Office Action 1: Notice of Allowance (2025-05-21)

CLAIMS:
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1\. A hydropower system for converting potential energy of a fluid into electrical energy, the hydropower system comprising:an upper reservoir containing a fluid;
a lower reservoir containing the fluid, the lower reservoir positioned at a lower elevation relative to the upper reservoir such that the fluid flows from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir via gravity;
a fluid loop configured to circulate a primary flow of the fluid between the upper reservoir and the lower reservoir;
a turbine disposed on the fluid loop, the turbine configured to be driven by the primary flow from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir;
a generator configured to be driven by the turbine to generate electrical energy;
a pump disposed on the fluid loop, the pump configured to drive the primary flow from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir;
a first Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop, the first Venturi device downstream of the upper reservoir and upstream of the turbine, between the upper reservoir and the turbine on the fluid loop; and
a second Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop, the second Venturi device downstream of the lower reservoir and upstream of the pump, between the lower reservoir and the pump on the fluid loop,
wherein each of the first and the second Venturi devices comprises:
an inlet configured to receive the primary flow;
an outlet configured to eject the primary flow; and a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet, the body comprising:
a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein a movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect; and a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of the fluid into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet

to pull the primary flow through the inlet and into the body causing the pressure of the primary flow to increase through the diverging portion before ejection through the outlet.

2\. The hydropower system of claim 1, wherein the secondary flow of the first Venturi flows from the turbine to the secondary input of the first Venturi device.

3\. The hydropower system of claim 2, further comprising a first conduit fluidically connected to the turbine and the secondary input of the first Venturi device, the first conduit configured to direct the secondary flow from the primary flow to the secondary input of the first Venturi device.

4\. The hydropower system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary flow of the second Venturi flows from the pump to the secondary input of the second Venturi device.

5\. The hydropower system of claim 4, further comprising a second conduit fluidically connected to the pump and the secondary input of the second Venturi device, the second conduit configured to direct the secondary flow from the primary flow to the secondary input of the second Venturi device.

6\. The hydropower system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a third conduit fluidically connected to the fluid loop between the upper reservoir and the turbine, the third conduit configured to direct the secondary flow of the second Venturi device from the primary flow to the secondary input of the second Venturi device.

7\. The hydropower system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising an other pump disposed on the fluid loop, the other pump configured to drive the primary flow from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir.

8\. The hydropower system of claim 7, further comprising a third Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop, the third Venturi device downstream of the lower reservoir and upstream of the other pump, between the lower reservoir and the other pump on the fluid loop.

9\. The hydropower system of claim 8, wherein a secondary flow of the third Venturi device flows from the other pump to a secondary input of the third Venturi device.

10\. The hydropower system of claim 9, further comprising a fourth conduit fluidically connected to the other pump and the secondary input of the third Venturi device,

the fourth conduit configured to direct the secondary flow from the primary flow to the secondary input of the third Venturi device.

11\. The hydropower system of claim 9 or 10, further comprising a fifth conduit fluidically connected to the fluid loop between the upper reservoir and the turbine, the fifth conduit configured to direct the secondary flow of the third Venturi device from the primary flow to the secondary input of the third Venturi device.

12\. The hydropower system any of the preceding claims, wherein the pump comprises a motor that is configured to be powered by at least one of the generator or an external power supply.

13\. The hydropower system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid loop comprises at least one of tubing or piping.

14\. The hydropower system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary input is adjustable to regulate an input of the secondary flow into the primary flow.

15\. The hydropower system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary input is an annular gap.

16\. The hydropower system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary input is a ring gap.

17\. The hydropower system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary input is configured to distribute the secondary flow throughout the secondary input.

18\. The hydropower system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary input comprises a Coanda surface configured to distribute incoming secondary flow throughout the secondary input.

19\. The hydropower system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary input comprises a Coanda surface.

20\. The hydropower system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary input is configured to encircle the primary flow.

21\. The hydropower system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary input is disposed downstream of the diverging portion.

22\. The hydropower system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary input is disposed between the diverging portion and the outlet.

23\. The hydropower system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary input comprises one or more apertures.

24\. The hydropower system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary input comprises a plurality of apertures.

25\. The hydropower system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary input comprises one or more openings circumferentially distributed about a flow path of the primary flow, the secondary input configured to direct the secondary flow radially inward toward the primary flow.

26\. The hydropower system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a throat disposed between the converging portion and the diverging portion, the throat comprising a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the converging portion and a diameter of the diverging portion.

27\. The hydropower system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary input comprises an annular chamber configured to receive and direct the secondary flow.

28\. The hydropower system of claim 27, wherein the annular chamber is configured to encircle the primary flow through the body.

29\. The hydropower system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the pump drives the primary flow from the from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir while turbine is driven by the primary flow from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir to recirculate the fluid from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir.

30\. The hydropower system of any of claims 1 to 28, wherein the pump drives the primary flow from the from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir while flow of the fluid is stopped through the turbine.

31\. A hydropower system for converting potential energy of a fluid into electrical energy, the hydropower system comprising:an upper reservoir containing a fluid;
a lower reservoir containing the fluid, the lower reservoir positioned at a lower elevation relative to the upper reservoir such that the fluid flows from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir via gravity;
a fluid loop configured to circulate a primary flow of the fluid between the upper reservoir and the lower reservoir;

a turbine disposed on the fluid loop, the turbine configured to be driven by the primary flow from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir;
a generator configured to be driven by the turbine to generate electrical energy;
a pump disposed on the fluid loop, the pump configured to drive the primary flow from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir; and
a first Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop, the first Venturi device downstream of the upper reservoir and upstream of the turbine, between the upper reservoir and the turbine on the fluid loop,
wherein the first Venturi device comprises:
an inlet configured to receive the primary flow;
an outlet configured to eject the primary flow; and a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet, the body comprising:
a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein a movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect; and a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of the fluid into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet to pull the primary flow through the inlet and into the body causing the pressure of the primary flow to increase before ejection through the outlet.

32\. The hydropower system of claim 31, further comprising a second Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop, the second Venturi device downstream of the lower reservoir and upstream of the pump, between the lower reservoir and the pump on the fluid loop.

33\. The hydropower system of claim 31 or 32, further comprising any of the features of Claims 1-30.

34\. A hydropower system for converting potential energy of a fluid into electrical energy, the hydropower system comprising:an upper reservoir containing a fluid;

a lower reservoir containing the fluid, the lower reservoir positioned at a lower elevation relative to the upper reservoir such that the fluid flows from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir via gravity;
a fluid loop configured to circulate a primary flow of the fluid between the upper reservoir and the lower reservoir;
a turbine disposed on the fluid loop, the turbine configured to be driven by the primary flow from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir;
a generator configured to be driven by the turbine to generate electrical energy;
a pump disposed on the fluid loop, the pump configured to drive the primary flow from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir; and
a first Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop, the first Venturi device downstream of the lower reservoir and upstream of the pump, between the lower reservoir and the pump on the fluid loop,
wherein the first Venturi device comprises:
an inlet configured to receive the primary flow;
an outlet configured to eject the primary flow; and a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet, the body comprising:
a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein a movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect; and a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of the fluid into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet to pull the primary flow through the inlet and into the body causing the pressure of the primary flow to increase before ejection through the outlet.

35\. The hydropower system of claim 34, further comprising a second Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop, the second Venturi device downstream of the upper reservoir and upstream of the turbine, between the upper reservoir and the turbine on the fluid loop.

36\. The hydropower system of claim 34 or 35, further comprising any of the features of claims 1-30.

37\. A hydropower system for converting potential energy of a fluid into electrical energy, the hydropower system comprising:an upper reservoir containing a fluid;
a lower reservoir containing the fluid, the lower reservoir positioned at a lower elevation relative to the upper reservoir such that the fluid flows from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir via gravity;
a fluid conduit configured to direct a primary flow of the fluid between the upper reservoir and the lower reservoir;
a turbine and pump assembly disposed on the fluid conduit, the turbine and pump assembly configured to be driven by the primary flow from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir and configured to drive the primary flow from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir;
a generator configured to be driven by the turbine and pump assembly to generate electrical energy;
a first Venturi device disposed on the fluid conduit, the first Venturi device between the upper reservoir and the turbine and pump assembly on the fluid conduit;
a second Venturi device disposed on the fluid conduit, the second Venturi device between the lower reservoir and the turbine and pump assembly on the fluid conduit,
wherein each of the first and the second Venturi devices comprises:
an inlet configured to receive the primary flow;
an outlet configured to eject the primary flow; and a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet, the body comprising:
a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein a movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect; and a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of the fluid into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow

of the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet to pull the primary flow through the inlet and into the body causing the pressure of the primary flow to increase before ejection through the outlet;
a first bypass conduit connected to the fluid conduit upstream and downstream of the first Venturi device, the first bypass conduit configured to direct the primary flow around first Venturi device such that the primary flow does not pass through the first Venturi device with the primary flow flowing from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir via the fluid conduit; and
a second bypass conduit connected to the fluid conduit upstream and downstream of the second Venturi device, the second bypass conduit configured to direct the primary flow around second Venturi device such that the primary flow does not pass through the second Venturi device with the primary flow flowing from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir via the fluid conduit.

