Abstract:
The present invention provides methods and systems for a power generation system, including an inlet for introducing a liquid into the system, an inlet pipe for carrying the liquid introduced to the inlet, a generation station for converting the flow of liquid into energy, and an outlet pipe for removing the liquid from the generation station.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a system and method for generating power from a high pressure, condensed water source, and more generally is a system and method for generating power utilizing water pumped from a pumper truck for providing power to activate building systems that aid in the fighting of fires in a building and potentially safe lives. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Firefighters are heroic individuals who risk their lives every day for the common good. As regular ordinary citizens are fleeing a building because of a fire, the firefighters are rushing into the building. Fighting fires in a high rise or multistory building can be particularly challenging. When a fire occurs on a top floor of these buildings, firefighters have to travel to these floors in order to fight the fire. Very often this means the firefighter must climb numerous stairs to reach the fire, because the use of the elevator during a power outage would create a potentially treacherous and hazardous situation. The present invention is designed provide energy that is not contingent upon the power associated with the building. The present invention will continue to supply power even if the power to the main building is shut-off or compromised. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a power generation system including an inlet for introducing a liquid into the system, an inlet pipe for carrying the liquid introduced to the inlet, a generation station for converting the flow of liquid into energy, and an outlet pipe for removing the liquid from the generation station. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power generation system uses water as the liquid. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power generation system includes a drive shaft engaged to the generation station. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power generation system includes a clutch engaged to the drive shaft. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power generation system includes a turbine for generating energy in the generation station. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power generation system includes a gear box comprising a bevel gear set. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power generation system includes a drive shaft that rotates a first gear, wherein the first gear is engaged to a second gear for driving a drive shaft. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power generation system includes a pump for pumping water, an inlet for receiving water from the pump, an inlet pipe for carrying the water pumped into system by the pump, a generation station that receives the water from the inlet pipe, a turbine housed within the generation station for converting the flow of the water to energy, and an outlet pipe for removing the liquid from the generation station. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power generation system includes a generator for producing electrical energy from the rotational energy of the turbine. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power generation system includes a pumper truck as the pump. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power generation system includes a hose for forming a connection between the pump and the inlet. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power generation system includes a clutch operated by a solenoid control for engaging and disengaging the clutch. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power generation system includes a drive shaft that is rotated by the generation station and a clutch engaged to one end of the drive shaft for engaging and disengaging the drive shaft from a power shaft, wherein the power shaft in engaged to the sheave of an elevator for operating the elevator. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power generation system includes a solenoid control having a indicator, whereby the solenoid control controls a clutch and the indicator indicates a predetermined rpm of the clutch. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power generation system includes providing an inlet, an inlet pipe, a generation station, and an outlet pipe, introducing water into the inlet, carrying the water through the inlet pipe and into the generation station, producing energy from the flow of water into the generation station, and discharging the water from the outlet pipe. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power generation system includes providing a pump for introducing the water into the inlet. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power generation system includes providing a drive shaft and a power shaft, wherein the energy produced by the generation station drives the drive shaft which in turn drives the power shaft. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power generation system includes providing a pumper truck for pumping water into the inlet. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power generation system includes an elevator sheave and providing energy from the generation station to the sheave. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power generation system includes providing a power shaft for providing rotational movement to power a fan. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote like method steps and/or system components, respectively, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the novel system and method for generating power utilizing pressurized water in a building. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the novel system and method for generating power utilizing pressurized water in a building. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the novel system and method for generating power utilizing pressurized water in a building. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the novel system and method for generating power utilizing pressurized water in a building. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now specifically to the drawings, a power generation system and method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1  and is shown generally at reference numeral  10 . The power generation system  10  generally comprises a water inlet  12 , an inlet pipe  14 , energy generation station  16 , an outlet pipe  18 , and a water outlet  20 . The water inlet  12  may be any water inlet known to one of ordinary skill in the art, including a Fire Department Connection(s) (FDC) point exterior of a building. FDCs are commonly utilized by the fire department to add water supply to the fire suppressant piping in a building that supplies water to the sprinklers. The present invention would not increase the water supply to the sprinklers, but would consist of a water inlet  12  located in close proximity to the standard FDC and utilizing a connection similar to that employed by an FDC. 
