METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING ENERGY FROM MOVING FLUID

Abstract

 This invention relates to an apparatus (1) for producing energy from moving fluid, the apparatus (1) comprising an endless chain or belt (2) guided around at least two, a first and a second, deflection points (4, 5), at least two blades or vanes (3) pivotally attached to the chain or the belt (2), which blades or vanes (3) are movable from a closed position to an open position at a first deflection point (4) and from the open position to the closed position at a second deflection point (5), means for converting a rotation of the deflection point(s) (4, 5) in to a electricity and means for transferring and/or storing the electricity, where at least one sensor (8) is arranged for monitoring an upstream current and means for controlling the blade or the vane (3) at the first deflection point (4) which means are including artificial intelligence receiving at least a first signal from the sensor(s) (8) and that the blades or the vanes (3) are connected to the chain or the belt (2) with electrical locks which are controlled by artificial intelligence. The invention relates also to a method for producing energy from moving fluid.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing energy from moving fluid. This apparatus includes a continuously moving chain/belt on which the blades/vanes are pivotally connected, and the movement of the blades/vanes is controlled by artificial intelligence.

[0002] It is known to provide a system whit a series of vanes mounted on an endless conveyer. In use, the vanes are displaced by the current and a dynamo coupled to the endless conveyer is driven to generate electricity.

[0003] Such prior art systems are presented for example in the following documents GB 2457027 A and CA 3129332 A.

[0004] A hydro-power system is presented in GB 2457027 A. The system comprises a plurality of pivotally mounted vanes. The vanes may be mounted on an endless conveyor, the vanes and conveyor in combination having substantially neutral buoyancy. The endless conveyor may be supported by one or two pylons offset from one another in the direction of a local current. The vanes may be arranged in pairs, first and second vanes of the pair pivoting about a common axis, with the first vane on a first side of the conveyor and the second vane on a second, opposite, side of the conveyor.

[0005] Another system is presented in CA 3129332 A. This hydro power plant for the use of water flow includes an endless moving belt on which a plurality of blades is foldably attached. The moving belt is guided around at least two deflection points in such way that there are two rows of blades moving in opposite directions during operation. At least one of the two rows of blades is oriented inclined to the direction of the water flow. At deflection points, the blades are folded over from a first blade position into a second blade position and from the second blade position back into the first blade position.

[0006] The prior art systems comprise a set of multiple blades/vanes which are preferably folded against the moving belt when moving against the current. The blades/vanes are attached to the moving belt at even intervals related to each other. The movement of the belt is continuous whenever the current is present, and a plurality of blades/vanes is exposed to the current at the same time. All blades/vanes which are positioned to move the belt in "open position" are exposed to all abnormalities of the current such as moving ice, branches, sinkers or other trash in the current. These abnormalities can cause serious damage to the system. If the system is damaged it often requires immediate maintenance to prevent more serious damages to the system. At the same time the damaged system is unable to generate any electricity from the current. The maintenance of the systems is expensive, and it usually takes time to get the system again in operation.

[0007] Also, these systems can cause some damages to the nature (animals or environment) when they operate 24/7 basis. The blades/vanes can especially hurt birds, fishes, beavers and other creatures living in the present water area. Also, these systems can be dangerous to humans swimming, diving, boating or in other ways moving in the area of the operating system.

[0008] The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for producing energy from, especially but not only, slow moving fluid. This invention presents a solution to the foremen-tioned disadvantages of the prior art systems. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a moving belt or chain which is guided around at least two deflection points. To the belt/chain is attached at least two blades/vanes in such a way that when the first blade/vane is in the open position related to the belt/chain moving along the current the second blade/vane is moving against the current in closed position related to the belt/chain. When the open blade/vane reaches the deflection point and turns in to the closed position there is another blade/vane ready to be sent along the current and opening to the open position. In another preferred embodiment there are multiple blades/vanes in the open position simultaneously. The blades are released from the starting area with predetermined intervals which intervals can be adjusted accordingly depending on the present current.

