Patent CA-3007618-A1 (CA)
Title: A multi-functional ballasted buoyant low speed turbine based device
Inventor: VOWLES GERALD J
IPC: F03B13/00
Filed: 2018-06-07
Abstract: A multi-functional, ballasted, buoyant, low-speed turbine based device driving or for driving a water purifier and/or fluid pump and/or electric power generator or other rotationally driven devices wherein: a buoyant, low-speed turbine sub-assembly comprising a ballasted float and a plurality of either sail-like, two-way acting or more rigid, one-way acting turbine blades that rotate about an axis such as a driveshaft with a suitable power take-off means; a suitable power transfer means such as a coupler in the case of directly attached driven components or, in the case of detached driven components, a non-swivelling, dual purpose rotary drive shaft/cable cum anchor cable attached at it's first end to a first end of the buoyant turbine's power take-off means and at it's second end to a driven water purifier sub-assembly and/or a fluid pump and/or an electric power generator, all together comprising the key elements of the apparatus of the present invention. The buoyant turbine sub-assembly, in its role as the prime mover, provides torque based power via the rotating, power transfer means to the water purifier and/or fluid pump and/or electric power generator and/or other rotationally driven devices. The ballast is typically water but could be any other suitable liquid and is located within the preferably smooth and uninterrupted inner surface of the normally hollow float such that it remains generally at rest within the lower portion of the float as the buoyant turbine rotates. In those cases where the floats are not hollow, the liquid ballast may be replaced with weights that ideally are axially aligned and rotationally balanced. The amount of 2 ballast is adjustable and influenced by the combined weights and buoyancies of the water deployed components. Depending on the embodiment, the anchor cables may be fixedly attached at their first end to the shore, the seabed or riverbed or any other relatively immovable reaction point and at their second end with a suitable swivel means such as a marine grade swivelling snap shackle to the rotating buoyant turbine sub-assembly. When employed, the dual purpose rotary drive shaft/cable cum anchor cable is coupled at each of its ends without swivels but could be replaced with the same effect by separate, non-swivelling drive shaft/ cable and swivelling anchor cable means. The number of turbine blades may vary between two and many. Deployments involving multiple, same-acting sub-assemblies or a plurality of these apparatus', whether connected in series or grouped in farms, can be employed as a revenue generating means for reducing shoreline erosion and for calming harbours. It is noted that the pneumatic float components seen in Fig's 1, 2 and 17 are typical of existing commercial floats manufactured, for example, by Polyform .TM. and are employed here as generic components, albeit found within the novel sub-assemblies. Technical field To follow... Background of the Invention To follow... Discussion of Prior Art To follow... Objectives of the Invention To follow... Summary of the Invention To follow... Brief Description of the Drawings Note: Number labels will be added to all Figures and to their corresponding Detailed Descriptions in a subsequent update entitled Addendum 1 that will follow this submission provided for the purpose of obtaining a filing priority date.