Abstract:
An attachment mechanism to a fluid system is provided herein. The mechanism may include: a turbine positioned in a cavity within said mechanism, configured to be rotated by a fluid of the fluid system flowing through the cavity; at least one magnet and at least one power solenoid wherein the at least one magnet or the at least one power solenoid is coupled to the turbine, wherein a relative rotational movement of the at least one magnet over the at least one power solenoid generates an alternating electrical current; a current rectifier configured to rectify the generated alternating electrical current; a capacitor configured to be charged by the rectified current; a control unit configured to discharge the capacitor via at least one actuating solenoid having an actuating magnet located therethrough, responsive to a control signal; and at least one valve plunger each coupled to the respective at least one actuating solenoid or to the at least one actuating magnet and configured to close or open a valve of the fluid system responsive to displacement of the actuating solenoid or the actuating magnet due to the control signal.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/310,820, filed Dec. 5, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to fluid systems, more particularly to a self-powered and automated mechanism attachable to a fluid system for controlling same. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Recent growing awareness of the environment and of conservation of natural resources, such as fluid and energy, has led to the development and spread of alternative technologies and methods for minimizing harm to the environment while maximizing production of energy for widespread use. Indeed, methods used in renewable energies and other green technologies have taken center stage in the last decade or so for addressing the growing need throughout the globe for conserving natural resources. Particularly, such technologies include hydroelectric power produced and harnessed mainly through the large scale use of dams and wind turbine farms, most of which require a substantial logistical infrastructure and the availability of large areas of land. 
         [0004]    Nevertheless, with growing populations, the wide use of energy and fluid, as well as the growing need for conserving resources appears to currently outweigh the pace at which conservation methods are developing. For example, water, as a natural resource and as a fundamental necessity, is obliviously consumed by every society to the extent that it is consumed without any attention paid to the quantity or the frequency of its use. Undoubtedly, the over use of water in certain settings such as homes, offices, industrial institutions, gardens, public institutions and other facilities may typically be due to a lack of judgment, absent mindedness or otherwise to the inability of monitoring and/or regulation of its use. Accordingly, without alleviating such shortcomings, continued waste of water and similar resources is likely to grow, thereby leading to unnecessary waste of valuable resources. 
         [0005]    Some known automatic faucets operate upon detection of presence under the faucet opening, thus obviating the need to touch the faucet and operate it manually. These automatic faucets may be more hygienic by preventing infection that may occur by touching the faucet. Additionally, such faucet may reduce costs of mechanical maintenance, and the overall consumption of fluid 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    An attachment mechanism to a fluid system is provided herein. The mechanism may include: a turbine positioned in a cavity within said mechanism, configured to be rotated by a fluid of the fluid system flowing through the cavity; at least one magnet and at least one power solenoid wherein the at least one magnet or the at least one power solenoid is coupled to the turbine, wherein a relative rotational movement of the at least one magnet over the at least one power solenoid generates an alternating electrical current; a current rectifier configured to rectify the generated alternating electrical current; a capacitor configured to be charged by the rectified current; a control unit configured to discharge the capacitor via at least one actuating solenoid having an actuating magnet located therethrough, responsive to a control signal; and at least one valve plunger each coupled to the respective at least one actuating solenoid or to the at least one actuating magnet and configured to close or open a valve of the fluid system responsive to displacement of the actuating solenoid or the actuating magnet due to the control signal. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    For a better understanding of embodiments of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout. 
           [0008]    In the accompanying drawings: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fluid system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technique; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an attachment to fluid system, in accordance with and exemplary embodiment of the present technique; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  a schematic illustration of the self-powered hydroelectric system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIGS. 4A-4C  are schematic illustrations of different exemplary arrangements of locationally and/or mechanically integrated power generator and valve actuator; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are schematic illustrations of two different states of an exemplary self-powered system according to embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 6A-6D  are schematic illustrations of other exemplary systems according to embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram of a hydroelectric system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technique; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a hydroelectric system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technique; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective view of the hydroelectric system shown in  FIG. 8 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present technique; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is another perspective view of the hydroelectric system shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 ; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is yet another perspective view of the hydroelectric system shown in  FIGS. 8-10 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. 