38\. The hydropower system of claim 37, wherein the secondary flow of the first Venturi device flows from the turbine and pump assembly to the secondary input of the first Venturi device.

39\. The hydropower system of claim 38, further comprising a first conduit fluidically connected to the turbine and pump assembly and the secondary input of the first Venturi device, the first conduit configured to direct the secondary flow from the primary flow to the secondary input of the first Venturi device.

40\. The hydropower system of any of claim 37 to 39, wherein the secondary flow of the second Venturi device flows from the turbine and pump assembly to the secondary input of the second Venturi device.

41\. The hydropower system of claim 40, further comprising a second conduit fluidically connected to the pump and the secondary input of the second Venturi device, the second conduit configured to direct the secondary flow from the primary flow to the secondary input of the second Venturi device.

42\. The hydropower system of any of claims 37 to 41, further comprising any of the features of claims 1-30.

43\. A hydropower system for converting potential energy of a fluid into electrical energy, the hydropower system comprising:an upper reservoir containing a fluid;
a lower reservoir containing the fluid, the lower reservoir positioned at a lower elevation relative to the upper reservoir such that the fluid flows from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir via gravity;
a fluid conduit configured to direct a primary flow of the fluid between the upper reservoir and the lower reservoir;
a turbine and pump assembly disposed on the fluid conduit, the turbine and pump assembly configured to be driven by the primary flow from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir and configured to drive the primary flow from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir;
a generator configured to be driven by the turbine and pump assembly to generate electrical energy;
a first Venturi device disposed on the fluid conduit, the first Venturi device between the upper reservoir and the turbine and pump assembly on the fluid conduit,
wherein the first Venturi device comprises:
an inlet configured to receive the primary flow;
an outlet configured to eject the primary flow; and a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet, the body comprising:
a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein a movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect; and a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of the fluid into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet to pull the primary flow through the inlet and into the body causing the pressure of the primary flow to increase before ejection through the outlet; and

a first bypass conduit connected to the fluid conduit upstream and downstream of the first Venturi device, the first bypass conduit configured to direct the primary flow around first Venturi device such that the primary flow does not pass through the first Venturi device with the primary flow flowing from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir via the fluid conduit.

44\. The hydropower system of claim 43, further comprising a second Venturi device disposed on the fluid conduit, the second Venturi device between the lower reservoir and the turbine and pump assembly on the fluid conduit.

45\. The hydropower system of claim 44, further comprising a second bypass conduit connected to the fluid conduit upstream and downstream of the second Venturi device, the second bypass conduit configured to direct the primary flow around second Venturi device such that the primary flow does not pass through the second Venturi device with the primary flow flowing from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir via the fluid conduit.

46\. The hydropower system of any of claims 43 to 45, further comprising any of the features of claims 1-30 and 37-41.

47\. A hydropower system for converting potential energy of a fluid into electrical energy, the hydropower system comprising:an upper reservoir containing a fluid;
a lower reservoir containing the fluid, the lower reservoir positioned at a lower elevation relative to the upper reservoir such that the fluid flows from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir via gravity;
a fluid conduit configured to direct a primary flow of the fluid between the upper reservoir and the lower reservoir;
a turbine and pump assembly disposed on the fluid conduit, the turbine and pump assembly configured to be driven by the primary flow from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir and configured to drive the primary flow from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir;
a generator configured to be driven by the turbine and pump assembly to generate electrical energy;
a first Venturi device disposed on the fluid conduit, the first Venturi device between the lower reservoir and the turbine and pump assembly on the fluid conduit,

wherein the first Venturi device comprises:
an inlet configured to receive the primary flow;
an outlet configured to eject the primary flow; and a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet, the body comprising:
a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein a movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect; and a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of the fluid into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet to pull the primary flow through the inlet and into the body causing the pressure of the primary flow to increase before ejection through the outlet; and
a first bypass conduit connected to the fluid conduit upstream and downstream of the first Venturi device, the first bypass conduit configured to direct the primary flow around first Venturi device such that the primary flow does not pass through the first Venturi device with the primary flow flowing from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir via the fluid conduit.

48\. The hydropower system of claim 47, further comprising a second Venturi device disposed on the fluid conduit, the second Venturi device between the upper reservoir and the turbine and pump assembly on the fluid conduit.

49\. The hydropower system of claim 48, further comprising a second bypass conduit connected to the fluid conduit upstream and downstream of the second Venturi device, the second bypass conduit configured to direct the primary flow around second Venturi device such that the primary flow does not pass through the second Venturi device with the primary flow flowing from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir via the fluid conduit.

50\. The hydropower system of any of claims 47 to 49, further comprising any of the features of claims 1-30 and 37-41.

51\. A system for converting potential energy of a fluid into electrical energy, the system comprising:
a fluid conduit configured to direct a primary flow of a fluid between an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir, the lower reservoir positioned at a lower elevation relative to the upper reservoir such that the fluid flows from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir via gravity;
a turbine and pump assembly disposed on the fluid conduit, the turbine and pump assembly configured to be driven by the primary flow from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir and configured to drive the primary flow from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir;
a generator configured to be driven by the turbine and pump assembly to generate electrical energy;
a first Venturi device disposed on the fluid conduit, the first Venturi device between the lower reservoir and the turbine and pump assembly on the fluid conduit,
wherein the first Venturi device comprises:
an inlet configured to receive the primary flow;
an outlet configured to eject the primary flow; and a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet, the body comprising:
a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein a movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect; and a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of the fluid into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet to pull the primary flow through the inlet and into the body causing the pressure of the primary flow to increase before ejection through the outlet; and
a first bypass conduit connected to the fluid conduit upstream and downstream of the first Venturi device, the first bypass conduit configured to direct the primary flow around first Venturi device such that the primary flow does not pass through the first Venturi device with the primary flow flowing from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir via the fluid conduit.

52\. The system of claim 51, further comprising the upper reservoir for containing the fluid.

53\. The system of claim 51 or 52, further comprising the lower reservoir.

54\. The system of any of claims 51 to 53, further comprising any of the features of claims 1-30 and 37-41.

55\. A system for converting ambient thermal energy into electrical energy, the system comprising:a fluid loop configured to circulate a primary flow of a fluid;
a turbine disposed on the fluid loop, the turbine configured to be driven by the primary flow;
a generator configured to be driven by the turbine to generate electrical energy;
a first pump disposed on the fluid loop, the first pump configured to drive the primary flow through the fluid loop;
a cooling coil disposed on the fluid loop, the cooling coil downstream of the turbine and upstream of the first pump on the fluid loop, the cooling coil configured to condense the primary flow exiting the turbine;
a first Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop, the first Venturi device downstream of the first pump and upstream of the turbine on the fluid loop;
a second Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop, the second Venturi device downstream of the turbine and upstream of the first pump on the fluid loop,
wherein each of the first and the second Venturi devices comprises:
an inlet configured to receive the primary flow;
an outlet configured to eject the primary flow; and a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet, the body comprising:
a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein a movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect that decreases a temperature of the primary flow upstream of the diverging portion such that thermal energy from an ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow; and

a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of the fluid into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet to suck the primary flow through the inlet and into the body to decrease the temperature of the primary flow upstream of the diverging portion such that thermal energy from the ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow, causing the temperature and the pressure of the primary flow to increase through the diverging portion before ejection through the outlet;
a reservoir tank on the fluid loop, the reservoir tank containing the fluid, the reservoir tank downstream of the second Venturi device and upstream of the first Venturi device;
a first conduit fluidically connected to the reservoir tank and the secondary input of the first Venturi device, the first conduit configured to direct the secondary flow from the primary flow to the secondary input of the first Venturi device;
a second pump disposed on the first conduit, the second pump configured to drive the secondary flow from the primary flow to the secondary input of the first Venturi device; and
a heater disposed on the first conduit, the heater downstream of the second pump on the first conduit, the heater configured to heat the secondary flow of the first Venturi device such that the secondary flow at least partially phase shifts from a liquid state to a gas state.

