753results about "Conventional hydroenergy generation" patented technology

A coated surface for resisting or enhancing bioadhesion includes at least one patterned polymer including coating layer having a plurality of features attached to or projected into a base surface. The features each have at least one microscale (<1 mm) dimension and have at least one neighboring feature having a substantially different geometry. The patterned coating layer preferably provides an average roughness factor (R) of from 4 to 50. The coating layer resists or enhances bioadhesion as compared to the base surface.

A hydroelectric power generating method and / or apparatus provides one or more inlet pipes perpendicular to a flow of water in a stream or river. The inlet pipes have a length and plural apertures along the length of the at least one inlet pipe. A feedline and a turbine generator combination are interconnected with the inlet pipes. One or more outlet pipes are interconnected with the feedline and the turbine generator combination. The outlet pipes have an elevation lower than the inlet pipe. A flow of water passes through the inlet pipes, the feedline, the turbine generator combination, and the outlet pipes, and generates electricity from the flow of water passing through the turbine generator combination. The hydroelectric power generating method also provides a pressure dissipation device that causes a reduction in the pressure of the water so that the water can be released safely back into the stream or river.

A floating wind turbine platform includes a floatation frame that includes at least three columns that are coupled to each other with horizontal main beams. A wind turbine tower is mounted above a tower support column to simplify the system construction and improve the structural strength. The turbine blades are coupled to a nacelle that rotates on top of the tower. The turbine's gearbox generator and other electrical gear can be mounted either traditionally in the nacelle, or lower in the tower or in the top of the tower-supporting column. The floatation frame includes a water ballasting system that pumps water between the columns to keep the tower in a vertical alignment regardless of the wind speed. Water-entrapment plates are mounted to the bottoms of the columns to minimize the rotational movement of the floatation frame due to waves.

A miniature hydro-power generation system includes an outer housing and an inner housing. The outer housing may receive a flow of liquid flowing in a first direction at a predetermined range of pressure. The flow of liquid may be decreased by a predetermined amount of pressure and increased by a predetermined amount of velocity and channeled to a hydro-generator included in the inner housing with an inlet nozzle. The flow of liquid may be channeled with the inlet nozzle to flow in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Upon transfer of kinetic energy in the flow of liquid to the hydro-generator, the inner housing may rotate in the second direction. The flow of liquid may then be channeled back to the first direction and out of the housing with an outlet nozzle. The outlet nozzle configured to increase the pressure and decrease the velocity of the flow of liquid to minimized non-laminar flow characteristics.

An offshore power generator is disclosed. The offshore power generator includes an offshore platform, which can be a new, existing, abandoned, removed, dumped or relocated fixed or floating offshore platform; one or more types of current, wind, wave and other renewable energy generators mounted to the offshore platform; and interconnecting power cables, in electrical communication with the current generators for distribution from the generators to end users.

An offshore power generator includes an offshore platform. Current, wind, wave and other renewable energy generators are mounted to the offshore platform. Each current generator has a shroud enclosing a set of blades. A hub member is located within the shroud and extends in an upstream direction from the blades. The flow area between the interior of the shroud and the hub member converges from the shroud inlet to the blades.

The invention relates to a method for united operation design and optimized dispatching of a Yellow River upstream cascade hydroelectric station, which comprising the following steps of: measuring daily average reservoir level and downstream daily average tail-water level of each power station through a water level sensor; measuring discharged flow of each power station through an ultrasonic flowmeter; establishing a cascade reservoir united optimized dispatching model through a cascade hydroelectric station united optimized dispatching model module; computing and analyzing a cascade hydroelectric station united optimized dispatching path through a dispatching path computation and analysis module; carrying out unified operation design on a cascade hydroelectric station group system through a cascade hydroelectric station group system unified operation design module; and carrying out unified dispatching on the cascade hydroelectric station group system through a cascade hydroelectric station group system unified dispatching module. The invention is simple, clear and practical with high pertinence, can enable average annual energy output of a Yellow River upstream cascade power station group after the power stations in Laxiwa and Jishi valley are put into operation to be increased by about 470 million degrees, and the water supply guarantee rate of Lanzhou cross section to reach95 percent, and has remarkable technical economic benefit.

A self-sustaining, fully automated, hydrogen generator that utilizes the ocean's currents, tides, and water to produce vast amounts of hydrogen and oxygen. Additional electricity may be supplied by locally generated means including offshore wind, offshore geothermal, as well as wave powered generation. Hydrogen is exported as well as the oxygen not consumed by the life support systems. Residue collected from the ocean water purification process is collected and exported for use elsewhere or dispersed locally around the underwater facility. Systems orchestration is achieved by control systems that operate independently of one another with no single point of failure.

