Abstract:
Disclosed is a system for storing and recovering energy, the system comprising an energy capturing device, a storage vessel operably linked to the energy capturing device, the storage vessel adapted to receive and store energy captured by the energy capturing device, and an energy recovery device adapted to receive the stored energy from the storage vessel, the energy recovery device operable to convert the stored energy to electrical energy. The energy recovery device is in electrical communication with an existing electrical infrastructure, whereby the electrical energy is delivered to a population.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to co-pending Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/848,675 filed on Jan. 9, 2013 and entitled “Two-way Pull Bar Assembly System” and co-pending Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/851,000 filed on Feb. 27, 2013 and entitled “Fluid Turbine Energy Recovery System.” The content of these applications is fully incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates to an energy recovery system, and more particularly to an energy recovery system that is used with various fluids of different densities to recover energy and generate electrical and/or mechanical energy using a turbine system. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Energy is captured and converted from one form to another in a multitude of manners. However, some of the cleanest and most abundant means of converting energy to electrical energy, such as through the use of windmill turbines, creates an enormous challenge in delivering that electrical energy when the demand for that electrical energy is needed the most. For example, the most abundant time of electrical energy production from windmills comes when the seasons are changing, particularly in the spring and in the fall when horizontal wind speeds are greatest. Once electrical energy is created, it must be transported to the power grid for consumption. However, it is during these periods of the year when the energy demand is at its lowest. Conversely, in the middle of summer when the horizontal wind speeds are near their lowest of the year, the energy demand is at its greatest. This requires other electrical energy power sources, such as coal and nuclear power, to be leveraged to supplement the lack of power generated by windmills. A common complaint of wind energy is that the wind is variable and is often unavailable when power demands are greatest. 
         [0004]    In some circumstances, it is impractical to store electrical energy created by windmills in large batteries for use when power demand rises in the summer months. Presently, nearly all energy that is supplied by any power generation source is plugged into a power grid and delivered according to the power needs of commercial and residential power consumers. It is extremely inefficient to call upon supplemental sources of energy required by coal and nuclear power suppliers just during the summer months when demand is the greatest as those sources of power are utilized at a fraction of their potential during the spring, winter and fall months. 
         [0005]    Furthermore, there are instances when energy is being exhausted and potential electrical energy is being wasted. Some examples include water circulation and aeration activities that are used to improve the quality of water or effect desalinization. Other instances include activities to provide nutrients, filtration and oxygenation to fish farms. Waste water treatment also requires the movement of water which results in an unutilized source of potential energy. Still yet another example might include the compression and expansion of gas for heating and cooling. Capturing these sources of energy and converting these sources of energy into electrical power can lessen the demand on the power grid to supply power to commercial and residential consumers. 
         [0006]    Thus, there is a need for an energy recovery system that produces a negligible or even positive environmental impact while producing power. There is also a need to store energy created by clean energy sources during times when electrical power demand is low so that the energy might be supplied when electrical power demands are high. Furthermore, there is a need to capture energy being used and lost to the surrounding environment in instances where electrical energy could be produced as a by-product. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The system described herein has several important advantages. For example, one advantage of the present invention includes generating electricity through the use of counter-current flows. 
         [0008]    Another advantage of the system disclosed herein includes the storage of energy for later use when needed. 
         [0009]    Yet another advantage of the present disclosure includes the use of first and second fluids having different densities to create a counter-current flow for generating electricity. 
         [0010]    Even yet another advantage of the present invention includes providing an elongated housing that accommodates a rotor assembly, wherein the rotor assembly rotates in response to a counter-current flow, thereby providing a force sufficient for generating electricity. 
         [0011]    A further advantage of the present disclosure includes providing a system for generating electricity by capturing energy released from existing fluid systems. 
         [0012]    Still yet another advantage of the present disclosure includes providing a clean source of electrical and/or mechanical energy. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following descriptions, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional side view of the energy recovery system in a closed system. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side view an optional embodiment of the energy recovery system in a closed system illustrating an exterior turbine capturing flow. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional side view of the energy recovery system in an open system. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of the energy recovery system in use with a fluid storage system and power grid. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the energy recovery system of the present disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional top view viewed from line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 . 
       