56\. The system of claim 55, wherein the first Venturi device is configured to heat the primary flow passing through the first Venturi device such that primary flow at least partially phase shifts from the liquid state to the gas state.

57\. The system of any of claim 55 or 56, wherein the heater comprises one or more solar tubes, the one or more solar tubes configured to heat the secondary flow of the first Venturi device via solar radiation.

58\. The system of claim 57, wherein the first conduit comprises a solar tube manifold connected to the one or more solar tubes and to transfer heat from the one or more solar tubes to the secondary flow in the first conduit.

59\. The system of any of claims 55 to 58, wherein the heater comprises a heater cartridge on the first conduit, the heater cartridge configured to heat the secondary flow in the first conduit.

60\. The system of claim 59, wherein the heater cartridge is powered by a solar panel assembly configured to generate electricity to heat the heater cartridge.

61\. The system of any of claims 55 to 60, wherein the secondary flow of the second Venturi flows from the reservoir to the secondary input of the second Venturi device.

62\. The system of claim 61, further comprising a second conduit fluidically connected to the reservoir and the secondary input of the second Venturi device, the second conduit configured to direct the secondary flow from the primary flow to the secondary input of the second Venturi device.

63\. The system of claim 62, further comprising a third pump disposed on the second conduit, the third pump configured to drive the secondary flow from the primary flow to the secondary input of the second Venturi device.

64\. The system of any of claims 55 to 63, wherein the first and second pumps each comprise a motor that is configured to be powered by at least one of the generator or an external power supply.

65\. The system of any of claims 55 to 64, wherein the cooling coil is configured to operate using a refrigeration cycle using a refrigerant.

66\. The system of claim 65, wherein the refrigerant is C02.

67\. The system of any of claims 55 to 66, wherein the fluid loop comprises at least one of tubing or piping.

68\. The system of any of claims 55 to 67, wherein the secondary input is adjustable to regulate an input of the secondary flow into the primary flow.

69\. The system of any of claims 55 to 68, wherein the secondary input is an annular gap.

70\. The system of any of claims 55 to 69, wherein the secondary input is a ring gap.

71\. The system of any of claims 55 to 70, wherein the secondary input is configured to distribute the secondary flow throughout the secondary input.

72\. The system of any of claims 55 to 71, wherein the secondary input comprises a Coanda surface configured to distribute incoming secondary flow throughout the secondary input.

73\. The system of any of claims 55 to 72, wherein the secondary input comprises a Coanda surface.

74\. The system of any of claims 55 to 73, wherein the secondary input is configured to encircle the primary flow.

75\. The system of any of claims 55 to 74, wherein the secondary input is disposed downstream of the diverging portion.

76\. The system of any of claims 55 to 75, wherein the secondary input is disposed between the diverging portion and the outlet.

77\. The system of any of claims 55 to 76, wherein the secondary input comprises one or more apertures.

78\. The system of any of claims 55 to 77, wherein the secondary input comprises a plurality of apertures.

79\. The system of any of claims 55 to 78, wherein the secondary input comprises one or more openings circumferentially distributed about a flow path of the primary flow, the secondary input configured to direct the secondary flow radially inward toward the primary flow.

80\. The system of any of claims 55 to 79, further comprising a throat disposed between the converging portion and the diverging portion, the throat comprising a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the converging portion and a diameter of the diverging portion.

81\. The system of any of claims 55 to 80, wherein the secondary input comprises an annular chamber configured to receive and direct the secondary flow.

82\. The system of claim 81, wherein the annular chamber is configured to encircle the primary flow through the body.

83\. A system for converting ambient thermal energy into electrical energy, the system comprising:
a fluid loop configured to circulate a primary flow of a fluid;
a turbine disposed on the fluid loop, the turbine configured to be driven by the primary flow;
a generator configured to be driven by the turbine to generate electrical energy;
a first pump disposed on the fluid loop, the first pump configured to drive the primary flow through the fluid loop;
a condenser disposed on the fluid loop, the condenser downstream of the turbine and upstream of the first pump on the fluid loop, the condenser configured to condense the primary flow exiting the turbine;
a first Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop, the first Venturi device downstream of the first pump and upstream of the turbine on the fluid loop;
a second Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop, the second Venturi device downstream of the turbine and upstream of the first pump on the fluid loop,
wherein each of the first and the second Venturi devices comprises:
an inlet configured to receive the primary flow;
an outlet configured to eject the primary flow; and a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet, the body comprising:
a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein a movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect that decreases a temperature of the primary flow upstream of the diverging portion such that thermal energy from an ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow; and
a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of the fluid into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet to suck the primary flow through the inlet and into the body to decrease the temperature of the primary flow upstream of the diverging portion such that thermal energy from the ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow, causing the temperature and the

pressure of the primary flow to increase through the diverging portion before ejection through the outlet;
a first conduit fluidically connected to the fluid loop and the secondary input of the first Venturi device, the first conduit configured to direct the secondary flow from the primary flow to the secondary input of the first Venturi device;
a second pump disposed on the first conduit, the second pump configured to drive the secondary flow from the primary flow to the secondary input of the first Venturi device; and
a heater disposed on the first conduit, the heater downstream of the second pump on the first conduit, the heater configured to heat the secondary flow of the first Venturi device such that the secondary flow at least partially phase shifts from a liquid state to a gas state.

84\. The system of claim 83, further comprising a reservoir tank on the fluid loop, the reservoir tank containing the fluid, the reservoir tank downstream of the second Venturi device and upstream of the first Venturi device.

85\. The system of claim 83 or 84, wherein the condenser comprises a cooling coil disposed on the first conduit.

86\. The system of any of claims 83 to 85, further comprising any of the features of claims 55-82.

87\. A system for converting ambient thermal energy into electrical energy, the system comprising:a fluid loop configured to circulate a primary flow of a fluid;
a turbine disposed on the fluid loop, the turbine configured to be driven by the primary flow;
a generator configured to be driven by the turbine to generate electrical energy;
a first pump disposed on the fluid loop, the first pump configured to drive the primary flow through the fluid loop;
a condenser disposed on the fluid loop, the condenser downstream of the turbine and upstream of the first pump on the fluid loop, the condenser configured to condense the primary flow exiting the turbine;

a first Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop, the first Venturi device downstream of the first pump and upstream of the turbine on the fluid loop,
wherein the first Venturi device comprises:
an inlet configured to receive the primary flow;
an outlet configured to eject the primary flow; and a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet, the body comprising:
a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein a movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect that decreases a temperature of the primary flow upstream of the diverging portion such that thermal energy from an ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow; and
a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of the fluid into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet to suck the primary flow through the inlet and into the body to decrease the temperature of the primary flow upstream of the diverging portion such that thermal energy from the ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow, causing the temperature and the pressure of the primary flow to increase through the diverging portion before ejection through the outlet;
a first conduit fluidically connected to the fluid loop and the secondary input of the first Venturi device, the first conduit configured to direct the secondary flow from the primary flow to the secondary input of the first Venturi device;
a second pump disposed on the first conduit, the second pump configured to drive the secondary flow from the primary flow to the secondary input of the first Venturi device; and
a heater disposed on the first conduit, the heater downstream of the second pump on the first conduit, the heater configured to heat the secondary flow of the first

Venturi device such that the secondary flow at least partially phase shifts from a liquid state to a gas state.

88\. The system of claim 87, further comprising a second Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop, the second Venturi device downstream of the turbine and upstream of the first pump on the fluid loop.

89\. The system of claim 87 or 88, further comprising any of the features of claims 55-82.

90\. A Venturi device, the Venturi device comprising:
an inlet configured to receive a primary flow of a fluid;
an outlet configured to eject the primary flow; and
a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet, the body comprising:a body wall comprising a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein a movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect, pulling the primary flow in through the inlet;
a reducer connected to the body wall, the reducer connected to the body wall proximate the outlet relative to the inlet;
a first nozzle disposed at least partially in the diverging portion, the first nozzle extending from the body wall, the first nozzle forming a first annular space between the first nozzle and the body wall, the first nozzle configured to create a first low pressure fluid in the first annular space relative to a high pressure fluid flow of the primary flow flowing through the first nozzle to pull the primary flow through the inlet and into the body, wherein reduction in the high pressure fluid flow of the primary flow through the first nozzle causes the first low pressure fluid to at least partially exit the first annular space for the first low pressure fluid to flow toward the outlet;
a second nozzle disposed at least partially in the reducer, the second nozzle extending from the body wall, the second nozzle forming a second annular space between the second nozzle and the body wall, the second nozzle configured to create a second low pressure fluid in the second annular space relative to the high pressure fluid flow of the primary flow flowing through the second nozzle to move the primary flow through the outlet, wherein reduction in the high pressure fluid flow of the primary flow through the second nozzle causes the second low pressure fluid to at least partially

the second annular space for the second low pressure fluid to flow toward the outlet,
wherein the second annular space is larger than the first annular space,
wherein an end of the second nozzle proximate the outlet relative to the inlet is spaced axially inward from an end of the reducer, the end of the reducer at least partially forming the outlet; and
a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of the fluid into the primary flow to create a vortex, pulling the primary flow through the inlet and into the body.

