Abstract:
A system for capturing gas bubbles and converting the captured gas bubbles into electrical energy uses an elongated tubular structure filled with a liquid and having an open top end. The tubular structure is positioned over a gas source. The gas source creates gas bubbles which will flow up the tubular structure and out the top end. At least one turbine is coupled to an interior surface of the tubular structure. The turbine will capture the gas bubbles causing the turbines to rotate and produces electrical power.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is related to U.S. Provisional Application entitled “Rea Gas Generator Column,” filed on Dec. 11, 2003, having a Ser. No. 60/528,526 in the name of the same inventor as the present patent application. The present application claims the benefit of the above provisional application. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     This invention relates generally to alternative energy generation devices and, more specifically, to a system and method for capturing gas bubbles and converting the captured gas bubbles into electricity.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Prior Art  
         [0005]     Due to the limited supplies of fossil fuels, people have been searching for cheap and reusable sources of power. Many people have focused on the use of flowing water to provide power. Hydroelectric generating plants have been used for many years to generate large quantities of electrical energy for widespread distribution. However, hydroelectric generating plants have one main problem. Hydroelectric generating plants generally require the construction of large dams to stop the flow of water on the river. The dam construction usually requires major permanent environmental changes to the areas where the dam is built and is costly to install.  
         [0006]     Many people have also focused on wind-power as a cheap and reusable source of power. Wind-powered devices have been used to perform mechanical work and to generate electricity. However, wind-powered devices have only been used only on a limited scale. Furthermore, wind-powered devices are expensive, inefficient, dangerous, noisy, and unpleasant to be around. In order to capture a large volume of wind, wind-powered devices have to be built very large in size and quantity. As a result, they cannot be distributed throughout population centers, but must be installed some distance away where there are large open spaces. Then, like dams with hydro-electric generators, the electrical energy the wind-powered devices generate must be transmitted, at considerable cost and with considerable lost energy, to the population centers where the energy is needed.  
         [0007]     Therefore, a need existed to provide an improved energy conversion device that overcomes the shortcomings of existing prior art devices. Such a device could utilize the energy of flowing gas through a liquid. The bubbles generated by the flowing gas through the liquid may be captured and used to provide mechanical energy or electrical energy.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved energy conversion device.  
         [0009]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an to provide an improved energy conversion device that overcomes the shortcomings of existing prior art devices.  
         [0010]     It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved energy conversion device that utilizes the energy of flowing gas through a liquid.  
         [0011]     It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved energy conversion device that captures the bubbles generated by the flowing gas through the liquid may be and uses the bubbles to provide mechanical energy or electrical energy.  
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS  
       [0012]     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system for capturing gas bubbles and converting the captured gas bubbles into electrical energy is disclosed. The system for capturing gas bubbles and converting the captured gas bubbles into electrical energy uses an elongated tubular structure filled with a liquid. The tubular structure is positioned over a gas source. The gas source creates gas bubbles which will flow up the tubular structure. At least one turbine is coupled to an interior surface of the tubular structure. The turbine will capture the gas bubbles causing the turbines to rotate and produces electrical power.  
         [0013]     The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawing. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.  