    
    
       [0020]    Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 PARTS LIST 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 energy recovery system 
               
               
                 14 
                 holding tank 
               
               
                 15 
                 side port of holding tank 
               
               
                 16 
                 elongated housing 
               
               
                 17 
                 top opening of holding tank 
               
               
                 22 
                 primary rotor assembly 
               
               
                 24 
                 turbine 
               
               
                 26 
                 shaft 
               
               
                 28 
                 blade 
               
               
                 30 
                 first fluid 
               
               
                 32 
                 second fluid 
               
               
                 36 
                 suspension cap 
               
               
                 38 
                 generator 
               
               
                 40 
                 fluid introduction line 
               
               
                 42 
                 dispersant nozzle 
               
               
                 44 
                 secondary rotor assembly 
               
               
                 46 
                 storage vessel 
               
               
                 48 
                 body of liquid fluid 
               
               
                 50 
                 windmill 
               
               
                 52 
                 electrical infrastructure 
               
               
                 54 
                 stator 
               
               
                 56 
                 bracket 
               
               
                 62 
                 electrical power system 
               
               
                 66 
                 air compressor 
               
               
                 68 
                 flotation device 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    The present invention relates to an energy recovery system that utilizes a fluid flow created by mixing fluids of varying densities to drive the rotation of a turbine, thereby generating electrical energy. The various components of the present invention, and the manner in which they interrelate, are described in greater detail hereinafter. 
         [0022]    Initially with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , one embodiment of the present invention includes a system  10  for generating electricity, the system  10  comprising a first fluid  30  having a first density and a second fluid  32  having a second density, the first density being greater than the second density. As will be discussed in greater detail below, a preferred embodiment includes water as the first fluid and compressed air as the second fluid. Alternatively, however, any number of different fluids may be utilized, so long as the first fluid is of a different density than the second fluid. For example, the first fluid may be water and the second fluid may be any one of a less dense oil. 
         [0023]    In one embodiment, the system  10  includes a holding tank  14  for receiving the first fluid  30 , the holding tank  14  being generally cylindrical and including a lower opening or side port  15  and a top opening  17 . Prior to use, the first fluid  30  is positioned in the holding tank. 
         [0024]    Also provided is a cylindrical elongate housing  16  having an interior surface, an exterior surface, and first and second open ends, the elongate housing  16  disposed within and in fluid communication with the holding tank  14 . Thus, the positioning of the first fluid in the holding tank also results in a positioning of the first fluid in an interior area of the elongate housing. In one preferred embodiment, the elongate housing  16  is situated in a substantially upright or vertical direction for the most efficient use. However, other angles of situating the elongated housing  16  might also be used to accomplish an energy recovery action by the energy recovery system  10 . Thus, the elongate housing  16  is adapted for channeling the less dense second fluid  32  upwardly through the more dense first fluid  30 . An alternative embodiment of the present invention also includes at least one stator  54  integral with the interior surface of the elongate housing  16  for increasing a flow rate therethrough (see  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0025]    As will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, the elongate housing  16  channels fluid flow into a rotor assembly  22  of a turbine  24 . Thus, the elongate housing  16  serves to accommodate a shaft  26  and at least one blade  28  of the rotor assembly  22  and therefore, must have a wide enough cross-sectional area to support movement of the at least one blade  28 . 