91\. The Venturi device of claim 90, wherein a smallest cross-sectional flow area of the first nozzle is between ends of the first nozzle such that at least one of the ends of the first nozzle has a larger diameter relative to a diameter at the smallest cross-sectional flow area of the first nozzle.

92\. The Venturi device of claim 91, wherein both of the ends of the first nozzle have larger diameters relative to the diameter at the smallest cross-sectional flow area of the first nozzle.

93\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 92, wherein a smallest cross-sectional flow area of the second nozzle is between ends of the second nozzle such that at least one of the ends of the second nozzle has a larger diameter relative to a diameter at the smallest cross- sectional flow area of the second nozzle.

94\. The Venturi device of claim 93, wherein both of the ends of the second nozzle have larger diameters relative to the diameter at the smallest cross-sectional flow area of the first nozzle.

95\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 94, further comprising a conical interior surface disposed between the diverging portion and the second nozzle, the conical interior surface configured to direct the primary flow toward the outlet, the conical interior surface comprising a cross-sectional flow area that decreases in size toward the outlet.

96\. The Venturi device of claim 95, wherein the secondary input is configured to direct the secondary flow through the conical interior surface.

97\. The Venturi device of claim 95, wherein the secondary input is configured to direct the secondary flow between the conical interior surface and the second nozzle.

98\. The Venturi device of any of claims 95 to 97, wherein the cross-sectional flow area of the conical interior surface converges to a size that is smaller than a cross-sectional flow area of the converging portion and a cross-sectional flow area of the diverging portion.

99\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 98, wherein an axial extent of the first nozzle is less than an axial extent of the diverging portion.

100\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 99, wherein an axial extent of the second nozzle is less than an axial extent of the reducer.

101\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 100, wherein the first nozzle is connected to the body wall between the converging portion and the diverging portion.

102\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 101, wherein the second nozzle is connected to the body wall at a junction between the diverging portion and the reducer.

103\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 102, wherein the secondary input is configured to direct the secondary flow of the fluid into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow.

104\. The Venturi device of claim 103, wherein the angle is ninety degrees.

105\. The Venturi device of claim 103, wherein the angle is between 60 and 120 degrees.

106\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 105, wherein the secondary input comprises an annular passageway.

107\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 106, wherein the secondary input comprises one or more apertures.

108\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 107, wherein the secondary input comprises a plurality of apertures.

109\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 108, wherein the secondary input comprises an annular gap.

110\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 109, wherein the secondary input comprises a ring gap.

111\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 110, wherein the secondary input is configured to encircle the primary flow through the body.

112\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 111, wherein the secondary input is configured to circumferentially encircle the primary flow through the body.

113\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 112, wherein the secondary input comprises one or more openings circumferentially distributed about a flow path of the primary flow, the secondary input configured to direct the secondary flow radially inward toward the primary flow.

114\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 113, further comprising a throat disposed between the converging portion and the diverging portion, the throat comprising a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the converging portion and a diameter of the diverging portion.

115\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 114, further comprising an annular chamber configured to receive and direct the secondary flow to the secondary input.

116\. The Venturi device of claim 115, wherein the annular chamber is configured to encircle the primary flow in the body.

117\. The Venturi device of claim 115 or 116, wherein the annular chamber comprises a Coanda surface configured to distribute incoming secondary flow throughout the annular chamber.

118\. The Venturi device of any of claims 115 to 117, further comprising an annular passageway fluidically connected to the annular chamber, the annular passageway configured to direct the secondary flow from the annular passageway into the primary flow.

119\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 118, wherein the secondary input comprises a Coanda surface.

120\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 119, further comprising a plurality of secondary inputs.

121\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 120, wherein the secondary input is disposed downstream of the diverging portion.

122\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 121, wherein the converging portion comprises a cross-sectional flow area that continuously decreases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow.

123\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 122, wherein the diverging portion comprises a cross-sectional flow area that continuously increases in size in the direction of flow of the primary flow.

124\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 123, wherein a length of the diverging portion is greater than a length of the converging portion.

125\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 124, wherein a cross-sectional flow area of the outlet is smaller than a cross-sectional flow area of the inlet.

126\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 125, wherein the converging portion is configured to increase a velocity of the primary flow and decrease a pressure of the primary flow, and wherein the diverging portion is configured to decrease the velocity of the primary flow and increase the pressure of the primary flow.

127\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 126, wherein a cross-sectional flow area of the converging portion is circular.

128\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 127, wherein the converging portion defines a flow area having a conical shape.

129\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 128, wherein a cross-sectional flow area of the diverging portion is circular.

130\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 129, wherein the diverging portion defines a flow area having a conical shape.

131\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 130, wherein a size of a cross- sectional flow area of the converging portion changes less rapidly than a size of a cross- sectional flow area of the diverging portion per a unit of length.

132\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 131, wherein a length of the diverging portion is greater than a length of the converging portion.

133\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 132, wherein a cross-sectional flow area of the first nozzle continually changes in size.

134\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 133, wherein a cross-sectional flow area of the second nozzle continually changes in size.

135\. The Venturi device of any of claims 91 to 134, wherein a cross-sectional flow area at an exit of the first nozzle is substantially the same as a cross-sectional flow area at an exit of the second nozzle.

136\. A Venturi device, the Venturi device comprising:
an inlet configured to receive a primary flow of a fluid;
an outlet configured to eject the primary flow; and
a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet, the body comprising:
a body wall comprising a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein a movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect, pulling the primary flow in through the inlet;
a reducer connected to the body wall, the reducer connected to the body wall proximate the outlet relative to the inlet;
a first nozzle disposed at least partially in the diverging portion, the first nozzle extending from the body wall, the first nozzle forming a first annular space between the first nozzle and the body wall, the first nozzle configured to create a first low pressure fluid in the first annular space relative to a high pressure fluid flow of the primary flow flowing through the first nozzle to pull the primary flow through the inlet and into the body, wherein reduction in the high pressure fluid flow of the primary flow through the first nozzle causes the first low pressure fluid to at least partially exit the first annular space for the first low pressure fluid to flow toward the outlet;
a second nozzle disposed at least partially in the reducer, the second nozzle extending from the body wall, the second nozzle forming a second annular space between the second nozzle and the body wall, the second nozzle configured to create a second low pressure fluid in the second annular space relative to the high pressure fluid flow of the primary flow flowing through the second nozzle to move the primary flow through the outlet, wherein reduction in the high pressure fluid flow of the primary flow through the second nozzle causes the second low pressure fluid to at least partially the second annular space for the second low pressure fluid to flow toward the outlet;
and a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of the fluid into the primary flow to create a vortex, pulling the primary flow through the inlet and into the body.

137\. The Venturi device of claim 136, wherein the second annular space is larger than the first annular space.

138\. The Venturi device of claim 136 or 137, wherein an end of the second nozzle proximate the outlet relative to the inlet is spaced axially inward from an end of the reducer, the end of the reducer at least partially forming the outlet.

139\. The Venturi device of any of claims 136 to 138, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 90-135.

140\. A Venturi device, the Venturi device comprising:an inlet configured to receive a primary flow of a fluid;
an outlet configured to eject the primary flow; and
a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet, the body comprising:
a body wall comprising a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein a movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect, pulling the primary flow in through the inlet;
a first nozzle extending from the body wall, the first nozzle forming a first annular space between the first nozzle and the body wall, the first nozzle configured to create a first low pressure fluid in the first annular space relative to a high pressure fluid flow of the primary flow flowing through the first nozzle, wherein reduction in the high pressure fluid flow of the primary flow through the first nozzle causes the first low pressure fluid to at least partially exit the first annular space for the first low pressure fluid to flow toward the outlet;
a second nozzle extending from the body wall, the second nozzle forming a second annular space between the second nozzle and the body wall, the second nozzle configured to create a second low pressure fluid in the second annular space relative to the high pressure fluid flow of the primary flow flowing through the second nozzle, wherein reduction in the high pressure fluid flow of the primary flow through the second nozzle causes the second low pressure fluid to at least partially the second annular space for the second low pressure fluid to flow toward the outlet; and
a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of the fluid into the primary flow to create a vortex, pulling the primary flow through the inlet and into the body.

