Patent Publication Number: US-2009236855-A1

Title: Water Powered Generator and Method of using same

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for producing electricity. More specifically, the present invention relates to hydroelectric power generators and methods for producing electricity using hydroelectric power generators. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Currently, electricity is produced most commonly using methods which cause pollution and deplete natural resources. There is a need for improved devices and methods which overcome these disadvantages. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention has to do with hydroelectric power utilizing a self contained floating catamaran-type vehicle enclosing turbines and generators, plus the ability to transmit to a power grid or store excess electricity on board until it can be transferred. 
     The flowing water beneath the stationary catamaran turns the turbines, which in turn are attached to the generators creating electricity, which is either transmitted or stored on board. A series of turbines are attached in line between the hulls of the catamaran, connected to one or more generators inside the hulls. The electricity is then either transmitted by lines to an on shore power grid or storage facility or stored in the catamaran in batteries or other type of storage medium. 
     When water hits the blades or paddles of a turbine, the blades or paddles of the turbine spin around. A connecting rod connects the turbine to a generator, which produces electricity. The electricity is then either transmitted by lines to an on shore storage and distribution network through cables and wires from the catamaran. 
     A first aspect of the present invention provides a floating, water current-powered electrical generation plant, comprising: a catamaran, comprising :upper and lower platforms supported by first and second buoyant pontoons, so that the pontoons float in a flowing body of water, wherein the inwardly-facing lateral walls and outwardly-facing lateral walls of the first and second pontoon are substantially parallel; an elongate trench running along a longitudinal axis of the platforms between the pontoons, wherein the inwardly-facing lateral walls of the pontoons and a bottom surface of the lower platform form a trench, wherein the bottom surface of the lower platform faces an opening that is open to the flowing body of turbine comprising an array of rotatable first elongated shafts, wherein each turbine is located in the trench between the buoyant pontoons and is adapted for engagement with and rotation by water in said flowing body of water, wherein each rotatable first elongated shaft is rotatably coupled to one of the turbines and is rotatably coupled to the outwardly-facing lateral walls of the first and second pontoons; lower large gears, each having a diameter, wherein each lower large gear is rotatably coupled to the respective first elongated shaft; an array of electric generators, each electric generator comprising an array of rotatable second elongated shafts, wherein a first end of each second elongated shaft is rotatably coupled to one of the electric generators, and wherein an upper small gear having a second diameter is rotatably coupled to a second end of each second elongated shaft, wherein the lower large gear and upper small gear are rotatably coupled so that rotating the lower large gear rotates the upper small gear. 
     A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for generating electricity, comprising: providing a floating, water current-powered electrical generation plant in a catamaran, the floating, water current-powered electrical generation plant in a catamaran comprising: upper and lower platforms supported by first and second buoyant pontoons, so that the pontoons float in a flowing body of water, wherein the inwardly-facing lateral walls and outwardly-facing lateral walls of the first and second pontoon are substantially parallel; an elongate trench running along a longitudinal axis of the platforms between the pontoons, wherein the inwardly-facing lateral walls of the pontoons and a bottom surface of the lower platform form a trench, wherein the bottom surface of the lower platform faces an opening that is open to the flowing body of water; an array of turbines, wherein each turbine is located in the trench between the buoyant pontoons; rotatably coupling each turbine to an electrical generator; and adapting each turbine for engagement with and rotation by water in said flowing body of water. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       The dimensions of components shown in the following drawings are not drawn to scale or meant to show relative sizes of the components. All measurements and sizes can be adapted according to environment and situation. 
         FIG. 1  depicts a top plan view of a floating, water current-powered electrical generation plant, according to embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a bottom plan view of the floating, water current-powered electrical generation plant, according to embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a top plan view of the floating, water current-powered electrical generation plant, according to embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of the floating, water current-powered electrical generation plant, according to embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 5A-5B  depict a flow sheet for a method for generating electricity, according to embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The data explaining the necessary information to obtain this patent for a self contained electric power generating plant utilizing free flowing water is as follows: 
       FIG. 1  depicts a top plan view of a floating, water current-powered electric electrical generation plant  100  in a catamaran  110 , comprising: a catamaran  110 , having pontoons  1 ; shafts  3 , rotatably coupled to turbines  2 , and extending from turbines  2  into and supported by pontoons  1 . The water current-powered electric electrical generation plant  100  in a catamaran  110  floats on a flow of water  105 , flowing in a direction of the arrow  106 . Hereinafter, a catamaran is defined as a boat with twin essentially parallel hulls. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a bottom plan view of an electric power generating plant  100  in a catamaran  110 , comprising: a catamaran  110 , having pontoons  4 ; turbines  5 ; electrical generating unit  6 ; and shafts  7 ,  102  between the turbines  5  and electrical generating units  6 . A distal end  104  of the shaft  102  is rotatably coupled to an upper small gear  9 . A distal end  103  of the shaft  7  is rotatably coupled to a lower large gear  8 . Hereinafter, “rotatably coupled” or “rotatably coupling” is defined as physically or mechanically joining pieces, such as shafts and gears, so that the joined pieces may rotate or pivot. 