         [0026]    The elongate housing  16  is preferably made of a hard and durable material and should be corrosion resistant to a first fluid  30  or a second fluid  32  that the elongated housing  16  might come into contact with. This hard and durable material may be a metal such as copper, aluminum, stainless steel, or iron. An optional hard and durable material may be a polymer or ceramic. 
         [0027]    The elongate housing  16  may optionally be provided in various shapes, including but not limited to conical, cylindrical, and rectangular. The embodiment in  FIG. 1  illustrates a cylindrical shape. In an enclosed system as shown in  FIG. 1 , the elongate housing  16  is submerged in the first fluid  30  such that displaced fluid, or flow, might move over a top end of the elongated housing  16 . Thus, the first fluid occupies the interiors of both the holding tank  14  and the elongate housing  16 . Complete submersion is not required as partial submersion can be employed to accomplish substantially the same effect, especially when an exhaust vent is placed on or proximate to an upper area of the elongate housing  16 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the elongate housing  16  is preferably open at the top and bottom ends. However, other designs might be employed to assist in keeping impurities away from the rotor assembly  22  such as placing a filter, mesh, or other porous covering over the top end and/or the bottom end of the elongate housing  16 . 
         [0028]    With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , another embodiment of the present invention includes a primary  22  and at least one secondary  44  rotor assembly, the primary rotor assembly  22  rotatably secured within the elongate housing  16 , the at least one secondary rotor assembly  44  rotatably secured within the holding tank  16 , each rotor assembly further comprising a turbine  24  including a shaft  26  and at least one blade  28 . As the second fluid  32  travels upwards through the first fluid  30 , a flow is created sufficient to drive the rotation of the primary rotor assembly  22 . 
         [0029]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , one embodiment of the present invention includes a suspension cap  36  for sealing the top opening  17  of the holding tank  16 . The suspension cap  36  is fixedly secured to the elongate housing  16  by at least one bracket  56 , thereby suspending the elongate housing  16  within the holding tank  14 . 
         [0030]    The suspension cap  36  in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  runs the width or diameter of the holding tank  14  such that the turbine  24  and elongated housing  16  might be easily suspended in the holding tank  14 . This embodiment of the suspension cap  36  makes access to the energy recovery system  10  easier for maintenance and repair, as removal of the suspension cap  36  lifts the elongate housing  16  out of the holding tank  14 . However, in an open system such as the one shown in  FIG. 3 , a flotation device  68 , anchoring device, platform or other buoying system could be used to accommodate the same suspension requirements if the characteristics of the generator  38  mandate the suspension. 
         [0031]    In one embodiment, at least one generator  38  integral with or supported by the suspension cap  36  is provided, the at least one generator  38  operably connected to the primary  22  and at least one secondary  44  rotor assemblies. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the generator  38  may also be positioned independent of the suspension cap  36 . The at least one generator  38  is kept out of the first fluid  30  in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . However, if the generator  38  was insulated from the first fluid  30 , the generator  38  may optionally be partially to completely submerged in the first fluid  30 . The generator  38  receives mechanical energy from the rotor assembly  22  when the shaft  26  spins and converts the mechanical energy to electrical energy. 
         [0032]    The second fluid  32  is introduced into the elongate housing  16  using a fluid introduction line  40  including a dispersant nozzle  42 , the fluid introduction line passing through the side port  15  or other opening of the holding tank  14  and in fluid communication with the elongate housing  16 . The system  10  may also include a storage vessel  46  for storing the second fluid  32 , the storage vessel  46  in fluid communication with the elongate housing  16  via the fluid introduction line  40 . 
         [0033]    In use, introduction of the second fluid  32  into the elongate housing  16  of the system  10  via the fluid introduction line  40  creates the flow rate sufficient to rotate both the primary  22  and the at least one secondary  44  rotor assemblies, thereby providing a force sufficient for the generator  38  to generate electricity. In one embodiment, the flow results from the less dense second fluid  32  mixing with and moving upward through the more dense first fluid  30 . This upward movement of the second fluid  32  also draws the denser first fluid  30  upward, thereby generating an upward flow of both the first fluid  30  and the second fluid  32 . As the first fluid  30  reaches the top of the elongate housing  16 , it separates from the second fluid  32  and travels downward through the holding tank  14 , thereby creating a downward flow sufficient for rotating the at least one secondary rotor assembly  44 . 
