Abstract:
A turbine which incorporates intake and exhaust pipes that prevent the passing flow from interfering with, or impeding the operation of the turbine. An optional directional cone, with optional helical supports, mounts within the intake pipe and channels flow at an optimal angle to the turbine blades as well as to the outermost, from the axis of rotation, area of the blade&#39;s surface, increasing torque and thus efficiency. The turbine&#39;s blades are affixed to the inner surface of a cylindrical shell that is free to rotate within a supporting structure. The cylindrical shell also contains the stationary intake and exhaust pipes. The vacant axis of rotation can be closed or open, by means of shorter blades that form a hole with the distal edges of the blades to allow for passing fish and debris to safely exit. Rotational energy is transferred from the outer surface of the cylindrical shell by gears or belts.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a DIV of Ser. No. 11/803,062, filed May 11, 2007 by the present inventor, which is incorporated by reference, which references the turbine and related technologies disclosed in my patent application Ser. No. 10/885,876, filed Jul. 6, 2004, that benefits from Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 60/485,577 filed Jul. 7, 2003; 60/487,372 filed Jul. 15, 2003; 60/489,254 filed Jul. 22, 2003; and 60/494,186 filed Aug. 11, 2003, all by the present inventor, which are all incorporated by reference. 
         [0002]    This application also includes the energy storage means described in the patent: Self-Winding Generator, U.S. Pat. No. 7,127,886 B2, by the present inventor, which is incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0003]    None. 
       SEQUENCE LISTING 
       [0004]    None. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION—PRIOR ART 
       [0005]    Some axial flow devices, such as McFarlin (U.S. Pat. No. 3,719,436), allow passing flows to interact/interfere with the exposed rotors of their pumps/turbines in areas other than the blades themselves. I have found that this adds unnecessary weight, drag, and vibration that adversely effect efficiency, and result in less energy captured and higher maintenance costs. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In accordance with one embodiment, intake and exhaust pipes prevent a passing flow from adding weight, drag, and vibration to an axial flow device. 
         [0007]    In accordance with another embodiment, an optional directional cone and its optional helical supports channel incoming flow in an optimal direction to the outermost and efficient portion of the turbine&#39;s blades from the axis of rotation. 
         [0008]    In accordance with yet another embodiment, at least one optional energy storage spring, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,127,886 B2, stores inconstant rotational energy from a turbine, and when it&#39;s released, provides continuous rotational energy at a constant rate. 
       ADVANTAGES 
       [0009]    Accordingly, several objects and advantages of one or more aspects are as follows: to capture the kinetic energy of passing liquids and gases, in an environmentally friendly manner, more effectively and efficiently than was previously possible. 
         [0010]    Novel features include: intake and exhaust pipes that prevent entering and exiting flow from interfering with the rotating turbine, thus increasing efficiency while decreasing vibration, thereby resulting in longer hardware life cycles. An optional directional cone, with optional helical supports, channels flow at an optimal angle to the rotor&#39;s turbine blades as well as to the outermost more efficient area of the blade&#39;s surface, increasing torque and thus efficiency. 
         [0011]    rotationally connecting at least one energy storage spring to the turbine effectively transforms kinetic energy into potential energy, and then into rotational energy, in a highly efficient manner. An energy storage spring negates the need for pressure and flow control valves and effectively captures all of the available kinetic energy. 
         [0012]    Additional features include: a vacant center axis, since energy is captured at the peripheral surfaces instead of from a central shaft; a debris exhaust hole, whose size is application dependent; a lightweight and durable turbine possibly made from composite materials with an optional titanium veneer; bidirectional support; a means for offshore production of electricity, distilled water, hydrogen, and possibly more, located above or below the water line; a scalable design that adjusts to meet energy requirements; a modular design that allows for upgrades and repair/replacement. 
