Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DEVICE AND METHOD FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION FROM AMBIENT
COMPRESSED FLUID ENERGY
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to energy generation from
fluid energy,
and more particularly to renewable energy generation from ambient compressed
fluid energy by
harnessing ambient fluid static pressure.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Energy is the basis for all civilization and humankind has tapped
into different
sources of energy over the different eras as it tries to meet an ever-growing
demand for energy.
Manual labour was first explored as the energy source to power civilization
but as the demand
for energy grew, animal labour was explored as an energy source in activities
such as agriculture
and transportation to help meet the demand.
[0003] As the demand for energy grew, the age of the engines was born with
the
development of the heat engines and the related combustion engines. Various
methods to
operate the engines, called thermodynamic cycles and which include the Carnot
Cycle and
Rankine Cycle were developed as heat engine cycles. A common underlying
operating principle
for the heat engine technologies is that heat is taken from a high temperature
source and rejected
to a low temperature source and energy in the form of work is extracted in the
process. The
extraction of work was often as a result of the heat from the high temperature
source being used
to heat a working fluid to raise its pressure and the resulting high pressure
working fluid impinging
on a surface, a thermodynamic boundary between the high pressure working fluid
and a low
pressure ambient, to move the surface to do work.
[0004] A disadvantage of the heat engines is that one needs a high
temperature source
which is not always available and one needs to reject significant amounts of
heat to a low
temperature source which results in thermal pollution. The combustion engines,
which are
examples of heat engines, include external combustion engines such as coal
fired and steam
plants and internal combustion engines such as the petrol engine, Diesel
engine and Wankel
engine. Various thermodynamic cycles such as the Otto Cycle, the Diesel Cycle
and the Brayton
Cycle were developed in association with these. A common underlying operating
principle of the
combustion engine technologies is that they burn a fuel to generate the high
temperature heat
source needed to raise the pressure of a working fluid to power a heat engine
cycle. A limitation
of the combustion engines is that while they solved the problem of not readily
having a high
temperature heat source by burning a fuel such as coal or petroleum, these
mostly fossil fuels
were not renewable because they took geological time to form and were being
burnt much faster
than were being replenished, signalling a potential future energy shortage and
an unsustainable
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technological trajectory. A major disadvantage of the combustion engines is
that they pollute the
environment with their products of chemical combustion. These products of
chemical combustion
range from greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide which warm the environment
to adversely
influence climate change to gases such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides
responsible for
acid rains, smog and fine particle pollution all of which are injurious to
human health and the
health of many species.
[0005] Mass energy has also been explored by humankind with
the development of both
the fission and fusion nuclear reactors. A common underlying operating
principle of the mass
energy technologies is that atomic mass is converted to thermal energy in
accordance with
Einstein's equation, and the thermal energy generated is then used to serve as
a heat source to
power a heat engine. The disadvantages of these are: the high capability of
these energy sources
for mass destruction due to the huge amounts of thermal energy released within
very short
periods, the challenges about adequate disposal of the radioactive nuclear
waste released in the
process as well as the genetic impact of any nuclear fallout released into the
environment as a
consequence of process imperfections.
[0006] Due to the limitations and disadvantages of the above
energy technologies, there
has been a global desire for humankind to harness clean renewable energy
technology, for
example as embedded in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of
"Clean and
Affordable Energy", "Climate Action" and "Sustainable Cities and Communities".
In harnessing
renewable energy, aside the heat engine technologies which use renewable
natural heat sources
such as solar thermal energy or geothermal energy, there are two main sources
namely:
photovoltaic energy and ambient fluid energy.
[0007] Regarding photovoltaic energy, various types of solar
panels have been
developed to convert sunlight into electrical energy. A common underlying
operating principle of
the photovoltaic technologies is that light absorbed by a material is used to
create an electron-
hole pair which if separated within the material, generates a voltage across
the material to enable
the electron to flow throw a connected external circuit to eventually
recombine with the hole and
with energy extracted from the flow of the electron in the connected external
circuit by loads such
as electrical, electronic, or electromechanical loads. The disadvantages of
photovoltaic
technology as an energy source include: its low power density which makes it
difficult for it to
meet global energy demand, its high capital cost and its competition with
vegetation for solar
energy used for photosynthesis, the basis of most food chains of all species,
the basis of
biological life.
[0008] Regarding ambient fluid energy, ambient fluids include
but are not limited to the
lakes, oceans, seas, rivers and atmosphere. There are two types of ambient
fluid energy: (i)
thermal ambient fluid energy which can be used to power heat engines, for
instance heat engines
which exploit a temperature difference between surface water and deeper waters
(ii) mechanical
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ambient fluid energy.
[0009] Regarding mechanical ambient fluid energy, Bernoulli's
Equation for energy
conservation in fluids for a unit volume of fluid, P + 0.5pv2+ pgh = constant,
(which can be re-
written in extensive form after multiplying through by volume of fluid and
substituting the product
of density and volume of fluid with mass as PV+0.5mv2 +mgh = constant)
suggests that there are
at least 3 types of mechanical ambient fluid energy with each type being a
component which
contributes to the total available mechanical energy of any fluid. Each of
these three components
corresponds to a term in the Bernoulli Equation and they are: (i) ambient
compressed fluid energy
which is the energy the ambient fluid possesses by virtue of its static
pressure, which is also
called pressure energy or enthalpy and which corresponds to the first term of
the Bernoulli
Equation, P (ii) ambient fluid kinetic energy which is the energy the ambient
fluid possesses by
virtue of its dynamic pressure or kinetic pressure, which is also called
kinetic energy and which
corresponds to the second term of the Bernoulli Equation, 0.5pv2 (iii) ambient
fluid gravitational
potential energy which is the energy the ambient fluid possesses by virtue of
its elevation in a
gravitational field or elevation pressure, which also called gravitational
potential energy or simply
potential energy and corresponds to the third term of the Bernoulli Equation,
pgh.
[0010] Humankind has been able to reliably generate commercial
quantities of renewable
energy from ambient fluid energy components corresponding to the second and
third terms of
the Bernoulli equation noted above, namely ambient fluid kinetic energy and
ambient fluid
gravitational potential energy, through various developments. However,
humankind has not been
able to reliably generate commercial quantities of renewable energy based on
the first term,
namely ambient compressed fluid energy, which is probably the most abundant
source of
renewable energy from ambient fluids and which is the subject of the present
disclosure.
[0011] Regarding ambient kinetic fluid energy, which
corresponds to the second term of
the Bernoulli equation, the development of the turbines, for example the wind
turbines, water
turbines and Tesla turbine gave humankind the capability to unlock this energy
source. In these
technologies, the kinetic energy of an ambient fluid can be converted to
renewable energy to
drive a load. A common underlying operating principle of the kinetic fluid
energy technologies is
that the kinetic energy of a flowing fluid is tapped by having the flowing
fluid to imping upon a
surface to impart momentum to the surface to drive a load with the result
being that the fluid is
slowed down or stagnated as a consequence of loss of kinetic energy.
[0012] The limitations with harnessing the kinetic energy of
ambient fluids for renewable
energy generation is that it requires the fluid to be moving in bulk and
moreover, the energy
produced varies with the speed of the moving fluid. The requirement for a
fluid to be moving in
bulk cannot always be met, for example in still water bodies such as most
lakes. Moreover, the
dependence of the energy produced on the speed of the moving fluid also makes
some of these
technologies unreliable or at best, limited in use. This is because drag
exists all around us slowing
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the motion of fluids so the norm is for fluids to move at relatively low
speeds except in specific
geographical areas or times where conditions favourable to high speed flows
develop. In
essence, the technology of harnessing the kinetic energy of ambient fluids
though laudable, does
not present a reliably feasible renewable energy solution to meet global
energy demand to enable
the entire world to quickly transition into a low carbon economy since it is
plagued by both the
geographical scarcity and temporal scarcity of ambient fluid kinetic energy.
[0013] Regarding ambient fluid gravitational potential energy,
which corresponds to the
third term of the Bernoulli equation, the development of the turbine and
hydroelectric dam gave
humankind the capability to unlock this energy source. In these, the
gravitational potential energy
of an ambient fluid can be converted to renewable energy to drive a load. A
common underlying
operating principle is that the elevation of the ambient fluid is reduced thus
converting its
gravitational potential energy into kinetic energy which then drives a load
just like the case of
ambient kinetic fluid energy. In other words, the fast flowing fluid as a
result of the elevation
reduction is made to impinge upon a surface to impart momentum to the surface
to drive a load
with the result being that the fluid is slowed down or stagnated at the lower
elevation as a
consequence of loss of kinetic energy, than would have otherwise been the case
had the kinetic
energy not been extracted out. The reduction of the elevation of the ambient
fluid can be achieved
when the fluid flows over a waterfalls or a hydroelectric dam.
[0014] A disadvantage with harnessing the gravitational
potential energy of ambient fluids
for renewable energy generation is that it requires the incoming and outgoing
fluid to be at
different elevations while largely maintaining the same static pressure. This
requirement cannot
be met everywhere, for example in water bodies at a constant elevation such as
most rivers and
lakes or in ambient fluids such as atmospheric air where it is largely
impossible to cause the
incoming and outgoing fluids to be at different elevation without equivalently
altering the static
pressure to offset that. In essence, the technology of harnessing the
gravitational potential energy
of ambient fluids though laudable, does not present a reliably feasible
renewable energy solution
to meet global energy demand to enable the entire world to quickly transition
into a low carbon
economy since it is plagued by the geographical scarcity of elevation
differences in suitable
ambient fluid bodies.
[0015] Regarding ambient compressed fluid energy, which corresponds to the
first term
of the Bernoulli equation, humankind has largely not been able to unlock this
energy source to
generate renewable energy.
[0016] The above information is presented as background
information only to assist with
an understanding of the present disclosure. No assertion or admission is made
as to whether any
of the above, or anything else in the present disclosure, unless explicitly
stated, might be
applicable as prior art with regard to the present disclosure.
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SUMMARY
[0017] According to an aspect, the present disclosure is
directed to an apparatus
comprising a moveable barrier at least partly defining a cavity, the cavity
for receiving a fluid,
wherein the barrier is configured for movement in response to a static
pressure of fluid in the
cavity being at a lower static pressure than an ambient static pressure of
fluid on an opposing
side of barrier relative to the cavity, and wherein the lower static pressure
is a consequence of
fluid motion, means for increasing the static pressure of the fluid in the
cavity above the lower
static pressure after movement of the barrier, means for further moving the
barrier, after the
increasing the static pressure of the fluid in the cavity, and means for
maintaining the static
pressure of the fluid in the cavity above the lower static pressure during the
further moving the
barrier, and means for decreasing, after the further moving the barrier, the
static pressure of the
fluid in the cavity below the ambient static pressure of fluid on an opposing
side of barrier relative
to the cavity.
[0018] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an
energy harnessing device
linked to the moveable barrier for capturing energy from the movement of the
barrier. In an
embodiment, the means for increasing the static pressure of the fluid comprise
a valve for
selectively restricting the movement of fluid through or outwardly from the
apparatus. In an
embodiment, the means for decreasing the static pressure of the fluid comprise
a valve for
selectively increasing the movement of fluid through or outwardly from the
apparatus.
[0019] In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a deformable conduit,
wherein the
movable barrier is a deformable region of the deformable conduit, and wherein
the movement of
the barrier involves an inwardly movement of the deformable conduit. In an
embodiment, the
means for further moving the barrier is configured to at least partly restore
the deformable conduit
by reversing the inwardly movement. In an embodiment, the means for decreasing
the static
pressure of the fluid in the cavity are configured to enable a movement of the
fluid through or
outwardly from the deformable conduit. In an embodiment, the deformable
conduit has a smaller
cross-sectional area transverse to a fluid flow path through the deformable
conduit relative to a
cross-sectional area of a region of the fluid flow path in the apparatus
upstream and/or
downstream from the deformable conduit.
[0020] In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a deformable correction
conduit for
receiving fluid from the deformable conduit, wherein the fluid is received in
response to the
inwardly movement of the deformable conduit, wherein the deformable correction
conduit is
adapted to move outwardly to increase a volume of the deformable correction
conduit in response
to the receiving of the fluid. In an embodiment, the deformable correction
conduit is adapted to
return toward a previous shape by moving inwardly as the deformable conduit is
moved
outwardly. In an embodiment, the outwardly movement of the deformable
correction conduit to
increase the volume of the deformable correction conduit in response to fluid
received from the
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deformable conduit causes an internal volume of the apparatus to remain
substantially
unchanged with the inwardly movement of the deformable conduit.
[0021] In an embodiment, the deformable conduit comprises an
elastic wall capable of
deformation. In an embodiment, the deformable conduit comprises an opening
that is selectively
openable and closable to allow for fluid movement between the deformable
conduit and an
ambient side of the deformable conduit. In an embodiment, the apparatus
comprises a pump for
generating or enhancing fluid movement through and/or outwardly from the
apparatus. In an
embodiment, the apparatus may be configured such that the movement of the
barrier, the
increasing the static pressure of the fluid, the further moving the barrier,
and the decreasing the
static pressure of the fluid are repeated in a cycle.
[0022] In an embodiment, the apparatus is a rotary engine, the
moveable barrier is a rotor
of the rotary engine, and the movement is rotation of the rotor, and wherein
the cavity is defined
by the rotor and a rotor housing. In an embodiment, the means for increasing
the static pressure
of the fluid comprises the rotor, wherein the rotor is adapted to be rotated
such that the cavity is
moved out of fluid communication from a sub-ambient fluid intake vent and the
cavity is moved
into fluid communication with an ambient fluid intake vent. In an embodiment,
the means for
decreasing the static pressure of the fluid comprises the rotor, wherein the
rotor is adapted to be
rotated such that the cavity is moved into fluid communication with the sub-
ambient fluid intake
vent.