         [0034]    As mentioned above, and with continued reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , fluid flow is created when a second fluid  32  is introduced into the first fluid  30 . In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , the second fluid  32  is less dense than the first fluid  30 . For a more efficient application of the energy recovery system  10 , the second fluid  32  is introduced at the bottom end of the elongated housing  16  through a fluid introduction line  40 . The fluid introduction line  40  may be optionally provided with a dispersant nozzle  42  to assist in ensuring the introduction of the second fluid  32  is broadly applied within the elongated housing  16 . As described, when the second fluid  32  is introduced into the first fluid  30 , the second fluid  32 , along with the first fluid  30 , moves in an upward direction and applies force against the at least one blade  28  of the rotary assembly  22 , causing the shaft  26  to turn to create electricity at the generator  38 . Thus, the potential energy stored in the storage vessel is converted to kinetic energy. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , five separate turbine blade assemblies are shown. However, as few as one turbine blade assembly may be used or several more than five turbine blade assemblies may be used to capture the flow generated in the elongated housing  16 . 
         [0035]    While the first fluid  30  is preferably a denser fluid than the second fluid  32 , it is feasible to have a reverse flow within the elongated housing  16  when the first fluid  30  is less dense than the second fluid  32  and the second fluid  32  is introduced into the elongated housing  16  through the top end. This reverse flow may be necessitated by the fluids available to the energy recovery system which would make a reverse flow embodiment the most efficient means to capture the available energy. An example might be an alcohol or oil separation chamber requiring denser fluids to sink into a lower part of a holding chamber. Or alternatively, the energy recovery system may require cleaning or maintenance fluids to be introduced that would temporarily reverse the fluid flow. Thus, the energy recovery system is not limited to flow in the upward direction in the elongated housing. 
         [0036]    From a practical perspective, the two fluids that will most commonly be employed when using the energy recovery system are water as the first fluid and air as the second fluid. Air can be held in large storage tanks, vessels, or systems at high pressures. The stored air can then be introduced as the second fluid as previously described. Air rises into and through the elongated housing creating the desired flow. Thus, closed systems may not be the only practical embodiment as open systems might also be a viable option.  FIG. 3  illustrates the energy recovery system in the open system where the open system is disclosed and the first fluid is represented by a body of a liquid fluid  48 . 
         [0037]    The open system embodiment of the energy recovery system can take advantage of circumstances in which air, gas or any other liquid is introduced into a body of water, including that found in association with fish hatcheries, waste treatment plants, and other similar systems. Furthermore, since compressed air might be simply captured by large windmills  50  in the open water, it is feasible to provide storage and recovery in nearby operation facilities. Optionally, the storage and recovery might be done directly on the water where the open system could be employed. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the energy recovery system  10  in operation with a larger electrical power system  62  is illustrated. The capturing and storing of gas or liquid can be done with a windmill  50  as shown in  FIG. 4  or by other fluid capturing mechanisms such as a gas captured when burning hydrocarbons or waste, water run-off from dams, drainage or waterfalls, or other available systems. Optional storage of the fluid can be provided by storage vessels  46  or naturally present underground chambers. This optional storage is represented by a fluid storage vessel  46  found in  FIG. 4 . When electrical energy is needed, the second fluid in the fluid storage vessel  46  is released into the energy recovery system and electricity is generated. A power grid or other electrical infrastructure  52  is then used to transport the electrical energy to a population or to where there is a demand for electrical energy. 
         [0039]    With continued reference to  FIG. 4 , one embodiment of a system  62  for generating electricity during periods of high and low energy demand comprises a windmill  50  for generating electrical power from wind, the generated electrical power being delivered to a power grid  52 , the windmill  50  generating excess electrical power during the periods of low energy demand. 
         [0040]    The system  62  also includes an air compressor  66  for generating compressed air, the air compressor  66  in electrical communication with the windmill  50 , whereby the windmill  50  supplies electrical power to the air compressor during periods of low energy demand. A storage vessel  46  in fluid communication with the air compressor  66  is provided, the storage vessel  46  storing the compressed air generated by the air compressor  66 . 