A hydraulic turbine power generator mounted on a single shaft wherein the hydraulic turbine means includes a plurality of reaction type turbine stages arranged to be in combination, rotatably responsive to the hydraulic fluid coupled to the turbines. One of the turbine stages having axial turbine runner means mounted to the single shaft and having a plurality of adjustable blades for permitting the pitch of the blades to be adjusted for controlling the effective operative fluid head to cause the shaft to rotate at a preselected speed and including means for adjusting the pitch of the adjustable blades. The turbine stages can be a Francis type turbine and a Kaplan type turbine. The hydraulic turbine power generator can be oriented in an upward direction to cause the fluid flow to travel upwardly through the turbine stages and function as a two phase turbine expander resulting in the separation of the liquid phase from the gas / vapor stage.

The underwater electrical generator includes a stator core and counter-rotating turbine blades with permanent magnets in the hubs and windings in the core housing. When tethered by the nose of the housing, the water current rotates the turbine blades generating electrical current which is supplied for commercial use via the tether to a land-based utility. Ballast tanks are provided to maintain the generator at a predetermined depth. Small stator windings and permanent magnets are provided in the rotating hubs and core housing respectively to charge batteries in the hubs for altering the pitch of the blades such that the blades can be feathered for maintenance outages.

A system for harvesting, storing, and generating energy, that includes floating structure supporting machinery to extract energy from wind, waves, surface generators, or currents. At least one energy storage and power generating unit is anchored to the seafloor and adapted to tether the floating structure to the unit. The unit includes an internal chamber into which water flows through a hydroelectric turbine to generate electrical energy. A pump is provided, powered by energy from the floating structure machinery, to evacuate water from the unit and a control system directs power from the machinery to pump water out of the unit during periods of excess energy extraction by the machinery and to allow water to flow into the chamber through the hydroelectric turbine to generate electrical energy during periods of lower energy extraction by the machinery. The same internal chamber design can be utilized to store hydrocarbons in the vicinity of undersea wellheads during “shut-in” procedures when the wellhead would otherwise be secured.

An enhanced pumped storage power system. More particularly, the invention is a regenerative power system that utilizes the gravitational forces of downward movement of large quantities of water to convert same to electrical energy. In the preferred mode of implementation, the system utilizes a man-made lake at a first level of elevation. Though higher altitudes can be effective, the lake need only be approximately twenty to thirty feet in elevation. The lake, which may exceed one hundred acres in size, may be elevated above and adjacent a natural body of water, such as seawater at a coastline. As such, sandy terrain associated with the region facilitates initial construction of the system. An underground generator is utilized for the power conversion and pumping of the water back to the upper reservoir during times of low energy demand, allowing for significant noise reduction. Importantly, the system of the present invention may be utilized to provide significant levels of power to serve relatively large geographic areas during times of peak energy demand, when other sources of power are more expensive and subject to power outages. Finally, it should be noted that the components of the system are aesthetically-pleasing in nature, allowing the system to be effectively utilized in a residential area.

A coated surface for resisting or enhancing bioadhesion includes at least one patterned polymer including coating layer having a plurality of features attached to or projected into a base surface. The features each have at least one microscale (<1 mm) dimension and have at least one neighboring feature having a substantially different geometry. The patterned coating layer preferably provides an average roughness factor (R) of from 4 to 50. The coating layer resists or enhances bioadhesion as compared to the base surface.

A method for selectively generating electrical power by using waste water gravity flow to generate electrical power includes attaching ends of a water flow diversion pipe to a waste water pipe. At least some of the waste water flowing by gravity through the waste water pipe is diverted into and through the diversion pipe and back into the waste water pipe. An electrical power generator is driven to generate electrical power in response to the waste water flowing through the diversion pipe. At least a portion of the electrical power generated by the at least one electrical power generator is stored and can be tapped later to supplement the output of the electrical power generator.

A submerged turbine generator is operated by a working fluid, such as liquid nitrogen, liquefied natural gas, or liquid ethylene, to generate electric power. The submerged turbine generator includes a shaft, a casing, a turbine having a runner fixed to the shaft, a generator having a rotor fixed to the shaft and a stator surrounding the rotor, and bearings for rotatably supporting the shaft. The runner is rotated integrally with the shaft by the pressure of the working fluid introduced into the casing. The shaft includes at least two members.