[0023] In an embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to receive as the
fluid a
working fluid that is separate from an ambient fluid to be located on an
opposing side of barrier
relative to the cavity.
[0024] According to an aspect, the present disclosure is
directed to a method comprising
exposing a cavity defined by a device to a fluid, the device comprising a
moveable barrier at least
partly defining the cavity, harnessing energy from movement of the barrier,
wherein the
movement is caused by a static pressure of fluid in the cavity being at a
lower static pressure
than an ambient static pressure of fluid on an opposing side of barrier
relative to the cavity, and
wherein the lower static pressure is a consequence of fluid motion,
increasing, after the
movement of the barrier, the static pressure of the fluid in the cavity above
the lower static
pressure, further moving the barrier, after the increasing the static pressure
of the fluid in the
cavity, and maintaining the static pressure of the fluid in the cavity above
the lower static pressure
during the further moving the barrier, and decreasing, after the further
moving the barrier, the
static pressure of the fluid in the cavity below the ambient static pressure
of fluid on an opposing
side of barrier relative to the cavity.
[0025] In an embodiment, the increasing the static pressure of the fluid
involves
selectively restricting the movement of fluid through or outwardly from the
device. In an
embodiment, the decreasing the static pressure of the fluid in the cavity
involves selectively
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increasing the movement of fluid through or outwardly from the device. In an
embodiment, the
device comprises a deformable conduit at least partly defining the cavity,
wherein the movable
barrier is a deformable region of the deformable conduit, and wherein the
movement of the barrier
involves an inwardly movement of the deformable conduit. In an embodiment, the
further moving
the barrier involves at least partly restoring the deformable conduit by
reversing the inwardly
movement. In an embodiment, the decreasing the static pressure of the fluid in
the cavity involves
moving the fluid through or outwardly from the deformable conduit. In an
embodiment, the
deformable conduit has a smaller cross-sectional area transverse to a fluid
flow path through the
deformable conduit relative to a cross-sectional area of a region of the fluid
flow path in the device
upstream and/or downstream from the deformable conduit.
[0026] In an embodiment, the method further comprises
receiving fluid from the
deformable conduit into a deformable correction conduit in response to the
inwardly movement
of the deformable conduit, wherein the deformable correction conduit is
adapted to move
outwardly to increase a volume of the deformable correction conduit in
response to the received
fluid. In an embodiment, the deformable correction conduit is adapted to
return toward a previous
shape by moving inwardly as the deformable conduit is moved outwardly.
[0027] In an embodiment, the outwardly movement of the
deformable correction conduit
to increase the volume of the deformable correction conduit in response to
fluid received from
the deformable conduit causes an internal volume of the device to remain
substantially
unchanged with the inwardly movement of the deformable conduit. In an
embodiment, the
deformable conduit comprises an elastic wall capable of deformation. In an
embodiment, the
method further comprises selectively opening and closing an opening in the
deformable conduit
to allow for fluid movement between the deformable conduit and an ambient side
of the
deformable conduit. In an embodiment, the method further comprises using a
pump to generate
or enhance fluid movement through and/or outwardly from the device. In an
embodiment, the
operations of the method are repeated in a cycle.
[0028] In an embodiment, the harnessing energy from movement
of the barrier comprises
mechanically linking the barrier to an energy harnessing device. In an
embodiment, the device is
a rotary engine, the moveable barrier is a rotor of the rotary engine, and the
movement is rotation
of the rotor. In an embodiment, the increasing the static pressure of the
fluid comprises rotating
the rotor such that the cavity is moved out of fluid communication from a sub-
ambient fluid intake
vent and the cavity is moved into fluid communication with an ambient fluid
intake vent. In an
embodiment, the decreasing the static pressure of the fluid comprises rotating
the rotor such that
the cavity is moved into fluid communication with the sub-ambient fluid intake
vent.
[0029] According to an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a kit
comprising a
collection of parts that are assemble-able to form an apparatus, the apparatus
comprising a
moveable barrier configurable to at least partly define a cavity, the cavity
for receiving a fluid,
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wherein the barrier is configurable for movement in response to a static
pressure of fluid in the
cavity being at a lower static pressure than an ambient static pressure of
fluid on an opposing
side of barrier relative to the cavity, and wherein the lower static pressure
is a consequence of
fluid motion, means configurable for increasing the static pressure of the
fluid in the cavity above
the lower static pressure after movement of the barrier, means configurable
for further moving
the barrier, after the increasing the static pressure of the fluid in the
cavity, and means
configurable for maintaining the static pressure of the fluid in the cavity
above the lower static
pressure during the further moving the barrier, and means configurable for
decreasing, after the
further moving the barrier, the static pressure of the fluid in the cavity
below the ambient static
pressure of fluid on an opposing side of barrier relative to the cavity.
[0030] In an embodiment, the kit further comprises an energy
harnessing device linkable
to the moveable barrier for capturing energy from the movement of the barrier.
In an embodiment,
the means for increasing the static pressure of the fluid comprise a valve for
selectively restricting
the movement of fluid through or outwardly from the apparatus. In an
embodiment, the means
for decreasing the static pressure of the fluid comprise a valve for
selectively increasing the
movement of fluid through or outwardly from the apparatus. In an embodiment,
the kit comprises
a deformable conduit, wherein the movable barrier is a deformable region of
the deformable
conduit, and wherein the movement of the barrier involves an inwardly movement
of the
deformable conduit. In an embodiment, the means for further moving the barrier
is configured to
at least partly restore the deformable conduit by reversing the inwardly
movement. In an
embodiment, the means for decreasing the static pressure of the fluid in the
cavity are configured
to enable a movement of the fluid through or outwardly from the deformable
conduit. In an
embodiment, the deformable conduit has a smaller cross-sectional area
transverse to a fluid flow
path through the deformable conduit relative to a cross-sectional area of a
region of the fluid flow
path in the apparatus upstream and/or downstream from the deformable conduit.
[0031] In an embodiment, the kit further comprises a
deformable correction conduit for
receiving fluid from the deformable conduit, wherein the fluid is received in
response to the
inwardly movement of the deformable conduit, wherein the deformable correction
conduit is
adapted to move outwardly to increase a volume of the deformable correction
conduit in response
to the receiving of the fluid. In an embodiment, the deformable correction
conduit is adapted to
return toward a previous shape by moving inwardly as the deformable conduit is
moved
outwardly.
[0032] In an embodiment, the kit may be configured such that
the outwardly movement
of the deformable correction conduit to increase the volume of the deformable
correction conduit
in response to fluid received from the deformable conduit is configured to
cause an internal
volume of the apparatus to remain substantially unchanged with the inwardly
movement of the
deformable conduit. In an embodiment, the deformable conduit comprises an
elastic wall capable
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of deformation.
[0033] In an embodiment, the deformable conduit comprises an
opening that is
selectively openable and closable to allow for fluid movement between the
deformable conduit
and an ambient side of the deformable conduit. In an embodiment, the kit
further comprises a
pump for generating or enhancing fluid movement through or outwardly from the
apparatus. In
an embodiment, the kit may be configured such that the movement of the
barrier, the increasing
the static pressure of the fluid, the further moving the barrier, and the
decreasing the static
pressure of the fluid are repeated in a cycle.
[0034] In an embodiment, the apparatus is a rotary engine, the
moveable barrier is a rotor
of the rotary engine, and the movement is rotation of the rotor, and wherein
the cavity is defined
by the rotor and a rotor housing. In an embodiment, the means for increasing
the static pressure
of the fluid comprises the rotor, wherein the rotor is adaptable to be rotated
such that the cavity
is moved out of fluid communication from a sub-ambient fluid intake vent and
the cavity is moved
into fluid communication with an ambient fluid intake vent. In an embodiment,
the means for
decreasing the static pressure of the fluid comprises the rotor, wherein the
rotor is adaptable to
be rotated such that the cavity is moved into fluid communication with the sub-
ambient fluid intake
vent.
[0035] In an embodiment, the apparatus may be configured to
receive as the fluid a
working fluid that is separate from an ambient fluid to be located on an
opposing side of barrier
relative to the cavity.
[0036] The foregoing summary provides some aspects and
features according to the
present disclosure but is not intended to be limiting. Other aspects and
features of the present
disclosure will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon
review of the following
description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying
figures. Accordingly,
the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in
nature and not
restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be
described, by way of example
only, with reference to the attached Figures.
[0038] Figure 1 is a pressure-volume graph according to an
embodiment showing the
difference between the system volume at any point and the initial system
volume.
[0039] Figure 2 is a pressure-volume graph according to an
embodiment showing the
system volume.
[0040] Figure 3A is a diagram depicting an example thermodynamic system
having a
thermodynamic boundary with a moveable or deformable barrier in an original
state.
[0041] Figure 3B is a diagram depicting the example
thermodynamic system of Figure
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3A wherein the moveable or deformable barrier is in a moved or deformed state.
[0042] Figure 4 is a diagram of an example embodiment of an
ambient compressed fluid
energy engine.
[0043] Figure 5 is a diagram of an example embodiment of an
energy generation pipe of
the engine of Figure 4.
[0044] Figure 6 is a diagram of the energy generation pipe of
Figure 5 with the deformable
conduit in a deformed state during a power stroke.
[0045] Figure 7 is an example process flow diagram according
to the present disclosure.
[0046] Figure 8 is a diagram of an embodiment of a conduit.
[0047] Figures 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating example embodiments of
cavities or
conduits having sliding wall(s).
[0048] Figure 10 is a diagram of a pipe wherein the main
piston is mechanically coupled
to piston rods, a crankshaft, and a flywheel.
[0049] Figure 11 is a diagram of an embodiment of a pipe
having a diverging deformable
conduit and a nozzle having a bellmouth shape.
[0050] Figure 12 is a diagram of an embodiment of a pipe
having multiple inlet nozzles
and an eductor.
[0051] Figure 13 is a diagram of an embodiment of a pipe where
its inlet(s) to deformable
conduit(s) are also the outlet(s) to the deformable conduit(s).
[0052] Figure 14 is a diagram of an embodiment of a pipe that does not
utilize a pump for
fluid flow through the pipe.
[0053] Figure 15 is a diagram of an embodiment of a rotary
engine showing some
externally connected features.
[0054] Figure 16 is cross-sectional view taken along line 16-
16 in Figure 15 showing
some internal features.
[0055] Figure 17 is a diagram of another example embodiment of
an ambient compressed
fluid energy engine wherein the fluid used in the engine is a working fluid.
[0056] Figure 18 is a block diagram of an example computerized
device or system that
may be used in implementing one or more aspects or components of an embodiment
according
to the present disclosure.
[0057] Figure 19 is a diagram of another energy generation
pipe with the deformable
conduit in a deformed state during a power stroke.
[0058] The relative sizes and relative positions of elements
in the drawings are not
necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and
angles are not
necessarily drawn to scale, and some of these elements may be arbitrarily
enlarged and/or
positioned to improve the readability of the drawings. Further, the particular
shapes of the
elements as drawn are not necessarily intended to convey any information
regarding the actual
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shape of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of
recognition in the
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0059] This disclosure generally relates to energy generation from ambient
compressed
fluid energy by harnessing ambient fluid static pressure, for example
atmospheric pressure and
the hydrostatic pressure of lakes, oceans and rivers. Energy generated in this
fashion may be
used in any number of suitable ways, including to power engines and motors, to
name but a few.
This type of energy harnessing may be contrasted to harnessing energy from the
movement of
fluid, meaning the kinetic energy of the fluid. An example of this is a
hydroelectric turbine, which
harnesses kinetic energy of a flowing body of water.
[0060] A fluid is generally referred herein to as an "ambient
fluid" if the source of the fluid
is the surrounding medium. Further, ambient fluid in the surrounding medium is
generally referred
to as being at an ambient static pressure.
[0061] Every fluid body around us, whether still or moving has compressed
fluid energy
by virtue of its static pressure and volume. This is a consequence of the
fluid being within the
gravitational field of the Earth in which it experiences the impact of
gravitational compression.
Generally, the static pressure of the atmosphere around most human settlements
largely
fluctuates around 1 atmosphere. At the low end, one of the most elevated
permanent human
settlements known to have the lowest atmospheric pressures, La Rinconada in
Peru, is said to
be at a local atmospheric pressure within about 50% of the standard sea level
atmospheric
pressure. At the higher ends, in lakes and rivers with depths in excess of 80
meters, ambient fluid
static pressures in excess of 8 atmospheres are common whereas at the bottom
of the ocean in
the Abyssal Plain where depths average in excess of 3000 meters, static
pressures in excess of
300 atmospheres are common.
[0062] For an energy density comparison to get a sense of how
much energy that
corresponds to, category 5 hurricanes may have a dynamic pressure of just over
6% of 1
atmosphere implying that there is a potential to extract 16 times more energy
per surface area
from ambient compressed fluid energy on a normal day than from a wind turbine
placed in a
category 5 hurricane. In essence, ambient compressed fluid energy is reliably
all around us with
a high energy density and it is not plagued by the problems of temporal
scarcity and geographical
scarcity, at least at the low end of the ambient fluid static pressure
spectrum. Ambient
compressed fluid energy is instantly renewable by the effect of the
gravitational pull of the Earth
on all ambient fluid bodies, which forces the fluids to compress and causes
these ambient fluids
to act as thermodynamic pressure reservoirs. This represents an abundant safe
reliable source
of renewable energy, which may be tapped to help transition the world into a
low carbon economy
and to help meet the global demand for energy.
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[0063] The present disclosure generally relates to methods and
devices for effectively
unlocking ambient compressed fluid energy as a source of renewable energy.
Specifically, the
present disclosure generally relates to thermodynamic cycles and renewable
energy engines for
harnessing ambient fluid static pressure for producing power.
[0064] To reduce environmental pollution and sustainably meet rising global
energy
demand with very reliable renewable energy, it may be desirable to pioneer
technologies to
harness ambient compressed fluid energy for power production. These
technologies are
sometimes referred to herein as ambient compressed fluid energy technology.