     The lower large gear  8  connects to shaft  7 , turning upper smaller gear  9  attached to generator (see  9  in  FIG. 2 ). Upper small gear  9  turns at higher rate of speed than lower large gear  8 , creating a greater amount of electricity in the generator. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a top plan view of the electric power generating plant  100  in a catamaran  110 , comprising: a catamaran  110 , including pontoons  10 , and an upper platform  11 ; an electrical transfer  12  from the generators  6  and electric cables  13  to go to an electric grid (electric grid not shown). The electrical transfer  12 ,  22  from the generators  6  includes necessary equipment for the transfer or storage of generated electricity. The electrical transfer  12  may be supported by the upper platform  11 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of the electric power generating plant  100 , comprising: a catamaran  108 , wherein the catamaran  109  comprises: pontoons  14 , turbines  17 ; upper platform  21 ; and lower platform  18 . 
     The electric power generating plant  100  is best housed in a catamaran  110  or other floating or stationary vehicle sufficient to accommodate multiple turbines  2 ,  17  and electrical generating units  6 ,  15  and the necessary equipment for the transfer or storage of generated electricity, for example the electrical transfer  12 ,  22 . The turbines  5  comprise blades or paddles  101 . 
     This floating electric power generating plant  100  is best housed in a catamaran  110 , or other floating or stationary vehicle sufficient to accommodate multiple turbines  2 ,  17  and electrical generating units  6 ,  15  and the necessary equipment for the transfer or storage of generated electricity. 
     These floating plants  100  can be anchored close to shore, in the middle of a river, or any other body of water  105 , where it will not impede other traffic. The floating electric power generating plants  100  may utilize free flowing water  105  in the direction of arrow  106 . It can also be utilized under bridges. They will house multiple turbines  2 ,  17  in line with sufficient space to not interfere with each other. Each turbine  2 ,  17  is connected to both sides  107 ,  108  of the catamaran  110  by a gear  8 ,  9 ,  19 ,  20  or other connecting device to generators  6 ,  15  within the body of the catamaran  110  capable of turning the generators  6 ,  15  at a high rate of speed for maximum generation of electricity. These floating electric power generating plants  100  include all other necessary equipment to transfer this electricity via connecting cables  13  to a distribution center where it is transferred to a main electrical grid (not shown), for example the electrical transfer  12 ,  22 . Where this is not possible, accommodation can be made to store same into electric storage equipment, for example the electrical transfer  12 ,  22 , within the confines of the catamaran  110 . These units can be constructed in any size necessary to be accommodated by the water flow necessary to drive same. 
     There are a number of different types of turbines  5 ,  17  which can be used, either vertical or horizontal. Each would be used according to which is best suited for the depth of the water and the environment. 
     In each case, we will utilize the most efficient accessory equipment available, i.e. electrical generating units  6 ,  15  etc. to best suit our needs. These units  6 ,  15  will be able to operate in all seasons utilizing the equipment to protect it from any and all inclement weather conditions. 
     The water  105  hits the blades or paddles  101  of the turbine  2 ,  17 , making the turbine  2 ,  17  spin around. 
       FIGS. 1-4  depict a floating, water current-powered electrical generation plant  100  in a catamaran  110 . The catamaran  110  has upper and lower platforms  21 ,  11 , and  18  supported by a plurality of buoyant pontoons  1 ,  4 ,  10 ,  14 , so that the pontoons  1 ,  4 ,  10 ,  14  float in a flowing body of water  105 , wherein the inwardly-facing lateral walls  28  and outwardly-facing lateral walls  26  of the a plurality of buoyant pontoons  1 ,  4 ,  10 ,  14  are substantially parallel. 
