Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method of generating electricity by utilizing the lifting force of the water. The method comprises of the steps of submerging and anchoring an air filled sphere ( 1 ) under the water, wherein the Archimedean lifting force combine with water pressure to form an upwardly vertical force (F). The said force is imparted by a rotating shaft ( 2 ) to unit M spaced from the water surface at an appropriate distance. Force F is converted to the horizontal rotating force (F 1  and F 2 ) and is transmitted to a turbine of the electric generator ( 8 ). The present invention also relates to a device using the method. The device includes a flexible hollow sphere ( 1 ) connected to a rotating shaft ( 2 ). One end of the rotating shaft is a part of unit M which includes a plurality of bevel gears (M  1 , M 2 , M I) meshed with each other. At unit M, the upwardly vertical force (F) is collected and transferred into the horizontal rotating forces, due to a system with horizontal rotating shafts and a driven rod, which are transmitted into a turbine of an electric generator ( 8 ). Unit M 1  the system of the rotating shafts, and the electric generator are arranged on a platform ( 10 ) spaced from the surface of the water.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to a generation of power, in particular, to a method for generating of the electricity by means of utilizing the lifting force of the water, as well a device implementing such a method. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Up to date, various power resources, such as thermo-electricity, hydroelectricity and nuclear electricity are known and being used. Since fossil resources are running out, the construction of hydroelectricity plants are very expensive and cause damage to the environment, inhabitants, and nuclear reactors have a high risk of accident, it is necessary to find and use a clean power resource, such as wind electricity, solar-electricity or tide-electricity. However, for many various reasons, for example, wind changes, heat distribution, periods of time, and shortages of finance, the exploitation of clean power resources does not correspond to their potentials. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Before the discovery of the Archimedean principle, the application of the hydrostatic force in the field of water movement was known. Since then, the application of the hydrostatic force has become more scientific and effective. It is apparent that the hydrostatic force is one of the inexhaustible power resources which are available in water, i.e., in rivers, lakes, and oceans. The present invention relates to the exploitation and the utilization of the Archimedean lifting force and water pressure by means of using a device for generating and collecting power, for subsequent use of rotating a turbine of an electric generator. 
         [0004]    The invention provides a method, in which: a big sphere in the form of a water drop filled by air, which is submerged into water, is subject to the Archimedean lifting force and pressure, which applies to the surface thereof, provides the sphere with a upwardly vertical lifting force, and therefore makes the sphere floatable. In order to retain the sphere in water, i.e. maintain continuously the upwardly vertical lifting force, the present invention provides a vertical rotating shaft for imparting the force; this rotating shaft is fixed by the horizontal rotating shafts. The horizontal rotating shafts function not only as the fixing members for the vertical rotating shaft but also as the driving shafts. The ends of the horizontal rotating shafts and the vertical rotating shaft are provided with the cones having the helical recesses (or inclined recesses not shown), which are disposed side-by-side on the top of the cone engaged with each other. At the contact surface of the horizontal rotating shafts and vertical rotating shaft, the upwardly vertical lifting force is very large while the area of such a contact surface is very small, that is, the friction force is small. In a preferable embodiment, the rotating shafts are capable of rotating around their axis on a bearing such as a ball bearing, when the upwardly vertical lifting force is beyond the friction force at the contact surface, since the helical recesses are provided with a certain inclination, the friction force will be changed from static friction to sliding friction and finally turn into rolling friction force. The rolling friction force will displace the contact surface in the opposite direction of the helical recesses and rotate the horizontal rotating shafts in the same direction as the helical recesses, which are disposed side by side between the shafts and engaged with each other. Therefore, the upwardly vertical lifting force is converted into the force used for driving the rotating shafts. The rotation of the shafts will be transmitted to a turbine via a drive connection to generate the electricity. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  shows the diagram of collecting and redirecting the hydrostatical power according to the invention. The lifting force F is converged in M and divided into F 1  and F 2 , and then it is collected and transmitted to a turbine of the electric generator. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  shows the diagram of device according to an embodiment of the invention, the device includes two main parts: a sphere for generating the lifting force and part M, used for collecting and redirecting the lifting force F. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  shows the diagram of the station for collecting and redirecting hydrostatic force according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  shows the diagram of transmitting the hydrostatic force to a turbine of the electric generator. 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the station for collecting the hydrostatical power and for generating electricity. 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  shows the interior structure of a sphere when the supporting frame is in the collapsed state, and the sphere is not filled by air. 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  shows the interior structure of a sphere when the supporting frames are in an operational state, in which the sphere is filled by air. 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the supporting frame of the sphere according to the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  is a front view of the supporting frame of the sphere according to the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  is a plan view of the supporting frame of the sphere according to the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 11  shows the fixing device M and the force imparting shafts. 