     The inlet pipe  14  transports water, or other suitable liquid, from the water inlet  12  to the energy generation station  16 . The energy generation station  16  may produce electrical energy or mechanical power, depending upon the configuration of the energy generation station  16  as described in more detail below. The inlet pipe  14  consists of any material that is suitable to transport water, or other suitable liquid, from one location to another based upon the desires of the user. Preferably, the inlet pipe  14  is composed of mild steel with an anticorrosive coating; however, it should be noted that any material capable of transporting pressurized water may be utilized, including but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride (PVC/uPVC), ductile iron, polyethylene, copper, concrete, stainless steel, and galvanized steel. The inlet pipe  14  transports water from the water inlet  12  to the energy generation station  16 . 
     The energy generation station  16  consists of a water turbine and generator  28 . The water turbine contains blades, and the inlet pipe  14  deposits water onto the blades, creating a force on the blades. The shape of the turbine blades is determined by the pressure of the water entering the generation station  16  from the water inlet  14 . Generally, the water exits the inlet pipe  14  and the blades of the turbine are impelled by the water flowing through the turbine. As is well known in the art, the generator converts the mechanical energy produced by the flowing water impelling the blades, converting the mechanical energy to electrical energy. As is well known in the art, the blades are engaged to a turbine-generator shaft. The rotational movement of the blades causes the turbine-generator shaft to rotate. The turbine-generator shaft is engaged to a rotor that also rotates when the turbine-generator shaft rotates. The rotor rotates around a stationary stator, thus producing an electrical current. The electrical current is then used to power a number of devices as set forth in more detail below. 
     In another alternative embodiment, the energy generation station  16  consists of blades  28  within a housing for providing mechanical power. As the water exits the inlet pipe  14 , the blades  28  are impelled by the water, thus causing the blades  28  to rotate. The blades  28  are attached to a drive shaft  22  that rotates at the same rotational velocity as the blades  28 . In other words, as the blades  28  rotate, the rotational movement of the blades  28  drives the drive shaft  22 . A clutch  24  is disposed between the drive shaft  22  and power shaft  26 . The end of the power shaft  26  may be engaged to a device for supplying rotational movement. A flywheel (not shown) stores kinetic energy and aids in reducing speed variation caused by load variations. The flywheel stores the kinetic energy and aids in reducing speed variations caused by load variations. The type of flywheel utilized will be determined by the desires of the user. 
     The clutch  24  is engaged and disengaged by a piston  40 . The piston  40 , may be powered by a solenoid control  48 , which drives the piston  40 , thus engaging and disengaging the clutch  24 . In one alternative embodiment, the piston is positioned within the water outlet pipe  18 . However, the piston  40  may be positioned in any arrangement suitable for engaging and disengaging the clutch  24 . The solenoid control  48  may be any device capable of moving the piston  40  in a vertical direction to engage and disengage the clutch  24 . 
     After the water has impeded the blades, the water exits the energy generation station  16  through an outlet pipe  18 . The outlet pipe  18  consists of any material that is suitable to transport water, or other suitable liquid, from one location to another based upon the desires of the user. Preferably, the outlet pipe  18  is composed of the same material as the inlet pipe  14 . The outlet pipe  18  may be composed of mild steel with an anticorrosive coating; however, it should be noted that any material capable of transporting pressurized water may be utilized, including but not limited to polyvinyl chloride (PVC/uPVC), ductile iron, polyethylene, copper, concrete, stainless steel, and galvanized steel. The outlet pipe  18  transports water from the energy generation station  16 . 
     In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the power generation system  110  generally comprises a water inlet  112 , an inlet pipe  114 , energy generation station  116 , an outlet pipe  118 , and a water outlet  120 . The inlet pipe  114  transports water, or other suitable liquid, from the water inlet  112  to the energy generation station  116 . The energy generation station  116  consists of a water turbine and generator. The water turbine contains blades, and the inlet pipe  114  deposits water onto the blades, creating a force on the blades. The shape of the turbine blades is determined by the pressure of the water entering the generation station  116  from the water inlet  114 . Generally, the water exits the inlet pipe  114  and the blades of the turbine are impelled by the water flowing through the turbine. As is well known in the art, the generator converts the mechanical energy produced by the flowing water impelling the blades, converting the mechanical energy to electrical energy. As is well known in the art, the blades are engaged to a turbine-generator shaft. The rotational movement of the blades causes the turbine-generator shaft to rotate. The turbine-generator shaft is engaged to a rotor that also rotates when the turbine-generator shaft rotates. The rotor rotates around a stationary stator, thus producing an electrical current. The electrical current is then used to provide power to drive the drive shaft  122 . 
     In another alternative embodiment, the energy generation station  116  consists of blades within a housing for providing mechanical power. As the water exits the inlet pipe  114 , the blades are impelled by the water, thus causing the blades to rotate. The blades are attached to a drive shaft  122  that rotates at the same rotational velocity as the blades. In other words, as the blades rotate, the rotational movement of the blades drive the drive shaft  122 . A clutch  124  is disposed between the drive shaft  122  and power shaft  126 . A flywheel (not shown) which stores kinetic energy and aids in reducing speed variation caused by load variations may be engaged to the drive shaft  122 . The flywheel stores the kinetic energy and aids in reducing speed variations caused by load variations. The type of flywheel utilized will be determined by the desires of the user. 
     The drive shaft  122 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , is engaged to a first gear  130  optionally positioned within a gear box  132 . The first gear  130  is engaged to a second gear  134 . The second gear  134  drives a second drive shaft  136 . The angle between the drive shaft  122  and second drive shaft  136  is about 90°; therefore, the first gear  130  and second gear  134  may be helical gears or a wormset. The angles between the axes of the cones of the gears and the included angles of the cones can be any compatable value as long as the apices of the cones intersect. Failure of the apices of the cones to intersect would cause a mismatch of velocity at the interface. The apex of each gear cone has a zero radius, thus zero velocity. All other points on the gear cone will have a nonzero velocity. If a bevel gear is utilized, the velocity ratio of the bevel gears is defined by the following equation: 
     