         [0021]    Before at least one embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0022]    Some embodiments of the present invention provide a self-powered system for controlling fluid consumption, wherein the power production and the fluid flow control are integrated to consume minimal space. In some embodiments, same components of the system may be used for more than one function, thus providing more efficiency. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention may enable arrangement of a very compact and efficient system, which may reduce the consumption of fluid without requiring energy from any external source. Therefore, the enhanced hygiene and reduced maintenance provided by an automatic faucet may be made even more beneficial by embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0023]      FIGS. 1 and 2  are perspective and side views of a hydroelectric fluid system  10 , i.e., faucet, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Although the faucet  10  depicted by the  FIG. 1  may resemble one generally used in homes, offices, restaurants and the like, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present technique may be applicable to a variety of faucets, liquid outlets, and or other liquid delivering devices. It may further be appreciated that the present technique can be applied to the delivery and use of various types of liquids, including but not limited to fluid, oil, gasoline, jet fuel, and the like. 
         [0024]    Accordingly, the hydroelectric faucet  10  includes a fluid outlet/spout  12  coupled to a base  14 . Further, on top of the base  14 , there is disposed a handle  16 , generally adapted for manual operation of the faucet  10 . As further depicted by  FIG. 1 , at the tip of the fluid extension outlet  12 , there is disposed an attachable hydroelectric mechanism  18 , adapted to be attached to the spout  12 , and further adapted for automatically controlling the flow of fluid through the outlet  18  and faucet  10  in general. 
         [0025]    As will be described further below, in an exemplary embodiment, the hydroelectric mechanism  18  may include a miniature hydroelectric generator having a miniature turbine actuated by fluid flowing through fluid extension outlet  12  and, ultimately, through the mechanism  18 . As will be shown further below, the illustrated embodiment takes advantage of the flowing fluid produced by fluid pressure ranging between 2-6 atmospheres as the fluid attains sufficient kinetic energy for rotating a turbine, also part of the aforementioned hydroelectric generator. As appreciated by those skilled in the art, such a generator can include a turbine having hydrodynamic design for efficiently rotating a rotor equipped with magnet or similar device (not shown) for yielding storable energy through the stator winding. Hence, such energy can be stored, for example, by a capacitor, from which such energy can be used for operating the fluid system. In addition, the capacitor can also harness the energy for an indefinite amount of time so that it may be retrieved in the future for further use. As will be further shown and discussed below, the aforementioned mechanism  18  may further include a sensor for generally detecting the presence of an object located near or in the vicinity of the facet  10 . Thus, when detecting such a presence, the sensor can be used to provide feedback signals to a control unit for actuating a valve that could, for example, initiate or terminate the flow of fluid through the faucet  10 . Thus, the sensor, the control unit and/or the valve may be functionally powered through the hydroelectric energy obtained by the faucet  10  and the system  18 . As described in detail below, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the hydroelectric system and the control unit may be mechanically and/or locationally integrated to enable a very compact and efficient arrangement for controlling the flow and/or heat of fluid. 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , a fluid system  30  is fitted with a hydroelectric system  34  adapted for converting fluid flowing though the outlet  12  and tip  32  into electrical power. As described above, such hydroelectric power obtained by a hydroelectric generator disposed within the system  34  can be used mainly for operating a control unit and/or a sensor, the sensor is adapted to provide feedback signals to the control unit for controlling the operation of the fluid system  30 . Thus, the sensor and the control unit disposed within the unit  34  draw their operating energy from the hydroelectric power provided by the fluid flowing through the hydroelectric system  34 . 
         [0027]    Accordingly, while the attachment system  34  is similar the hydroelectric system  18 , described by  FIG. 1 , the system  34  is an independent unit that is separable from the faucet  30 . Hence, the system  34  can be fitted onto the tip  32  of system  30  so that it can operate as an integral part of the system  30 . In fact, the attachment system  34  can be adapted in a manner that would enable a retrofitting of the system  34  onto wide variety of faucets and/or other fluid outlets or pipes. Such retrofitting could be achieved by having screwing, clamping, or otherwise pressurizing the hydroelectric system onto the spout  32  of fluid system  30 . 