[0009] In another preferred embodiment there are multiple blades/vanes attached to the chain/belt in predetermined intervals. These intervals are not to be changed during the operation of the apparatus.

[0010] The current is monitored with sensors, such as lasers, to detect any abnormalities in the near upstream. If any such abnormalities are detected the blade/vane is not released from starting area. The monitoring of the upstream and the control of the blades/vanes is done by artificial intelligence. None of the prior art systems are monitoring the current or controlled with artificial intelligence. In another preferred embodiment where the blades/vanes are in predetermined intervals one or more blades/vanes are kept in closed position if the status of the current is not optimal for producing energy. The blades/vanes can be kept closed or they can turn freely for 180 degrees against the chain/belt. The chain/belt has electrical locks which are controlled and operated by artificial intelligence monitoring the current.

[0011] The present invention enables it to avoid any unscheduled maintenance of the apparatus and prevents efficiently any unnecessary damage to the nature or to the humans.

[0012] In the following the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a simplified sideview picture of one embodiment of the apparatus, and

Figure 2 presents an operational flow chart of the apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0013] Figure 1 shows a simplified sideview picture of one embodiment of the apparatus 1. The apparatus 1 comprises an endless chain (belt) 2 on which at least two blades (vanes) 3 are pivotally connected. The endless chain 2 or such is arranged to rotate around at least two, the first and the second, deflection points 4 and 5 which are equipped with gear wheels, pulleys, rollers 6 or such depending on the characteristics of the endless chain 2. Preferably the blades 3 are connected pivotally to the chain 2 with quick release connections and are automatically turned from the closed position to the open position by the current (current direction marked with an arrow 10) at the release area 7 in the vicinity of the first deflection point 4. Also, preferably the blades 3 are turned automatically from the open position to the closed position when returning from the second deflection 5 point to the release area 7 of the first deflection point 4. The closed position of the blade 3 in figure 1 is drawn to be little open but advantageously the blade 3 is turned all the way against the chain 2. This is however not necessary in every case, and the blade 3 can also be left open for example 5-20 degrees. In the open position when traveling from first deflection point 4 to the second deflection point 5 the blade 3 angle α (angle between the belts 2 moving direction and the blade surface, the angle α opening towards the fluid flow) can be 90 degrees or smaller. Advantageously the angle α is 90-30 degrees and more advantageously 80-45 degrees. The release area 7 in the vicinity of the first deflection point 4 is equipped with means to keep the blades 3 waiting for the release and means for releasing the blades 3.

[0014] The upstream current is monitored with at least one sensor 8 or multiple sensors 8 which are designed to detect any abnormalities in the current. The sensors 8 are transferring a first signal to the release area 7. If any abnormalities such as moving ice, branches, sinkers or other trash in the current, are detected by the sensors 8 the blade 3 is kept in release area 7 until the sensors 8 are not detecting any disturbances in the current. This monitoring of the upstream current prevents the braking down of the blades 3, the chain 2 or any other parts of the apparatus 1. The sensors 8 can use any known technique for monitoring the current. For example, known laser sensors can be used.

[0015] When operating, the blade 3 is released from the release area 7 and turned, preferably by the current, from the closed position to the open position. The release of the blade 3 is prevented if the sensors 8 are detecting any disturbances in the upstream current and the blade 3 is kept in the release area 7 until the current is free from the disturbances. Only one blade 3 at the time is released to travel from the first deflection point 4 to the second deflection point 5. When one blade 3 in the open position is traveling along the current the other blade 3 in the closed position is traveling against the current from the second deflection point 5 back to the release area 7 at the vicinity of the first deflection point 4. The chain 2 comprises at least two blades 3 but there can be more than two blades 3 attached to the chain 2. In this embodiment only one blade 3 is traveling in the open position along the current and others are traveling back to the release area 7 or are waiting there to be released after the open traveling blade 3 reaches the second deflection point 5 and the sensor(s) 8 are giving the first signal to the release area 7. The release of the blade 3 from the release area 7 is controlled by artificial intelligence depending on the first signal received from the current monitoring sensor(s) 8 and the second signal(s) (position) of the other blade(s). Both first and second signal must be acceptable for the release of the blade 3 from the release area 7. When releasing only one blade at a time the blade is not affected from other blades in the current and the flow of the current is not disturbed at any way. The shape of the blade can be anything, but the concave shape is advantageous for effective power output.