       
         
           
             VR 
             = 
             
               
                 
                   ω 
                   ⁢ 
                   
                       
                   
                   ⁢ 
                   out 
                 
                 
                   ω 
                   ⁢ 
                   
                       
                   
                   ⁢ 
                   in 
                 
               
               = 
               
                 ± 
                 
                   rin 
                   rout 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     A straight bevel gear may be utilized, wherein the teeth are parallel to the axis of the gear. Alternatively, a spiral bevel gear may be utilized, wherein the teeth are angled with respect to the axis of the gear. In any event, the cone axes must intersect in both cases. 
     The first gear  130  drives the second gear  134 , which in return rotates the second drive shaft  136 . A clutch  124  is disposed between the drive shaft  122  and a power shaft  126 . The end of the power shaft  126  may be engaged to a device for supplying rotational movement. A flywheel (not shown) stores kinetic energy and aids in reducing speed variation caused by load variations. The type of flywheel utilized will be determined by the desires of the user. 
     The clutch  124  is engaged and disengaged by a piston  140 . The piston  140 , may be powered by a solenoid control  148 , which drives the piston  140 , thus engaging and disengaging the clutch  124 . In one alternative embodiment, the piston is positioned within the water outlet pipe  118 . However, the piston  140  may be positioned in any arrangement suitable for engaging and disengaging the clutch  124 . 
     After the water exits the energy generation station  116  through the outlet pipe  118 . The outlet pipe  118  consists of any material that is suitable to transport water, or other suitable liquid, from one location to another based upon the desires of the user. Preferably, the outlet pipe  118  is composed of the same material as the inlet pipe  114 . The outlet pipe  118  may be composed of mild steel with an anticorrosive coating; however, it should be noted that any material capable of transporting pressurized water may be utilized, including but not limited to polyvinyl chloride (PVC/uPVC), ductile iron, polyethylene, copper, concrete, stainless steel, and galvanized steel. The outlet pipe  118  transports water from the energy generation station  116 . 
     In another alternative embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the inlet pipe  214  transports water, or other suitable liquid, from the water inlet  212  to the energy generation station  216 . The inlet pipe  214  consists of any material that is suitable to transport water, or other suitable liquid, from one location to another based upon the desires of the user. Preferably, the inlet pipe  214  is composed of mild steel with an anticorrosive coating; however, it should be noted that any material capable of transporting pressurized water may be utilized, including but not limited to polyvinyl chloride (PVC/uPVC), ductile iron, polyethylene, copper, concrete, stainless steel, and galvanized steel. The inlet pipe  214  transports water from the water inlet  212  to the energy generation station  216 . 
     In another alternative embodiment, the energy generation station  216  consists of blades  228  within a housing. As the water exits the inlet pipe  214 , the blades  228  are impelled by the water, thus causing the blades  228  to rotate. The blades  228  are attached to a first drive shaft  222  that rotates at the same rotational velocity as the blades  228 . In other words, as the blades  228  rotate, the rotational movement of the blades  228  drives the drive shaft  222 . 
     The first drive shaft  222 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , is engaged to a first gear  230  optionally positioned within a gear box  232 . The first gear  230  is engaged to a second gear  234 . The second gear  234  drives a second drive shaft  236 . The angle between the drive shaft  222  and second drive shaft  236  is about 90°; therefore, the first gear  230  and second gear  234  may be helical gears or a wormset housed within a gear box  232 . The first gear  230  drives the second gear  234 , which in return rotates the second drive shaft  236 . A clutch  224  is disposed between the second drive shaft  234  and a power shaft  226 . The end of the power shaft  226  may be engaged to a device for supplying rotational movement. A flywheel (not shown) stores kinetic energy and aids in reducing speed variation caused by load variations. The type of flywheel utilized will be determined by the desires of the user. 