141\. The Venturi device of claim 140, further comprising a reducer connected to the body wall, the reducer connected to the body wall proximate the outlet relative to the inlet.

142\. The Venturi device of claim 141, wherein the second nozzle is disposed at least partially in the reducer.

143\. The Venturi device of any of claims 140 to 142, wherein first nozzle is disposed at least partially in the diverging portion.

144\. The Venturi device of any of claims 140 to 143, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 90-135.

145\. A Venturi device, the Venturi device comprising:
an inlet configured to receive a primary flow of a fluid;
an outlet configured to eject the primary flow; and
a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet, the body comprising:a body wall comprising a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein a movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect, pulling the primary flow in through the inlet;
a nozzle extending from the body wall, the nozzle forming a space between the nozzle and the body wall, the nozzle configured to create a low pressure fluid in the space relative to a high pressure fluid flow of the primary flow flowing through the nozzle, wherein reduction in the high pressure fluid flow of the primary flow through the nozzle causes the low pressure fluid to at least partially exit the annular space for the low pressure fluid to flow toward the outlet; and
a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of the fluid into the primary flow to create a vortex, pulling the primary flow through the inlet and into the body.

146\. The Venturi device of claim 145, wherein the nozzle is disposed at least partially in the diverging portion.

147\. The Venturi device of claim 145 or 146, further comprising an other nozzle extending from the body wall, the other nozzle forming an other space between the other nozzle and the body wall, the other nozzle configured to create an other low pressure fluid in the other space relative to the high pressure fluid flow of the primary flow flowing through the other nozzle, wherein reduction in the high pressure fluid flow of the primary flow through the other

nozzle causes the other low pressure fluid to at least partially exit the other space for the other low pressure fluid to flow toward the outlet.

148\. The Venturi device of claim 147, further comprising a reducer connected to the body wall, the reducer connected to the body wall proximate the outlet relative to the inlet.

149\. The Venturi device of claim 148, wherein the other nozzle is disposed at least partially in the reducer.

150\. The Venturi device of any of claims 147 to 149, wherein the other space is annular.

151\. The Venturi device of any of claims 145 to 150, wherein the space is annular.

152\. The Venturi device of any of claims 145 to 151, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 90-135.

153\. A forced induction system for a vehicle to induce ambient airflow to generate electrical energy from the ambient airflow, the system comprising:an intake funnel comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a body disposed between the inlet of the intake funnel and the outlet of the intake funnel, the intake funnel configured to direct an ambient airflow from the inlet of the intake funnel through the body of the intake funnel to the outlet of the intake funnel, the inlet of the intake funnel having a cross-sectional flow area larger than a cross-section flow area of the outlet of the intake funnel, the body of the intake funnel comprising a shape changing portion configured to expand or contract to change a cross-sectional flow area of the body of the intake funnel for the ambient airflow through the body of the intake funnel;
a Venturi device in fluid communication with the intake funnel, the Venturi device comprising:
an inlet of the Venturi device in fluid communication with the outlet of the intake funnel to receive a primary flow of fluid from the outlet of the intake funnel, the primary flow comprising the ambient airflow exiting the outlet of the intake funnel;
an outlet of the Venturi device configured to eject the primary flow; and a body of the Venturi device disposed between the inlet of the Venturi device and the outlet of the Venturi device, the body of the Venturi device comprising:

a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect, pulling the primary flow in through the inlet of the Venturi device; and a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of fluid into the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet of the Venturi device to pull the primary flow through the inlet of the Venturi device and into the body of the Venturi device to increase the primary flow through the outlet of the Venturi device;
a turbine comprising an inlet of the turbine and an outlet of the turbine, the inlet of the turbine in fluid communication with the outlet of the Venturi device to receive the primary flow ejected from the outlet of the Venturi device, the turbine configured to be driven by the primary flow ejected from the outlet of the Venturi device;
a generator configured to be driven by the turbine to generate electrical energy;
a bypass conduit in fluid communication with the turbine and the Venturi device, the bypass conduit configured to recirculate the secondary flow from the primary flow flowing through the turbine to the secondary input of the Venturi device;
a passenger cabin duct in fluid communication with the outlet of the turbine to receive the primary flow from the outlet of the turbine, the passenger cabin duct configured to direct the primary flow toward a passenger cabin of a vehicle;
a valve in fluid communication with the outlet of the turbine to receive the primary flow from the outlet of the turbine; and
a bypass duct in fluid communication with the valve, the bypass duct configured to direct the primary flow outside of the vehicle, the valve configured to control flow of the primary flow through the bypass duct.

154\. The system of claim 153, wherein the shape changing portion is configured to change the cross-sectional flow area of the body of the intake funnel based on a temperature of the ambient airflow through the body of the intake funnel.

155\. The system of claim 153 or 154, wherein the shape changing portion is configured to change the cross-sectional flow area of the body of the intake funnel based on a pressure of the ambient airflow through the body of the intake funnel.

156\. The system of any one of claim 153 to 155, wherein the shape changing portion is configured to change the cross-sectional flow area of the body of the intake funnel based on a flow rate of the ambient airflow through the body of the intake funnel.

157\. The system of any one of claim 153 to 156, wherein the shape changing portion is configured to change the cross-sectional flow area of the body of the intake funnel based on electrical current applied to the shape changing portion.

158\. The system of any one of claim 153 to 157, wherein the shape changing portion is configured to change the cross-sectional flow area of the body of the intake funnel based on heat applied to the shape changing portion.

159\. The system of claim 158 further comprising a heating element configured to apply heat to the shape changing portion.

160\. The system of claim 159, wherein the heating element is disposed on or within a wall of the shape changing portion.

161\. The system of claim 159 or 160, wherein the heating element is an elastic resistance heater wire positioned along the shape changing portion.

162\. The system of any one of claim 153 to 161, further comprising a first controller, wherein the first controller is configured to at least one of cause electrical current to be applied to the shape changing portion based on at least one of pressure, temperature, or flow rate of the ambient airflow through the body of the intake funnel or cause heat to be applied to the shape changing portion based on at least one of pressure, temperature, or flow rate of the ambient airflow through the body of the intake funnel.

163\. The system of any one of claim 153 to 161, wherein the shape changing portion comprises a shape memory material configured to change the cross-sectional flow area of the body of the intake funnel by expanding or contracting to one or more predetermined shapes.

164\. The system of claim 163, wherein the shape memory material comprises metallic material.

165\. The system of claim 163 or 164, wherein the shape memory material comprises Nafion.

166\. The system of any of claims 163 to 165, wherein the shape memory material comprises Nitinol.

167\. The system of any one of claim 153 to 166, wherein shape changing portion comprises a pliable material configured to change the cross-sectional flow area of the body of the intake funnel by expanding or contracting.

168\. The system of claim 167, wherein the pliable material is configured to expand or contract based on a force induced on the pliable material by the ambient airflow through the body of the intake funnel.

169\. The system of claim 167 or 168, wherein the pliable material comprises piezoelectric material.

170\. The system of any one of claim 153 to 169, wherein the shape changing portion comprises strips of material configured to expand or contract to change the cross-sectional flow area of the body of the intake funnel.

171\. The system of claim 170, wherein a longitudinal extent of each of the strips of material is oriented along a central axis the intake funnel.

172\. The system of claim 170, wherein a longitudinal extent of each of the strips of material is oriented perpendicular to a central axis the intake funnel.

173\. The system of any of claim 170 to 172, wherein the strips of material are connected to each other to form a continuous inner surface of the body of the intake funnel along which the ambient airflow flows.

174\. The system of any of claim 170 to 172, wherein the strips of material are spaced apart from each other to form a skeleton or a frame of the body of the intake funnel.

175\. The system of any one of claim 153 to 174, wherein the body of the intake funnel comprises an elastic polymer encasing the shape changing portion, the elastic polymer configured to expand or contract with the shape changing portion.

176\. The system of claim 175, wherein the elastic polymer is configured to contain the ambient airflow within the body of the intake funnel.

177\. The system of any one of claim 153 to 176, wherein the inlet of the intake funnel comprises an expandable ring configured to change in cross-sectional flow area corresponding to expansion or contraction of the shape changing portion, the expandable ring connected to the shape changing portion.

178\. The system of claim 177, wherein the expandable ring comprises a thick portion comprising a first end and a second end, the expandable ring comprising a thin portion comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the thin portion connected to the first end of the thick portion, the thick portion comprising an opening at the second end of the thick portion, the second end of the thin portion positioned within the opening and configured to slide relative to the opening of the thick portion as the expandable ring expands or contracts.