A hybrid water pressure energy accumulating, tower assembly used to directly propel water pumps to raise water from low elevation reservoir(s) to high elevation reservoir(s) where it is used as a potential energy. The tower is electrically connected and positioned next to or close to a wind turbine or a wind or solar power plant. The tower includes in-tower storage reservoirs configured for storing water. The in-tower storage reservoirs could be defined by lower and upper water storage containers attached to the inner or outer surface of the tower that might be connected to other neighboring reservoir(s). The lifted water is used to generate electricity utilizing a hydropower generator.

A wind pumping generating system contains high reservoir (1), low reservoir (2), fan (3), water pump (4, 6), water turbine (5, 7) and hydraulic generator (8). The fan rotates under the wind action to drive (4) pump water from (2). The water flows into (5) through pipe to drive it rotating. The effluent water from (5) will flow into the (1). Rotation of (5) drives (6) working, which pumps water in (2) into (1) through pipe. Water from (1) washes (7) and drives it rotating. Water from (7) will flow into (2). Rotation of (7) drives (8) rotating for generating electricity. The invention has high wind usage, small investment, low cost and output electric energy with high quality.

Normally hydroelectric dam powerhouses use river flow once before discharging it as turbulent tailwater, ineffective to spin turbines. The present invention uses tapered channels to confine and constrict turbulent tailwater into laminar flow that drives turbines both submersible and floatable utilizing the same water three times concurrently to generate new electricity. Channels originate adjacent to draft tube outlets, constrict in the downstream direction to create narrow necks where turbine / generators benefit from debris free, increased velocity and laminar flows to generate electricity. Hydroelectricity uses zero fuel, creates zero waste and has zero carbon dioxide emissions. Structures are uncomplicated, construction is within project boundaries minimizing environmental impacts and speeding projects coming online. New facilities are protected by existing dam security. Hydroelectricity replaces less dependable renewable energy systems.

A high altitude pumped-storage system for selectively integrating, storing, and distributing water and energy to increase the regional productivity of existing and future water and energy resources throughout multiple river basins is disclosed. This system addresses in part the increased requirement of supplying energy demands from a renewable energy source, such as wind, solar, or water generated power. The system includes at least one primary reservoir connected to multiple secondary reservoirs by conduits. The system allows for selectively distributing water and energy between secondary reservoirs and at least one primary reservoir. The system may comprise one or more hydroelectric power generation facilities. A method for increasing the regional efficiency of existing and future systems for producing, storing, and delivering energy from sources such as hydroelectric, wind and solar power from the water collected by the system described herein is also disclosed.

The invention discloses a constant-pressure water-gas compatible cabin power energy storage system. The power energy storage system comprises a water-gas compatible cabin, a gas compressor unit, a water pump unit, a water reservoir and a water turbine, wherein a water draining port of the water turbine is used for providing ingoing water for the water reservoir; the water pump unit is used for pumping water from the water reservoir through a pipeline; an outlet of the gas compression unit is communicated with the water-gas compatible cabin through a valve and a pipeline; an outlet of the water-gas compatible cabin is communicated with the water turbine through a pipeline and a valve; and the water turbine drags a generator to generate power and output power energy. The power energy storage system is characterized by further comprising a steam boiler which is connected with the water-gas compatible cabin through a first intelligent valve and a steam conveying pipeline; one path of an outlet of the water pump unit is communicated with the lower part of the water-gas compatible cabin through a third intelligent valve and a pipeline; another path of the outlet of the water pump unit is communicated with the upper part of the water-gas compatible cabin through a second intelligent valve and a spraying pipe; and the three intelligent valves are controlled by a gas pressure stability control device.

An enhanced pumped storage power system. More particularly, the invention is a regenerative power system that utilizes the gravitational forces of downward movement of large quantities of water to convert same to electrical energy. In the preferred mode of implementation, the system utilizes a man-made lake at a first level of elevation. Though higher altitudes can be effective, the lake need only be approximately twenty to thirty feet in elevation. The lake, which may exceed one hundred acres in size, may be elevated above and adjacent a natural body of water, such as seawater at a coastline. As such, sandy terrain associated with the region facilitates initial construction of the system. An underground generator is utilized for the power conversion and pumping of the water back to the upper reservoir during times of low energy demand, allowing for significant noise reduction. Importantly, the system of the present invention may be utilized to provide significant levels of power to serve relatively large geographic areas during times of peak energy demand, when other sources of power are more expensive and subject to power outages. Finally, it should be noted that the components of the system are aesthetically-pleasing in nature, allowing the system to be effectively utilized in a residential area.