While other
energy generating technologies increase carbon footprint, chemical pollution,
thermal pollution,
hazards from radioactive fallout, and/or competition for light needed for
photosynthesis, such
ambient compressed fluid energy technology may not, which is beneficial
especially in an era of
increased climate change awareness and environmental sensitivity.
[0065] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an
ambient compressed fluid
energy technology may be based on thermodynamic cycles that comprise the
following stages:
boundary movement, static pressure increase, restoration, and static pressure
reduction.
[0066] Aspects and advantages according to the present
disclosure will be apparent from
the following taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are
set forth, by way
of illustration and example, certain embodiments according to the present
disclosure.
[0067] For descriptive purposes, several aspects, embodiments,
and features according
to the present disclosure are described in relation to reciprocating engines.
However, this is not
intended to be limiting. The teachings according to the present disclosure may
be applied to fields
and technologies other than reciprocating engines. Examples of other
applications are rotary
engines and energy harvesting devices.
[0068] Any sub-headings and indexes in this section shall not
affect the construction of
the disclosure, are not meant to be limiting and are only meant to enhance
readability.
[0069] Figure 1 and Figure 2 are diagrammatic representations
in the form of graphs of
an example embodiment according to the present disclosure. The embodiment
comprises a
thermodynamic system having a boundary that defines the thermodynamic system.
There is fluid
within the boundary and thus in the thermodynamic system. There is also fluid
outside of the
boundary of the thermodynamic system, for example in a surrounding medium,
which is
sometimes referred to herein as ambient fluid.
[0070] Figures 1 and 2 are pressure-volume diagrams,
thermodynamically often referred
to as PV diagrams, diagrams which show the variation of pressure with volume
and familiar to
those skilled in the art. A difference between the Figures 1 and 2 lies in the
independent axis, the
X-axis. While Figure 1 illustrates the difference between the system volume at
any point in the
cycle and the initial system volume, Figure 2 illustrates just the system
volume at any point in the
cycle.
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[0071] Figures 1 and 2 highlight four system states 1, 2, 3
and 4, for harnessing energy
from an ambient compressed fluid. These may be considered to correspond to 4
stages or
thermodynamic processes: stage 1-2, stage 2-3, stage 3-4, stage 4-1
(thermodynamically,
process 1-2, process 2-3, process 3-4 and process 4-1 respectively). For
instance, stage 1-2
represents the stage when the system transitions from state 1 to state 2, and
so on. These four
stages may be repeated one or more times in a cycle. These stages are now
described.
[0072] Stage 1-2 is referred to as a boundary movement stage,
or sometimes a power
stroke. In this stage, a boundary of a thermodynamic system moves as a result
of work being
done on the thermodynamic system by ambient fluid. This work is done in
response to a reduction
in the static pressure at an interior side of the boundary of the
thermodynamic system relative to
the static pressure at an ambient side of the boundary of the thermodynamic
system. The
absolute static pressure of the thermodynamic system is relatively lower than
the ambient
absolute static pressure. In other words, its interior static pressure is sub-
ambient. This may be
considered to be akin to negative gauge pressure in an extended sense as
highlighted in both
Figure 1 and Figure 2. The boundary of the thermodynamic system moves as a
result of this
static pressure differential. It is the energy of this movement that may be
harnessed.
[0073] The above is illustrated in the example diagrams of
Figures 3A and 3B, which
depict a thermodynamic system 300. Figure 3A shows an example where the static
pressure W
of fluid 304 at an interior side 306 of the thermodynamic boundary 302 is
approximately the same
as the static pressure W of fluid 310 at an exterior side 308 of thermodynamic
boundary 302. At
least part of thermodynamic boundary 302 comprises a moveable or deformable
barrier 303. In
an embodiment, moveable or deformable barrier 303 may define at least part of
thermodynamic
boundary 302. Exterior side 308 may be referred to as an ambient side since it
is at an ambient
static pressure. Similarly, fluid 310 is referred to as ambient fluid. In
Figure 3A, moveable barrier
303 is in an original or starting state.
[0074] Figure 3B shows an example where the static pressure Z
of fluid 304 at the interior
side 306 of the thermodynamic boundary 302 is lower than the static pressure W
of fluid 310 at
the ambient side 308 of thermodynamic boundary 302. As a result of this static
pressure
differential, the moveable or deformable barrier portion 303 of boundary 302
moves inwardly
towards the lower pressure of the two sides, namely towards interior side 306.
In this sense,
boundary 302 is in a moved or deformed state. In this sense, boundary 302 may
be considered
to be pushed inwardly toward the lower pressure side by the static pressure W
of fluid 310 at the
ambient side 308 of the thermodynamic boundary. Fluid 310 at the ambient
static pressure does
work through adiabatic expansion of its boundary 302 of thermodynamic system
300.
[0075] Turning back now to Figure 2, in an embodiment of stage 1-2, as
highlighted in
Figure 2, the movement of the boundary of the thermodynamic system may result
in the final
volume of the thermodynamic system being less than the initial volume. This
volume decrease is
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shown in Figure 1. This causes the thermodynamic system to move from state 1
to state 2. An
example way to accomplish this is to have a moveable thermodynamic boundary
around a
moving fluid whose static pressure at any point along the flow is less than
the ambient static
pressure. In an embodiment, the moveable boundary may consist or comprise a
deformable
boundary. The static pressure of the fluid may be made less than the ambient
static pressure by,
for example, imposing a pressure gradient which facilitates the conversion of
the static pressure
of the fluid into kinetic pressure, the venturi effect, leading to a decrease
in the static pressure of
the fluid in accordance with the Bernoulli Equation. Another example way to
accomplish this is to
have a moveable thermodynamic boundary around a fluid whose static pressure is
less than the
ambient static pressure as a result of previous fluid motion which facilitated
the conversion of the
static pressure of the fluid into kinetic pressure to reduce the static
pressure of the fluid. In this
example, the fluid whose static pressure is now less than the ambient static
pressure need not
be moving at the time of the movement of the boundary of the thermodynamic
system.
[0076] As noted above, this boundary movement stage according
to the present
disclosure, characterized by sub-ambient static pressure, is a power
generating stage. This stage
and effect is in stark contrast to the power generating stage of an internal
combustion engine
which is often characterized by supra-ambient static pressure and volumetric
expansion. In the
present boundary movement stage, work is done by ambient static pressure
against the static
pressure in the thermodynamic system or engine. In contrast, in the power
stage of the internal
combustion engine, work is done by the static pressure in the thermodynamic
system or engine
against ambient static pressure. Thus, the techniques according to the present
disclosure employ
ambient static pressure beneficially as opposed to ambient static pressure
being an obstacle.
[0077] We now turn to stage 2-3, which is referred to as a
static pressure increase stage.
In this stage, the static pressure at the interior side of the boundary of the
thermodynamic system
is increased. This causes the thermodynamic system to move from state 2 to
state 3. Ways to
accomplish this may include but are not limited to collapsing the pressure
field, which existed
across the thermodynamic boundary in stage 1-2. Collapsing the pressure field
may be done, for
instance, by restricting fluid flow within the thermodynamic system to cause
fluid dynamic
pressure to be re-converted to fluid static pressure in accordance with
Bernoulli's equation.
Restricting the flow may involve a partial reduction or a complete cessation
of flow of the fluid.
Another way to accomplish this comprises changing the direction of the
pressure field, for
instance through stagnation pressure effects or sudden flow cessation within
the thermodynamic
system. This would cause transient flow phenomena such as transient pressure
waves, known
as water hammer for cases where the fluid is water, which may raise fluid
static pressure
considerably even if over a limited period of time. Another way to accomplish
this may be opening
a fluid at sub-ambient static pressure to fluid at ambient static pressure to
enable inflow of
ambient fluid to raise the pressure. Other ways may also be possible.
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[0078] We now turn to stage 3-4, which is referred to as the
restoration stage. In this
stage, the boundary of the thermodynamic system is further moved while the
static pressure at
the interior side of the boundary of the thermodynamic system remains
increased. For instance,
the boundary may be moved to a previous location, for example to its position
in stage 1-2 prior
to its movement. This causes the thermodynamic system to move from state 3 to
state 4. Ways
to accomplish this may include but are not limited to moving the boundary of
the thermodynamic
system using its inertia, the inertia of loads attached to it or alternatively
using power generated
from stage 1-2 of another thermodynamic system while selectively restricting
fluid flow within the
thermodynamic system.
[0079] We now turn to stage 4-1, which is referred to as the static
pressure reduction
stage. In this stage, the static pressure at the interior side of the boundary
of the thermodynamic
system is reduced to a value lower than the static pressure at the ambient
side of the boundary
of the thermodynamic system. This causes the thermodynamic system to move from
state 4 to
state 1. Ways to accomplish this may include but are not limited to converting
fluid static pressure
into fluid dynamic pressure at constant elevation within the thermodynamic
system. This in turn
may be accomplished by causing inviscid flow at constant elevation to occur
within the
thermodynamic system or causing viscous flow at constant elevation within a
thermodynamic
system to occur while ensuring that the total pressure at any point in the
flow is kept equal to or
less than the ambient total pressure and that fluid flow speed within the
thermodynamic system
is maintained higher than fluid flow speed at ambient.
[0080] The difference between the pressure fields in the
thermodynamic system and
across its boundaries in stage 1-2 and stage 3-4 means that the system is not
a perpetual motion
machine of the first kind. In other words, across the moving boundary, the
static pressure
differential in stage 1-2 has a different value as compared to that of stage 3-
4 so the forces
present in boundary movement stage 1-2 are of a different magnitude than those
present in
restoration stage 3-4.
[0081] Figure 4 is a diagram of an example embodiment of an
ambient compressed fluid
energy engine 100 according to the present disclosure. Engine 100 is based on
some of the
techniques described above. In an embodiment, engine 100 operates
fundamentally with four
stages. In an embodiment, these four stages may operate within a 2 stroke
cycle, such as for
example a 2 stroke 4 stage reciprocating engine cycle.
[0082] Engine 100 is shown as having two pipes 102 and 104,
each of which may be
thought of as being analogous to cylinder-piston pairs in an internal
combustion engine. Each of
pipes 102, 104 generates power, and they both cooperate to power engine 100.
In other
embodiments, an engine may have fewer or additional pipes. Although the
structure and
operation of pipe 102 is described herein, any other pipes in the engine, such
as pipe 104, may
generally have the same structure and operation. Pipes may have any shape and
orientation
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including but not limited to straight, divergent, convergent, bent, multiple
bends, level, rising,
falling, rectangular, crescent, spiral, curved or any combinations of these
and/or with other
variations. All suitable variations in shape and orientation are contemplated.
[0083] Each of pipes 102, 104 embodies or defines a fluid flow
path from an inlet region
105 of the pipe to outlet region 119 of the pipe. Fluid flow path is indicated
by the arrow labeled
'F' in Figure 4. The fluid flow may comprise any number of phases including
but not limited to
single-phase flow or multi-phase flows as such 2 phase and 3 phase flows. All
suitable variations
in phase composition and behaviour of flow are contemplated. A deformable
conduit 108 is
disposed in the fluid flow path between inlet region 105 and outlet region
119, and is used to
harness energy from a static pressure of the fluid. In this sense, deformable
conduit 108 defines
a cavity for receiving fluid. A group of pipes, such as pipes 102, 104
collectively define multiple
flow paths within engine 100. Pipes 102, 104 may be adapted to operate
alternately such that
when one pipe is in a boundary movement stage (stage 1-2), the other pipe is
in a restoration
stage (stage 3-4). In this manner, power may be generated continuously.
[0084] Inlet region 105 of pipe 102 may include or be in the form of a nozzle
106, as shown in
Figure 4, wherein a first region 106a has a larger cross-sectional area
relative to a second region
106b closer to deformable conduit 108. References to cross-sectional areas
herein generally
refer to areas taken more or less perpendicularly to the fluid flow path.
Similarly, a diffuser 110
may be disposed downstream in the fluid flow path from deformable conduit 108,
wherein a first
region 110a closer to deformable conduit 108 has a smaller cross-sectional
area, taken
perpendicularly to the fluid flow path, relative to a second region (outlet
area) 110b. Further, pipe
102 may comprise a valve 114, for example downstream from diffuser 110, for
restricting fluid
flow in the pipe. The term restricting is used herein to include both reducing
fluid flow and
completing stopping fluid flow, unless otherwise indicated. Valve may be a
slide valve;
nanoparticles, ionic or molecular entities which self-assemble to restrict
flow in response to a field
such as an electric, magnetic or electromagnetic field or in response to
radiation such as
electromagnetic radiation; or any other type of suitable valve. The
restricting and/or unrestricting
of the flow may be selectively controlled. For instance, a valve may be
selectively controlled to
control the opening and/or closing of the valve. As an example, an actuator
mechanism may be
used to open and/or close the valve. The opening and/or closing may be done,
for example, when
the deformable conduit 108 changes its volume by a predetermined amount, for
instance 2% as
a mere example. In other words, the restricting and/or unrestricting of the
flow may be done
selectively and actively, as opposed to the restricting and/or unrestricting
occurring in response
to changes in static pressure in the device. Pipe 102 may comprise more than
one selectively
operated valve. Selectively operated valve(s) may be disposed in different
locations in the flow
to perform restricting and/or unrestricting of the flow at different locations
including but not limited
to generating specifically desired static pressure distributions in the
device. Selectively operated
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valves may be operated in any desirable sequence and timings within the
stages. All suitable
variations in number of valves, location of valves, sequence of valve
operation and timings of
valve operation are contemplated.