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a simplified functional block diagram of a system for capturing gas bubbles and converting the captured gas bubbles into electricity.  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a simplified functional block diagram of one embodiment of a turbine used in the system depicted in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a simplified functional block diagram of another embodiment of a turbine used in the system depicted in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a simplified functional block diagram of another embodiment of a turbine used in the system depicted in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a simplified functional block diagram of a system for capturing gas bubbles and converting the captured gas bubbles into electricity using a hydrogen generation device for generating the gas bubbles.  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a simplified functional block diagram of a system for capturing gas bubbles and converting the captured gas bubbles into electricity using a hydro-turbine for generating the gas bubbles.  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a simplified functional block diagram of a system for capturing gas bubbles and converting the captured gas bubbles into electricity using air chambers and valves for generating the gas bubbles.  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is a simplified functional block diagram of a system for capturing gas bubbles and converting the captured gas bubbles into electricity with interfacing piping.  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  is a simplified functional block diagram of a system for capturing gas bubbles and converting the captured gas bubbles into electricity for use in a submerged tank or in a body of water. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0024]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a system for capturing gas bubbles and converting the captured gas bubbles into electricity  10  (hereinafter system  10 ) is shown. The system  10  uses a column  12 . The column  12  is designed to be submerged underwater or any other type of liquid or if not submerged, filled with a liquid and have interfacing piping as will be discussed below. While the remainder of the description will reference water, it should be noted that other types of liquids may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
         [0025]     The column  12  may be made out of any type of sturdy material. The main requirement is that the material can withstand the stress of being underwater. In general, a sturdy metal column  12  made of steel or the like is preferred. However, the listing of the above should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention. The column  12  may come in different shapes and sizes. While a circular column  12  is shown, other sizes and shapes may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
         [0026]     The column  12  is submerged under water so that the column  12  is completely full of water and the top of the column  12  is pointing in an upward position. Alternatively, water may be poured or placed into the interior of the column  12 . Air or another gas will flow upward through the water that has filled the column  12 . The gas flowing through the column  12  will create a plurality of gas bubbles. The gas bubbles will flow up the length of the column  12  and out of the top of the column  12  which is open.  
         [0027]     A plurality of bubble capturing devices  14  are position inside the column  12 . The devices  14  will capture the force of the rising gas bubbles and convert this to electrical power. The devices  14  are positioned in the column  12  so that each of the devices  14  will capture the force of the rising gas bubbles and convert this to electrical power. In  FIG. 1 , the devices  14  are a plurality of turbines  14 ′ similar to that used in a hydroelectric plant. As the bubbles rise up the column  12 , the bubbles will cause each of the turbines  14 ′ to rotate. The rotational energy is sent to a generator which will generate electrical power. Since there is a plurality of turbines  14 ′, the bubbles are captures over and over again until they reach the surface of the column  12 . Thus, the turbines  14 ′ harness the buoyancy of the rising bubbles and convert this to electrical power.  
         [0028]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , one embodiment of the turbine  14   a  is shown. In this embodiment, the turbine  14   a  is comprised of a shaft  16 . The shaft  16  is placed inside the container  12  and generally runs the length of the column  12 . A plurality of disks  18  are coupled to the shaft  16 . Alternatively, each turbine  14   a  may be comprised of a plurality of small shafts wherein each shaft would have a single disk coupled to the shaft.  
         [0029]     As the bubbles rise, the bubbles will cause the disk  18  to turn and rotate. This will in turn rotate the shaft  16 . The shaft  16  will have a plurality of magnets  19 . The rotating shaft  16  will rotate the magnets  19  past copper coils  20  to produce electricity. Alternatively, the shaft  16  may be stationary. The shaft  16  may be magnetized to form one large magnet  19 . The disk  18  could have copper coils  20  located in the interior of the disk  18 . The bubbles will cause the disk  18  to rotate around the shaft  16  which is a magnet  18  thereby generating electricity.  
         [0030]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a second embodiment of the turbines  14   b  is shown. In this embodiment, the turbines  14   b  are comprised of a lever  22 . A flotation cup  24  is coupled to the lever  22 . Once the flotation cup  24  has been fully raised, the floatation cup  24  will fall back to a beginning position where the process will start all over. The up and down movement of the flotation cup  24  will move the lever  22 . The movement of the lever  22  is used to power a generator for producing electricity.  
         [0031]     The flotation cup  24  may fall back to a starting position in any number of ways. First, a device may be used to invert the flotation cup  24  over once it reaches a fully raised position. The device would then flip the flotation cup  24  back over once it has returned to a starting position. Alternatively, a valve may be placed in the flotation cup  24  which will open up once the flotation cup  24  reaches a fully raised position to allow the air bubbles to escape and for the flotation cup  24  to fall back to a starting position. The valve would close once the flotation cup  24  reaches the starting position. The above are just given as examples and should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention. Other devices may be used to help the flotation cup  24  fall back to a starting position without departing from the spit and scope of the present invention.  
         [0032]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a third embodiment of the turbine  14   c  is shown. In this embodiment, the turbine  14   c  is comprised of a wheel  26 . The wheel  26  will have a plurality of vanes  28  coupled to the outer perimeter of the wheel  26 . As the bubbles rise, the vanes  28  will capture the bubbles thereby rotating the wheel  26 . The rotation of the wheel  26  is then used to power a generator for producing electricity similar to a water wheel.  