179\. The system of any one of claim 153 to 178, wherein the outlet of the intake funnel comprises a fixed ring, the fixed ring configured to maintain a cross-sectional flow area corresponding to a cross-sectional flow area of the inlet of the Venturi device.

180\. The system of any one of claim 153 to 179, further comprising a second controller configured to cause electrical energy generated by the generator to flow to a battery of the vehicle based on a charge state of the battery.

181\. The system of claim 180, further comprising a switch configured to direct or stop flow of electrical energy generated by the generator to the battery of the vehicle, the second controller configured to cause the switch to direct or to stop electrical energy to the battery based on the charge state of the battery.

182\. The system of claim 180 or 181, wherein the second controller is configured to determine a percentage of range extension accumulated during generation of electrical energy by the generator.

183\. The system of any one of claim 153 to 182, further comprising a third controller configured to cause the valve to change flow of the primary flow through the bypass duct based on a desired flow of the secondary flow through the bypass conduit.

184\. The system of claim 183, wherein the third controller is configured to change flow of the primary flow through the bypass duct based on mitigating backpressure on the outlet of the turbine.

185\. The system of claim 184, wherein the third controller is configured to mitigate backpressure on the outlet of the turbine during startup of the turbine.

186\. The system of any one of claim 153 to 185, further comprising an other valve in fluid communication with the outlet of the turbine to receive the primary flow from the outlet of the turbine, the other valve configured to control flow of the primary flow through the passenger cabin duct.

187\. The system of claim 186, further comprising a fourth controller configured to cause the other valve to change flow of the primary flow through the passenger cabin duct based on a flow setting to the passenger cabin of the vehicle.

188\. The system of any of claims 162, 180 to 185, or 187, wherein any one of the first, second, third, or fourth controllers is separate from any one of the other of the first, second, third, or fourth controllers.

189\. The system of any of claims 162, 180 to 185, or 187, wherein any one of the first, second, third, or fourth controllers and any one of the other of the first, second, third, or fourth controllers are the same controllers.

190\. The system of any one of claim 153 to 189, wherein the bypass duct is configured to direct the primary flow to an underside of the vehicle.

191\. The system of any one of claim 153 to 190, further comprising a heater in fluid communication with the passenger cabin duct, the heater configured to heat the primary flow directed to the passenger cabin of the vehicle.

192\. The system of claim 191, wherein the heater comprises a glow plug.

193\. The system of claim 191, wherein the heater comprises a resistance heater.

194\. The system of any one of claim 153 to 193, wherein the secondary input is adjustable to regulate an input of the secondary flow into the primary flow to control a volume of flow of the secondary flow into the secondary input.

195\. The system of any one of claim 153 to 194, wherein the inlet of the intake funnel faces toward a front of the vehicle to direct the ambient airflow into the inlet of the intake funnel with the vehicle in motion in a forward direction.

196\. The system of any one of claim 153 to 195, further comprising a fan facing the inlet of the intake funnel, the fan configured to direct air into the inlet of the intake funnel.

197\. The system of claim 196, wherein the fan is connected to a wheel of the vehicle and configured to be driven by rotation of the wheel of the vehicle.

198\. The system of claim 196 or 197, wherein the fan is connected to a motor of the vehicle and configured to be driven by operation of the motor of the vehicle.

199\. A forced induction system to induce ambient airflow to generate electrical energy from the ambient airflow, the system comprising:
an intake funnel comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a body disposed between the inlet of the intake funnel and the outlet of the intake funnel, the intake funnel configured to direct an ambient airflow from the inlet of the intake funnel through the body of the intake funnel to the outlet of the intake funnel, the inlet of the intake funnel having a cross-sectional flow area larger than a cross-section flow area of the outlet of the intake funnel, the body of the intake funnel comprising a shape changing portion configured to expand or contract to change a cross-sectional flow area of the body of the intake funnel for the ambient airflow through the body of the intake funnel;
a Venturi device in fluid communication with the intake funnel, the Venturi device comprising:
an inlet of the Venturi device in fluid communication with the outlet of the intake funnel to receive a primary flow of fluid from the outlet of the intake funnel, the primary flow comprising the ambient airflow exiting the outlet of the intake funnel;
an outlet of the Venturi device configured to eject the primary flow; and a body of the Venturi device disposed between the inlet of the Venturi device and the outlet of the Venturi device, the body of the Venturi device comprising:
a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect, pulling the primary flow in through the inlet of the Venturi device; and a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of fluid into the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet of the Venturi device to pull the primary flow through the inlet of the Venturi device and into the body of the Venturi device to increase the primary flow through the outlet of the Venturi device;
a turbine comprising an inlet of the turbine and an outlet of the turbine, the inlet of the turbine in fluid communication with the outlet of the Venturi device to receive

the primary flow ejected from the outlet of the Venturi device, the turbine configured to be driven by the primary flow ejected from the outlet of the Venturi device;
a generator configured to be driven by the turbine to generate electrical energy;
and a bypass conduit in fluid communication with the turbine and the Venturi device, the bypass conduit configured to recirculate the secondary flow from the primary flow flowing through the turbine to the secondary input of the Venturi device.

200\. The system of claim 199, further comprising a passenger cabin duct in fluid communication with the outlet of the turbine to receive the primary flow from the outlet of the turbine, the passenger cabin duct configured to direct the primary flow toward a passenger cabin of a vehicle.

201\. The system of claim 199 or 200, further comprising a valve in fluid communication with the outlet of the turbine to receive the primary flow from the outlet of the turbine and comprising a bypass duct in fluid communication with the valve, the bypass duct configured to direct the primary flow away from the turbine, the valve configured to control flow of the primary flow through the bypass duct.

202\. The system of any of claims 199 to 201, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 153-198.

203\. An induction system for generating electrical energy from fluid flow, the system comprising:an intake funnel comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a body disposed between the inlet of the intake funnel and the outlet of the intake funnel, the intake funnel configured to direct a fluid flow from the inlet of the intake funnel through the body of the intake funnel to the outlet of the intake funnel, the body of the intake funnel comprising a shape changing portion configured to expand or contract to change a cross-sectional flow area of the body of the intake funnel for the fluid flow through the body of the intake funnel;
a turbine comprising an inlet of the turbine and an outlet of the turbine, the inlet of the turbine in fluid communication with the outlet of the intake funnel to receive the fluid flow from the outlet of intake funnel, the turbine configured to be driven by the fluid flow exiting from the outlet of the intake funnel; and

a generator configured to be driven by the turbine to generate electrical energy.

204\. The system of claim 203, further comprising a Venturi device in fluid communication with the intake funnel, the Venturi device comprising:an inlet of the Venturi device in fluid communication with the outlet of the intake funnel to receive a primary flow of fluid from the outlet of the intake funnel, the primary flow comprising the fluid flow exiting the outlet of the intake funnel;
an outlet of the Venturi device configured to eject the primary flow to the inlet of the turbine; and
a body of the Venturi device disposed between the inlet of the Venturi device and the outlet of the Venturi device, the body of the Venturi device comprising:
a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect, pulling the primary flow in through the inlet of the Venturi device; and a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of fluid into the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet of the Venturi device to pull the primary flow through the inlet of the Venturi device and into the body of the Venturi device to increase the primary flow through the outlet of the Venturi device.

205\. The system of claim 204, further comprising a bypass conduit in fluid communication with the turbine and the Venturi device, the bypass conduit configured to recirculate the secondary flow from the primary flow flowing through the turbine to the secondary input of the Venturi device.

206\. The system of any of claims 203 to 205, wherein the inlet of the intake funnel is configured to entrain ambient air.

207\. The system of any of claims 203 to 206, wherein the inlet of the intake funnel has a cross-sectional flow area larger than a cross-section flow area of the outlet of the intake funnel.

208\. The system of any of claims 203 to 207, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 153-198.

209\. An intake funnel for inducing fluid flow, the intake funnel comprising:an inlet;
an outlet; and
a body disposed between the inlet of the intake funnel and the outlet of the intake funnel, the body comprising a shape changing portion configured to expand or contract to change a cross-sectional flow area of the body of the intake funnel for the fluid flow through the body of the intake funnel,
wherein the intake funnel is configured to direct a fluid flow from the inlet of the intake funnel through the body of the intake funnel to the outlet of the intake funnel.

210\. A system comprising the intake funnel of claim 209, the system comprising a turbine comprising an inlet of the turbine and an outlet of the turbine, the inlet of the turbine in fluid communication with the outlet of the intake funnel to receive the fluid flow exiting the outlet of the intake funnel, the turbine configured to be driven by the fluid flow exiting the outlet of the intake funnel.