         [0028]    Some embodiments of the present invention provide a self-powered system for controlling fluid consumption, wherein the power production and the fluid flow control are integrated to consume minimal space. Therefore, some embodiments of the present invention may enable arrangement of a very compact and efficient system, which may reduce the consumption of fluid without requiring energy from any external source. 
         [0029]    Turning now to  FIG. 3 , which is a schematic illustration of the self-powered hydroelectric system  34  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the hydroelectric system and the control unit may be mechanically and/or locationally integrated to enable a very compact and efficient arrangement for controlling the flow and/or heat of fluid. The hydroelectric mechanism  34  includes a casing  40  adapted for housing multiple internal units of hydroelectric system  34  as described further below. The casing  40  also includes openings  42  and  44 , whereby the opening  42  is adapted to be affixed to or incorporated with a fluid outlet, such as those shown by  FIGS. 1 and 2  described herein. As shown by fluid flow arrows  46 , the opening  42  is further adapted to receive incoming fluid from the faucet tip, i.e., fluid tips  18  or  32 , for enabling the fluid  46  to traverse through the system  34  and out the opening  44 . 
         [0030]    Hydroelectric system  34  includes a cavity  56 , through which the incoming fluid  46  from opening  42  may flow towards opening  44 . Further, Hydroelectric system  34  includes a valve or valves  50 , an electromagnet actuator (or actuators)  52 , control unit  54 , a miniature hydroelectric generator  58  and a sensor  60 . 
         [0031]    Valve or valves  50  may include, for example, one or more plungers, and/or may be coupled to an electromagnet actuator  52 . Accordingly, valve  50  may be actuated by electromagnet  52  for opening or closing the fluid path extending from the opening  42  to the cavity  56 . Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, valve(s)  50  may be actuated by electromagnet (or electromagnet)  52  to control the intensity of the flow of fluid and/or the heat of the fluid, e.g. by enabling different intensities of cold and hot fluid. As described in detail herein, electromagnet(s)  52  may be operated by control unit  54 , for example in response to signals received from a sensor  60 . 
         [0032]    Hydroelectric generator  58  may be located within cavity  56 , for example in the surrounding periphery of valve  50  and/or locationally integrated with valve  50 . The hydroelectric generator  58  may include a turbine, typically made up of a central cylinder  59  (or a shaft) and rotating blades  57  that extend radially from cylinder  59 . When fluid  46  flows down through cavity  56 , the flow of fluid may hit blades  57  and cause rotation of turbine  57 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various turbine and blade designs may be fabricated so that sufficient rotational speed of the blades  57  may be achieved for producing a suitable amount of energy which can further be harnessed and used when needed. In one exemplary embodiment, fluid pressure ranging between 2-6 atmospheres may be sufficient enough for producing the desired liquid flow to attain the needed electrical power for operating the system  34 . Nonetheless, the present invention may be extended to include hydroelectric generators and turbines having other designs that could make use of varying liquid pressure, some of which may be higher or lower than those mentioned above. 
         [0033]    As described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 4A-4C , the hydroelectric generator  58  may further include miniature or small rotator and stator and/or a small magnet for enabling the production of electrical energy resulting from the mechanical rotational energy obtained by the blades  57  as they rotate. The resulting produced electrical energy may be stored in an accumulator, for example, a capacitor  53  that may be included in control unit  54  or in another location within system  34 , and may be used in some embodiments of the present invention to power sensor  60 , control unit  54  and/or the actuation of valve  50  by actuator(s)  52 . It should further be borne in mind that, while the illustrated mechanism  34  in general and, the hydroelectric generator  58  in particular, mainly exploit the gravitational fall of the fluid to produce energy, the aforementioned systems can also be used to exploit liquid flow produced via pressure changes occurring along a pipe or other fluid delivery pathways experiencing pressure changes, some of which may be caused by artificial means, such as pumps and the like. The hydroelectric generator  58  may further be built using a different technique, such as using piezoelectric mechanism to produce electrical power from the fluid flow throughout the hydroelectric system  34 . 