     The clutch  224  is engaged and disengaged by a piston  240 . The piston  240 , may be powered by a solenoid control, which drives the piston  240 , thus engaging and disengaging the clutch  224 . In one alternative embodiment, the piston is positioned within the water outlet pipe  218 . However, the piston  240  may be positioned in any arrangement suitable for engaging and disengaging the clutch  224 . 
     The water exits the energy generation station  216  through an outlet pipe  218 . The outlet pipe  218  consists of any material that is suitable to transport water, or other suitable liquid, from one location to another based upon the desires of the user. Preferably, the outlet pipe  218  is composed of the same material as the inlet pipe  214 . The outlet pipe  218  may be composed of mild steel with an anticorrosive coating; however, it should be noted that any material capable of transporting pressurized water may be utilized, including but not limited to polyvinyl chloride (PVC/uPVC), ductile iron, polyethylene, copper, concrete, stainless steel, and galvanized steel. The outlet pipe  218  transports water from the energy generation station  216  that is discharged through the water outlet  220 . 
     In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , water is pumped into a water inlet  312  and into a first water vane  342 . A motor  344  rotates the water vane  342 , which forces water through an inlet pipe  314 . A second water vane  346  is positioned on the exit end of the inlet pipe  314 . The force of the water engaging the second water vane  346  causes the water vane to rotate a drive shaft  322 . The rotational movement of the drive shaft  322  may drive a number of components as described below. After the water engages the second water vane  346 , the water enters an outlet pipe  318 . The inlet pipe  314  and outlet pipe  318  consists of any material that is suitable to transport water, or other suitable liquid, from one location to another based upon the desires of the user. Preferably, the outlet pipe  318  is composed of the same material as the inlet pipe  314 . The outlet pipe  318  may be composed of mild steel with an anticorrosive coating; however, it should be noted that any material capable of transporting pressurized water may be utilized, including but not limited to polyvinyl chloride (PVC/uPVC), ductile iron, polyethylene, copper, concrete, stainless steel, and galvanized steel. 
     During use, the systems and methods described above may be used in a number of applications. One application includes the operation of an elevator during a fire to aid firefighters and save the lives of occupants of the building. When a fire occurs, the elevators in a building are designed to cease operation. While firefighters may override this shutoff, it is potentially dangerous for firefighters to use the elevators during a fire because of the very possible risk of an electrical outage, causing the elevator to become inoperable. In lieu of using the elevator as transportation, the firefighters must climb the steps to reach the floors. This is both time consuming and physically exhausting. One use of the present invention is to provide power to an elevator so the elevator may be utilized during a fire-nothwithstanding the threat of an electrical outage. 
     In this exemplary embodiment, a pumper truck  50  is utilized to pump water into the water inlet ( 12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 ). The pumper truck  50  is connected to a fire hydrant and the pumper truck  50  forces the water into the water inlet ( 12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 ) of the system ( 10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310 ). Preferably, the water inlet ( 12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 ) is located on the same panel as the FDC. Preferably, the panel will read “FDC REEPS 450 psi.” “REEPS” stands for Rescue and Emergency Elevator Power Systems. The term REEPS would convey to the firefighters arriving at the scene of the fire to understand that the building is equipped with a REEPS system as disclosed herein and the elevator may be safely operated after the pumper truck  50  is engaged to the water inlet ( 12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 ). The pressure of the REEPS system would also be indicated on the sign to convey to the firefighters the pressure needed to run the REEPS system. The REEPS system may use a 2½ or 3 inch connection on the exterior of a building. 
     The outlet pipe ( 18 ,  118 ,  218 ,  318 ) may discharge the water onto the ground or into a drain external of the building. However, the outlet pipe ( 18 ,  118 ,  218 ,  318 ) may return the water to the pumper truck  50  to be recirculated to the REEPS system. The building would include a discharge connection or fitting for allowing a hose to connect the connection to the pumper truck  50 . The pumper truck utilizes a centrifugal pump or the like, which allows the water exiting the outlet pipe ( 18 ,  118 ,  218 ,  318 ) to be recirculated. A gated Y valve may be engaged to the outlet pipe ( 18 ,  118 ,  218 ,  318 ), so that if the water overheats and is too hot it can be flushed from the system. 