211\. The system of claim 210, further comprising a generator configured to be driven by the turbine to generate electrical energy.

212\. The intake funnel of claim 209 or the system of claim 210 or 211, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 153-198.

213\. A cooling system for cooling a motor of a vehicle with ambient airflow, the system comprising:a Venturi device comprising:
an inlet of the Venturi device open to ambient air, the inlet configured to receive a primary flow of fluid, the primary flow comprising ambient air passed into the inlet;
an outlet of the Venturi device configured to eject the primary flow; and a body of the Venturi device disposed between the inlet of the Venturi device and the outlet of the Venturi device, the body of the Venturi device comprising:

a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect, pulling the primary flow in through the inlet of the Venturi device; and a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of fluid into the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet of the Venturi device to pull the primary flow through the inlet of the Venturi device and into the body of the Venturi device to increase the primary flow through the outlet of the Venturi device;
an air compressor configured to compress ambient air and direct the compressed air into the secondary input of the Venturi device to provide the secondary flow; and
a cooling duct in fluid communication the outlet of the Venturi device to receive the primary flow ejected from the outlet of the Venturi device, the cooling duct configured to direct the primary flow to a motor of a vehicle to cool the motor, the cooling duct comprising fins configured to direct the primary flow to one or more predetermined portions of the motor.

214\. The system of claim 213, wherein the cooling duct comprises conduits configured to move the primary flow from the outlet of the Venturi device toward the one or more predetermined portions of the motor, the conduits configured to split the primary flow into two or more fluid flows.

215\. The system of claim 213 or 214, further comprising a secondary flow duct connecting the air compressor and the secondary input of the Venturi device.

216\. The system of any of claim 213 to 215, wherein the air compressor is connected to a wheel of the vehicle, the air compressor configured to be driven by rotation of the wheel.

217\. The system of any of claim 213 to 216, wherein the air compressor is connected to the motor of the vehicle, the air compressor configured to be driven by operation of the motor.

218\. A cooling system for cooling a motor of a vehicle with ambient airflow, the system comprising:a Venturi device comprising:

an inlet of the Venturi device open to ambient air, the inlet configured to receive a primary flow of fluid, the primary flow comprising ambient air passed into the inlet;
an outlet of the Venturi device configured to eject the primary flow; and a body of the Venturi device disposed between the inlet of the Venturi device and the outlet of the Venturi device, the body of the Venturi device comprising:a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect, pulling the primary flow in through the inlet of the Venturi device; and a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of fluid into the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet of the Venturi device to pull the primary flow through the inlet of the Venturi device and into the body of the Venturi device to increase the primary flow through the outlet of the Venturi device; and a cooling duct in fluid communication the outlet of the Venturi device to receive the primary flow ejected from the outlet of the Venturi device, the cooling duct configured to direct the primary flow to a motor of a vehicle to cool the motor.

219\. The system of claim 218, further comprising an air compressor configured to compress ambient air and direct the compressed air into the secondary input of the Venturi device to provide the secondary flow.

220\. The system of claim 218 or 219, wherein the cooling duct comprises fins configured to direct the primary flow to one or more predetermined portions of the motor.

221\. The system of any of claims 218 to 220, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 213-217.

222\. A cooling system for cooling with ambient airflow, the system comprising:a Venturi device comprising:

an inlet of the Venturi device open to ambient air, the inlet configured to receive a primary flow of fluid, the primary flow comprising ambient air passed into the inlet;
an outlet of the Venturi device configured to eject the primary flow, the outlet of the Venturi device configured to direct the primary flow to a component to cool the component; and
a body of the Venturi device disposed between the inlet of the Venturi device and the outlet of the Venturi device, the body of the Venturi device comprising:a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect, pulling the primary flow in through the inlet of the Venturi device; and a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of fluid into the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet of the Venturi device to pull the primary flow through the inlet of the Venturi device and into the body of the Venturi device to increase the primary flow through the outlet of the Venturi device.

223\. The system of claim 222, further comprising a cooling duct in fluid communication the outlet of the Venturi device to receive the primary flow ejected from the outl t of the Venturi device, the cooling duct configured to direct the primary flow to the component to cool the component.

224\. The system of claim 222 or 223, wherein the component comprises a motor of a vehicle.

225\. The system of any of claims 222 to 224, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 213-217.

226\. The system of any of claim 213 to 225, further comprising an intake funnel comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a body disposed between the inlet of the intake funnel and the outlet of the intake funnel, the intake funnel configured to direct an ambient airflow from the inlet of the intake funnel through the body of the intake funnel to the outlet of the intake

funnel, the inlet of the intake funnel having a cross-sectional flow area larger than a cross- section flow area of the outlet of the intake funnel, the body of the intake funnel comprising a shape changing portion configured to expand or contract to change a cross-sectional flow area of the body of the intake funnel for the ambient airflow through the body of the intake funnel.

227\. The system of claim 226, wherein the shape changing portion is configured to change the cross-sectional flow area of the body of the intake funnel based on a temperature of the ambient airflow through the body of the intake funnel.

228\. The system of claim 226 or 227, wherein the shape changing portion is configured to change the cross-sectional flow area of the body of the intake funnel based on a pressure of the ambient airflow through the body of the intake funnel.

229\. The system of any one of claim 226 to 228, wherein the shape changing portion is configured to change the cross-sectional flow area of the body of the intake funnel based on a flow rate of the ambient airflow through the body of the intake funnel.

230\. The system of any one of claim 226 to 229, wherein the shape changing portion is configured to change the cross-sectional flow area of the body of the intake funnel based on electrical current applied to the shape changing portion.

231\. The system of any one of claim 226 to 230, wherein the shape changing portion is configured to change the cross-sectional flow area of the body of the intake funnel based on heat applied to the shape changing portion.

232\. The system of claim 231 further comprising a heating element configured to apply heat to the shape changing portion.

233\. The system of claim 232, wherein the heating element is disposed on or within a wall of the shape changing portion.

234\. The system of claim 232 or 233, wherein the heating element is an elastic resistance heater wire positioned along the shape changing portion.

235\. The system of any one of claim 226 to 234, wherein the shape changing portion comprises a shape memory material configured to change the cross-sectional flow area of the body of the intake funnel by expanding or contracting to one or more predetermined shapes.

236\. The system of claim 235, wherein the shape memory material comprises metallic material.

237\. The system of claim 235 or 236, wherein the shape memory material comprises Nafion.

238\. The system of any of claims 235 to 237, wherein the shape memory material comprises Nitinol.

239\. The system of any one of claim 226 to 238, wherein shape changing portion comprises a pliable material configured to change the cross-sectional flow area of the body of the intake funnel by expanding or contracting.

240\. The system of claim 239, wherein the pliable material is configured to expand or contract based on a force induced on the pliable material by the ambient airflow through the body of the intake funnel.

241\. The system of claim 239 or 240, wherein the pliable material comprises piezoelectric material.

242\. The system of any one of claim 226 to 241, wherein the shape changing portion comprises strips of material configured to expand or contract to change the cross-sectional flow area of the body of the intake funnel.

243\. The system of claim 242, wherein a longitudinal extent of each of the strips of material is oriented along a central axis the intake funnel.

244\. The system of claim 242, wherein a longitudinal extent of each of the strips of material is oriented perpendicular to a central axis the intake funnel.

245\. The system of any of claim 242 to 244, wherein the strips of material are connected to each other to form a continuous inner surface of the body of the intake funnel along which the ambient airflow flows.

246\. The system of any of claim 242 to 244, wherein the strips of material are spaced apart from each other to form a skeleton or a frame of the body of the intake funnel.

247\. The system of any one of claim 226 to 246, wherein the body of the intake funnel comprises an elastic polymer encasing the shape changing portion, the elastic polymer configured to expand or contract with the shape changing portion.

248\. The system of claim 247, wherein the elastic polymer is configured to contain the ambient airflow within the body of the intake funnel.

249\. The system of any one of claim 226 to 248, wherein the inlet of the intake funnel comprises an expandable ring configured to change in cross-sectional flow area corresponding

to expansion or contraction of the shape changing portion, the expandable ring connected to the shape changing portion.

250\. The system of claim 249, wherein the expandable ring comprises a thick portion comprising a first end and a second end, the expandable ring comprising a thin portion comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the thin portion connected to the first end of the thick portion, the thick portion comprising an opening at the second end of the thick portion, the second end of the thin portion positioned within the opening and configured to slide relative to the opening of the thick portion as the expandable ring expands or contracts.

251\. The system of any one of claim 226 to 250, wherein the outlet of the intake funnel comprises a fixed ring, the fixed ring configured to maintain a cross-sectional flow area corresponding to a cross-sectional flow area of the inlet of the Venturi device.