         [0034]    Sensor  60  may be disposed at the bottom of the housing  40 , for example close to the bottom opening  44 . Sensor  60  may be a general sensor, such as an infrared sensor, CMOS sensor, image sensor, pressure sensor, touch sensor, electrostatic sensor and/or any similar device, as appreciated by those skilled in the art. Sensor  60  may be arranged in several separate sensor units around the hydroelectric system  34 . Sensor  60  is adapted to detect the presence of an object, or lack thereof, and provide corresponding signals to the control unit  54  for closing or opening the valve(s)  50 , thereby controlling the flow and/or temperature of fluid through the system  34  and the faucet, i.e., faucets  18  and  30  of the above  FIGS. 1 and 2 , to which the system  34  is attached. 
         [0035]    Accordingly, the control unit  54  may be made up of a processing device, such as an FPGA, microcontroller and/or other solid state devices, adapted for executing certain algorithms based on reception of electrical signals from the sensor  60 . The control unit may further employ such algorithms for actuating the valve(s)  50  by actuator(s)  52 , thereby controlling the flow of fluid  46  through the device  34  and the faucet to which it is affixed and/or temperature of fluid  46  corning out of the device. It should be born in mind that actuator(s)  52 , control unit  54  and sensor  60  may all be powered by the electricity stored in the capacitor obtained through the operation of the hydroelectric generator  58 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the electrical energy obtained from the hydroelectric generator can be stored using a capacitor and that such energy can be retrieved at any point in time from the capacitor. 
         [0036]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 4A-4C , which are schematic illustrations of different exemplary arrangements  400   a,    400   b  and  400   c  of locationally and/or mechanically integrated hydroelectric generator  58  and valve actuator  52 . As shown in  FIG. 4A , exemplary arrangement  400   a  may include coils  200  and magnets  59  on the main rotor  50 , which may be included in hydroelectric generator  58  described herein. Magnets  59  may be located on, for example on central cylinder  50  (also shown in  FIG. 3 ). When the flow of fluid causes hydroelectric generator turbine  58  to rotate, magnets  59  that rotate together with central cylinder  50 , then the transformation coils  200 / 202  may transform the rotational magnetic field, to electric power. Coils  200 / 202  may transmit the created electric power to capacitor  53  for storage of the created electric energy. Additionally, exemplary arrangement  400   a  may include valve plunger  53  attached to the cylinder  50  and electromagnet actuator  52 . Valve plunger  53  may be moveably located within cylinder  50 , and/or may be actuated to move along the longitudinal axis of cylinder  50 . When a suitable signal is received from sensor  60 , control unit  54  may operate actuator  52  to move valve plunger  53 , to control the flow/heat of the fluid as will be described in more detail herein. For example, control unit  54  may transmit electric current through electromagnet  52 , thus creating a magnetic field that may cause plunger  53  to move. 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIG. 4B , another exemplary arrangement  400   b  may include magnets  204  on cylinder  59   a,  which may rotate together with hydroelectric generator turbine  58 . Magnets  204  may be arranged on cylinder  59   a  around electromagnet  52 . When the flow of fluid causes hydroelectric generator  58  to rotate, magnets  204  that rotate together with central cylinder  59  may transform the rotational motion to magnetic field, which in turn may be transformed to electric power by electromagnet  52 . Electromagnet  52  may charge capacitor  53 , e.g., transmit the created electric power to capacitor  53  for storage of the created electric energy. When a suitable signal/no signal is received from sensor  60 , control unit  54  may operate electromagnet actuator  52  to move valve plunger  50 , to control the flow/heat of the fluid as will be described in more detail herein. For example, control unit  54  may transmit electric current through electromagnet  52 , thus creating a magnetic field that may cause plunger  50  to move and close the fluid path, for example, once there is no movement/object below opening  44  sensed by sensor  60 . 
