Abstract:
The air charger system provided is configured to provide an air supply to a pressurized water storage system without the use of external power. The system includes a venturi vented to the ambient atmosphere, such that the venturi siphons air from the ambient atmosphere when the venturi reaches a choked flow condition, and the system stores the siphoned air in a charging tank to supply a water storage tank. In various embodiments, the air charger system conserves energy because the use of external power is eliminated. Instead of using a traditional air compressor, the air charger systems converts the potential energy of water in a storage tank to kinetic energy in order to pressurize air in a charging tank. In addition, the air charger system also achieves greater energy conservation with the elimination of an air compressor, such that the system requires less repair and maintenance than a traditional system.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to powerless charging of liquid storage tanks, and more particularly, to systems, methods, and devices for supplying and storing air in water storage systems without the use of external power. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Liquid storage systems vary widely. Pressurized liquid storage systems, sometimes referred to as hydropneumatic tanks, require that the liquid be held in a storage device with a compressed gas. For example, a pressurized water storage system may comprise water, stored in a water storage tank that is supplied with pressurized air. In the past, this air has been supplied by some type of external source that requires separate power and regular maintenance. A typical external compressed gas source may be a compressor or the like. A compressor may have a pump or motor that requires external power or fuel. Further, the sporadic operation and frequent cycling of the pump or motor decreases reliability of the air compressor and requires that the compressor be serviced regularly. 
     These systems present challenges to water suppliers. Specifically, providing power and continuing maintenance to an air compressor or similar system is expensive and inefficient. As such, there is a need to provide a system capable of supplying gas to a liquid storage system without the use of external power. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The systems, methods, and devices discussed herein in exemplary embodiments are configured to provide an air supply to a pressurized water storage system without the use of external power. In various exemplary embodiments, the system includes a venturi vented to a gas source, such that the venturi siphons gas from the source when the venturi is subject to a liquid flow condition, and the system stores the siphoned gas in a charging tank to supply a liquid storage system. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, an air charging system comprises a venturi having an inlet, a vent, and an outlet. The vent of the venturi is in communication with an air source and at least one of the inlet and/or outlet of the venturi. The system also comprises a storage tank coupled to the inlet of the venturi and a charging tank coupled to the outlet of the venturi. The system is configured such that, water from the storage tank is supplied to that venturi, to create an air-water mixture in the venturi which is exhausted to the charging tank. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a liquid storage system comprises a liquid storage tank which is coupled to a venturi. The liquid storage system further comprises a charging tank coupled to the venturi and configured to receive a gas-liquid flow from the venturi. The liquid storage system also comprises a liquid supply coupled to the charging tank such that liquid is supplied from the liquid supply through the charging tank to the liquid storage tank. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the Figures, and: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary diagram of a liquid storage system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary venturi in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary charging tank in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary diagram of an air charger system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The following is a description of exemplary embodiments of the invention only, and is not intended to limit the scope or applicability of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description is intended to provide convenient illustrations for implementing various exemplary embodiments of the invention. As will become apparent, various changes may be made to methods, structures, topologies, and compositions described in these exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     In general, systems, methods, and devices are suitably configured to facilitate supplying gas to liquid storage systems. This supplying may include providing a compressible gas, e.g. air, to a liquid storage system, e.g. a water storage system, to facilitate the supply of pressurized water to a water distribution system. Further, exemplary systems facilitate providing air to water storage systems without the use of external power sources and without loss of liquid volume in the system. As a result, these exemplary systems do not require external equipment to pressurize air, which provides for a water storage and distribution system that is more reliable, more cost effective to operate, and requires less maintenance. 
     Although described herein in the context of air chargers and water storage systems, it should be understood that the techniques described herein may work in other contexts and that the description herein related to air chargers and water storage systems may be similarly applicable to any apparatus and/or system, wherein stored liquid that must be supplied with a pressurized gas to facilitate distribution. Exemplary gases may include air, hydrogen, oxygen, helium, etc. Exemplary liquids may include water, gasoline, diesel fuel and the like. Similarly, the system may be configured to store compressed gas (e.g., compressed propane, butane or natural gas) and the like. 