     The catamaran  110  may have an elongate trench  32  running along a longitudinal axis  30  catamaran  110  of the platforms  21 ,  18  between the pontoons  1 ,  4 ,  10 ,  14 . The inwardly-facing lateral walls  28  of the pontoons  1 ,  4 ,  10 ,  14  and a bottom surface  33  of the lower platform  18  form the elongate trench  32 . The bottom surface  33  of the lower platform  18  faces an opening  34  that is open to the flowing body of water  105 . 
     The floating, water current-powered electrical generation plant  100  includes an array of turbines  2 ,  5 ,  17 , each turbine  2 ,  5 ,  17  comprising an array of rotatable first elongated shafts  3 ,  7 ,  16 . Each turbine  2 ,  5 ,  17  may be located in the elongate trench  32  between the buoyant pontoons  1 ,  4 ,  10 ,  14  and may be adapted for engagement with and rotation by water in said flowing body of water  105 . Each rotatable first elongated shaft  3 ,  7 ,  16  may be rotatably coupled to one of the turbines  2 ,  5 ,  17  and may be rotatably coupled to the outwardly-facing lateral walls  26  of the plurality of buoyant pontoons  1 ,  4 ,  10 ,  14 . 
     The floating, water current-powered electrical generation plant  100  includes lower large gears  8 ,  20 , each having a first diameter, wherein each lower large gear  8 ,  20  may be rotatably coupled to the respective first elongated shaft  3 ,  7 ,  16 . 
     The floating, water current-powered electrical generation plant  100  includes an array of electric generators  6 , 15 , each electric generator  6 ,  15  comprising an array of rotatable second elongated shafts  24 . A first end  38  of each second elongated shaft  24  may be rotatably coupled to one of the electric generators  6 ,  15 . An upper small gear  9 ,  19  having a diameter may be rotatably coupled to a second end  36  of each second elongated shaft  24 . The lower large gear  8 ,  20  and upper small gears  9 ,  19  may be rotatably coupled so that rotating the lower large gear  8 ,  20  rotates the upper small gear  9 ,  19 . 
     In one embodiment, the floating, water current-powered electrical generation plant  100  comprises an array of electrical transfer from generator  12 ,  22 , wherein each electrical transfer from generator  12 ,  22  may be conductively coupled to said electric generators  6 , 15  and wherein each electrical transfer from generator  12 ,  22  is supported by the upper platform  11 ,  21 . 
     In one embodiment, each electric generator  6 ,  15  is supported by a portion of the lower platform  18  located above the plurality of buoyant pontoons  1 ,  4 ,  10 ,  14 . 
     In one embodiment, the diameter of the lower large gear  8 ,  20  is larger than the diameter of the upper small gear  9 ,  19 , so that the upper small gear  9 ,  19  rotates at a higher rate of speed than the lower large gear  8 ,  20 . 
     In one embodiment, the electric transfer from generator  12 ,  22  comprises electric lines  13  to an on shore power grid or storage facility or a storage medium. 
     In one embodiment, each turbine  2 ,  5 ,  17  has paddles or blades  101 , so that the turbine  2 ,  5 ,  17  spins around when the water hits the blades or paddles  101 . 
     In one embodiment, an axis of rotation of each turbine  2 ,  5 ,  17  is either vertical or horizontal in respect to a direction of the flow of the water  106 . 
     In one embodiment, the plant  100  may be anchored in a location selected from the group consisting of a location close to shore, a location in the middle of a river, and a location under a bridge. 
     In one embodiment, each turbine  2 ,  5 ,  17  may be rotatably coupled to each electric generator  6 ,  15  within a body of the catamaran  110 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5B  depict a flow sheet for a method  200  for generating electricity. The method  200  comprises a step  205 : providing a floating, water current-powered electrical generation plant  100  in a catamaran  110 . The catamaran comprises: an upper platform  11 ,  21  and a lower platform  18  supported by buoyant pontoons  1 ,  4 ,  10 ,  14 , so that the pontoons  1 ,  4 ,  10 ,  14  float in a flowing body of water  105 . In the step  205 , the inwardly-facing lateral walls  26  and outwardly-facing lateral walls  28  of the pontoons  1 ,  4 ,  10 ,  14  are substantially parallel. The catamaran  110  comprises an elongate trench  34  running along a longitudinal axis  30  of the platforms  11 ,  21 , and  18  between the pontoons  1 ,  4 ,  10 ,  14 . The inwardly-facing lateral walls  26  of the pontoons  1 ,  4 ,  10 ,  14 , and a bottom surface  33  of the lower platform  18  form a trench  32 . The bottom surface  33  of the lower platform  18  faces an opening  34  that is open to the flowing body of water  105 . 