         [0038]    In another example shown in  FIG. 4C , arrangement  400   c  may include rotator plate  252  and stator plate  254 . Rotor plate  252  may be integral part of hydroelectric generator  58  and/or rotate together with turbine. On rotor plate  252 , arrangement  400   c  may include multiple magnets  206  in multiple locations on rotor plate  252 , for example around a central cylinder  59   b.  Further, arrangement  400   c  may include multiple electromagnets  208  to transform the rotating magnetic field to rotating magnetic current, for example located on stator plate  254  against or in corresponding locations to the locations of magnets  206  on plate  252 . Additionally, arrangement  400   c  may include a central electromagnet  210 , for example against the central cylinder  59   b,  at a central cylinder  212  of plate  254  (as shown in  FIG. 4C ). A plunger  50 , or any of the alternative exemplary plungers  53   a  or any other suitable possible plunger may extend out of plate  254  in the direction of the fluid path(s), as shown in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B and  6 A- 6 C, and/or according to the principles of operation described with reference to these figures. 
         [0039]    When a suitable signal is received from sensor  60 , plates  252  and  254  may be adjoined, for example by gravity (for example, plate  254  may be placed above  252 ) and/or by magnetic field and/or by any other suitable method. This may cause plunger  53  to open the fluid paths. When the flow of fluid causes hydroelectric generator  58  to rotate, magnets  206  that rotate together with turbine  57 , may provide rotating magnetic field, which in turn may be transformed to electric power by electromagnet  208 . electromagnet  208  may charge capacitor  53 , e.g., may transmit the created electric power to capacitor  53  for storage of the created electric energy. When a suitable signal/no signal is received from sensor  60 , control unit  54  may operate electromagnet actuator  210  and/or electromagnet  208  to produce magnetic field, which may repel plate  254  from plate  252 . The movement of plate  254  away from plate  252  may cause the attached plunger  50  to close the fluid paths, thus, for example, ceasing the rotation of turbine  57  and the production of electric power. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of plungers  50  may be controlled by one or more electromagnet actuators  210  to control the flow/heat of the fluid as described in more detail herein. 
         [0040]    In one embodiment, valve plunger  53  may only be connected to the electromagnetic core of electromagnet actuator  210  and upon receiving an electric signal, only electromagnet actuator  210  is configured to open or close the faucet. 
         [0041]    In another embodiment, plunger  53  may be connected to entire stator  254 , such that, whereupon receiving an electrical signal, stator  254  in its entirety is displaced for opening or closing the faucet. In this embodiment, both electromagnet  210  and magnet  59 B are eliminated. 
         [0042]    It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, that some embodiments of the present invention may include other arrangements of electromagnet and magnets. For example, electromagnet  210  may be used for charging of capacitor  53  and/or electromagnet  208  may be used for creation repelling/drawing magnetic field that may repel plate  254  from plate  252  or draw plate  254  towards plate  252 . 
         [0043]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , which are schematic illustrations of two different states of an exemplary self-powered system  500  according to some embodiments of the present invention. System  500  may be at least partially similar to system  34  described above. For example, similarly to system  34 , system  500  may include openings  42  and  44  and turbine  58  which may function as described above. Additionally, system  500  may include a fluid path  300  from opening  42  towards turbine  58 , through path  302  and opening  304  to the cavity  56  of the turbine  58 . Additionally, system  500  may include a plunger  50   a  extending from stator plate  252 . Plunger  50   a  may be a valve plunger configured for closing and opening the fluid path  300  to allow or prevent flow of fluid from passing towards path  302 . Path  300  may include an opening  306  through which plunger  50   a  may be inserted perpendicularly to the direction of flow of fluid, to block path  300 . Plunger  50   a  may include an aperture  350 . When plunger  50   a  is inserted to a certain extent into opening  306 , aperture  350  may be located in path  300  in the direction of the flow, so that the flow of fluid may go through aperture  350  towards path  302 . When inserted to another extent into opening  50   a,  for example when inserted further into opening  306 , the plunger  50   a  may block path  300  and/or the passing of fluid towards  302 . System  500  may further include stator plates  252  and rotor plate  254 , for example in the configuration described in detail above, although other configurations are possible according to embodiments of the present invention. As long as no object is detected by sensor  600 , a rotating magnetic field may be created at rotor plate  254  that repels the stator plate  254 , to a position away from stator plate  252  as shown in  FIG. 5A . Plunger  50   a  that extends from stator plate  252  may then close path  300  and block the passing of fluid towards path  302 . Once sensor  60  detects movement/object below opening  44 , the magnetic field on stator plate  252  may be ceased or changed, so that stator plate  252  may move towards rotor plate  254  to a position adjacent to/upon rotor plate  254 , as shown in  FIG. 5B . When moved to this position, fluid path  300  may be opened for flow of fluid towards path  302 . Fluid may then go through opening  304  into the cavity  56  of turbine  58  and then out of the system through opening  44 . When going through turbine  58 , fluid may produce rotation of turbine  58 . Magnets attached to turbine  58  may create rotating magnetic field and electromagnet may transform the magnetic field to electric energy and transmit the electric energy to storage in a capacitor, as known in the art and/or as described in detail herein above. The energy stored in the capacitor, may then be used for the operation and/or movement of stator plate  252  as described herein. 