     Air charger systems exist in various configurations, with a variety of components and performance factors. Nevertheless, an exemplary air charger system is briefly described herein. An exemplary air charger system may comprise a venturi, a charging tank, a water supply, and a storage tank. The venturi may be configured to receive a water flow from the storage tank, such that a venturi vent creates an air-water mixture within the venturi. In exemplary embodiments, a valve regulates water flow from the storage tank to the venturi. The air-water is exhausted from the venturi to the charging tank where the air is captured and allowed to pressurize forcing the water in the charging tank back into the water supply. Thereafter, where the water supply is activated and/or a valve at or proximate to the outlet of the charging tank is opened, the air contained within the charging tank is forced into the storage tank by the water supply. Thus, in exemplary embodiments, the system continually creates a captive air source within the charging tank that is supplied to the storage tank, each time water is supplied to the storage tank from the water supply. 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment and with reference to  FIG. 1 , an air charger system  100  is provided. Air charger system  100  comprises a venturi  110 . Venturi  110  is coupled to charging tank  120 . Venturi  110  is also coupled to storage tank  140 . Charging tank  120  is coupled to water supply  130 . Charging tank  120  is also coupled to storage tank  140 . Water supply  130  may be coupled to a water source, such as a tank, tower, well, holding pond, irrigation ditch, or any other water source suitable for supplying water to a water storage and distribution system. 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, air and water must be maintained in storage tank  140  to provide a water supply to a distribution system (not shown). In various exemplary embodiments, the air in the storage tank is maintained at a pressure between approximately 20 psi and 130 psi. In an exemplary embodiment, storage tank  140  may operate with an internal pressure between approximately 60 psi and 70 psi. In an exemplary embodiment, storage tank  140  may operate with an internal pressure between approximately 70 psi and 85 psi. In an exemplary embodiment, storage tank  140  may operate with an internal pressure between approximately 85 psi and 100 psi. To regulate this pressure, an exemplary storage tank may comprise air release  145 . Air release  145  may be configured to exhaust pressurized air in storage tank  140 . Pressurized air is exhausted when the level of water in the storage tank drops below a certain level exposing the pressurized air to air release  145 . 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment and with reference to  FIG. 2 , venturi  210  is provided. Venturi  210  may be any structure or apparatus configured to provide the Venturi Effect when a suitable fluid flow is provided to venturi  210 . In an exemplary embodiment, venturi  210  may be an injector, such as, for example a Mazzei injector. Venturi  210  comprises an inlet  260 , a throat  265 , an outlet  270 , and a vent  250 . Inlet  260  may be coupled to outlet  270  at throat  265 . Further, vent  250  may be coupled to inlet  260  and outlet  270  at throat  265 . In various exemplary embodiments, inlet  260  has a diameter, D i  defining an area, A i , throat  265  has a diameter, D t  defining an area, A t , and outlet  270  has a diameter, D o  defining an area, A o . As such, and in exemplary embodiments, A i  is greater than A t  and A o  is greater than A t . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, vent  250  may comprise a filter  255 . Filter  255  any type of filter suitable for removing particulates and contaminants from the air. Filter  255  may be a canister type, paper type, foam type, mesh type, or any other style filter configured to preclude particulates and contaminants from being drawn into vent  250 . Filter  255  prevents contamination of the water that passes through the venturi and is ultimately re-introduced into the storage tank to be supplied to the distribution system. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, inlet  260  may be configured with a supply of a relatively incompressible fluid, e.g. water, such that the water is supplied to A i  of inlet  260  to throat  265  at a first pressure and first flow rate. The water is passed from inlet  260  through A t  at a second pressure and second flow rate. The reduction in area from A i  to A t  causes a pressure drop, such that the second pressure is lower than the first pressure and an increase in flow rate such that the second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate. The pressure drop at throat  265  creates a vacuum and/or suction, causing air to be drawn through vent  250  into the water flow at throat  265 . This phenomenon is known as the Venturi Effect. This air-water mixture is exhausted from throat  265  to outlet  270 . 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment and with reference to  FIG. 3 , charging tank  320  is provided. Charging tank  320  may be any structure configured to capture and store an air-water flow. Charging tank  320  may be made of any material suitable for storing pressurized air and/or water. An exemplary charging tank may be made of cast iron, steel, aluminum, plastic, composite or other suitable materials. In an exemplary embodiment, charging tank  320  may be configured with air release  380 . Air release  380  may be a conduit partially installed within charging tank  320 . Air release  380  may be a stand alone structure, such as a conduit installed within charging tank  320 , or may be integrated within the body of charging tank  320 . Similar to charging tank  320 , air release  380  may be may be made of any material suitable for conducting pressurized air. An exemplary air release may be made of cast iron, steel, aluminum, plastic, composite or other suitable materials. Charging tank  320  may comprise water supply port  330 . Water supply port  330  may be any port configured to couple a water supply to charging tank  320 . Charging tank  320  may comprise venturi port  310 . Venturi port  310  may be any port configured to couple an air-water supply to charging tank  320 . Venturi port  310  may be located anywhere on charging tank  320  that is suitable for coupling a venturi tube and/or hose to charging tank  320 . Charging tank  320  may also comprise a storage tank port  340 . Storage tank port  340  may be any port configured to couple a conduit configured to transport an air and/or water supply from charging tank  320  to a storage tank. These various ports may be configured with a variety of temporary and/or permanent connectors to facilitate the installation of houses, pipes, and the like. These connectors include, threaded connectors, welded, brazed, or sweated joints, press-fit connectors, and the like. 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment and with reference to  FIG. 4 , venturi  410  is coupled to charging tank  420 . As discussed above, water is supplied through inlet  460  to throat  465  where a vacuum and/or suction is provided as a result of the Venturi Effect causing air to be introduced through vent  450 . Thereafter, the air-water stream is discharged thought outlet  470  into charging tank  420 . Charging tank  420  may be a closed system coupled to various valves and other plumbing configurations allowing for air to be captured, stored in charging tank  420  and thereafter discharged. In exemplary embodiments, charging tank  420  is configured to collect the air-water stream and allow the air to separate from the water, wherein the air is maintained in the charging tank. For example air bubbles will generally rise to the top of an air-water mixture. The stream through venturi  410  is maintained to allow air to accumulate and build pressure within charging tank  420 , such that water from the air-water stream may be forced back through water supply port  430  in the water supply system (not shown). Charging tank  420  may also comprise a storage tank port  440 . Storage tank port  440  may provide for coupling a storage tank (e.g., storage tank  140  as shown in  FIG. 1 ) with charging tank  440 . This configuration allows the air in charging tank  420  to be forced through storage tank port  440  to a storage tank by water supplied through water supply port  430 . 