           [0016]      FIG. 12  shows collar A. 
           [0017]      FIG. 13  is a front view of device M. 
           [0018]      FIG. 14  is a plan view of device M. 
           [0019]      FIG. 15  is a side view of device M. 
           [0020]      FIG. 16  is a plan view of the station for generating electricity by hydrostatic force; the station includes force imparting shafts, M device and a turbine of the electric generator. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    Here, the description of the method collecting and redirecting the Archimedean lifting force, i.e., the hydrostatic force, and water pressure to generate electricity is provided with reference to  FIG. 1 . In principle, an article submerged in water is subject to the Archimedean lifting force which is vertically oriented upwardly, and its own gravity, which is oriented vertically downwardly. In order to buoy such an article up, its gravity must be less than the lifting force. Preferably, the submerged article is in the form of a sphere filled by air because its gravity is lowest. 
         [0022]    In a submerging state, the sphere is subject to the Archimedean lifting force corresponding to the volume thereof, which generates force F acting on the sphere so as to buoy it up. When the sphere is submerged in water, it is also subject to water pressure acting on its surface, and such a pressure is the proportion to the distance from the sphere to the water surface. The deeper the sphere is submerged, the higher the pressure becomes, and thus the force F, generated by the Archimedean lifting force and the pressure of the water acting on the sphere is larger. According to the invention, since a vertical shaft connects to the sphere and maintains the sphere under the water, the lifting force F is imparted via shaft FI to unit M at MI. At unit M, the vertically lifting force F is transferred into the horizontally rotating forces F 1  and F 2  by means of the device according to the invention. 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  shows a schematic view of the device for collecting and redirecting force F. Force F is the Archimedean lifting force acting on the air filled elastic sphere in the form of a drop of water. Force F is oriented in the vertical direction F 1 , which coincides with shaft  2  and is converged in MI. Shaft  2  functions not only as an anchor to maintain sphere  1  under the water and but also as a linkage rod to connect sphere  1  with unit M. Unit M includes the bevel gears MI, M 1  and M 2 . Bevel gears M 1  and M 2  are connected to the connecting rods  24 , having the bevel gears  1 . 1  and  2 . 1 , in its turn, bevel gear  1 . 1  is orthogonally connected to  1 . 2 , bevel gear  2 . 1  is orthogonally connected to  2 . 2 . The rotating shafts M- 1 . 1 , M 2 - 2 . 1  are formed by the connecting rods  24 , which are supported by the ball bearings and kept in place by the collar and anchor shaft. All of these parts are arranged in an appropriate distance from the water surface N. 
         [0024]      FIG. 3  shows the schematic view of the station for generating and collecting the force F. According to an embodiment of the invention, the station includes a frame having columns  3  which are fixed to the water base D, for example, the seabed. Columns  3  are linked to each other by supporting and damping rods  4 , ball bearings  5  and the collars are disposed at the intersections of supporting and damping rods  4  to hold the rotating shaft  2 . Platform  10  is disposed on the top of columns  3 , which are in an appropriate distance from water surface N. The device for collecting the force F, system M for imparting the force and system  8  for generating and transmitting the electricity, is arranged on the surface of the platform. Sphere  1  is displacement article for generating the lifting force F under the water, and is attached to the rotating shaft  2  on the surface of the platform  10 , the rotating shaft  2  is held by the collars and ball bearings  5  and the horizontal rotating shaft  24  is anchored by the anchored column  23 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 4  shows the arrangement of the devices for collecting and generating electricity by imparting the force to a turbine of the electric generator, on the surface of the platform: unit M includes bevel gears MI, M 1  and M 2 ; in which M 1  and M 2  are meshed with MI, the other end of the rotating shaft having the bevel gear M 1 , is provided with the bevel gear  1 - 1 , which is meshed with bevel gear  1 - 2 . The other end of the rotating shaft having the bevel gear  1 - 2  is provided with a cylinder, to which a driven rod is connected, which is disposed orthogonally with the rotating shaft M 1 - 1 . 1 . Similarly, the other end of the rotating shaft, having the end provided with the bevel gear M 2 , is provided with the bevel gear  2 - 1 . This bevel gear is meshed with bevel gear  2 - 2 , the other end of the rotating shaft, having the end provided with the bevel gear  2 - 2 , is provided with a cylinder, to which it is connected to a driven rod which is disposed orthogonally with the rotating shaft M 2 - 2 . 1 . The force imparted from the rotating shaft  2  to MI, will be stopped and transferred into M 1  and M 2 , and simultaneously causes the rotations of MI, M 1  and M 2 , so as to rotate all of the rotating shafts. The direction of the rotation  31  of the rotating shaft M 1 - 1 . 1  is opposite to the direction of the rotation of the rotating shaft M 2 - 2 . 1 . However, in their turn, both of the rotating shafts,  1 . 2  and  2 . 2 , rotate in the same direction. Therefore, two driven rods  30  can be simultaneously mounted to rotating shaft  1 . 2  and rotating shaft  2 . 2 , to increase the force which is transmitted to turbine  8  for generating electricity. 