         [0033]     The gas bubbles may be generated in a plurality of different manners. The chemical creation of gas, naturally occurring or artificial, could be used as a source of gas bubbles for the system  10 . For example, the system  10  may be positioned over an underground source of gas in a body of water such as those discovered when drilling for oil in the ocean or in a lake. Natural gas or methane deposits in a body of water could be tapped and released into the columns  12 . Also, chemicals could be released into the column  12 , which would interact with the liquid in the column  12  to create gas bubbles in the column  12 . The gasification of biomass may be used to form the gas bubbles. The height and shape of the columns, the number and type of turbines  14 , and other factors would be adjusted to provide maximum efficiency. Alternatively, one may pipe the gas under pressure to the system  10 . Air or another gas would be pumped in an efficient manner as to get a cost effective transfer of energy. Again, the height and shape of the columns, the number and type of turbines  14 , and other factors would be adjusted to provide maximum efficiency.  
         [0034]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a hydrogen generator  30  may be used in the system  10 . The hydrogen generator  30  may be used to produce hydrogen in one column  12  and oxygen in another column  12 . As discussed above and shown in  FIG. 1 , each column  12  would have a plurality of turbines  14 . The turbines  14  would convert the energy of the rising bubbles into mechanical energy to drive generators for producing electricity. The hydrogen and oxygen could then be recollected at the top of each column  12 . The recollected gas could then be used to power a hydrogen powered turbine generator with a boiler to co-generate a steam turbine. The additional energy would give the system  10  greater efficiency. Alternatively, water electrolysis may be used for producing the hydrogen and oxygen gas bubbles. Water electrolysis is the passing of an electrical current through water to split individual water molecules into their constituent hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Alternatively, a hydrogen-oxygen-carbon gas mixture may be used and can be generated during electrolysis by using carbon rods as the electrodes.  
         [0035]     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the system  10  may be used to co-generate power with a hydroelectric system  32 . In the case of co-generating power with a hydroelectric system  32 , a hydro-turbine  34  will generate air as water runs through the hydro-turbine  34 . The air generated can be pumped to the base of the column  12  where the air is released. The air bubbles would then rise through the column  12  turning the plurality of turbines  14  until the air bubbles reach the top of the column  12 . The rotation of the turbines  14  is then used to power a generator for producing electricity.  
         [0036]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a mechanical system  36  is shown for generating the air/gas bubbles. The mechanical system  36  would be a series of chambers  38  which are located at the bottom of the column  12 . Each chamber  38  would have a plurality of valves. In operation, each chamber would work accordingly. One or both of the valves  40  are opened to allow water in the chamber  38  to flow out as air enters the chamber  38  to create a hollow void. Valve  41  would open to allow the air to enter the chamber  38 . Valves  42  are opened to allow air to escape and to enter the column  12  and water to refill the chamber  38  via valve  45 . The multiple chambers  38  will release air in sequence one after another. Once air is released, each chamber  38  is re-energized, thus maintaining a constant bubble flow. The air bubbles will constantly rise through the column  12  turning a plurality of turbines  14  until the air bubbles reach the top of the column  12 . The rotation of the turbines  14  is then used to power a generator for producing electricity. Where the liquid is drained into the base of the column  12  for chambers with valves, the liquid must not flow opposing the turbines  14 . Thus requiring an interfacing piping system.  
         [0037]     Referring to  FIG. 8 , an interfacing pipe system  46  will allow the same pressure in both the column  12  and the pipe system  46  to distribute the liquid without disruption of the bubble flow. The water pressure is constant when the column  12  and the piping system  46  are the same height. The top of the column  12  is open for the water supply and the release of air. The interfacing piping could also be used in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 . Although, column  12  would be sealed at the top for removing the hydrogen, and water would be introduced into the column by the piping system  46 .  
         [0038]     Interfacing could be done on a column  12  which is submerged in a tank or in a body of water. Pipes and valves would do the interfacing as shown in  FIG. 9 . The embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9  would allow a liquid to reach equilibrium at all levels and depths to prevent pressure restrictions with the column  12 .  
         [0039]     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.