     In the step  205  of the method  200 , the floating, water current-powered electrical generation plant  100  in the catamaran  110  comprises an array of turbines  2 ,  5 ,  17 , wherein each turbine  2 ,  5 ,  17  is located in the elongated trench  32  between the buoyant pontoons  1 ,  4 ,  10 ,  14 . 
     In a step  210  of the method  200 , each turbine  2 ,  5 ,  17  is adapted for engagement with and rotation by water in said flowing body of water  105 ; and 
     In a step  215  of the method  200 , each turbine  2 ,  5 ,  17  is rotatatably coupled to an electrical generator  6 ,  15 . 
     In one embodiment, the step  215  of the method  200  for generating electricity comprises transferring from the electric transfer from generator  12 ,  22  to electric lines to an on shore power grid or storage facility or a storage medium. 
     In one embodiment, the step  210  of the method  200  for generating electricity, each turbine  2 ,  5 ,  17  has paddles or blades  101 , so that the turbine  2 ,  5 ,  17  spins around when the water hits the blades or paddles  101 . 
     In one embodiment of the step  210  of the method  200  for generating electricity, turbine  2 ,  5 ,  17 , an axis of rotation of each turbine  2 ,  5 ,  17  is either vertical or horizontal in respect to a direction of the arrow  106  of the flow of water  105 . 
     In one embodiment of the steps  205 - 215  of the method  200  for generating electricity, the plant  100  is anchored in a location selected from the group consisting of a location close to shore, a location in the middle of a river, and a location under a bridge. 
     In one embodiment of the step  205  of the method  200  for generating electricity, each turbine  2 ,  5 ,  17  of the array of turbines  2 ,  5 ,  17  comprise rotatable first elongated shafts  3 ,  7 ,  16 , wherein each rotatable first elongated shaft  3 ,  7 ,  16  is rotatably coupled to one of the turbines  2 ,  5 ,  17  and is rotatably coupled to the outwardly-facing lateral walls  26  of the buoyant pontoons  1 ,  4 ,  10 ,  14 . 
     In one embodiment of the step  205  of the method  200  for generating electricity, each rotatable first elongated shaft  3 ,  7 ,  16  comprises a lower large gear  8 ,  20  having a diameter, wherein each lower large gear  8 ,  20  is rotatably coupled to the respective first elongated shaft  3 ,  7 ,  16 . 
     In one embodiment of the step  210  of the method  200  for generating electricity, each turbine  2 ,  5 ,  17  is located in the trench  32  between the buoyant pontoons  1 ,  4 ,  10 ,  14  and is adapted for engagement with and rotation by water in said flowing body of water  105 . 
     In one embodiment of the step  205  of the method  200  for generating electricity, each turbine  2 ,  5 ,  17  comprises an array of rotatable first elongated shafts  3 ,  7 ,  16 . Each rotatable first elongated shaft  3 ,  7 ,  16  comprises lower large gears  8 ,  20 , each having a diameter. Each lower large gear  8 ,  20  is rotatably coupled to the first elongated shaft  3 ,  7 ,  16 . Each first elongated shaft  3 ,  7 ,  16  is rotatably coupled to one of the turbines  2 ,  5 ,  17  and is rotatably coupled to the outwardly-facing lateral walls  26  of the buoyant pontoons  1 ,  4 ,  10 ,  14 . 
     In one embodiment, the step  215  of the method  200  for generating electricity, each electric generator  6 ,  15  comprises an array of rotatable second elongated shafts  24 , wherein a first end  38  of each second elongated shaft  24  is rotatably coupled to one of the electric generators  6 ,  15 . An upper small gear  9 ,  19  having a second diameter is rotatably coupled to a second end  36  of each second elongated shaft  24 , wherein the lower large gear  8 ,  20  and upper small gear  9 ,  19  are rotatably coupled so that rotating the lower large gear  8 ,  20  rotates the upper small gear  9 ,  19 . 
     In one embodiment of the step  215  of the method  200  for generating electricity, the diameter of the lower large gear  8 ,  20  is larger than the diameter of the upper small gear  9 ,  19 , so that the upper small gear  9 ,  19  rotates at a higher rate of speed than the lower large gear  8 ,  20 . 
     In one embodiment of the step  215  of the method  200  for generating electricity, each electric generator  6 ,  15  is supported by a portion of the lower platform  18  located above the pontoons  1 ,  4 ,  10 ,  14 . 
     The description of the embodiments of the present invention is given above for the understanding of the present invention. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is capable of various modifications, rearrangements and substitutions as will now become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the following claims cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.