Prime-mover dynamo plants – Electric control – Tide and wave motors
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-25
2001-11-27
Enad, Elvin (Department: 2834)
Prime-mover dynamo plants
Electric control
Tide and wave motors
C290S043000, C290S053000, C290S054000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06323563
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to power-generating devices and, more particularly, to hydrodynamic power-generating systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Numerous mechanisms have been designed and built for converting the energy of moving fluid, such as air or water, to mechanical energy. Commonly known mechanisms for converting the energy of moving water to mechanical energy are water wheels, paddles and turbines. Generally speaking, mechanisms for converting the energy of a moving fluid to mechanical power have tended throughout their evolution to become both more complicated and more costly to manufacture. Modem axial flow turbine systems typically require the construction of dams or diversions and penstocks to support even low power production.
In view of the foregoing, there remains a need in the art for a low-cost in-stream system for utilizing the energy in a fluid stream as a pumping station or an electrical generator.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a hydrodynamic power-generating system including a motion-generating subsystem disposed in a dynamic source of water such as a river. The motion-generating subsystem is retained in placed in the dynamic water source by a support subsystem and is connected to a power plant by a rod. The motion-generating subsystem is configured to oscillate and pivot under hydrodynamic force to drive the rod. The power plant is configured to then convert the oscillating drive motion of the rod to electrical power.
According to one aspect of the invention, the motion-generating subsystem includes a pair of spaced beams having upstream ends and downstream ends. The spaced beams are pivotally supported within the water at the upstream ends thereof by the support subsystem. A pair of shafts are connected to and between the beams at the upstream ends and the downstream ends, respectively. The motion-generating subsystem also includes a foil pivotally disposed between the downstream ends of the beams. The foil has an upstream edge and a downstream edge. A trim flap is pivotally disposed at the downstream edge of the foil. The trim flap may be actuated between a first position which causes the foil to pivot in one direction and a second position which causes the foil to pivot in an opposite direction. The pivoting of the foil causes the beams to pivot back and forth, thereby causing the rod, which is attached to at least one of the beams, to oscillate back and forth.
The motion-generating subsystem is able to be disposed in water sources such as rivers and estuaries where the dynamic motion of the water can be harnessed to generate electricity. With relatively few components, the motion-generating subsystem can also be fabricated relatively inexpensively and easily, thereby being readily available to those living in out-laying areas where conventionally generated power may not be readily available.
Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3978345 (1976-08-01), Bailey
patent: 4347036 (1982-08-01), Arnold
patent: 4525122 (1985-06-01), Krnac
patent: 4590386 (1986-05-01), Wiggs
patent: 4595336 (1986-06-01), Grose
patent: 4617991 (1986-10-01), Luetzelschwab
patent: 4880353 (1989-11-01), Dettwiler
patent: 5009571 (1991-04-01), Smith
patent: 5324169 (1994-06-01), Brown et al.
patent: 5548956 (1996-08-01), Price
patent: 5899664 (1999-05-01), Lawrence
patent: 9420751 (1994-09-01), None
Enad Elvin
Gonzalez Julio Cesar
LandOfFree
Hydrodynamic power-generating system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Hydrodynamic power-generating system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Hydrodynamic power-generating system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2606466