         [0026]    The size of the platform and the device depend on the natural conditions of the sites, such as lakes, rivers or oceans.  FIG. 5  is a perspective schematic view of the station collecting the force F for generating electricity, in which: reference number  1  denotes the sphere, which is filled by air, which is connected to the rotating shaft  2 . The rotating shaft  2  includes a plurality of the rods, the number of which depends on the depth of the water. The rotating shafts are connected from sphere  1  through ball bearings  5  and the surface of the platform  10  to reach MI provided at the other end. Preferably, rotating shaft  2  is a hollow shaft, which contains the air pipes and electric wires of the motor. Reference numbers  3  denote the columns of the platform which are fixed to the base  21  at the bottom. Columns are linked to each other by the supporting and damping rods  4 , ball bearings  5  are disposed at the intersection of the supporting and damping rods  4  to support the rotating shaft  2  in stability while rotating around their axis. Platform  10  mounted on the top of the columns  3 , spaced from the water surface N at an appropriate distance, provides a surface for accommodating the operation devices, the rotating shafts MI, M 1 - 1 . 1 , M 2 - 2 . 1  and  1 . 2 ; 2 . 2 ; the turbine of electric generator  8  and a system for transmitting electricity  41 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 6  shows the interior structure of the sphere when the supporting frame is in s collapsed state, in which the sphere is not filled by air, i.e. is in a collapsed condition. Reference number  2  denote a rotating shaft for imparting the lifting force from the sphere. Rotating shaft  2  functions as a connecting shaft for connecting the sphere to MI. Preferably, rotating shaft  2  is a hollow shaft to accommodate air pipes  27  of the sphere and electric wire  28  of the motor  11 . Reference number  12  denotes supporting frames for connecting the sphere to rotating shaft  2  and facilitating the fill of the air. The number of the supporting frames depends on the size of the sphere. Reference number  16  denotes a horizontal rod, which is inserted through the holes provided on the supporting frame. Reference number  17  denote a pulley, and reference number  18  denotes a line for connecting the connecting rod  29  [linking the ends of the supporting frames  12  with each other] through the pulley  17  to the shaft of the motor  11 . Reference number  14  denotes a collar for mounting the cover of the sphere to their rotating shaft  2 . Reference number  40  denotes the elastic cover of the sphere. 
         [0028]      FIG. 7  shows the details of the sphere when the motor  11  is activated in order to reduce the length of the line  18  via pulley  17  and therefore to expand the supporting frames  12 ; the air is filled via pipe  27  to swell out the sphere. In another embodiment, the length of the line  18  can be manually reduced. Reference number  16  denotes a horizontal rod, which is inserted through the holes provided in the supporting frame and which functions as a fulcrum for fixing the supporting frame in a fixed position on the horizontal rod while the two ends of the supporting frames can be displaced. Reference number  17  denotes a pulley for inserting the line which connects the connecting rod  29  to the shaft of the motor  11 . Reference number  2  denotes the hollow rotating shaft for accommodating the air pipes  27  and electric wire  28  inside, reference number  14  denotes the collar for mounting the cover of the sphere  40  to the rotating shaft  2 . Preferably, the cover of the sphere  40  can be made by elastic material with high durability. 
         [0029]      FIG. 8  shows the front view of the supporting frame of the sphere in a collapsed condition: reference number  2  denotes the hollow rotating shaft for accommodating the air pipes  27  and electric wire  28  of the motor  11 . Horizontal rod  16 , pulley  17 , motor  11  and rotating shaft  2  are provided on shaft  2 . Reference number  18  denotes the line for connecting the connecting rods  29  [which link the supporting frame  12 ] through pulley  17  to the shaft of the motor  11 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 9  is the side view of the supporting frame of the sphere in the collapsed condition. Reference number  2  denotes the rotating shaft accommodating air pipes  27  and electric wire  28 , which supplies electricity to motor  11 . Horizontal rod  16 , pulley  17  and motor  11  are provided on rotating shaft  2 . Reference number  18  denotes lines for connecting the connecting rod  29  [which link the supporting frames  12 ] through pulley  17  to the shaft of the motor  11 , H-H is cross-section line of the rotating shaft  2 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 10  shows the cross-section view along line H-H of the rotating shaft  2  and the plan view of the supporting frame. Reference number  11  denotes the motor, reference number  12  denotes the supporting frame, reference number  16  denotes the horizontal rod, reference number  18  denotes the line for connecting the connecting rod  29  of supporting frame  12  through pulley  17  to the shaft of motor  11 ; reference number  2  denotes the rotating shaft  2 , reference number  27  denotes the air pipes, reference number  28  denotes the electric wire. 