[0085] Further, engine 100 may comprise one or more pumps 118
for inducing,
generating, or enhancing fluid flow in engine 100 or pipe 102. Pump 118 may
be, for instance,
disposed downstream in the fluid flow path from valve 114. Further, there may
be a pump inlet
region 116 upstream from pump 118. Pump 118 may be used to pump fluid out of
one or more
of pipes 102, 104 at a sufficient rate such that the a static pressure of
fluid in a pipe does not
exceed a total pressure of fluid just prior to the fluid entering nozzle 106
of pipe. Also, the
configuration of having pipes 102, 104 operate alternately, as described
above, may ensure that
at any point in time, there is at least one pipe 102, 104 in which flow is
enabled to pump 118 to
prevent pump 118 from stalling. Fluid that has exited pump 118 may be
recirculated back to
nozzle 106 of pipe 102. Further, fluid is present at at least one side of
deformable conduit 108,
for example at region 109. Fluid in this exterior region of pipe 102 may be
generally referenced
to as ambient fluid.
[0086] Pump 118 may be any type of suitable pump. Examples
include but are not limited
to centrifugal, diaphragm, peristatic, gear, piston, and lobe pumps. Further,
pump 118 may be
positioned at any suitable location in engine 100. Thus, in other embodiments,
the pump may be
disposed in a different location in engine relative to the embodiments of
Figures 4 to 6.
[0087] Deformable conduit 108 may be any type of conduit structure or other
structure that is
capable of allowing a thermodynamic boundary to physically move in response to
a static
pressure differential between fluid in the conduit and fluid to the exterior
of the conduit. As
previously described, a deformable conduit may comprise at least one moveable
barrier of the
conduit that enables the conduit to deform. The moveable barrier may
correspond to a
deformable region or portion(s) of a wall of the conduit. The structure may be
deformable in any
suitable way(s), for example by being elastic or otherwise comprising elastic
material, having one
or more movable parts, having a rigid movable portion, etc. In an embodiment,
the deformable
conduit may comprise a base and a movable portion(s), where the movable
portion may move
relative to the base in any suitable way or ways, such as by pivoting in a
hinge like manner, by
moving in a sliding manner, etc. The deformable conduit may be capable of
deforming through
movement of the movable portion relative to the base. The moveable portion may
be moveable
relative to the base in a sliding manner. In an embodiment, the movable
portion(s) may comprise
or consist of a rigid member(s). Accordingly, deformable conduit 108 is
deformable in that it
comprises at least one moveable barrier. The moveable barrier may at least
partly define an
internal cavity of deformable conduit 108. Deformable conduit 108 may have any
shape and/or
orientation including but not limited to straight, divergent, convergent,
bent, multiple bends, level,
rising, falling, rectangular, crescent, spiral, curved, or any combinations of
these. All suitable
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variations in shape and orientation are contemplated.
[0088] Further, deformable conduit 108 may generally be
capable of substantially
returning to its original shape or form after deformation. In an embodiment,
rather than returning
to its original form, the structure is at least be capable of returning
substantially to its original
volume prior to deformation.
[0089] The example embodiment engine 100 of Figure 4 is now
described in terms of
states 1, 2, 3, and 4, and stages 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-1 previously described
above.
[0090] At the beginning of the boundary movement stage 1-2,
deformable conduit 108 of
pipe 102 is at its higher, regular volume. This generally corresponds to the
volume when the static
pressure within deformable conduit 108 is about the same as the static
pressure on the outside
of deformable conduit 108. The flow of fluid is enabled through pipe 102, for
example by having
valve 114 in an open state. Fluid is discharged from pipe 102 via outlet
region 119, for instance
using pump 118. Pump 118 may be used to pump fluid out of pipes 102, 104 at a
sufficient rate
such that the a static pressure of fluid in a pipe does not exceed a total
pressure of the fluid just
prior to the fluid entering nozzle 106 of pipe. The total pressure of fluid to
the exterior of nozzle
106 is typically at an ambient total pressure.
[0091] In the embodiment of Figure 4, fluid in region 109 of
deformable conduit 108 and
in the region just to the exterior of pipe nozzle 106 is generally at an
ambient fluid static pressure.
Fluid just to the exterior of pipe nozzle 106 is accelerated into deformable
conduit 108 through
nozzle 106. With the cross-sectional area of deformable conduit 108, taken in
a perpendicular
direction relative to the flow of fluid F, being less than the cross-sectional
area of first end 106a
of nozzle 106, the velocity of the fluid increases, per the continuity
equation, leading to an
increase in the dynamic pressure of the fluid and to a reduction in the static
pressure of the fluid
to below the ambient static pressure. This velocity increase and static
pressure reduction is the
Venturi effect. The reduced static pressure may be referred to as a lower
static pressure. In this
sense, deformable conduit 108 has a smaller cross-sectional area transverse to
the flow direction
relative to a cross-sectional area of a region of the fluid flow path outside
and upstream from
deformable conduit 108. Deformable conduit 108 is therefore a constricted
choke section of the
fluid flow path relative to the fluid flow path in the pipe or device upstream
from deformable conduit
108. Additionally or alternatively, in an embodiment such as the one of Figure
4, deformable
conduit 108 has a smaller cross-sectional area transverse to the flow
direction relative to a cross-
sectional area of a region of the fluid flow path outside and downstream from
deformable conduit
108. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the cross-sectional area of deformable
conduit 108 is
less than the cross-sectional area of second region 110b of diffuser 110.
[0092] A higher static pressure of the ambient fluid in region 109 relative
to the reduced
static pressure of the fluid in deformable conduit 108 causes a net force to
act on the
thermodynamic boundary defined by a moveable barrier(s) 108a, such as a
side(s) or wall(s), of
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deformable conduit 108. The thermodynamic boundary is a boundary of a
thermodynamic system
comprising deformable conduit 108. The force acting on moveable barrier 108a
moves moveable
barrier 108a inwardly relative to deformable conduit 108, thereby reducing the
cross-sectional
area of deformable conduit 108 and thus contracting the internal volume of
deformable conduit
108. This effect is illustrated in the examples of Figures 3A and 3B discussed
above.
[0093] As shown in Figure 5, a structure(s) 120 may be
physically connected, coupled,
integrally formed, or otherwise mechanically linked to moveable barrier 108a
of deformable
conduit 108 for the purpose of being able to harness energy from the movement
of moveable
barrier 108a. For descriptive purposes, structure 120 is referred to as a main
piston. An energy
harnessing device, not shown, may be linked to main piston 120 for harnessing
energy from the
movement of moveable barrier 108a. However, some embodiments may not comprise
a main
piston 120. For instance, an energy harnessing device may be mechanically
coupled to moveable
barrier 108a. Accordingly, description herein of movement of main piston 120
corresponds also
to movement of movable barrier 108a such that moveable barrier 108a moves in a
similar manner
in embodiments that do not have a main piston 120.
[0094] Figure 5 is a diagram of an embodiment showing such a
structure 120 in the form
of a block or piston. Although the term piston is used herein, the term is not
meant to be limited
only to pistons. Rather, it is used in an open and general sense. Thus,
structure 120 may have
any suitable shape and structure for transferring energy from the movement of
moveable barrier
108a of deformable conduit 108 elsewhere. Accordingly, the term piston is used
to include any
suitable structure. Further, piston 120 shown in the figures is merely an
example. In other
embodiments, piston 120 may be shorter or longer than the length of deformable
conduit 108,
and may have any other suitable shape.
[0095] In an embodiment, not shown, structure 120 itself may
form part or all of moveable
barrier 108a, meaning they are one and the same. In this sense, pipe 102 may
be considered to
not have a piston 120. Rather, the energy of the movement of moveable barrier
108a may be
harnessed directly, for example by an energy harnessing device. In another
sense, moveable
barrier 108a may be considered to be the piston.
[0096] Consequently, the inwardly movement of moveable barrier
108a relative to
deformable conduit 108 causes a corresponding inwardly movement of main piston
120. Main
piston or structure 120 may be retained and guided by piston guide or guides
122 so that piston
120 is prevented from moving transversely to the axis of its stroke.
[0097] Some or all of the net force acting on the
thermodynamic boundary defined by
moveable barrier 108a of deformable conduit 108 by the ambient fluid in region
109 may be
transferred to moveable barrier 108a via piston 120 when the ambient fluid in
region 109
interfaces with piston 120 rather than the exterior of moveable barrier 108a.
The inwardly
movement, or power stroke, of piston 120 is constituted of this inward push by
the ambient static
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pressure fluid in region 109.
[0098] As noted above, the movement of moveable barrier 108a,
for instance the inwardly
movement or stroke of piston 120, may be harnessed in any suitable manner. For
example, piston
may be coupled to a piston rod and crankshaft-flywheel assembly, or to any
other system with
some inertia, for power generation for any application. This may include but
is not limited to
electrical or electronic loads for electrical power generation, for instance
piezoelectric loads, or
mechanical loads for mechanical power generation. As an example, the
harnessing energy from
the movement may comprise converting the energy into electrical energy.
[0099] Figure 10 shows another embodiment of a pipe 1002
wherein main piston 1020 is
mechanically coupled to piston rods 1032 which in turn are coupled to
crankshaft 1034 which in
turn is coupled to flywheel 1036. Like in conventional technologies, the
flywheel stores some of
the power produced as its rotary kinetic inertia while the crankshaft may
provide rotary
mechanical power to drive any connected loads which may include but are not
limited to a
dynamo or electricity generator, the propeller of a ship or boat, the
propeller of helicopter or
aeroplane, the drive train of an automobile or a train. The contraction of the
cross-sectional area
of deformable conduit 1008 results in further increase in fluid velocity in
accordance with the
continuity equation thereby resulting in further increase in the difference in
static pressure
between the fluid within the deformable conduit 1008 and the ambient fluid in
region 1009. This
inward movement continues until the movement of main piston 1020 has covered
the swept
volume determined by the designer.
[00100] Turning back to Figure 5, fluid in deformable conduit
108 continues to flow into
diffuser 110 where the increase in transverse cross-sectional area results in
a reduction in
velocity of the fluid, per the continuity equation. Consequently, the static
pressure of the slowed
fluid recovers, meaning it increases, per the conservation of energy embodied
in the Bernoulli
principle.
[00101] In some embodiments, such as the one of Figures 4 to 6,
pipe 102 may optionally
also include a moveable or deformable correction conduit 112, which is
sometimes referred to
hereafter simply as a correction conduit for brevity. Correction conduit 112
may be generally
deformable in a similar sense as described herein with reference to deformable
conduit 108.
Accordingly, correction conduit 112 may be any type of conduit structure, or
other structure, that
is capable of allowing a thermodynamic boundary to physically move in response
to received fluid
expelled from deformable conduit 108 during the power stroke, which is forced
into correction
conduit 112. The structure may be deformable in any suitable way(s), for
example by being
elastic, having one or more movable parts, etc. Further, the structure may
generally be capable
of substantially returning to its original shape or form after deformation. In
an embodiment, rather
than returning to its original form, the structure is at least be capable of
returning substantially to
its original volume prior to deformation.
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[00102] Fluid from diffuser 110 may flow into correction
conduit 112. In correction conduit
112, part of the energy harnessed in the inward push of main piston 120 may be
used to cause
a net force to act on a thermodynamic boundary comprising correction conduit
112 and at least
partly defined by a moveable barrier(s) 112a, such as a side(s) or wall(s) of
correction conduit
112. In the embodiment of Figure 5, this energy is used to in turn push
moveable wall 112a
outwardly. This outward push of moveable barrier 112a enables the correction
conduit 112 to
absorb some fluid from diffuser 110, particularly, extra fluid displaced from
deformable conduit
108, including but not limited to when the displacement is caused by the
inwardly stroke of main
piston 120 during the contraction of deformable conduit 108. Other means of
fluid displacement
from deformable conduit 108 are possible and contemplated. The volume of
correction conduit
112 may thus increase in response to the ingress of the extra fluid. The
outwardly movement of
correction conduit 112 to increase its volume in response to fluid received
due to the reduction
of the cross-sectional area of deformable conduit 108 may cause an internal
volume of the
apparatus to remain substantially unchanged as main piston 120 is moved
inwardly.
[00103] In an embodiment, moveable barrier 112a may be connected, coupled,
or linked
to a correction piston or other structure 124. The description of structure or
piston 120 above
generally applies equally to correction piston or other structure 124.
[00104] Since, by design in at least one embodiment, the swept
volumes associated with
deformable conduit 108 and correction conduit 112 are equal but the difference
in static pressure
between the fluid in correction conduit 112 and the external ambient fluid 109
is much less than
that between the fluid in deformable conduit 108 and ambient fluid 109, the
work consumed by
the outwardly, or expansion, stroke of correction piston 124 is much less than
the work produced
by the inwardly stroke of main piston 120. A thermodynamic system comprising
both deformable
conduit 108 and correction conduit 112 may in an embodiment, experience
boundary movement
but no change in volume due to the diametrically opposite changes in volume in
deformable
conduit 108 and correction conduit 112.
[00105] Similarly to main piston or structure 120, correction
piston 124 may be retained
and guided by piston guide or guides 126.
[00106] With valve 114 open in this boundary movement stage,
the fluid may then flow
from correction conduit 112 to pump 118. Pump 118 may do work on the fluid to
restore the static
pressure substantially back to the ambient static pressure as it pushes the
fluid out of an outlet
side of pump 118.
[00107] The boundary movement stage may end when the cross-
sectional area of the
deformable conduit 108 has reached its designed minimum, which generally
corresponds to the
length of the inwardly stroke of main piston 120.