         [0044]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 6A-6C , which are schematic illustrations of other exemplary systems  500   a,    500   b  and  500   c  according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 6A , system  500   a  may include all the elements of system  500  which may function similarly to the elements described with reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B . Additionally, system  50   a  may include a modular plunger  50   b.  At least a portion of modular plunger  50   b  may slide within stator plate  252 , so that when rotor plate  254  moves away from stator plate  252 , which remains stationary, a portion of plunger  50   b  may remain adjacent to rotor plate  254 . This portion of plunger  50   b  may include a solenoid which may continue and charge the capacitor even when rotor plate  254  moves away from stator plate  252 , for example as long as energy is provided by turbine  58 . When a magnetic field is applied at the solenoids of stator plate  252 , rotor plate  254  begins moving and thus also moved plunger  50   b.  In some embodiments, there are several rotors and stators and several plungers, each plunger coupled to its respective rotor. In operation, each rotor relatively moves with its respective plunger, thus controlling one or more flows in the fluid system. One possible example is controlling both hot and cold water in the same mechanism. 
         [0045]      FIG. 6B  shows an exemplary system  600   c,  which may enable control of the temperature of fluid. System  600   c  may include, for example further to elements already described above, two paths of fluid  300   a  and  300   b,  one for hot fluid and one for cold fluid. Each of paths  300   a  and  300   b  may include an opening  306   a  or  306   b , similar to opening  306  described above. System  600   c  may further include a modular plunger, including plunger  50   d  and plunger  50   e,  which may slide through plunger  50   d.  Each plunger may include an aperture  350   a  or  350   b  similar to aperture  350  describe above. Plunger  50   d  may open or close path  300   a,  and plunger  50   e  may open or close path  300   b,  thus controlling flow and the temperature of fluid going through path  302 . Each of plungers  50   d  and  50   e  may be controlled, for example, by a solenoid similar to solenoid  52  described herein. The invention is not limited to two paths of different temperatures and more paths of different temperatures and corresponding plungers may be used. 
         [0046]      FIG. 6C  shows an exemplary system  600   b,  which may enable control of the amount of fluid. System  600   b  may include, for example further to elements already described above, a split fluid path  300 , split to two or more paths. In the example of  FIG. 6C , two splits are shown, although the invention is not limited in that respect. Any suitable number of splits from path  300  may be used. Each of the splits may include an opening  306   a  or  306   b,  similar to opening  306  described above. System  600   c  may further include a modular plunger  50   c,  which may include a number of modules as the number of splits, the modules may, for example slide one within another. Each module of plunger  50   c  may include an aperture  350   a  or  350   b  similar to aperture  350  describe above. Each of the modules of plunger  50   c  may open or close one of the splits of path  300 , thus controlling flow and the amount of fluid going through path  302 . Each of the modules of plunger  50   c  may be controlled, for example, by a solenoid similar to solenoid  52  described herein. 
         [0047]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram of a hydroelectric system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technique. Accordingly, block diagram  70  is a functional depiction of the above described components included within a hydroelectric system, such the system  34  depicted by  FIG. 3 . It should be borne in mind that functional components illustrated by block diagram  70  are only exemplary and that other components and implementations can be realized by a hydroelectric system similar the system  34  described above. 