         [0032]      FIG. 11  shows the device for stopping and collecting lifting force F at unit M, and a part of the shafts imparting force. The device is shown at A′-A-B positions, in which: A′-A-B denote the positions of the anchored columns and the collar for holding the rotating shaft for imparting the force. Reference number  2  denotes rotating shaft imparting the lifting force from the sphere, reference number  5  denotes the collar and the ball bearing of the rotating shaft  2 , MI denotes the bevel gear converging the force from the rotating shaft  2 ; M 1  and M 2  denote the bevel gears meshed with MI and receive the force imparted from MI, reference number  23  denotes the anchored of column rotating shaft  24 , reference number  25  denotes the collars and ball bearing used for holding the rotating shaft  24 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 12  shows the details of the cross section along line A-B of collar  25  and outer collar  22  of the rotating shaft  24 , in which reference number  26  denotes the cross section of shaft  24  along line A-A and double ball bearing, including the rotating shaft  24 , ball bearings  42  and collar  25 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 13  is the front view of M device, in which reference number  2  denotes the rotating shaft imparting the lifting force from the sphere, MI denotes the bevel gear converging the force imparted from rotating shaft  2 ; M 1  and M 2  denote the bevel gears meshed with MI and receive the force imparted from MI, reference number  24  denotes rotating shaft imparting the force in the horizontal direction, reference number  35  denotes the helical recesses (the inclined recesses can be used). Reference number  27  denotes the air pipes, and reference number  28  denotes the electric wire of the motor. Reference number  31  denotes the direction of the rotation of the rotating shafts. 
         [0035]    As described above, unit M is the contacting and meshing point of M 1  and M 2  on MI. The area of the helical recesses, in which bevel gears M 1 -MI and M 2 -MI are connected, is very small. Therefore, the friction force caused by M 1  and M 2  to hold MI is very small while the lifting force F at MI is very high. As a result, static friction is transferred into a sliding friction and rolling friction. Therefore, it is apparent that the lifting force F is higher than the friction force and the rolling friction force will move the contact surface in the opposite direction of the helical recesses, while the rotating shafts is not secured but rotatable around their center axes by the ball bearings. The displacement incurred by turns of the contact surfaces will rotate MI, M 1  and M 2  around their center axes in the same direction with the helical recesses. 
         [0036]    Thanks to this rotation, the vertically lifting force F is transferred into the rotating force F 1  and F 2  in the horizontal direction from M to M 1  and M 2 . Then, F 1  and F 2  are transmitted into the turbine of the electric generator. 
         [0037]      FIG. 14  is the plan view of device M, in which: MI denotes the bevel gear converging the lifting force from the rotating shaft, M 1  and M 2  denote the bevel gears functioning as meshing points with MI and receiving the force from MI. Reference number  24  denotes the rotating shaft imparting the force in the horizontal direction, K-K denotes the cross section line, reference number  35  denotes the helical recesses; reference number  27  denotes the air pipes, and reference number  28  denotes the electric wire. 
         [0038]      FIG. 15  is a side view of device M along the K-K cross section, in which: 
         [0039]    MI denotes the bevel gear converging the lifting force from the rotating shaft  2 , M 2  is a meshing point with MI and receiving the force from MI; reference number  35  denotes helical recesses, reference number  5  denotes the collar and ball bearings of the rotating shaft  2 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 16  shows the plan view of the device imparting the force used for generating electricity arranged in the platform, in which: MI denotes the bevel gear converging the lifting force from the sphere, M 1  and M 2  denote the bevel gears meshed with MI and receive the force imparted from MI. When the rotating shafts rotate around their center axes, force F is exploited and at the same time, transmitted by the rotating shafts M 1 - 1 . 1  and M 2 - 2 . 1  to the shafts  1 . 2  and  2 . 2  to rotate these shafts; all of the rotating shafts M 1 - 1 . 1 ;  1 . 2  and M 2 - 2 . 1 ;  2 . 2  are supported by the anchored column  23  and the ball bearings  25 . The driven rod  30  is disposed at the end part of the rotating shafts  1 . 1  and  2 . 2  for connecting to the shaft of the turbine to rotate the electric generator  8 .