         [0013]    All generators, turbines, and pumps of this type will benefit from the unique features taught in this application. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS—FIGURES 
         [0014]    In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different suffixes. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  shows a side view of the turbine (HOLLOW TURBINE) and the intake and exhaust pipes that ultimately attach to a pipeline, and is suitable for both high and low head applications. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  shows a submerged turbine that is suitable for tidal or ocean current energy capture, with rotationally attached rotors. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  show opposing sides of the submersible turbine&#39;s funnels. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is another side view of the turbine and the intake and exhaust pipes, within a submerged structure, and without attached pipelines. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  show two different blade arrangements. Also shown is an extended rotor/gear connected by rotor supports in between the inner surface of the rotor and the outer surface of the turbine&#39;s cylindrical shell. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the turbine with a directional cone attached to the inside of the intake pipe by supports. The turbine is depicted within a submersible structure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4   a  is a front view of the turbine with a directional cone attached within the intake pipe by supports located in front of the blades. Also shown is an extended rotor/gear connected by rotor supports in between the inner surface of the rotor/gear and the outer surface of the turbine&#39;s cylindrical shell. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is another side view of the turbine with a directional cone attached to the inside of the intake pipe by supports. This view is depicted within a submersible structure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5   a  is a front view of the turbine with a directional cone attached within the intake pipe by supports and with a different rotor design. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  shows a side view of the turbine that features a belt type rotational energy connecting element, within a submersible structure. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  shows a side view of the turbine that includes an energy storage spring and two gear box/transmissions, all within a structure. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  shows a side view of a pump (HOLLOW PUMP) that includes intake and exhaust pipes, and connects to an electric power source. Also shown is a connected pipeline. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8   a  shows a front view of the pump&#39;s blades and intake pipe with an attached rotor. 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  shows a side view of a pump that features rotational energy connecting elements rotationally attached to a source of rotational energy. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9   a  shows a front view of the pump&#39;s blades and intake pipe with a gear type rotational energy connecting element. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  shows a side view of a pump that features a belt type rotational energy connecting element, rotationally attached to a source of rotational energy. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10   a  shows a front view of the pump&#39;s blades and intake pipe with an attached belt type energy connecting element. 
       
    
    
     DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
               1  turbine 
               2  cylindrical shell 
               3  blades 
               4  intake pipe 
               5  exhaust pipe 
               6  spacer 
               7  bearing 
               8  bearing 
               9  turbine shroud 
               10  pipeline 
               11  turbine shroud 
               12  pipeline 
               13  supporting structure 
               14  submersible supporting structure 
               15  rotational energy connecting element 
               16  rotational energy connecting element 
               17  rotational energy connecting element 
               18  funnel 
               19  rib 
               20  vacant axis of rotation 
               21  stator 
               22  rotor 
               23  stator 
               24  rotor 
               25  rotor support 
               26  inside surface of the rotor 
               27  directional cone 
               28  directional cone supports 
               29  belt type rotational energy connecting element 
               30  gear box/transmission 
               31  energy storage spring 
               32  gear box/transmission 
               33  rotational energy connecting element 
               34  pump 
               35  supporting structure 
               36  pipeline 
               37  pump shroud 
               38  pipeline 
               39  pump shroud 
               40  magnets 
               41  stator 
               42  electric power source 
               43  rotational energy source 
           
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG.  1 —First Embodiment 
       [0075]    One embodiment of the turbine is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . It is a cross-sectional view of a turbine (HOLLOW TURBINE)  1  that includes a supporting structure  13  with a connected pipeline  10 ,  12 . One end of the pipeline  10  is fastened to an inlet turbine shroud  9  that is connected to an intake pipe  4  that extends into a cylindrical shell  2  to a location directly adjacent to the turbine&#39;s blades  3 . The blades  3  are symmetrically/uniformly attached to the inner surface of the cylindrical shell  2 . The distal edges of the turbine blades  3  may, depending on their size, appear to form a single point ( FIG. 3   a ) or an empty circle  20  ( FIG. 3   b ). An exhaust pipe  5 , attached on one end to an exhaust turbine shroud  11  that also attaches to the other end of the pipeline  12 , extends into the opposite side of the cylindrical shell  2  from the intake pipe to a location directly adjacent to the turbine&#39;s blades  3 . The pipeline  10 ,  12  is connected to the turbine shrouds  9 ,  11  by nuts and bolts, welds, or other suitable fasteners, not shown. The cylindrical shell  2  is suspended by bearings  7 ,  8  that are attached to the supporting structure  13 . At least one optional spacer  6  is attached to the inner surface of the cylindrical shell  2 , between the intake  4  and exhaust  5  pipes, to elevate the base of the attached turbine blades  3  to the same elevation/height as the inner surfaces of the intake  4  and the exhaust  5  pipes. Attached to the outer surface of the cylindrical shell  2  is a rotational energy connecting element  15  that is rotationally connected to other rotational energy connecting elements  16 ,  17 . The preceding connections are made with fasteners that include, but are not limited to, bolts and nuts, or welds, and are not shown. Also not shown is a drainage means to remove any flow leaking from between the intake  4  and exhaust  5  pipes and the blades&#39;  3  at least one spacer  6 . Such means include, but are not limited to, an array of drainage holes in the cylindrical shell  2  and a gutter, not shown. The cylindrical shell  2  and blades  3  may be fabricated from, but are not limited to, steel, carbon fiber, or other composite materials, and covered with an optional titanium veneer. The intake  4  and exhaust  5  pipes can be fabricated from a variety of suitable materials that include, but are not limited to, steel or another metal, carbon fiber or other composite materials, and may also be covered by a protective veneer. 
