modifications of the depicted embodiment will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the present invention may bused to modify various embodiments of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,518,554 and 7,043,904 to produce new applications of the present invention.