[0016] In another embodiment multiple blades are released from the release area with predetermined intervals. The intervals are optimized depending on the strength of the current or from other variables such as the influence between consecutive blades. The interval can be adjusted during the operation of the apparatus.

[0017] Yet in other embodiment the blades are attached to the chain in predetermined intervals and are automatically turned into the open position by the current. The current is monitored, and the artificial intelligence is receiving information about the strength of the current and possible disturbances/anomalies in the upstream current. The artificial intelligence makes a decision if the blade is opened or if the blade is let to turn 180 degrees against the chain. The control of the blades is made with electrical locks between the blades and the chain. Depending on the situation the blades are allowed to turn in open position, turn 180 degrees or be kept in closed position. The electrical lock can also be operated during the movement of the open blade if there are detected any disturbances/anomalies in the upstream current. This enables the apparatus to avoid unnecessary collisions with animals/trash or other particles in the current. The monitoring of the upper current can be done by sensors, for example by lasers, radars, or other suitable equipment. The electrical locks are receiving energy for the operations from the generator of the apparatus.

[0018] In Fig 2 is presented an operational flow chart of the apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the apparatus in comprising the release area and only one blades is released at a time. When other embodiments of the invention are used the flow chart is modified accordingly. For example, when multiple blades are attached to the chain in predetermined intervals the artificial intelligence is not controlling for the release of the blade but controls the electrical locks of the blades allowing the blades to open, keep the blades closed or enable the blades to move from open position against the chain if anomalies are determined in the current.

[0019] The apparatus 1 is advantageously attached to the bottom of the water area so that the orientation of the apparatus 1 can follow the direction of the current. This enables an efficient production of the energy. The attachment of the apparatus 1 can be done directly to the bottom of the water area or using for example a pole or poles attached to the bottom. One advantageous method for delivering the apparatus to the point of use is to float the apparatus at the surface and then sink it to the bottom of the water area. The floating of the apparatus is done by floating frame where the apparatus is attached. The apparatus 1 can be situated to the vicinity of the bottom, to the surface or anywhere between the two. The apparatus 1 is preferably, but not only, designed for the use in the slow-moving fluids such as rivers or tide. There can also be multiple apparatuses combined together in same area for improved energy gathering.

[0020] The kinetic energy of the current is converted to electricity by using any of the prior art solutions for example at the deflection point(s) 4, 5 of the chain 2. Also, any prior art solution for transferring and/or storing the electricity can be used. For example, a generator can be situated to the apparatus in a watertight space, or the rotational energy can be transported to the surface or to the shore with hydraulic motor or rotating axle.

[0021] The method of the invention includes at least some of the following steps as a whole or partly:

• arranging an endless chain or belt 2 guided around at least two, a first and a second, deflection points the deflection points 4, 5 including gear wheels, pulleys, rollers or such,
• attaching pivotally at least two blades or vanes 3 to the chain or belt 2, which blades or vanes 3 are moving from a closed position to an open position at the first deflection point 4 and from the open position to the closed position at the second deflection point 5,
• arranging a release area 7 to the vicinity of the first deflection point 4 with means for holding and releasing the blades or the vanes 3,
• arranging blades/vanes 3 to the chain/belt 2 in predetermined intervals,
• arranging electrical locks to the blades/vanes 3,
• providing at least one sensor 8 for monitoring abnormalities in the moving fluid,
• sending a first signal from the sensor(s) 8 to the release area 7 to release or to hold the blade or the vane 3 at the releasing area 7,
• monitoring if there is a blade or a vane 3 moving from the first deflection point 4 to the second deflection point 5 and sending a second signal to the receiving area 7,
• releasing the blade or the vane 3 from the release area 7 if both the first and the second signal are acceptable,
• releasing the blade or vane 3 from the releasing area 7 if the predetermined interval is reached,- adjusting the predetermined interval of the released blades,
• controlling the signals and the release area 7 activity by the artificial intelligence,
  and
• controlling the open/closed position of the blade or vane 3 with artificial intelligence at the first deflection point 4 and in the movement from the first deflection point to the second deflection point.