[00108] As may be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in
the art, thermodynamically,
when the static pressure in deformable conduit 108 falls below the static
pressure in ambient fluid
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109, the thermodynamic boundary of the ambient fluid 109 expands to reduce its
own static
pressure to equate to the lower static pressure of the fluid in deformable
conduit 108. This
boundary expansion is an adiabatic expansion, so work is done by the boundary
of the ambient
fluid 109 and it is this work that may be harnessed as main piston 120
movement for power
generation. A reduction in static pressure of the ambient fluid 109 as a
consequence of adiabatic
expansion would typically also lead to cooling. In various embodiments, the
ambient fluid in region
109 is in fluid communication with fluid outside inlet region 105 and just
outside outlet region 119,
which is generally kept at ambient static pressure by virtue of the
gravitational pull of the Earth
(i.e. P = hpg) which makes fluid bodies such as the atmosphere and oceans
function as a
pressure reservoir. This results in a quick recompression of the ambient fluid
in region 109,
thereby replenishing the compressed fluid energy (enthalpy) of the ambient
fluid. The renewability
of the ambient compressed fluid energy extracted is therefore contributed to
by the gravitational
pull of the Earth. In other words, the Earth's gravitational pull replenishes
any pressure depletion
occurring as a result of the adiabatic expansion of the ambient fluid.
Thermodynamically, any
temperature depletion occurring as a result of the adiabatic expansion of the
ambient fluid
resulting in it cooling below the prevailing environmental temperature is also
replenished by
heating of the ambient fluid as a consequence of it being in thermal
communication with the
environment which results in a heat inflow to maintain thermal equilibrium.
The environment
functions as a thermal reservoir. Any heat lost to the ambient fluid by the
environment may itself
be replenished for instance by incoming solar radiation, geothermal heating,
and/or also heat
production from the use of the extracted energy, for instance energy produced
by the
technologies according to the present disclosure. Heat production into the
environment from the
use of the extracted energy may be intentional, for instance when heating a
home, or
unintentional for instance friction in machines due to inefficiency. These
environmental heat
sources provide an avenue for thermal energy renewal after adiabatic expansion
of the ambient
fluid. In summary, both pressure depletion and temperature depletion occurring
as a result of
ambient fluid adiabatic expansion occurring from the use of the ambient
compressed fluid energy
technology of the current disclosure are readily renewable.
[00109] The static pressure increase stage 2-3 is now
discussed. This stage, also called
a flow cessation stage in some embodiments, may begin at the end of the
boundary movement
stage 1-2 during which the power stroke occurs. During this stage 2-3, the
cross-sectional area
of deformable conduit 108 is typically at its smallest during the four stage
cycle. As a mere
example, the cross-sectional area may be at or around 98% of its maximum
value. However,
other values are possible and contemplated.
[00110] The static pressure increase stage 2-3 may last momentarily
relative to the
boundary movement stage 1-2.
[00111] In stage 2-3, valve 114 closes to restrict the fluid
flow through pipe 102. In an
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embodiment, valve 114 may be a slide valve that slides perpendicularly to the
flow direction to
its closed position to restrict the flow from nozzle 106 to the pump 118. The
valve may be adapted
to close partially to partially restrict the fluid flow, or to close fully to
fully restrict, meaning stop,
the fluid flow. In this way, the static pressure of the fluid in deformable
conduit 108 (e.g. cavity)
may be increased above the lower static pressure, meaning the reduced lower
static pressure in
the boundary movement stage 1-2. The closing of valve 114 and the resulting
restriction of fluid
flow may, as a mere example in embodiments where the valve is adapted to close
fully, cause
flow stagnation in which the kinetic pressure of any fluid flowing through
pipe 102, including fluid
in deformable conduit 108 and/or correction conduit 112 is reconverted to
static pressure. In such
an example in embodiments where the valve is adapted to close fully, with
nozzle 106 remaining
in fluid communication with fluid just outside of region 106a of nozzle 106,
meaning nozzle 106
is open to ambient, the static pressure of fluid within deformable conduit 108
and correction
conduit 112 rises to, or substantially to, at least the ambient static
pressure of the fluid just outside
of region 106a and ambient fluid 109.
[00112] The restoration stage 3-4 is now discussed. The restoration stage
begins at the
end of the static pressure increase stage. In the beginning of the restoration
stage in this
embodiment, flow is already restricted, for instance valve 114 is closed. In
this way, the static
pressure of the fluid in deformable conduit 108 (e.g. cavity) has been
increased above the lower
static pressure, meaning the reduced lower static pressure in the boundary
movement stage 1-
2. As a mere example in embodiments where the valve is adapted to close fully,
the static
pressures of fluid in deformable conduit 108 and correction conduit 112 are
both substantially at
least equal ambient static pressure at equilibrium (i.e. post-transient
effects). The pressure in
ambient fluid in region 109 is also substantially at ambient static pressure.
The cross-sectional
area, height and/or volume of deformable conduit 108 is at its smallest during
the four stage cycle
at the start of the restoration stage 3-4, while the volume of correction
conduit 112 is largest
during the four stage cycle.
[00113] The restoration stage 3-4 may be considered an
expansion stroke in a case of a
reciprocating engine, such as for example the embodiment of engine 100.
[00114] In restoration stage 3-4, main piston 120 is moved
outward, increasing the cross-
sectional area of deformable conduit 108 and returning the cross-sectional
area substantially to
the original larger area from which the boundary movement stage 1-2 began.
Valve 114 closed
in the beginning of the restoration stage to restrict flow in this embodiment,
is maintained closed
throughout the restoration stage. In this way, the static pressure of the
fluid in deformable conduit
108 (e.g. cavity) is maintained above the lower static pressure, meaning the
reduced lower static
pressure in the boundary movement stage 1-2, as main piston 120 is moved
outwardly. In this
sense, the deformation of deformable conduit 108 is reversed or undone,
thereby restoring the
shape of deformable conduit 108 substantially to a shape it had prior to the
boundary movement
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stage 1-2. At this point, the restoration stage ends. The outwardly movement
of main piston 120
may be driven in any suitable way, for example by a power stroke of deformable
conduit 108 of
another pipe in engine 100. It may additionally or alternatively be driven by
inertia as a
consequence of motion stored in a crankshaft-flywheel assembly, or other
device, coupled to
main piston 120 in accordance with Newton's first law. The inertia created may
be by motion by
virtue of previous power strokes.
[00115] In restoration stage 3-4 of the embodiment of engine
100, while main piston 120
is moved outwardly, correction piston 124 may be moved inwardly reducing the
volume of
correction conduit 112 and returning it substantially to its original smaller
volume just prior to the
start of the boundary movement stage 1-2. The corresponding outwardly movement
of main
piston 120 may cause an increase in the volume of deformable conduit 108. The
increase and
decrease in volumes in this embodiment may substantially match such that the
internal volume
of the apparatus remains substantially unchanged as main piston 120 is moved
outwardly. The
inward movement of correction piston 124 may be driven in any suitable way,
for instance by the
same means driving the outward movement of main piston 120.
[00116] In embodiments designed as a reciprocating engine
having two or more pipes
according to the present disclosure that are operated alternately, as in
engine 100 of Figures 4
to 6, the power stroke of a deformable conduit 108 of a first pipe may be
mechanically coupled
or linked to the expansion stroke of a deformable conduit 108 of another pipe
to result in an
equalizing of the durations of the boundary movement and restoration stages,
meaning power
strokes and expansion strokes.
[00117] The static pressure reduction stage 4-1 is now
discussed. The static pressure
reduction stage 4-1 begins at the end of the restoration stage 3-4. In the
beginning of the static
pressure reduction stage 4-1, also called flow enabling stage for the case of
some reciprocating
engine embodiments, the cross-sectional area of deformable conduit 108 is at
its largest in the
four stage cycle.
[00118] Similar to the static pressure increase stage 2-3, the
static pressure reduction
stage 4-1 may last momentarily relative to the boundary movement (i.e. power
stroke) stage 1-2.
[00119] In the static pressure reduction stage, valve 114 is
opened to enable fluid flow, for
example full fluid flow, from nozzle 106 to pump 118. In the static pressure
reduction stage 4-1,
the enabling of full flow results in part of the static pressure of fluid
within pipe 102, including fluid
in deformable conduit 108 or correction conduit 112, to be converted to
kinetic pressure. With
nozzle 106 remaining in fluid communication with fluid just outside of region
106a of nozzle 106,
meaning nozzle 106 is open to ambient, the static pressure of fluid within
deformable conduit 108
and correction conduit 112 reduces in accordance with the law of conservation
of energy
embodied in the Bernoulli equation. In this embodiment, the static pressure of
the fluid may
reduce below the ambient static pressure to the lower static pressure, meaning
the reduced lower
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static pressure in the beginning of the boundary movement stage 1-2.
[00120] The four stage cycle may then be repeated, starting
with the boundary movement
stage 1-2.
[00121] Figure 7 is an example process flow diagram according
to the present disclosure.
The process may begin at block 700 where a cavity defined by a device is
exposed to a fluid, the
device comprising a moveable barrier at least partly defining the cavity.
[00122] The process proceeds to block 702, where energy from
movement of the barrier
is harnessed, wherein the movement is caused by a static pressure of fluid in
the cavity being at
a lower static pressure than an ambient static pressure of fluid on an
opposing side of barrier
relative to the cavity and wherein the lower static pressure is a consequence
of fluid motion.
[00123] The process proceeds to block 704, where, after the
movement of the barrier, the
static pressure of the fluid in the cavity is increased above the lower static
pressure.
[00124] The process proceeds to block 706, where, after the
increasing the static pressure
of the fluid in the cavity, the barrier is further moved and the static
pressure of the fluid in the
cavity is maintained above the lower static pressure during the further moving
the barrier.
[00125] The process proceeds to block 708, where, after the
further moving the barrier,
the static pressure of the fluid in the cavity is decreased below the ambient
static pressure of fluid
on an opposing side of barrier relative to the cavity.
[00126] Some techniques and embodiments according to the
present disclosure for
optimizing the restoration stage and for handling transient pressure waves are
now described.
[00127] With respect to restoration stage 3-4, and with
reference to engine 100 of Figure
5, fluid may be required to move from correction conduit 112 during the
restoration stage 3-4 as
correction conduit 112 contracts while deformable conduit 108 expands. In
embodiments where
diffuser 110 is a long diffuser, or in other words the distance between
correction conduit 112 and
deformable conduit 108 is large enough for frictional forces to be very
significant in the diffuser,
this movement of fluid could be inefficient since energy is required for the
flow to overcome friction
and friction increases with pipe length. The problem worsens if the frequency
of operation of the
engine is high since the velocity of flow would be high and it is known that
friction increases with
velocity. The present disclosure provides techniques and embodiments to reduce
or eliminate
this inefficiency during restoration stage 3-4.
[00128] With respect to transient pressure waves, it is known
that sudden pressurizations
and depressurizations such as those undertaken by sudden valve closures and
sudden valve
openings can result in transient pressure waves which may not be
representative of ideal
pressures or equilibrium pressures. Where a working fluid is water, this
effect is conventionally
known as water hammer. It is also known that the initial magnitude of some of
these transient
pressure waves may be predicted with the Joukowsky Equation. Furthermore, it
is known that
these waves tend to propagate in a fluid or system at the local sonic speed,
time is consumed by
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such propagation, and the time consumed increases with increasing pipe length.
It is also known
that these transient pressure waves may be successively reflected at pipe ends
subject to energy
losses or dampening, and that in the course of these reflections, a transient
pressure wave
resulting in a huge pressure rise can eventually generate a reflected wave
resulting in a huge
pressure drop. Sudden valve closure in a pipe open to ambient in a water
hammer event results
in: (i) an initial transient pressure wave progressing from the point of valve
closure to the end of
the pipe open to ambient and generating very high pressures in the pipe as it
progresses, (ii) a
first reflected pressure wave occurring after the initial pressure wave
reaches the ambient
opening of the pipe and progressing in a reverse direction as the initial
pressure wave but still
generating a high pressure although somewhat lower than the initial pressure
wave, (iii) a second
reflected pressure wave occurring after the first reflected pressure wave
reaches the point of
valve closure in the pipe and progressing in the same direction as the initial
pressure wave but
generating a huge pressure drop, a sub-ambient static pressure, (iv) another
reflected pressure
wave and a repetition of the pressure oscillations until the wave energy is
damped out and the
pressure in the pipe stabilized to ambient static pressure which is the
equilibrium pressure.
[00129] In regard to the present disclosure, if valve 114 is
rapidly closed and/or rapidly
opened, for example in static pressure increase stage 2-3 and/or static
pressure reduction stage
4-1 respectively, some or all of the above described transient issues may
arise. As a mere
example, in an example embodiment, the time taken for the valve to close may
be set to be one-
hundredth of the duration of the power stroke or boundary movement stage 1-2
when the
frequency of the power stroke (which in this embodiment is the same as the
operating frequency
of the engine and the operating frequency of successive valve openings or
valve closures) is
about 13Hz. Operating valve 114 at a high frequency may increase the impact of
these
undesirable effects on performance. However, for higher power generation by
engine 100, it may
be necessary to operate the present four stage cycle very rapidly. A huge
pressure drop, such
as in the aforementioned second reflected transient pressure wave, at a time
when a pressure
rise is required, such as during the restoration stage, is adverse to engine
performance for energy
generation. The present disclosure provides techniques and embodiments to
optimize power
generating efficiency in the presence of transient pressure wave effects.
[00130] Accordingly to the present disclosure, two approaches for handling
transient
pressure wave effects are provided. A first approach involves a designer
taking advantage of the
static pressure distribution over space and time of the transient pressure
wave. For instance, this
may involve optimizing the design to ensure that during the restoration stage,
only high transient
static pressures occur at main piston 120 and only low transient static
pressures occur at
correction piston 124. A second approach involves a designer shortening the
duration of the
transient pressure oscillations relative to the duration of the restoration
stage to a level at which
the impact of any adverse transient sub-ambient static pressures in the
restoration stage are
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mitigated.
[00131] The first approach may be achieved with careful choices
of the values of design
and operating parameters of the engine or system, including but not limited to
dimensions of
various parts, numbers and locations of various parts, materials used for
parts, flow rates,
ambient working fluid choice and engine operating frequency. Design choices
may be selected,
for example, using an optimization problem to be solved, for instance using
software.