         [0048]    Thus, as illustrated by diagram  70 , in a preferred embodiment, the hydroelectric generator  58  is coupled to energy storage unit, i.e., capacitor  57 . In turn, the capacitor is then coupled to a control unit  54 , further coupled to sensor  60  and actuator  52 . Accordingly, actuator  52  is also coupled to the valve  50 . Hence, in a preferred embodiment, the hydroelectric generator  56  provides electric power to capacitor  57  which, in turn, stores and provides the power to the control unit  54 . As further illustrated, the control unit  54  distributes the power to the actuator  52  and sensor  60 , respectively. Thus, it should be born in mind that the connections by the various components, as depicted by the diagram  70 , may include transfer of mechanical and data signals between mechanically and electrically operating components, respectively, as well as transfer of power signals, all of which originate from the hydroelectric generator  58 . Alternating current created by hydroelectric generator  58  may be converted to direct charging current as known in the art, in order to charge capacitor  57 . Thus, power to the other components shown by the diagram  70  may be provided directly by the aforementioned energy storing devices. 
         [0049]    Accordingly, during operation, a user wishing to open a faucet, such as the fluid system  10  of  FIG. 1  may place a hand or other object close to the sensor  60 . In so doing, the senor may detect the presence of the user and, consequently, provide an electrical signal to the control  54 . The control  54  intakes such a signal and perform certain processing to provide an output to actuator  52  which, in turn, actuates the valve  50  for opening the hydroelectric system  18  and enabling to flow through the hydroelectric system  34 . Upon removal of the user&#39;s hand or upon a sensing, as performed by the sensor  60 , that the user is no longer in the vicinity of the faucet, the control unit  54  may instruct the actuator  52  to actuate the valve once more, so as to close the hydroelectric system  34  and cease the fluid flow. 
         [0050]      FIGS. 8-11  illustrate various perspective views of a hydroelectric system  80  in accordance with another embodiment of the present technique. Particularly,  FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective view of the system  80 , showing additional features of the hydroelectric system, in accordance with another embodiment of the present technique. The system  80  is a hydroelectric system incorporated within the above discussed and illustrated systems attachable to a fluid system, such as the hydroelectric system  10  of  FIG. 1 . The system  80  is made up of various components adapted to intake a fluid, i.e., fluid, whereby the fluid can be delivered through various components, such as those adapted to utilize motion of the fluid for generating hydroelectric power. Accordingly, the system  80  includes an opening  82  adapted to intake fluid flowing from a faucet, or other piping to which the system  80  is coupled. The intake  82  is coupled to an adjustable connector  84  adapted to sway the system  80  through various angles for positioning the system  80  into various desirable positions, as may occur when the system  80  is coupled to the faucet  12 . In other words, the adjustable connector  84  can be used by a user to direct the flow of fluid of the faucet and the attachment (e.g., attachment  34 ,  FIG. 1 ) at various angles. 
         [0051]    The system  80  further includes a tube casing  86  connecting the members  82  and  84  to tube  88 , through which the incoming fluid flows to turn a turbine wheel and which eventually exits through outlet  92 , as further shown in  FIG. 9 . Further, the casing  86  is also adapted to house a motor (not shown), such as the motor  52 , illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Accordingly, the motor  52  is adapted to actuate a pinch valve  100  disposed adjacent to casing  86 . As illustrated, the pinch valve  100  is formed of a rotatable member disposed on an axis, enabling the valve  100  to be rotated through one or more angels. In so doing, the pinch valve  100  can be controlled to apply pressure to the tube  88  for blocking and/or opening the tube  88  to fluid flow. In so doing, the pinch valve  100  is adapted to control fluid flow through the system  80 . As illustrated, the tube  88  extends through a passage to connector  90 , such that the pinch valve can compress or otherwise bring about the expansion of the tube  88  for controlling fluid flow through the system  80 . Advantageously, the pinch valve  100  is adapted to come in contact with only the tube  88  such that the valve  100  does not directly contact the fluid itself as it flows through the system  80 . Hence, such a system enables a more clean and sterile control of the fluid flow, one which minimizes contaminations to the fluid or, alternatively, minimizes any corrosion or degrading effects caused to the various portions of the system  80  as a result of contact made by the fluid and the system  80 . In addition, by not making direct contact with the fluid passing through tube  88 , the use of the pinch valve in accordance with the present technique further enables using the system  80  with a variety liquids having varying degrees of chemical concentration, salinity, acidity, mineral levels, viscosity, and/or other properties. 