[0022] The invention is not limited to the examples presented here. The scope of the invention is defined more precisely in the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for producing energy from moving fluid, the apparatus (1) comprising an endless chain or belt (2) guided around at least two, a first and a second, deflection points (4, 5), at least two blades or vanes (3) pivotally attached to the chain or the belt (2), which blades or vanes (3) are movable from a closed position to an open position at a first deflection point (4) and from the open position to the closed position at a second deflection point (5), means for converting a rotation of the deflection point(s) (4, 5) in to a electricity and means for transferring and/or storing the electricity, characterized in that, at least one sensor (8) is arranged for monitoring an upstream current and means for controlling the blade or the vane (3) at the first deflection point (4) which means are including artificial intelligence receiving at least a first signal from the sensor(s) (8) and that the blades or the vanes (3) are connected to the chain or the belt (2) with electrical locks which are controlled by artificial intelligence.

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, the apparatus (1) comprises releasing area (7) where the blades or vanes (3) are released in predetermined intervals which interval can be adjusted.

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, the blades or vanes (3) are attached to the chain or belt (2) in predetermined intervals.

4. The apparatus (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, the artificial intelligence monitors the position of the blade(s) or vane(s) (3) so that only one blade or vane (3) at a time is situated to move along the current.

5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, the artificial intelligence monitors the position of the blades or vanes (3) so that multiple blades or vanes (3) are released from the releasing area (7) with predetermined intervals to move along the current which interval can be adjusted.

6. The apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 5, characterized in that, the apparatus (1) is attached to the bottom of the of the water area with attaching means so that the orientation of the apparatus (1) can follow the direction of the current.

7. The apparatus (1) according to any preceding claim 1 - 6, characterized in that, the apparatus (1) is situated to the vicinity of the water areas bottom, to the surface of the water area or anywhere between the two.

8. A method for producing energy from moving fluid, which method comprises the following:

- arranging an endless chain or belt (2) guided around at least two, a first and a second, deflection points (4, 5),

- attaching pivotally at least two blades or vanes (3) to the chain or belt (2), which blades or vanes (3) are moving from a closed position to an open position at the first deflection point (4) and from the open position to the closed position at the second deflection point (5),

- characterized in that, the blades or vanes (3) are attached to the chain or belt (2) with electrical locks which are controlled by artificial intelligence,

- artificial intelligence receives a first signal from a sensor(s) 8 which signal is related to the upstream condition of the fluid, and

- depending on the signal the blade or vane (3) is treated accordingly.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, the artificial intelligence is monitoring the position of the blade(s) or vane(s) (3) so that only one blade or vane (3) is moving along the current at a time.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, the artificial intelligence is monitoring the position of the blades or vanes (3) so that so that multiple blades or vanes (3) are released from the releasing area (7) with predetermined intervals to move along the current and that the interval can be adjusted during the use of the apparatus.

11. The method according to any of claims 8 - 10, characterized in that, the artificial intelligence is monitoring the upstream of the current and is operating the electrical locks of the blades or vanes (3) so that the blades or vanes (3) can be:

- turned and kept in operating position,

- kept in closed position,

- allowed to turn 180 degrees from the closed position against the chain or belt (2), or

- allowed to turn from open position against the chain or belt (2).

Drawing