[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.
[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.
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).