     This configuration allows the venturi to make use of the substantial potential energy of the water stored in the storage tank (e.g., storage tank  140  of  FIG. 1 ), such that the venturi converts the potential energy to kinetic energy in the form of fluid flow with is used to provide and pressurize air in charging tank  420 . In this way, air can be supplied to charging tank  420  in a substantially continuous manner. As such, charging tank  420  may be configured to maintain up to a defined volume of air where it is configured with air release  480 . This air beyond the volume provided for in charging tank  420  may be discharged through air release  480  at the point that the pressure in charging tank  420  is sufficient to expose the pressurized air volume to the open end of air release  480 . Accordingly, the air volume in charging tank  420  may be maintained at a substantially constant level and/or the maximum air volume in charging tank  420  may be limited. In exemplary embodiments, this is useful in preventing air from entering and damaging a water supply pump (e.g., cavitation). 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment and referring again to  FIG. 1 , charging tank  120  may maintain a volume of air. In an exemplary embodiment, this air is forced into storage tank  140  when water is supplied through water supply  130  through charging tank  120  and into storage tank  140 . In another exemplary embodiment, this air is forced into storage tank  140 . Further, charging tank  120  is isolated from the storage tank  140  by a valve  135  (e.g., a check valve, a manual valve, a timed valve, a float triggered valve, a ball valve, a pressure valve, etc.) at or proximate to the outlet of the charging tank  120  so that the pressurized air and/or water contained in storage tank  140  does not interrupt operation of venturi  110  and charging tank  120 . In yet another exemplary embodiment, this water is provided from storage tank  140  to venturi  110  when a valve  115  (e.g., a manual valve, a timed valve, a float triggered valve, a ball valve, a pressure valve, etc.) is open. Water storage tank  140  comprises substantial potential energy which may be translated to kinetic energy to produce pressurized air when valve  115  is open. 
     As discussed above, venturi  110  is able to convert the potential energy of the water stored in storage tank  140  to kinetic energy via fluid flow, using the Venturi Effect to introduce air into the water stream. As such, an air-water stream is provided to charging tank  120  and is collected and stored. Thereafter, air from charging tank  120  is provided to storage tank  140  without the use of external power to capture and store the air. In an exemplary embodiment, air charger  100  is a closed system, such that water provided from storage tank  140  through venturi  110  is captured in charging tank  120 . The water may be contained within charging tank  120  or forced into water supply  130 . Where the water is supplied to storage tank  140 , the water exhausted through venturi  110  is recaptured in charging tank  120  and supplied to storage tank  140  as water is supplied through water supply  130 . As such, the system is substantially air tight, providing for minimal to no water loss. Further, flow through venturi  110  provides substantially continuous fluid flow between storage tank  140 , charging tank  120 , and water supply  130 , such that the risk of freezing is reduced because of the substantially continuous fluid flow. 
     The description of various embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawing figures, which show the embodiments by way of illustration and not of limitation. While these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the disclosure herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented. Moreover, any of the functions or steps may be outsourced to or performed by one or more third parties. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component may include a singular embodiment. 
     Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the invention. The scope of the invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the claims that may be included in an application that claims the benefit of the present application, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, and C” may be used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Although certain embodiments may have been described as a method, it is contemplated that the method may be embodied as computer program instructions on a tangible computer-readable carrier and/or medium, such as a magnetic or optical memory or a magnetic or optical disk. All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.