[00132] The second approach may be achieved by using one or
more openings, for
example in a conduit, that may be selectively opened and closed. Generally,
deformable conduit
108 may comprise an opening(s) that is selectively openable and closable to
allow for fluid
movement between deformable conduit 108 and an ambient side of the deformable
conduit. In
other embodiments, alternatively or in addition to opening(s) at deformable
conduit, an opening(s)
may be positioned at location(s) other than at deformable conduit 108, for
example nozzle 106
and diffuser 110. In an embodiment, deformable conduit 108 comprises a side
opening, and a
moveable cover for selectively covering and uncovering the side opening. The
moveable cover
may be moveable into an uncovered position to allow fluid flow into and/or out
of deformable
conduit 108 from an ambient side of deformable conduit 108. Cover may be
opened, for example,
during restoration stage 3-4 or from the start of static pressure increase
stage 2-3 to the end of
restoration stage 3-4 to allow for a rush of fluid back into deformable
conduit 108. In an
embodiment, the side opening(s) may be in the form of, or comprise, one or
more sliding walls
that can move in relation to the conduit in a sliding manner. A wall is the
term used in the art for
impervious flow cavity boundaries. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the
concept of sliding walls.
Figures 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating example embodiments of cavities or
conduits having
sliding wall(s).
[00133] Figure 8 is a diagram of an embodiment of a conduit 800
through which fluid flows,
for example during a power stroke during the boundary movement stage. Conduit
comprises
walls 802 and 804. Conduit 800 may represent any flow path in the fluid and
wall 802 may
represent either an immovable wall such as the wall of a nozzle or a moveable
wall such as a
piston. During the boundary movement stage, the power stroke, the walls are
intact and fluid
flows axially through conduit 800. Ambient fluid cannot enter from the sides
of the cavity since
the walls block it. However, at the onset of or just prior to the restoration
stage, any of the sliding
walls 804 may be pulled or pushed to slide, or otherwise move, out of the way,
for example in
any of the directions indicated by the arrows, to make it possible for ambient
fluid located outside
of the pipe to enter into conduit 800 from the sliding sides of conduit 800.
[00134] With reference to the embodiment of engine 100 in
Figure 5, the use of sliding
walls thus has an impact of not requiring fluid in correction conduit 112 to
have to flow to
deformable conduit 108 during the restoration stage 3-4. This may improve the
energy generation
efficiency of pipe 102 by reducing the energy consumed due to friction of
fluid flowing from
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correction conduit 112 to deformable conduit 108. Further, the use of sliding
walls may also have
an impact on transient pressures, namely it may have an impact of reducing the
effective length
of the closed pipe which the cavity represents to almost zero. This thereby
reduces the time taken
for transient pressure wave reflections to occur and transforms at least a
part of the pipe from a
closed pipe to a U-channel or even an open space. This increases the pace of
the stabilization
of the pressure in the cavity to ambient static pressure.
[00135] Figures 9A and 9B are diagrams of embodiments of
conduits 900 and 950 having
pistons 902, 952 and sliding walls 904, 954, respectively. Conduits 900 and/or
950 may be used
as or in deformable conduit 108 and/or correction conduit 112 of engine 100 in
Figures 4 to 6,
which each may have a piston, namely main piston 120 and correction piston
124.
[00136] In conduit 900 of Figure 9A, stationary frame 906 mates
with sliding walls 904.
Sliding walls 904 also mate with piston 902. A lubricant, such as engine oil,
may be applied to
mating surfaces and held within mating grooves 908 to enhance lubrication.
While walls 904 are
in a closed position during the boundary movement stage 1-2, at or around the
onset of the
restoration stage, sliding walls 904 may slide further into stationary frame
906 opening up the
cavity defined by conduit 900 to make it easy for ambient fluid to flow from
the sides of the cavity
to cover the surface of piston 902 to quickly stabilize the static pressure on
its surface to ambient.
Sliding walls 904 remain in their open position until the end of the
restoration stage at which they
slide back into place to close the cavity.
[00137] In conduit 950 in Figure 9B, stationary frame 956 mates with
sliding walls 954.
Sliding walls 954 also mate with piston 952. Again, a lubricant, such as
engine oil, may be applied
to mating surfaces and held within mating grooves 958 to enhance lubrication.
While walls 954
are in a closed position during the boundary movement stage, at or around the
onset of the
restoration stage, sliding walls 954 may slide with two walls sliding into
stationary frame 956 while
one wall 954 slides sideways through stationary frame 956. With the sliding
walls 954 having slid
out of place, conduit 950 is opened up to make it easy for ambient fluid to
flow from the exterior
of three sides of conduit 950 to cover the piston surface to quickly stabilize
its static pressure to
ambient. Sliding walls 954 may remain in the open position until the end of
the restoration stage
at which they slide back into place to enclose the cavity defined by conduit
950.
[00138] Further, conduit 950 illustrates the use of a streamlined piston
952 to reduce the
energy consumed by drag as the engine reciprocates. The curved shape of
streamlined piston
952 is only meant to be illustrative and not limiting. Where an engine is
operated underwater,
drag can be a significant inefficiency driver if not optimised in a design.
Various streamlined piston
designs including but not limited to those with a more aerofoil-shaped cross-
section may be used
to reduce piston drag.
[00139] Some general considerations and techniques for
improving or optimizing power
generation according to the teachings of the present disclosure, such as a
pipe or engine, are
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now described.
[00140] The gross power produced by a pipe 102 is the power
produced from main piston
120. The net power produced is generally the power produced from main piston
120 minus the
power consumed by correction piston 124, the pump power consumed, the drag
power consumed
from the motions of main piston 120 and correction piston 124, the power
required to operate
valve(s) 114, and the power required to operate any sliding walls. The net
power equation may
be written as:
[00141] Net Power Produced = gross power produced from main
piston ¨ correction piston
power consumed ¨ pump power consumed ¨ piston drag power consumed ¨ valves and
sliding
walls power consumed
[00142] For the case of inviscid fluid flow, which is by
definition frictionless and rarely
observed in fluids with exceptions including liquid Helium at temperatures in
the neighbourhood
of 2 Kelvin, where quantum behaviour becomes heightened, some of the following
techniques
may be used to improve net power produced, for example by a pipe 102 or an
overall engine
100. One technique is to increase gross power produced by simultaneously
increasing area of
main piston 120 while increasing static pressure drop at main piston 120 by
increasing the
velocity at main piston 120 by reducing the cross-sectional area normal to
flow at deformable
conduit 108. Another technique is to increase gross power produced by
increasing the frequency
at which the engine runs by using an appropriate gear ratio between engine and
load. Another
technique is to decrease both correction piston 124 power consumed and pump
power by
increasing the outlet area 110b of diffuser 110, for instance via a long
diffuser to maximise static
pressure recovery at the outlet area 110b of diffuser 110 and minimize exit
loss at pump 118. A
further technique is to decrease pump power by using a high efficiency pump
for pump 118.
Another technique is to reduce piston drag power consumed, and valves and
sliding walls power
consumed by using streamlined pistons and valves if the reductions provided by
the very nature
of the inviscid flow is not already sufficient or otherwise desirable.
[00143] For the case of viscous flow where fluid friction
exists, however, as evident from
the net power equation herein for those skilled in the art, any arbitrary
configuration of engine
parameters in a design may not yield a renewable energy engine. Such a
configuration may result
in a device or engine with a negative net power produced, meaning the device
consumes more
power than it produces. This may especially be the case due to optimization
trade-offs. For
instance, an attempt to significantly increase the gross power produced by
using a narrow cross-
section deformable conduit 108, as mentioned above in relation to inviscid
flow, may also result
in significantly increased pump power consumed since the frictional pressure
drop in deformable
conduit 108 would increase for instance as predicted by the Darcy-Weisbach
Equation due to the
decrease in hydraulic diameter and increase in velocity. This may be analogous
to designing an
airplane; too small a wing and the aeroplane will not have enough lift to fly
and on the other hand,
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too large a wing and the weight of the wing will prevent the aeroplane from
lifting. Likewise, too
low a speed will cause the aeroplane to not take flight. There are
configurations of parameters
which may yield flight and others which may not. This is an optimization
problem which the
aeroplane designer needs to solve.
[00144] One means for optimizing for the case of viscous flow is to reduce
the viscous
effects, most particularly fluid friction presenting as skin friction or skin
drag. In the equation for
net power produced, reducing skin drag will have the impact of reducing the
correction piston
power consumed, pump power consumed, and piston drag power consumed.
Embodiments may
use active drag reduction techniques or passive drag reduction techniques
including, but not
limited to, using superhydrophobic surfaces for walls, generating cavitation
bubbles around walls,
and/or using drag reducing agents. Where the ambient fluid is water,
superhydrophobic surfaces
may be used to reduce the magnitude of static pressure losses by for instance,
inducing a Cassie-
Baxter state with a layer of gas lubricating the fluid flow across parts of
the walls and also by
generating a low surface energy for the walls. Where the ambient fluid is a
liquid, for instance
water, cavitation bubbles may be generated around walls bounding high speed
flow cavities to
reduce the static pressure loss due to friction so as to increase the
efficiency or net power
produced. This may be done by having sharp protrusions at the beginning of
these high speed
flow cavities to cause low pressure regions in their wake to result in the
vaporisation of the fluid
to reduce the wetted area of the wall by the flowing fluid. Drag reducing
agents may also be mixed
with fluid flowing through the device to reduce fluid friction in high speed
flows. At high flow
speeds, these may yield non-Newtonian fluid flow behaviours and alter the
viscosity of the fluid
moving in the device to reduce frictional pressure drops. Drag reducing agents
may include drag
reducing polymers. For environmental safety reasons, the use of drag reducing
agents may be
suitable for embodiments in which the fluid in the device is sealed from
mixing with fluid in the
outside environment, meaning forming a thermodynamically closed system with
respect to the
outside environment.
[00145] To achieve a positive net power produced for viscous
flow, a designer of a specific
embodiment according to the present disclosure may choose to solve an
optimization problem to
explore the design space for a configuration of design choices that achieves a
desired net power
generation. For instance, an objective function may be to maximize the net
power produced by a
pipe or engine. The constraints in the optimization problem may include one or
more of the
magnitude of the prevailing ambient static pressure in the fluid environment
the engine is to be
operated in, constraints on physical dimensions of various parts of the engine
as well as any
other constraints the designer may impose on the system. The decision
variables in the
optimization problem may be the various design parameters which may include
one or more of:
the physical dimensions of various parts including their lengths and angles,
the swept volume
ratio of the main piston, the mass flow rate exiting the pump or engine, the
frequency the engine
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operates at which may be changed for any load speed by changing the gear ratio
between the
engine speed and that load speed. Alternatively a designer may choose to
maximize efficiency
subject to a constraint on net power produced. Other optimization models may
be used and are
contemplated including but not limited to optimizing the power produced per
unit volume of device
subject to imposed constraints.
[00146] Some other example embodiments according to the present
disclosure are now
described.
[00147] Figure 10, which was briefly described above, is
another embodiment of a pipe
1002. Main piston 1020 is mechanically coupled to piston rods 1032, which in
turn are coupled
to crankshaft 1034, which in turn is coupled to flywheel 1036. Pipe 1002 may
be configured to
operate similarly to the pipes 102, 104 of the embodiment of engine 100 of
Figure 5. However,
there are some differences. In pipe 1002, a datum at the position of an outlet
region 1006b of
nozzle 1006 that is closest to main piston 1020 is indicated in Figure 10 as
P1. A datum at the
position of an inlet region 1010a of diffuser 1010 that is closest to main
piston 1020 is indicated
in Figure 10 as P2. At the beginning of the boundary movement stage, P1 is
closer to main piston
1020 than is P2. However, at the end of the boundary movement stage, P2
becomes closer to
the main piston than P1. Further, the distance between P1 and P2, indicated as
D1 in Figure 10,
may be the distance of the power stroke of main piston 1020, namely the stroke
distance or
height. When main piston 1020 is at the beginning of the power stroke, it is
at position P1. When
main piston 1020 reaches the end of the power stroke, it is at position P2,
which is the position
of inlet region 1010a of diffuser 1010 closest to main piston 1020. This
ensures that only fluid
flow static pressure losses due to contraction of deformable conduit 1008
exist at the points of
fluid flow transition from nozzle 1006 to deformable conduit 1008 and from
deformable conduit
1008 to diffuser 1010. This may increase efficiency in cases where across
similar geometries,
the fluid flow static pressure losses due to contraction are lower than fluid
flow static pressure
losses due to expansion. Further, pipe 1002 also has an angled correction
conduit 112 to reduce
elbow losses and increase efficiency.
[00148] Figure 11 is another example embodiment of a pipe 1102,
wherein nozzle 1106
has a bellmouth shape and deformable conduit 1108 has a diverging shape. A
bellmouth entry
tends to reduce loss of pressure as fluid enters pipe 1102 via nozzle 1106.
Deformable conduit
1108 may have a diverging shape in the direction of fluid flow, meaning moving
away from nozzle
1106. The choice of the taper angle of deformable conduit 1108 may be one of
the decision
variables to be explored in the optimization model of the device. The
optimization problem and
associated governing equations may be set up to account for the possibility of
deformable cavities
with non-zero taper angles. As a further variant of this example embodiment,
the optimization
model may be set up to explore taper angles that vary along the axial length
of the deformable
conduit, for instance having a deformable conduit with a converging-diverging
shape, such as a
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nozzle-throat-diffuser shape.
[00149] Figure 12 is another example embodiment of a pipe 1202
having multiple inlet
nozzles 1206 an eductor 1260. Eductor 1260 comprises a motive nozzle 1262 and
a choked pipe
1264. Pipe 1202 also comprises deformable conduits 1208, each of which may
have one or more
main pistons 1220. In this example, there are two deformable conduits 1208,
but this is not meant
to be limiting.