         [0052]    Furthermore, the pinch valve  100  can be controlled via the motor  52  to apply various degrees of pressure to regulate the amount of fluid that passes through the fluid. In turn, this operation may also control the motion of the turbine wheel  104  ( FIG. 9 ) in generating hydroelectric power used for powering sensors or other devices to which the system  80  may be coupled. As further illustrated, a stopper  98  is adjacent to pinch valve  100 . Accordingly, the stopper  98  may be adjusted in length so that during operation, the valve  100  does not over extend and is proper brought to a stop by the stopper  98 . Hence, such operation of the stopper  98  may minimize any unwanted or excessive movement of the valve  100  so as to minimize or otherwise eliminate any damages to the system that could be caused by an overextension of the valve  100 . As further illustrated, the illustrated stopper  98  provides a mechanical mechanism for controlling the movement of the valve  100 . In addition, such mechanical set up obviates the need for using any elaborate electrical or other electro-mechanical device for controlling the movement of the valve  100 . 
         [0053]    Further illustrated is a hydroelectric generator  96  fitted and disposed directly beneath the casing  86  and above base member  94 . In this configuration, the system  80  provides a small and compact hydroelectric system that can be fitted within an attachable system, i.e., system  34 , adapted to be attached to a faucet. Hence, the system  80  utilizes the fluid flowing throughout the operating the hydroelectric systems incorporated therein for producing power. Such power may be used for actuating certain valves, i.e., pinch valve  100 , as well as other sensing devices, i.e., sensor  60 , also adapted to control the fluid flow. Further, the valve  100  may be continuously controlled either through the motor  52 , or control unit  54  for varying the amount of fluid flowing through the system  80 . It should be borne in mind that control of the fluids systems, as disclosed herein is adapted to perform various operations and functionalities. For example the control unit  54  includes a user interface enabling adjustment of sensitivity of the sensor  60  coupled thereto. The control unit may further have a user interface adapted to sense fluid temperature and provide indication of the temperature via a colored light emitting diode (LED). By further example, the control unit has user interface that enables manual operation of a pinch valve. Further, the control unit has a user interface that enables final positioning of the pinch valve for regulating the fluid flow. The control unit has a user interface that enable sensing energy accumulated on the capacitor resulting from the operation of the hydrogenerator. The interface further provides indicating the amount of energy utilizing a colored LED. The control unit further includes an interface and sensing mechanisms adapted to provide an indication of fluid pressure sustained with the above attachment fluid system. 
         [0054]    As further illustrated by  FIG. 9 , the hydroelectric system  80  includes a turbine housing  94  in which turbine  104  is housed. There is also illustrated fluid outlets  102  adapted to output the out flowing liquid as it impinges the turbine  104 . In so doing, the exiting fluid rotates the turbine  104  as sufficiently rates so that its mechanical rotational energy transform to electrical energy, as performed by the above hydroelectric generator. Those skilled in the art that the turbine may be formed of different materials and have various shapes and sizes in accordance with various known standards and specifications for providing optimal rotational speeds for yielding a desirable output power. As further illustrated by  FIG. 10 , the system  80  includes a protective shell  106 , as well as, one more sensor unit  108 . The sensor units are adapted to detect a presence of an object which can prompt the actuation of the system  80  to provide fluid out the outlet  92 . As further illustrated by  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a push button guide  112  is disposed on shell  106 . The guide  112  enables manual actuation of the valve, and some interface to change the sensor detection range and threshold. The guide  112  is also adapted to interface with the control unit. 
         [0055]    Adjacent to the guide  112  there is disposed an electrical board  114  of the control unit, having various electrical components adapted for controlling the operation of the hydroelectric system  80 . As further illustrated by  FIG. 11 , a capacitor  116  is disposed on or near board  114 . Hence, the capacitor  116  is adapted to harness any electrical power resulting from the operation of the turbine wheel  104 . On top of the board  114  there is also disposed a push button tactile switch  118 , which is part of the control unit.