252\. The hydropower system of any of claims 1 to 30, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 90-152.

253\. The hydropower system of any of claims 31 to 33, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 90-152.

254\. The hydropower system of any of claims 34 to 36, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 90-152.

255\. The hydropower system of any of claims 37 to 42, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 90-152.

256\. The hydropower system of any of claims 43 to 46, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 90-152.

257\. The hydropower system of any of claims 47 to 50 further comprising any of the features recited in claims 90-152.

258\. The system of any of claims 51 to 54, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 90-152.

259\. The system of any of claims 55 to 82, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 90-152.

260\. The system of any of claims 83 to 86, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 90-152.

261\. The system of any of claims 87 to 89, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 90-152.

262\. The systems of any of claims 55 to 89, wherein the fluid comprises copper- propylene glycol.

263\. The forced induction system of any of claims 153 to 198, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 90-152.

264\. The forced induction system of any of claims 199 to 202, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 90-152.

265\. The induction system of any of claims 203 to 208, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 90-152.

266\. The intake funnel or system of any of claims 209 to 212, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 90-152.

267\. The cooling systems of any of claims 213 to 251, further comprising any of the features recited in claims 90-152.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 55-60, 64-66, 83-85, 87-88, and 268-273 are allowed.
Reasons for Allowance
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
Regarding claim 55, the prior art as a whole, either alone or in combination, fails to teach or suggest a system for converting ambient thermal energy into electrical energy, the system comprising: a fluid loop; a turbine; a generator; a first pump; a cooling coil downstream of the turbine and upstream of the first pump on the fluid loop; a first Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop, the first Venturi device downstream of the first pump and upstream of the turbine on the fluid loop; a second Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop, the second Venturi device downstream of the turbine and upstream of the first pump on the fluid loop, wherein each of the first and the second Venturi devices comprises: an inlet; an outlet; and a body comprising: a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein a movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect that decreases a temperature of the primary flow upstream of the diverging portion such that thermal energy from an ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow; and a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of the fluid into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet to suck the primary flow through the inlet and into the body to decrease the temperature of the primary flow upstream of the diverging portion such that thermal energy from the ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow, causing the temperature and the pressure of the primary flow to increase through the diverging portion before ejection through the outlet; a reservoir tank downstream of the second Venturi device and upstream of the first Venturi device; a first conduit fluidically connected to the reservoir tank and the secondary input of the first Venturi device, the first conduit configured to direct the secondary flow from the primary flow to the secondary input of the first Venturi device; a second pump disposed on the first conduit, the second pump configured to drive the secondary flow from the primary flow to the secondary input of the first Venturi device; and a heater disposed on the first conduit, the heater downstream of the second pump on the first conduit, the heater configured to heat the secondary flow of the first Venturi device such that the secondary flow at least partially phase shifts from a liquid state to a gas state.
Regarding claim 83, the prior art as a whole, either alone or in combination, fails to teach or suggest a system for converting ambient thermal energy into electrical energy, the system comprising: a fluid loop; a turbine; a generator; a first pump; a condenser downstream of the turbine and upstream of the first pump on the fluid loop; a first Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop, the first Venturi device downstream of the first pump and upstream of the turbine on the fluid loop; a second Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop, the second Venturi device downstream of the turbine and upstream of the first pump on the fluid loop, wherein each of the first and the second Venturi devices comprises: an inlet; an outlet; and a body comprising: a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein a movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect that decreases a temperature of the primary flow upstream of the diverging portion such that thermal energy from an ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow; and a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of the fluid into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet to suck the primary flow through the inlet and into the body to decrease the temperature of the primary flow upstream of the diverging portion such that thermal energy from the ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow, causing the temperature and the pressure of the primary flow to increase through the diverging portion before ejection through the outlet; a first conduit fluidically connected to the fluid loop and the secondary input of the first Venturi device, the first conduit configured to direct the secondary flow from the primary flow to the secondary input of the first Venturi device; a second pump disposed on the first conduit, the second pump configured to drive the secondary flow from the primary flow to the secondary input of the first Venturi device; and a heater disposed on the first conduit, the heater downstream of the second pump on the first conduit, the heater configured to heat the secondary flow of the first Venturi device such that the secondary flow at least partially phase shifts from a liquid state to a gas state.
Regarding claim 87, the prior art as a whole, either alone or in combination, fails to teach or suggest a system for converting ambient thermal energy into electrical energy, the system comprising: a fluid loop; a turbine; a generator; a first pump; a condenser downstream of the turbine and upstream of the first pump on the fluid loop,; a first Venturi device disposed on the fluid loop, the first Venturi device downstream of the first pump and upstream of the turbine on the fluid loop, wherein the first Venturi device comprises: an inlet; an outlet; and a body comprising: a converging portion and a diverging portion, wherein a movement of the primary flow through the converging portion and the diverging portion produces a Venturi effect that decreases a temperature of the primary flow upstream of the diverging portion such that thermal energy from an ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow; and a secondary input disposed between the converging portion and the outlet, the secondary input configured to direct a secondary flow of the fluid into the primary flow at an angle relative to a direction of flow of the primary flow to create a vortex for producing a suction at the inlet to suck the primary flow through the inlet and into the body to decrease the temperature of the primary flow upstream of the diverging portion such that thermal energy from the ambient environment outside the body is transferred to the primary flow, causing the temperature and the pressure of the primary flow to increase through the diverging portion before ejection through the outlet; a first conduit fluidically connected to the fluid loop and the secondary input of the first Venturi device, the first conduit configured to direct the secondary flow from the primary flow to the secondary input of the first Venturi device; a second pump disposed on the first conduit, the second pump configured to drive the secondary flow from the primary flow to the secondary input of the first Venturi device; and a heater disposed on the first conduit, the heater downstream of the second pump on the first conduit, the heater configured to heat the secondary flow of the first Venturi device such that the secondary flow at least partially phase shifts from a liquid state to a gas state.
Claims 56-60, 64-66, 85-85, 88, and 268-273 are considered allowable based on their respective dependence on allowed claims 55, 83, and 87.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. US 4372113 A to Ramer is considered to be the closest prior art to the present invention. Ramer discloses a fluid loop (Fig. 2: 36), a pump (42), fluid nozzles (44, 46, 48), a turbine (24), and a second nozzle (16).



CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US4372113A: Claims:
Apparatus for recapturing flow power of a fluid in a pipeline comprising: (a) a constriction in said pipeline; (b) a first bypass path for directing a first portion of said fluid past said constriction; (c) a second bypass path for directing a second portion of said fluid past said constriction; (d) means, disposed in said second bypass path, for accelerating a portion of the fluid in said first bypass path; (e) means for producing a mechanical output from the fluid in said first and second bypass paths, (f) means for returning substantially all said fluid from said first and second bypass paths to said pipeline at a point downstream of said constriction.
(a) a constriction in said pipeline;
(b) a first bypass path for directing a first portion of said fluid past said constriction;
(c) a second bypass path for directing a second portion of said fluid past said constriction;
(d) means, disposed in said second bypass path, for accelerating a portion of the fluid in said first bypass path;
(e) means for producing a mechanical output from the fluid in said first and second bypass paths,
(f) means for returning substantially all said fluid from said first and second bypass paths to said pipeline at a point downstream of said constriction.
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for producing a mechanical output includes a Pelton wheel.
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said accelerating means includes (a) means for producing a high pressure stream of said fluid in said second bypass path; (b) means for converting said high pressure stream to a high velocity flow; and (c) a first nozzle, open to said fluid in said first bypass path, having said high velocity flow directed therethrough whereby a portion of said fluid in said first bypass path is accelerated through said first nozzle.
(a) means for producing a high pressure stream of said fluid in said second bypass path;
(b) means for converting said high pressure stream to a high velocity flow; and
(c) a first nozzle, open to said fluid in said first bypass path, having said high velocity flow directed therethrough whereby a portion of said fluid in said first bypass path is accelerated through said first nozzle.
The apparatus of claim 3 further including means, receiving the flow from said first nozzle, for directing the flow to said mechanical output producing means.
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said high pressure producing means includes a pump.
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said high pressure converting means includes at least one nozzle.
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said at least one nozzle includes a second and a third nozzle.
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first and third nozzle are open to the fluid in said first and second bypass paths and said second nozzle is open to the fluid in said second bypass path.
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said third nozzle is open to the fluid in said first bypass path and disposed between said first and second nozzles whereby a greater portion of the fluid is said first bypass path is accelerated.
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said flow directing means includes a fourth nozzle.
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said returning means includes a venturi disposed in said pipeline.