[00150] Figure 13 is another example embodiment of a pipe 1302
similar to the
embodiment in Figure 12. Pipe 1302 comprises deformable conduits 1308 and main
pistons
1320. However, unlike pipe 1202 that has inlet nozzles 1206 at each deformable
conduit 1208,
here the inlet and outlet regions of each deformable conduit 1308 are one and
the same, meaning
that fluid may enter and leave deformable conduit 1308 via the same channel
1311. Further,
unlike in pipes 102, 104 of engine 100 of Figures 5 and 6, main pistons 1320
are not disposed
parallel to the main flow direction, indicated by arrow Fl in the figure.
[00151] Further, during boundary movement stage 1-2, there is
fluid flow, indicated by
arrows F2, from a region within deformable conduits 1308 around main pistons
1320 out of
deformable conduits 1308 via channels 1311 into the main flow F even though
deformable
conduits 1308 are each sealed at one end. This flow is caused due to a low
static pressure in
flow F, which in turn causes a low static pressure in deformable conduits
1308, which in turn
causes main pistons 1320 to move inwardly. The movement of main pistons 1320
displaces fluid
within deformable conduits 1308 and causes the flows F2 therein.
Alternatively, if I had done
away with 1311 and replaced it with a pump at the end of deformable conduit
1308, I'd have
achieved a similar effect. Later in the cycle, the fluid that was displaced
out of deformable
conduits 1308 may be replaced, for instance in restoration stage 3-4. The
fluid replacement may
be done in any suitable way, for example using sliding wall(s) and/or by
flowing fluid back through
channel 1311 in the opposite direction of arrow F2.
[00152] Figure 14 is another example embodiment of a pipe 1402
comprising one or more
of an inlet nozzle 1406, deformable conduit 1408, main piston 1420, diffuser
1410, valve 1414
and an optional valve 1416. However, unlike some of the previously described
embodiments,
pipe 1402 does not use a pump as does the embodiment of, for example, Figure 5
with pump
118. While an embodiment such as the one of Figure 14 may not work when the
ambient fluid
has a zero bulk velocity, such as may be the case in most lakes, it works in
ambient fluids of non-
zero bulk velocity such as rivers, wavy sea fronts, oceans with strong
currents and windy
locations. When placed in a path of a moving fluid with the flow direction
being from 1406 to 1414,
a low static pressure zone may be generated immediately after diffuser 1410
due to fluid flow
phenomena including but not limited to flow separation, wakes, eddies and
vortices, and this low
static pressure zone provides a pressure gradient similar to the function of a
pump to drive flow
through the device to overcome fluid flow resistances within the device.
Similar to many
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embodiments according to the present disclosure, when placed in the path of a
moving fluid,
while embodiment 1402 may generate power from ambient compressed fluid energy
during the
boundary movement stage, it may also generate power from the ambient kinetic
fluid energy
during the restoration stage. This is because for the embodiment variation
without the optional
valve 1416, the closure of valve 1414 may cause flow stagnation within the
deformable conduit
and since the dynamic pressure of a moving ambient fluid body is non-zero, the
static pressure
in the deformable conduit at stagnation may well be above ambient static
pressure. This pressure
difference may be harnessed by the piston to do work. A potential benefit of
an embodiment such
as 1402 of Figure 14 is that there is no pump power to be subtracted from the
gross power
produced. As a result, the net power produced by the pipe or engine may be
easily optimized into
the positive net power range.
[00153] In a variation (not shown) of embodiment 1402, a
correction conduit may be used
in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.
[00154] In another variation of embodiment of pipe 1402, to
take advantage of bi-
directional flows such as on a seashore where water flows to the shore for
instance by waves
then recedes from the shore, two valves may be used, valve 1414 at the outlet
of diffuser 1410
and another valve 1416 at the inlet of nozzle 1406. Whenever the direction of
flow proceeds from
nozzle 1406 to diffuser 1410 (e.g. water moving to the seashore when the
device is oriented with
1410 diffuser placed closer to the sea shore), the valve 1416 at the beginning
of nozzle 1406 is
always opened and functions as an open gate to allow the flow in while the
valve at the outlet of
diffuser 1410, valve 1414, functions as the valve which operates in accordance
with the four
stages according to the teachings of this disclosure. However, whenever the
direction of flow is
reversed (e.g. water receding from the sea shore when the device is oriented
with 1410 placed
closer to the sea shore) and proceeds from diffuser 1410 to nozzle 1406, valve
1414 rather is
always opened and functions as an open gate to allow the flow in while the
valve at the beginning
of nozzle 1406, valve 1416, functions as the valve which operates in
accordance with the four
stages of the present disclosure. As such, regarding nozzle 1406 and diffuser
1410, what
functions as a nozzle and what functions as a diffuser becomes dependent on
the flow direction
at that particular point in time. The gate function of the valves may be
controlled by one or more
sensors sensing the direction of fluid flow. Multiple such devices may be
arranged to take
advantage of flows which are multi-directional, for instance two such devices
arranged at a 90
degree angle to each other should be able to take advantage of
multidirectional flows in any given
plane since any direction in a plane can be decomposed into two directions
(i.e. X-axis direction
and Y-axis direction for the XY plane).
[00155] Some further example embodiments according to the present
disclosure relating
to rotary engines are now described.
[00156] Figures 15 and 16 are diagrams of an embodiment
relating to rotary engines. This
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embodiment is intended to merely illustrate another application of the
teachings according to the
present disclosure and is not meant to be limiting. In particular, the
embodiments in Figure 15
and Figure 16 relate to Wankel Engine type adaptations. Figure 15 shows some
externally
connected features to a rotary engine 1500 while Figure 16 is a cross-
sectional view of one end
of rotary engine 1500 taken along line 16-16 in Figure 15 showing some
internal features. As
shown in Figure 16, engine 1500 generally comprises rotor housing 1552, rotor
1554, geared
shaft 1556, and rotor gear 1558. Rotor 1554 comprises rotor apexes 1554a,
1554b, 1554c. Rotor
1554 in conjunction with housing 1552 define moving cavities 1582, 1584, 1586,
which comprise
a moveable thermodynamic boundary and are thermodynamic systems in themselves.
[00157] Rotary engine 1500 embodies the rotary engine equivalent functions
of some of
the reciprocating engine parts of previously described reciprocating engine
embodiments, such
as engine 100 in Figures 4 to 6 and Figure 10. The parts include deformable or
movable conduit
108, external ambient fluid 109, main piston 120, valve 114, and crankshaft
1034. Engine 1500
may be in fluid communication with external fluid at ambient static pressure
at one end via nozzles
1506 and may be in fluid communication with diffusers 1510 at the other end.
Similarly to engine
100 of Figure 5, diffusers 1510 may be in communication with one or more
correction conduits,
not shown in Figure 15. The one or more correction conduits may be of a
reciprocating type such
as correction conduit 112 of Figure 5, a rotary adaptation similar to the
design in Figure 16, or
any other suitable type of correction conduit. Further, similar to engine 100
of Figure 5, one or
more pumps may be used to ensure fluid flow. Alternatively, similar to the
pipe 1402 of Figure
14, pumps may not be used when the ambient fluid is already flowing.
[00158] In Figure 16, fluid 1562 is the counterpart of the low
pressure fluids in conventional
Wankel engines. Fluid 1564 on the other hand is the counterpart of the high
pressure combusting
fluid in conventional Wankel engines and may be disposed at the part of a
housing in the engine
where the fluid is combusting and expanding.
[00159] In Figure 16, 1566, 1568 and 1570 are sub-ambient
static pressure fluid vents at
the ends of the prism illustrated in Figure 15, which introduce ambient fluid
1562 at sub-ambient
static pressure from nozzles 1506 illustrated in Figure 15 into the engine.
Ambient fluid 1562
shown in Figure 16, introduced from nozzles 1506 moves axially through engine
1500 to diffuser
1510. The sub-ambient static pressure of fluid 1562 arises from the conversion
of fluid static
pressure to fluid kinetic pressure. Ambient vent 1572 shown in Figure 15 and
Figure 16, on the
other hand, is a vent that introduces ambient fluid 1509 at ambient static
pressure into engine
1500 as fluid 1564.
[00160] Moving cavity 1582 contains fluid 1564 at ambient
static pressure by virtue of the
ambient vent 1572 in housing 1552 which makes the cavity in fluid
communication with ambient
fluid 1509. The pressures of fluid 1562 at sub-ambient static pressure and
fluid 1564 at ambient
static pressure generate forces across the faces 1555 of rotor 1554. Geared
shaft 1556 is in
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contact with rotor 1554 and can rotate when rotor 1554 rotates. The geometry
and motion path
of rotor 1554 in combination with the geometry and motion path of geared shaft
1556 ensure that
the forces due to the pressures on the fluid creates a turning moment on rotor
1554 about geared
shaft 1556, which rotates rotor 1554 in the direction of the turning moment,
the clockwise direction
in Figure 16. This causes movement in moving cavity 1586 when fluid 1562 at
sub-ambient static
pressure flows through it. This is the boundary movement stage of this rotary
engine embodiment
and it is the counterpart of boundary movement stage 1-2 of reciprocating
engine as illustrated
in Figure 1.
[00161] In the course of the rotation, rotor apex 1554c rotates
past sub-ambient static
pressure fluid vent 1566 while rotor apex 1554a rotates past ambient vent
1572. In the
embodiment of engine 100 in Figures 5 to 7, this corresponds to shutting valve
114. This causes
the static pressure in moving cavity 1586 to rise to ambient static pressure.
This is the static
pressure increase stage of this rotary engine embodiment and it is the
counterpart of the static
pressure increase stage 2-3 of reciprocating engine as illustrated in Figure
1.
[00162] Moving cavity 1586 continues its rotation while at ambient static
pressure to
eventually restore itself to a prior position. This is a restoration stage of
rotary engine 1500 and
it corresponds to restoration stage 3-4 of reciprocating engine as illustrated
in Figure 1.
[00163] In the course of the rotation, rotor apex 1554c rotates
past ambient vent 1572
while rotor apex 1544a rotates past sub-ambient static pressure fluid vent
1568. In the
embodiment of engine 100 in Figures 5 to 7, this is analogous to opening valve
114. This causes
the static pressure in moving cavity 1586 to drop to sub-ambient static
pressure. This is a static
pressure reduction stage of rotary engine 1500 and corresponds to static
pressure reduction
stage 4-1 of reciprocating engine as illustrated in Figure 1. The cycle then
begins again. Energy
is harnessed from the motion of rotor 1554, for example to drive a load.
[00164] To enhance or optimise a rotary engine, such as engine 1500 of
Figures 15 and
16, the geometry of housing 1552, rotor 1554 and geared shaft 1556 and any
other components
may be designed with considerations such as, for example, ensuring the
kinematics of the
assembly is as intended, ensuring the forces on the surfaces of the rotor
resulting from the
pressures of fluids on the surface of rotor 1554 always results in a net
moment of force which
causes the rotor 1554 to turn in the intended direction and striving for the
net amount of fluid 1564
at ambient static pressure swept into the flow path of the fluids at sub-
ambient static pressure
during the rotation of rotor 1554 is minimised to near zero so as not to
increase the required
discharge rate and any associated pump work needed.
[00165] Figure 17 is an example embodiment 1700 wherein the
fluid in the device is not
ambient fluid but rather a working fluid 1702. It is also an example
embodiment wherein the
ambient fluid 1704, the surrounding medium, is enclosed to prevent fluid
communication with the
greater environment which serves as a pressure reservoir 1706. Working fluid
conduit 1708, such
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as a hose(s), may connect an outlet and an inlet of an example device or
apparatus according to
the present disclosure, such as engine 1710, which comprises first pipe 1712
and second pipe
1714, similar to engine 100 of Figure 4. For instance, inlet region 1712a may
be in fluid
communication with outlet region 1712b via working fluid conduit 1708. Again,
device or
apparatus 1710 may take any form, for example reciprocating embodiment 100 or
rotary
embodiment 1500. Working fluid 1702 re-circulates through engine 1710 via
working fluid conduit
1708. Working fluid conduit 1708 may be selected or configured to allow
pressure communication
with the surrounding medium, namely ambient fluid 1704, but no fluid
communication with
ambient fluid 1704. Furthermore, ambient fluid 1704 may be enclosed in ambient
fluid sac 1716.
Ambient fluid sac 1716 may be selected or configured to allow pressure
communication with
pressure reservoir 1706, but no fluid communication, in other words, a
thermodynamically closed
system. Pressure reservoir 1706 may take any form including but not limited to
the atmosphere,
oceans and lakes. Embodiments with such features may be useful in some
situations. For
example, using a working fluid, which has better fluid frictional pressure
drop characteristics
relative to an ambient fluid, may result in higher efficiencies and/or net
power produced. Another
example is when adding additives such as drag reduction agents to an ambient
fluid may improve
viscous losses in the device such as by inducing non-Newtonian drag behaviour
to increase
efficiency but the drag reduction agents need to be contained for economic or
environmental
reasons.
[00166] Further, the description of other embodiments herein where the
fluid in the device
or pipe is described as ambient fluid is not meant to be limiting. In other
embodiments, the fluid
in the device or pipe may be a working fluid rather than ambient fluid.
[00167] Figure 18 is a block diagram of an example computerized
device or system 1800
that may be used in implementing one or more aspects or components of an
embodiment
according to the present disclosure. For example, system 1800 may be used to
implement a
computing device or system, such as a controller, to be used with a device,
system or method
according to the present disclosure. These include but are not limited to
computerized controllers
for controlling an engine and/or pipe, and or any components thereof,
according to the present
disclosure. Examples include controlling pump discharge, gate identification,
device frequency of
operation for instance by automatic gear ratio selection, valve opening and
closure, and sliding
wall opening and closure.
[00168] Computerized system 1800 may include one or more of a
computer processor
device 1802, memory 1804, a mass storage device 1810, an input/output (I/O)
interface 1806,
and a communications subsystem 1808. A computer processor device may be any
suitable
device(s), and encompasses various devices, systems, and apparatus for
processing data and
instructions. These include, as examples only, one or more of a programmable
processor, a
computer, a system on a chip, and special purpose logic circuitry such as an
ASIC (application-
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specific integrated circuit) and/or FPGA (field programmable gate array).