     The inlet pipe ( 12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 ) and outlet pipe ( 18 ,  118 ,  218 ,  318 ) may be located internal or external to a building. Preferably, the inlet pipe ( 12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 ) and outlet pipe ( 18 ,  118 ,  218 ,  318 ) are located internal of the building for protecting the pipes from the elements. The inlet pipe ( 12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 ) and outlet pipe ( 18 ,  118 ,  218 ,  318 ) may be located anywhere in the building, including within the elevator shaft of the building. The generation station ( 16 ,  116 ,  216 ) may be located within the machine room. The power generated by the generation station ( 16 ,  116 ,  216 ) may be used to provide electrical power to the electrical motor of the elevator. Alternatively, the rotational movement of the power shaft ( 26 ,  126 ,  226 ) may rotate the motor, sheave or like device to power the elevator. As is well known, the sheave is the pulley like device that receives the hoist ropes of the elevator and the rotational movement of the sheave raises and lowers the elevator car. 
     The benefit of this system is that water is being utilized to power the elevator, which is not subject to the same limitations as electricity during a fire. The firefighters may utilize the elevator safely and efficiently without a concern of a power outage caused by the fire. The operation of the elevator based upon the flow of water through the inlet pipe ( 12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312 ), generation station ( 16 ,  116 ,  216 ), and outlet pipe ( 18 ,  118 ,  218 ,  318 ) is not subject to the limitations of an electrical current flowing through the building. In fact, the user of water for the generation of electricity or power to run the elevator will provide continuous power and electricity and will not be affected by a fire. 
     The REEPS system allows a firefighter to reach a floor utilizing the elevator without having to expend effort climbing multiple steps. Fire equipment may be transported to the fire and surrounding floors by use of the elevator. Further, the elevator may be utilized to transport injured or handicapped occupants of the building to safety. 
     Instead of or in addition to providing power or electricity to activate the elevator, the power or energy may be utilized to include a fan that may be engaged to the ventilation system of the building to provide ventilation even though the power to the building has been compromised. The fan would be a direct drive to the energy generation station  16  without the need for electricity. In another embodiment, the power or electricity supplied by the generation station ( 16 ,  116 ,  216 ) may be engaged to a generator for supplying power. In yet another embodiment, the electricity may be utilized to supply power to a winch that is located on the top of a building. The winch would be operated to carry supplies (hoses, axes, medical equipment, etc.) utilized by a firefighter to the top of the building. Alternatively, the rotational power of the power shaft ( 26 ,  126 ,  226 ) may be used to drive the winch. In yet another embodiment, the electricity supplied may be made available for any such uses by an electrical connector. The electrical connector would allow a standard electrical cord having a male end to be inserted into the electrical connector for providing power to a myriad of devices. 
     A solenoid control ( 48 ,  148 ,  248 ) may be positioned on the exterior of the building for operating the clutch ( 24 ,  124 ,  224 ). The solenoid control ( 48 ,  148 ,  248 ) may include an indicator, such as a light, to indicate a desired rpm has been achieved by the power shaft ( 26 ,  126 ,  226 ), allowing the operator to engage and disengage the clutch ( 24 ,  124 ,  224 ). Preferably, the solenoid switch ( 48 ,  148 ,  248 ) consists of a horizontal chamber for receiving pressurized liquid. A piston chamber intersects the horizontal chamber allowing the pressurized liquid to enter the piston chamber. The piston chamber is configured to receive the piston ( 40 ,  140 ,  240 ). As the pressurized liquid enters the horizontal chamber, the pressurized liquid exerts pressure on the piston ( 40 ,  140 ,  240 ), thus forcing the piston upward (allowing the pressurized liquid to fill the void left by the upward movement of the piston) and operatively engaging the clutch ( 24 ,  124 ,  224 ). When the flow of pressurized liquid is ceased, the pressurized liquid exits the piston chamber, thus allowing the piston ( 40 ,  140 ,  240 ) to return to its original position within the piston chamber and as a result the clutch ( 24 ,  124 ,  224 ) is disengaged. 
     Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention and are intended to be covered by the following claims.