       Operation—FIG. 1 
       [0076]    Flow enters the cylindrical shell  2  from the pipeline  10  through the intake pipe  4  until the flow comes into direct contact with the turbine blades  3 . The flow then continues out of the cylindrical shell  2  through the exhaust pipe  5  and exits the turbine through the attached pipeline  12 . The flow making contact with the turbine blades  3  causes the attached cylindrical shell  2  to rotate. The resulting rotational energy is transferred by means of the rotational energy connecting elements  15 ,  16 ,  17 . Efficiency is enhanced by preventing the flow from making contact with the spinning cylindrical shell  2 , as contact would cause additional weight and drag. Therefore, rotational energy is captured and transferred without interference or vibration from the flow, resulting in an efficient turbine with lower maintenance costs and increased hardware life cycles. 
         [0000]      FIGS. 2 ,  2   a , and  2   b —Alternative Embodiment 
         [0077]    A submersible structure  14  suspends the cylindrical shell  2  ( FIG. 2 ) by means of bearings  7 ,  8 , ( FIG. 1 ). At least one funnel  18 , with protruding ribs  19 , is attached externally to the submersible structure  14 , and is positioned at one end, or opposite ends, of the cylindrical shell  2 . Rotors  22 ,  24  are rotationally connected to the cylindrical shell  2  by rotational energy connecting elements  15 ,  16 ,  17 . Stators  21 ,  23  are mounted within the submersible structure  14  in close proximity to the rotors  22 ,  24 . The preceding connections are made with fasteners that include, but are not limited to, bolts and nuts, or welds, and are not shown. 
       Operation—FIGS. 2,  2   a,  and  2   b      
       [0078]    Flow makes contact with the funnel  18 , with attached optional ribs  19 , and is channeled in an optimal direction to the turbine&#39;s blades  3  through the intake pipe  4 , as seen in  FIG. 1 . Two funnels would allow for bidirectional applications. After passing by the blades  3 , the flow exits the turbine  1  through the exhaust pipe  5 , also depicted in  FIG. 1 . Rotational energy is transferred by the rotational energy connecting elements  15 ,  16 ,  17  and rotates the rotors  22 ,  24  that produce an alternating magnetic field in close proximity to the stators  21 ,  23  that generate an alternating current. Therefore, rotational energy is captured and transformed into electricity without interference or vibration from the flow 
         [0000]      FIGS. 3 ,  3   a , and  3   b —Additional Embodiment 
         [0079]    This embodiment depicts the turbine with an enlarged rotational energy connecting element  15  that is attached to the cylindrical shell  2  by rotor supports  25 . The inner diameter of the enlarged rotational energy connecting element  15  is greater than the outer diameter of the cylindrical shell  2 .  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  also illustrate two possible blade configurations, one in which the blades  3  form a single point ( FIG. 3   a ), and one in which they form a vacant hole  20  ( FIG. 3   b ). The supporting structure  14  illustrated is of the submersible type. 
       Operation—FIGS. 3,  3   a,  and  3   b      
       [0080]    Operation is essentially the same as that described for  FIG. 2 , with the exception that incoming flow isn&#39;t directed in an optimal direction by a funnel  18  with ribs  19 , and there is no means of generating electricity. 
         [0000]      FIGS. 4 , and  4   a —Additional Embodiment 
         [0081]    A directional cone  27  is attached by supports  28 , that may be helical in shape, within the intake pipe  4  at an optimal position just before the blades  3 . The cone  27  may be fabricated from, but is not limited to steel, carbon fiber or other composite materials, and may be covered with an optional titanium veneer. The supporting structure  14  depicted is of the submersible type. 
       Operation—FIGS. 4, and  4   a      
       [0082]    Flow enters through the intake pipe  4  and is channeled by the directional cone  27  to the base of the blades  3  and in an optimal direction by the cone&#39;s supports  28 . The flow then travels out through the exhaust pipe  5 . Utilizing the most efficient part of the blades, at their connecting point to the cylindrical shell  2 , or spacer  6 , yields more torque that results in more rotational energy being generated. Flow that is channeled in an optimal direction to the blades  3  also increases efficiency. 