[00169] Memory 1804 may be configured to store computer
readable instructions, that
when executed by processor 1802, cause the performance of operations,
including operations in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[00170] One or more of the components or subsystems of computerized system
1800 may
be interconnected by way of one or more buses 1812 or in any other suitable
manner.
[00171] The bus 1812 may be one or more of any type of several
bus architectures
including a memory bus, storage bus, memory controller bus, peripheral bus, or
the like.
Computer processor device 1802 may be in the form of a CPU and/or may comprise
any type of
electronic data processor. The memory 1804 may comprise any type of system
memory such as
dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM),
synchronous
DRAM (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), a combination thereof, or the like. In
an
embodiment, the memory may include ROM for use at boot-up, and DRAM for
program and data
storage for use while executing programs.
[00172] The mass storage device 1810 may comprise any type of storage
device
configured to store data, programs, and other information and to make the
data, programs, and
other information accessible via the bus 1812. The mass storage device 1810
may comprise one
or more of a solid state drive, hard disk drive, a magnetic disk drive, an
optical disk drive, or the
like. In some embodiments, data, programs, or other information may be stored
remotely, for
example in the cloud. Computerized system 1800 may send or receive information
to the remote
storage in any suitable way, including via communications subsystem 1808 over
a network or
other data communication medium.
[00173] The I/O interface 1806 may provide interfaces for
enabling wired and/or wireless
communications between computerized system 1800 and one or more other devices
or systems,
such as an ambient static pressure engine according to the present disclosure
and/or actuators
of its components. Furthermore, additional or fewer interfaces may be
utilized. For example, one
or more serial interfaces such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) (not shown) may
be provided.
[00174] Computerized system 1800 may be used to configure,
operate, control, monitor,
sense, and/or adjust devices, systems, and/or methods according to the present
disclosure.
[00175] A communications subsystem 1808 may be provided for one or both of
transmitting and receiving signals. Communications subsystems may include any
component or
collection of components for enabling communications over one or more wired
and wireless
interfaces. These interfaces may include but are not limited to USB, Ethernet
(e.g. IEEE 802.3),
high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), FirewireTM (e.g. IEEE 1394),
ThunderboltTm, WiFiTM
(e.g. IEEE 802.11), WiMAX (e.g. IEEE 802.16), BluetoothTM, or Near-field
communications
(NFC), as well as GPRS, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, and dedicated short range
communication (DSRC).
Communication subsystem 1808 may include one or more ports or other components
(not shown)
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for one or more wired connections. Additionally or alternatively,
communication subsystem 1808
may include one or more transmitters, receivers, and/or antenna elements (none
of which are
shown).
[00176] Computerized system 1800 of Figure 18 is merely an
example and is not meant
to be limiting. Various embodiments may utilize some or all of the components
shown or
described. Some embodiments may use other components not shown or described
but known to
persons skilled in the art.
[00177] In the preceding description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous details are
set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments.
However, it will be
apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not
required. In other instances,
well-known electrical structures and circuits are shown in block diagram form
in order not to
obscure the understanding. For example, specific details are not necessarily
provided as to
whether the embodiments described herein are implemented as a computer
software, computer
hardware, electronic hardware, or a combination thereof.
[00178] In at least some embodiments, one or more aspects or components may
be
implemented by one or more special-purpose computing devices. The special-
purpose
computing devices may be any suitable type of computing device, including
desktop computers,
portable computers, handheld computing devices, networking devices, or any
other computing
device that comprises hardwired and/or program logic to implement operations
and features
according to the present disclosure.
[00179] Embodiments and operations according to the present
disclosure may be
implemented in digital electronic circuitry, and/or in computer software,
firmware, and/or
hardware, including structures according to this disclosure and their
structural equivalents.
Embodiments and operations according to the present disclosure may be
implemented as one
or more computer programs, for example one or more modules of computer program
instructions,
stored on or in computer storage media for execution by, or to control the
operation of, one or
more computer processing devices such as a processor. Operations according to
the present
disclosure may be implemented as operations performed by one or more
processing devices on
data stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices or media, and/or
received from
other sources.
[00180] Embodiments of the disclosure may be represented as a
computer program
product stored in a machine-readable medium (also referred to as a computer-
readable medium,
a processor-readable medium, or a computer usable medium having a computer-
readable
program code embodied therein). The machine-readable medium may be any
suitable tangible,
non-transitory medium, including magnetic, optical, or electrical storage
medium including a
diskette, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), memory device (volatile or
non-volatile), or
similar storage mechanism. The machine-readable medium may contain various
sets of
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instructions, code sequences, configuration information, or other data, which,
when executed,
cause a processor to perform steps in a method according to an embodiment of
the disclosure.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other instructions and
operations necessary
to implement the described implementations may also be stored on the machine-
readable
medium. The instructions stored on the machine-readable medium may be executed
by a
processor or other suitable processing device, and may interface with
circuitry to perform the
described tasks.
[00181] Figure 19 is another example embodiment of a pipe 1900,
similar to pipe 102 of
Figure 6 except that pipe 1900 comprises valve 1902 and valve 1904
respectively immediately
upstream and downstream of deformable conduit 108. Pump 118 may impose a
pressure
gradient to cause fluid in the liquid phase to move in pipe 1900. In one mode
of operation, in
stage 4-1 the static pressure reduction stage, valves 1902, 1904 and 114 are
open enabling the
pressure gradient imposed by pump 118 to cause fluid to move through the pipe
thereby
generating a lower static pressure relative to ambient static pressure, at
deformable conduit 108
in accordance with the Venturi effect and Bernoulli equation. With
sufficiently low static pressure
at deformable conduit 108, at least a part of the liquid fluid changes into
the gaseous phase. The
mode of change to the gaseous phase may include but not be limited to by
vaporisation of the
liquid in accordance with boiling under reduced pressure when the prevailing
static pressure is
lower than the saturated vapour pressure of the liquid at its prevailing
temperature or by
effervescence of prior dissolved gasses within the liquid. Various
enhancements such as
employing sharp edges and protrusions within the flow path may facilitate the
liquid-gas phase
change as known by those skilled in the art of cavitation.
[00182] The gas which usually occupies more volume then
corresponding liquid on a per
unit mass basis (matter in gaseous phase generally having higher specific
volume than matter in
liquid phase), then displaces at least part of the liquid within deformable
cavity 108. The fluid
displaced may be moved into a correction conduit 112 or moved away by pump
118. In stage 1-
2 the boundary movement stage, valve 1902 and valve 1904 are closed to trap
the low pressure
gaseous fluid. For this closure, the valves may be closed simultaneously or
valve 1902 upstream
of deformable conduit may be closed before valve 1904 downstream of deformable
conduit to
cause and take advantage of further lower static pressure and liquid to gas
phase change through
transient pressure effects. The closure of valve 1902 and 1904 would cause
bulk fluid movement
through deformable conduit 108 to stop and consequently some static pressure
rise as dynamic
pressure becomes converted to static pressure, however with sufficiently low
static pressure and
a large volume of gas, the trapped fluid in deformable conduit 108 will still
be at a lower static
pressure relative to ambient static pressure. With the fluid in deformable
conduit 108 being at
lower static pressure than ambient fluid 109, piston 120 moves inwardly
similarly to pipe 102 of
Figure 6. The inwardly movement of the piston may be facilitated by cavitation-
like effects where
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as static pressure rises in deformable conduit 108 due to the compression of
the gaseous phase
by the inwardly movement of piston 120, the effervesced gases and vapour
implode to condense
back into the liquid phase, rapidly freeing up the volume they occupied and
enabling the piston
to move through a larger swept volume to increase the energy harnessed from
the piston and/or
the efficiency of the device. In another mode of operation, the transition of
fluid from a liquid
phase to a gaseous phase may be caused by the closure of valve 1902 through
transient
pressure effects. In this mode of operation, the function of valve 1902
includes contributing to
causing the phase change rather than just trapping the gas produced from a
phase change. In
yet another mode of operation, the transition of fluid from a liquid phase to
a gaseous phase in
deformable conduit 108 may be caused by transient pressure effects arising
from sudden
depressurization when valves 1904 and 114 are both suddenly opened while valve
1902 is
closed, causing fluid movement in deformable conduit 108 on a transient scale
which may be
eventually stopped by the closure of valve 1904 as the gaseous fluid is
trapped. Variations of this
embodiment may include using the shape and orientation of pipe 1900 to enhance
the liquid to
gas phase change and/or the trapping of the gaseous phase. All suitable
variations in mode of
operation, shape and orientation are contemplated.
[00183] The modes of operation of pipe 1900 in Figure 19
highlight a case according to
the present disclosure in which energy is harnessed from movement of a
barrier, here movable
barrier 108a of deformable conduit 108, wherein the movement is caused by a
static pressure of
fluid in the cavity being at a lower static pressure than an ambient static
pressure of fluid on an
opposing side of barrier relative to the cavity, such as region 109, and
wherein the lower static
pressure is a consequence of fluid motion which occurred prior to the movement
of the barrier.
The teachings of this technique may be used in any embodiments according to
the present
disclosure, including the rotary engine embodiments such as engine 1500.
[00184] For ease of reference, any technologies comprising the techniques
described
herein may be referred to as 'Ambient Compressed Fluid Energy (ACFE)
Technology'.
[00185] For ease of reference and contrast with existing
engines, an engine using
techniques comprising the techniques described herein may be referred to as
Barnieh Engine'.
[00186] For ease of reference and contrast with existing
thermodynamic cycles,
thermodynamic cycles comprising the techniques described herein may be
referred to as
`Barnieh Cycle'.
[00187] Some embodiments described herein relate to
reciprocating engines. However,
as noted previously, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be
limited to
reciprocating engines. The teachings of the present disclosure may be used or
applied in or with
other types of energy generation devices or systems. Similarly, some
embodiments described
herein relate to a case where the fluid within the device is ambient fluid.
However, as noted
previously, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited
to the case where the
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fluid within the device is ambient fluid. The teachings of the present
disclosure may be used or
applied in or with a case where the fluid within the device is not ambient
fluid, for example a
working fluid whose source is not the surrounding medium.
[00188] Some embodiments described herein may relate to the
case of one valve disposed
at a specific location within the device. Examples include valves 114, 1414,
1416. However, as
noted previously, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be
limited to one valve
disposed at a specific location. The teachings of the present disclosure may
be used or applied
in or with a case where there is more than one valve. The teachings of the
present disclosure
may also be used or applied in or with a case where a valve(s) is disposed in
other location(s) of
the device. Some embodiments described herein may relate to when the lower
static pressure
which is a consequence of fluid motion is only present when a fluid is still
moving. However, as
noted previously, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be
limited to the case
where the lower static pressure is only present when a fluid is still moving.
The teachings of the
present disclosure may be used or applied in or with a case where the lower
static pressure
yielded as a consequence of fluid motion is present when a fluid is not
moving, for example a
lower static pressure caused by previous fluid motion in a now stationary
fluid or a lower static
pressure caused by previous fluid motion in a cavity now containing stationary
fluid may persist.
An example is embodiment 1900. Further, energy generated according to the
present disclosure
may be used in any number of suitable ways, including to power engines and
motors, and for
power generation in any other suitable application. This may include but is
not limited to electrical
or electronic loads for electrical power generation, for instance
piezoelectric loads, or mechanical
loads for mechanical power generation. Energy generated according to the
present disclosure
may be used in any number of suitable ways, including but not limited to power
various
transportation vehicles for transporting goods and people over sea, air and
land for example
ships, aeroplanes and automobiles for example by direct mechanical energy, by
converting the
energy into electrical energy and/or by converting the energy into chemical
energy for instance
fuels produced with the energy including but not limited to hydrogen produced
by various
processes including but not limited to the electrolysis of water. Energy
generated according to
the present disclosure may also be used in any number of suitable ways,
including but not limited
to converting the energy into electrical energy and selling or commercializing
the electricity to
consumers, converting the energy into chemical energy for instance fuels
produced with the
energy including but not limited to hydrogen produced by various processes
including the
electrolysis of water and selling or commercializing the chemical energy such
as fuels for example
hydrogen to consumers. Further, the present teachings may be used in any other
types of suitable
applications and in other fields.
[00189] In an embodiment, one or more kits may be provided that
comprise components
of a device, apparatus, and/or system, according to the present disclosure. In
an embodiment, in
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a kit, a device, apparatus, and/or system may be in an at least partially
unassembled form.
Further, a kit may comprise two or more kits. In an embodiment, a kit
comprises a collection of
parts that are assemble-able to form an apparatus. In an embodiment, the kit
may be assembled
to form, or at least partly form, a rotary engine.
[00190] The structure, features, accessories, and alternatives of specific
embodiments
described herein and shown in the Figures are intended to apply generally to
all of the teachings
of the present disclosure, including to all of the embodiments described and
illustrated herein,
insofar as they are compatible. In other words, the structure, features,
accessories, and
alternatives of a specific embodiment are not intended to be limited to only
that specific
embodiment unless so indicated.
[00191] In addition, the steps and the ordering of the steps of
methods and data flows
described and/or illustrated herein are not meant to be limiting. Methods and
data flows
comprising different steps, different number of steps, and/or different
ordering of steps are also
contemplated. Furthermore, although some steps are shown as being performed
consecutively
or concurrently, in other embodiments these steps may be performed
concurrently or
consecutively, respectively.
[00192] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, reference
numerals may have been
repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.
Numerous details
have been set forth to provide an understanding of the embodiments described
herein. The
embodiments may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-
known methods,
procedures, and components have not been described in detail to avoid
obscuring the
embodiments described.
[00193] The above-described embodiments are intended to be
examples only.
Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to the particular
embodiments by those
of skill in the art without departing from the scope, which is defined solely
by the claims appended
hereto.
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