A submersible and remotely-operable platform system for carrying out repeated operations in a submarine position, and producing electrical energy as either a primary or secondary purpose by means of one or more energy-conversion payload devices installed thereon. The platform and payload devices may be periodically brought to the surface and thence, if necessary, to a shore-based facility for maintenance or refit. In deployment, the platform is preferably engaged to its mooring lines and electrical cables while still on the surface. Simultaneous with controlled flooding of certain of its volumes, the platform is guided to an operational depth and attitude by the action of its winch assemblies upon their engaged mooring lines. Subsea currents energize the platform's payload of energy conversion devices, the electrical output being preferably conveyed via one or more surface-attached cables to an off-board facility for further processing, distribution, or consumption.

A hybrid water pressure energy accumulating, wind turbine tower assembly used to directly propel water pumps to raise water from low elevation reservoir(s) to high elevation reservoir(s) where it is used as a potential energy. The wind tower assembly includes a wind turbine having propeller with a rotor, a generator driven by the rotor and a yaw assembly attached to a tower with a foundation. The tower includes in-tower storage reservoirs configured for storing water. The in-tower storage reservoirs could be defined by lower and upper water storage containers attached to the inner or outer surface of the tower that might be connected to other neighboring reservoir(s). The wind turbine may be of the vertical or horizontal-axis type and may be installed inside a residential or commercial building. The lifted water is used to generate electricity utilizing a hydropower generator.

An array 22 of water turbine assemblies 10 is positioned between two I-beams driven into the bed of a flowing water system. Each water turbine assembly 10 comprises a modular box-shaped housing 12 having an inlet and outlet for accelerating the flow of water therethrough. Turbine 14 has a ring gear 18 positioned about the periphery thereof in mechanical communication with a plurality of generators 20 for converting the kinetic energy of flowing water into electricity. Receiving means 16 are positioned and attached to the inlet and outlet of the housing 12 for collecting, concentrating, directing and accelerating water through the turbine 14 in the throat section 19 of each water turbine assembly 10. Each box-shaped modular housing 12 is structurally communicated with other housings 12 by interlocking mating surfaces 26.

A turbomachine arranged with a rotor and a stator, including radial positioning means ensuring that the rotor is radially position; and a contactless axial balancing device arranged on at least one bladed wheel for axially balancing the rotor at high speed. The turbomachine includes a thrust bearing distinct from the radial positioning means serving to balance the rotor axially at low speed, and without contact at high speed. In addition, the radial positioning means are hydrostatic bearings, the turbomachine including hydrostatic bearing feed circuits suitable for connecting said bearings to a source of fluid under pressure. As a result, it is possible to obtain operation at high speeds with a very long lifetime.

The invention discloses a water-gas common-cabin electric power energy storage system utilizing a high pressure gasholder to maintain constant pressure. The water-gas common-cabin electric power energy storage system comprises a water-gas common-cabin, a compressor unit, a water pump unit, a water storage pool and a water turbine, wherein a water exhaust port of the water turbine supplies inlet water to the water storage pool through a pipeline, the water pump unit pumps water from the water storage pool through a pipeline, a gas exhaust port of the gas compressor unit is communicated with the water-gas common-cabin, a water outlet of the water-gas common-cabin is communicated with the water turbine, and a generator is driven by the water turbine to generate electricity for outputting electric energy. The water-gas common-cabin electric power energy storage system is characterized by also comprising a supercharger and the high pressure gasholder, wherein the high pressure gasholder is connected with two pipelines, one pipeline is communicated with an outlet at the upper part of the water-gas common-cabin through the supercharger, a water and gas separator and a first electric control valve, and the other pipeline is communicated with an inlet at the upper part of the water-gas common-cabin through a second electric control valve.

The present invention provides a sustainable energy system for pelagic deployment that may comprise a frame, at least one wind turbine generator coupled to the frame, at least one pair of water turbine generators coupled to the frame, and a rotatable joint.

An integrated system for tidal / wave flow electrical power generation. This bi-directional system utilizes the wave flow on the shores and the flow of various rivers and estuaries to generate electrical power through a venturi box which has mounted in it and comprises of the following components: a vane assembly with variable pitch vanes made from high impact blade material; a drive shaft assembly that connects the vane drive unit with the generator; a flow detection vane that determines velocity and direction thereby providing input to the flow detection controller and variable pitch computer and controller; a solid state voltage regulator; a mechanical fly wheel assist for the drive assembly during transition between flow direction; a grid cycle input device to match the power being generated with the grid. This system is capable of being coupled together both physically and electrically. The generator unit assembly is a field replaceable unit to ease installation and maintenance. The venturi box design mitigates slit and sand build-up. The vane radial design limits the damage by flotsam and provides a means of reducing fish damage as well.