         [0041]    Also provided is a tank  14  with upper and lower ends and an interior area, a housing  16  with upper and lower ends and an interior area, the housing  16  positioned within the interior area of the tank  14 , the housing  16  and the tank  14  being in fluid communication with one another. A first fluid such as a volume of water is positioned within the interior areas of both the tank  14  and the housing  16 . 
         [0042]    With continued reference to  FIG. 4 , the system  62  includes a rotor assembly  22  positioned within the interior area of the housing  16 , the rotor assembly  22  adapted to generate electrical power when rotated. A fluid line  40  and nozzle  42  fluidly interconnect the storage vessel  46  to the lower end of the housing  16 , whereby compressed air from the storage vessel  46  is delivered via the fluid line  40  and nozzle  42  upwardly through the interior area of the housing  16  to mix with the water and to drive the rotor assembly  22  and deliver power to the power grid  52  during periods of high energy demand. 
         [0043]    In use, and with continued reference to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , planetary winds drive the rotation of a windmill  50 . The windmill  50  in turn drives a turbine (not shown) and/or a generator (not shown), which generates electricity. During periods of peak electrical energy demand, the electricity generated is delivered directly to a power grid  52  for consumption by a population. During periods of lesser electrical energy demand, the electricity generated may be used to power an air compressor  66  operably connected to a compressed air storage vessel  46 , thereby storing the energy generated by rotation of the windmill  50  as compressed air (i.e. a second fluid). When more energy is needed, the compressed air is released from the storage vessel  46  and introduced into the elongate housing  16  via the fluid introduction line  40  and the nozzle  42 . The compressed air travels upward through the first fluid positioned in the elongate housing and the tank  14 , thereby creating an upward flow sufficient for driving the rotation of the rotor assembly  22 . The rotation of the rotor assembly  22  drives the generation of electricity by the generator  38 , which is subsequently delivered via the power grid  52  to a population for consumption. 
         [0044]    With reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention includes at least one storage vessel  46  disposed within a holding tank  14 . The at least one storage vessel may be arranged circumferentially about an interior perimeter of a generally cylindrical holding tank. This embodiment further includes an elongated housing with a primary rotor assembly  22  substantially as described above. The elongated housing may be positioned central to the at least one storage vessel. In this alternative embodiment, the system of the present invention is essentially self-contained for simplified storage, transport, and installation. 
         [0045]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the increased pressure within the storage vessels upon storage of the second fluid will result in an increase in the temperature of the storage vessel and the surrounding first fluid. This increased temperature is a phenomenon quantifiable by the ideal gas law, the equation for which is pV=nRT, where p is the absolute pressure of the gas, V is the volume of the gas, n is the amount of substance of gas (measured in moles), T is the absolute temperature of the gas an R is the ideal gas constant. Thus, it is envisioned that the energy resulting from the increasing temperature of the first fluid may be subsequently captured and utilized to drive another related energy conversion device of system, such as a heat exchanger and the like. For example, the increase in temperature could reduce or eliminate the need for heating of the gas to prevent icing or freezing of the system during operation. Conversely, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the release of the second fluid from the storage vessels will decrease the temperature of the vessel and the surrounding first fluid. This decrease in temperature may also be harnessed as desired. 
         [0046]    Also envisioned to be within the scope of the present invention is the recapturing of the second fluid  32  for reuse or recycling after passage through the housing  16 . For example, an embodiment of the system utilizing compressed air as the second fluid  32  may further include a means for capturing the compressed air from the system, such as a device for capturing the air released from an exhaust vent disposed within the suspension cap  36 . Further, embodiments using an oil as the second fluid  32  may further include a skimming device for skimming the oil from the top of the housing  16  or tank  14  after it passes upward through the housing  16 . 
         [0047]    Further, the system described herein may be used primarily as a water circulation device, wherein electricity may be generated as desired. 
         [0048]    Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.