         [0000]      FIGS. 5 , and  5   a —Additional Embodiment 
         [0083]    This embodiment depicts a rotational energy element  15  that is fastened directly to the outer surface of the cylindrical shell  2 . It also includes a directional cone  27  and its supports  28 . 
       FIG.  6 —Alternative Embodiment 
       [0084]    This embodiment illustrates the use of a belt type rotational energy connecting element  29  as a means of transferring rotational energy from the cylindrical shell  2 . This embodiment also depicts the non-submersible supporting structure  13  with the attached pipeline  10 ,  12 . 
       FIG.  7 —Alternative Embodiment 
       [0085]    An energy storage spring  31  is rotationally connected to the cylindrical shell  2  by a gear box/transmission  30  and rotational energy connecting elements  15 ,  16 . The energy storage spring  31  is also rotationally connected to the rotors  22 ,  24  by another gear box/transmission  32  and more rotational energy connecting elements  17 ,  33 . Stators  21 ,  23  are positioned as close to the rotors  22 ,  24  as possible. 
       Operation—FIG. 7 
       [0086]    Rotational energy, when available, is applied to the the energy storage spring  31  from the gear box/transmission  30 . Rotational energy is then released at the desired time, and at the prescribed rate (rotations per minute), by the other gear box/transmission  32 . This will provide the rotors  22 ,  24  with the continuous rotational energy, at a constant rate, that is required to induce electrical current in the stators  21 ,  23 . Utilizing an energy storage spring  31  enables the apparatus to operate in environments where fluctuations in flow are present. Also an energy storage spring negates the need for pressure and flow control valves and effectively captures all of the available kinetic energy. 
         [0000]      FIGS. 8 , and  8   a —Alternative Embodiment 
         [0087]    This embodiment depicts a pump (HOLLOW PUMP)  34  that electrically connects at least one stator  41  to an electric power source  42 . Magnets  40  are attached to the outer surface of a cylindrical shell  2  by fasteners, not shown. The pump&#39;s blades  3  are symmetrically attached to the inner surface of the cylindrical shell  2 . An intake pipe  4  extends into the cylindrical shell  2  to a point directly adjacent to the pump&#39;s blades  3 . The intake pipe  4  is also connected to a pump shroud  37  by nuts and bolts, welds, or other suitable fasteners, not shown. An exhaust pipe  5  extends into the cylindrical shell  2 , at the opposite end from the intake pipe, to a spot directly adjacent to the pump&#39;s blades  3 . The exhaust pipe is connected to another pump shroud  39 , also by nuts and bolts, welds, or other suitable fasteners that are not shown. At least one optional spacer  6  is attached to the inner surface of the cylindrical shell  2  to elevate the base of the pump blades  3  to the same elevation as the inner surfaces of the intake  4  and the exhaust  5  pipes. The cylindrical shell  2  is suspended by bearings  7 ,  8  that attach to a supporting structure  35 . Also attached to the supporting structure  35  are the pump shrouds  37 ,  39  that connect a pipeline  36 ,  38  to the intake  4  and exhaust  5  pipes. The cylindrical shell  2  and blades  3  may be fabricated from, but are not limited to, steel, composite materials with an optional titanium veneer. The intake  4  and exhaust  5  pipes can be fabricated from a variety of suitable materials that include, but are not limited to, steel or another metal, carbon fiber or other composite materials, and may also be covered by a protective veneer. 
       Operation—FIGS. 8 and 8 a      
       [0088]    Electric power from an electric power source  42  creates an alternating magnetic field around the cylindrical shell  2 . The shell  2 , with attached magnets  40 , is rotated as a result of the alternating magnetic field. Flow present in the intake  4  and exhaust pipes  5  is transferred through the pipeline  36 ,  38  as a result of the spinning cylindrical shell  2  with the attached blades  3 . Preventing the flow from making contact with the pump  34  until it reaches the blades  3  results in less interference and vibration, and is therefore more efficient. 
         [0000]      FIGS. 9 ,  9   a ,  10 , and  10   a —Additional Embodiments 
         [0089]    These embodiments depict pumps  34  that utilize rotational energy connecting elements  15 ,  16 ,  29  that are rotationally connected to a rotational energy source  43 .  FIG. 9  illustrates the use of gears while  FIG. 10  utilizes a belt type rotational energy connecting element  29 .  FIGS. 9   a  and  10   a  illustrate the pumps with an enlarged rotational energy connecting element  15  that is attached to the cylindrical shell  2  by rotor supports  25 . 
       Operation— 9 ,  9   a,    10 , and  10   a      
       [0090]    Gear type rotational energy connecting elements  15   16  ( FIGS. 9 and 9   a ), or a belt type  29  ( FIGS. 10 and 10   a ), transfer rotational energy from the rotational energy source  43  to the cylindrical shell  2 , with attached blades  3 , that transfers flows through the attached pipelines  36 ,  38 . The enlarged rotor produces more torque and increases efficiency. 
       Advantages 
       [0091]    From the description above, a number of advantages of some embodiments become evident:
       (a) Preventing the flow from making contact with the spinning cylindrical shell increases efficiency by eliminating the weight and resulting drag introduced if the flow makes contact with the cylindrical shell.   (b) Preventing the flow from making contact with the spinning cylindrical shell also reduces vibration, that results in longer hardware life cycles.   (c) Directing flow, by means of a cone, to the outermost portion of the turbine&#39;s blades, from the axis of rotation, further enhances efficiency by increasing torque.   (d) Helical cone supports channel flow in an optimal direction to the blades.   (e) A vacant axis of rotation allows fish and debris to safely exit the turbine/pump without damaging the apparatus or injuring any fish that may be present.   (f) Eliminating the shaft, or hub, from the axis of rotation permits a larger surface area for the blades, thus enabling the blades to fully leverage the flow.   (g) Bidirectional flow support is also possible.   (h) Incorporating an energy storage spring negates the need for pressure or flow control valves and effectively captures all of the available kinetic energy.       
 
       CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE 
       [0100]    Accordingly, the reader will see that the intake and exhaust pipes of the various embodiments can be used to increase efficiency and reduce vibration in axial flow devices. In addition, only an intake or only an exhaust pipe may be necessary to achieve the desired results. Also, the exhaust pipe may be tapered in a downward direction toward the turbine shroud in order to enhance flow in that direction. Furthermore, an embodiment may have additional advantages in that:
       it may provide bidirectional support;   it may utilize indestructible welds;   it may incorporate water lubricated low friction bearing means, such as thrust bearings;   it may also incorporate magnetic bearings;   it may have blades that are curved for maximum energy capture;   it may have blades that include a means of adjusting the blades&#39; pitch;   it may provide for blade adjustment as a means of controlling flow;   it may have blades that are fabricated in such a way as to allow for the thickness of the intake and exhaust pipes, as well as for the clearance between the pipes and the cylindrical shell, thus eliminating the need for any spacers;   it may utilize turbine blades that are wider and thicker at their base;   it may incorporate turbine shrouds that extend into the cylindrical shell and replace the intake and exhaust pipes, whereby forming one piece turbine shrouds and intake/exhaust pipes;   it may include guide vanes attached to, or fabricated with the inside surface of the intake pipe to channel flow in an optimal direction to the turbine&#39;s blades;   it may be fabricated from plastic;   it may utilize marine grade concrete;   it may be mounted vertically;   it may incorporate a tapered roller bearing;   it is suitable for ocean energy capture as well as high and low head applications;   it may include a grate to prevent fish and debris from entering the device;   it may also include at least one buoyancy means, as described in the patent Buoyant Rotor (U.S. Pat. No. 7,348,686 B2);   it may also include at least one buoyancy means that is integrated with the body of the cylindrical shell;   it may incorporate counter-rotating rotors;   it may be used for providing rotational energy to machinery that rely on rotational energy as a power source;   it may incorporate steam turbine type blades;   it may also be used as a steam turbine;   it may be used for water pipeline diversion applications;   it may be utilized as a means of capturing the kinetic energy found in pressurized water systems, such as irrigation systems;   it may also be utilized as a means of propelling boats and ships through the water;   it may also be used in braking systems as a means of generating electricity;   the electric motor types associated with the pump may include, but are not limited to: AC Induction motors including Shaded Pole and split-phase capacitor types, Universal motors, AC Synchronous motors, Stepper DC motors, Brushless DC motors, Brushed DC motors, Pancake DC motors, and Servo motors;   drive types associated with the pump include, but are not limited to, Uni/Poly-phase AC, Direct AC, DC, Direct DC, and PWM; the variety of motor and drive types demonstrate the wide variety of applications, of varying sizes, that are possible.